OUR BELIEFS
BIBLE
We believe that God is beyond human reason and imagination, but He has revealed Himself through His word, the Bible, which is inspired, infallible, and authoritative. As such, Scripture, interpreted in context, will be our only source for what we believe, what we do, and how we act toward others.
(I Tim 1:13 & 3 :16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; I Cor 2:13; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 30:5)
GOD
We believe in one God who is eternally self-existent and the Creator of all things. God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-present. He is unconditionally loving, relentlessly merciful, and absolutely just. He has revealed himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
(Genesis 1:1, 26, 27 & 3:22; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ was fully human and fully God. Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died a substitutionary death on the cross, rose from the dead on the third day, and is at the right hand of God the Father interceding for His people.
(Matt 1:22,23; John 1:1-5,14; Heb 4:14-15; 1 Cor 15:3-4; Rom 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Tim 6:14-15; Is. 7:14; 9:6)
holy spirit
We believe the Spirit of God indwells every believer. The fruit of the Spirit is the by-product of a spirit-filled life and evidence of spiritual maturity. The gifts of the Spirit should be earnestly sought and used to serve others, build up the church, and glorify God. We believe every Christian, empowered by the Holy Spirit, will be an effective witness for God throughout the world.
(Acts 2:1-4; 8:14-17; 10:44-46; Gal 3:14-15)
humanity
We believe that humankind is created in the image of God. As such, we were designed to be representatives for God on earth. However, we believe that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standard. This sin separates us from God and causes many problems in our life.
(Gen 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Rom 3:23)
salvation
We believe salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty of death. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
​(Rom 6:23; Eph 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:2; Gal 3:26; Rom 5:1, 10:9-10)
water baptism
Water baptism by immersion is administered to all who profess faith in Christ. It is an outward declaration of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and the new life that becomes ours as a result of faith in Him. Baptism is not necessary for salvation, but is simply a choice that is made to obey Jesus’ command and to follow His example. At Echo Hope we baptize people “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”(Matthew 3:13-17; 28;19; Acts 2:34-36; 19:1-6)
communion
We regularly practice (usually once a month) Communion or the Lord’s Supper in our weekend services. Jesus initiated this practice (I Cor 11:28-32) as a way to help us remember His death and resurrection. You do not need to be a member of Echo Hope to take communion; you just need to be a part of God's family.
healing
We believe what Jesus’ death on the cross provided physical healing to our human bodies. God’s miracle power for healing is freely given to us as we pray in faith. (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matt 8:16,17; James 5:14-16)
second coming of Jesus
We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back again as He promised to take His church to rule and reign forever. (1 Thessalonians 6:16-17, Romans 8:23, Titus 2:13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
marriage
God created marriage (Genesis 2:22). It is a covenant made between a man and a woman that makes them one (Genesis 2:24). The marriage covenant requires the married parties to be faithful, loving, and helpful to each other as long as they both shall live (Mark 10:31).
Affiliation
Echo Hope is a member of the Assemblies of God and affirm their Statement of Fundamental Truths. You can find more information HERE.