God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.

• Genesis 1:1,26,27
• Genesis 3:22
• Psalm 90:2
• Matthew 28:19
• 1 Peter 1:2
• 2 Corinthians 13:14

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

• Matthew 1:22
• Isaiah 9:6
• John 1:1-5
• John 14:10-30
• Hebrews 4:14,15
• 1 Corinthians 14:3,4
• Romans 1:3,4
• Acts 1:9-11
• 1 Timothy 6:14,15
• Titus 2:13

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and Son. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. At the moment of salvation he takes up residence in the believer and provides him with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right.

• 2 Corinthians 3:17
• John 16:7-13
• John 14:16,17
• Acts 1:8
• 1 Corinthians 2:12
• 1 Corinthians 3:16
• Ephesians 1:13
• Galatians 5:25
• Ephesians 5:18

God reveals Himself to man through the Bible. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian belief and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.

• 2 Timothy 3:16
• 2 Peter 1:20
• 2 Timothy 1:13
• Psalm 119:105, 160
• Psalm 12:6
• Proverbs 30:5

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God's creation and love. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.

• Genesis 1:27
• Psalm 8:3-6
• Isaiah 53:6a
• Romans 3:23
• Isaiah 59:1,2

Salvation is God's gift to us. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in the person, life, and work of Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved.

• Romans 6:23
• Ephesians 2:8,9
• John 14:6
• Titus 3:5
• Galatians 3:26
• Romans 5:1

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell, a literal, physical, conscious place of torment. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in Heaven, a place of joy, peace, and harmony.

• John 3:16
• John 14:17
• Romans 6:23
• Romans 8:17-18
• Revelation 20:15
• 1 Corinthians 2:7-9

We believe that the Bible is God’s self-disclosure to man. It was written as the Holy Spirit inspired human authors and, as such, its message is completely reliable and truthful. For this reason, we carefully strive to understand it as it was intended by the Holy Spirit. It is the basis for all we believe and all of our practices must hold up under the examination of Scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

We provide an opportunity for financial giving every week.  We use these offerings to fund the operation of Root River Church, to minister to our community, and to support the efforts of missionaries around the world.  We do not earn salvation or favor from God by what we give. Rather, we give because we love Him and joyfully seek to make financial sacrifice to demonstrate our love to Him.

2 Corinthians 9:7

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

We practice baptism as an act of public confession of our faith.  We baptize by immersion under water in keeping with the biblical pattern.

Mark 16:16

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,

We believe the only way that we can live the Christian life is by God’s power within us.  The Holy Spirit provides us with that power. By following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are able to live lives that are pleasing to God.

John 16:13

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth,

We are excited about the forgiveness and peace we have found in Christ. For this reason, we talk about it outside of our church.  We gladly invite our friends, family members, and co-workers to join us in worship at Root River Church.

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.