OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH
We believe in the plenary verbal inspiration of the accepted Canon of the Scriptures as originally given and believe that they are infallibly and uniquely authoritative and free from error of any sort in all matters with which they deal, scientific and historical as well as moral and theological (II Timothy 3:16; I Corinthians 2:13).
We believe in the Eternal Godhead who has revealed Himself as ONE God existing in THREE persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; distinguishable but indivisible (Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14).
We believe in the literal, special Creation of the existing space-time universe and all of its basic systems as indicated in the book of Genesis.
We believe in the full historicity and perspicuity of the Biblical record of primeval history, including the literal existence of Adam and Eve as the progenitors of all people, the literal Fall and resultant divine curse on the Creation, a worldwide cataclysmic deluge, and the origin of nations and languages at the tower of Babel (Genesis 1-11).
We believe in the Creation, Test, and Fall of man as recorded in Genesis and in mankind’s total spiritual depravity and inability to attain to divine righteousness apart from God’s intervening grace (Romans 5:12, 18).
We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of men, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, very God and very man (Luke 1:26-35; John 1:18; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6).
We believe Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose again the third day, and personally appeared to His disciples (I Corinthians 15:1-8; Romans 4:25).
We believe in the bodily ascension of Jesus to heaven, His exaltation, and in His person literally and bodily coming again the second time for the Church (John 14:2-3; I Thessalonians 4:13-18).
We believe in the salvation of sinners by grace through repentance and faith in the perfect and sufficient work of Christ on the Cross, by which we obtain remission of sins (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:12, 22; Romans 5:11).
We believe in the necessity of water baptism by immersion in the name of the Eternal Godhead in order to fulfill the command of Christ (Matt 28:19; Acts 2:38-39; 19:1-6).
We believe in the operation of the gifts of the Spirit as enumerated in Romans 12 and I Corinthians 12-14, as manifested in the Early Church.
We believe in the Spirit-filled life, a life of separation from the world and the perfecting of holiness in the fear of God, as an expression of Christian faith.
(Ephesians 5:18; II Corinthians 6:14; 7:1).
We believe in the healing of the body by Divine power, and Divine healing in its varied aspects as practiced by the Early Church (Acts 4:30; Romans 8:11; I Corinthians 12:9; James 5:14).
We believe in the Table of the Lord, commonly called “Communion” or the “Lord’s Supper," for believers (I Corinthians 11:23-32).
We believe in eternal life for believers (John 5:24; 3:16) and eternal punishment for unbelievers (Mark 9:43-48; II Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 20:10-15).
We believe in the reality and personality of Satan and the eternal judgment of Satan and his angels (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10-15).
We believe in the Eternal Godhead who has revealed Himself as ONE God existing in THREE persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; distinguishable but indivisible (Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14).
We believe in the literal, special Creation of the existing space-time universe and all of its basic systems as indicated in the book of Genesis.
We believe in the full historicity and perspicuity of the Biblical record of primeval history, including the literal existence of Adam and Eve as the progenitors of all people, the literal Fall and resultant divine curse on the Creation, a worldwide cataclysmic deluge, and the origin of nations and languages at the tower of Babel (Genesis 1-11).
We believe in the Creation, Test, and Fall of man as recorded in Genesis and in mankind’s total spiritual depravity and inability to attain to divine righteousness apart from God’s intervening grace (Romans 5:12, 18).
We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of men, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, very God and very man (Luke 1:26-35; John 1:18; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6).
We believe Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose again the third day, and personally appeared to His disciples (I Corinthians 15:1-8; Romans 4:25).
We believe in the bodily ascension of Jesus to heaven, His exaltation, and in His person literally and bodily coming again the second time for the Church (John 14:2-3; I Thessalonians 4:13-18).
We believe in the salvation of sinners by grace through repentance and faith in the perfect and sufficient work of Christ on the Cross, by which we obtain remission of sins (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:12, 22; Romans 5:11).
We believe in the necessity of water baptism by immersion in the name of the Eternal Godhead in order to fulfill the command of Christ (Matt 28:19; Acts 2:38-39; 19:1-6).
We believe in the operation of the gifts of the Spirit as enumerated in Romans 12 and I Corinthians 12-14, as manifested in the Early Church.
We believe in the Spirit-filled life, a life of separation from the world and the perfecting of holiness in the fear of God, as an expression of Christian faith.
(Ephesians 5:18; II Corinthians 6:14; 7:1).
We believe in the healing of the body by Divine power, and Divine healing in its varied aspects as practiced by the Early Church (Acts 4:30; Romans 8:11; I Corinthians 12:9; James 5:14).
We believe in the Table of the Lord, commonly called “Communion” or the “Lord’s Supper," for believers (I Corinthians 11:23-32).
We believe in eternal life for believers (John 5:24; 3:16) and eternal punishment for unbelievers (Mark 9:43-48; II Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 20:10-15).
We believe in the reality and personality of Satan and the eternal judgment of Satan and his angels (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10-15).
WHAT IS THE CHURCH
THE CHURCH IS THE SOVEREIGN WILL OF GOD, THE PURPOSE OF GOD, AND THE CENTRAL FACT OF HIS WILL.
The church is comprised of all those who are living or passed away who profess the name of Jesus Christ as their Lord. Ephesians 3:9-11, Matt. 16:13-20
UNIVERSAL CHURCH VS. THE LOCAL CHURCH
There are two primary ways in which the term “church” is used in the New Testament. Jesus used the term “church” twice and each time He used it in a unique way. An understanding of these two meanings is foundational to appreciating and understanding all subsequent usages.
1. The Universal Church – Matthew 16:15-20
A. Jesus is the head of His Church.
B. The Church is the body of Christ.
C. Comprises all local churches worldwide.
D. Includes all believers throughout the ages.
2. The Local Church – Matthew 18:15-22 Colossians 4:12-13 NLT
A. An autonomous group of believers committed to each other.
B. Shares the same vision, mission, and values.
C. Has defined government and leadership teams.
D. A place where believers receive care, teaching, encouragement, and correction.
WHAT IS THE CHURCH SUPPOSED TO BE?
How we view the Church determines our participation in it.
Ephesians 5:27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.
Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Daniel 2:44 the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed or conquered. It will crush all these kingdoms into nothingness, and it will stand forever.
Colossians 1:6 This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about Gods wonderful grace.
1. The Church Is Loved By Jesus Ephesians 5:25 Husbands love your wives just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for her… Eph. 5:2; Jn 3:16
2. The Church Is To Be Beautiful Ephesians 5:27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. Eph.1:4; 2 Corinthians 11:2
3. The Church Is To Be Powerful Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Ephesians 3:10 That God’s many sided wisdom may be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places through the Church…;Luke 10:17-19; Rev. 12:11
4. The Church Is To Be Victorious Matthew 16:18 I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Colossians 1:6 This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about Gods wonderful grace.
OUR CHURCH | EPIKOS CHURCH IN BEND, OREGON
We strive to live out our faith by both being and making disciples of Jesus in authentic community for the good of the world.
At Epikos, we are focused on making God's love real to people in Bend, Oregon and around the world by demonstrating it in practical ways through serving our community, loving people and living authentic lives that bring glory to God.
We are called to be true servants who serve not out of duty or compulsion but because he sees the church as the visible expression of the invisible Jesus and the individual as someone who is loved by his Lord; to serve another in the name of Jesus is to wash the feet of the Master and receive the smile of our Savior and the gratitude of Heaven. Matt 25:34-40
We believe that every person has value because they are created and loved by God.
Because the people of Bend, Oregon matter to God, they matter to us.
It is our conviction that every person God brings to us also has gifts and talents that Jesus wants to use for his glory, to bless the church and build the kingdom.
We strive to encourage every person to serve with their talents, be generous with their resources and live out their passions to make Jesus famous and reach people who don’t yet know him in our city and around the world.
TRAINING LEADERS
We train leaders in Bend, Oregon and plant new churches because the Great Commission is as much in the heart of Jesus today as it was when He first sent out His disciples.
We train leaders. We believe that if we are to accomplish this mission, it is going to take tens of thousands of men and women who are trained, equipped, filled with the Spirit of God, and have a love for people. We want to be faithful to God to do our part in fulfilling the mission he has given to his Church.
Matthew 28:18-20Jesus came and told his disciples, I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
2 Timothy 2:2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
Colossians 1:28-29 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. 29 Thats why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
We plant new churches. The Gospel is the good news about God's love for mankind and His forgiveness, peace and power that are available through the sacrifice that Jesus made. Salvation is a free gift available to all who will repent and come into relationship with God through Jesus Christ his Son.
Matthew 24:14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.
Luke 10:1 The Lord now chose seventy- two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit.
Romans 10:15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!
Acts 8:4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.
Colossians 1:6 This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about Gods wonderful grace.
Why we do this - Because God loves all people, everywhere and they are being ravaged and exploited by sin and Satan. Jesus calls us into mission to work with Him in rescuing and redeeming those who are not yet experiencing His love and favor.
For the Son of man has come to seek and save that which was lost. Luke 19:10
For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and He has brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all of our sins. Colossians 1:13-14
For this purpose the Son of God came, to destroy the works of the evil one. 1 John 3:8
RELEASING MINISTRY
We value releasing every person to function in the ministry that God has called them to.
We release ministry. Every believer is a minister according to the Bible.
As a part of God's New Covenant, we are all priests to God and to the world. (We represent God to people and people to God).
Ministry is not something that is reserved for a select, educated few; it is for all of us.
We work hard to help every person discover how God has gifted them, anointed them and wants to use them to accomplish his grand mission.
1 Peter 4:10-11 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Romans 12:1-16 3 Be honest in your estimate of yourselves... Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.
1 Corinthians 14:1,26 Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. Well, my brothers and sisters, let's summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.
Mark 16:16,18 These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it wont hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.
The church is comprised of all those who are living or passed away who profess the name of Jesus Christ as their Lord. Ephesians 3:9-11, Matt. 16:13-20
UNIVERSAL CHURCH VS. THE LOCAL CHURCH
There are two primary ways in which the term “church” is used in the New Testament. Jesus used the term “church” twice and each time He used it in a unique way. An understanding of these two meanings is foundational to appreciating and understanding all subsequent usages.
1. The Universal Church – Matthew 16:15-20
A. Jesus is the head of His Church.
B. The Church is the body of Christ.
C. Comprises all local churches worldwide.
D. Includes all believers throughout the ages.
2. The Local Church – Matthew 18:15-22 Colossians 4:12-13 NLT
A. An autonomous group of believers committed to each other.
B. Shares the same vision, mission, and values.
C. Has defined government and leadership teams.
D. A place where believers receive care, teaching, encouragement, and correction.
WHAT IS THE CHURCH SUPPOSED TO BE?
How we view the Church determines our participation in it.
Ephesians 5:27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.
Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Daniel 2:44 the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed or conquered. It will crush all these kingdoms into nothingness, and it will stand forever.
Colossians 1:6 This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about Gods wonderful grace.
1. The Church Is Loved By Jesus Ephesians 5:25 Husbands love your wives just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for her… Eph. 5:2; Jn 3:16
2. The Church Is To Be Beautiful Ephesians 5:27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. Eph.1:4; 2 Corinthians 11:2
3. The Church Is To Be Powerful Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Ephesians 3:10 That God’s many sided wisdom may be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places through the Church…;Luke 10:17-19; Rev. 12:11
4. The Church Is To Be Victorious Matthew 16:18 I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Colossians 1:6 This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about Gods wonderful grace.
OUR CHURCH | EPIKOS CHURCH IN BEND, OREGON
We strive to live out our faith by both being and making disciples of Jesus in authentic community for the good of the world.
At Epikos, we are focused on making God's love real to people in Bend, Oregon and around the world by demonstrating it in practical ways through serving our community, loving people and living authentic lives that bring glory to God.
We are called to be true servants who serve not out of duty or compulsion but because he sees the church as the visible expression of the invisible Jesus and the individual as someone who is loved by his Lord; to serve another in the name of Jesus is to wash the feet of the Master and receive the smile of our Savior and the gratitude of Heaven. Matt 25:34-40
We believe that every person has value because they are created and loved by God.
Because the people of Bend, Oregon matter to God, they matter to us.
It is our conviction that every person God brings to us also has gifts and talents that Jesus wants to use for his glory, to bless the church and build the kingdom.
We strive to encourage every person to serve with their talents, be generous with their resources and live out their passions to make Jesus famous and reach people who don’t yet know him in our city and around the world.
TRAINING LEADERS
We train leaders in Bend, Oregon and plant new churches because the Great Commission is as much in the heart of Jesus today as it was when He first sent out His disciples.
We train leaders. We believe that if we are to accomplish this mission, it is going to take tens of thousands of men and women who are trained, equipped, filled with the Spirit of God, and have a love for people. We want to be faithful to God to do our part in fulfilling the mission he has given to his Church.
Matthew 28:18-20Jesus came and told his disciples, I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
2 Timothy 2:2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
Colossians 1:28-29 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. 29 Thats why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
We plant new churches. The Gospel is the good news about God's love for mankind and His forgiveness, peace and power that are available through the sacrifice that Jesus made. Salvation is a free gift available to all who will repent and come into relationship with God through Jesus Christ his Son.
Matthew 24:14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.
Luke 10:1 The Lord now chose seventy- two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit.
Romans 10:15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!
Acts 8:4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.
Colossians 1:6 This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about Gods wonderful grace.
Why we do this - Because God loves all people, everywhere and they are being ravaged and exploited by sin and Satan. Jesus calls us into mission to work with Him in rescuing and redeeming those who are not yet experiencing His love and favor.
For the Son of man has come to seek and save that which was lost. Luke 19:10
For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and He has brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all of our sins. Colossians 1:13-14
For this purpose the Son of God came, to destroy the works of the evil one. 1 John 3:8
RELEASING MINISTRY
We value releasing every person to function in the ministry that God has called them to.
We release ministry. Every believer is a minister according to the Bible.
As a part of God's New Covenant, we are all priests to God and to the world. (We represent God to people and people to God).
Ministry is not something that is reserved for a select, educated few; it is for all of us.
We work hard to help every person discover how God has gifted them, anointed them and wants to use them to accomplish his grand mission.
1 Peter 4:10-11 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Romans 12:1-16 3 Be honest in your estimate of yourselves... Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.
1 Corinthians 14:1,26 Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. Well, my brothers and sisters, let's summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.
Mark 16:16,18 These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it wont hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.