We believe that God is love.
He has demonstrated his love for all people in Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us by his birth as the Son of God. He came to earth to live as we live, He died on the cross to save us from our sins, and He lives today by the power of the resurrection. Thus, He overcame death because God raised him up. He has the power to give all who believe in him eternal life. That life gives us an ongoing relationship with God.
We believe that salvation is a free gift of God.
We are all in need of this gift because we have sinned against God. Salvation is free because it has been paid for by the death of Jesus on the crss. Salvation is given to all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Anyone can have this wonderful gift that brings us into a relationship with Jesus, who forgives our sins and gives us eternal life.
One can be saved by saying "yes" to these three things:
1. Yes, I am a sinner.
2. Yes, I believe that Jesus is Lord and died for me.
3. Yes, I want to put my whole trust in Jesus who loves me, forgives me, and offers me eternal life.
We believe that the purpose of each person is to glorify God and enjoy God's love forever.
We know and experience the power of the Holy Spirit given to each believer. The Holy Spirit communicates God's love to us and produces the furit of the Spirit in our lives so that our character becomes more like Jesus. The Holy Spirit gathers us into the church where we are given gifts for ministry.
Session Statement Regarding Biblical Marriage
First Presbyterian Church, Towanda, PA
Approved September 23, 2014
God created us male and female, and gave us marriage so that husband and wife may help and comfort each other, living faithfully together in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, throughout all their days.
God gave us marriage for the full expression of the love between a man and a woman. In marriage a woman and a man belong to each other, and with affection and tenderness freely give themselves to each other.
God gave us marriage for the well-being of human society, and for the ordering of family life.
God gave us marriage as a holy mystery in which a man and a woman are joined together, and become one, just as Christ is one with the Church.
In marriage, husband and wife are called to a new way of life that is created, ordered, and blessed by God. This way of life must not be entered into carelessly, or from selfish motives, but responsibly, and prayerfully.
To be faithful to this view of marriage, the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Towanda, PA, is to perform marriages only between a man and a woman, as reflected in the above statement. All marriages conducted on church grounds by other pastors or officiants are also to reflect this policy.
We rejoice that according to the Holy Scriptures, marriage is given by God, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ, and sustained by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, let marriage be held in honor by all.
