WHAT WE BELIEVE
At Lincoln Glen Church we want to hold tightly to the beliefs that are essential to our faith and in everything else we strive for unity, even in the midst of differing opinions. We have highlighted some of our core beliefs for you here. You may not know where you stand on some issues or maybe even have doubts or disagreements. We believe that church is a place where you can bring your questions and your doubts. We invite you to join us as we explore God’s Word together to find answers every week!
You are Created in the Image of God!
Every single person is beautifully and wonderfully created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:14) and is valuable beyond measure!
God Loves You!
Jesus said that God loves the world (John 3:16). YOU are included in that so we want you to know that God loves you and we want you to experience that love!
We Love God in Response
Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with everything that you have so we seek to love God with our entire lives (Matthew 22:37-38).
Loving Our Neighbor
Jesus said that the second greatest command is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). Everyone is created in the image of God, so we strive to take Jesus’ words seriously and show the overwhelming love of Jesus to San Jose, the Silicon Valley and the world!
Jesus
Jesus is incredible and changes lives (Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:17)! We want you to experience His love and have a life changed by Him! Jesus is the Son of God (Mark 1:11), who is fully God (Colossians 1:19), yet fully human (John 1:14). Through His words and actions Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God, bringing good news to the poor, release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind (Luke 4:18-21). Jesus defeated sin through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Jesus loves you!
God the Father
God the Father is the Creator of all things (Genesis 1 & 2). He sent Jesus, His Son, for the salvation of the world (John 3:16). He forgives those who repent (to turn away from) of their sin (rebelling against God) and respond in faith to the good news of what Jesus did for us on the cross (1 John 1:9). Because God is our creator we can turn to Him to understand the purpose of our lives (Ephesians 2:10)!
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, convicts people of sin, gives them new life, and guides them into all truth (John 15:26-27). As our Comforter, the Holy Spirit helps God’s children in their weakness, intercedes for us according to God’s will (Romans 8:26-27) and assures us of eternal life (Ephesians 1:13). We desire to do ministry through the power of the Holy Spirit and not just through our own power.
Salvation
We believe that the world is broken by our rebellion against God and that sin breaks our relationship with God (Romans 6:23). Yet God showed His love by sending Jesus to die on a cross to pay the price for our sin (John 3:16). God then raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 6:4). It is by faith through grace that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). We believe that salvation is offered to everyone, but only those who put their faith in Jesus will have the assurance of eternal life (1 John 1:8-10).
The Bible
We believe that the entire Bible was inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. The Bible is the Word of God and the authoritative guide for faith and everyday life. We believe it is vital for Christians to regularly spend time in God’s Word so we can grow in our faith (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We even have Bible Reading Plans available to help people get started. The Bible is full of timeless truths that are relevant to guiding us through the difficulties of life today! We take the Bible seriously so each of our Sunday messages are deeply biblically based to teach us how we should live today.
People
God created women and men in His image (Genesis 1:27) yet we all have chosen to disobey God at some point (Romans 5:8). Choosing sin has caused separation from God (Romans 6:23). Yet we have hope because of the grace and forgiveness offered through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The Church
Being a part of a church is vital as a follower of Jesus. The church is a community where believers are mutually encouraged and accountable to one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). We love and care for each other (Acts 2:42-47). We graciously speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We pray for one another and share each other’s joys and burdens (Galatians 6:2).
Discipleship
Discipleship is life lived following Jesus. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome the power of sin (Romans 6) and instead be filled with love and gratitude as we delight in following Jesus.
Baptism
Baptism by water is a public announcement that a person has repented of their sins (turned away from), received forgiveness, died with Jesus to sins, received newness of life and received the Holy Spirit. It’s a sign of a person’s belonging to Christ and the local church. Our church has a baptismal in the sanctuary and we occasionally have baptisms outside, as well.
Communion
At Lincoln Glen Church we typically take communion on the first Sunday of the month as we remember Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection. We celebrate forgiveness and the new life we have because of what He did (Galatians 2:20).
Peacemaking
God reconciles people to Himself and to one another through Jesus’ work on the cross (Colossians 1:20). So we are to actively pursue peace and reconciliation in all areas of life (Hebrews 12:14). We seek to alleviate suffering, reduce strife, promote justice and work to end violence and war to demonstrate Jesus’ love.
Hope
We have hope because Jesus Christ will one day return to destroy all evil and bring an end to pain, sorrow and death. God will make all things new (Revelation 21:1-5)!
Community
God designed us to be in community and not to go through life alone (Hebrews 10:24-25). We know that life is busy in San Jose but we think it is so important to gather together regularly as a church. We would love for you to join us in community in our Sunday morning worship service and in one of our Community Groups.
Denominational Affiliation
Our church is part of the United States Mennonite Brethren denomination. If the first thing you think of when you hear Mennonite is Amish, you are not alone. That is not actually what it means to be Mennonite Brethren, though. Here are some of the focuses of Mennonite Brethren churches:
We have a high view of the Bible and seek to stay biblically centered.
We emphasize discipleship lived out in our daily lives.
We value a community where everyone is treated equally because we are all created in the image of God.
We seek to model the servanthood of Jesus by loving and serving those in need both locally and globally.
We actively seek Jesus-centered peace, reconciliation and justice.
But, you know, we drive cars and have electricity and stuff.
Lincoln Glen Church is a place where you can bring your questions and doubts. If you are wrestling with some questions about God and faith we’d love to chat!
COME JOIN US!
It is helpful to read about what we believe but you will get a chance to know what we are all about even better if you come join us in person. We are located in the south Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose and we invite you to come join us on a Sunday sometime soon! Click the button below to learn more about what church is like at Lincoln Glen Church.