Our Mission
We want to compel every person in central Illinois to seriously consider the claims of Christ and to support ministries around the world that do the same.
Core Values
The Bible - Our standard for faith and conduct
Missions - Sharing the gospel and helping those in need both locally and globally
Kids & Students - Passing faith to the youngest generation
Discipleship - Embracing spiritual transformation
Evangelism - Corporately and individually sharing the hope only found in Jesus
Generosity - Giving as God has given to us
Unity - Loving God and each other
Prayer & Worship - Walking in God's presence
Our Vision
At Calvary, everything we do is based on John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
We want people to have life to the full. We believe that life to the full is realized when people possess:
- Peace that comes only from the saving knowledge of God’s love.
- Security that comes only from walking in obedience to God’s Word.
- Fulfillment that comes only from expressing divinely given gifts.
- Wholeness that comes only from being a submitted part of the Body of Christ.
- Power over self and sin that comes only from being baptized in the Holy Spirit of God.
Statement of Faith
The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the foundation of our faith and practice. For this reason, you will find Scripture references following each of our fundamental truths so that further explanation can be pursued.
The Scripture Inspired
The Bible is the inspired Word of God to mankind and is the authoritative rule for our faith and conduct. (2 Timothy 3:1-17; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21)
The One True God
We believe there is one true God who revealed Himself as the eternal Creator of Heaven and Earth and the Redeemer of mankind. God is revealed to us as a Trinity in the persons of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10, 11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22)
The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed many miracles, died on a cross to pay the penalty for man’s sins, arose from the grave, and ascended into heaven where He is exalted at God’s side. (Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 7:26; Acts 2:22; I Corinthians 15:3; Matthew 28:6; Acts 1:9- 11; Hebrews 1-3)
The Fall of Man
Man was created by God, indeed after the very image of God. However, by his own voluntary actions man fell out of God’s grace and favor. This resulted in not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God. (Genesis 1:26, 27; 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19)
The Salvation of Man
Man’s only means of regaining a relationship with God is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Salvation is received when man turns from his sin (repentance) and turns toward faith in God and Jesus Christ. (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7)
The Ordinances of the Church
- Baptism in Water
Following the command of New Testament teaching, those who have experienced salvation should be baptized in water. This act is an outward symbol of new spiritual life in Christ. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47, 48; Romans 6:4) - Holy Communion
Holy Communion, also referred to as "The Lord's Supper," consists of bread or wafers and the fruit of the vine. Believers in Jesus Christ share communion to remember His death and look forward to His return. It is also an expression of the believers' shared divine nature of the Christ. (1 Cor. 11:26; 2 Peter 1:
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Believers are encouraged to experience the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, which was the typical experience in the early Christian church. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit brings power for life and service, a deeper love for God, a greater dedication to Christ and His work and Word. (Luke 24:49; Acts 2:42; Mark 16:20)
The Evidence of Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The initial physical evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is speaking with other tongues as enabled by the Spirit of God. (Acts 2:4)
Sanctification
Sanctification is an active effort on the part of the believer to separate from evil and dedicate oneself to God. The believer identifies with Christ’s death and resurrection and daily seeks to surrender himself to the directions of Christ’s teaching and the Holy Spirit. (Romans 12:1, 2; I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:1-13; Galatians 2:20)
The Church
The Church is considered the Body of Christ. It is where God lives through the Spirit. Each believer is an important part of the Church. (Ephesians 1:22, 23; 2:22; Hebrews 12:23)
The Ministry
The Bible establishes that ministries will exist within the Church so that those who do not believe in Christianity can be reached and so that believers in Jesus Christ can be established in the teachings of the Church. (Mark 16:15-20; Ephesians 4:11-13)
Divine Healing
Healing from sickness has been provided through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 53:4, 5; Matthew 8:16, 17; James 5:14-16)
The Blessed Hope
All Christians who have died will one day rise from their graves and will meet the Lord in the air. Christians who have not yet died will be caught up with them to be with the Lord. This event is often referred to as the rapture. (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52)
The Millennial Reign of Christ
The Second Coming of Christ includes the rapture of believers, followed by the visible return of Christ with His believers to rule on the earth for one thousand years. The Millennial Reign of Christ will bring salvation to Israel and establish universal peace. Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 19:11-14; 20:1-6; Ezekiel 37:21, 22; Isaiah 11:6-9
The Final Judgement
There will be a final judgment in which those who died without accepting Christ's salvation will be judged for their unbelief and sent to eternal punishment in the lake of fire. (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:8)
The New Heavens and the New Earth
Based on New Testament teachings, believers look forward to a New Heaven and a New Earth being established. (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:22)
For more information on any of these fundatmental truths, please visit the Assemblies of God website.
