Our Beliefs

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” – Romans 10:9-10 NLT ​
We believe in the only true God. We believe that our sins separate us from God and that we need to be forgiven of our sins and saved from an eternal separation from God. We believe that Jesus Christ is the only One that can save us and restore us to God. We believe in Jesus Christ's birth, life, death, resurrection, and promised return. By placing our faith in Jesus Christ, we receive God's grace, mercy, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life with God. We believe this is the Good News that is central to the message of the Bible (John 17:3; Romans 5:10-12 & 18-19; John 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10).
The Bible
“All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 AMP 

Scripture, or what is referred to as The Bible, is uniquely inspired by God. The Bible reveals who God is, documents His activity and interaction with people, demonstrates His plan to save and restore His fallen creation, and serves as His standard of communication with us and as a guide for right beliefs, practices, and lifestyles (2 Tim 3:14-17; Heb 1:1-3; 2 Peter 1:19-21).
The Triune God
“Listen, Israel! The Lord our God is the only true God!”– Deuteronomy 6:4 CEV 

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20 NIV 

The Father, The Son (Jesus Christ), and The Holy Spirit are individual members of the Trinity, a mysterious unity of three persons in One God who is infinite, all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, and perfect in love.
(Deut 6:4; Matt 28:19-20; John 1:1, Acts 5:3-4; Phil 2:5-6; Matt 1:23; Matt 3:16-17; 1 Timothy 1:17; Romans 11:33-36; 1 John 4:8, 5:6-8).
​Our Father
​“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’” – Matthew 6:9-13 ESV 

“But a time is coming—and now is here—when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such people to be his worshipers. God is spirit, and the people who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” – John 4:23-24 NET 

God The Father goes by many names and titles in Scripture but desires that we call Him "Father." He sustains, provides, protects, and forgives. (John 4:23-24; Eph 2:4-5; Matt 6:9-13; James 1:17; Rev 4:8-11; 5:13).
Jesus Christ
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” – John 1:1-5 NKJV 

“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.” – John 1:14 MSG 

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, (Emmanuel or "God With Us"), God in human form, and the source of grace and eternal life through His virgin birth, His sinless life, His death on the cross, and His resurrection (Isaiah 7:14; John 1:1-18; Matt 1:23; 1 Cor 15:3-8; Col 1:15-20).
The Holy Spirit
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” – John 14:16-17 NLT 

“But I tell you that I am going to do what is best for you. That is why I am going away. The Holy Spirit cannot come to help you until I leave. But after I am gone, I will send the Spirit to you. The Spirit will come and show the people of this world the truth about sin and God’s justice and the judgment.” - John 16:7-8 CEV 

The Holy Spirit of God lives in every true follower of Jesus Christ, guiding and empowering them to live and act like Jesus Christ, and providing special gifts to those who believe. The purpose of these gifts is to strengthen the Church and to reveal to others the character of our God. The Holy Spirit also convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment and speaks only what comes from The Father and from The Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:16-17; John 16:7- 14; 1 Cor 12:1-11; Gal 5:16-26; 1 John 3:23-24; 1 John 4:13-16).
Sin
“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” – Romans 3:23 NLT 

“As it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one.’” – Romans 3:10 ESV 

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” - 2 Peter 3:9 NIV 

Sin separates us from God. It is considered anything that "misses the mark (falls short) of God's perfection and Holiness" with which the world was originally created. The punishment for sin is eternal separation from God. But because of God’s promise, there is hope (Matthew 25:46; Romans 3:10 & 23; 2 Peter 3:9).
Grace and Salvation
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

​“My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand. The Father who put them under my care is so much greater than the Destroyer and Thief. No one could ever get them away from him.” – John 10:27-29 MSG

We can experience the grace and forgiveness of God and the promise of eternal life by committing ourselves to Jesus Christ through faith. We cannot earn God's grace; we only receive it as a gift because of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Because this gift is given by God to us on the perfection of Jesus Christ alone, and not as a result of our own efforts, nothing can separate us from God's Love (Romans 5:10-12, 18-19; 6:23; Acts 16:31; Eph 2:8-9; 1 Cor. 15:3-8; Romans 8:38-39; John 10:27-30).

Following Jesus
“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” – Luke 9:23-24 ESV 

“But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves. For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror. For he gazes at himself and then goes out and immediately forgets what sort of person he was. But the one who peers into the perfect law of liberty and fixes his attention there, and does not become a forgetful listener but one who lives it out—he will be blessed in what he does.” - James 1:22-25 NET 

Following Jesus is an all-day, every-day lifestyle. While we still commit sins, Jesus offers forgiveness and restoration as we turn in agreement, back to Him. Being a follower of Jesus means more than simply believing what Jesus said; Being a follower of Jesus means doing what Jesus did (Luke 9:23-26; Romans 7:14-25; 1 John 1:9; James 1:22-25; John 14:12-14).
The Local Church
​“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT 

When connected to a local church congregation, followers of Jesus worship, train, and serve better. This is true in part because we need it, in part because God does big things when we're together, but ultimately because He wants us to be connected in living out a new covenant of devoted love and forgiveness (Hebrews 10:23-25; Acts 2:42-47; Acts 4:32-37; Revelation 2 and 3).
The Lord's Supper and Baptism
“Jesus left Galilee and went to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John kept objecting and said, “I ought to be baptized by you. Why have you come to me?” Jesus answered, “For now this is how it should be, because we must do all that God wants us to do.” Then John agreed. So Jesus was baptized. And as soon as he came out of the water, the sky opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove. Then a voice from heaven said, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him.” – Matthew 3:13-17 CEV 

“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” - 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ESV 

Jesus instituted a public commitment ceremony we call "Baptism" and a memorial ceremony we call "The Lord's Supper" or “Communion.” Being immersed in water is a physical representation of the decision to follow Jesus. The Lord’s Supper is done to remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross, as well as to look forward to His return. We celebrate these regularly as visible expressions of our devotion to Jesus. (Matt 3:13-17; Matt 28:19-20; Matt 26:26-28; Luke 22:17-20; 1 Cor 11:23-26).
Spiritual Warfare
​“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” – Ephesians 6:11-13 ESV 

“The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 AMP 

There is a spiritual war between God and the devil. We don’t know every detail. However, we understand that we are an important part of this fight, that the devil and his evil forces are our true enemies, and that Jesus dealt them a fatal defeat with His death and resurrection. Ultimately, we celebrate these promises: that God has equipped us for battle against these dark forces; that He will win this war once and for all; that good will triumph over evil; and that as we stand firm in the confidence of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit will accomplish in our midst, and within us, the feats necessary to draw people to Jesus Christ. (Gen 3:15; Mark 16:20; Luke 12:31-32; John 14:11-14; John 16:11; Rom 8:28-38; Rom 14:17; 1 Cor 4:20; 2 Cor 10:4-5; Gal 5:16-24; Eph 6:11-18; Heb 2:14-15; 1 John 4:7-12; Jude 9; Jude 20-25; Rev 12:7-12, 20:10, 21:1-8)
Christ's Return
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” – Rev 22:12 NIV 

Jesus is coming back someday and we anticipate His return with excitement! This return ushers in a new existence for all humanity, living and dead. God will exact judgment, Sin and Death will be destroyed, and followers of Jesus Christ will spend eternity together with God while those who reject Jesus Christ will remain separated from God (Acts 1:10-11; Rev. 20:11-15; Rev. 21:1-4; Rev 22:12).

Engaging Culture
​“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.” – 1 Peter 2:12 NLT 

“In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.” – 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 MSG 

Throughout history, local churches have taken specific stands on issues to act as “salt and light,” providing prophetic voices to their cultures and governing authorities. Accordingly, we recognize our responsibility to faithfully continue that responsibility to our culture and governing authorities. We further declare that no government, group, nor individual may compel us to violate our convictions nor restrict our public expression and practice of these convictions for any reason, legislative or otherwise (Daniel 3:16-18; Matthew 5:13-16; 10:16-20; Mark 12:17; Acts 4:13-20; Romans 1:32; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16; 1 Peter 2:12, 3:15-16)
Protecting Children
Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb. All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence.” – Psalm 139:16 NET 

"Beware that you don't look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.” – Matt 18:10 NLT 

The Bible teaches that all children, born and unborn, are special to God. As a result, we strive to protect the lives and well-being of all children, and especially the right to life of the unborn. Abortion and child abuse are incompatible with following Jesus (Psalm 127:3-5; 139:13-18; Matthew 18:1-7, 10; Mark 10:13-16; Eph 6:4). 

Our thoughts: According to God’s Word, we oppose abortion. The Bible teaches that God created human beings unique, with a special capacity to display God’s qualities. Additionally, the Bible teaches that God knows each individual human being prior to birth and that children are particularly special to God. The Bible communicates special concern for the defenseless; children are among the most defenseless of all humanity, and unborn children are that much more vulnerable. Therefore, abortion is generally incompatible with following Jesus, as is any other form of child abuse.
Marriage and Celibacy
“Jesus answered, ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.’” – Matthew 19:4-6 ESV 

“Jesus’ disciples then said to him, ‘If that is how it is, it is better not to marry!’ ‘Not everyone can accept this statement,’ Jesus said. ‘Only those whom God helps. Some are born without the ability to marry, and some are disabled by men, and some refuse to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone who can, accept my statement.’ – Matthew 19:10-12 TLB 

The Bible teaches that marriage is an exclusive, sacred union between one man and one woman. The Bible also teaches that celibacy is the honored status and God-given responsibility of all individuals who do not marry according to God’s design. Any other sexual activity or sexual union is incompatible with following Jesus (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:18-24; Matt 19:4-12; Romans 1:24-27; 1 Cor 6:13-20; 7:1-9; Eph 5:3, 31-33; Hebrews 13:4). 

Our Thoughts: According to God’s Word, we define marriage as an exclusively sacred union between one man and one woman. The Bible teaches that sexual immorality is a serious sin and that the covenant relationship of marriage is the only realm in which sexual activity is acceptable for anyone. The Bible also teaches that this union is special because it is the one human relationship that serves as the physical expression of Jesus Christ’s love for His Bride, The Church. Unmarried followers of Jesus are blessed to embrace the beautiful, exclusive relationship with God known as celibacy unless, or until, God provides a suitable helpmate of the opposite sex. Therefore, any other sexual activity or sexual union, state-recognized or otherwise, is incompatible with following Jesus.
Sober Living
​“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.” – Eph 5:18 NLT 

“There wasn’t a sign of a change of heart. They plunged right on in their murderous, occult [drug-using], promiscuous, and thieving ways.” – Rev 9:21 MSG 

The Bible teaches that getting drunk and using drugs are incompatible with following Jesus. In particular, the Bible associates these activities with a number of other destructive, immoral, and unquestionably evil deeds that are universally prohibited. In fact, a common command in the New Testament is to remain sober. (Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:15-20; 1 Thes 5:5-8; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Rev 9:20-21).

The Humility of Believers
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” – Romans 12:3 ESV

We are committed to our convictions, beliefs, and practices, yet humble about ourselves and our finite understanding of such things. We recognize that only God has the complete picture and perfect understanding of anything. Ultimately, we put our full trust in God alone and rely exclusively on God's mercy and grace to make up for where we fall short in ourselves, our understanding, beliefs, convictions, and practices (Isaiah 55:6-11; Romans 12:3; Romans 11:33-36; Hebrews 11:1,6; Ephesians 2:8-9).

Core Values

As we seek to "make much of Jesus in the everyday", Castle Rock Community Church aims to reflect Jesus as we seek to be:

RElationally Rich

We believe in the need for all believers to know that they deeply matter to God. This can be tangibly shown in the ways a church body pursues one another in Christ.

Spiritually Hungry

While we believe all saints  are to mature in Christ, we have come to value spiritual hunger in our pursuit of Jesus, rather than our own ideas of maturity. Hungry people eat...and we want to eat.

Kingdom Focused

We believe that a relationally rich community of spiritually hungry Jesus followers will naturally impact the everyday communities in which they live. This local heartbeat will influence our passion for the nations as well.