MISSION & VISION
Growing God’s Family, One Disciple at a Time
What We Believe
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God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. / Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22; Psalms 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
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Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross, arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over death. Christ is coming again. Those who believe in Him will live with Him. Those who don’t, won’t. / Matthew 1:22–23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1–5, 14:10–30; Hebrew 4:14–15, 1 Corinthians 15:3; Romans 1:3–4; Acts 1:9–11; 1 Timothy 6:14
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He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. The Holy Spirit is there for us, but many do not realize this truth. / 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7, 13, 14:16 – 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
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The Bible is God’s word to us. Human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. / 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20–21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalms 119:105 & 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
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People are made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude that separates people from God and causes many problems in life. / Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3–6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1–2
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Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives by faith Jesus Christ into his life. / Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8 – 9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
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People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. / John 3:16, 2:25; 5:11–13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 1:8; 2:44–46
Church of God Ministries
We are referred to as the Church of God of Anderson, Indiana, where our international headquarters are located.
DS Warner and a number of other Christian leaders wanted to have a church that was not bound by rigid denominational rules and regulations and one that more clearly reflected the New Testament church with its message of unity and holiness – a church that would encompass all born again believers, regardless of denominational tags. Thus the Church of God has no written “membership rules.” If you believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, you are a member of Cloverdale Church of God.
The Church of God is considered a member of the “holiness movement.” Similar churches that identify themselves as a part of this movement include the Quakers (Friends), the Nazarene Church, the Free Methodist Church, and the Evangelical Church of North America.