1. Bible as our sole authority

"The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is
useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is right and wrong
in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right."
2 Timothy 3:15

Since God's Word is the only completely reliable
and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our
manual for living. Our first question when faced
with a decision is "What does the Bible say?"
We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and
Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.

 

2. Autonomy of each local church

"Christ is the head of His body, the church. He is the source
of the Body's life..."
Colossians 1:18 (GN)

Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person,
group, or religious organization. We believe every local church should
be self-governing and independent from any
denominational control.

We do recognize the
value of associating and cooperating with other groups
of Christians, as we are a part of following;

The Inland Empire Southern Baptist Association,
The California Southern Baptist Convention,
and the North American Mission Board.



3. Priesthood of every believer

"Christ loves us, and by He has freed us from our sins and
made us a kingdom of priests to serve God...."
Revelation 1:6 (GN)

"You are...the King's priests...God's own people, chosen
to proclaim the wonderful acts of God."
I Peter 2:9 (GN)

The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to
"full-time" Christian service, regardless of his or her
vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a
minister by encouraging every member to find a place
of service and ministry. Every believer has direct
access to God through prayer and Bible reading.

 

4. Tithing

"A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord;
it is holy to the Lord."
Leviticus 26:30

At IMAGINE we practice tithing for support
of Christ's Body, the church, as God commands.
We recognize that giving 10% of our income
is the Biblical standard of giving.

 

5. Immersion

"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ,
and in baptism you were also raised with Christ...."
Col. 2:12 (GN)

We practice baptism by immersion under water
the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands.
(Matthew 3:16, Acts 2:41)

 

6. Spirit-led living

(Jesus said) "I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you
abide in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but
apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:5

We believe the only way possible to live the
Christian life is by God's power within us. So
we seek to practice a daily dependence on God's
Spirit to enable us to do what is right.
(Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 5:18)

 

7. Telling others about Christ

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks
you to give the reason for the hope that you have.."
I Peter 3:15

It is the responsibility of every Christian to
share the Good News with those God brings us
into contact with.