HIGHLAND PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
HIGHLAND PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Our Mission
Highland Park United Methodist Church exists to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus in our community through our gifts, witness, service, prayers, and presence in our community and the greater world.
Our Beliefs
About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the Universe. God has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
About Humanity
We are made in the image of God, to be like God in character. We are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although we have tremendous potential for good, everyone is marred by an attitude of rebellion toward God called sin. Sin separates people from God.
About Eternity
People are created to exist forever. Every person will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is heaven. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence.
About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary by miraculous conception, lived a sinless human life, and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days demonstrating His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory where He is the only Mediator between God and people, and will return again to earth. He will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
About Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to all people. Men and women can never make up for their sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can a person be saved from sin’s penalty. When God has begun a saving work in the heart of any person, God gives assurance in the Scriptures that "he will continue performing it until the day of its full consummation" (Phil. 1:6).
About God’s Dependability
Because God gives man and woman eternal life through Jesus Christ, and adopts them as God's own, salvation is received and maintained by the grace and power of God—not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives believers the assurance of salvation. No power in the universe can separate God’s children from God.
About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. The Spirit is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. The Spirit provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under the Spirit's control daily.
About the Bible
The Bible is God’s eternal Word to humanity. It was written by human authors under the supernatural inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is our supreme source of truth and is the authoritative rule and guide for our lives. We believe that the Scripture in connection to reason, church tradition, and experience is our best source of wisdom in living out God's call on our lives.