What we believe
We Believe in the Sufficiency of Scripture
We believe the Bible is God’s Word, that it is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice. Thus, we are constantly reforming ourselves in view of God’s Word.
We Affirm the Baptist Faith and Message
Central Valley Baptist Church is a Southern Baptist Church and deeply committed to the eternal truths of the Christian faith. We live in an ever-changing world, where many believe truth is relative. At Central Valley Baptist Church, we believe truth is absolute. We believe truth is at the foundation of what we do and who we are.
We Practice Systematic Exposition
Because we believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, we practice systematic exposition in our preaching ministry. That means we preach verse by verse through sections of the Bible in order to faithfully proclaim “the whole council of God” to his people.
We Seek Regenerate Church Membership
Our goal is not to grow as fast as we can. Our goal is to grow as healthy as we can. We are very deliberate in our membership process. Every member of Central Valley Baptist Church is carefully counseled to determine whether or not they truly understand and have experienced Biblical conversion. Our mission is not to get as many people to “walk the aisle” as possible. We desire to see true conversion. We constantly proclaim and explain the gospel, and take our time with people struggling to understand what it means to follow Christ.
We are Committed to Biblical Community
The Church is not a building, but a community of believers who are to live in fellowship and community with one another. We must do more than just occupy pews near each other on a weekly basis to call ourselves a church. We also believe the Scriptures give us clear teaching that Biblical Converts (Regenerate Believers) were a part of Christian Community. We do not believe that a true convert of Christ will live a life apart from the community of Christ – His Church. At Central Valley, Community is demonstrated through active membership participation and small group involvement.
We Believe the Christian faith is based on five critical points:
1. The Bible alone
The Bible alone teaches everything that is necessary for our Salvation from sin, and is the standard by which all Christian behavior must be measured. Christians need to read and obey it.
(See 2 Timothy 3:16)
2. By Grace alone
In salvation we are rescued from Gods anger by His grace alone. God’s favor is granted through the calling and work of the Holy Spirit, who releases us from slavery to sin and enables us to turn from our sin and believe in Jesus Christ. This grace is amazing and, as Christians, we respond with thankful hearts.
(See John 3:6-8 and Ephesians 2:1-9)
3. Through faith alone
Being right with God is through faith alone, and this faith is the gift of God. Salvation can never be the reward or result of any good works we do. The Christian life is a life of faith. (See Ephesians 2:8, 9)
4. In Christ alone
Our salvation is accomplished by the work of Christ alone. His sinless life and His death in our place are enough to make us right with God and to achieve reconciliation to Him. Christians love the Lord Jesus and place their faith in Him alone for salvation.
(See 1 Peter3:18)
5. For the glory of God alone
God is the creator of all things and by His will all things exist. Consequently, God alone is worthy of glory and honor. As Christians, we live for His glory in all that we do.
(See 1 Corinthians 10:31; Revelation 4:11)