We believe that we should demonstrate love for others, not only toward fellow believers but also toward both those who are not believers and those who oppose us. We are to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently, patiently, and humbly. God forbids the stirring up of strife, the taking of revenge, or the threat or the use of violence as a means of resolving personal conflict or obtaining personal justice. Although God commands us to abhor sinful actions, we are to love and pray for any person who engages in such sinful actions.
We believe every true Christian has the Holy Spirit with them and in them. The Holy Spirit gives each Christian spiritual gifts or abilities. However, we will not all have the same gifts and shouldn’t be expected to have the same gifts. (For example, we shouldn’t expect all Christians to speak in tongues).
What should be expected for Christians is that we all have and are all growing in the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These things are far better indicators of true Christlikeness than any other spiritual gift or ability.
Thus, we believe the “baptism of the Spirit” happens when one becomes a Christian, not at a later date or a subsequent “second-blessing.” But we do believe that believers should pursue a greater relationship with God, growing in service, gifting, passion, joy, and intimacy with God. We believe that smaller groups and gatherings like life groups are the best places for everyone to exercise their spiritual gifts, as the larger, church service gatherings necessitate more structure and order.
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References: Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34-35; Rom. 12:9-10, 17-21; 13:8-10; Phil. 2:2-4; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Titus 3:2; 1 John 3:17-18
We believe that women and men are spiritually equal in value, worth, and personhood before God, as all are made in the image and likeness of God. In Christ, all are empowered and gifted for ministry.
We also believe that in the home and in the church there are a couple of God-ordained, distinct, and spiritual functions for men and women. We believe the husband bears the responsibility before God to lead the home in a sacrificial and loving way, as Christ served the church. And likewise, qualified men are to be the primary spiritual leaders in the church as pastors and elders.
We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. Both parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline.
At River Valley, you will see men and women exercising their gifts everywhere in our church, including helping lead and share in our worship services under the direction of the campus pastor. In ministry, other than pastors and elders (and thus primary teachers), we believe that qualified men and women can and should serve in any other ministry role.
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References: Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5,12; Gen. 1:26-28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 1 Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; 1 Pet. 3:1-7
We believe that marriage is unique among all relationships in that it is set apart by God to signify to the world the relationship between His Son and His Bride, the Church. Therefore this bond is extraordinary among all human bonds, and the breaking of it, likewise. God hates divorce (Mal 2:16). He views marriage as a permanent life-long commitment between a man and a woman (Mk 10:6-9).
When it is impossible for a married couple to stay together, the Bible is very specific about two narrow concessions for divorce:
In both of these cases, however, forgiveness and reconciliation are always encouraged in an attempt to preserve and heal the marriage and family. We recognize that each marital conflict scenario is unique and should be handled on a case-by-case basis. This includes providing the appropriate protection, care, assistance, instruction and correction for those in crisis and/or abusive situations.
We believe that God’s forgiveness and healing are available to all who have repented of their participation in an unbiblical divorce.
References: Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-29; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thess. 4:18; Heb. 13:4
Everyone is welcome at River Valley Church. We believe that you matter to God regardless of who you are, what you’ve been through, or what you’ve done.
Sadly, we recognize that this hasn’t always been the case, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. We affirm that every person is made in the image of God and deserves dignity, respect, and love. We condemn any kind of hateful, derogatory language towards LGBTQ+ people, or anyone for that matter.
Additionally, we want to clearly and lovingly communicate what we believe. We hold to the historic, Christian teaching on sex and marriage. We believe that God has designed sex exclusively for marriage, between a woman and a man. Everything outside of this standard falls into what the Bible calls “sin”: including lust, pornography, polygamy, polyamory, promiscuity, same-sex sexual activity, or any other sexual behavior performed before or outside marriage.
We acknowledge that we’ve ALL fallen short of this standard. We’ve all sinned sexually in one way or another and that is why we all need the forgiveness, restoration, and new identity that only Jesus can give us. We hope River Valley will be a place where you can meet Jesus, who welcomes and transforms ALL who come to Him.
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Life is a miraculous gift from God to us and our world. It is a sacred outflowing of His breath, creating each one of us in His image.
We believe that human life begins as soon as egg and sperm unite, creating a unique genetic code distinct from that of the mother and father. As soon as this occurs, we believe that life needs to be protected, nurtured, and loved.
We also know that not all pregnancies are started willingly or are joyful celebrations. Even in such cases, we believe that all life has the right to live out God’s intended purpose. In these instances, we firmly believe that the mother needs to be surrounded by exceptional love and support. We believe that the only permissible time to end the life of an unborn child is when the life of the mother is at risk.
We also believe God’s compassionate forgiveness and healing are available to all who have repented of their participation in taking an unborn child’s life.
References: Gen. 1:27; 2:7; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; Lk. 1:44