370,000 members across 1,500 churches Formed in 1950 as an association of churches Branched off from Lutheranism in the US in the 17th century – Scandinavian roots (Sweden, Norway, and Denmark) Fleeing the state church; hence the name “Free”
Faith in Christ Fellowship, Oak Grove, with thanks to Pastor John Jones 18 in Kansas City and the surrounding communities Grace Evangelical Free Church – w/thanks to Pastor Paul Langmade
Justification by grace Focus on the life of Christ through faith in Jesus and becoming like Him Christ Following and Obedience “To Know Him and Make Him Known” – Grace’s mission statement “Sharing the Hope of Eternal Life while building Christ-Centered Lives” – Faith’s mission statement
Scripture (OT and NT) Scripture (OT and NT) Hold to Sola Scriptura
“Sound Christian doctrine must be coupled with dynamic Christian
experience.” – EFCA brochure
Biblical Trinity Biblical Trinity
Incarnation Incarnation Both God and man Both God and man
Redemption Redemption Reconciliation Reconciliation Vicarious Vicarious Satisfaction/Atonement Satisfaction/Atonement Savior Savior
Fallen sinners in need of Fallen sinners in need of redemption, of salvation redemption, of salvation Original sin Original sin Bondage of the Will Bondage of the Will Total depravity Total depravity
Ephesians 2:8-9 Some decision theology Grace Alone Altar calls – not all churches Faith Alone A “born again experience” “We are justified by ‘God’s grace through faith alone in Christ alone.’ But this faith is an active, living faith. Saving faith is the root while living faith is the flower.” – EFCA membership manual
A means of grace Ordinances Commanded by Christ Symbols With a visible element Baptism Baptism Lord’s Supper Lord’s Supper No term for it, but they Absolution hold immediate grace
Points you to the means of 1 John 5:11-13 grace: Examine the heart to see if Baptism they’re in the faith Lord’s Supper “Who do you say that I Absolution am?” Not based on you or your What has Jesus done for works, but on God and you? what He has done for you.
Church as the Body of Christ Church as the Body of Christ Visible and invisible church Mixture of Congregational Marks of the Church – and Presbyter polity – Preaching and the governed by congregation, sacraments led by elders One divinely instituted Also have deacons office – the Preaching Office or the Office of the Keys Auxiliary offices are rooted in the Office
Life after Death Life after Death Bodily Resurrection Bodily Resurrection Amillennial Premillennial Some amillennial
Role of Women in the Role of Women in the Church Church Age of the earth Age of the earth Abortion Abortion In Vitro Fertilization In Vitro Fertilization Cohabitation Cohabitation Same-sex Marriage Same-sex Marriage