JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER
At The River Ukiah, we hold to the timeless truths of Scripture with both conviction and compassion. Our beliefs shape how we live, how we love, and how we follow Jesus together as a church
family. Below is a summary of the core doctrines we affirm.
family. Below is a summary of the core doctrines we affirm.
The Bible
We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It reveals God’s heart, His character, and His plan for humanity. Scripture is our final authority in all matters of faith and life.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 • Hebrews 4:12 • Psalm 119:105
2 Timothy 3:16–17 • Hebrews 4:12 • Psalm 119:105
God (The Trinity)
We believe in one God who exists eternally in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is perfect in love, holy in all His ways, and sovereign over all creation.
Deuteronomy 6:4 • Matthew 28:19 • 2 Corinthians 13:14
Deuteronomy 6:4 • Matthew 28:19 • 2 Corinthians 13:14
Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully God and fully man. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, ascended to the Father, and will return again. Salvation is found in Him alone.
John 1:1–14 • Colossians 1:15–20 • 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
John 1:1–14 • Colossians 1:15–20 • 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit draws people to Jesus, transforms hearts, empowers believers, gives spiritual gifts, and produces godly character within us. We also believe Jesus continues to baptize believers in the Holy Spirit today—an empowering experience that deepens our walk with God, increases boldness, and equips us for ministry and witness. This baptism is a gift of grace that glorifies Jesus and builds up the Church.
Acts 1:8 • John 14:26 • Galatians 5:22–23 • 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 • Acts 2:1–4
Acts 1:8 • John 14:26 • Galatians 5:22–23 • 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 • Acts 2:1–4
Salvation
We believe every person has sinned and is in need of God’s grace. Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ—by grace, through faith—resulting in forgiveness, new life, and reconciliation with God.
Ephesians 2:8–9 • Romans 3:23–25 • John 3:16–17
Ephesians 2:8–9 • Romans 3:23–25 • John 3:16–17
Humanity
We believe every person is created in the image of God with dignity, value, and purpose. Because of sin, humanity is broken, but through Christ, God restores and makes us whole.
Genesis 1:26–27 • Romans 5:12–19 • Psalm 139:13–16
Genesis 1:26–27 • Romans 5:12–19 • Psalm 139:13–16
Christian Living & Sanctification
We believe followers of Jesus are called to grow in spiritual maturity, obedience, and holiness—empowered by the Holy Spirit and shaped through Scripture, community, and discipleship. The Spirit leads us daily, forming Christlike character, helping us walk in love, humility, integrity, and purity. Holiness is not about perfection, but about becoming more like Jesus in
every area of life.
Romans 12:1–2 • Galatians 5:16 • 1 Peter 1:15–16
every area of life.
Romans 12:1–2 • Galatians 5:16 • 1 Peter 1:15–16
Spiritual Gifts
We believe the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to every believer for the strengthening of the Church and the mission of Jesus. These gifts—including wisdom, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation—are given as the Spirit wills. We pursue the gifts eagerly, exercise them humbly, and use them in love so that Jesus is honored and the Church is built up.
1 Corinthians 12:4–11 • Romans 12:4–8 • 1 Corinthians 14:1,12
1 Corinthians 12:4–11 • Romans 12:4–8 • 1 Corinthians 14:1,12
Divine Healing
We believe that Jesus still heals today. Through prayer, faith, and the laying on of hands, we ask God to bring healing and restoration. We trust His timing, His wisdom, and His goodness. Jesus is our Healer, our Comforter, and our hope.
Isaiah 53:4–5 • Matthew 8:16–17 • James 5:14–16
Isaiah 53:4–5 • Matthew 8:16–17 • James 5:14–16
The Church
We believe the Church is the body of Christ on earth, made up of believers from every generation and culture. We are called to gather, grow, serve, and share the gospel with our
community and world.
Ephesians 4:11–16 • Acts 2:42–47 • Matthew 28:18–20
community and world.
Ephesians 4:11–16 • Acts 2:42–47 • Matthew 28:18–20
Water Baptism
We believe water baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus—an outward expression of an inward transformation. It symbolizes our union with Christ: dying to our old life, being buried with Him, and rising into new life.
Romans 6:3–4 • Acts 2:38 • Matthew 28:19
Romans 6:3–4 • Acts 2:38 • Matthew 28:19
Communion
We believe Communion is a sacred moment of remembrance where we reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, celebrate His grace, and proclaim His victory until He returns. We approach the table with humility, gratitude, and unity.
1 Corinthians 11:23–26 • Luke 22:19–20
1 Corinthians 11:23–26 • Luke 22:19–20
Biblical Marriage
We believe that marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God to be a lifelong union between one man and one woman. Scripture teaches that God created humanity male and female and established marriage as a “one flesh” relationship that reflects Christ’s love for His Church. We honor God’s design for marriage and sexuality with both conviction and compassion.
Genesis 2:24 • Matthew 19:4–6 • Ephesians 5:23–33 • Matthew 19:6 • Ephesians 5:31 • Romans 1:26-27 • 1 Corinthians 7:2-7
Genesis 2:24 • Matthew 19:4–6 • Ephesians 5:23–33 • Matthew 19:6 • Ephesians 5:31 • Romans 1:26-27 • 1 Corinthians 7:2-7
Gender & Human Identity
We believe God intentionally created humanity as male and female, both equal in value and dignity. Gender is part of God’s design, not merely a cultural idea, and is given by Him at creation. Our truest identity is found in Christ.
Genesis 1:27 • Psalm 139:13–16 • Matthew 19:4
Genesis 1:27 • Psalm 139:13–16 • Matthew 19:4
Sexuality
We believe God designed sexual intimacy as a good and sacred gift to be expressed within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. Any sexual activity outside that covenant falls outside God’s design. We welcome every person to pursue Jesus and find hope, healing, and transformation in Him.
1 Corinthians 6:18–20 • Hebrews 13:4 • Romans 1:24–27
1 Corinthians 6:18–20 • Hebrews 13:4 • Romans 1:24–27
The Second Coming Eternity
We believe Jesus will return as He promised, bringing final justice, restoration, and eternal hope. Believers will live forever with God, and He will make all things new. We also believe every person will stand before God in final judgment—those who belong to Christ will enter eternal life, and those who reject Him will face eternal separation from Him.
Revelation 21:1–5 • 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 • Matthew 25:31–46
Revelation 21:1–5 • 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 • Matthew 25:31–46
Heaven
We believe Heaven is the eternal home of all who trust in Jesus—where there is no more pain, sorrow, or death, and where we will see Jesus face to face.
John 14:1–3 • Revelation 21:1–4
John 14:1–3 • Revelation 21:1–4
Hell
We believe hell is a real place of eternal separation from God, described in Scripture as a place of judgment and sorrow. We speak of this truth with humility and urgency, knowing God desires all people to come to repentance and life.
Matthew 13:41–42 • Revelation 20:11–15 • 2 Peter 3:9
Matthew 13:41–42 • Revelation 20:11–15 • 2 Peter 3:9
Evangelism & Mission
We believe every follower of Jesus is called to participate in God’s mission—to share the gospel, make disciples, serve the hurting, and shine the light of Christ in everyday life. Until Jesus returns, we are committed to reaching people locally and globally.
Matthew 28:18–20 • Mark 16:15 • Acts 1:8
Matthew 28:18–20 • Mark 16:15 • Acts 1:8
Generosity, Tithes, & Offerings
We believe everything we have comes from God and belongs to Him. As an act of worship, we joyfully and sacrificially give to support the work of the Church and the spread of the gospel. We affirm the biblical practice of tithing and cheerful giving as expressions of trust, obedience, and gratitude.
Malachi 3:10 • 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 • Luke 6:38
Malachi 3:10 • 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 • Luke 6:38
our heart
In all these beliefs, we desire to hold truth with humility and people with grace. Everyone is welcome here as we pursue Jesus together and experience the life-changing love of God.
