Vance Bible Church is an independent Bible Church. We are not connected with any councils or groups. We are a church that believes in the

Inspiration of Scripture and the Great Commission, which tells us to go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus has given the local church the authority to be the local church that Jesus first established two thousand years ago. We believe that we answer to our Lord for building, growing, and evangelizing as Jesus commanded us.

Our church is controlled by the Scriptures and the guidelines set down in the New Testament. We have a leadership in our church that re

cognizes that the final authority for all decisions is the Word of God. In that regard we have yearly business meetings for the congregation to approve the church budget and to vote on church officers for the year (Treasurer, etc).

We believe that the local church is the place where we teach and preach the Word of God so that God’s peop

le can grow to be the believer’s that God is pleased with in their lives.

In Ephesians 4:11-16 the Apostle Paul gave to us the layout of the local church. He tells us that gave literally, pastor/teachers to perfect the believers. This word perfecting in verse 12  ( For the perfecting of the saints…) means to be mended or to useable for the work of ministry. Then in verse 13 Paul tells us to keep giving the Word to God’s people so that they will be “perfect”. This second word perfect is a different word in the original language of the New Testament. It means to help people to become “MATURE” in their faith. ” Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;” Ephesians 4:13.

The purpose is so that God’s people will know what the Bible teaches and not be deceived by false teaching that is so prevalent today on radio and Television. In verse 14 it says that we do not want God’s people pushed around by every wind of doctrine or teaching. “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the

sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, by which they lie in wait to deceive;” Ephesians 4:14.

Verse 15 is one of favorite verses that deals with how God wants to ultimately be as His people on the earth. ” But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, who is the head, even Christ;” Ephesians 4:15. This verse is important because it shows us the BALANCE we need in the Christian life. Note it says speak the TRUTH in LOVE. If we are only concerned about truth, we will have a tendency to be legalistic. If we major just on love we will tend to be very lenient. The goal is to have a balance of BOTH. If we are concerned about both truth and love, it will balance our lives. Hopefully to live as Christ lived. I believe as never before we need more balanced believers in a world that sees very little balance but rather often only sees extremes.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

The Bible– We believe that the Bible is the very Word of God. It has both the answers for eternity and for life in this world.

The Blood– We believe that the blood of Jesus Christ paid for the sins of the World.  “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission (forgiveness) of sins.” Hebrews 9:22.

The New Birth– We believe that “except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. Anyone trusting in Jesus Christ alone as his Savior, realizing Jesus died for his sin on the cross and rose again from the dead, is a child of God.

The Blessed Hope– We believe that Jesus is  coming again. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.We are assured that one day Jesus will come again and take us to heaven, “And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” 1 John 2:28.

The Balanced Life– We believe that the Christian life is one of balance. Ephesians 4:15 tells us to “speak the truth in love, that we may grow up into him in all things…”.  Only truth gives a legalistic life. Only love gives a licentious lifestyle. The bible says we need a lifestyle based on both Truth and Love. that lifestyle creates a balance. We desire to teach God’s people how to have that BALANCE.