Valley Real Life is a non-denominational Christian church located in the Spokane Valley in Eastern Washington State. We were founded in 2004 by our sister church Real Life Ministries in Post Falls, Idaho, and have operated independently ever since.
Valley Real Life is unified in the "major" things and allows for differing opinions in the "minor" things. Jesus said that the world would know that we are His because we are one. (John 17:21-22) We are people with many different backgrounds but all serving the same God. We are more interested in glorifying Him than arguing over non-salvation issues.
These are our non-negotiable statements of belief...
About the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without error. The Bible is infallible – inerrant – absolute truth. Where it speaks we listen. (Biblical references: II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20,21; II Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)
About The End Times
We believe there will be a literal return of Christ and a judgment day. Differing opinions on the book of Revelation aside, we believe the message is clear: God wins, Satan loses.
About Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through the forgiveness of our sins. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally with God is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places. (Bible references: John 3:16, 4:17; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; I Corinthians 2:7-9)
About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Biblical references: Genesis 1:1,26-27; 3:22, Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14)
About The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. (Biblical references: II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18; Galatians 5:25)
About Jesus
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, born of a virgin. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven’s glory and will return again someday to claim His own and take them to that same Heaven. (Biblical references: Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13.)
About the Leadership Model of the Church
Valley Real Life is a Christian church that has no denominational affiliation. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe the local church should be elder-governed and elder-lead.
About the Priesthood of Every Believer
"Christ loves us, and by his death He has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God." Rev. 1:6 (GN) "You are...the King's priest...God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God." 1 Peter 2:9 (GN) The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to "full-time" Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading. Every Christian is an evangelist as they share their faith with those around them by word and by action.
About Salvation
Salvation is God's free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sins by self-improvement or great works. We can only be saved by believing and trusting that Jesus' death on the cross was big enough to cover what we have done against God and others in action and thought. God's offer of forgiveness for our sins through Christ's death and resurrection means that anyone can be saved from sin's death penalty by placing their faith in Christ to be their Savior. When we do this, the Spirit of Christ helps us turn from our self-ruled life and turn to a life that is ruled by Jesus. This is evidenced by repentance, confession, baptism and a life committed to becoming characteristically more like Christ. (Biblical references: Romans 6:23, 5:1; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 3:9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26)
About Baptism
At Valley Real Life we teach that baptism is commanded and is a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the responsibility of every believer to participate in baptism out of obedience to Christ upon recognizing this truth. Baptism is also a membership requirement at Valley Real Life. (Biblical references: Romans 6:4; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38-41)
Through these beliefs we are able to accomplish the following purposes in unity as one team: