Lakeland Bible Church

Current Issues

Biblical Hermeneutics
We use the historical, grammatical method of biblical interpretation. We believe that the words used in Scripture should be understood according to their normal usage in every day language and the truth intended by the inspired author. We do not interpret a portion of Scripture allegorically unless the passage itself indicates allegorical meaning.

Free Grace
We believe in the freeness of God's grace and therefore use the term, "Free Grace" often and naturally to express our interest in making sure that it becomes associated with a broad group of Pastors. Christian scholars. evangelists, missionaries, and other communicators.

Scripture Translations
We believe in the word-by-word inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures, as written in the original manuscripts, now lost but existing in verifiable extant copies. We further believe that since the time those manuscripts were written and formed into an accepted canon, many good translations have been produced in English and in other languages. Lakeland Bible Church does not give specific endorsement to any one particular English language translation of the Scriptures. We encourage careful study of problem passages where controversy may exist.

The Lostness of Those Who Have Never Heard the Gospel
We believe that those who have never heard or accepted the "good news" that Jesus died for their sins are hopelessly lost. Their lostness is due to their sinful condition (an inherent old sin nature) and the fact that they have never believed on Christ as savior (john 3:18). There is only one way they can be saved - by hearing the Gospel and believing in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. We recognize the urgency of worldwide missionary evangelism under the blessing of God so that the lost may be saved.

The Doctrine of Salvation
Salvation is by the grace of God, by faith alone, in Christ alone. We believe that this salvation in Christ is the result of His finished work and is therefore apart from any good works on the part of any person or any commitment by that person to future good works. We believe that the death of Jes8us Christ paid for the sins of all mankind and that His sacrificial death was sufficient to save all who will believe.

The Sin Nature and Sanctification
We believe every Christian receives a new nature at the time of salvation, but because the Christian still has a sinful nature, there is an ongoing, constant struggle with sin. The Christian who walks in the Spirit will find daily victory in this struggle through the enablement of the Holy Spirit.