Pastor Joel & Gretchen McLaughlin
A Relevant, Scripture Based Message for Life in Today's World.
Join Us This Week
"When I speak at Venture Church, my goal is to bring you the gospel - God's word - through a relevant and useful message. In a way which teaches us the importance of a Christian life-style and how it applies to your daily devotion to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday and shaking your hand."
- Pastor Joel
Receive The Weekly Message
Each week, I send a brief message about happenings at Venture Church including church events, insight into the upcoming sermon, updates on weekly ministries and church members. I hope you will feel called to stay "in the know" about Venture Church.
What We Believe
Venture Church is a non-denominational church who believe that our eternal salvation lies in our Savior Jesus Christ.
God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Scripture References:
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Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22
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Psalm 90:2
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Matthew 28:19
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1 Peter 1:2
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2 Corinthians 13:14
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 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 a 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 earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Scripture References:
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Matthew 1:22, 23
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Isaiah 9:6
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John 1:1-5; 14:10-30
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Hebrews 4:14,15
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1 Corinthians 15:3,4
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Romans 1:3,4
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Acts 1:9-11
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1 Timothy 6:14,15
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Titus 2:13
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. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
Scripture References:
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2 Corinthians 3:17
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John 16:7-13, 14:16,17
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Acts 1:8
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1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16
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Ephesians 1:13
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Galatians 5:25
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Ephesians 5:18
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 any mixture of error.
Scripture References:
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2 Timothy 3:16
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2 Peter 1:20,21
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2 Timothy 1:13;
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Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6
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Proverbs 30:5
Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
Scripture References:
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Genesis 1:27
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Psalm 8:3-6
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Isaiah 53:6
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Romans 3:23
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Isaiah 59:1, 2
Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Scripture References:
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Romans 6:23
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Ephesians 2:8,9
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John 14:6, 1:12
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Titus 3:5
Sanctification
Sanctification is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin and live unto righteousness. Through sanctifying grace our dispositions are being transformed so that one spontaneously loves good and resists evil. God the Spirit is enabling the human self to will the greater good.
Scripture References:
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John 14:16-7
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Romans 12:1-2
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1 Galatians 5:22-25
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Thessalonians 5:23-24
Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
Scripture References:
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John 3:16
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John 14:17
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Romans 6:23
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Romans 8:17-18