We believe that the cross is the starting point for each Christian. It is there that we come face-to-face with the overwhelming love of God that prompted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As Paul put it, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8, NIV).

The path of every believer meets and proceeds from the cross. There the price for our sins was completely paid. For each of us, faith's journey begins at the foot of that rugged, ancient symbol of redemption.

The content and guidelines of that faith are found in the Bible. Faith, however, is more than knowing what the Bible says and living out its dictums. Faith is also experience. A Christian not only knows Jesus' teachings, for instance, but makes a conscious decision of the will to permit Christ to live in his or her life.

With that commitment to Christ comes a deep feeling of peace that British theologian C. S. Lewis has described as being "surprised by joy!" The joy of the Lord is the peaceful inner assurance that God is with me and I am with God--because of Christ. The experience of God working in our lives to forgive and redeem us begins with confessing our sins and accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.