Our Beliefs

Our Beliefs

Our Beliefs

Rooted in Christ. Lived out in love.

At Third Church, our faith shapes how we worship, care for one another, and serve our neighbors. We believe questions are welcome, growth is a journey, and knowing God changes how we live.

Our core beliefs are expressed in the Apostles’ Creed, a statement of Christian faith shared across generations. Here is what those beliefs mean in everyday language.

What We Believe

God: Our Creator and Father

  • We believe in one God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • God created heaven, earth, and everything in them.
  • God is almighty, loving, and faithful. We can trust God with our lives.

Jesus Christ: Our Savior and Lord

  • Jesus Christ is God’s only Son, our Savior and Lord.
  • He became human through the power of the Holy Spirit and was born of the virgin Mary.
  • Jesus shows us who God is and teaches us how to love God and our neighbors.

Jesus’ Death and Resurrection: Our Hope

  • Jesus suffered under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. He was crucified, died, and was buried.
  • He fully entered death. The creed’s phrase “he descended to hell” expresses the depth of his suffering and his entering the realm of the dead.
  • On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead, overcoming sin and death.
  • Through Jesus, we receive forgiveness, a restored relationship with God, and the hope of new life.

Jesus’ Reign and Return

  • Jesus ascended into heaven and reigns with God the Father in power and authority.
  • He will return to judge the living and the dead.
  • We trust that evil will not have the final word. Our future is in God’s hands.

The Holy Spirit: God With Us

  • The Holy Spirit is present and active in our lives.
  • The Spirit helps us understand God’s Word, strengthens our faith, and guides us toward lives that reflect Jesus.
  • The Spirit gives us gifts to serve others and share God’s love.

The Church: One Family in Christ

  • The church is more than a building or a single congregation. It is the worldwide community of people who belong to Jesus Christ.
  • We are connected to believers across places and generations. This is what the creed calls the “communion of saints.”
  • We grow together through worship, prayer, learning, fellowship, and service.

Forgiveness and Everlasting Life

  • God offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ and calls us to forgive others.
  • We believe in the resurrection of the body: God’s promise of renewed life beyond death.
  • We believe in everlasting life with God. Death does not end the hope we have in Christ.

Our Faith in Action

Small church. Big heart. Making an impact. 💜🧡

We believe loving God includes loving our neighbors. Here in East Westwood, Cincinnati, we put that belief into practice through:

  • Children’s recreation and after-school support: Tutoring, free meals, games, and opportunities for school-age children to learn, play, and belong.
  • Hope Resource Center: Meals, household supplies, help connecting with criminal record expungement resources, and connections to agencies and other assistance.
  • Youth mentoring: Encouragement and guidance for young people from age 12 through high school graduation.
  • Community Garden: Teaching gardening skills and sharing free fruits and vegetables with our neighbors.

Every program is an opportunity to build relationships, care for people, and help our community thrive.

Serving God by serving ppl.

There’s a Place for You

Whether you are exploring faith, returning to church, or looking for a church family, you are welcome at Third Church. Come ask questions, grow with us, and discover ways to serve.

Sunday Worship • 11 AM
3358 McHenry Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225