History
While the vision for Living Stones Fellowship has been in the making for years, the vision became a reality in July of 2006 when two old friends met over Chinese food to discuss the potential for a new church plant in Grant County. From there God began to bring people into His plan and six months later, on December 10, 2006, Living Stones Fellowship held its first Sunday morning worship service.
As mentioned, Living Stones Fellowship is located in Grant County, Kentucky. Why Grant County? Location, location, location! Grant County is located on I-75. Williamstown, the county seat, is located roughly 45 miles from Lexington, Kentucky and 45 miles from Cincinnati, Ohio. Boone County, which borders Grant County to the North and Scott County, which borders Grant County to the South, were two of the top 100 fastest growing counties in the nation from July 1, 2004-July 1, 2005.
Growth is spilling out of these two counties and into Grant County. There are an estimated 25,000 people residing in Grant County and that number is quickly growing. Some of the fastest growth in the state is occurring in the Grant County area. We believe that the field is ripe and ready for harvest.
Beliefs
In essential beliefs, we have unity.
There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:4-6).
In nonessential beliefs, we have diversity.
Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions…each one of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way. The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God (Romans 14:1, 12-13, 22).
In all of our beliefs, we demonstrate love
If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2).
1.About God
There is only one living and true God. He is the Creator of the universe. He is all knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere. He exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are three, but are one God. As Father, God provides, loves, and freely offers grace to his children through faith in His one and only Son, Jesus Christ.
Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 6:33, 28:19; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 13:4; 1 Peter 1:2
2.About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is one with the Father. He was born of a virgin and lived a sinless human life. He offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. After three days, He arose from the dead as a demonstration of His power over sin and death. A short time later, He ascended into Heaven and will return again someday.
Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23, 16:15-16; John 1:1-5; 14:10; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:3, 4:15
3.About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is one with the Father and the Son. He lives inside of the believer from the moment of salvation. The Holy Spirit convicts men of their sins and makes them aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He gives the Christian freedom, power, guidance and understanding. He gives spiritual gifts for carrying out the work of the church.
John 14:16-17, 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16, 12:4, 7-11; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13
4.About the Bible
The Bible was written by human beings and is the inspired Word of God. It is without error and is the source of wisdom and absolute truth. The Bible is living and active. It is the historical revelation of God's activity for humanity, the authority of God to teach, guide, correct, train, and save.
Psalm 12:6, 119:105; Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 4:4, 7:24-25; Luke 9:26; John 6:68; 1 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21
5.About Human Beings
Human Beings are made in the image of God. Human Beings are the supreme objects of God's creation. All humans, however, are sinful and our sin separates us from God.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6, 59:1-2; Romans 3:23
6.About Salvation
Salvation is God reconciling humanity to Himself. Salvation is not by works. Salvation is made possible by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a free gift from God and is available to all those who will accept it. Once salvation occurs, it can never be taken away or lost. The person who receives salvation through faith in Christ will spend eternity with God in Heaven. The person who does not will spend eternity separated from God in Hell.
John 1:12, 3:16, 10:28-29, 14:6; Romans 5:1, 6:23, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 John 5:11-12; Revelation 20:15
7.About Baptism
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change and commitment that has occurred in the life of a believer. Baptism pictures Christ's death and resurrection through immersion into water. It is not a means of salvation.
Acts 2:41, 18:8; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12
8.About Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is a symbolic remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. The bread and cup represent the body and blood of Christ. The Lord's Supper is for those who have accepted Christ as Savior and Lord.
Luke 22:19-20; Acts 2:42, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
9.About Church
The church is the body of Christ. The church is made up of believers who have different spiritual gifts and fulfill various roles. Responsibilities of the church include: worship, prayer, discipleship, fellowship, ministry and evangelism.
Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 27-28; Ephesians 1:22-23
*For a more in depth understanding of what it is that we believe please see the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message (www.sbc.net/bfm/bfm2000.asp).
