Our Beliefs at Highwaves Church

The practice of tithing is seen from the earliest moments in Scripture and remains a biblical principle for believers today. The first time "tithe" is mentioned is in the story of Abram, who gave a tenth of all he had to Melchizedek, priest of the Most High God (Genesis 14:20). Later, Jacob made a similar vow to honor God with a tenth of his increase (Genesis 28:20-22). Under the law of Moses, God further established that a tenth of all the land’s produce belongs to Him and is considered holy (Leviticus 27:30). Tithing is not just a practice—it carries a promise. God invites His people to trust Him with their resources: “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” – Malachi 3:10 (NKJV) At Highwaves Church, we embrace all forms of biblical giving. Each has its place and purpose as part of our worship and partnership with God. Tithe: A tithe is the first tenth (10%) of one’s income and is not considered a gift but a return of what already belongs to God. Tithing expresses trust, obedience, and covenant with the Lord. Malachi 3:10 (NKJV) Offering: An offering is what you give in addition to your tithe. It comes from a willing heart and is a reflection of generosity. “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully… for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NKJV First Fruits: This type of giving is a joyful expression of gratitude, especially during times of increase like a raise, bonus, or new opportunity. It honors God as the source of all blessings. Deuteronomy 26:1-5 Almsgiving: Giving to the poor, also known as almsgiving, reflects God’s heart for the vulnerable and those in need. “He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.” – Proverbs 28:27 (NKJV) Sacrificial Giving: This form of giving stretches beyond comfort. It’s not about what’s convenient but what truly costs something. It reveals where our treasure and heart truly are. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21 (NKJV) Honoring Spiritual Leaders: Scripture encourages believers to bless and honor those who minister spiritually. Doing so brings reward and aligns us with biblical examples of hospitality and generosity. 2 Kings 4:9-10, Matthew 25:40 Partnership with Traveling Ministries: Supporting evangelistic or traveling ministries is a biblical practice. By doing so, believers align themselves with the mission of spreading the gospel and often experience increase in their own lives. Luke 8:1-3, Philippians 4:11-19, 2 Kings 4

We believe the Bible, as the inspired and flawless Word of God, stands as the ultimate and unquestionable authority on all matters of faith, morality, and how we are called to live. It shapes every doctrine, value, and principle we uphold as a church, and it serves as the foundation for all we believe and teach.

Human life is sacred because it is the creation of God, formed in His own image. From the moment of conception to natural death, every life carries immeasurable value. This includes the unborn, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and all others regardless of age, ability, or stage of life. As followers of Christ, we are called to honor, protect, and advocate for life in every form. Psalm 139

Marriage is a covenant that God Himself designed—a holy union between one biological man and one biological woman. Highwaves Church will recognize and perform weddings that align with this biblical design. Our pastors, ministers, and staff will only officiate marriages between one man and one woman. Likewise, all church facilities and future properties will be used exclusively for ceremonies and events that reflect this definition of marriage.

We believe that God creates each person intentionally as male or female. These two distinct and complementary sexes are part of His divine design and reflect His image. Genesis 1:26-27 Denying or attempting to change one’s biological sex is seen as a rejection of God’s purpose and image within that individual. Marriage, as described in Scripture, is the lifelong union of one man and one woman. Genesis 2:18-25 Sexual intimacy is a gift from God, intended to be experienced within the boundaries of this covenant relationship. Any sexual activity outside of a biblical marriage—including adultery, fornication, homosexual acts, bisexual behavior, incest, bestiality, and the consumption of pornography—is contrary to God’s will. 1 Corinthians 6:18; 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4; Matthew 15:18-20; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 For the spiritual and moral integrity of Highwaves Church, we ask that all staff members, ministry leaders, and volunteers affirm and live in agreement with this position on marriage, gender, and sexuality. Our goal is not just policy but faithfulness to Christ and His Word. Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:22 We also believe in God’s power to restore. Anyone who turns from sin and seeks forgiveness through Jesus Christ can experience true redemption and transformation. Acts 3:19-21; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Finally, we believe every human being—regardless of background, beliefs, or behavior—deserves to be treated with love, compassion, respect, and dignity. There is no room for hate or harassment in the life of a believer. Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31

We believe that the physical gathering of believers is a vital part of the Christian faith and mission. Scripture clearly instructs the Church to come together regularly for worship, teaching, fellowship, and the preaching of the Gospel. Meeting in person allows us to carry out key biblical practices such as laying hands in prayer, rejoicing in song, celebrating baptisms, and expressing joyful praise through dancing and shouting. Whether in times of peace or crisis, indoors or outdoors, with few or many in attendance, we are committed to gathering as the Church of Jesus Christ. Our gatherings are shaped by Scripture, not by cultural trends or government mandates regarding clothing, masks, medical procedures, or devices that are not outlined in the Word of God. Zephaniah 2:1, Mark 2:27, Hebrews 10:25

The Word of God We believe the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God. It is the final and highest authority for faith and life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 The Triune God We believe in one God who exists eternally in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 1 John 5:7 The Person of Jesus Christ We believe Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. We affirm His virgin birth, sinless life, miraculous works, substitutionary death, bodily resurrection, ascension, and ongoing ministry as our High Priest. 1 Timothy 3:16, Romans 3:25-26 The Mission of the Church We are called to actively share the Gospel with passion, locally and globally. Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15-18 Salvation by Grace We believe salvation comes through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. It is by grace, through faith, and kept by the power of God. Hebrews 9:22, Jude 24-25 Holiness and Sanctification God’s will is for His Church—the Bride of Christ—to walk in holiness, victory, and spiritual maturity. Ephesians 5:25-27 Sexual Purity We believe in living according to biblical standards of purity. This means abstaining from sexual immorality, including adultery, fornication, homosexuality, incest, and other acts forbidden in Scripture. Romans 1:26-27, Hebrews 13:4, 1 Corinthians 6:18, Leviticus 18 Biblical Marriage Marriage is a covenant established by God between one man and one woman for life. Matthew 19:4-6 Water Baptism Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Christ and a symbol of the believer’s new life. Acts 10:47-48 Baptism by Immersion We practice water baptism by immersion, representing our identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Matthew 28:19, Romans 6:4 The Holy Spirit and His Gifts We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as experienced on the day of Pentecost, and in the ongoing work of the Spirit through spiritual gifts, offices, and fruit in the believer's life. Acts 2:4, 10:46, 19:6; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11; Galatians 5:22-23 Healing Through Christ We believe that divine healing is available today and made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:24, Matthew 8:17 The Blessed Hope We believe in the pre-tribulation rapture of the Church, where believers will be caught up to meet the Lord before His second coming. 1 Thessalonians 5:9, Revelation 3:10