Frequently Asked Questions:

What is an Independent Christian Church?

LifeStream Christian is an Independent Christian Church. While independent churches work in cooperation with other congregations in supporting Missions, Bible Colleges, and other ventures, they are independent of denominational affiliation and other outside control. On a practical level that means we choose our own leaders and with the Bible as our authority, make all of our decisions on the local level. Historically, LifeStream is connected to the Restoration Movement; the goal of the movement being to “restore” the church to the description and pattern described in the Bible.

What is Baptism? Why does LifeStream Immerse?

Baptism is a transliteration of the Greek word “baptizo” which means to “dip.” The actual meaning of the word is bolstered by the symbolism that baptism is intended to employ. Romans 6:1-4 describes the symbolism. “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Baptism is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus; through baptism we are identified with Jesus in His sacrifice and are “born again” into a new life and relationship with God

What is Communion? Why take it every Sunday?

Communion reminds us of just how much God loves us. Received rightly, the unleavened bread and grape juice that make up communion serve as a picture of our Lord’s sacrifice. The Apostle Paul tells us in I Corinthians 11:23-26 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. We offer communion every week because it is believed that was the pattern of the early church and because communion helps us to better focus our hearts and minds as we worship God.

What is Tithing? How's it Different than an Offering?

Our God is exceedingly generous and He requires that we honor Him according to His generosity. Sometimes we forget that we are entirely dependent upon God for our wellbeing. In Deuteronomy 8:17-18 we are told, You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth… The word “tithe” means “one tenth” and refers to the first 10% of one’s gross income. The tithe was, and most agree is, the portion God claims for Himself. Giving a tithe is our act of remembering just how much God has provided and obedience in returning to Him the portion He calls His own. An offering is different than a tithe in that it is above and beyond the tithe and a matter of a choice t hat is born out of a spirit of praise, generosity and love for God and the work that He calls us to do.

Why are there Different Versions Of The Bible? Which does LifeStream Use?

The word “version” refers to the various translations of the ancient texts. Over the years there have been many fine translations that have managed to combine accuracy with readability. New translations are always in the works, not because the scriptures have changed, but because language does. While members of the LifeStream family are free to use whatever translation best meets their needs we encourage careful scrutiny. Some translations are very easy to read but not as true to the original text. Generally, for the purpose of teaching and preaching we use the New International Version of the Bible.

What do you mean when you talk about the "Church Family"?

The Bible refers to those who have accepted Jesus as being a family; we are called God’s children, brothers and sisters in Christ and God’s household. The phrase “church family” reminds us of our special relationship and how we are to care for and love each other: Being a part of the church family means that we accept and embrace each other, blemishes and all. It is an endearing term that gives practical expression to the love that God has shown to us. God expects His family to be a safe place where people with hurts can be healed and people with sin can be forgiven.