Who We Are

The Church of the Nazarene

We are part of a global Christian family. While there are many different churches and traditions, we all share a common faith in Jesus. The Church of the Nazarene is one part of that bigger story.

Our denomination officially began in 1908, growing out of a movement that focused on helping people experience a real, life-changing relationship with God.

What We Care About

One word you might hear here is “holiness.” That word can sound confusing, but it’s actually pretty simple.

To be “holy” means to be set apart for something meaningful.

In our case, it means living a life centered on God—knowing Him, loving Him, and letting that relationship shape how we live and treat others.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about growing in love, purpose, and integrity with God’s help.

There are many things people chase in life—success, money, recognition. We believe the most meaningful life is one that puts God first and is rooted in His love.

Our Church

Marietta First is part of a larger network of Nazarene churches in Georgia and around the world.

Today, there are millions of Nazarenes worshiping in thousands of churches across more than 160 countries. While cultures and styles may differ, the heart is the same: helping people know Jesus and grow in their faith.

What is a Nazarene?

Being a Nazarene means we’re rooted in historic Christian beliefs, with a few key emphases:

Following Jesus
We look to the life and teachings of Jesus as our example for how to live and love others.

The Bible Matters
We believe the Bible helps guide our faith and everyday life.

Grace, Not Earning It
We believe a relationship with God is a gift. You don’t have to earn it by being “good enough”—it begins with trust.

Freedom to Choose
We believe God gives people the freedom to choose Him. Your decisions matter, and everyone is invited into a relationship with God.

Faith That Changes How We Live
Faith isn’t just something we believe—it shapes how we live. With God’s help, we grow into people who love others well and live with purpose.

What We Believe About…

  • God created everything and is in charge of it all. He exists in three ways: as the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. These are not three different gods, but one God experienced in three persons.

    Genesis 1:1; Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3″22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

  • Jesus is the Son of God and is equal with God the Father. He lived a perfect, sinless life. He died on a cross to take the punishment for the wrong things people have done. Three days later, He came back to life, showing His power over sin and death.

    He later returned to heaven and will come back again one day to rule as King over everything.

    Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13

  • The Holy Spirit is God present and active in the world today. He helps people recognize their need for Jesus.

    When someone becomes a Christian, the Holy Spirit lives in them. He gives guidance, strength to live rightly, and helps them understand spiritual things. He also gives each believer unique abilities to help others and strengthen the church.

    I Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; Romans 12:3-8; I Corinthians 2:12; I Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18

  • The Bible is God’s message to people. It was written by human authors, but Christians believe God guided them.

    It is the main source for understanding what Christians believe and how they should live.

    2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160; Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

  • People are made in God’s image, meaning they reflect aspects of who He is. Humans were created with great value and potential.

    However, everyone has chosen to go their own way at times—this is called “sin.” Sin separates people from God and leads to brokenness in life.

    Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2

  • Salvation means being forgiven and restored in relationship with God. It is a free gift, not something you can earn by being a good person.

    It comes through trusting in Jesus and what He did. When someone turns away from living only for themselves and puts their trust in Him, they begin a new life.

    Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; John 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

  • Being a Christian starts with faith, but it also involves ongoing change. Over time, a person learns to follow Jesus more closely in their daily life.

    This includes choosing to live in a way that reflects God’s character, with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. This process is often called spiritual growth.

    I Thessalonians 4:1-8; John 17:17; I Peter 1:2; Ephesians 5:26; Romans 12:1-2

  • People are created to live forever. The Bible teaches that each person will either live forever with God or be separated from Him.

    Living with God is described as eternal life (heaven), while separation from God is described as hell. Both are understood as real and lasting.

    John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9