Lighting the way
By Angela Randazzo Special to the Acorn

THE FUNDAMENTALS- Lighthouse Bible Church, founded two years ago, is at 4910 Cochran St. in Simi Valley. The pastor, Rev. Roger Willis, left, and his congregation of 300 believe in a literal heaven and hell, places of "eternal bliss and joy" and "eternal separation from God and punishment for all who reject him."

Questions of faith (answered by Rev. Willis):

What is the purpose of life?

Mankind was made to glorify God and enjoy him forever.

What must humankind do to get into heaven?

Jesus Christ said, "I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except by me."

What is your belief in heaven or hell?

Jesus Christ in the Bible teaches of a literal heaven and a literal hell. Heaven is place of eternal bliss and joy in the presence of God. Hell is a place of eternal separation from God and punishment for all who reject him.

What is the role of the church in the community?

Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount tells us that we are to be "salt" and "light." We are to show the way to salvation, deliverance from sin and to life eternal. We are also to be a preservative to our society.

Photos by IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers

What is the church's view on gay rights and abortion?

The Bible condemns and forbids both of these in the Old Testament and Jesus Christ reaffirms this position in the New Testament. The good news is that both can be repented of, and forgiveness given.

Women's role in the church?

"God's Word tells us that women play a very important role in the home, in society and in the church. However, God has given different roles for men and women. Men and women are equal but different."

What is your view on ecology issues?

"In the beginning God gave mankind responsibility to manage creation. After the flood, he reiterated the commandment. Man is over creation and is to maintain and use it wisely. We are not to worship the creation, but only the Creator."