Our Statement Of Faith
What We Believe
The Essentials What We Believe:
1. ABOUT THE BIBLE
We believe the Bible is God's revelation to us about Himself. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holdy Spirit so that it is without error in the original manuscripts. The Bible is our supreme and final authority in faith and practice. (Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:16-21)
2. ABOUT GOD
We believe there is only one God who exists eternally in three persons, Father, Son, And Holy Spirit referred to as the trinity. These three persons are equal in power, and have the same attributes and characteristics. (Genesis 1:26; 17:1; Psalm 90:2; 139:7-12; 147:5; Isaiah 40:28; 44:6; 57:15; Malachi 3:6; Matthew 11:25; 28:19; Mark 12:29; John 8:41-59; 15:26; 16:13-14; 17:1; 8, 18, 23; Acts 5:3-4; Romans 15:6; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; 8:4; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 1:8, 12)
3. ABOUT GOD FATHER
We believe the Father is fully God and his fatherhood is personal and eternal. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and of all who believe in Christ (Genesis 1:1-2:3; Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 47:1-9; 139:1-12; Malachi 2:10; Matthew 11:26; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42; John 1:8-9; Acts 17:28; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:4-6; Titus 3:4-6)
4. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
We believe Jesus Christ is the only Son of God, equal with the Father. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless human life, and voluntarily atoned for the sins of all mankind by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead, physically demonstrating His power over sin and death, then ascended to God's throne where He currently acts as our advocate. One day He will personally and visibly return to reign as King of kings (John 1:14; 3:16-18; Rom. 3:24-26, 5:8-9; Rev. 20:1-10)
5. ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe the Holy Spirit is a person, fully God, equal with the Father and the Son. He moved the human authors of the Bible to write God's Word. The Holy Spirit makes people aware of their need for Jesus Christ and gives new life to all who place their faith in Him. The Spirit, who indwells believers, continues to comfort, empower, gift, guide, and unite them to fulfill the mission of the Church. (Titus 3:5; John 16:7, 8, 13; Acts 1:8, 5:3,4)
6. ABOUT CREATION
We believe that God is the Creator of all things visible and invisible. As people, we are created in the image of God, made for relationship with Him, with a capacity to make moral choices, and given the responsibility to manage creation. (Gen.1-2; John 1:3; Heb. 1:1-3)
7. ABOUT SIN
We believe that sin is a rejection of God's rule, beginning with the rebellion of Satan and followed by Adam and Eve's deliberate choice to disobey God. Because of sin everyone has fallen Short of God's will, creating a conflict with God, self, and others. The penalty for sin is physical and spiritual death. The atoning death of Christ is the only remedy for the sin of mankind. (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-10)
8. ABOUT SALVATION
We believe that salvation is a gift of God's grace received through personal repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As believers, we have assurance of salvation, forgiveness of sin, salvation from sin, reconciliation with God, and eternal life as we live in faith and obedience. (Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 5:24; Titus 3:5)
9. ABOUT DISCIPLESHIP
We believe that following Jesus as Lord in all of life means that the Christian life is characterized by love, integrity, purity, and simplicity. As believers, our commitment to Christ and the global church becomes the standard for discerning the level of participation in society and public service. (Matt. 4:16-22; Acts 11:26; 22:28; Titus 2:11-14)
10. ABOUT THE CHURCH
We believe that the Church is the visible body of believers, the global community of those of us who have placed our faith in Jesus Christ. As Members of this body we are covenanted together in local congregations and participate in regular worship, fellowship, and in the ordinances of water baptism and the Lord's Supper. (Acts 2:42-47; Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 20-32)
11. ABOUT MISSIONS
We believe that the mission of the Church is to make disciples starting locally and throughout the world by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in evangelism, discipleship, and compassionate ministries. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8)
12. ABOUT CHRIST'S FINAL TRIUMPH
We believe people are created to exist forever. We will either exist separated from God by sin in hell, or eternally in relationship with God through forgiveness and salvation in heaven. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. (Matt. 24:44; 25:31-46; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Rev. 20:22)