What We Believe

 

 

A Statement of Faith

 

 

The Bible: We believe the Bible is God's word to all mankind.  It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit.  It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.

 

II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20, 21;

II Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119: 105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

 

God: We believe there is one living and true God. He is the Creator and Ruler of the universe and has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.

 

Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2;

Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14

 

The Holy Spirit: We believe the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God.  He is present in the world to make mankind aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.

 

II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17;

Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18

 

Mankind: We believe we are all made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme object of God's creation. Although mankind has tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." This attitude separates us from God.

 

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

 

Salvation: We believe salvation is a gift from God to mankind.  We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works.  Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can we be saved from sin's penalty.  Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by faith.

 

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

 

Eternal Security: We believe because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in salvation for eternity.  Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.  It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives this security.

 

John 10:29; II Timothy 1:12; Ephesians 1:13; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; I Peter 1:3-5

 

Eternity: We believe we all were created to exist forever.  We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation.  The place of eternal separation from God is called Hell.  Heaven is the place of eternal union and eternal life with God.

 

John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:14,15 (Hell); Matthew 25:41 (Hell); Revelation 21:1-27 (Heaven)

 

Ordinances: We believe Jesus has committed two ordinances to the local church: Baptism (by immersion upon belief) and the Lord's Supper (instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death).  These two ordinances should be observed until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Matthew 3:16; 28:19-20; Acts 2:41; 8:12-13, 38-39; Romans 6:4; 1 Cor 15:3-4; 2 Cor 5:17; Col 2:12; 1 Cor 12:17-33

 

The Church: We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all Christians are members.  We believe in the local autonomous church, consisting of a body of baptized believers in Christ, associated for Worship, Evangelism/Discipleship, Ministry, Missions, and Community.

 

Matthew 22:26-39; 28:18-20

 

 

 

REACHING

and

TEACHING

 

JUST LIKE CHRIST

 

 

To Surrender to Christian Membership

 

To Seek Spiritual Maturity

 

To Serve Christ in Ministry

 

To Send People to Missions