Statement of  Faith

SCRIPTURE

We believe that the Bible, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament, is the inspired  word of God and without error in the original writing. The Bible was given by God through chosen people  and thus reflects the backgrounds, styles, and vocabulary of human writers. The Bible is the full and  final authority on all matters of faith and practice; there are no other writings similarly inspired by God. The Bible’s truth is timeless and speaks to our everyday lives.  
Luke 21:33, 24:44; Romans 15:4; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21

GOD

We believe there is only one God, Creator and Lord of everything, infinitely perfect, all powerful, all knowing and eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (The Trinity).             
Isaiah 43:10-11; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; John 14:16-17, 16:23-27; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:4-6

God the Father

We believe that the Father is Creator and Ruler of all. He is compassionate, loving and just toward all people and is faithful to keep His promises. He hears and answers prayer. He calls all people to believe  in Him and saves from sin and eternal death each person who comes to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.                 
Genesis 1; Matthew 7:7, 12:50; Ephesians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:4-5; Exodus 34:5-7

God the Son

We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He came to earth fully God and fully man through a miraculous conception and virgin birth. He lived a sinless life and voluntarily died on the cross in our place as full payment for the sins of all people. He arose bodily from the dead on the third day to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended into heaven to the right hand of the Father where  He is the only One who is able to provide access and reconciliation between God and people. He will  return personally and visibly to earth and those who have believed in Him will be united with God eternally in Heaven. Those who have not believed in Him will be separated from God in Hell due to their sin.              
Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 24:1-8; John 1:1-5, 1:14, 3:16, 3:18,  11:25, 14:6-7, 14:9-11, 14:16; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4, 5:8-11, 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3-6; 2  Corinthians 5:17-21; Hebrews 4:14-16, 7:24-25; Titus 2:13-14; Revelation 19:20, 20:15

God the Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, Counselor and Helper sent for believers. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit who reveals God’s truth to the world and indwells believers to empower them for Godly life and service. We believe in the diversity of gifts given by the Spirit for the common good of the church and that they are operating today.             
John 14:15-17, 14:25-26, 15:26, 16:5-15; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31

SALVATION

We believe every person is disobedient to God’s desires and plans in varying degrees. Any disobedience to God, regardless of how large or small, is characterized as “sin.” “Sin” literally separates each person from God, which is spiritual death. Spiritual death is not God’s desire. People can be united with God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and Him alone. Jesus died for sinners.   Anyone who accepts, and believes in Jesus’ death for their personal sins, and desires to have Him as King of their life, is forgiven for every sin. Upon this personal decision, God re-establishes a personal relationship with that person and promises eternal life.                
Romans 3:23-24, 5:12, 5:16, 6:23; Psalms 51:4-5; John 3:16, 14:6; Acts 4:12, 10:43; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 John 5:11-13 

CHURCH

We believe that all those, anywhere, who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord make up the one true church. The purpose of a local church is to organize Christians to reach unbelievers with the message of salvation, serve as a corporate body for worship of God, provide fellowship for Christians with each other, develop the gifts and talents of Christians for godly service, and practice baptism and communion. We believe baptism and communion are God’s ordinances to be observed by believers in Jesus Christ, but not to be regarded as means of salvation.                        
Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38-41, 42-47, 38-41; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 10:24-25, 13:17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, 12:12-13