Our Beliefs

BIBLE

We believe the Bible to be completely true and authoritative in all areas of faith, practice, and life. John 17:17, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21.

GOD

There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.

A. God the Father

God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.  Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; Matthew 6:9ff.; Mark 1:9-11; Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.

B. God the Son

In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God.  His substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body, He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God, and He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. Genesis 18:1ff.; Matthew 1:18-23; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18,29; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28;

C. God the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. Genesis 1:2;  Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; John 4:24; 14:16-17,26; Romans 8:9-11,14-16,26-27;

SALVATION

We believe that all who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their LORD and Savior will receive forgiveness of sins and the free gift of eternal life. John 3:16, 6:35-40, 10:27-30, Romans 8:28-39, Philippians 1:6 2 Timothy 2:13, 1 Peter 1:3-9, 1 John 5:11-13.

THE CHURCH

We believe the church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head. The church serves to continue the work of Jesus on earth, seeking to build the Kingdom of God and point all people to the Father. See Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4:1-16, 5:23b.

BAPTISM

Baptism is a public act reserved for those who profess to follow Christ. While having no impact on salvation, we believe it to be the first act of obedience for new followers. We practice baptism by immersion, following the example of our LORD Jesus. See Matthew 3:13-17, 28:18-20, Acts 8:34-38, Romans 6:3-4.

LORD'S SUPPER

We honor the remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice by participating in communion, or the Lord’s Supper. The act of participating in the Lord’s Supper is a solemn thing, not to be taken lightly or to be experienced by a non-follower of Jesus. Luke 22:14-23, 1 Corinthians 11:23-33.

DISCIPLESHIP

We believe that Christians should develop in their faith and be committed to a life of personal devotion to God. Commitment is expressed through corporate and private worship, participation in a Community Group Bible study, finding a meaningful service in ministry, giving financially in a God-honoring way, and introducing others to a personal relationship with God.  2 Corinthians 9:7, Acts 2:42-47, Romans 12:4-8, Matthew 5:16, 28:19-20.