OUR BELIEFS
We recognize that we cannot, and do not desire to, bind the conscience of individuals in areas where Scripture is silent. Rather, each believer is to be lead in those areas by God, to whom he or she alone is ultimately responsible. We believe this Statement of Beliefs to be an accurate summary of what Scripture teaches.
The one true God has revealed Himself as the “I Am,” the Creator and Redeemer of mankind. We believe God eternally exists in three persons called the Trinity which is comprised of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit. (Isaiah 43:10,11; Genesis 1:1; Ephesians 4:5-6)
The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. The Scriptures declare His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of God. (Revelation 1:8; Hebrews 1:3)
Given at Pentecost, we believe the baptism in the Holy Spirit is the promise of the Father available to all Christians. He was sent by Jesus after His Ascension to empower the Church to preach the gospel throughout the whole earth. (Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4; John 14:15-17).
The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired and infallible revelation of God to man and the authority of faith and conduct. We accept the Bible as the revealed will of God, as the all-sufficient rule of faith and standard for daily living. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Peter 1:21)
THE FALL – Man was created good and upright; however, man voluntarily transgressed and fell, and thereby, is spiritually dead and away from God. (Genesis 1:26-27, 2:17, 3:6; Romans 5:12-19)
SALVATION – Man’s only hope is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Salvation is by faith through grace and demonstrated in repentance leading to a relationship with Jesus Christ. (John 3:3; Romans 12:13-15; Ephesians 2:8)
SANCTIFICATION – The act of separation from that which is evil and dedicating oneself to God and that which is good, upright, and morally pure. (Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Peter 1:16; Hebrews 12:14)
We believe that following faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the new believer is commanded by the Word of God to be water-baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe in a unique time of communion in the presence of God when the elements of bread and grape juice (the body and blood of Jesus Christ) are taken in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. We believe that all believers are able to take communion, and be baptized, by another Spirit-led, faithful, active believer. (Mark 16:16; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
We (all believers) as the Church are representative of Jesus on earth and are to carry out the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:19; Luke 19:10)
Divine healing is provided for today by the Scriptures and included in the atonement for our sins. (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16)
FINAL JUDGMENT – There will be a final judgment at which all men will be judged. (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20)
NEW HEAVEN AND AND EARTH – All of God’s children will reign forever in a new heaven and a new earth. (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21, 22)