About Us – What We Believe
Our Faith Statement
As a church we affirm the following statements as truth from the Bible. We affirm and teach these principles.
God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
God the Father
God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the steam of human history according to the purpose of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. God is the 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; 6:2-3; 15:11ff,; 20:1ff,; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff,; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; 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
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. He lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return again someday to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. He lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return again someday to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53:1-12; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6, 19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5, 21-22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1-3,34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:7-9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Revelation 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their 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. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. We seek to live under His control daily.
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their 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. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. We seek to live under His control daily.
Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; 139:7ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; Luke 1:35; 4:1,18-19; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49; John 4:24; 14:16-17,26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4,38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17,39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1-6; Romans 8:9-11,14-16,26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 12:3-11,13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 9:8,14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10; 22:17.
Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. 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, it is inspired by God, and is without any error. The Bible is our manual for living and the basis for all we believe.
The Bible is God’s Word to us. 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, it is inspired by God, and is without any error. The Bible is our manual for living and the basis for all we believe.
Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
Human Beings
Human beings are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. Although every person has a tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” Sin separates us from God and causes many problems in our lives.
Human beings are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. Although every person has a tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” Sin separates us from God and causes many problems in our lives.
Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew 16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18,23; 5:6,12,19; 6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18,29; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11.
Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sins by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ, as God’s offer of forgiveness, can we be saved from sin. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. A person who has genuinely believed in Jesus cannot “lose
salvation. Salvation is maintained by grace and power of God, not by the self=effort of the Christian.
Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sins by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ, as God’s offer of forgiveness, can we be saved from sin. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. A person who has genuinely believed in Jesus cannot “lose
salvation. Salvation is maintained by grace and power of God, not by the self=effort of the Christian.
Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18,29-39; 10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18,30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22; 3:1ff.; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1-12:8; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5.
Eternity
Eternity is a result of creation. We will exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness.
Eternity is a result of creation. We will exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness.
Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25-31:46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.
Christians
Christians are called to “full-time” Christian service. Every member is to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading. Sharing the Gospel is the responsibility of every Christian. We are to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with. We witness with our daily lives, our attitudes, values, behavior, and priorities; by telling others about Christ; and by inviting our friends to church.
Christians are called to “full-time” Christian service. Every member is to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading. Sharing the Gospel is the responsibility of every Christian. We are to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with. We witness with our daily lives, our attitudes, values, behavior, and priorities; by telling others about Christ; and by inviting our friends to church.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30, 37-43; 16:19; 22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:7-8,16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 3:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.
Stewardship
God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents (spiritual gifts), and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth.
Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:2-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19.
Baptism
Baptism is practiced by immersion (under water) – the way Jesus was baptized and the way the Bible commands. Baptism is a post-salvation step of obedience that symbolizes the death of the old self and the life of the new self in Jesus Christ.
Baptism is practiced by immersion (under water) – the way Jesus was baptized and the way the Bible commands. Baptism is a post-salvation step of obedience that symbolizes the death of the old self and the life of the new self in Jesus Christ.
Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12.
Church Autonomy
Church autonomy is the self-governing, independent from any denominational control, of the local church. We recognize Christ as the head of the Church, and encourage our “daughter churches” to determine their own strategy, structure, and style.
Church autonomy is the self-governing, independent from any denominational control, of the local church. We recognize Christ as the head of the Church, and encourage our “daughter churches” to determine their own strategy, structure, and style.
Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:27; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 5:4-5; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3.
Marriage
We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female, and that these two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. We believe that God created marriage to be exclusively the union of one man and one woman, and that intimate sexual activity is to occur exclusively within that union.
Genesis 1:26-27; 2:18-25; 18:17-19:29; Matthew 5:28; 19:4-6; 19:4-6; 19:9; Mark 10:9; Romans 1:26-27; Ephesians 5:21-33; Colossians 18-25; 1 Timothy 1:10; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 6:9; 7:2-5; 1 Peter 3:1-7; Jude 7.