THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God: true, unchangeable, and firmly established in purpose.    2 Titus 3:16-17

THE ETERNAL GODHEAD

We believe that God is triune: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; the Three are coexistent (Three in One), eternal, divine, and perfect.  Mt.  3:16-17;  Jn. 14:16, 26;  Mt. 28:19;  2 Co. 13:14

THE FALL OF MAN

We believe that man, created in the image of God, by our own disobedience fell into the depths of sin and wickedness, passing sin’s nature and consequences to all mankind, along with the loss of God’s original meaning and purpose for us.  Genesis 1:27;  Romans 5:12

THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION

We believe that when we were still sinners Christ died for us, took our place, and with His life’s blood purchased the pardon for all who believe in Him.  Jn. 3:16;  Titus 2:14

SALVATION THROUGH GRACE

We believe that salvation comes only and fully through God’s grace; that no human goodness or effort can contribute to our receiving God’s love and favor.  Ephesians 2:8

REPENTANCE AND ACCEPTANCE

We believe that, upon a true and sincere repentance and a whole-hearted acceptance (belief) of who Christ is and what He did, we are made right in God’s eyes through Jesus’ sacrificial death.  We are born-again, not of flesh, but of spirit.  Romans 10:6-10;  1 Jn. 1:9

THE NEW BIRTH

We believe that the change that takes place in people when they believe is a very real one; that having received righteousness (being made right in God’s eyes in Christ), and having received His Spirit, people will have new desires, interests, and new pursuits in life.  2 Co. 5:17;  Gal. 2:20

DAILY CHRISTIAN LIFE                                                                                                             

We believe that it is the will of God that those who have been born again grow in living more as God directs us, take on characteristics of God’s holiness, and daily grow stronger in our faith through His power, through prayer, and through loving and serving others.  2 Co. 7:1

WATER BAPTISM

We believe that after being born-again, being baptized through immersion in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is an essential response to Jesus’ command.  It is an outward expression of what Jesus has done inside us – making Christ Lord and King.  Matthew 3:15

THE LORD’S SUPPER

We believe in observing the Lord’s Supper, receiving the broken bread and wine (or juice) with joy and faith as we remember Jesus crucifixion, death and victory over the cross.  Romans 6:4;  1 Co. 11:24-26

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers Jesus followers to be bold witnesses of God’s saving grace through Jesus; we expect the same infilling of the Spirit’s as that in which He came upon believers in the days of the Early Church.  Acts 1:5, 8; 2:4

THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE

We believe that it is the will of God that believers walk in the Spirit moment by moment, serving the Lord and living lives of patience, love, truth, sincerity, and prayer.  Eph. 4:30-32;  Gal. 5:16, 25

THE GIFTS AND FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

We believe that the Holy Spirit gives ministry “gifts” to believers, and that these gifts will grow and strengthen the Body of Christ (the Jesus following church) through encouragement and evidence of the Spirit’s working in our lives.  As evidence of a Spirit-filled life, we believe we should show spiritual “fruit”: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.               1 Co. 12:1-11;  Gal. 5:22-25

MODERATION

We believe a Christians’ moderation should be obvious to others and that a relationship with Jesus should never lead people into extremes of fanaticism; their lives should model that of Christ in being honest, balanced, humble, and self-sacrificing.  Col. 3:12, 13;  Ph. 4:5

DIVINE HEALING

We believe that divine healing is the power of Jesus Christ to heal the sick in answer to prayer;   Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, is still willing and able to heal the body, as well as the soul and spirit in answer to faithful prayer. Mk. 16: 17, 18;  Jas. 5:14-16

CHURCH RELATIONSHIP

We believe we are called to be part of a community of believers with whom we can worship God, observe the disciplines of a relaionship with Christ, encourage and support one another, be witnesses of Jesus for the salvation of others, and work together to grow God’s Kingdom.  Acts 16:5;  Hebrews 10:24

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

We believe that the second coming of Christ is personal and will happened at any time;  we believe tdhat both the certainty of His coming, and that fact that we don’t know when, prompts us to be active and bold witnesses in sharing the Gospel.  We believe that the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven, and that both believers who have already died, and current believers, will meet and be with the Lord as He does.  Mt. 24:36, 42, 44;  1 Th. 4:16, 17

CIVIL GOVERNMENT

We believe that civil government is by God’s appointment and that civil laws should be obeyed at all times except when they go directly against the will of God.  Acts 4:18-20;  Romans 13:1-5

JUDGMENT

We believe that everyone will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, with Jesus followers delivered to eternal life and those who reject Jesus delivered to everlasting punishment.  Rev. 20:11, 12;  2 Co. 5:10

HEAVEN

We believe that heaven is the glorious dwelling place of the living God, and the eternal home of Jesus followers.  Jn. 14:2;  Rev. 7:15-17

HELL

We believe that hell is a place of darkness, deepest sorrow, and constant fire, which was not prepared for man but for the devil and his angels.  But it will become the place of eternal separation from God for all those who reject Christ as Savior.  Mt. 13: 41, 42;  Rev. 20:10, 15

EVANGELISM

We believe that soul winning is the one big business of the Church on earth, and that every hindrance to worldwide evangelism should be removed. Jas.  5:20;  Mk. 16:15

TITHING AND OFFERINGS

We believe that tithing and offerings are ordained of God to sustain His ministry, spread the Gospel, and release personal blessing.  With gratefulness for His provision,  we do it faithfully with a glad heart.   Mal. 3:10; 1 Co. 16: 1, 2