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What We Believe

God – God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are one God. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere present. (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:2; Ps. 139:1-10; Jer. 32:17-23; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2)

Jesus Christ – Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is coequal with the Father and Holy Spirit. Jesus was born from a virgin, lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice by dying on a cross. In so doing, he lovingly took the punishment of God for the sin of all who turn from their sin in repentance and trust in him. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return again someday to earth to reign as King. (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22,23; John 1:1-5; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4, 3:23-25, 5:8-11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 ; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15)

Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to show us our sin and make us aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He unites and directs the church. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer spiritual gifts when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. (John 14:16- 17, 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:5-11; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18)

The Bible – The Old and New Testaments of the Bible alone are God's Word to us, written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit It is the supreme source of truth for Christian life. The Bible’s primary purpose is to teach what we must believe about God, and what God requires from us. Because it is inspired by God, it is fully reliable truth without error. (Psalm 119:105, 160; Proverbs 2:1, 5, 12; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

Humanity – People were originally made in the spiritual image and likeness of God, and are the supreme object of God's creation. Because of sinful choices and a sinful nature, we are separated from God, and as a consequence incur physical and spiritual death. The only way to correct this condition is through Jesus, who died as the punishment for our sin. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Isaiah 59:1-2; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:23, 6:23)

Salvation – Salvation is God's free gift to those who put their faith and trust in Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (John 3:36, 14:6; Romans 5:1, 6:23, 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 3:26; Titus 3:5)

The Church – Jesus is head of the Church, which exists to fulfill his kingdom work on earth. All who place their faith in Christ for salvation are part of the Church. We do not allow minor doctrinal differences to cause division. In essential beliefs we demonstrate unity, in non-essential beliefs, liberty, and in all cases, we show Christ’s love. Functionally, the Church is to be a place to worship God, fellowship with other believers, grow in faith, serve God and others with our spiritual gifts, and help others come to know Christ. The sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s supper are an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible grace. (Matt. 22:37-40, 28:18-20; John 13:34-35; Romans 14:1-15, 15:5; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Eph. 4:3; Col. 1:18; 1 John 4:7)

Eternity - People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God means eternity in hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in Heaven. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 2:7-10; 2 Thess. 1:8-9; 1 Pet. 1:3-5.)