| what we believe: scripture // we believe that the bible is the fully inspired word of God. it has been written by men under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. in the original manuscripts it is without error and is the final authority for all matters of faith and life.
II tim 3:16-17; II peter 1:20-21; john 8:31-32; john 20:31; mark 13:31; matt 5:18. Godhead //
we believe in one true and living God, eternally existing in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. they are equal in their essential nature, attributes and perfection. each executes a different but harmonious function.
genesis 1:1, 26; deut 6:4; john 1:1, 3; matt 28:19; romans 1:19-20; II cor 13:14. Father //
we believe that God the father is infinite yet personal, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. he orders, arranges and controls all things according to his own sovereign purpose. he infallibly knows all that shall come to pass, he hears and answers prayer, and he saves from sin and death all who come to him through Jesus Christ.
luke 10:21-22; john 3:16; 6:27; 1 peter 1:3; rev 1:6. Son //
Jesus Christ, the eternal son of God, has always existed and became man without ceasing to be God. he was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin mary in order that he might reveal God and redeem sinful man. Jesus lived a sinless life and freely offered himself as an atoning sacrifice for our sins through his death on the cross. after his physical, literal death, he rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now is exalted at the right hand of God. he fulfills the ministry of representative, intercessor, and advocate. anyone who accepts him as Lord and savior will worship him for all eternity.
john 1:1-2, 14; luke 1:35; matthew 1:18-25; 2 cor 5:21; rom 3:24; 1 peter 2:24; eph 1:7; 1 peter 1:3-5; acts 1:9-10; heb 7:25; rom 8:34; I john 2:1-2; 1 timothy 3:16. Spirit //
we believe that the Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and Son, and convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. he is the supernatural agent in regeneration, sanctifying and empowering all who believe in Jesus Christ. he provides Christ followers with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. he dwells in all believers from the moment of salvation.
john 16:8-11; II cor 3:6; 1 cor 12:12-14; rom 8:9; gal 5:22-26. salvation //
we believe man was created by God in his own image; that he sinned and thereby incurred physical, spiritual and eternal death. this brings separation from God, and as a consequence, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and are sinners by choice and therefore under condemnation. those who trust in Jesus Christ and repent and forsake sin are saved. we become new creatures, are delivered from condemnation, and receive eternal life, which is a gift of God given to man by grace through faith in Christ Jesus.
gen 1:26; 5:2-3; 2:17; john 3:14; 5:24; 1:12 eph 1:7; 1 peter 1:18-19; 2 cor 5:17; romans 8:1. church //
we believe that the church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made of all born-again persons of this present age. the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the new testament scriptures. the purpose of the church is to glorify God by building its members up in the faith, by instruction of the word, by fellowship, by keeping the ordinances and by advancing and communicating the gospel to the entire world.
eph 1:22-23; 5:25-27; 1 cor 12:12-14; acts 14:27; 18:22; eph 2:19-22; 5:19-21 acts 2:42; hebrews 10:23-25. ordinances //
we believe Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church; baptism and the Lord's supper. christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water, which is a public testimony of the believer's new life in Christ. the Lord's supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of his death. the elements of communion are symbolic of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
matt 28:19-20; acts 2:41-42; 18:8; rom 6:3-5; 1 cor 11:23-26. |