What We Believe
The Bible
We believe that the Bible is inspired and inerrant, the final authority for our beliefs as well as God’s final rule for our conduct and character (2nd Timothy 3:15-17)
The Nature of God
We believe in one God, eternally existent in three Persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:26; Matthew 28:19).
The Sovereignty of God the Father
We believe God is Sovereign, orchestrating all of history for the purposes of advancing His Kingdom towards final consummation in Christ (Romans 8:28).
The Nature of Jesus Christ
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God; was born of a virgin; lived a sinless life; died on the cross; resurrected on the third day; is now exalted at the right hand of God; and will personally return again (1st Corinthians 15:3-4).
The Power of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit’s power is the only source of strength and ability given to believers to live the Christian life. It is He who brings conviction of sin, the reality of Christ in us as our hope, and the power necessary to live an overcoming life of victory over sin (John 16:7-11).
The Nature of Man
We believe man was created by God in His image, yet through voluntary transgression fell from a sinless state, and is thus conceived in sin and by nature is separated from God. Human beings are unable to save themselves by their own good works but need a Savior (Genesis 3:6-7; Ephesians 2:4-10).
The Gospel
The good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that God’s Son has been crucified for us, taken our sin, and thus paid the eternal penalty for our transgression. In order to be reconciled to God we must admit we are sinners, repent of our sin, surrender to God through Christ, and receive His grace and forgiveness (John 3:3, 6; Romans 3:23; 10:9-10).
The Sacraments
Water baptism and communion are symbols of God’s covenant faithfulness to us and our obedient response to Him. We practice water baptism by immersion and taking Holy Communion with professing believers in Christ (Acts 2:38; 1st Corinthians 11:23-28).
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit’s gifts that enable the believer to demonstrate His power, are legitimate evidences of Christ’s loving presence today (1st Corinthians 12:7-10).
Sanctification
Separation from worldliness and evil, and a life of holiness unto God, is a process of growth where the cross of Christ is applied to our lives through identification with His death (denial of self) and living in His resurrection life. The purpose of sanctification is for each believer to progressively be more like Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16).
The Purpose of the Local Church
The Church is a group of believers who covenant together to love God and serve their neighbors through the work of God’s grace in their lives (Matthew 5:13-16).
Ministers
We believe each believer is equal before God and thus all church leaders are servants called by God and confirmed by the members of the local church. Local church leadership is thus accountable to God as well as those who consent to their leadership (1st Corinthians 3;21-23).
The Return of Christ
We believe in the personal return of Jesus Christ, the time of which is known only to God. There will be at that time a final judgment before God’s throne that will forever right all wrongs, bringing eternal justice to all (Matthew 24:36; Revelation 22:7-12).