What we believe

The Bible
One of the primary ways God reveals Himself is through the Bible. The Bible is God’s Word to all mankind. 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. Because it is inspired by God, it is truthful, inerrant and infallible – the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions should be tried. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Timothy 1:13; Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19; Psalm 119:105; Psalm)

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He eternally exists in three persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. These three comprise the Trinity, they are co-equal and are one God. God the Father is the First Person of the Trinity. The Son and the Holy Spirit are equal with the Father, but voluntarily submit to His will. The loving Father is an invisible spirit who is all-knowing and present everywhere at all times. (Genesis 1:1, 26-27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Philippians 2:5- 11; Romans 1:20)

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, and lived a perfect life free from sin and guilt. Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross, and His death provided the all-sufficient atonement for sin. Jesus was bodily resurrected on the third day, He ascended into heaven, and now reigns over all things as the righteous Judge, the head of the church, and He will one day return and establish God’s kingdom for all eternity. (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:27, 34; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-31; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11)

The Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make mankind aware of their need for the Savior. He also indwells every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with the power for Christ-like living, understanding of Biblical truth, and giftedness in serving the Body of Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-14; John 14:25-26; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18; Galatians 5:25)

Humans are created in the image of God. However, when the first man, Adam, disobeyed the revealed will of God in the Garden of Eden, he passed down to mankind a sinful nature. All people are sinners by nature and by choice and are therefore spiritually dead, in need of salvation. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2)

Salvation is by God’s grace. It is a free gift to us; but we must accept it in order to obtain eternal life, thus avoiding eternity in hell. We can never make up for our sin by our own good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from the penalty of sin. When we repent, turn from our self-ruled, sin-filled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one trusts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior by faith. We teach that when one trusts in Christ for salvation that person is eternally secure. (John 1:12, 3:16-17, 10:27-28; John 14:6; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:10,14; 1 Peter 1:3-5)

Jesus is the head of the Church, not any person, group or religious organization. The church consists of all people who have a genuine faith in Jesus Christ. As members of Christ’s body, those in the church should: devote themselves to the teaching and application of God’s Word; seek the Lord in prayer; experience the power of authentic, life-changing fellowship; and engage the community and world with God’s truth through acts of compassion and witness. The church also practices two ordinances instituted by Christ: believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper. In all these things, the church pursues its ultimate purpose–to exalt Christ by spreading His glory and proclaiming His gospel. (Matthew 16:16-18; Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28, 12:12-27; Ephesians 1:19b-23, 4:3-10; Colossians 3:14-15)

Angels are spirit beings, made by God before the creation of the world. They are personal, powerful and highly organized. The  good angels perform God’s will including providing special care for believers. Satan was created holy but fell through pride and evil ambition. Those angels who followed Satan’s rebellion became agents for evil in the world in opposition to God, His work and His people. (Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 148:2,5; Job 38:4-7; Revelation 22:8,9; Psalm 103:20; Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-17; Matthew 25:41 Acts 5:3; Zechariah 3:1)

The Lord Jesus Christ will one day return to the earth and establish God’s
kingdom for all eternity. We teach that Jesus will return for His Church
before the Great Tribulation and before His Millennial Kingdom, at which time
He will return again to Earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. We believe
in an eternal heaven where all the redeemed shall live in perfect peace and
bliss forever before God. We believe in hell, a place of torment and anguish,
prepared for the Devil and his angels, and those who reject
the Son of God as their personal Savior. (Matt. 16:27; Acts 1:11;
1 Corinthians 15:51-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:7– 10;
Titus 2:13; Revelation 6-19, 20:11–15, Rev. 21:1–9)