We Believe

1. The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, written by human authors, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the final authority for all Christian faith and life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Ps 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

2. In one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. John 17:3; Revelation 4:11; Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matt. 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Cor. 13:14

3. Jesus Christ is the only Son of God, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. John 1:1-5; Hebrews 1:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Matthew 1:18-23; Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 9:24; Isaiah 9:6; Heb. 4:14,15; Rom. 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13

4. The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with the power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.  John 14:26; John 14:17; John 16:7-11; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18

5. Man was created in the image of God, but fell into sin and is therefore lost and only through transformation by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained. Genesis 1:26,27; Romans 5:12; Titus 3:3-7; Ps. 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a, 59:1,2; Romans 3:23

6. Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. 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. This is God’s grace. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his/her life by faith. True believers can walk in the assurance that they are children of God and live victorious Christian lives free from doubt. The Bible teaches that when we walk in the Spirit and follow Christ we have assurance that we belong to Him and that our salvation is secure in Him. Acts 4:12; Colossians 1:20; Romans 6:5-6; Titus 3:5-7; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1, 8:9-14; 1 John 5:13; Phil. 2:12; John 10:3

7. Every spiritual gift listed and exhibited in the New Testament is valid for today and we encourage the search of a deeper understanding of spiritual gifts, as well as the legitimate practice of the spiritual gifts. Romans 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:4-11; 14:1-25

8. Water baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances that are to be observed by the church during the present age. However, neither or both are to be regarded as a means of salvation. Salvation results only from a person’s belief and acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior. Matthew 28:19; Acts 8:36-39; Acts 16:31-33; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25; Acts 22:16

9. The true Church is comprised of all such persons who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ, have been transformed by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ of which He is the Head. Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18

10. Only those who are thus members of the true Church shall be eligible for membership in the local church. Acts 2

11. Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church. Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18. Every local church has the right under Christ to decide and govern its own affairs.

12. God works through the members of His Church to evangelize the lost and teach believers to obey His commands. Matthew 28:18-20

13. The church is to be open and accepting of all people, offering God’s love and redemption to each person without prejudice or condemnation. John 3:16-18

14. However, in our efforts to reach those who are not believers, the church must take care to uphold the Word of God and not engage in moral compromise or affirm any sin such as sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, stealing, greed, drunkenness, slander, swindling, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossip, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, factions, or envy. Rom 1:21-32, 12:2, 1 Cor 6:9-10, Gal 5:19-21

15. In the personal and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this "Blessed Hope" has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer. Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; Titus 2:13-14; 1 John 3:1-3

16. In the resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord in heaven; of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment in hell. 1 Corinthians 15; Revelation 20:6; John 5:28-29