What We Believe
OUR BELIEFS
These 7 doctrines are foundational to our understanding of the Christian faith and essential convictions for our church body. These statements are summaries, in large part, from a broader statement of faith, known as the Faith & Message. This is a historic statement of what we believe, and more importantly a faithful witness to scriptural doctrine. If you are interested in reading further or discussing one of these foundational doctrines, we encourage you to consult with one of our leadership members.
ABOUT GOD
There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being. He is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He is all powerful, all knowing, and all loving. He is holy and perfect in every way. God has eternally existed and revealed Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14
ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He became a man, supernaturally conceived and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God without sin. He fulfilled God’s plan by His substitutionary death on the cross, making provision for the redemption of people from sin. He was raised from the dead and then ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God. He is the one mediator between God and mankind, and He will return one day in power and glory to judge the world and finish His redemptive mission. Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5,14; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; I Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13
ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He is present in the world to make people aware of their sin and their need for Jesus. He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
ABOUT THE BIBLE
The Bible was written by men, was divinely inspired, and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. All Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It is God’s Word to us. It is an accurate revelation of God and what He wants us to know. It is the supreme source of truth and the supreme authority for Christian beliefs and living. II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20, 21; II Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105; 160; 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
ABOUT SALVATION
People are the special creation of God, made in His own image. By free choice, man has sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. The sin of mankind has affected every person and everything on our planet. Human beings are in need of forgiveness and redemption. Salvation is the redemption of man through the person of Jesus Christ. Salvation occurs through faith in Jesus Christ. When a person places genuine faith in Jesus, they are, by God’s grace, made spiritually alive, righteous in their moral standing before God, and are indwelt with the Holy Spirit, who guarantees the work of salvation until it is complete.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
ABOUT GOD’S KINGDOM
The Kingdom of God describes the sovereign reign of God over the universe and the particular rule of God in the hearts of people. God’s purposes and plans will be finally and completely accomplished. The Church is an expression of God’s kingdom as a local congregation of believers who fellowship together to fulfill God’s purposes in the world. The Church is the body of Christ, and each believer is baptized into His body. Each believer is given a gift for use in the body of Christ and called to work in harmony with other believers to fulfill God’s plan on the earth.
ABOUT ETERNITY
God, according to His plan, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth and Christ will judge all men. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, a place of everlasting punishment. The righteous, through Christ, will be resurrected, glorified, and will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord. John 3:16; 2:25; 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15