What we Believe
1. God - God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. God is the Sovereign over the Universe and all that takes place in history. He is All Powerful, All Knowing and Present everywhere at all times. He is Holy. He is Love. He is Just and righteous. Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14.
2. Jesus Christ - Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of His people by dying on the 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 reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Matt 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5,14:10-30; Matt 1:21; Heb 4:14,15; 1 Cor.15:3, 4; Romans 1:3, 4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13.
3. Holy Spirit - 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 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. 2 Cor. 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Eph. 5:18. The "sign gifts" given to Jesus' Apostle's and their associates, are not in use today. We do not agree with those who say they are. 2 Cor 12:12; Acts 1, Acts 9.1 Cor. 15:7-9.
4. Scripture - The Bible is God’s Word to us. 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 the truth without any mixture of error. 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; John 17:17; 2 Tim. 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160; 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
5. Human Beings - People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has the potential for good, all of us our marred by a sinful nature which separates people from God and causes many problems. Gen. 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2.
6. Salvation - 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. 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 life by faith. Romans 6:23; John 23: 37; Eph. 2:8, 9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Gal. 3:26; Rom. 5:1.
7. Eternal Security - Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is produced and maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping of God that gives us this security. John 6:44; John 10:27-29; 2 Tim. 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5
8. Eternity - People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. John 3:16; John 2:25; John 5:11-13; Rom. 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matt. 1:8; Matt 2:44, 46.
9. Christian Life - Genuine born again believers have different beliefs and practices from the world. God's children are in the world but we are not of the world. Genuine Christians are characterized by their love for God and His Word. They are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live the Christian life taught in the Scriptures. While Christians will never reach perfection in this life there will be evidence that their direction of life is bent toward holiness, purity and obedience to the Scriptures. Luke 6:46; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Cor. 7:1; James 4:8; Isaiah 1:16; 1 John 3:2-3; 1 Cor.6:9-11.
10. Church Ordinances - There are two church ordinances. Baptism and The Lord's Supper. Baptism is the practice of the first century church and was modeled by our Lord and commanded in the Scriptures. It's mode is by immersion in water after one has faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. It publicly identifies the believer with the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord's Supper was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ. The elements of the Lord's Supper are the fruit of the vine and unleavened bread. Believers are to observe the elements as often as the remember Jesus' death.