Statement of Faith
1. The Bible
We believe the Bible is God's inspired, infallible Word to humanity. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs about daily living. Because the Bible is inspired by God, it is truth without any form of error (including scientific and historical). (I Timothy 1:13 and 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; I Corinthians 2:13; Psalms 119:105; Proverbs 30:5)
2. God
We believe God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He exists in three personalities: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1, 26, 27 and 3:22; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
3. Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father and Holy Spirit. Jesus came to this earth in the flesh, was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin and lived a sinless human life as God in human flesh. Jesus offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross and physically rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate his power over sin hell, Satan, and death. Jesus ascended to Heaven, is seated at God’s right hand and will physically return again someday to earth to reign as King. (Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5,14; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Isaiah 7:14, 9:6)
4. Human Beings/Sin Nature
We believe people are made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him in character and nature. People are the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has purpose, worth, and value – as well as tremendous potential for good – all of us are marred by disobedience toward God, which is called “sin.” Sin separates us from God. Humans are in a state of total depravity (inclined to evil, not good) which makes our nature self-centered and always bent toward self-gratification. This condition exists until re-birth by receiving salvation in Jesus Christ. (Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23)
5. Salvation
We believe 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 of death, hell and eternal separation from God. 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 as Lord and Savior by His grace through faith and continued belief.(Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6 and 1:2; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1,10:9-10)
6. Baptism in the Holy Spirit
We believe that when a person begins a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to live inside the believer at the moment of salvation. We also believe the process of being filled with the Holy Spirit is progressive throughout a person’s life, and therefore one continues to grow in grace by the fruits of the Holy Spirit being produced in a person’s life. This baptism of the Holy Spirit is given to every believer who asks God for it. (Acts 2:1-4, 8:14-17 and 10:44-46; Galatians 3:14-15).
7. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Bible lists many gifts of the Holy Spirit which should be sought and practiced regularly and desire to have these gifts functioning within the members of Christ’s body called the church. We believe that all Spirit-endowed gifts given to the first century church are still active and given to believers today. These gifts are to be expected and practiced as God endows each person with specific spiritual gifts. (1 Corinthians 12)
8. Physical Healing in Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus' death on the cross provided for our physical healing to our human bodies. God's miracle power for healing is freely given to us as we pray in faith. (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16).
9. Communion
We regularly practice communion or the Lord's Supper. Jesus initiated this practice as a way to help us remember His sacrificial death and resurrection. (I Corinthians 11:28-32)
10. Water Baptism
We practice baptism by fully immersing an adult person in water. Baptism is not necessary for salvation, but is simply a choice that is made to obey Jesus' command and follow His example. Teens are encouraged to be water baptized as well (those under age 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian). We baptize people "in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit." (Matthew 3:13-17, 28:19; Acts 2:34-36, 19:1-6).
