THE BIBLE
The Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, and is entirely true. Scripture is useful for teaching, preaching, and training in faith. God's Word is the norm and standard for all subsequent Christian teaching. We believe that God does also communicate through the Holy Spirit, the Church, prayer, and circumstances, but these will never conflict with or supersede what is already given to us in the Bible. (2 Peter 1:20-21; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
GOD THE FATHER
We believe in One God, the Creator of the Universe and the Giver of Life. God is an all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present spiritual being. He is truthful, faithful, loving, good, patient, just, merciful, holy, and righteous. As Ruler of the Universe, God reigns supreme over nature, history, and human life. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Hebrews 11: 3; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Acts 17:24-28)
JESUS THE SON
We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and co-equal with the Father. Though Jesus lived a sinless human life on earth, His own people murdered Him on a cross. After three days, Jesus came back to life, demonstrating His power over sin and death. He later returned to heaven with the Father, and now reigns in heaven, interceding for us until He comes again. He is the only way to the Father. (John 1:1-3, Acts 2:23-24, 1 Timothy 2:5; John 14:6)
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the third member of the Trinity and the presence of God in the lives of believers. God has given us the Holy Spirit as a comforter, guide, teacher, and guarantee of our eternal hope. The Holy Spirit recreates men and women, empowering us to live the new life to which we have been called. His work in us produces lives characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Through His Spirit, God grants gifts and abilities to believers for the strengthening and building of the church. (John 14:16-17; Romans 8:9-14; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:11-13)
SIN AND SALVATION
We believe that all people are created in the image of God and have tremendous potential for good, but we are all marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. As a result of our sin, we have a shattered and broken relationship with God that can only be made whole through Jesus Christ. Salvation is God's free gift (grace) to us but we must accept it by acknowledging Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (confession); turning from our sinful life-style (repentance); trusting and obeying Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins through our baptism into Christ. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. (Romans 5:1; 3:23; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12; Titus 3:5; Acts 2:38)
ETERNITY
We are created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through the forgiveness and salvation of Jesus Christ. To be eternally separated from God is called hell. To be eternally in union with God is called heaven. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our life. (John 3:16; 14:17; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 25:41).
COMMUNION
We believe in the declaration of forgiveness established by Jesus and illustrated through communion. Communion is recognized in the church as a reminder of His death for us. Each participant may know of the forgiveness offered to him or her through the body and blood of Christ. We celebrate communion every time we gather, as the early church did. (Matthew 26:26-28; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29)
We are created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through the forgiveness and salvation of Jesus Christ. To be eternally separated from God is called hell. To be eternally in union with God is called heaven. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our life. (John 3:16; 14:17; Romans 6:23; 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 21:27; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9; Matthew 25:41THE HOLY SPIRIT
BAPTISM
When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our life, we are commanded in the Bible to be baptized by immersion in order to receive forgiveness of our sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:37-39). Baptism is done out of obedience to Jesus Christ and is a part of our salvation story. Baptism also illustrates how God cleanses us of our sins as well as how He raises us to new life in Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 6:1-7)
THE CHURCH
We believe the Christian church is a community of God's people founded on the confession of Christ. Jesus is the head of the body, the universal church, which is united by its common faith in Him. The church participates in worshiping God, the discipling and training believers, and sharing God's love in the world. The ministry of Jesus continues in the church as people love and help those separated from God and others. (Matthew 16:16-18; Ephesians 1:22-23; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 2:42-47)
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the third member of the Trinity and the presence of God in the lives of believers. God has given us the Holy Spirit as a comforter, guide, teacher, and guarantee of our eternal hope. The Holy Spirit recreates men and women, empowering us to live the new life to which we have been called. His work in us produces lives characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Through His Spirit, God grants gifts and abilities to believers for the strengthening and building of the church. (John 14:16-17; Romans 8:9-14; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:11-13) JESUS THE SON
We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and co-equal with the Father. Though Jesus lived a sinless human life on earth, His own people murdered Him on a cross. After three days, Jesus came back to life, demonstrating His power over sin and death. He later returned to heaven with the Father, and now reigns in heaven, interceding for us until He comes again. He is the only way to the Father. (John 1:1-3; 14, 18, Acts 2:23-24, 36; 1 Timothy 2:5; John 14:6)
We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and co-equal with the Father. Though Jesus lived a sinless human life on earth, His own people murdered Him on a cross. After three days, Jesus came back to life, demonstrating His power over sin and death. He later returned to heaven with the Father, and now reigns in heaven, interceding for us until He comes again. He is the only way to the Father. (John 1:1-3; 14, 18, Acts 2:23-24, 36; 1 Timothy 2:5; John 14:6