Beliefs

Our Statement of Beliefs and Practices

We accept the Bible as the only sufficient guide for the Church and for the Christian life.

The Bible is God’s Word to people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is inerrant in the original writings, complete as the revelation of God’s will for salvation, and the supreme and final authority in all matters to which it speaks. Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is, “What does the Bible say?” We practice and encourage daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:17-19; Acts 17:11; Acts 24:14; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Peter 3:15-16; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:160

We believe that God, existing in three persons, is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe who relates to us as a Father who hears and answers prayers.

God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. God also relates to us as a Father who hears and answers prayer. Isaiah 43:10; Psalm 90:2; Genesis 1:1; Genesis 1:26-27; John 1:1-3,14; John 10:30; Titus 2:13; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Romans 8:15; Matthew 6:6; Matthew 7:11

We believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and the Savior of the world.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Yet He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days in victory over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and one day will return to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; Matthew 16:16-17; John 3:16; Romans 5:6-11; John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 1:10-11; Matthew 16:27

We seek the help of the Holy Spirit who works for our conversion, guarantees our salvation, renews us, gives strength for living and power in prayer.

The Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity, is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus. He also lives in every Christian to provide them with power for living, understanding to discern spiritual truth, and guidance to do what is right. John 14:26; John 16:7-14; Ephesians 1:13-14; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:11; Galatians 5:22-25; Romans 8:26

We believe that salvation is through the grace of God and not by works, so that no one can boast.

We all sin by going our own way and not living up to the revealed will of God for mankind. The ultimate penalty of sin is eternal separation from God. But God loves us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to cleanse us from our sins by dying on the cross for you, for me, for everyone. He sends his Holy Spirit to convict us of our need to be saved from our sins. When we are convicted we can choose whether or not to surrender to Jesus as our Lord who will save us. Salvation is a free gift from God but he doesn’t save us against our will. 1 John 1:8; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; John 14:6; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:36; John 16:7-8 Acts 26:20; Acts 3:19; Romans 10:9-10; Titus 3:5-7; Galatians 3:26-27

We practice baptism by immersion into Jesus Christ.

Jesus commanded his followers to “go and make disciples (followers) . . . baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”. Baptism is a natural response of faith by those who have chosen to surrender to Jesus, who commanded us to be baptized. In the New Testament Church, those who believed were baptized (immersed) into the name of Jesus. Baptism is described in Scripture as an identification with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Just as Jesus Christ was raised from the dead to walk in newness of life, those who surrender to Christ are raised from the waters of baptism to live a new life for Jesus their Lord. Baptism expresses our repentance and surrender to Jesus Christ. When we surrender he washes away our sins. Baptism also identifies a new believer as a member of Christ’s body, clothed in Him. John 3:23; Acts 8:36-39; Romans 6:3-7; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:41; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 Peter 3:21; Galatians 3:26-27; Acts 2:38

We regard ourselves not as the only Christians but as Christians only, and desire unity with all Christians based on a common commitment and obedience to Jesus as revealed in his Word, the Bible.

The church is the body of Christ. It is also referred to as a Family, Bride, Vineyard, Temple, Building, Kingdom, and Flock. It is not a physical building, but a group of believers; not a denomination, sect, or association, but a spiritual body. The Church’s purpose is to do the ministry of Christ (evangelize, make disciples, show compassion) with the love of Jesus so that the world may see Jesus Christ in their lives. Acts 11:26; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 4:3-6; Romans 12:4-8; Ephesians 4:11-13; Galatians 6:10

We invite into membership all who have committed themselves to the Lordship of Christ and who have expressed their surrender to him in baptism (immersion).

Individuals become members of Christ’s body when they surrender their lives to Jesus. Local church membership is not a biblical mandate but an expression of commitment, unity, and willingness to serve with that body of believers. Ephesians 4:15-16; Ephesians 4:32-5:1; John 13:34-35; Ephesians 4:11; Ephesians 4:25; John 15:17

We observe the Lord’s Supper (Communion) weekly.

The Lord’s Supper is a simple act that reminds us of what Christ has done through His sacrifice on the cross. We partake of the Lord’s Supper as an expression of our faith in Jesus Christ and a reminder of His Second Coming. During the Lord’s Supper, believers are to examine themselves, confess their sins, and recommit themselves to our Lord Jesus Christ. We participate in the Lord’s Supper each week in order to keep Jesus’ death for our sins a central part of our worship until he returns for us. Mark 14:22-26; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29; 1 John 1:9

We encourage members to develop in their lives the mind and manner of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We believe the only possible way to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right. Our daily dependence is developed as we spend time with God in His Word, in prayer, and in meditation upon Him. Ultimately, our goal is a change in our attitudes and actions causing us to live humble, holy lives to bring glory to Christ who lives in us. Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 15:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16; Philippians 2:1-13; Philippians 4:6; Ephesians 5:18; Romans 8:8-14; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

We believe and seek to live the great commandment (to love) and the great commission.

The great commandment: This is the basis for our vision. Mark 12:28-31; 1 John 4:19-21; John 17:20

The great commission: This is the basis for our commitment to evangelism, discipleship, and world missions. Matthew 28:18-20
We invite you to become a part of the church today and a piece of its history tomorrow.