What we Believe

God

God is the creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally exsted in three personalities: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1; 26-27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2-3; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

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 all people by dying on a 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 earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. John 14:6 – Jesus said “ I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by me.” (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; John 14:6)

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 spiritual gifts when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. Ephesians 5:18 NIV, “Be filled with the Spirit.” What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? It means to be filled with the life of Jesus because the Holy Spirit comes to make Jesus real in our lives. We depend on him for daily living. The only way to live the Christian life is to allow Jesus through the Holy Spirit to live his life through us. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18)

The Bible

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 the Bible is inspired by God, it is the truth without error. Since the Bible is completely reliable and trustworthy, we accept it as our manual for living. We hold to the Bible as our sole authority. When faced with a decision, we go to God’s Word for an answer. The Bible is the basis for all that we believe. We do not have a denominational authority, nor a Pope or a creed. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160; 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

Man

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 tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2)

Salvation and Faith

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. Jesus is the only way to God. Faith is our response to God’s offer of salvation. Faith begins by our belief that Christ is who he says and that he will do what he promises. True faith is demonstrated in our complete trust in Christ. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 11:1,3 Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1; Romans 3:28)

Evangelism

It is the responsibility of every believer to share Christ with others. This is why members should reach out to their friends and work associates to share the Gospel with them and to invite them to worship. The Holy Spirit is at work in our witnessing efforts whether in the living room, the boardroom, or the worship center. (1 Peter 3:15; Matthew 13:8; Matthew 28:18-19; Acts 1:8)

Priesthood of the Believer

We practice the priesthood of the believer. The Bible teaches that every Christian is a priest and a minister. What does this mean? It means that we don’t need a priest to get to God. It means that we don’t have to pray to another person. We have direct access to God. As priests, God has given each of us a ministry. (Revelation 1:5-6, 1 Peter 2:9)

Eternal Security

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in their salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. (John 10:28-29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5)

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 14:17; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9)