What We Believe (Statement of Faith):
About The Bible
We believe the Bible is inspired by God; it is truth without any
mixture of error. It reveals God Himself, and His will for mankind. The
Bible is God's Word to all generations. It was written by human
authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the
supreme source and authority of truth for Christian beliefs and living.
Ps. 12:6, 19:7-11, 119:105, 160; Prov. 30:5; 2 Tim. 1:13, 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21
About God
We believe in one God who is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He
exists eternally in three distinct persons: The Father, the Son and the
Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Gen. 1:1,26,27, 3:22; Ps. 90:2; Matt. 3:16-17, 28:19; 1 Cor. 8:4-6; 2 Cor.13:14; 1 Tim. 1:17; 1 Peter 1:2
About Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the
Father. He is true God and true man. He was born of a virgin, lived a
sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the
sins of the world by dying on a cross. He rose bodily from the dead,
demonstrating His power over sin and death. He ascended into Heaven and
will return to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Is. 9:6; Matt. 1:22, 23; Jn. 1:1-5, 14, 18; 5:17-18; 10:31-38; 14:9-11,
20:28; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; Phil. 2:5-11; Col. 1:15-20, 2:9;
Titus 2:13 Heb. 1:1-3; 1 Jn. 5:20; Rev. 17:14, 19:11-16
About The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is God, equal with the Father and the Son.
He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus
Christ. He 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. The Christian
seeks to live under His control daily.
Jn. 16:7-13, 14:16; Acts 1:8, 5:3-4; Rom. 8:9-11, 16, 26; 1 Cor. 2:12,
6:19, 12:11; 2 Cor. 3:17; 2 Cor. 3:17; Eph. 1:13-14, 5:16
About Mankind
We believe mankind is made in the image and likeness of God, to reflect
His character. He is the supreme object of God's creation. Yet all of
mankind is by nature marred with an attitude of disobedience toward
God. The Bible calls this sin. This attitude separates mankind from
God.
Gen. 1:27, 5:1, 6:5; Ps. 8:3-6; Is. 53:6, 59:1-2; Rom. 3:23, 5:12;
About Eternity
We believe mankind was created to exist forever. One will either exist
eternally separated from God by sin, or united with God through
forgiveness and salvation. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal
existence. To be separated from God is eternity in hell. To be
permanently united with Him is eternal life, being with Him forever in
Heaven.
Matt. 7:13-14, 10:28, 25:34, 41-46; Jn. 3:16, 18, 5:24-29; Rom. 6:23; 2 Thess. 1:6-9; 1 Jn. 2:25, 5:11-13; Rev. 20:15
About Salvation
We believe salvation is a gift from God to mankind. One can never make
up for their sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in
Jesus Christ alone as God's offer of forgiveness, can one be saved from
sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ
into his life by faith.
Jn. 1:12, 6:47, 14:6; Acts 4:12, 10:43; Rom. 5:1, 6:23; Gal. 3:26; Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; 1 Jn. 5:11-13
About Eternal Security
We believe because God gives a person eternal life through Jesus
Christ, the believer is forever secure in that salvation, which is
maintained by the supernatural grace and keeping power of God, not by
the self-effort of the Christian. God alone gives this security.
Jn. 10:27-29; Rom. 8:38-39; 1 Thess. 5:23-24; 2 Tim. 1:12, 2:11-13, 19; Heb. 7:25; 10:10, 14, 19-23; 1 Pet. 1:3-5
About Jesus Christ's Return
We believe in the personal, imminent, bodily return of Jesus Christ to
earth. This "blessed hope" has a vital bearing on the personal life and
service of the believer.
Matt. 24:1-51; Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15; Col. 3:3-4; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Tit. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:6-7; 1 Jn. 3:2-3
About The Church
We believe the true church is composed of all persons
who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ, have been regenerated by the
Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ, of which He
is the Head. His body is realized in local assemblies.
Acts. 2:44-47, 9:31, 20:28; 1 Cor. 12:12-27, 16:19; Eph. 1:22-23,
2:19-22, 4:12-16, 5:22-27, 32: Col. 4:15-16; 1 Tim. 3:15; Tit. 3:5;
Heb. 10:24-25
