CORE BELIEFS
We believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and serves as the final authority and guide for both individual Christians and the Church.
We believe that Bible reading and study are vital parts of the growing Christian's life. (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12-13; 2 Peter 1:12-21; Psalm 119)
We believe that there is one God who exists in the persons of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:1-2; Deuteronomy 6:4; John 1:1-18 & 16:5-16, Matthew 3:16-17)
We believe that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh and was born of a virgin. We believe Christ lived a sinless life. We believe Jesus' purpose was to announce the arrival of the Kingdom of God; to offer Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of all people, and to proclaim salvation to those who believe His message. (John 1:14; Matthew 1:23)
We believe that Jesus Christ was crucified, died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead. We believe Jesus ascended to the right hand of God and presently makes intercession for Christians to the Father. We believe Christ will return to earth to judge the world at the end of all things. (Matthew 27 & 28; Mark 16; John 5:22-23; John 19 & 21; Revelation 20:11-15; Hebrews 7:25; Ephesians 1:19-23)
We believe that human beings are sinful by nature and thus separated from fellowship with God. We believe all people are in need of God's forgiveness and mercy in order to be restored to a right relationship with God. (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 5:18-19; Romans 3:23)
We believe that salvation is obtained only by the grace of God. We believe salvation is only received by faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for sin. (John 3:16 & 14:6, Romans 3:22-26; Ephesians 2:4-10, 13-17 & 3:12; Hebrews 9:11-18 & 10:1-18)
We believe that the Holy Spirit of God enters each person upon their acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We believe the Holy Spirit is the seal of each person's salvation and that he works in each person to convict, encourage, empower, guide, and assist Christians in living a Godly life. We believe the Holy Spirit gives each Christian special gifts or abilities for them to use in ministry to others. (Acts 2:38; Romans 8 & 12:6; John 14:16-26; 15:26-27; & 16:5-15; 1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 5:16-26; 1 Peter 4:10)
We believe that Godly faith produces repentance from sin and a desire in the believer to be obedient to God. (2 Corinthians 7:8-11; James 2:14-26)
We believe that water baptism by immersion is symbolic of the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. We believe baptism is commanded by Jesus, who Himself set the example of baptism by being baptized. (Matthew 3:13-17 & 28:18-20; Mark 16:16; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:1-14; Acts 2:38, 41; 8:12, 35-39; 9:17-18; 10:34-38; 16:13-15, 31-33)
We believe that the Church is the body and bride of Christ and that local congregations are to be led by godly men known as elders, bishops, or pastors. We believe the purpose of the Church on earth is to glorify God by fulfilling the "Great Commission" of our Lord, Jesus Christ, recorded in Matthew 28:18-20. (1 Corinthians 10:17; 12:13, 27; Romans 12:5; Revelation 21:2,9, & 17; Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5; 1 Peter 5:1-4)
We believe in Heaven as the place created by God for the eternal existence of the children of God. (Revelation 10:10-15)
We believe in Hell as the place created by God for those who have rejected God. (Revelation 21 & 22)