The Bible: The sole basis of our belief is the Bible, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament. We believe that scripture in its entirety originated with God, and was given through the instrumentality of chosen men. Scripture thus at one and the same time speaks with the authority of God and reflects the backgrounds, styles, and vocabularies of the human authors. We hold that the Scriptures are infallible and inerrant in the original manuscripts. They are the unique, full and final authority on all matters of faith and practice, and there are no other writings similarly inspired by God. 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, 2 Peter 1:21
God: We believe that there is one true, holy God, eternally existing in three persons-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — each of Whom possesses equally all the attributes of deity and the characteristics of personality. In the beginning God created the world and all the things therein out of nothing, thus manifesting the glory of His power, wisdom and goodness. By His sovereign power He continues to sustain His creation. By His providence He is operating throughout history to fulfill His redemptive purpose. Matthew 28:19-20, Isaiah 43:10-12 Deuteronomy 6:4, John 14:26, 2 Corinthians 13:14
Salvation: The central purpose of God’s revelation in Scripture is to call all people into fellowship with Himself. Originally created to have fellowship with God, humanity defied God, choosing to go his independent way, and was thus alienated from God, and suffered the corruption of his nature, rendering him unable to please God. We believe that Jesus Christ, by His substitutionary death on the cross, made eternal salvation possible for all who will repent and receive Him as their only Savior. Death seals the eternal destiny of each person. We believe in salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from human merit, works or ceremonies. John 3:16-18, Romans 10:13, Luke 24:46-47, Ephesians 2:8-9
Jesus Christ: We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary perpetual intercession for His people, and His personal visible return to earth. Titus 2:13-14, Hebrews 1:3 Matthew 1:23, Hebrews 7:26-27, Acts 2:22, Hebrews 7:25, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Matthew 28:6, Acts 1:9-11
The Christian Life (Holy Spirit): We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead, who sanctifies and empowers all who believe in Jesus Christ. At the point of salvation He permanently indwells every believer to become their source of assurance, strength and wisdom. He uniquely endows each believer with gifts for the upbuilding of the church body. The Holy Spirit guides believers in understanding and applying the Scripture. His power and control are appropriated by faith, making it possible for the believer to lead a life of Christ-like character and to bear fruit to the glory of the Father.1 Corinthians 12, Romans12:4-8, Hebrews 2:4, Matthew 28:19, John 3:3-7, Romans 8:9-11, Ephesians 2:22
The Church: The result of union with Jesus Christ is that all believers become members of His Body, the Church. There is one true church universal, comprised of all those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We believe that the Church should gather together to devote themselves to worship, prayer, the teaching of the Word, and the observance of the sacraments of baptism and communion. Whenever God’s people meet regularly in obedience to His commands there is the local expression of the Church. The body of believers should endeavor to develop their talents and gifts and reach out to the world. Its members are to fellowship and work together in love and unity, intent on the one ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ. Hebrews 12:23, Ephesians 2:21-22, Ephesians 1:22-23, Acts 2:38-39, Matthew 28:19-20
The Statement of Faith outlined above is a summary of those truths which we hold as foundational to the Christian faith. Scripture is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. This Church recognizes that it cannot bind the conscience of individual members in areas where Scripture is silent. Rather, each believer is to be led in those areas by the Lord, to whom he or she is alone ultimately responsible.
