Statement of Faith
God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1, Genesis 26-27, Genesis 3:22 / Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19 / II Corinthians 13:14 / I Peter 1:2, 11
The Bible
The Bible is God's Word to all. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth and our handbook for knowing God and living life to the full. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.
Psalm 12:6; 119:105, 160 / Proverbs 30:5 / 2 Timothy 1:13; 3:16 / Hebrews 4:12 / 2 Peter 1:20-21
Man
We are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme object of God's creation. Although people have tremendous potential for good, all are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." This attitude separates us from God.
Eternity
We were created to exist forever. Man will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with Him, 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 places of eternal existence.
John 3:16 / Romans 6:23 / I John 2:25; 5:11-13 / Revelation 20:15
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 men by dying on the cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return to earth to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Isaiah 9:6 / Matthew 1:22-23 / John 1:1-5; 14:10-30 / Acts 1:9-11 / Romans 1:3-4 / I Corinthians 15:3-4 / I Timothy 6:14-15 / Titus 2:13 / Hebrews 4:14-15
Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to mankind. 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 we be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment a person receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
John 1:12; 14:6 / Romans 5:1; 6:23 / Galatians 3:26 / Ephesians 2:8-9 / Titus 3:5
Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. 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 this security.
John 10:29 / 2 Timothy 1:12 / Hebrews 7:25; 10:10-14 / 1 Peter 1:3-5
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.
John 14:16-17; 16:7-13 / Acts 1:8 / I Corinthians 2:12; 3:16 / II Corinthians 3:17 / Galatians 5:25 / Ephesians 1:13; 5:18
Believer's Baptism
Water baptism is a picture of what has already transpired in a person's heart when they have placed their faith and trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save them from their sins. It does not atone for sin. Only the blood of Christ cleanses us from sin. When the Philippian jailer asked, "What must I do to be saved?" they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved...." (Acts 16:30-34). Paul did not tell him to be baptized to be saved. His baptism came after his believing, which sets the scriptural standard. Even Paul did not baptize many people (1Corinthians 1:16-17). According to the established Bible pattern, only those who have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and become children of God should then be baptized as a testimony to others. We believe baptism is not essential for salvation, but is done in obedience to a command by God concerning discipleship.
Colossians 2:12, Romans 6:4, (Romans 6:3-5),Matthew 28:19, Colossians 1:14, I John 1:7