What we believe
The following statements of belief represent commonly accepted beliefs in contemporary Christianity. As the century old saying goes, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.” This value provides room for all, particularly those who are authentic and genuine in exploring their faith.
Jesus
Jesus is both fully God and fully man. He is the Son of God and equal with the Father in all things. He lived a sinless life and freely offered Himself (in obedience to the will of the Father) as the perfect sacrifice for the sin of mankind by dying on a cross. He rose from the grave after three days, demonstrating His power over sin and death. He is the One to whom all Scripture points. (Is. 9:6; Mt. 1:22-23; Jn. 1:1-5, 3:16; Acts 2:22-36, 4:10-12; 1 Cor. 15:3-8; 2 Cor. 5:17-19; Col 1:15-19, 2:9-10; Titus 2:11-14; Heb. 1:3, 4:14-15)
The Bible
The bible is the inspired Word of God written by individuals as they were moved and led by God's Spirit. It is infallible, sufficient, trustworthy, and authoritative. Because its ultimate author is God, it is the supreme source of truth for Christian belief and living. It has for its purpose the restoration of humanity and equipping of God's people to be participants in God's mission. Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture and it can never say today what it never said in the first place. (Deut. 11:18-21; Ps. 12:6; 119:160; 2 Tim. 1:13, 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21)
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world, making mankind aware of their need for Jesus, empowering and equipping believers, guiding and empowering the church, and helping bring to light the truths of Scripture. He enters the lives of all believers as they come into a relationship with Jesus and remains as the divine agent of transformation in their lives. (Jn. 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 2:12; Gal. 5:25; Eph. 1:13-14)
The Nature of Man
People are made in the image of God and are His supreme delight in creation. They are God's one true treasure. ALL people matter equally to God and are equal recipients of His grace and His gifting...men, women, rich, poor, educated, uneducated, etc. Though human beings are created in God's image, all have been marred by sin resulting in an inclination toward sin and an attitude of disobedience toward God. Man’s nature is basically self-centered and rebellious toward God. Without God’s grace man has no hope of being redeemed from a life of brokenness, and restored to a life-giving journey through Christ. (Gen. 1:27; Ps. 8:3-6, 138:13-16; Is. 52:6; Ro. 3:23; 5:8)
Salvation
Salvation is God's free gift through Christ Jesus to all who will choose to accept it. Salvation comes through God's grace, by faith alone. There is no other way. We can never make up for our sin by good works, self-improvement, right theology and doctrine, or anything else. Salvation is not simply a moment in time. It is past, present, and future in its nature and is presented so in Scripture. Eternal life begins the moment a person accepts Jesus as their personal savior. (Jn. 1:12-13; Ro. 5:1,8, 6:23, 8:1, 10:9, 13; 1 Cor. 1:18; Eph. 2:8-9; Phil. 1:6; Titus 3:5; 1 Pet. 1:3-5)
Sanctification (Growth & Transformation)
Sanctification is the continued work of the Holy Spirit throughout the life of a believer to make him or her holy. The work of sanctification is to bring about the actual character and likeness of Christ in human beings. It is the continuation of what was begun at the moment of regeneration, applying the work of Christ to the actual life of His followers. In short, sanctification is the process of continual transformation into the image of Christ. Just as God is the One at work at the initial moment of salvation, so God is the One at work throughout a person's life in sanctification. (Jn. 17:17-19; Ro. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:6, 2:12-13; 1 Thes. 5:23-24; 2 Pet. 1:3-11)
The Church
The church universal consists of all believers regardless of affiliation, race, or anything else. The church consists of all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, experienced regeneration through the power of the Holy Spirit, and been baptized. The primary expression of the church on earth is autonomous local communities of believers with Christ as their Head. The purpose of the church is to bring worship and glory to God while equipping its members for service & holy living...and taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. The church is God's primary instrument of His good news and grace in the world. Each local church has the responsibility to be active participants in what God is doing both in their surrounding community and the world as a whole. The mission of God is at the same time local and global in nature. (Mt. 16:18, 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:40-47; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 4:4-6, 11-16; Col. 1:18)
Christ’s Return
He will return and mankind should be ready. He's promised His return but assured us that only the Father knows the appointed time. Jesus will return physically in glory to earth...this time to judge all the peoples of the earth and reign supreme as Victor and Lord. His return will bring an end to human history as it is known. Both the saved and unsaved will be resurrected physically to be judged by Christ, along with those already living. Those who have accepted Christ will receive their reward and dwell forever with Him in His kingdom. Those who reject Him will spend eternity separated from God in hell. The most definitive statement Jesus made about His return is that "the gospel will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Mt. 24:14, 36-44; 1 Thes. 4:13-18; Heb. 9:27-28; Rev. 20:1-22:27)
