The Bible
We believe that the Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit working through Spirit-controlled, human authors (2 Peter 1:19-21
). We believe it is our true and infallible authority and our guide for all of life and decisions (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
God
We believe in one eternal God (1 Corinthians 8:6) manifest in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17).
God the Father
The first person in the Trinity and the creator of all things. He formed the earth and all things in it in six literal days of creation (Genesis 1:1-31). He is in control of all things and has all power, rule, and authority (Acts 4:24)
God the Son: Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15), died the death on the cross that we deserved to die (1 Corinthians 15:3), taking the just punishment for our sin. He rose from the dead, conquering sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:4), and has ascended to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9; Romans 8:34) to prepare a place for those who believe in Him until He comes again (John 14:2-3).
God the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is divine, equal with God the Father and God the Son, and possessing all distinctive divine attributes (Matthew 28:19; Psalm 139:7-10). We believe that He convicts of sin (John 16:8-11), bears witness to the truth (John 15:26-27), and is the agent of the new birth (John 3:5-6). He seals (Ephesians 1:13-14), guides (Romans 8:14-16), teaches (John 14:26), sanctifies (1 Peter 1:2), and helps the believer (Romans 8:26-27; John 14:16-17).
Mankind
We believe that mankind was created by God in God’s own image (Genesis 1:26-27). This was not a result of evolution, but a special and distinct act on the 6th day of creation (Genesis 2:7). Mankind fell into sin by his disobedient choice (Genesis 3:1-9), bringing the whole human race under sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:22). Mankind is utterly sinful and hopelessly lost apart from the grace and salvation of God (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-3, 8-9).
Salvation
We believe that every individual is born a sinner and, because of that sin, separated from God and in need of salvation (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23). This salvation is by grace through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Titus 3:4-7; John 3:16). We believe this act is instantaneous and wholly apart from human merit (Ephesians 2:8-9). Individuals must exercise personal faith in the redeeming work of Christ on the cross and receive Him as Savior in order to be eternally saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13; John 6:37-40; John 10:27-30; Romans 8:35-39).
The Church: Universal and Local
We believe that all born again believers, no matter the geographic location, are part of the universal church (Ephesians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13). A local church is a congregation of baptized believers within a localized area associated together by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel (Acts 2:41-47; Colossians 1:18).
Baptism
We believe baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality. Baptism occurs after one has placed their faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin (Romans 10:9-10). It portrays the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6:3-4) and is done by full immersion.
Communion
Communion is a way of remembering the death of Jesus for our sin. We partake in communion monthly, remembering what Jesus has done on our behalf. This should be done with attention to self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:23-29).