What We Believe
GOD
GOD is The Supreme Being and is holy, righteous, omnipotent, omniscient and loving. He exists in the Holy Trinity of Father, Son and Spirit. He created and sustains the universe. He desires that we have a personal relationship with Him and makes that available to us through belief in His son, Jesus Christ, the only means of eternal salvation. (Psalm 103:6-14; John 16:23-27; Ephesians 1:3)
HUMAN CONDITION
The HUMAN CONDITION is one of sinful nature and will lead to death and eternal separation from God outside of faith in Christ. We cannot lead lives fully pleasing to God short of belief in and a relationship with Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. The human soul has life in a physical body until that body dies, then the soul's eternal state is cast by free will choice made during the physical life, with God as judge, into eternal darkness or into eternal Light. (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Isaiah 53:4-12; John 1:12, John 3:3-7; John 3:14-18; John 5:24; Ephesians 2:8-10; Colossians 1:19-20; 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 2:5; Titus 3:4-7)
JESUS CHRIST
JESUS CHRIST, the Son, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, led a holy, sinless life, and willingly died on the cross as payment for our sins. He was crucified at the hands of men, died (clinically and completely), and was raised up by the power of God after three days. He walked the earth again to inspire humankind with his Power and was taken up to heaven alive, where He sits at the right hand of God. He is alpha and omega, existing at the beginning of time and forever. We are reconciled as individuals to God through faith in Him. (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 24: 1-9; John 1:1; Philippians 2:5-11)
HOLY SPIRIT
We recognize the HOLY SPIRIT as ever present with believers as a group and as individuals. He is Comforter and Counselor, who revealed the nature and will of God to believers and gives us spiritual gifts called forth for serving Him, one another and the world. (Matthew 28:19; John 3:5-7; John 16:7-15; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:11, 19; Ephesians 3:16; 5:18-20)
HOLY BIBLE
The HOLY BIBLE is the inspired word of God, without error in the original languages. Its word is timeless and written for all of humankind. For believers, the Bible is central to personal devotional study, worship and teaching and remains as the foundation for belief and the final authority in faith and practice. We acknowledge that people struggle at times with interpretation and application, and on occasion those of equal maturity and depth of faith and commitment may have different interpretations on some matters. (Psalm 19:7-8; Psalm 119:9; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:21-25; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
BAPTISM
BAPTISM by immersion is seen as the Biblical means for expressing one's faith in and commitment to Christ. It is required for membership in our church and symbolically represents the new life (being made clean) through the washing away of sins, and identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. (Acts 22:16; Acts 2:38-41; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; Galatians 3:26-27; Matthew 3:13-16)
THE LORD'S SUPPER
The LORD'S SUPPER is celebrated monthly as a congregational communion, usually the first Sunday of the month. Participation is not limited to our local congregation; it is open to all believers who profess Christ as Lord and Savior. (1 Corinthians 11:23-38)
PURPOSE AND MISSION OF THE CHURCH
The PURPOSE AND MISSION OF THE CHURCH, among many things, is to gather in God's name to praise and worship Him, to be a community of believers for fellowship and mutual burden-bearing, to edify the body of Christ, and to bear witness of Him to the world. The church is responsible for sharing the good news of Christ locally and throughout the world as led specifically by God, and to show His love by doing good works in the name of Christ. (Acts 2:42-47)
ROLE OF A PASTOR
The ROLE OF PASTOR is to bring spiritual leadership in helping members develop deeper faith and understanding of God and live out their commitments in practical, meaningful ways. He represents the church in a number of external matters as well as providing encouragement, nurture, and teaching to members, friends, and visitors. The minister should help direct the church in fulfilling its mission, and make the good news of salvation in Christ known to others. (Acts 20:28-29; 1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:7; 2 Timothy 4:5; Ephesians 4:11-12)
APOSTLES' CREED
Our beliefs are consistent with the rendering of THE APOSTLES' CREED:Â
We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he shall come to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; the life everlasting. Amen.