What We Believe
There is one Body and one Spirit... there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all...
Ephesians 4:4-6
The Essentials We Believe
About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Gen.1:1,26,27,3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
About 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 people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. (Matt. 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5,14:10-30; Heb. 4:14,15; 1 Cor.15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13.)
About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer spiritual gifts when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13,14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12,3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18.)
About the Bible
The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. (2 Tim.3:16; 2 Pet.1:20,21; 2 Tim.1:13; Psa. 119:105, 160, 12:6; Prov.30:5)
About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin". This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. (Genesis 1:27; Psa.8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Rom. 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2.)
About Salvation
Salvation is God's free gift to us but we must accept it. 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 anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Rom.6:23; Eph.2:8,9; John 14:6,1:12; Titus 3:5; Gal.3:26; Rom.5:1.)
About Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot lose your salvation. Neither can we maintain it by our own effort. Our salvation is kept secure by the grace and power of God alone. (John 10:28,29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10,14; I Peter 1:3-5)
About Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in heaven. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3;16; John 2:25; John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 1:8; Matthew 2:22,46.)
Our Lifestyle Statement
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following seven practices:
1. Bible as our sole authority
"Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live." 2 Tim. 3:16 (CEV)
Since God's Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living and the basis for all we believe. It guides into a close an intimate relationship with God. God uses it to help reveal His plan and purpose for our lives. Our first question when faced with a decision is, "What does the Bible say?" that is why daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization are critical to our lives.
2. Autonomy of each local church
"When it comes to the church, he (Jesus) organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body." Col.1:18 (The Message)
Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control.
3. Priesthood of every believer
"Christ loves us, and by his death he has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God...." Rev.1:6 (GN)
"You are...the King's priests... God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God." 1 Peter 2:9 (GN)
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to "full time" Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.
4. Tithing
"Ten percent of everything you harvest is holy and belongs to me (God)..." Lev. 27:30
We practice tithing for the support of Christ's Body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving.
5. Immersion
"While everyone else was being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized." Luke 3:21(CEV)
"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ..." Col.2:12 (GN)
We practice baptism by immersion underwater - the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands.
6. Spirit-led living
(Jesus said) "I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me. John 15:5 (GN)
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God's power within us. We seek to practice a daily dependence on God's Spirit to enable us to do what is right. (Phil.2:13, Eph.5:18)
7. Telling others about Christ
"Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you..."
1 Peter 3:15 (GN)
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those whom God brings us into contact. We practice haring about Christ and inviting friends to church.
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