About God
We believe that there is one true, holy and sovereign God who is all knowing, all-present, and all powerful, eternally existing in three persons—-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each of these persons possesses equally all the attributes of deity. God created the world good by the power of his word. By his provision he is actively operating in human history, calling people to an exclusive relationship with him and fulfilling his plan of salvation.
About the Bible
We believe that the Bible, composed of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments is originated and inspired by God through human authors who penned Scripture under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Scripture speaks with the authority of God while at the same time reflecting the background, style, and vocabulary of human beings. The Scriptures are the infallible rule of all faith and life, and are the unique, full, and final authority on all spiritual and practical matters.
About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully human in every way except sin, fully God and therefore uniquely qualified to redeem the human race. He lived a sinless life of perfect obedience to the will of the Father and voluntarily offered Himself as our personal sacrifice for sins by dying on the cross. After three days He rose from the dead and thereby conquered sin, death, and hell. He ascended into heaven and will return again to earth, personally and visibly, in order to complete history and the eternal plan of God.
About Salvation
God calls people to know him truly and worship him fully. The human race was created to have close communion with God, but beginning with Adam and Eve, all have defied and rebelled against God’s perfect plan. As a result, the human race is alienated from God and unable to re-establish a relationship with Him. This fall into sin has resulted in the corruption of human nature and our need for God’s saving mercy. Salvation is a free gift of God, available to all who would accept it. It is not earned through a life of good works, religious involvement, or self-improvement. Only by trusting in Christ and personally accepting this gift through faith can we find forgiveness from sin and eternal life. God seeks to save people out of every tribe, tongue, nation and people group and is grieved when people go against His will and reject Him. When God has begun a saving work in a person’s heart, and as they follow the Bible’s command to abide in Christ and persevere in faith, God gives assurance of His saving presence and power.
About Christian Life
The primary purpose of human life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever in grateful response to his undeserved mercy in Christ. (Matthew 22:37-38) The secondary purpose of human life is to love other people, also in gratitude to God for His love.(Matthew 22:39) The supernatural result of a genuine saving relationship with Jesus Christ is a life of holiness and grateful obedience to Him. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, indwells everyone who accepts Jesus Christ as Lord. The Holy Spirit then shapes us to live lives of increasing character and Christ-like maturity. The Holy Spirit shows us the areas of our life that hinder our relationship to God and other people. He gives us the power and direction we need to make positive changes in our lives. He helps us exchange hurtful habits for helpful habits to make us more like Christ the result of allowing God to shape our lives is a greater joy, freedom, peace and fulfillment both internally and externally. Jesus still heals the sick and delivers his people from demonic afflictions. Our God of peace seeks to sanctify us through and through: body, soul, and spirit. 1 Thess. 5:23
About Eternity
We were created to live forever. We will exist eternally, either separated from God by sin, or united with God through forgiveness and salvation. Death seals the eternal destiny of each person. After death there will be a resurrection of the body so that each person can stand before the judgment seat of God. Here the eternal destiny of each person will be brought to light. Those who did not accept God’s gift of life in Christ will be separated from God in eternal condemnation. Those who believe and accept God’s gift of life in Christ will be received into eternal communion with God, where there will be no more sin, suffering, mourning, sickness or death.
About the Church
When a person is united with Jesus Christ by faith, he or she becomes a member of Christ’s body, the Church. There is one true universal Church comprised of all who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, a community called out of the world to worship God in the world, and to make disciples of all nations. The Bible directs all believers to gather together to devote themselves to prayer, the teaching of God’s word, the practice of the baptism and communion, fellowship, and service through the offering of natural talents and supernatural gifts. The church also exists to reach out into the world, making disciples of all nations. Under the care of the church’s leadership, members are to work together in love and unity, intent on the one the purpose of glorifying Christ.
In essential beliefs, we have unity.
• There is one body and one Spirit. . . One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV)
In non-essential beliefs, we have liberty.
• Accept (others in their faith), without passing judgment on disputable matters. . . Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. Romans 14:1,4 (NIV)
In all our beliefs, we show charity.
• If I . . . can fathom all mysteries and knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Cor. 13:2
Key Scriptures:
About God: Genesis 1:1,26,27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14
About the Bible: 2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; Psalm 12:6, 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5
About Jesus Christ: Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-20; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 4:14,15; Titus 2:13
Values
Vision
Church Planting
Missions
Reaching Higher
