Statement of Faith

  1. The very words of the entire Bible are inspired by God, inerrant in the original writings; the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct (Deuteronomy 18:18-22; Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21).
  2. In one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Matthew 28:19; John 16:15; 1 Corinthians 8:4; 1 Peter 1:2).
  3. That all mankind is created in God’s image and therefore each person has dignity and worth. We are created to worship God – a purpose from which each of us has fallen. Each of us has sinned and is in need of redemption (Romans 3:10-11, 23-24). The only way of salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans 6:23; 10:9, 13; John 14:6).
  4. In the full deity and full humanity of Jesus Christ, his virgin birth, sinless life, substitutionary death, burial, and bodily resurrection, ascension to the right hand of the Father, and future, personal return in power and glory (Colossians 2:9; Isaiah 7:14; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Hebrews 1:3; Matthew 24:44; Revelation 19).
  5. The Holy Spirit of God indwells every believer at the moment of salvation. He empowers us to live in obedience to Christ. He enables us to share the message of God boldly. He seals us, gifts us, guides us, and assures us of our salvation. He comforts the believer, convicts the world of sin and glorifies Christ. (John 14:6-18;16:8-15; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:15-16; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Titus 3:5).
    • The church is both universal and local. The universal church refers to all born-again believers everywhere from every age (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 5:25; Philippians 3:6; Colossians 1:18). The local church refers to a local congregation of believers united together for worship and ministry (Matthew 18:17; Acts 14:23; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2).
    • Wherever God’s people meet regularly in obedience to this command there is the local expression of the church—under the watch and care of the Elders and other supportive leadership. Its members are to work together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ (Ephesians 4:16).
    • The offices of the local church are Elders and Deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-16; Philippians 1:1).
    • The two ordinances of the local church are Believer’s Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. While they are not a means of salvation, they confirm and nourish the believer through a visible and tangible expression of the gospel (Matthew 28:19; Acts 8:36-38; Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
    • The local church is to be financially supported by the free will offerings of its membership (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
  7. That both Christians and non-Christians will experience a bodily resurrection. Christians will be raised to eternal, conscious bliss in heaven (Matthew 25:34; John 14:2; 2 Corinthians 5:1; Revelation 2:7). Non-Christians will be raised to eternal, conscious torment in hell in separation from God. (Matthew 8:11; Matthew 10:28; Matthew 13:49-50; Mark 9:47-48; Luke 12:5; Revelation 21:8).