Our beliefs...
In a time when many churches do not know what they believe, or, because of many other influences, are confused about thier beliefs, the following describes "What we believe".
The Holy Trinity
We believe in one living and true God, eternal and with infinite power, wisdom, goodness, and righteousness. God is a loving and faithful God who is the Creator and preserver of all things (Genesis 1:1; Jerimiah 10:10; 1 Timothy 1:17). In the unity of this God there are three persons in one, having identical qualities and attributes: The Father (God), the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit (John 1:1,2; 4:24; 5:18; 10:30).
The Son of God
We believe in the divine nature of Jesus Christ, God's only son, who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin, Mary. Christ was both fully man and fully God. He walked on earth, suffered by the hands of His people, was crucified, died and was buried as a sacrifice for the sins of all people everywhere. The purpose of this was to restore our relationship with God which is broken by our sin (disobedience) (Luke 1:17; 31:35; John 3:16; Romans 5:10; Ephesians 5:2). Christ than rose from the dead and ascended into heaven in full victory over Satan and sin. He now intercedes for the body of believers to God the Father (Matthew 28: 5-9; Luke 24:4-7).
The Authority of Scripture
We believe that the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments constitute the Holy Bible; no books may be added or deleted. The Holy Bible is inspired and inerrant (that is without error or failure of basic contents and meaning in the original manuscripts). The Holy Bible contains all the necessary truth to lead men and women into salvation. (Psalms 19:7; John 17:17; Romans 15:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; II Timothy 3:15-17).
Humanity
We believe that men and women were created by God in his own image (Genesis 1:27), but because of Adam and Eve's sin (disobedience) we all inherited a corrupt nature that inclines us to do wrong (Genesis 3:6; 6:5; Romans 5:12). We are not capable of achieving a life without sin on our own (Proverbs 20:9; Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16). Because we are created in God's own image, we have a "God-likeness" which includes knowledge between right and wrong, the ability to choose which course we take, and the responsibility of our actions, and our choices (Joshua 24:15; I Kings 20:40; John 7:17).
Salvation
We believe that Jesus Christ, the living son of God, was given by God as a sacrifice for the sins of all people. Christ died on the cross to mend the broken relationships, which were caused by our sin of disobedience. This severed relationship between God and us may be restored into perfect harmony through belief in Jesus Christ by faith, and not on the basis of what we do (our works) (Galatians 5:4-5; Eph. 2:8-9). This belief and faith in Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as Lord and Savior, gives us the free gift of eternal life (John 1:29; 3:16; I Cor. 5:17; Eph. 5:2; I Peter 1:19). After receiving salvation by faith through belief in Jesus Christ, the "born-again" (John 3:3) believer may live free from the judgement of God, by living a life according to the teachings of the scriptures and trusting the Holy Spirit for the power to live a holy life according to God's Word.
Good Works
We believe that even though we cannot receive salvation by doing good works, our good works are still pleasing to God and they show evidence of our true faith in God, and Jesus as the Lord of our lives (Matthew 5:16; 7:16-20; Romans 3:20; Gal. 2:16; James 2:18, 22).
Sanctification (Growing a Maturing in Faith)
We believe that sanctification is the work of God through the Holy Spirit, making the believer pure in heart and totally committed and dedicated to God. This work is instantaneous and gradual. It begins when a person is saved and continues throughout life. In this process of sanctification there is a time when the believer is convicted of living a "lukewarm" Christian life. When then turn to Christ with a total commitment and dedication to "Christ-like" living. For some this occurs soon after salvation and others much time elapses. But for all believers sanctification is the will of God (I Thessalonians 4:3). Sanctification is the point in life when a believer renounces the desire to live for self and desires to live totally for the glory of God. Christ indeed becomes Lord of the believer's life. The believer is then empowered by the Holy Spirit, making him or her able to live a life of holiness. This does not mean perfection of the believer, but purity of heart, soul, and mind (Deuteronomy 30:6; Luke 1:74-75; Acts 15:8-9; I Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 4:13, 24; I Thessalonians 4:3; James 4:8).
Gifts of the Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit has given spiritual gifts to everyone for the purpose of building up the body of Christ and bringing glory to God. The gifts are to be identified by the believer and then exercised in love, emphasizing the need for unity (I Corinthians 12:4, 11, 1, 21-25; Ephesians 4:11-16). We believe in the miraculous use of all languages and the interpretation of languages in their Biblical and historical setting. Languages were the evangelistic tools used for the purpose of spreading the gospel. The languages are unknown to the speaker, but known by the hearers (Acts 2:4-8). However, it is contrary to the teaching of God's Word, as we understand it, to teach that speaking in an unknown tongue, or the gifts of tongues, is the primary evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit. The unity of the body of Christ is of utmost importance, therefore only a language understood by the congregation is ever used in public worship (I Corinthians 12:1; 14:40).
The Second Coming of Christ
We believe in the personal return of Jesus Christ to receive His believers into heaven and eternal life. The time of his return is unknown, but may be at any moment. This is the glorious hope of all God's children (John 14 1-3; I Thessalonians 4:13-18, James 5:7-8; Revelation 22:12-20).
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