Scripture
We believe that the Bible, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old
and New Testament, is the inspired Word of God and without error in the
original writing. The Bible was given by God through chosen people and
thus reflects the backgrounds, styles, and vocabulary of human writers.
The Bible is the full and final authority on all matters faith and practice;
there are no other writings similarly inspired by God. The Bible's truth
is timeless and speaks to our everyday lives. Luke 21: 33, 24:44,
Romans 15:4, Hebrews 4:12, II Timothy 3:15-17, I Peter 1: 25, II Peter
1:19-21
God
We believe there is only one God, Creator and Lord of everything, infinitely
perfect, all powerful, all knowing and eternally existent in three persons:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit (The Trinity). Isaiah 43:10-11, Matthew
3:16-17, 28:19, John 14:16--17, 16: 23-27, II Corinthians 13:14, Galatians
4:4-6
God
The Father
We believe that the Father is Creator and Ruler of all. He is compassionate,
loving, and just toward all people and is faithful to keep His promises.
He bears and answers prayer. He calls all people to believe in Him and
saves from sin and eternal death each person who comes to Him through
His Son, Jesus Christ.
Genesis 1; Matthew 7:7, 12:50, Ephesians 4:6, II Corinthians 6:18,
I Timothy 2:4-5, Exodus 34:5-7
God The Son
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He came to earth
fully God and fully man through a miraculous conception and virgin birth.
He lived a sinless life and voluntarily died on the cross in our place
as full payment for the sins of all people. He arose bodily from the dead
on the third day to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended
into heaven to the right hand of the Father where He is the only One who
is able to provide access and reconciliation between God and people. He
will return personally and visibly to earth and those who have believed
in Him will be united with God eternally in Heaven. Those who have not
believed in Him will be separated from God in Hell due to their sin. Matthew
1:18-23, Luke 24:1-8, John 14:16, Romans 5:8-11, I Corinthians 15:3-6,
II Corinthians 5:17-21, Hebrews 4:14-16, 7:24-25, Revelation 19 &
20, Romans 1:3-4, John 1:1-5, John 14:9-11, Titus 2:13-14, John 14:6-7,
Acts 1:9-11, John 3:16, Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:15, John 11:25, John
3:18, John 1:14
God
The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, Counselor and Helper
sent for believers. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit
who reveals God's truth to the world and indwells believers to empower
them for godly life and service. We believe in the diversity of gifts
given by the Spirit for the common good of the church and that they are
operating today. John 14:15-17, 14:25-26, 15: 26, 16: 5-15, Acts 1:
8, I Corinthians 12: 4-31
Salvation
We believe every person is disobedient to God's desires and plans in varying
degrees. Any disobedience to God, regardless of how large or small is
characterized as "sin". "Sin" literally separates
each person from God, which is spiritual death. Spiritual death is not
God's desire. People can be united with God through a personal relationship
with Jesus Christ and Him alone. Jesus died for sinners. Anyone who accepts,
and believes in Jesus' death for their personal sins, and desires to have
Him as King of their life, is forgiven for every sin. Upon this personal
decision, God
re-establishes a personal relationship with that person and promises eternal
life.
Romans 3:23, Psalms 51:4-5, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:12, John 3:16, Romans
3:24, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Romans 5:16, Acts 10:43, Ephesians 2:8-9,
Colossians 1:13-14, I John 5:11-13
Church
We believe that all those, anywhere, who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior
and Lord make up the one true church.
The purpose of a local church is to organize Christians to reach unbelievers
with the message of salvation, serve as a corporate body for worship of
God, provide fellowship for Christians with each other, develop the gifts
and talents of Christians for godly service, and practice baptism and
communion. We believe baptism and communion are God's ordinances to be
observed by believers in Jesus Christ, but not to be regarded as means
of salvation.
Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38--41, 42-47, 38-41, Colossians
1:18, Hebrews 10:24-25, 13:17,
I Corinthians 11:23-26, 12:12-13
Faith & Practice
Scripture is the Final authority in all matters of faith and practice.
This church recognizes that it cannot bind the conscience of individual
members in areas where scripture is silent. Rather, each believer is to
be led in these areas by the Lord, to whom he or she alone is ultimately
responsible. By adhering to God's Word and seeking Him, we
can best observe His greatest commandments, which are to love Him and
others.
Romans 14, I Corinthians 8 & 9, 10:23-11:1, Proverbs 3:5-6, Mark
12:29-31, Romans 12:2, Deuteronomy 6:5
We
believe this Statement of Faith to be an accurate summary of what Scripture
teaches.
All members shall refrain from advocating doctrines that are not included
in the Statement of Faith in such a way as to cause dissension.
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