Beliefs

OUR BELIEFS
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He chose to die for the redemption of the world, and in the historic fact of His bodily resurrection. We believe in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit for renewing and empowering the believer. We believe in the return of Jesus Christ for those who have committed their lives to Him. We believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God.

We Believe:

The Scriptures are Inspired by God and declare His design and plan for people. (2 Timothy 3:15,17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21).

There is only One True God–revealed in three persons…Father, Son, and Holy Spirit  (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10,11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22).

In the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. As God’s son, Jesus was both human and divine. The Scriptures declare:

  • His virgin birth (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31, 35).
  • His sinless life (Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22).
  • His miracles (Acts 2:22, 10:38).
  • His substitutionary work on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
  • His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matt 28:26; Luke 24:39, 1 Corinthians 15:4).
  • His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9, 11; 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3).

Though originally “very good,” Man Willingly Fell to Sin–opening the door to evil and death, both physical and spiritual, into the world.

Every Person Can Have Restored Relationship with God through trusting Christ to be our personal Savior, through faith and repentance.  (Luke 24:47,  John 3:3, Romans 10:13-15, Ephesians 2:8, Titus 2:11, Titus 3:5-7)

The two ordinances of the Church—(1) Water Baptism by Immersion after repenting of one’s sins and receiving Christ’s gift of salvation, and (2) Holy Communion (the Lord’s Supper) as a symbolic remembrance of Christ’s suffering and death for our salvation.

The Gifts and Empowerment of the Holy Spirit; All believers are promised and should pursue the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This was the normal experience of all the Christians in the early Christian church. With it comes the power to represent Christ in life and service, the receiving of spiritual gifts, and their uses in the work of the ministry. (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,8; I Corinthians 12:1-31) Note that the book of Act’s references to the baptism of the Holy Spirit were accompanied with an experience of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God enabled them. (Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:1-7)

The Sanctification Process of Each Believer – Sanctification is the process of leaving our sinful lives behind and being renewed by the Spirit day by day. This process begins with salvation and is a progressive deliverance from the bondages of Satan and a continual walk into the freedom that is from God. (Romans 12:1,2; I Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12, Hebrews 12:14. 1 Peter 1:15,16, Romans 6:1-11,13; 8:1,2,13; Galatians 2:20)

The Church and Its Mission: The Church is the body of Christ, the collective of all believers who are born again of the Spirit. Its mission is to be a Spirit-empowered community experiencing authentic relationships with God and one another; bringing the influence of God’s kingdom to earth as it is in heaven. (1 Corinthians 12:13, Exodus 33:16, John 17:3, Acts 2)

Divine Healing is a privilege for Christians today and is provided for in Christ’s sacrifice. Healing on the inside and out is an integral part of the gospel. By his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16,17; Joshua 5:14-16)

The Return of Christ. At this future moment in time all believers who have died will rise and meet the Lord together in the air, and Christians who are alive will be caught up with them, to be with the Lord forever. When Jesus returns with His saints at His second coming he begins His benevolent rule over earth for 1,000 years. This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel and the establishment of universal peace. (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; Romans 8:23; Timothy 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51,52, Revelation 19:11-14, Revelation 20:1-6)

A Final Judgment: God, whose throne is founded upon righteousness and justice, will right all wrongs and avenge every injustice. He will judge all who have rejected him for their sin and execute justice by eternal punishment in a literal hell. (Matthew 25:46, Mark 9:43-48, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:11-15, Revelation 21:8)