The Bible

The Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, is God’s Word to all. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures are inspired by God and are the revelation of God to man. They are infallible and inerrant in the original manuscripts. They are the unique, full and final authority on all matters of theology, doctrine, morality, faith and practice, and there are no other writings similarly inspired by God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Proverbs 30:5-6; Romans 16:25-26

Humanity

We believe in the creation. We believe that mankind was originally created by God, in His image, in perfect community with God, wholly good and free from sin. God created them male and female, Adam and Eve. Mankind has chosen sin by a voluntary act of personal disobedience. Through Adam, all people have inherited sin’s nature and consequences, and all are in need of a Redeemer. Sin brings about spiritual and physical death. Everyone has sinned and is eternally separated from God because of their sin.

Genesis 1:26-27, 2:17, 3:6, 6:5; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23, 5:8, 12-21, 7:18; Ephesians 2:1-3

Eternity

People are created to exist forever. Every person will exist eternally – either separated from God because of sin, or in union with God through faith in His forgiveness and salvation that is given through Jesus Christ. To be eternally separated from God will result in an individual spending eternity in hell. To be eternally in union with God will result in an individual spending eternity in heaven. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence.

Matthew 25:46; John 5:25-29; 1 Corinthians 15:35-38; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Philippians 1:19-24, 3:20-21; Revelation 20:11-15, 21:1-22:15

God

We believe in one God, the Almighty Creator and Ruler of the Universe and of all that is seen and unseen. He has eternally existed as three distinct persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three, called the Trinity, are co-equal and are one God. They are equal in deity, power, and glory, and worthy of the same worship and obedience. God is infinite in love, perfect in judgments, and unchanging in righteousness and mercy.

Genesis 1:26; Psalm 45:6-7, 68:5, 104:1-35, 110:1; Isaiah 64:8; Matthew 3:13-17, 10:29-31, 28:17-20; 2 Corinthians 12:14; Ephesians 1:9-12; Colossians 1:16-17; Revelation 1:4-6; 1 John 5:7; Matthew 3:16-17; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 3:7-11

Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of God, and that He was Incarnate, fully God and fully man. He was born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, was buried and bodily raised from the dead after three days – all according to the Scriptures. The shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross provides the sole basis for redemption, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life. Therefore, salvation only occurs when a person places their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as the sufficient payment for their sin. He ascended to the right hand of Father God and is interceding for the saints. He will return in glory to judge both the living and the dead, reign in righteousness, and there will be no end to his Kingdom.

Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:1-18; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:10-14; Ephesians 1:7; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-23; Hebrews 7:25, 9:1-15, 10:19; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 1 John 2:1-2;

Jesus – John 20:28; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; 2 Timothy 2:5

Virgin birth – Matthew 1:18, 20, 23; Luke 1:27; Romans 5:12-21

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is equal with God the Father and God the Son, as God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their sin and need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every believer from the moment of salvation. He also provides the Christian with power for living for God, understanding truth, and guidance in doing God’s will and what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His leading daily. The Holy Spirit regenerates, indwells, and graciously equips the Christian for godly living and service.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Subsequent to conversion, the Holy Spirit desires to fill, empower, and anoint believers for the ministry and to be a witness. We believe this is a secondary experience apart from conversion, also known as the “baptism of the Holy Spirit.” Initiated at Pentecost, Holy Spirit baptism is the promise of the Father, given by Jesus after His ascension, to empower the Church to preach the gospel throughout the whole earth. We also believe that signs and wonders, as well as all the gifts of the Holy Spirit as described in the New Testament, are operative today, and are designed to testify to the gospel, edify the Church to maturity, and supernaturally empower the Church to fulfill and carry out her calling and ministry on earth. The initial evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues as they did in Acts 2:1-4, 10:44-47, 19:1-6. The primary purpose of speaking in tongues as a prayer language is to bring edification to the believer and for enhancing his prayer life (Romans 8:26-27). Other Scriptures where the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is taught:

Matthew 3:11-17; John 3:1-15; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8, 4:29-30; Romans 8:9; 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Galatians 3:1-5; Ephesians 1:13-14, 5:18, Acts 2:1-4, 17, 38-39, 8:14-17, 10:38, 44-47, 11:15-17, 19:1-6; Mark 16:17; Joel 2:28-29

Salvation

We believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ Jesus alone. Salvation is a gift from God, undeserved and unearned. No one can ever make up for their sin by self-improvement, rituals, good works, or any human efforts. Only through repentance and trusting in Jesus Christ’s perfect and sufficient work on the cross and His resurrection can one obtain remission of sins and be spiritually Born Again (become a Christian – John 3:1-8).

John 3:16-18, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:21-26, 5:11; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Hebrews 9:12, 22; Galatians 2:16, 3:8; Titus 3:5; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 16:31, John 1:12, 14:17, 23, 15:4; Romans 8:11; Revelation 3:20

Jesus Christ’s Blood

Because Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, His blood shed on the cross of Calvary is 100% sufficient to cleanse us of all sins when appropriated individually through repentance and faith. Jesus allowed Himself to be punished for the sins we have committed, enabling all who believe to be freed from the penalty of sin (which is spiritual death, separation from God forever).

1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5, 5:9; Colossians 1:20; Romans 3:10-12, 23, 5:9; John 1:29

Repentance

Initial repentance for a new believer is a commitment to turn away from sin and every effort of trying to save oneself through self-effort and religious works (dead works), and a turning to follow Christ. Through repentance we receive forgiveness of our sins and the appropriated salvation.

Acts 2:38, 3:19

Repentance for a believer is an ongoing experience and principle. In other words, once one becomes a Christian there will be times he/she will need to repent of offense toward God or man.

Revelation 2:5, 16, 22, 3:3

Spirit-Filled Living

The saving grace of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, sanctifies us by setting us apart unto Himself that we may do what is pleasing in God’s sight, and that we might progressively be conformed to the image of Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers the Christian to live a life of victory over sin, the world, and the devil, by giving him the ability of grace and righteousness and a life that produces the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control), a separation from worldliness, and an ability to grow in love and holiness. He graces us with opportunity and authority to advance His Kingdom throughout the earth.

Ephesians 5:18, 1 Corinthians 6:14, 7:1; Acts 2:42-47; Romans12:1-2, 6-8; Hebrews 12:14, 13:12; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Galatians 5:22-25

Sanctification

Sanctification is the ongoing process of being set apart for God, characterized by our yielding to God to complete the development of Christ’s character in us. The lifestyle of developing righteousness and holiness is the evidence to all men that Christ’s Spirit lives within us.

1 Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23; 2 Corinthians 3:18, 6:14-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3; Romans 8:29, 12:1; Hebrews 2:11

The Church

We believe the Church is the Body of Christ, the community of Christ followers, of which Jesus Christ is the head. The members are those who have trusted, by faith, in the finished work of Jesus Christ and who have been born again. The purpose of the Church is to glorify God by demonstrating our passion for Him and His passion for people, and to advance His desires on earth through the leading and power of His Spirit. The Church is God’s primary instrument through which He is fulfilling His redemptive purposes in the earth. To equip the saints for the work of the ministry, God has given to the Church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. We also affirm the priesthood of the believers and the importance of every Christian being joined with and actively involved in a local community of the saints.

We believe that we, the community of Jesus Christ followers, are called to be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose, doing nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility considering others better than ourselves. Each of us should look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others. We believe all believers are to join with and become part of a local congregation of other believers. It is very important to worship together, grow in Christ together, observe the ordinances of the Church, to utilize one’s gifts, encourage and support one another, and work together to advance the Lord’s Kingdom.

Philippians 1:27; Matthew 16:17-19; Acts 2:42-47; Ephesians 3:14-21, 4:11-16; Philippians 2:1-11; 1 Timothy 2:11-15; Titus 3:14; Hebrew 10:23-25; 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10, Ephesians 1:22, 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23

Water Baptism

After believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, the new convert is commanded by the Word of God to be baptized in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches full emersion in water. Jesus Himself was baptized and instructed His followers to be baptized.

Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38

The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a unique time of fellowship in the presence of God when the elements of bread and wine (or grape juice), representing the body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, are taken by believers in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. It is also a celebration of the new life that is theirs because of Christ’s resurrection, and it is a time of looking forward to His return as triumphant King.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12, 36-38, 10:47; Matthew 26:26-29

Health and Prosperity

We believe that, as a part of Christ’s work of salvation on the cross, it is the Father’s will for believers to become whole, healthy and successful in all areas of life:

1. Spiritual – John 3:3, 11; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 10:9-10
2. Mental and Emotional – 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 26:3
3. Physical – Isaiah 53:4; Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24
4. Financial – Joshua 1:8; 3 John 1:2; Malachi 3:10-11; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; Deuteronomy 28:1-4; Psalm 34:10, 84:11; Philippians 4:19

Healing of the Sick

Healing for the body is a provision of Christ’s atonement on the cross; it is also given as a sign which is to follow believers. Healing of the whole person is illustrated in the life and ministry of Jesus, and is included in the commission of Jesus to His disciples.

Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16; 3 John 2; Psalm 103:2-3; Isaiah 53:5, 14-16; Mark 16:17-18; 1 Peter 2:24

Second Coming of Christ

Jesus Christ will physically and visibly return to earth for the second time to establish His Kingdom. This will occur at a time undisclosed by the Scriptures.

Revelation 1:7; Matthew 24:30, 25:13, 26:63-64; 1 Thessalonians 4:13- 17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-12

We believe that the second coming of Christ is personal and imminent; we are as certain that His second coming will occur as we are that His first coming is a historical fact. No one knows the exact time of His coming, but believers will continue to spread the gospel around the world and be salt and light in this world until He does come again. At that time, the Lord Himself will descend from heaven, the dead Christians will be resurrected, and believers will be taken up to meet the Lord in the air.

Matthew 24:36, 42, 44; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Afterward, the tribulation ended, being in Heaven with the saints, Jesus will return with the saints to establish His millennial Kingdom on the earth for 1,000 years. The saints will rule and reign with Christ during this time.

Jude 14-15; Revelation 20:1-6

Resurrection of the Dead and Eternal Judgment

We believe that all believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to be judged, not for their sins, but for the works done for Christ after the time of their conversion.

2 Corinthians 5:10

Unbelievers will be resurrected and judged at the White Throne Judgment Seat after the millennial kingdom period right before the time of the New Heavens and New Earth.

Revelation 20:7-15, 21:1-27, 22:1- 21

Physical Resurrection

We believe that Jesus Christ was physically resurrected from the dead in a glorified body three days after His death on the cross. One day all believers in Christ will also be physically resurrected in glorified bodies to their eternal reward in heaven with God. All of those who have not trusted in Christ will be raised as well at the end of time to face eternal judgment.

Luke 24:16-39; Philippians 1:21-23, 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:1-58; John 2:19-21, 5:24-29, 20:26-28, 21:4; Acts 17:24-31, 24:15; Revelation 20:11-15

Heaven

We believe that Heaven is the habitation of the living God and the eternal dwelling place for all born-again believers.

2 Corinthians 5:1; 1 Peter 1:4; Hebrews 11:16; John 14:2, 17:24; Matthew 5:3, 12, 20, 6:20, 19:21, 25:34; Revelation 7:15-17, 21:1-27, 22:1-21

Hell

We believe that Hell is a place of darkness, deep sorrow and regret, and unquenchable fire, which was not prepared for man but for the devil and his angels. It is appointed unto man once to die and after that the judgment. After living one life on earth, those who have rejected Christ will be judged justly by God and sent to Hell, where they will be eternally tormented together with the devil (Satan, who rebelled against God) and the fallen angels, forever separated from God. God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance and have everlasting life. What sends a person to hell is their personal refusal to repent of their sins and accept and receive God’s offer of eternal salvation by faith through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 9:27; Matthew 25:41; Revelation 14:9-11, 20:12-15, 21:8; Mark 9:43-48

Marriage and Sexuality

We affirm chastity for Christian single men and women, fidelity for Christian married men and women, and the sacredness of Christian marriage. We define marriage as a union between one born a man and one born a woman. We affirm that romantic and sexual contact between the same-sex is sinful, as found in the Scripture.

Exodus 20:14, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Sanctity of Life

We affirm that life begins at conception and has value and worth because of being created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). We affirm that abortion ends the beating heart of a living human being and is wrong, regardless of the circumstances. Our beliefs are founded upon the Word of God, which states,

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.” Psalm 139: 13-16

Tithes and Offerings

We believe that tithing (giving 10% of earnings) and offerings (amounts determined by individuals) should be given to the local church for the purpose of carrying on His ministry, spreading the gospel, and releasing personal blessing.

Malachi 3:10; 1 Corinthians 16: 1-2

Civil Government

We believe that civil government is established by divine appointment. Civil laws should be upheld at all times except when they are in opposition to the Word of God.

Romans 13:1-7