The Holy Bible is the authoritative Word of God. It is accurate, complete, without error, and it alone is the final authority in determining all doctrinal truths. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Hebrews 4:12).
There is one true God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The persons of the Trinity are co-equal and co-eternal. (Genesis 1:26; Matthew 28:19; Isaiah 43:10; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
God the Father is the creator and sustainer of all things. He is all powerful, all knowing, ever present, unchanging, and Holy. God is only good, and created the universe in love. He created man in His own image for fellowship and He is loving, just, compassionate, and is faithful to His people and His promises. (Exodus 3:14, Numbers 23:19; Psalm 11:4-6; Malachi 3:6; John 3:16; Acts 17:28).
Jesus Christ is God the Son, the second person of the trinity. On Earth, Jesus was fully God and fully man. He is the only man ever to have lived a sinless life. He was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died on the cross for mankind and thus, atoned for our sins through the shedding of His blood. He rose from the dead on the third day according to the scriptures, ascended to the right hand of the Father and will return again soon in power and glory. (John 1:1,14, 20:28; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 2:5-6; I Timothy 2:5).
The Holy Spirit is a distinct person from the Father and the Son, and was sent by the Father to equip the Body of Christ. He was active in the Old Testament, and given to the Church in fullness at Pentecost. In all he does, he glorifies Christ. The Holy Spirit is received at salvation, convicts us of sin, and assists us in our weaknesses by helping us to live Christlike lives that is evidenced by the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit. (John 14:16-26; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 4:30; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Hebrews 19:29).
All humankind have been created in the image of God and for the purpose of living in relationship with Him. We were created, man and woman, to have fellowship with God. Mankind was created good, but became separated from relationship with God through sin. Every single human has been uniquely created, and it is God’s will for believers to become whole and healthy in all areas of life in the midst of the trials, tests and spiritual warfare that we will experience. To remain faithful to God requires dependance on the Holy Spirit and the willingness to submit to His leading over our own personal desires and passions. (Genesis 1:26-30; Psalms 51:5; Ephesians 5:2)
The blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross provides the only way of salvation. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ; His death, burial, and resurrection. His sacrifice enables all those who believe in him to be free from the penalty of sin. Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our good works or of any human efforts. As we repent from our sin and follow Christ, we receive forgiveness, salvation, and the gift of eternal life. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 2:16, 3:8; Titus 3:5; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 16:31; Hebrews 9:22).
The Lord Jesus Christ will physically and visibly return to the Earth for the second time to establish His kingdom and reign forever as King. Man was created to exist forever, either eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through repentance, forgiveness, and salvation. Hell is the eternal separation from God. Heaven is the eternal dwelling place with God. Jesus’ return will occur at a date undisclosed by the scriptures and should inspire living that honors God and the mission of the Gospel. (Matthew 24:30, 26:63-64; Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:15-17; II Thessalonians 1:7-8; Revelation 10:11-22)
Sanctification is the ongoing process of submitting to God's Word and His Spirit in order to complete the development of Christ's character in us. Through the strength of the Holy Spirit and The Word of God, believers are enabled to live a Godly life. (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23; 2 Corinthians 3:18, 6:14-18, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, Romans 8:29, 12:1-2, Hebrews 2:11).
The Church is the body of Christ and is comprised of all those who have faith in Him alone. The purpose of the Church is to fulfill the great commission and make disciples of all nations. We believe this is accomplished through a local community of unified believers. The Church is committed to the teachings of Christ, obeying His commands, and works together in love and unity to glorify Christ. (Ephesians 1:22, 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23; John 17:11, 20-23).
The Word of God instructs believers to partake in two practices:
Water Baptism: an outward expression of what God has done in an individual’s life and a testimony to all that the person now belongs to Jesus. It is effected in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38).
The Lord's Supper: a unique time of communion in the presence of God when the elements of bread and grape juice (the body and the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ) are taken in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 10:47-48; I Corinthians 10:16, 11:23-25).
We believe marriage is defined in the Bible as a covenant, a sacred bond between one man and one woman, instituted by and publicly entered into before God. (Matthew 19:4-6)
THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The purpose of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is to build and sanctify the Church, demonstrate the validity of the resurrection, and confirm the power of the gospel. The Bible's lists of these gifts are not necessarily exhaustive, and the gifts may occur in various combinations. All believers should seek God in prayer for the gifts of the Spirit to operate in their own lives. These gifts always operate in harmony with the scriptures and should never be used in violation of Biblical parameters. (Hebrews 2:4; Romans 1:11,12 :4-8; Ephesians 4:16; 2 Timothy 1:5-16, 4:14; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 14:1-40; 1 Peter 4:10).
