Statement of Faith
We will focus on the things that unite us, not the things that divide us.
Our guiding principle will be:
In essentials – Unity, In non-essentials – Liberty, In all things – Grace
There are some essentials that we will agree on:
God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
(Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the only Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by His crucifixion and death on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords.
(Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13 )
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christ-Follower with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christ-Follower seeks to live under His direction daily.
(2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1)
Humanity
Men and women were created by a special work of God in his image and are the finest of all creation. They were created innocent, but with a free choice they sinned against God and fell from their original state.
(Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23 )
Eternity
We are created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.
(John 3:16; John 2:25; John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; 1 John 5:11-12; Matthew 25:31-46)
Grace
Grace is the unmerited favor of God and shows us his goodness. All who have accepted Christ and are set apart will never fall from grace but will endure to the end.
(Ephesians 2, 8-9; Ephesians 4:30)
Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to all people. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can we be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by grace through faith.
(Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1)
Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, we are secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by our self-effort. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.
(John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5)
About the Bible
The Bible is God’s word to all mankind. It was written by men, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)
Baptism
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision that has occurred in the life of the believer. It is identification with Christ by picturing His death, burial, and resurrection.
(Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4 )
Communion (The Lord’s Supper)
Communion is a memorial service where we remember Jesus’ sacrifice. The bread and cup are symbols of his broken body and shed blood which were given for our salvation. All believers are invited to join us in communion. (Luke 22:19-20)