Beliefs

We believe the words found in Scripture are God's words. We believe both the Old and New Testament to be divinely inspired. They are the final authority for faith and life and without error in the original writings (2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Matt 5:18; John 16:12-13). Because we are finite and sinful (Job 11:7; Psalm 139:6; Romans 11:33), we approach God’s revealed truth with humility. God’s Word is illuminated by the Holy Spirit (John 15:26, Romans 8:14, 27; 1 Corinthians 2:10) and does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). As our obedience grows our understanding increases.

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit —each are co-eternal in being, co-eternal in nature, co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections (Deut 6:4; 2 Cor 13:14).

We believe that Jesus is the eternal Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary. He became man without ceasing to be God. He came so that he might reveal God and redeem sinful man (John 1:1-2,14; Luke 1:35).

We believe that Jesus accomplished our redemption through his death on a cross, sacrificing himself in our place. We are insured access to God and adoption as his children through Jesus' literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Rom 3:24; 1 Peter 1:3-5, 2:24, 3:18; Eph 1:7). Jesus is now exalted at the right hand of God and as our High Priest represents, intercedes, and advocates our relationship with God (Acts 1:9-; Heb 7:25, 9:24; Rom 8:34; 1 John 2:1-2).

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person of the triune God who convicts the world of sin, secures our relationship with Jesus, aids the believer in understanding God's Word, brings glory to the name of Jesus, and empowers the believer to live a transformed life (John 14:26, 16:8-11; 1 Cor 12:12-14; 2 Cor 3:6; Rom 8:9; Eph 5:18).

We believe all humans, male and female, were created in the image and likeness of God. Men and women stand before their Creator as equal, designed to live in whole relationship with each other and with their Maker. Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve's willful, voluntary choice. They trusted their own evaluation of what was right and what would be good for them, rather than allowing God's words to define right and wrong. As a result, all of humanity has inherited a sinful nature and are separated from God. It is impossible for men and women to restore their relationship with God on their own merit. Grace found in Jesus is our only possible hope (Gen 1:26-27; Rom 3:22-23, 5:12; Eph 2:1-3,8-9, 12).

We believe all of humanity suffers from the corruption of sin. Salvation is a gift from God; he is the initiator. God is the one who justifies and sanctifies those who by grace have faith in Jesus.  Jesus’ death was the atonement for the forgiveness of our sin (Eph 1:7, 2:8-10; John 1:12, 14:6; 1 Peter 1:18-19).

We believe because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in this salvation for all of eternity. We have been adopted into God's family and can rejoice in the assurance of our salvation (John 6:37-40, 10:27-30; Rom 8:1, 38-39; 1 Cor 1:4-8; 1 Peter 1:5). This assurance in no way gives us a right to abuse our relationship; we must stay faithful to the teachings of God's Word and not give into our flesh (Rom 13:13-14; Gal 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).

We believe that God is sovereign in the giving of spiritual gifts. All believers are given spiritual gifts to edify the church and to impact an unbelieving world with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Each believer is responsible for the development and use of their God-given spiritual gift(s). The Holy Spirit is present in an individual's life at the moment of conversion and establishes that believer as part of the Body of Christ. We also believe that particular spiritual gift(s) are neither essential (proving the presence of the Holy Spirit), nor an indication of deep spiritual experience (1 Cor 12:7,11,13; Eph 4:7-8). It is essential for every believer to minister according to their gift(s) (Rom 12:1-8; 1 Cor 13; 1 Peter 4:10-11). We believe that God answers prayer according to His will, for the sick and afflicted (John 15:7; 1 John 5:14-15).

We believe that the church is the body of Christ of which Jesus Christ is the Head (Eph 1:22-23, 5:25-27). It is imperative that the church holds fast to the truths of Scripture but is fluid enough to translate the truth with relevance to a lost generation and culture. The church must offer an unbelieving world a clear and authentic representation of Jesus and allow them the opportunity to experience the fullness of life that only He offers. Healthy growth can only be experienced in the context of community. Those who have a personal relationship with Jesus find unity, purpose, and focus within the local church. It is in the body of Christ that community comes alive (1 Cor 3:9,16, 12:12-14; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4).

We recognize believer's baptism and the Lord's supper as scriptural means of testimony for the church in this age (Matt 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42, 18:8; 1 Cor 11:23-26).