What We Believe

"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." - A.W. Tozer

We Believe . . .

The Scriptures

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by holy men of God, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.  It is God’s spoken Word to us for our daily conduct and church doctrine.  
(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)

The Godhead

The Trinity is one God, revealing Himself in three persons that are co-equal and co-eternal.

  • FATHER - (John 14:9-10; John 14:28)
  • SON - (John 1:1; John 1:14)
  • HOLY SPIRIT - (John 14:26; John 15:26)

Jesus

Jesus was born of a virgin.  (Matthew 1:23)

He is man and God at the same time.  (John 1:1 & 14)

Man, His Fall and Redemption

Man is a created being, made in the likeness and image of God.  (Genesis 1:26; Genesis 5:1-2)  By one man’s fall (Adam) sin entered into the world.  (Romans 5:12)  We have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of sins by grace, not works.  (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2:8)

Water Baptism

Baptism in water is by full immersion.  (Romans 6:4)  The Greek word (908) BAPTIZMA means immersion, submersion and emergence.  Through water baptism the Christian participates in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  (Romans 6:4-7; Col. 2:12; Matthew 28:19)

Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire is promised to the believer (Matthew 3:11) and when received is accompanied by speaking in other tongues.  (Acts 2:4)  The Holy Spirit is the Comforter that abides with the believer forever.  (John 14:16-17; Acts 2:38)

Sanctification

The separation of the believer from ungodly evil things and actions is sanctification.  This is not a onetime experience but a progressive process of holiness in Jesus Christ (a Christ-like lifestyle).  (Galatians 5:16 & 25; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:21)

Fellowship with Believers

Christians are of the family of God and should not forsake the assembling together in love.  (Ephesians 3:15; Hebrews 10:25)

Praise and Worship

Individually and as a congregation, believers worship the Father in spirit and truth.  (John 4.23)  God inhabits the praises of His people.  (Psalms 22:3; Luke 19:37)

The Table of the Lord

As Jesus instructed us, we are to eat of His flesh and drink His blood in remembrance of Him and His sacrifices.  (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 22:19-20)

Covenant

God is a covenant keeping God and as believers we are to walk in covenant with Him in:

  • Repentance (maintaining of one’s righteousness)
  • Water Baptism (walking in righteousness)
  • Table of the Lord (relationship with God and the body)
  • Submission to spiritual authority (Hebrews 13:17)
  • Tithing (Malachi 3:8)

Prayer

The earnest prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.  (James 5:16; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

God's Commission to the Believer

Jesus instructed believers to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations.  (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8)

Divine Healing

God in His redemptive plan has delivered man from sin, sickness and disease.  (Psalms 103:3; Matthew 9:2-8; 1 Peter 2:24)  God empowers believers with the authority to heal in His name.  (James 5:14; Mark 16:18)

Hell and the Devil

Anyone who physically dies in his or her sins without accepting Jesus Christ is eternally lost in the lake of fire (Hell); and has no further opportunity of hearing the gospel or repenting.  (Hebrews 9:27; Luke l6:20-31).  The devil goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.  (I Peter 5:8).  Believers overcome the devil through Jesus Christ who is the Greater One.  (1 John 4:4; 1 John 3:8)

OUR LORD'S RETURN

The angels said to Jesus’ disciples, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”  His coming is imminent.  When he comes, “...the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air!”  (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)