God
We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Word or Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19).
Holy Scriptures
We believe that the Bible, including all of the books of the Old and New Testaments, is the infallible and inspired Word of God. The Bible is the true written message of God to us. God inspired the authors of the Bible, and therefore, it is completely trustworthy. The Bible is the final authority on all matters to which it speaks. It is the source of all doctrine, instruction, and correction. (Psalm 19:7-11; Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
The Fall of Man and Salvation
We believe that man was created in the image of God, but because of voluntary disobedience, fell from innocence and purity. Even though we were all born in sin, Christ’s death on the cross resulted in a pardon for all who believe on Him. As a result, there is now salvation by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 3:16; Romans 5).
Daily Christian Living
We believe that it is the will of God that we are sanctified daily and grow in our faith constantly. The Christian life is filled with trials, tests, and warfare against spiritual enemies, individuals stumble and of the Church fails from time to time. Nevertheless, for all who abide in Christ until their death or His return, the promises of eternal blessing in the presence of God are assured. This requires dependence upon the Holy Spirit, a willingness to die to fleshly desires and passions, and a commitment to remain faithful and obedient to God through all of life’s circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Romans 8:29; Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 2:11; Hebrews 6:1).
The Work of the Holy Spirit
We believe in the divine personhood of the Holy Spirit. His present day ministry includes distributing spiritual gifts to believers, leading and guiding them in the way of obedience, and empowering them to serve in the Kingdom and do the will of God. Being led of the Holy Spirit is evidenced by continued submission to the Holy Spirit’s divine power and control. We believe that the Holy Spirit lives in all believers and that all believers should be filled with the Holy Spirit. The life of a spirit-filled believer should show evidence of spiritual growth and fruit. (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 12:1-22; Galatians 5:16-24). We believe in the present day operation of all spiritual gifts as listed in the New Testament Scripture. (1 Corinthians 12-14).
The Church
We believe that the Church is the Body of Christ, and that the role of the Church is to continue the work of Jesus Christ in this world. The Church exists wherever local believers gather together in fellowship and live in holiness. The Universal Church is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ worldwide, who accept and adhere to the correct teachings of the Bible, and who submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:19-22; John 17:20-23; 1 Corinthians 12).
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe that Baptism, by immersion in water, is an outward expression of an inward commitment to faith in Jesus Christ. We believe the commemoration of the Lord’s Supper with bread and juice of the vine, is a symbolic form of worship to the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 8:34-38; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25).
The Return of Christ
We believe in the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, the resurrection of believers, and the final judgment. The final judgment will determine the eternal status of both believers and unbelievers. Each person will be judged based on his or her individual faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. (Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; Revelation 1:7). We believe in and await the certain, but unknown, time of the return of our Lord. (Matthew 24:36, 25:13; Mark 13:32-35).