Beliefs
We believe that truth matters, so we hold tight to the Bible. Here is what we believe as a church:
1. God.
He 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; Genesis 3:22; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14;
1 Peter 1:2)
2. Jesus
He is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. He lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying 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 someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22, 23; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15)
3. The Holy Spirit.
He is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. (John 14:16-17; John 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12;
1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 5:18)
4. The Bible.
It is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors 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 the truth without any mixture of error. (Psalm 12:6; Psalm 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
5. Humanity.
We are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by the disobedience toward God called sin. This separates us from God and causes many problems in our lives. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 3:23)
6. Salvation.
It is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. 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 anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Through Christ, we have new life and are made into a new spiritual creation. (John 1:12; John 14:6; Romans 5:1;
Romans 6:23; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)
7. Eternity.
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life.
(John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9; Revelation 20:15)