BELIEFS
WHAT WE BELIEVE
THE SCRIPTURES INSPIRED
We believe that that the scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infalliable, authoritative rule of faith and conduct. 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21
THE ONE TRUE GOD
We believe that the one true God has revealed himself as the enternally self-existed "I AM," the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22
JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. The Scriptures declare His virgin birth (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31,35); His sinless life (Hebrew 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22), His miracles (Acts 2:22; 10:38), His substitutionary work on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21), His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 15:4), and his exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9,11;2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3).
THE FALL OF MAN
Man was created good and upright; for God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." However, man by voluntary transgression fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual dealth, which is separated from God (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19).
THE SALVATION OF MAN
Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God. Condition to Salvation - is received through repentence toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7). The Evidence of Salavation - The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12).
THE ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH
Baptism in Water - The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been rasied with Him to walk in newness of life (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47- 48; Romans 6:4).
Communion - The Lord's Supper, consisting of the elements -- bread and the fruit of the vine -- is the symbol expression our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4); a memorial of His suffering and dealth (1 Corinthians 11:26); and a prophecy of His second coming; and is enjoyed on all believers "till He comes!"
THE HOLY SPIRIT
Given at Pentecost, it is the promise of the Father, sent by Jesus after His Ascension, to empower the Church to preach the Gospel throughout the whole earth (Joel 2:28-29; Matthew 3:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 1:15-16, 2:1-4, 17, 38-39; 8:14-17;10:38, 44-47; 11:15-17; 19:1-6). We believe that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live the holy and fruitful lives that God intends for us to live and that through the Holy Spirit, we have access to spiritual gifts for the purpose of building and edifying the local church. All believers are commanded to earnestly desire the manifestation of the gifts in their lives. These gifts always operate in harmony with the Scriptures and should never be used in violation of biblical parameters. Hebrew 2:4; Romans 1:11, 12:4-8; Ephesians 4:16; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 14:1-40; I Peter 4:10
THE CHURCH AND ITS MISSION
We believe that the church is the body of Christ. Every person who is born of the Spirit is an integral part of the church as a member of the body of believers. Since God's purpose concerning man is to seek and save that which was lost, to be worshiped by man, to build a body of believers in the image of His Son, and to demonstrate His love and compassion for the world to see. It is simply by evangelizing to the world (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19- 20), to worship God (1 Corinthians 12:13, and to equip the saints for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 14:12).
HEALING
Healing is an integral part of the gospel. It is also illustrated in the life and ministry of Jesus, and included in the commission of Jesus to His disciples. It is given as a sign, which is to follow believers. It is also a part of Jesus' work on the cross and one of the gifts of the Spirit. Isaiah 53:4, 5; Matthew 8:16- 17; James 5:14-16; I Corintians 12:9, 28; Romans 11:29
THE SECOND COMING
We believe the second coming of Jesus Christ, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one thousand years (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6). This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel and the establishment of universal peace (Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalm 72:3-8, Micah 4:3,4).
THE FINAL JUDGEMENT
There will be a final judgement in which the dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21-8).
NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH
"We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21 & 22).