The Word of God
We affirm that the Scriptures are the inspired, inerrant Word of God, complete as the revelation of God's will, and the supreme authority in all matters, as understood in its original context and purpose. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 1 Corinthians 2:13)
Creation
We believe in the literal creation of the universe and all its laws and systems and that He is the author and sustainer of all life. Adam and Eve were real people who fell through sin, leading to a divine curse on creation. (Genesis 1-11)
God
We believe in one personal, transcendent and sovereign God, creator and ruler of all, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each is equal in nature, is in perfect relationship, and acts harmoniously in creation, providence, and redemption. (Deuteronomy 6:4; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
The Father
God the Father eternally exists, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. He is mercifully involved in humanity, hearing prayers and offering salvation through Jesus Christ. (Genesis 1:1; John 3:16; Romans 8:1)
The Son
Jesus Christ, God's eternal Son, is fully God and man, born of the Virgin Mary. He led a sinless life, atoned for sin through His death on the cross, was bodily resurrected, ascended, intercedes for us, and will visibly return. (John 1:1-14; Luke 1:26-35; Matthew 28:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is eternal and personally involved in regeneration, sanctification, and empowering believers to live for and become like Christ. He is the indwelling life of God in every believer. He convicts of sin, glorifies Christ, and bestows spiritual gifts for ministry. (John 16:7-13; Ephesians 1:13-14; Acts 1:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14)
Spiritual Gifts
We believe that spiritual gifts are active and powerful today, just as they were in the early Church, serving to build up and strengthen the Body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
Man
Humans were created male and female in God's image but fell into sin through Adam, resulting in separation from God. Redemption is a free gift offered to all by the grace of God and is possible through repentance and faith in Jesus, leading to regeneration by the Holy Spirit. We recognize and affirm that, according to Scripture, God created humanity as male and female, and we approach discussions of gender with compassion and a commitment to reflect God's design in every person's dignity and worth. (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 5:12-21; Ephesians 2:1-3)
Salvation
Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ, unmerited, and is secure for eternity. It results in a life-giving relationship with God and leads to a Christlike way of living. We believe in the resurrection of both the redeemed to eternal life and the unrepentant to eternal punishment. (Ephesians 2:8-10; John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:20-21, Rev. 20:15)
Baptism in Water
Baptism is for believers who are mature enough to make a personal commitment to Christ as Savior, and is to be administered by immersion, symbolizing Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, as well as our new life in Him. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:37-39; Romans 6:3-5)
Communion
Our Lord instituted Holy Communion as a symbol which we observe in remembrance of His death and resurrection and as a proclamation of His return. (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32)
The Church
The Church, the Body and Bride of Christ, consists of all believers regenerated by the Holy Spirit. It expresses itself in Bible-believing local assemblies for discipleship through worship, instruction, evangelism, fellowship, and service. (1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Matthew 28:19-20)
The Church is self-governing and responsible to God alone, and should not be controlled by any external authorities. (Ephesians 1:1; Hebrews 10:25)
Christian Conduct
Every believer is called to fully surrender to Jesus Christ's lordship through the power of the Holy Spirit. Our devotion, worship, prayer, and personal evangelism should naturally flow from this surrendered life, guiding us to steward our resources and choices in a way that honors His kingdom.
Believers are to rely on Christ as they reflect His holiness and serve as His faithful stewards. In everything we do, we should act with love and humility, embracing patience, listening before speaking, maintaining a spirit of perseverance, proclaiming the gospel, and resisting the ways of the world. We are called to sacrificially serve others with joy. (1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:1-2)
We believe in the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. We uphold the sanctity of life from conception and don’t condone abortion, but approach the topic with compassion, sympathizing with those in challenging situations. We are committed to generous giving; we recognize all we possess as God's gifts and aim to support both the church and those in need. (Gen 2:24, Matt 19:4-6; Ps. 139:13-16, Jer. 1:5; Gal. 6:2; 2 Cor. 9:7, Jam. 1:17)
Angels
We believe God created angels as spirit-beings possessing power and intellect, to worship and serve Him and to minister to believers. A majority of the angels continue to worship God and serve His purposes. (Matthew 22:30; Col 1:16; Hebrews 1:4; Revelation 7:11-12)
Demons
One of the angels, Lucifer, led a rebellion because of pride. He masquerades as an angel of light. Although He is known as the father of lies, and seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, he and other demons are subject to God’s will and are defeated by Christ's work on the cross and destined for eternal judgment. (2 Cor. 11:14, John 10:10, Isaiah 14:12-15; Revelation 20:10)
The Last Things
We anticipate the sudden, physical return of Jesus Christ and a bodily resurrection of both the living and the dead. Those who accept the free gift of salvation through Christ and confess that He is Lord will enjoy eternal life with God. Those who deny Jesus as Lord will face eternal separation following a final judgment based on God’s perfect justice. The Church will exist with God for eternity in the new heavens and the new earth. (Matthew 24:30, 36; Revelation 21:6-7, 1 Thess. 5:2)