Core Beliefs
God's Existence
We believe that God is composed of three united Persons without separate existence, so completely united as to form one God. The divine nature exists with three distinct Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, known commonly as the Trinity.
I Cor 8:4,6; Deut 6:4; Jer10:10; Ex 3:14; Gen 1:26; Jn 4:24; Acts 5:3-4
The Scriptures
We believe that the Bible is the inspired revelation of God, preserved by His sovereign power through men who recorded His words during the life of other eyewitnesses. We reach our interpretation of scripture following a literal, historical, and grammatical method.
II Tim 3:15-17; II Pet 1:19-21; Heb 4:12; I Thess 2:13; Isa 40:8; Ps 119:105
The Person of Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is God the Son, sent by the Father, who took on a human nature at the incarnation. He came to reveal the Father to us and offer Himself as the atoning sacrifice of the sins of man. We believe that He died a physical death and was buried and raised again bodily by the power of God. We believe that He is coming again.
Jn 1:1-18; Matt 1:18-25; Jn 6:38; Heb 2:14; I Pet 2:24; Rom 5:8; I Cor 15:4
Humanity
We believe God created man in His own likeness instilling a uniqueness in humanity, not present in the rest of creation. Man was created for fellowship with God and given authority and responsibility over the earth, to the glory of God.
Gen 1:26-27; Ps 8:4-6; I Cor 1:9; Isa 43:7
The Fall
We believe that sin entered humanity by the actions of Adam and Eve who rebelled against the order given by God. Because of their sin, union with God was broken resulting in spiritual death and the corruption of their nature. This fallen nature and condemnation have been passed on to each of their descendants resulting in every person born into the world separate from God and dead in sin.
Gen 3:1-19; Rom 5:12-17; Isa 59:2; Eph 2:1-3
Salvation
We believe that by God’s grace, salvation is offered to all people through the Lord Jesus Christ. Through His work, the Father has imputed the sins of man to His Son and the righteousness of Christ to the believing sinner. Sinners are forgiven by the personal acknowledgment of their sin resulting in faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The guarantee of salvation is Christ’s resurrection which displays that the Father has accepted the Son’s sacrifice.
Eph 2:8-9; Gen 15:6; I Tim 2:3-4; II Cor 5:21; Eph 1:3-14; Rom 3:22-26; Rom 4:4; Gal 3:6-14
The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells the believing sinner at the moment they place their faith in Christ. His presence is the assurance of our relationship with God through Christ. He takes on the role of Teacher and fosters the development of the character of Christ within the believer as they practice spiritual disciplines.
Eph 1:13; Rom 8:16; II Cor 1:22; Jn 14:26; Gal 5:22-23
The Local Church
We believe that the Church is a local assembly of baptized believers who have joined themselves together to further Christ’s mission and build each other up in the love of Christ. In our gatherings we remember Christ’s work on our behalf through the teaching of the Word, keeping of the ordinances (The Lord’s Table and Baptism by immersion), and fellowship with each other. Only those who profess faith in Christ and have followed in believers’ baptism are candidates for admission into local church membership.
Acts 2:41-42; Eph 4:15-16; Matt 28:18-20; Rom 6:3-4; I Cor 11:23-26
Sanctification
We believe that the development of Christlike character in a believer is to be their diligent priority while awaiting Christ’s return. The believer’s walk with Christ and dependence upon the Holy Spirit is emphasized for the power needed to produce this transformation.
II Pet 1:5-7; Titus 2:11-13; II Cor 3:18; Gal 5:16; Phil 2:12-13; II Pet 3:18
Literal View of Scripture's Miracles
We believe that the miracles recorded in the scriptures were literal events performed by the supernatural power of God to further His purposes.
Ex 3:20; Jn 20:30-31; Acts 2:24; Lk 4:40-41
The Family
We believe that the family was created and organized by God for His glory. The relationship of a husband and wife provide a vivid illustration of Christ’s relationship to the Church. God’s plan for fathers, mothers, and children provides the best possible environment to foster the growth of godly characteristics.
Gen 2:24; Eph 5:25,31-32; Eph 6:1-4; Matt 19:4-6