STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe that the primary way in which God speaks to his people is through his written word, the Bible. We believe that the whole Bible, both Old and New Testaments, are God breathed, inspired by him, and written by men who were carried along by the Holy Spirit, and are therefore, inerrant in their original state and infallible as we have them today. We believe that the Holy Scriptures are profitable for teaching, for reproof, for  correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete and equipped for every good work. Further, we believe that Scripture cannot be, in any way, added to or taken from, it is complete, final, and perfect.

Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 8:3; Joshua 8:34 Psalm 19:7-14; 119:105; 119:160; Jeremiah 1:9; Isaiah 55:11; Habakkuk 2:2; Matthew 4:4; Luke 16:31; John 5:39; 10:35; 16:13; 17:17; Acts 1:16; Romans 15:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Revelation 22:18-19

We believe in the triune nature of God as he has revealed himself in Scripture, namely as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God is one in essence and three in personhood. He is not three gods; he is one God as three persons. We reject any notion of modalism which suggests that He is only one of these three persons at a time. God is always and forever, at the same time, three persons (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) while being one God. Each member of the Godhead is somewhat separate in function and roles but the same in essence and unity. This is a profound mystery and one that leads us only to further worship him for his greatness.

Genesis 1:1-2; 26; 3:22; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:1 14:16-17; 14:26; Acts 2:33; Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 8:6;2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 13:14; Ephesians 4:4-6; Philippians 2:5-8; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 Peter 1:1-2

We believe in God the Father, the Creator of all things visible and invisible. He providentially rules over all creation in an active and present manner. He is both transient and imminent. He is love and has demonstrated his love by sending his Only Son to die for the sins of his own. From him are all things and for whom we exist. He is over all and through all and in all. He is the Father of lights, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, Ancient of Days, the Great I Am, the omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent one true God. He is a holy, just, perfect, gracious, and righteous judge.

Genesis 1:1; Exodus 3:14; 1 Kings 8:39; Psalms 68:5; 103:13; 139: 147:5; Daniel 7:9-10; Malachi 2:10;
John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Ephesians 4:6; James 1:17; 1 John 4:7-8.

We believe in Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of the Father who eternally existed with the Father before creation. Jesus is the eternal logos of God who became human in the fullness of time according to the eternal plan of God. He is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament who sits on the throne of David. He is Son of God, Son of Man, Son of David. All things were created through the Son and for the Son and in him all things hold together. Jesus is the Lamb of God who willingly gave up his life by dying on a cross as an offering and propitiation to God for our sins. He rose from the dead bodily the third day and ascended into heaven after showing himself to his Apostles and believers. In his name alone, salvation is given unto man. He is the Lord of lords, King of kings, Alpha and Omega, Mighty God, Author of Life, Prince of Peace, Lion of Judah, our faithful High Priest, the Blessed One.

2 Samuel 7:12-13; Isaiah 9:6; 11:1-10; 16:5; 42:1-4; Jeremiah 23:5-6; 33:17-26; Daniel 7:27; Amos 9:11-12; Micah 5:2-5; Zephaniah 3:14-20; Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32-33; John 1:1-18; 10:30; Acts 3:11-26; 4:12; Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:15-20; 2:9; Hebrews 1:1-14; 5:10; 1 John 2:2; Revelation 19:11-16; 21:22-27; 22:16.

We believe in the Holy Spirit who is God, the life-giver. He is not a force or energy, but a person who operates in tandem with God the Father and God the Son. By Him, the dark void of creation was illuminated, and by him God the Father breathed into the dust and man was made, by him the dark void of sin in humanity was swallowed up and new life began. He is the eternal Holy Spirit of God, the Spirit of truth and was sent to us, his Church, by the Father and the Son. He regenerates those whom the Father has chosen according to his good will and pleasure and indwells and seals them, declaring them to be adopted children of God and being the guarantee of their inheritance until we acquire possession of it. The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ in all that he does and convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgement. He empowers and sanctifies us, his church, to minister to Christ and execute his perfect will in mission while here on earth ever transforming us unto the measure, stature, and fullness of Christ.

Genesis 1:1-5; 2:7; Ezekiel 8:1-4; 37:1-14; Zechariah 4:6; John 1:32-34; 3:1-8; 14:15-20, 25-26; 15:26; 16:1-14; Acts 5:1-11; Romans 8:9-17; Galatians 4:3-7; Ephesians 4:1-6,22-24; Hebrews 2:4; 1 Peter 1:2, 12; 1 John 3:24; 4:4,13

We believe only God is eternal, therefore everything else that was, is, and will be, has been made by God and is part of creation. Creation is all things both visible and invisible outside of God Himself. Physical creation: consists of the universe and everything in it including all life forms and matter. We believe that God made the physical creation in 7 literal days out of nothing (creatio ex nihilo). Prior to the fall, all creation was good in its purpose. Creation was made by a good, holy, and wise God. For this reason, we reject all worldly philosophies and teachings such as Gnosticism which suggest that matter is inherently evil. This also informs us of how important our bodies are and why we ought to take care of them. We also reject any teachings of macro evolution, Darwinism, and post-modern thought that teaches the universe formed through evolutionary processes and natural selection. God made everything and there was nothing made that was not made by him. The invisible creation: consists of the heavenly (spiritual) bodies and their dwelling places such as angels, demons, Satan, hell, and heaven.

Genesis 1:1-2:1-3; 14:19; Exodus 20:11 Job 38:4; 2 Kings 19:15; Job 1:6-7; Psalm 24:1-2; 33:6 104:24; 139:13-14; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16-20; John 1:1-3; Ephesians 3:9-10; 1 Timothy 4:4; 6:16; Hebrews 1:2; Revelation 20:10.

We believe that mankind is the pinnacle of God’s creation as he made them (Male and Female) in the image of God. Man was morally good prior to the fall and walked with God while in perfect communion with his creator. Man was never meant to be alone, and God created from the man’s rib a woman. The woman was to be man’s helper in carrying out God’s calling for him and together, in marriage they were to be fruitful and multiply. The woman was a compliment to the man and the man to the woman; each of them being unique in their nature and perfectly suited for one another. Man is a soul/spirit and body who enjoys the communicable attributes (thinking, creating, choosing, loving, etc.) of his creator having been made in his image and likeness.

Genesis 1:26-30; 2:18-25; Psalm 8:1-9; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Matthew 10:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; James 2:26; 1 Peter 3:7

We believe that through Adam’ transgression in the garden of Eden, where he and his wife ate of the forbidden tree, that him and the whole human race from him sinned against holy God. As a result of his transgression, all were made sinners, and the wrath of God abides on all at birth. Mankind, therefore, is fully depraved by nature and does not seek God by his/her own will. There are none who does good, no not one. Also, the creation itself has been cursed and it eagerly awaits the revealing of the children of God, that is, the fullness of Christ’s redemption at his second coming.

Genesis 3:1-24; 6:5; Psalm 51:5; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21; John 3:19; Ephesians 2:1-3; 5:8; Romans 3:1-23; 8:18-23; 2 Peter 2:14. 

We believe that due to the fallen nature of man and his inability to come to God by his will, that God must first move in man and regenerate his/her heart. Regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit and is also called in Scripture being “born again”, and “baptism of the Holy Spirit”. This is a complete act of grace and cannot be willed into action. Once regenerated, man then repents of his/her sin, believes in Christ, and confesses him as Savior and King. This process happens in no certain time frame and is the result of hearing the Gospel of Christ, the power of God unto salvation. This is the “Ordo salutis” the order of salvation. 

Genesis 3:8-9; Ezekiel 36:26; Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; John1:12-13; 3:1-8; 6:44-65; 15:6; Acts 1:5; 10:44; 11:15-16; 19:1-6; Romans 1:16; 9:6-26; 11:5-7 Ephesians 1:4; 2:4-10; 1Thessalonians 1:4-5; 2Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:25; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:2.

We believe that salvation is the free gift of God that was fully earned and merited by Jesus Christ. Although he knew no sin, he became sin for us by suffering and dying on a roman cross under the orders of Pontius Pilot. His sacrifice completely and irrevocably accomplished and satisfied the just requirement of the law of God and payment for the sins of those who believe on him, and God showed his acceptance of this sacrifice by raising him from the dead three days later. He is the risen Lord. By his sacrifice as the unblemished Lamb of God, he purchased for us eternal life where we will live and be with God forever in paradise. There is no work that can be done by us to add to this payment, it is perfect and complete in Christ alone.

Isaiah 53:1-12; Matthew 27:24-26; Luke 23:24-25; John 1:29; 3:16; 14:6; Romans 3:25; 5:8; 6:4; 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 1:4; 2:20; 3:13; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-9; 2:13; 5:2; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 9:14-22; 10:10-14; 1Peter 1:18-20; 2:24; 3:18; 1 John 1:7; 2:2; 3:5; 4:10; Revelation 1:17-18

The Church is the bought possession of Jesus Christ which he purchased with his own blood. Christ is the Head of the Church and to him has been given all authority over it. Jesus is the Bridegroom, and the Church is the bride. The Church consists of all believers of Jesus Christ as he is revealed in Scripture, of all times and at all places, making the Church universal (Catholic). The Church is on mission while here on earth and has been commanded to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them all the commands of Christ. The Church is to be Salt and Light by being adorned with Christ and should therefore be in the world but not of the world. Through love, compassion, empathy, boldness, and courage, the Church goes forward proclaiming Christ and him crucified regardless of any threat of violence, punishment, or discomfort that may result. Furthermore, the Church is to seek peace with those who are outside of Christ by praying for political and community leaders, loving our enemies, and doing acts of charity with every person and community it encounters regardless of sex, race, creed, religious background, economic status, or any other demographic category without violating the commands of God in Scripture.

Matthew 5:13-14,44; 20:16; 28:18-20; Mark 12:28-34; Luke 6:27; John 17:16-26; Acts 1:8; 20:28; Romans 12:4-5; 13:1-2; 1 Corinthians 12:12,27; Ephesians 2:18-32; 5:23-25; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:1-21; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 2:5,17.

We believe that the Bible gives us two sacraments (acts of worship ordained by Christ), Baptism and Holy Communion (the Lord’s Supper). These are a testimony of the favor of God on the Church, that is confirmed by an outward sign, with unifying agreement and mutuality of our godliness toward God. 

 

Concerning baptism: Baptism is for those who have repented of their sins and have confessed Jesus as Lord and believed in their heart that God raised him from the dead. So as long as the person to be baptized has done this, then they may, according to Scripture, be baptized by full submersion underwater in the name of the Father and the name of the Son and the name of the Holy Spirit. Baptism does not save, but as stated above, it is a testimony of the work and favor of God which is confirmed by the outward display, action, and work of water baptism.

Concerning Holy Communion: Communion is when the Church comes together as one to partake in the bread and wine (grape juice) which symbolizes our Lord Jesus’s body and blood which was broken and shed for our salvation. We do this in remembrance of Him and until he comes again to receive us with him. Only those who are believers in Christ are allowed to partake of this sacrament.

Matthew 26:26-28; 28:19; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20; John 6:53-58; John 3:5; Acts 2:41; 8:36-37; 10:47; Romans 6:3-4; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Titus 3:5;

We believe in the biblical and historically Christian view of marriage and sexual expression; namely, that marriage is a one-flesh covenant union between God and two sexually different persons (biological male and biological female) from different families, and that all sexual relationships outside this marriage covenant are sin. 

 

We believe that marriage is the strongest and greatest living example of the relationship that Christ has with the Church. He is the Husband, and the Church is the Bride of Christ. As such, our marital relations must reflect as much as the grace of God allows us to. Husbands are to love, understand, and lead their wives in godliness and wives are to submit and honor their husband in all humility.

Genesis 2:18-25; Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 18:23; 20:10-13; Proverbs 6:27-29; 18:22; 19:14; Matthew 19:2-9; Mark 7:21; 10:11-12; Acts 15:19; Romans 1:24-27; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:9-10; 7:1-5; 10:8; 2 Corinthians 12:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3, 22-33; Colossians 3:18-19; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:7; Jude 1:7; Revelation 2:20

We believe that Jesus will return both physically and visibly to rapture his Church and judge the world. At his return, the resurrection of our bodies will happen, and all will be raised, beginning with those who have died in Christ, then those who are alive in Christ, lastly, the wicked dead too will rise and be brought to the Great White Throne to receive judgement from God. The moment of his return is unknown and yet, we are to wait with eager anticipation and holiness while keeping guard of that which he entrusted us with. We wait with joy for his coming for when he comes, he will consummate the Kingdom of God with his creation fully and totally. At that time, Satan, the fallen angels, and all those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire and will remain there forever more. The Church will enter into the paradise of God and will dwell with the Triune God for all eternity.

Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2; Matthew 16:27; 24:27, 36, 42-44; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 14:14; John 6:39-40; 11:25; 14:1-3; Acts 1:10-11; Romans 8:11, 18-25; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 15:12-28; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 5:2; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 10:24-25; James 5:7-11; 1 Peter 4:7; 2 Peter 3:10; 1 John 2:28; Revelation 1:7-8; 3:11; 20:7-15; 22:20.