what we believe
The Bible
We believe the Word of God is enclosed in The Holy Bible, both New and Old Testaments. It is inspired by God in whole and in part. We believe that God spoke through men to convey divine truths and these truths are error free in their original writings. We believe the central message of the Bible is the Good News of Jesus Christ, and it is the supreme authority of faith and practice for any believer in Christ. We believe there is one true interpretation of any passage with many practical applications.
God
We believe there is one living God who is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable. We believe that God is one in essence while existing in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Though each person of the Godhead possesses the same nature and attributes, each functions differently with respect to God’s purposes and dealings with mankind. We believe that God wants us to know him and has revealed himself to us in various ways, most clearly through Jesus Christ and the Bible.
The Father
We believe that God the Father orders and directs all things according to his will. He is sovereign in creation, providence and salvation. He has ordered all things to pass for his glory. He graciously involves himself in the affairs of men, hears and answers prayers, and saves all who come to him through Jesus Christ.
The Son
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, born of the virgin Mary. Jesus Christ, being fully God and fully man, lived a sinless life, was crucified on a cross, rose from the dead after three days and ascended into heaven. We believe that he is coming back to establish his earthly kingdom and that only those who believe in him will be saved.
The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit executes God’s will in the world of men. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of its sin and applies the salvation secured by Jesus Christ on the cross. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live a life pleasing to God and provides them with special gifts to accomplish distinct ministries prepared beforehand by God.
Humanity
We believe that humankind was created in the image of God to enjoy fellowship with him. The first humans, Adam and Eve, in a personal, voluntary act of defiance, sinned against God and broke that fellowship. All human beings are sinners by nature and choice. As a result, all are alienated from God. Only through the saving work of Jesus Christ can we be rescued and reconciled to God.
Salvation
We believe that the Son, Jesus Christ died on the cross as the only sufficient sacrifice. All who believe in him receive salvation through the Holy Spirit and are justified by the Father. In doing so, they become children of God forever and belong to one true church, the Body of Christ. We believe that salvation will result in righteous living as the believer submits to the influence of the Holy Spirit, who will in turn direct their life in harmony with the will and Word of God.
The Church
We believe that all who believe in Jesus Christ belong to one true church and are directed by the Bible to belong to smaller, local churches. We believe that the true church is comprised of these local churches whose membership is made up only of believers. We believe that Jesus mandated three ordinances: baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and feet washing, all three of which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. We believe that the purpose of the church is to fulfill the mandate of Jesus Christ to, “go and make disciples of all nations.”
The Future
We believe that Jesus Christ, according to God’s will and timing, will return to earth. When he does, those that believe in him will be awarded an eternal relationship in his presence. Those who do not believe in him face a Christ-less eternity.