We Believe…
In the Goodness of God – God is good and loving, as well as righteous and just. He cares about each and every person, and invites all to join His family. He is the Creator of all things, the One True God, eternal, Who exists as three distinct Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Ps. 119:68; Matt. 28:19; Phil. 2:6; John 1:1, 1:14, 18, 14:28, 15:26, 16:28; 2 Cor. 13:14).
In the Inspiration of the Bible – The Bible introduces mankind to God’s plan for our lives and provides the necessary keys for our success. It is the inspired and infallible Word of God and should be treated as a handbook for living, a guide for our thoughts, words, and actions. (1 Thes. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21).
In Continuous Growth – The Christian life is to be one of growth and change. Jesus Christ is our model and the Holy Spirit is the Agent of change. Like clay on the Potter’s wheel, we are to be shaped over time into loving, creative, and productive individuals to benefit those around us. (Rom. 12:1,2; 2 Cor. 3:18, 5:17; 2 Pet. 3:18; Gal. 5:23).
In Kingdom Citizenship – The ways of God’s Kingdom include His wisdom, power, customs, authority, and standards. These constitute the Christian’s lifestyle. Jesus established the Kingdom of God on earth by what He taught and did. As Christians we are citizens of the Kingdom having all rights, privileges, and obligations. (Matt. 4:17,23; 6:10,33; 10:7; Matt. 6:33, 13:11-52; Lk. 4:43; 17:21; John 3:3,5; Acts 1:3; 19:8; Rom. 14:17; 1 Cor. 4:20; 2 Pet. 1:11).
In the Lordship of Jesus Christ – Jesus is fully God and fully man. He was miraculously conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He led a sinless life, died on the Cross for the sins of all men, instituting the New Covenant. He arose bodily from the dead and is now seated on the right hand of the Father as our High Priest, Advocate, and Baptizer with the Spirit. (Matt. 1:18; Gal. 4:4; Luke 3:16; John 1:14; 1 Pet. 2:22-24; I Jn. 2:2; 2 Cor. 5:21; Matt. 28:5-7; I Jn. 2:1).
Sin Prevents Blessings – This word comes from an archery term meaning, “missing the mark.” Everyone is familiar with this feeling. Sin was introduced into the human race when Adam rebelled against God’s good will. This resulted in mankind’s spiritual death and separation from God. There are always consequences to sin and everyone needs salvation. (Rom. 3:23, 5:12; John 5:24; 2 Cor. 5:17-18).
Salvation Is a Free Gift – Because God is holy, He must judge sin. However, He is also a loving God and chose to suffer the punishment for our sins Himself. Therefore, God the Son, Jesus Christ, became a Man to bear our sins on the Cross. This is called the Atonement. As the only acceptable offering for sin, Jesus is the only way by which man can be saved. Salvation comes as a gift to those who express faith in Jesus as their personal Savior and the Lord of their lives. Repenting of one’s sins and receiving Jesus as Savior results in being born again. In doing so, we are released from the penalty of sin and we receive eternal life. Most important, upon salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to reside in one’s heart. (John 3:3-7, 3:16-17; Rom. 5:8,11; 10:9,10; Eph. 2:8,9; Heb. 10:10).
The Holy Spirit Is the Third Person of the Godhead – The Holy Spirit is alive in the hearts of believers to comfort, teach, and guide them. He will lead all who are willing into a productive and meaningful life, one that reflects the values and activities of Jesus Christ. These values are best described as the nine fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control. (John 14:16- 17, 26; Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:22-23).
In the Baptism with the Holy Spirit – This is a second spiritual experience after salvation. It might best be described as an impartation of spiritual power for evangelism and service. Like salvation, it is received by faith. The initial, physical evidence is speaking or praying in tongues. This is also called praying in the Spirit and is useful for praying God’s perfect will. Commonly, the baptism with the Holy Spirit introduces gifts of the Spirit that are intended for the edification of the church and the believer. (Matt. 3:11; John 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8, 2:4,38-39, 10:44-46; 19:1-7).
In a Life of Faith – Faith is an utter reliance upon Jesus Christ for one’s salvation, which affects one’s thoughts, words, and actions. Faith is believing that God’s Word is true and then acting according to that belief with courage and conviction. It is a lifestyle that embraces prosperity, healing, and wholeness as benefits included in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It is living life for the glory of God and the benefit of others. (Heb. 11:6; Deut. 8:18; 2 Pet. 1:3; 3 Jn. 1:2; Prov. 10:22; Mark 10:29-30; Luke 6:38; Ps. 35:27; 2 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 10:38-39, 11:1).
Healing Is for Today – The ministry of Jesus Christ included teaching, subduing demons, and healing the sick. These are the same things Jesus commissioned the Church to do after His death. There are many types of healing referred to in Scripture—physical and emotional healing are included. Sickness occurs for many reasons, but we can be confident that it is God’s will that we are healthy. Healing was provided through the Cross. (Mark 16:17-18; James 5:14-15; 1 Pet. 2:24; Matt. 8:17; Is. 53:4-5; Ps. 103:3, 107:20; 3 John 2).
The Church Is the Body of Christ – It comprises all who are born again. The Church is intended to gather together in local assemblies for worship, instruction, edification, ministry, and outreach. As the Head of the Church, Jesus bestows offices for leadership, and the Holy Spirit manifests gifts for ministry. (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:27; Phil. 1:1; Heb. 10:25).
In the Second Coming of Christ – The birth of Christ was His first coming to earth; His second will occur before the Tribulation (a time of terrible judgement on the earth). Jesus will appear in the air and “catch away” (or rapture) those who are born again. Raptured Believers will enjoy the transformation of their bodies into a glorified state of being. Those Believers who have already died and are now present with Jesus in Heaven, will have their physical bodies reformed and glorified to join with their spirits. Afterward, Jesus and his Church will return to establish His physical kingdom on earth. (1 Thes. 4:16-17; Rev 20:6).
Eternal Punishment Exists – While God has done all that He can do to bring us to the beneficial life of salvation—even dying for our sins—many will refuse His kindness and mercy. He will not violate our will; we can chose a life without Him. Ultimately, judgement will come to all. Believers will be rewarded for their faith and unbelievers will be punished for their rebellion. At the time of the judgements, both rewards and punishment are without end. (Rev. 20:12-15).
In the Power of Prayer – Conversing with God can occur at anytime and take several forms. The Bible refers to praying with the understanding (in one’s known language) and praying in the Spirit (tongues). All prayer is intended to draw one closer to God and understand His will. Prayer should be honest and frequent. (1Cor. 14:15-18; Rom. 8:26-27; 1 Thes. 5:17; Jude 1:20; James 5:16).
In the Observance of Water Baptism and the Lord’s Supper – These are meaningful symbols instituted by the Lord for this present time. Water baptism identifies the Believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, reminds Believers of the New Covenant instituted through Jesus’ suffering on the Cross. Neither ordinance should be construed as a means of salvation. Salvation is by faith alone. (Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:23-26; Rom. 4:6; 6:4; Col. 2:12; Acts 8:36-38).