What We Believe
God
We believe God is the Creator and the Ruler of the universe. God has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The three are coequal and are all God. By Him all things move and breathe and live.
Genesis 1:1; Psalms 19:1; Matthew 3:16-17; Acts 5:32; 1 Peter 3:10-1
Jesus
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is coequal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. He was born of a virgin, Mary. Jesus lived a sinless life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven upon His resurrection. He is the only plan for bringing people to God, back into a right relationship with Him. He died to give us life.
Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14, 10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 14:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in daily living. The Holy Spirit moves and guides us as we ask for His direction in our lives. Everything we do for good is by that Power and none else.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 14:16-17, 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:23, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25
Man
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the object of God’s creation. Although people have tremendous potential for good, we are marred by a nature of disobedience toward God called sin. This attitude separates us from God. People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.
Genesis 1:27; Psalms 83:6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2; John 3:15-16; John 2:25; Romans 6:23; 2 Peter 1:11; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 25:41, 46
Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. The believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.
Ephesians 2:4-5, 8; Acts 4:12; John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Romans 3:20-22, 24-26; Luke 24:47; Acts 16:30-32; Ephesians 1:9-12, 2:4-6; John 10:24-30; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; Romans 8:35-39; 1 John 5:1; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Peter 1:4; Romans 8:9; 1 John 4:4; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 1:6, 2:12-13; 1 Peter 1:3-5; Hebrews 13:5
Bible
The Bible is God’s word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.
2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Proverbs 30:5; Psalms 12:6, 119:105, 160; 1 Corinthians 2:13
Church
Jesus Christ started His church as a means for the gospel to be spread and believers to be edified. Church attendance is not required for salvation, but is necessary for the believer’s growth in Christ. The Church works together to influence the world toward the power, grace and unconditional love of God.
Matthew 4:18-22; Matthew 16:18; Matthew 28:19, 20; Mark 1:14-20; John 1:35-51; Ephesians 3:21; Acts 8:12, 38; Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 1 Corinthians 11:1-2, 17-20, 26