WHAT WE BELIEVE
In a world of changing opinions, we anchor all we do to the timeless truths of God. These are our "Essential Beliefs" that we believe you must hold to be considered a Christian (in the historical, orthodox sense):
GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal, distinct and are one God. (Genesis 1:1, 26-27, 3:22, Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14)
HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides us with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. (Acts 1:8, John 14:16-17, 16:7-13, Galatians 5:25, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16, Ephesians 1:13, 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 Peter 1:2)
SALVATION
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his or her life by faith. (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6, Romans 5:1, 8, 10:9-10)
JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God and co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human 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's glory and will return again to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Matthew 1:22-23. Isaiah 9:6 ,John 1:1-5 ,Hebrews 4:14-15 ,1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 1:3-4, Acts 1:9-11, Philippians 2:5-11, Colossians 2:9-10. 1 Timothy 6:14-15)
THE BIBLE
The Bible is God’s Word to us. Human authors, under the supernatural guidance & control of the Holy Spirit, wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6, Proverbs 30:5, Isaiah 55:11)
ETERNITY
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God in heaven through His forgiveness and salvation. Heaven & Hell are real places of eternal existence. Once you are truly saved, you cannot lose that salvation. It’s maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. (John 3:16, 14:17, Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:15, Philippians 2:8-11, Matthew 25:31-34, 41)
These essential beliefs lead us to some core convictions and practices that define what we do and how we navigate current cultural events as a church. We know that some Christians may differ in their understandings in the following areas and we recognize it may be difficult to disagree and also fellowship together on a regular basis. While we hold these convictions as important, we consider those that disagree (yet hold to the essential beliefs above) brothers and sisters in Christ and extend grace as we look for common ground to be able to build the Kingdom upon.
THE christian & the sacraments
Historically, the church has valued certain practices as holy and important in the life of a Christian. While no action or tradition can save you apart from the grace of God and sacrifice of Jesus, we honor these practices as holy and set apart as important expressions of faith:
Communion (or The Lord's Supper) was given by Jesus at the Last Supper to his followers to remember His sacrifice and to mark the New Covenant. Through bread that represents His broken body and wine, which represents His shed blood, we participate in both His sacrifice and redemption. (Matthew 26:26-28, Luke 22:14-23, Mark 14:12-26,1 Corinthians 11:17-34)
Baptism (by water) is practiced as a public profession of faith, after repenting and receiving forgiveness from Sin and putting their faith and allegiance in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. We briefly and fully submerge the believer as a symbol of the death of their old, sinful nature and raise them up again physically showing their spiritual resurrection to new and eternal life. (Matthew 3:16, 28:19-20, Mark 16:16, John 3:5, Acts 2:38, 10:47-48, 19:4, 22:16, Romans 6:3-4, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12-13, 1 Peter 3:21)
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Marriage is a gift and a lifelong covenant relationship between one man and one woman meant to involve God and symbolize Jesus' unbreakable love for His Church. While not a requirement for each and every believer, it is a powerful means of sanctification, growth, and human flourishing. It should not be entered into or exited from lightly.​ (Genesis 2:18, 2:24, Matthew 19:2-9, Mark 10:8-12, John 3:27-30, Hebrews 13:4, Proverbs 18:22, 1 Corinthians 7:7-9, 2 Corinthians 6:14, 11:, Ephesians 5:21-33, 1 Peter 3:1-5, Revelation 19:7-9)
THE christian & the SOCIAL ORDER
All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ.
In the spirit of Jesus, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends, Christians should be ready to work with all men and women of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.
(Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy 10:12, 27:17; Psalm 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 8:16; Matthew 5:13-16,43-48, 22:36-40, 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; Luke 4:18-21, 10:27-37; John 15:12, 17:15; Romans 12–14; 1 Corinthians 5:9-10, 6:1-7, 7:20-24, 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; James 1:27, 2:8)