What we Believe

                                                                                  Our Beliefs

 In a world of widely varying religious doctrines, we believe it’s important to define some of our core beliefs. A core belief is something that we consider to be of central importance to our faith. While our convictions may extend past what is mentioned here, these are the essentials. They are based solely on the teachings of the Bible and are provided here for the purpose of openness & clarity.

 Bible—The Bible is God’s Word and it is the final authority in all matters of faith & life. (2nd Tim 3:15-17; 2nd Pet 1:20-21) God—God is the Almighty Creator of everything that exists. He is the only true God and lives eternally in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The essence of His being is love. (Gen 1-2; John 1:3; Rom 1:20; 1st Cor 8:5-6; Eph 4:4-5; John 17:3; 1Pet 1:2; 2nd Cor 13:14; 1st John 4:8,16)

Jesus—Jesus is the Son of God and the promised Messiah (Christ). He was sent to this world for the purpose of redeeming us from our sins and restoring us to a relationship with God. Jesus was miraculously born to a virgin, lived a sinless life, and died on a cross as a sacrifice for our sins. He was buried and on the third day arose from the grave and claimed victory over sin and death. After that he appeared to many witnesses and ascended into heaven where he sits at the right hand of God and serves as our mediator. Jesus will one day return to this Earth to judge the world and establish a New Heaven and New Earth where all believers will live eternally with Him. (John 1:1,14; Matt 16:15; John 4:25-26; Matt 17:5, John 3:16; Rom 5:8-10; 1st John 4:10; Matt 1:18-23; Heb 5:15; 2nd Cor. 5:21; Eph 2:13; 1st Pet 3:18; Mark 10:45; 1st Cor 15:3-8, Acts 1:1-11; 1st Tim 2:5; Heb 9:15; 1st Thess 4:13-18; John 5:24-29; 1st John 4:17-18; 2nd Thess 1:7-10; Rev 20-21)

 Holy Spirit—The Holy Spirit is God’s presence today. He is given for the purpose of spiritual transformation. The Spirit works within us to make us more Christ-like and to produce the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5). The Spirit also works to teach us, remind us of what Jesus taught, comfort us, convict us of sin, empower us to help others, and guarantee our inheritance (eternal life). (John 14:15-27; Rom 8:1-17; Gal 5:16-25; John 16:5-15; 1st Cor 12:1-31; Rom 12:4-8; 2nd Cor 1:21-22)

Salvation—All people are created in the image of God for the purpose of living in eternal relationship with Him. However, our sinfulness separates us from God and makes it impossible for us to live with Him. The only way that this can be undone is through the mercy and justice of God, which was shown by the sending of his Son (Jesus). His death is the only sufficient payment for our sins. Salvation is a free gift of God, it only comes by grace through faith, and it has the power to free us from the effects of sin & death. It is available to all who put their trust in Jesus and those who do so should repent of their sins, confess their faith, and be baptized. (Gen 1:27; Eph. 1:4-5; Rom 3:22-26; Rom 5:12-21; Rom 6:22-23; Eph 2:4-9; John 3:16; Rom 10:9-10; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-7; 1st Peter 3:21)

Communion -- We believe the Lord's Supper is to be practiced weekly as was the pattern of the New Testament church. It is open to anyone; each individual must examine his or her heart before taking. (Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 11:27-29)

 Church—The church is the body of Christ. There is only one church, but it is comprised of many parts. The head of the church is Jesus Christ and, as such, he is the foundation and center of everything we do. The purpose of the church is to follow Christ by living out the greatest commands—to love God and love people. (Eph 4:4-5, 15-16; 1st Cor 3:10-11; 1st Cor 12:12-27; Mark 12:28-34; Matt 22:34-40; Acts 2:42-47)

 Leadership--We believe the Bible teaches that the Elders are to execute spiritual oversight over the local Congregation. They are to protect and serve the spiritual needs of the flock of God. (Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; I Peter 5:1-4).

We believe the Bible teaches that the Deacons are to execute physical oversight over the local congregation. They are to protect and serve the physical needs of the flock of God. (Acts 6:1-6; Phil. 1:1; I Tim. 3:8-13)