statement of faith

We offer this section as an outline of the major points of our faith. The bottom line is that we believe in and have a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we endeavor to live our lives to honor and glorify God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ based on what He has spoken to us through His written Word.

The Scriptures: We believe that all of Scripture (i.e. both the Old and New Testament) is inspired by God, and is our final authority in all matters pertaining to doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.(II Timothy 3:16-17)

God: We believe in only one true God; One in essence, nature, and attributes, but existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, who is God manifest in the flesh, is the second member of the Godhead, co-equal and co- eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. (I John 5:7; John 1:1, 14)

Jesus Christ: We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, of His shed blood on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins, of His bodily resurrection and ascension to the Father’s right hand. We do not believe that He is a way to the Father, but rather the only way through which we can receive righteousness, regeneration, sanctification, and glorification. He is, in fact, our salvation. (I Corinthians 1:30-31)

Holy Spirit: We believe in the baptism in the Holy Spirit, expressed with speaking in tongues according to Acts 1:8; 2:4; 9:17; 10:44-46; 11:15, 16; and 19:6. We believe this experience is distinct from, and subsequent to, the new birth, and can be received by faith (Galatians 3:2).

Man: We believe that man was created innocent, but through Adam’s transgression, sin came upon all men, and all men have sinned. The penalty for sin is death, or stated another way, eternal separation from God. (Romans 5:12; 3:23; 6:23)

Salvation: We believe that Jesus Christ came to pay the penalty for man’s sin (through His shed blood), so that all men who, in repentance and faith, receive the Lord Jesus as Savior and Lord are saved. Salvation is by grace through faith. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Hebrews 9:11-12, Acts 20:20-21; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8)

Healing: We believe that the redemptive work of Christ on the cross has provided healing for the human body. (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; I Peter 2:24)

The Resurrection: We believe in the resurrection of the just and of the unjust; the just to everlasting life and the unjust to everlasting damnation. (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:1-8)

The Second Coming: We believe in a literal, physical second return of the Lord Jesus Christ. (I Thessalonians 1:10; 4:16-17)

The Church: We believe that the universal church is comprised of all true believers who have received salvation through Christ. We also believe in and encourage fellowship with a local church. (Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 10:25)

Gifts of the Holy Spirit: We believe that spiritual gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit are for the common good and building up of others. (I Corinthians 12:7)