BELIEFS

These three statements summarize what we believe about our statement of faith:

* In essential beliefs – we have unity.

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:1-6)

* In non-essential beliefs – we have liberty.

“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters … who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls … So then each of us will give an account of himself to God … So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God” (Romans 14:1,4,12,22)

* In all our beliefs – we show love.

And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:2)

ESSENTIAL BELIEFS

ABOUT 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 and are one God. Genesis 1:1, 26-27; 3:22 Psalm 90:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2; Matthew 28:19

ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people 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 someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Matthew 1:22, 23 Isaiah 9:6 John 1:1, 5, 14:10-30 Hebrews 4:14, 15 Romans 1:3, 4 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4 Acts 1:9, 11 1 Timothy 6:14, 15 Titus 2:13

ABOUT THE 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 believer from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift (or gifts) when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Acts 1:81 John 16:7-13; 14:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16 Galatians 5:25 Ephesians 1:13; 5:18

ABOUT THE BIBLE
The Bible is God’s Word to us. 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 3:16 2 Peter 1:20, 21 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160; 12:6 Proverbs 30:5

ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS
People are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by sin. This sin separates all of us from God. Man, in his own strength cannot get to God. Genesis 1:27 Psalm 8:3-6 Isaiah 53:6a; 59:12; Romans 3:23 Ephesians 2:8-9

ABOUT 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 life by faith. Romans 6:23 Ephesians 2:8, 9 John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5 ; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

ABOUT THE CHURCH
A New Testament church is a local congregation of baptized believers of The Lord Jesus Christ. It observes the two ordinances of Christ, and seeks to extend its influence in the world. Each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors, elders and deacons. The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ, which includes believers across all times, all nations, and all languages. Matthew 18:15-20 Acts 2:41-42, 47 Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14 Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22 1 Timothy 3:1-15

ABOUT ETERNITY
People were created to exist forever. We will exist either eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. John 3:16 John 14:14; Romans 6:23; 8:17,18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9

ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer who has received Jesus Christ by faith, is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. John 10:29 2 Timothy 1:12 Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14 1 Peter 1:3-5