Below you’ll find what we believe are the essentials of the Christian faith. While people may disagree upon finer points of theology, we think every Christian can and should agree on the following.
The Bible
We believe the Bible is God’s inspired word and was given to provide instruction for what we should believe and how we should live our lives. We seek to properly understand and apply God’s word so as to align ourselves with God’s will rather than our own desires. We believe that the Bible is accurate and reliable, was written under direct inspiration from God, and is completely authoritative for all Christians. (2 Timothy 3:16 ; 2 Peter 1:19-21 )
God
We believe that there is one true God, the creator of the universe, who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19 ; John 1:1 ,14 ; John 14:26 ; 1 Peter 1:2 )
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus was God’s only begotten Son, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, voluntarily died on the cross for our sins, and was bodily raised from the dead. He ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of the Father and acts as an intermediary on our behalf. One day Jesus will return to earth and initiate the consummation of human history. (John 1:1-18 ; Acts 2:22-41 ; Philippians 2:1-11 )
The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God. The Holy Spirit provides the power to overcome sin, apply scripture, and live godly lives. All believers are given the gift of the Holy Spirit at conversion, and through the Holy Spirit’s presence and power are enabled to attain spiritual maturity in Christ. Through the Holy Spirit each person in the body is given certain gifts to use in ministry. (Luke 11:13 ; John 16:13 ; Acts 1:8 ; Romans 8:11 )
Salvation
We believe that a human being’s central purpose for existence is to have a close and personal relationship with God. Originally created for that purpose, humans defied God, choosing to go their own way, and were thus alienated from God. This “Fall” took place at the beginning of human history, and all individuals since have suffered these consequences and are in need of God’s forgiveness and mercy. A person can be forgiven by God and have that close, personal relationship restored only by God’s gracious intervention. The proper response we must give to the offer of God’s forgiveness is believing that Jesus is God’s son, repenting of our sin, confessing our faith in Jesus’ power to save us, and by being immersed for the forgiveness of our sins. (John 3:16 ; John 14:6 ; Acts 2:38 ; Romans 3:23 , 10:9 ; 1 John 1:9 )
Human Destiny
We believe that everyone will live forever after they die. Where one spends eternity will depend on what they do with Jesus Christ. For all humankind there will be a resurrection into the spiritual world and a judgment that will determine the fate of each individual. Because unbelievers have rejected Jesus, they will be separated from His presence for all eternity in Hell. Believers will be received into heaven to be with God for all eternity. (John 3:36 ; Revelation 20-22)