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THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
We believe the Bible is God-inspired and is without error in its origin. In all matters of faith and practice the Bible is our final authority, according to our best reasonable effort to determine its accurate interpretation. (2 Timothy 3:15-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, John 10:35)
• THE ETERNAL GODHEAD
We believe in the one true God, eternally existent Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14)
• THE FALL OF MAN
We believe that man was created in the image of God, but that by voluntary disobedience he fell from perfection (Genesis 1:26-31, 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-21)
• OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
We believe in the pre-existence, incarnation, virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, substitutionary death, bodily resurrection, ascension to Heaven, and the coming again of our Lord Jesus Christ. (John 1:1-2, 14, Philippians 2:6-11; Isaiah 7:14; Hebrews 4:15; Acts 2:22-24; Hebrews 9:28, 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18, Acts 1:9)
• THE PLAN OF SALVATION
We believe that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, signing the pardon of all who believe on Him. (John 3:16, Romans 5:8)
• SALVATION THROUGH GRACE
We believe that we have no righteousness and must come to God pleading the righteousness of Christ. (Ephesians 2:8)
• REPENTANCE AND ACCEPTANCE
We believe that upon sincere repentance and a whole-hearted acceptance of Christ, we are justified before God. (1 John 1:9)
• THE NEW BIRTH
We believe that the change which takes place in the heart and life at conversion is a very real one. (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20)
• WATER BAPTISM
We believe that Jesus commanded believers to be water baptized for the remission of sins. Water Baptism does not “get you saved” but our response to our Lord’s command is vital. The benefits of Water Baptism for a believer are many, including increased power over the old sin nature and temptation, as well as being an outward expression of the inward work done by Christ Jesus at salvation. (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:9-13, Acts 19:2-6, Matthew 28:19, Acts 10:47-48, Acts 20:21, Hebrews 10:22)
• BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is given to endue the believer with power; and that this baptism is after the same manner as in Bible days. This baptism is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth in Christ. The gift of speaking in tongues is the usual, but not only, accompanying sign of receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8, 2:1-4,38; Acts 10:45-46; Acts 11:14-16; Acts 15:7-9; Ephesians 1:13, 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22, Romans 15:16)
• DAILY CHRISTIAN LIVING
We believe that it is the will of God that we be sanctified daily, growing constantly in the faith. (Hebrews 6:1)
• THE GIFTS AND FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit has gifts to bestow upon the Christian and that we should demonstrate spiritual fruit as evidence of a Spirit-filled life. We believe the fruit of the Spirit in our lives will be expressed in the believer’s growth in living a life of righteous works as an expression of one’s faith. (1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Galatians 5:22)
• DIVINE HEALING
We believe that divine healing is an expression of the power of Jesus to heal the physically sick, in answer to the prayer of faith. We pray in faith; however, we do not always see specific and tangible answers to our prayers for healing. We do not demand from our loving God. We pray persistently in faith and we accept His loving answers. We also believe it is no spiritual conflict of faith for God to use physicians and medicines in the healing process. (Matthew 8:16-17, James 5:14-16) |
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THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE
We believe that it is the will of God that we walk in the Spirit daily. The Holy Spirit empowers the Christian to ever grow to be more like Jesus (sanctification). (Ephesians 4:30-32)
• THE COMING AGAIN OF CHRIST
We believe in the literal return of Christ, which is personal and imminent. We do not know the “when” of His return, and therefore we choose to grow in Christ daily and ready ourselves for His coming again. ) 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Matthew 25:1-13)
• CHURCH INVOLVEMENT
We believe Christians are to identify themselves with the visible body of Christ. (Acts 16:5, Hebrews 10:25)
• CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that rulers should be upheld, prayed for, obeyed, and respected at all times except in things opposed to the will and Word of God. Ultimately, Jesus Christ is the governmental head of His Church and our obedience to Him cannot be compromised by any other governmental authority. (Romans 13:1-5, Acts 5:29, Ephesians 1:22, Colossians 1:18)
• THE FINAL JUDGMENT
We believe that all shall stand some day before the judgment seat of God, and there receive eternal life or death. (2 Corinthians 5:10)
• HEAVEN
We believe that Heaven is the glorious eternal home of born-again believers. (John 14:1-3, Revelation 7:15-17)
• HELL
We believe that hell is the place of eternal torment for all who reject Christ as the Savior. (Revelation 20:10, 15)
• EVANGELISM
We believe that evangelism is a vital priority ministry for Christians. It is not the heart of God to see any go to hell, so He is giving time for Christians to evangelize and for unbelievers to repent and come into relationship with our Loving God who sent His Son Jesus to die for us, and save us by His grace. (John 3:16-17, James 5:20, 2 Peter 3:9)
• MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH
We believe the practice of our Christian faith includes, but is not limited to, teaching, preaching, ordination of ministers and all other forms of Christian education ministries (Acts 5:42, 10:42, Proverbs 22:6); counseling and ministry (Acts 20:31); evangelism and ministry outreach ((Mark 16:15) the edifying and strengthening of the Church (Ephesians 4:11-13); and all other aspects of obedience to the Bible as inseparable and indistinguishable ministries of the Church. This may include any aspect of service to God and to people of any age, in any location, in any realm: spirit, soul, or body. (Proverbs 22:6, Mark 10:14, James 1:27 1 Timothy 5:3-9, 1 Thessalonians 5:23). These ministries include, but are not limited to: worship, Bible teaching and training; Evangelism activities, Childcare and training; Recreational Activities; Media and Arts activities; and other activities, events, or programs as the Word of God directs and the Spirit of God leads.
• TITHES AND OFFERINGS
We believe that the method ordained of God for the support and spread of His cause is by believers giving tithes and free-will offerings. (Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:7)
Any omissions from this Statement of Faith are not necessarily an indication of denial of any propositions or beliefs, such as the creation of the universe by God, etc.
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