God the Father

We believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe, and the Giver of Life. God is an all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present spiritual being. He is truthful, faithful, loving, good, patient, just, merciful, holy, and righteous. As Ruler of the Universe, God reigns supreme over nature, history, and human life. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Hebrews 11: 3; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Acts 17:24-28)

Jesus the Son

We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and co-equal with the Father. Though Jesus lived an uncorrupted human life on earth, his people murdered him on a cross. After three days, Jesus came back to life, demonstrating His power over sin and death. He later returned to heaven with the Father and now reigns in heaven, interceding for us until he comes again. He is the only way to the Father. (John 1:1-3; 14, 18, Acts 2:23-24, 36; 1 Timothy 2:5; John 14:6)

The Holy Spirit

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the presence of God in the lives of believers. God has given us the Holy Spirit as a comforter, guide, teacher, and guarantee of our eternal hope. The Holy Spirit recreates men and women, empowering us to live the new life to which we are called. His work in us produces lives characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Through His Spirit, God grants gifts and abilities to believers for the strengthening of the church. (John 14:16-17; Romans 8:9-14; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:11-13)

The Bible

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, and is entirely true. Scripture is useful for teaching, preaching, and training in faith. God’s Word is the norm and standard for all subsequent Christian teaching. (2 Peter 1:20-21; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Humanity

We believe men and women are created in the image of God and are completely dependent upon Him. The primary purpose of humanity is to glorify God and to enjoy a relationship with Him. Unfortunately, all men and women rebel against God’s standards and deserve the separation from Him that sin brings. Reconciliation with God is only available by His grace for salvation and new life. (Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 23; Mark 12:29-30; Romans 3:23-24)

Sin and Salvation

We believe that all people are created in the image of God and have tremendous potential for good, but we are all marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. As a result of our sin, we have a shattered and broken relationship with God that can only be made whole through Jesus Christ. Salvation is God’s gift (grace) to us. We accept it by acknowledging Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (confessing), turning from our sinful lifestyle (repentance), being immersed in water (baptism), and trusting in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. (Romans 5:1; 3:23; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12; 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Acts 2:38)

The Church

We believe that the Christian church is the community of God’s people. Jesus is the head of the body, the universal church united by its common faith in Him. The church participates in the worship of God, the fellowship and training of believers, and the spread of God’s love in the world. The ministry of Jesus continues in the church as people love and help those separated from God and others. (Matthew 16:16-18; Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:19-20; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 2:42-47)

Baptism

We are commanded in the Bible to be baptized by immersion to receive forgiveness of our sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:37-39). Baptism is done out of obedience to Jesus Christ and is a part of our salvation process. Baptism illustrates how God cleanses us of our sins and how He raises us to new life in Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; Galatians 3:26-27; Acts 8:26-40; 9:17-19; 10:47-48; 16:15; 16:29-33)

Communion

We believe in the declaration of forgiveness established by Jesus through communion. Communion is recognized in the church as a reminder of his death for us. Each participant may know of the forgiveness offered to them through the body and blood of Christ. We celebrate communion every Sunday when we gather, as the early church did. (Matthew 26:26-28; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 2:42-47, 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29)

Singing

We sing without instrumental music in our worship services. We find it to be quite meaningful when everyone is asked to participate in the singing. (1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:18, 19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12)

Spiritual Gifts

The Holy Spirit has given every disciple of Jesus Christ specific gifts and talents to advance the kingdom of God. These gifts and talents are to be diligently developed and used at home, church, and in society. (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Ephesians 4:11-13)

Equality

Jesus Christ came to restore our relationship with God and bring unity and dignity to men and women of all races, ages, and classes. All persons are made in the image of God, and every disciple of Jesus Christ is to reflect that image in the home and in society. (Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 2:11-22; John 17:20-26; Acts 10:9-23; Colossians 3:11-14)

Eternity

We are created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through the forgiveness and salvation of Jesus Christ. To be eternally separated from God is called Hell. To be eternally in union with God is called heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our life. (John 3:16; 14:17; Romans 6:23; 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 21:27; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9; Matthew 25:41)