Our Beliefs
Bible Doctrine
We believe …
q … the Bible is the Word of God, inspired by God the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16) and recorded by man (2 Peter 1:21). It is inerrant in the original manuscripts (autographa). It has been preserved by God in its verbal, plenary inspiration (Gal 3:16). It is the one and only authoritative standard in every age and for every created being. All the answers to every question in life can be found in Scripture. The principles derived from the Bible are true and effective in every age and place.
q … God is eternal and exists eternally in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The three persons are one God. And the one God manifests Himself in three divine persons we call the Trinity or Holy Trinity.
q … God is the creator of the earth, the solar system, the universe and everything that exists.
q … God, by His sovereign choice and out of love for men, sent Christ into the world to save sinners.
q … Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, that He was during His earthly ministry both God and man, and still is. He was sinless; crucified, died as a penalty for the sins of the world, and was raised from the dead bodily on the third day after His crucifixion. He ascended to heaven where He now intercedes at the Father’s right hand for the Church (believers in Jesus Christ) of which He is the head. He will come bodily and visibly to set up His millennial kingdom (one thousand year reign) on the earth.
q … Jesus Christ’s death on Calvary’s cross provided and still provides perfect atonement for the sins of the world. His sacrificial death has redeemed all who trust in Him from the curse of sin and eternal condemnation and separation from God.
q … people are saved only by faith in the truth that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead according to Scripture. Although some religions outside of Christianity can offer some things of value, eternal salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. With salvation comes eternal forgiveness of one’s sins, a new nature which will eventually mature into the image of Christ, and the benefits of eternal life. Salvation through Jesus Christ is not dependent on water baptism, church membership, good works, or any other human effort. It is completely an act of divine grace toward humans who accept the gift of salvation.
q … in the eternal security of all authentic believers. Once saved always saved. Eternal life cannot be de-eternalized based on the acts of any human. Sin in the life of a believer can disrupt fellowship with God and invite divine discipline from our heavenly Father. All believers in Christ are joint heirs with Him. At the moment of the believer’s physical death their souls and spirits are immediately ushered into the presence of Christ to live in full consciousness of one’s new, eternal setting.
q … the rapture of the church (believers in Jesus Christ) will happen without warning or prediction and according to Scripture could happen any moment. At that time the living believers will be changed and the bodies of deceased believers will be raised and changed into the likeness and glory of Christ to live with God forever in the place we call heaven.
q … every true Christian must be a disciple of Christ. A disciple is one who is growing toward spiritual maturity, evidenced by Christian service in his/her local church, evangelism, worship, prayer, ministry, and increasing in biblical and experiential knowledge of God, and effective use of spiritual gifts. Obedience to the written word of God through submission to the leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit is viewed as a delight rather simply a duty as one grows in Christ.
q … every true Christian desires and is an important part of a local church. Although his/her part might be small or behind the scenes it adds value to that congregation and enhances their efforts to make disciples of all people. This is also the primary means by which God has chosen for the spiritual development of His people and to expand His sovereign reign to impact their community for Christ.
q … Christians grow faster and better when they are discipled in four basic areas, building their relationship with God (upward – connect with Christ), their relationship with people (outward – witness for Christ), Christian character and attitudes (inward – grow in community), and transformational ministry skills (forward – serve with compassion).
