Statement of Faith

1. God We believe in the one triune God revealed in the Bible; God, the Father; Jesus Christ, the Son; and the Holy Spirit. He is creator, redeemer, and the sovereign ruler of creation. He is the author of truth, love, and faith. 2. Jesus We believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God - God come in the flesh. He was in the beginning with God; yet, He was God. Apart from Him, nothing came into being that has come into being. He is eternal with the Father undiminished in His deity and perfect in His humanity. We further believe that through His death, bodily resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Father, man can be saved from his sinfulness. He will return to this earth in his full splendor and majesty for those who eagerly await Him. Furthermore, every knee will someday bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. 3. Holy Spirit We believe in the Holy Spirit. We believe in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit as being an additional impartation which sanctifies, empowers, strengthens, comforts and is usually accompanied by the manifestations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. These gifts are available to all who believe. Baptism in the Holy Spirit endues and transforms the believer to increasingly take on more of the nature of Jesus Christ. We accept, acknowledge, encourage and seek all of the biblical gifts and ministries of the Holy Spirit. They are present, active and vital in aiding the Church and the advancing of the glorious Kingdom of God. All Biblical gifts should be rendered in love and in accordance with the Bible and God delegated authority. 4. Bible We believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God, and our standard for faith and practice. 5. Sin We believe that man was created in the image of God. Through disobedience, mankind is separated from God, and without God, he is without hope. 6. Salvation We believe man’s salvation is through renouncing his self-determination, taking responsibility for his disobedience, turning from his sin, and seeking forgiveness from God. Further, we believe such a penitent person must put his faith in Jesus Christ, whom we believe to be the incarnate Son of God. Jesus died substitutionally for man’s transgressions, was raised from the dead on the third day and ascended back to the Father. 7. Water Baptism We believe that water baptism should be by immersion and consummated soon after committing to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for our sin. This ordinance is a personal and public statement of our faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus on our behalf. It is also a commitment to follow His example and lay down our lives for the sake of the Kingdom of God. 8. Priesthood of the Believer We believe in the priesthood of the believer. By the shedding of His blood, Jesus has become the believer’s High Priest and has made it possible for each Christian to have free access to the presence of the Father. In His presence, each one can come to know God and to receive from Him. Each Christian, likewise, is responsible to come to the Father in confidence as a priest unto Him under the new covenant. 9. Church We believe the very nature and purpose of God is revealed in His Church. Jesus came and established it as His Body in the earth. We believe the Church Universal consists of all who live under Jesus’ lordship, while the Church Local is a body of believing people, baptized, and experiencing Christ’s love. Since the Church is one as God is one, the Church Local must seek to walk in harmony with the church Universal. 10. Church’s Atmosphere We believe that the atmosphere of the church should be mercy, forgiveness, acceptance, and love. No other climate will allow God’s people to be free to grow. Furthermore, we believe that God’s church is a family that should foster care, mutual edification, and constant forgiveness without sacrificing righteousness as its base. 11. Ecumenism We believe that God views His people as one people. This is true historically and currently. All Christians share in the responsibility to work for unity as well as reconciliation. 12. Evangelism We believe in world evangelism. We accept the commission of Jesus Christ, who is Lord, to make disciples of all nations, to baptize them, and teach them to observe His commandments. We join with all those believing in Him to accomplish this urgent task. We accept this as a personal commission as well as a commission of the entire Church. 13. Freedom of Conscience We believe in freedom of conscience. One is responsible for his own choices and behavior. While God has ordained both civil and spiritual government, we believe each person is still directly accountable to Him. Therefore, pastors and churches can give spiritual guidance, but all service must be rendered voluntarily, joyfully, and from a free conscience. 14. Tithes and Offerings We believe the Church should be supported by the tithes and offerings of those committed to its mission. We further believe that when people serve God with a free spirit, there is financial abundance to accomplish God’s purpose. We further believe that since the tithe is the Lord’s, everyone should be led by the Holy Spirit in His giving. 15. Civil Authority We believe God is the author of all authority. He has ordained civil government for the establishment of order and peace in the nations. He has ordained government in His Church to bring it to righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. We believe there should be mutual respect between civil and spiritual authority. While civil authority is separated from church government, it should not be separated from God and His law. 16. Christ’s Return We believe Jesus Christ will return to earth in a visible way. His purpose will be to manifest His government on the earth. Christians are exhorted to be watchful and obedient until His appearing. While there are many viewpoints concerning His second coming, we believe Christians should lovingly look for His appearing, giving full attention to obedience while He tarries. We believe His appearing will occasion the resurrection of the righteous who have died and who are now with Him. 17. Judgment We believe in a final judgment at the end of the age. The righteous and the wicked shall stand before God and be judged. Those who have a righteousness produced by faith will be rewarded with the privilege of ruling and enjoying his eternal blessings. Those who are wicked will be eternally punished.