BELIEFS

We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, composed of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. Since the Scriptures are God-breathed in the original manuscripts, inspiration extends to the very words of the Bible so that the entire Bible, and only the Bible, is the Word of God. As such, the Bible is infallible, inerrant, and our only rule of faith and practice. (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21; Matt. 5:18; John 10:35; Rev. 22:18-19)

We believe in the one true and only living God, eternally existing as one God, yet three in His persons. (Deut. 6:4; Ps. 90:2; Matt. 28:19; John 1:29-34; Acts 5:3-4; I Cor. 8:6)

God the Father

We believe that God the Father is the head in His relationship within the Trinity and in His relationship with those who receive Jesus Christ as Savior; that He orders all things after the counsel of His own will and in so doing concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men; that He hears and answers prayer; that He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent; and that He is the object of our worship and praise. (Ps. 65:2; 139:1-24; 147:5; Matt. 5:45; 6:24-34; John 14:6; 1 Tim. 2:5)

God the Son

We believe that the Lord Jesus is God manifested in the flesh, without sin, and is very God and very man. He, the only begotten Son of God, is not a lesser god, but is coequal and coeternal with the Father; we believe that He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary; that He is God manifest in the flesh; that He was sent by the Father for the purpose of being the perfect sinless sacrifice for the sins of all mankind; that He died in our stead, was buried, and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, thereby gaining victory over death for us; that He is the object of our faith; that He is the only way to the Father; that He is our Great High Priest and that every born again person has direct access into God’s presence without the need of a human priest; that He could come at any moment for the saints; that He will reign as King of Kings on earth for one thousand years; and that He will judge evil works of darkness at the end of time. (Isa. 61:1-3; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1-4; 3:13-17; 14:6; Acts 16:31; I Cor. 15:1-4; 55-57; Gal. 3:26-29; Col. 1:16-17; I Thess. 4:13-5:11; I Tim. 2:5; Heb. 4:14-16; Rev. 20:4-6; 11-15)

God the Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, coequal with the Father and Son and of the same nature; that He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment; that He bears witness to the truth; that He is the agent of the new birth; that He baptizes all true believers at the moment of regeneration into the body of Christ, indwelling and sanctifying all of them, sealing and thus securing them until the day of redemption; that He endues, guides, teaches, and helps believers; and that it is the privilege and duty of the saved to be filled with the Spirit, the evidences of this being love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; that in relation to the evil world He restrains the evil one until God’s purpose is fulfilled. (Matt. 28:19; John 3:5-7; 14:16-17, 26; 16:7-15; 2 Cor. 13:14; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 2:18)

We believe that the Holy Spirit administers spiritual gifts to each believer, bestowing them as He chooses for the perfecting of the saints and the work of the ministry. We believe that sign gifts such as speaking in tongues, the interpretation of tongues, as well as healings and working of miracles by individuals, ceased upon the completion of the canon of Scripture, and that the truth of one’s message is authenticated by its conformity to Scripture. (John 16:1-15; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11; 2 Cor. 3:18)

We believe that the biblical account of the creation of the world in six literal 24-hour days is the only faithful interpretation of the origin of the world; we choose to accept the biblical record of the direct acts of God without the involvement of any evolutionary process. (Gen. 1:2; John 1:3-10; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 11:3)

We believe that man was created in innocence and in the image of God. However, in Adam’s disobedience, sin entered the world and passed to all mankind destroying man’s relationship with God and resulting in death. Thus, all are sinners by nature and by choice, and therefore are under just condemnation without defense or excuse, and deserve eternal punishment in Hell. (Gen. 1-3; Isa. 64:6; Jer. 17:9; John 6:44; Rom. 3:10-12, 23; 5:12; 8:7-8; Eph. 2:1-3; 1 John 4:19)

We believe that sin is the transgression of the Law of God; we believe that all men are sinners; that sin separates man from God; that there is no cleansing and forgiveness of sin apart from the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and man’s repentance. (Luke 24:46-47; Rom. 3:10-26; 7:23-24; I John 3:4)

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly by grace and through faith alone in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and that all who receive Him as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and become children of God. (Isa. 53:4-12; John 1:29; Eph. 2:8-9; I John 2:2)

Regeneration

When an individual responds in faith to the Gospel, repents of his sin, and turns to Christ for salvation, the Holy Spirit causes a spiritual change by which that individual is freed from the guilt and penalty of his inherently sinful nature, receives the imputation of Christ’s righteousness, and thus is born into God’s family. Regeneration is an instantaneous and miraculous work of God which involves an illumination of the mind, a conviction of heart, a response of faith, and a change in the will, resulting in a new nature and a new relationship with God. (John 1:12; 3:3-7, 16; Acts 2:38; 17:30; Rom. 3:21-28; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:22-23)

Justification

This is the act of God whereby He declares the sinner to be righteous in His sight. On the basis of the finished work of Christ, God cancels the condemnation of sin by paying its full debt and imputing to the sinner’s account the full righteousness of God in Christ. (Rom. 3:21-28; 4:1-8; 5:1-2; Gal. 2:16)

Sanctification

Whereas regeneration is a one-time event in the life of the believer, sanctification is a continuing process by which God gradually transforms the believer into the image of Christ. This process will be completed when believers join Christ in Heaven and are glorified, putting on immortality and being perfected in holiness. (Ps. 19:7-11; John 3:2; 17:17; Acts 20:32; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; II Cor. 3:18; Eph. 5:25-26; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 John 3:2)

Preservation

Since salvation is based solely upon the grace of God and not on the merit of the individual, everyone who truly accepts Christ as Savior is eternally secure in his salvation and is kept by God’s power. Scripture, however, gives a solemn warning to those who profess salvation but whose lives give no evidence of change because of the willful, continual practice of sin. (Matt. 7:19-29; John 5:24; 6:37-39; 10:27-30; Rom. 8:38-39; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:3-5; I John 3:7-10)

God’s Holy Angels

We believe that angels are created beings and are therefore not to be worshiped. Although they are a higher order of creation than man, they are created to serve and worship God and have a guardian role in protecting the saints upon the earth. (Dan. 6:22; Luke 2:9-14; Heb. 1:6-7, 13-14; 2:6-7; Rev. 5:11-14; 19:9-10; 22:8-9)

Satan and the Fallen Angels

We believe that Satan is a created angel and the author of sin. He incurred the judgment of God by rebelling against his Creator, by taking numerous angels with him in his prideful fall, and by introducing sin into the human race by his temptation of Eve. (Gen. 3:1-15; Isa. 14:12-17; Matt. 25:41; Rev. 12:1-14)

We believe that Satan is the open and declared enemy of God and man; that he is the prince of this world, who, though he is powerful, is under the control of God and has been defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that he shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire. (Isa. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:1-11; 25:41; Rom. 16:20; Rev. 12:9-10; 20:10)

The Church as the Body of Christ

We believe that the church, composed of all who have trusted Christ as Savior since Pentecost, is the body of Christ. Christ Himself is the Head of the Church. This body of saints both visible and those now gathered in Heaven is known as the church universal. (Matt. 16:18-19; Eph. 1:22-23)

The Local Church

We believe that the local church is the visible and organized assembly of baptized believers who freely associate together in order to exalt the Lord in worship, evangelize the lost through witness, and edify the saints through teaching, fellowship, and service. The local church has the absolute right of self-government and should be free from the interference of any outside force including that of the government. Jesus Christ is the Head and chief Shepherd. (Eph. 4:11-16; Col. 1:15-20; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

Leadership of the Church

We believe that the Bible mandates only two offices in the church.

1. Pastors

The church is to be lovingly directed by spiritual men called pastors, also referred to in Scripture as elders, bishops, and shepherds. The pastor’s functions are to teach, preach, lead, feed, manage, care for, warn and protect his flock. His office is one of oversight and careful attention to the Word and the flock. His is a vested stewardship, and he must give careful heed to his own family and his walk with the Lord who is the Head of the Church. (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Heb. 13:17)

2. Deacons

The deacons are those men whose primary role is to assist the church by serving the needs of the pastor and caring for the many needs of the flock. (Acts 6:1-7; I Tim. 3:8-13)

Ordinances of the Church

We believe that Christ instructed the church to observe two ordinances. Both are instituted by God yet neither is designed to commute merit or transmit saving grace; they are both symbolic and commemorative.

1. Baptism

All who profess faith in Jesus Christ should be baptized by immersion in water as a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord. (Matt. 3:13-17; 28:19-20; Acts 2:36-41; 8:35-40; Rom. 6:3-4)

2. Communion

Communion is a memorial service in which the unleavened bread and grape juice represent the body and blood of Christ. (Matt. 26:26-29; 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:23-34)

We believe that Scripture commands God’s people to be holy and separate from all ungodly influences, including sinful practices, disobedient brethren, and false teachers.

Separation as Individuals

Individual believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit and as such must maintain purity from sin. They are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers nor found to be friends of the world. Believers are to be separated unto Christ and are to abstain from sin, association with or appearance of evil, and doubtful practices. (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17)

Separation as a Local Church

The church as a whole must separate from brethren that walk disorderly as well as individuals or religious organizations who teach false doctrine and attempt to subvert the saints. All associations or fellowships of the church with other organizations should be with like-minded churches and should be informal and non-binding. (Rom. 16:17-18; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; 2 John 9-11)

We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead – of believers, unto a life of blessedness in Heaven; of unbelievers, unto eternal punishment in Hell. (Dan. 12:2-3; Matt. 25:46; John 5:28-29; 2 Thess. 1:5-10; Rev. 20:5-6, 11-15)

We believe that the return of Jesus Christ could occur at any moment. After the rapture of the church to Heaven, the Great Tribulation will take place on earth lasting seven years and the nations will be judged. This time of tribulation will be followed by the coming of Christ to the earth with His church and the establishment of His literal 1000-year millennial reign, fulfilling His promises to the Jew. Following the millennial period, the kingdom of this earth will be delivered over to the Father for all eternity. (Matt. 24:21; 25:1-13; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 2 Thess. 2:7-12; Rev. 19:11-20:6)

We believe that election is the act of God by which, before the foundation of the world, He chose in Christ those whom He graciously saves, sanctifies, and glorifies. (John 15:16; Rom. 8:28-30; Eph. 1:3-12; 2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Tim. 1:8-9; 2 Tim. 2:10; I Peter 1:1-2)

We believe God’s general invitation is to all people, and that all are without excuse. All those who come to Him, by faith, He will not cast out. We teach that sovereign election does not contradict or negate the responsibility of individuals to repent and trust Christ as Savior and Lord. All whom the Father calls to Himself will come in faith and all who come in faith, the Father will receive. All those He receives are kept eternally by his power.

This doctrine, a divine mystery, must never diminish the church’s urgency and commission to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to all men at all times in all places. Understanding that we are chosen in Christ excludes boasting and promotes humility. (Ezek. 18:23, 32; 33:11; John 3:18-19, 36; 5:39-40; 6:37-40, 44; Acts 13:48; Rom. 9:22-23; 2 Thess. 2:9-12; James 4:8; Rev. 22:17)

Family Relationships

We believe that God ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. The wife is to submit herself to the scriptural leadership of her husband as the church submits to the headship of Christ. Children are a heritage from the Lord. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and for leading them through a consistent lifestyle of example and discipline, including the use of appropriate corporal correction as needed. (Gen. 1:26-28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Ps.127:3-5; Prov. 22:15; 23:13-14; Mark 10:6-12; I Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:18-33; 6:1-4; Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; I Peter 3:1-7)

Men’s and Women’s Roles in the Church

We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God; however, God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the church. Men are to be the leaders (pastors and deacons) of the church; accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church. (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; I Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12)

Gender

We believe that one’s gender is determined by God at conception, is not man’s choice, and cannot be altered. Any attempts to alter the perception of one’s gender, whether by dress, behavior, or medical means is forbidden by Scripture. (Gen. 1:27; Deut. 22:5; Ps. 139:13-16; Mark 10:6-9; Rom. 1: 24-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-10)

Marriage

We believe that God created mankind as male and female, and that marriage was instituted by God for His glory and man’s good. Marriage symbolically pictures the mysterious union of Christ and His church. Christian marriage is a sacred covenant and bond, joining one man and one woman in a single, life-long union, as delineated by Scripture. This union is not for convenience or by social convention, but is based on the authority of divine law and is recognized by public witness and civil ordinance. (Gen. 1:27; Mark 10:6-9; Prov. 2:16-17; Mal. 2:13-16)

Marriage ceremonies performed in any facility owned, leased, or rented by this church will be only those ceremonies sanctioned by God, joining one man with one woman (as their genders were determined by God at conception), both of whom must be professing believers. Whenever there is a conflict between the church’s stated biblical position and any legal standard for marriage that is in opposition to the clear principles of Scripture, the church’s statement of faith, doctrines, and biblical positions shall govern. (Matt. 19:4-6; 2 Cor. 6:14; Acts 5:29)

Sexuality

Any sexual activity which violates God’s standard for purity (including, but not limited to, fornication, adultery, pornography, and homosexuality), is dishonoring to God and is forbidden by Scripture. (Gen. 1:27; 2:23-24; Deut. 5:18; Prov. 6:32; Matt. 5:28, 32; Rom. 1:18-32; I Cor. 6:9-19; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:23-32; I Thess. 4:3-6; Heb. 13:4; Jude 7)

The Unborn

We believe that human life begins at conception, that the unborn child is a gift from God, and is a living human being. Abortion, therefore, is murder and constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of human life. (Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44)

Euthanasia

From conception to natural death, life is a sacred gift from God and must be protected. We believe the direct taking of human life, without just cause, is a moral evil. Therefore, any act, or its omission, which causes premature death in order to eliminate suffering or for convenience sake is murder and should not be considered. A decision, however, to discontinue medical procedures (life support etc.,) once all means and hope of recovery and viability are exhausted, though difficult for the family, can be a legitimate decision and not a violation of Scripture. (Ex. 20:13; 23:7; Eccl. 3:1; Matt. 5:21)

Lawsuits within the Church

We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other members of the church. In any dispute between members, believers should consult with each other in good faith and seek to reach a just and equitable resolution. In cases where offenses linger and are not resolved by personal discussions, those members are encouraged to seek the counsel and accountability of the pastors in order that the testimony of Christ not be disgraced. We do allow, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company, as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander. (I Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32)

Protection of Children

We believe that children are a heritage from the Lord and must be absolutely protected within the church from any form of abuse or molestation. (Ps. 127:3-5; Matt. 18:5-6; 19:13-14; Mark 10:13-14)

Love

We believe that we should demonstrate love for others - not only toward fellow believers, but also toward those who are not believers, those who oppose us, and those who engage in sinful actions. We are to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently, patiently, and humbly. (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:44- 48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34-35; Rom. 12:9-10, 17-21; 13:8-10; Phil. 2:2-4; II Tim. 2:24-26; Titus 3:1-2; I John 3:17-18)

The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing statement of faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible, is binding upon all members, and is the basis for our faith and fellowship.