Doctrinal Statement
The
Authority of Scripture.
We believe that the Scriptures both Old and New Testament to be without error in the original writings. We believe the Bible is our final earthly authority. We do not endorse any single English translation but encourage the use of a translation rather than a paraphrase for serious Bible study.
(Luke 24:44-45; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Timothy 3:6, 16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Peter3:14-16)
The
Sovereignty of God.
We believe that God is in complete control of history and therefore is capable of using even the sinful actions of men to work out His plan for ultimate good for His children. We believe that those who belong to Him by faith and live obediently to the Word of God are alone entitled to a peace beyond human explanation.
(Psalms 145:8-9; Ephesians 3:9; Ephesians 4:6)
The
Person of Christ.
We believe that the good news of the New Testament is that the
uncreated Creator of the universe entered into His own creation to provide a
salvation that is as secure as God Himself. WE believe He was both fully God and
fully man. He was crucified for the full payment of man’s sin. His victory
over sin was confirmed through His resurrection on the third day. This sinless
Person and His sacrifice for our sin is humanities only hope for eternal life.
(Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:23; Romans 3:24-25; Colossians 2:9; 1 Corinthians15:20-23; 1 Peter 2:24)
The
Work of the Holy Spirit.
We believe the purpose of the Holy Spirit’s presence on this planet is to convict the lost of their need for salvation and to guide the redeemed away from sin. While His guidance may take on various forms in individual lives we believe that He leads corporately through the Word of God. We believe that the Holy Spirit is given to every individual upon acceptance of Christ as Savior.
(John 16:7-9; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 2:10-13; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 John 2:20,27)
The
Completeness of the Gospel.
We believe that the salvation was completely paid for by Jesus Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice on the cross for man’s sin. Nothing can be added to the work for Christ. This gift is received by faith alone. We believe upon receiving Christ as Savior each believer receives the Holy Spirit. We believe saved men are in the process of changing into Christ's likeness. We believe that Scripture forbids judging a man's salvation by works.
(John 1:12; John 3:3-7; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2:8-10)
We believe when a believer dies he goes immediately into the presence
of God. He shall receive a glorified body and for all eternity be saved from
sin. We believe those who do not put their faith in Christ for salvation shall
exist eternally separated from God and His grace.
(Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; 1 Corinthians 15:35-44; 2 Corinthians 8; Philippians 3:21; Revelation 20:13-15)
We believe Christ shall return in
the same manner in which He left and His return could happen at any moment. We
believe this reality should have an impact upon the way we live. We believe the
Holy Spirit has held the specific details of His return in mystery.
(2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:16)
The
Unity of the Local Church.
We believe the unity of the local congregation is dependent upon its
obedience of the Word of God. WE believe the members of the congregation should
function in submission of the Elders. We believe the Elders are to be held
accountable to the Word of God in their leadership of the congregation.
(Deuteronomy 28:1; Hebrews 13:7, 17)
We believe God uniquely gifts every member of the congregation. The
gifts are given to build strength into the body. For the congregation to
function in harmony and to its full potential all members should use their gifts
to build up the body. We believe gifts of the Spirit bring harmony and strength
to the body. Personal desires and gifts should never disrupt the body life of
the church. Counterfeit gifts bring division.
(Romans 12:5-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 4:7, 12; 1 Peter 4:10-11)
The
Three Great Desires of God.
We believe God’s greatest desire and our first purpose is to reach
the lost with the message of salvation. Secondly, we believe God desires the
maturing of believers and our congregation is responsible to provide teaching
ministries and service opportunities that facilitate this process. Thirdly, we
believe God desires to be intimate with His children and this is done on a
practical level through prayer, worship and our obedience to His Word.
(Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 4:11; Philippians 2:12)