Statement of Faith

 

Scripture - We believe the bible is God’s written self-revelation to humanity. We believe it is inerrant and provides answers and hope to every issue we face in life (Psalm 19:7-11; 119: 92,105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). As we grow in our understanding of who God is and what His plan is for our lives, we are able to make choices that help fulfill His will and advance His kingdom on earth.

God - We believe there is one true living God (Isaiah 45:5). He is perfect, all-knowing, all-powerful and eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). We believe God the Father is the Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1). He is sovereign over all of creation (Psalm 103:19), and He saves from sin every person who comes to Him through Jesus (John 6:37-40).

We believe in the deity of Jesus (John 1:1; Colossians 2:8-9). We believe in His virgin birth (Matthew 1:18-23), His sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21), His miracles (John 5:36), His atoning death (1 Peter 2:24), His bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-8), His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). We believe He is the only one that saves a person from sin (Acts 4:12).

We believe in the work of the Holy Spirit. It is He who convicts people of their sin and need for a Savior (John 16:8). At the point of trusting Jesus for the forgiveness of one's sin, we believe He indwells every follower of Jesus, helping them understand and live out God's plan for their lives (John 16:13; Romans 8:26). He alone empowers an individual Christian, as well as all Christians collectively, to live God-pleasing lives (1 Corinthians 12:4,7,11).  

Human Beings - We believe every person is conceived into sin as a result of the first created person's disobedience to God (Romans 5:12). The bad news is that it's impossible for anyone to do enough "good" things to satisfy God's perfect standard. As a result, every person stands guilty before God whose holiness and righteousness require judgment and punishment for all sin (Romans 3:10-11,20,23; Galatians 2:16). 

Salvation - The good news is that God, who is merciful, made it possible for anyone to be saved from judgement and eternal punishment. We believe God freely offers individuals forgiveness of sin and a personal relationship with Himself when they 1) admit they are helpless sinners; and 2) believe that Jesus's death on the cross satisfied the penalty for their sin debt (John 3:16-17; Acts 16:30-31; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 1:7). 

Resurrection - We believe in the bodily resurrection of both the saved and the lost. We believe children of God will receive a resurrection to eternal life (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 5:9-10); and everyone else a resurrection of judgement and eternal punishment (Matthew 25:41; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 20:15).    

Worshiping God - We believe God ultimately created us to bring glory to His name, and worship Him for His character and works (1 Chronicles 16:8-9, 23-29; Psalm 96:1-6; 100; 113:1-4; 148: 7-13; Acts 17:24-27). In fact, praising God is not something we only get to do in this life. For those who have placed their trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins, the bible tells us there will be a praise party in heaven that lasts for all eternity! (Revelations 19:1)  

Seeking God through Prayer - We believe God calls His people to seek Him through prayer (Psalm 145:18; Matthew 6:9-13; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2). Scripture teaches us we are to seek the Lord’s glory in everything we do (1 Corinthians 10:31). Prayer is no exception. Whether we’re giving thanks to Him for who He is and what He’s done or whether we’re asking Him to help us or someone else, prayer is an opportunity for us to exalt our God, grow closer to Him and experience His love as He answers our prayers according to His perfect plan (Philippians 4:6-7). 

Serving Others - We believe serving the needs of others is the heart of the gospel. Jesus himself said “even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and give my life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). As followers of Jesus, we are one family and He calls us to love one another just as He loved us (John 13:34; 15:12). Our Lord also calls us to show His love to people who do not have a relationship with Him, including those who are hostile towards us as a result of our faith in Him (Matthew 5:43-45).