Our Core Beliefs
The Bible
We believe the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written by ordinary men under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Bible reveals to us God’s character, His plans, and His purpose for our lives. More than a “how-to” book or a book of inspiration, the Bible is a personal love letter that can be completely trusted. It is our supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. The Holy Scriptures of the Bible reveal God’s nature and purpose and has the power to lead us into an eternal relationship with our creator.
The Son, Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus is the unique Son of God who always existed with the Father. Jesus entered human history physically on earth during the first century AD. He became man, and was born to Mary while she was still a virgin. Jesus was born and lived free from sin. He performed miracles and taught with authority, giving evidence of His position in the Trinity. Jesus was murdered by being nailed to a cross. He died willingly and His blood provides the perfect and only sacrifice for sin. Jesus was buried in a tomb. Three days after His death He came back to life, demonstrating the greatest evidence that the Father accepted His sacrifice for sin. Jesus returned to heaven and intercedes for the Church in the presence of the Father.
Spiritual Birth
Every person has broken God’s standard of perfection. Every person has sinned in two ways: First, each person has willingly chosen to do things that defy God’s holy standard. Second, each person has inherited an inner sin nature from our forefathers that has been in violation of God’s standard since the first person, Adam. The penalty for sin is death, which is why Jesus died on the cross, sacrificing himself for the sin of others. Only a sinless person, Jesus Christ, could take on the sin of others. Jesus gave His own blood to provide the only way of forgiveness. It is the role of the Holy Spirit to reveal that the blood of Jesus Christ is the only satisfactory price for sin. A person’s first step toward salvation is their knowing that they are a sinner, turning to God in repentance. The Spirit gives the strength to turn from sin and trust Jesus Christ for new life, which brings a person forever into God’s family. We believe those who turn from sin and trust Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are given new and eternal life. Salvation is the gift of God to man, separate from works and the Law, which is made operative by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, which produces works acceptable to God.
Living A Christian Lifestyle
Christians have the privilege of living free of the control of sin that trapped us before the Holy Spirit gave us new life. We now make progress living in a way that makes God happy, maintains our freedom and lets others know God does change lives! It is for our best that we learn to live out in our lives that which the Bible teaches. As we grow, we will see God changing our character to be more like the character of Jesus. People around us will see that God really is good.
Freedom In Christ
We have been given freedom in Christ and are accountable to God - When any person comes to faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit lives in that person and will teach them according to the Bible. Each person can speak and relate directly to God and is accountable to Him. The local church also has freedom and accountability before God and should not be controlled by any authority other than Jesus Christ.