WHAT WE BELIEVE

God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal (same substance) and are one God.

Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

People were made in the image of God, to be like Him in character and glory. Humanity is the supreme object of God’s creations. Although people were created for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." This attitude separates humanity from God.

Genesis 1:27; 1 Corinthians 11:7; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence.

John 3:16; 1 John 2:25; 1 John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 25:31-46

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus is the same God that created all things. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days confirming His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven’s glory and is sitting on the right hand of God. Jesus will return one day and will reign forever as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Romans 1:3, 4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13

Salvation is a gift from God. No one can make up for sin by self-improvement or good works – only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can one be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8, 9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

Because God gives eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.

John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1

The Bible is God’s word. It was written by human authors, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is a source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. 

2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and is our way to identify with such. Baptism is a necessity because it is the occasion in which one benefits from removal of sins made available by Christ's death. Baptism unifies a person with Christ. Baptism is the result of obedient faith.

Roman 6:1-6; Acts 2:41; 1 Peter 3:21; Hebrews 5:9; Mark 16:15-16; Colossians 2:11-12