Our Mission Statement

Worshiping and Sharing,
Reaching Out and Growing
For the Glory of God 

FAITH STATEMENT

In all essential beliefs – we have unity.  (Eph. 4:3-6)  

In non-essential beliefs – we have liberty.  (Rom. 14)

In all things – charity.  (Rom. 13:8, 1 Cor. 13)

The Essentials We Believe

About God

God eternally exists as three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; the Father is not the Son, and the Son is not the Spirit, and the Spirit is not the Father; each person is fully God, and there is one God.  God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. (Gen. 1:1, 26-27, 3:22; Deut. 6:4; Ps. 90:2; Isa. 45:5-6; Mt. 28:19; I Peter 1:2; II Cor. 13:14)  

About Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is eternally fully man and fully God, each existing in one person in equal nature and status with the other.  Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  He is co-equal with the Father.  Jesus lived a sinless human life and was the perfect sacrifice for our sins by dying on a cross.  He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate his victory and triumph over sin and death.  He ascended into the glory of heaven and will return to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  (Mt. 1:22-23; Isa. 9:6; Jn. 1:1-5; Heb. 4:14-15; I Jn. 4:2-3; I Cor. 15:3-4; Rom. 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; I Tim 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Phil 2:1-11)

About the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God.  He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ.  He lives in every Christian from the moment of their salvation.  As the Counselor, He provides the Christian with the power of understanding spiritual truth as well as guidance in doing what is right before God.  He gives believers spiritual gifts when they are saved.  As Christians, we are to seek to live under His control daily.

(II Cor. 3:17; Jn. 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; I Cor. 2:12, 3:16; Eph. 1:13, 5:8; Gal. 5:25)

About the Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to us that has been written by human authors while under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit.  It is the highest source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.  Because God inspires the Bible, it is to be regarded as the truth without any mixture or error.  (II Tim. 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21; II Tim. 1:13; Ps. 119:105, 119:160, 12:6; Pr. 30:5)

About Human Beings

People are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character and person.  They are the supreme objects of God’s creation.  However, while man has been created in the image of God, through the consequence of the fall of Adam and Eve, man has been separated from God, allowing sin to enter the world.  Sin has caused an upset in man’s relation to God and, therefore, man has been separated from the presence of God.  (Gen. 1:27; Ps. 8:3-6; Isa. 53:6a; Gen 3; Rom. 3:23)

About Salvation

Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it.  This can only be obtained through faith alone, in Christ alone, by grace alone.  This means that we can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works.  Only by trusting in the sufficiency of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead can we be saved from sin’s penalty.  We can do this by admitting our sinful nature and then receiving God’s offer of forgiveness through trusting in Christ’s sacrifice.  Thus, when we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved.  Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his/her life by faith.  God is the Author, Perfector, and Finisher of our faith.  (Rom. 6:23; Eph 2:8-9; Jn. 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Heb. 12:2)

About Eternity

People were created to exist forever.  We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally 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 real places of eternal existence.  (Jn. 3:16, 2:25, 5:11-13; Rom. 6:23; Mt. 18:9; Rev. 20:15, 21:1)

About the Church

We believe that the universal church, the body of Christ, consists of all believers regardless of organizational affiliation and that Christ commanded for His church the observance of water baptism and the Lord’s Supper until He returns.  (Col. 1:18; Eph 4:4-6; Acts 1:5, 11:15-16; I Cor. 12:13; I Thess. 4:13-17; Mt. 16:18, 28:19; I Cor. 11:24-26)

We also believe the local church should be a witness to the contemporary world.  Without compromising Biblical absolutes, its ministry, worship and teaching should creatively adapt to the particular culture it feels called to reach.

About Baptism

Why should I be baptized?

• To follow the example set by Christ. (Mark 1:9)

• Because Christ commands it. (Mt. 28:19-20)

• It demonstrates/proclaims that I am a believer. (Acts 18:8; I Jn. 2:3)

What is the meaning of baptism?

• It illustrates Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. (I Cor. 15:3-4; Col. 2:12)

• It illustrates my new life as a Christian. (II Cor. 5:17; Rom. 6:4)

Baptism doesn’t make you a believer—it shows that you already believe.

Baptism does not “save” you; only your faith in Christ does that.  Like a wedding ring, baptism is an outward symbol of the commitment you have already made to live for Jesus Christ.  (Eph 2:8-9)

Why be baptized by immersion?

• Because Jesus was baptized that way. (Mt. 3:16)

• Baptism in the Bible was by immersion. (Acts 8:38-39)

• The Greek word “baptizo” means “to immerse or dip under water.”

• It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection. (I Cor. 15)

When should I be baptized?

• When you have believed! (Acts 2:41, 8:35-38)

*All references stated have been taken from the (NIV 1973, 1978, 1984 - International Bible Society).