Our Beliefs
“Responding to God’s love by inviting people to join us as we become more like Jesus.”
In essential beliefs, we have unity.
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
– Ephesians 4: 4-6
In non-essential beliefs, we have liberty.
Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters….Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand….So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God…So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.
– Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22
In all our beliefs, we show charity.
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”
– I Corinthians 13:2
Biblical Truth
The Bible is God’s Word to us, written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit without any mixture of error. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian belief.
Scripture Alone
Salvation
We can never make up for our sin through our own works, but God freely offers salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ by faith.
Grace Alone
Prayer & Community
Life isn’t meant to be lived alone. Community is a vital part of our faith walk, and we believe in the importance of gathering to pray, to worship and to encourage and uplift one another in our journey.
Faith Alone
What We Believe
Who is God?
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 and are one God.
Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14
Who is Jesus?
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign 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; I Corinthians 15:3, 4; Romans 1:3, 4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the spirit of God, and He is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make humanity 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. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.
II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7 – 13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is a sacrament that unites us with Jesus Christ and makes us members of God’s family, the church. It is an invitation into the church community and a public confession of faith made in the presence of others. Every person who has belief in Christ should be baptized.
We believe the “way” one is baptized (by sprinkling or immersion) is inclusive and determined by tradition. We believe in infant baptism because God’s covenant is extended to a child who has been born to a Christian family. A child doesn’t receive salvation at this time. They too must choose Christ for themselves and confess their personal acceptance of Him.
What is Holy Communion?
Communion (also called The Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist) is a sacrament that renews our faith and empowers us for ministry.
In Communion, bread and wine represent the sacrificial body and blood of Christ and recall the last meal shared Jesus with the Apostles before His crucifixion. Together they symbolize the new relationship that we have with God and each other because of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
The Lord’s Table is open to anyone who has confessed Jesus as Lord. (Romans 10:9-10)
Each of us should prepare ourselves before we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. (I Corinthians 11: 27 -28)
- Self-Examination
- Confessing of sins (I Corinthians 11:27 I John 1:9)
- Recommitment to Christ
- Restoring Relationships Romans 12:1, Matthew 5: 23 -24
The Priesthood of Believers
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.
“Christ loves us, and by his death he has freed us from sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God…” Revelation 1:6
“You are …the King’s priests… God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God.” I Peter 2:9
Spirit-Led Living
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. So we seek to practice daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right. (Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 5:18)
(Jesus said) ” I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from me you can do nothing. ” John 15:5
Telling Others About Christ
It is the responsibility of every Christian to connect with other people to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with.
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” I Peter 3:15
We are a creedal church
