What We Believe

 

The Scriptures Inspired

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to men, the infallible rule of faith and conduct, and superior to conscience and reason, but not contrary to reason  (2Tim. 3:15-­‐17; 1 Pet. 1:23-­‐25; Heb.4:12).


 The One True God 


There is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4), who is infinitely perfect (Matthew 5:48), existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Jesus Christ is the true God and the true man (Philippians 2:6–11). He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:34–38). He died upon the cross, the Just for the unjust (1 Peter 3:18), as a substitutionary sacrifice (Hebrews 2:9), and all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood (Romans 5:9). He arose from the dead according to the Scriptures (Acts 2:23–24). He is now at the right hand of Majesty on high as our great High Priest (Hebrews 8:1). He will come again to establish His kingdom, righteousness and peace (Matthew 26:64).


Man’s Fall and Redemption


Man was created good and upright, for God said, “Let us make man in our image and after our likeness.” Man, by voluntary transgression, fell, and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Gen. 1:26-­‐31; Gen. 3:17; Rom. 5:12-­‐21).


The Salvation of Man - Conditions of Salvation


The Grace of God, which brings salvation, has appeared to all men, through the preaching of repentance toward God and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; man is saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, and being justified by grace, has become an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 2:11; 3:5-­‐7;  Rom. 10:13-­‐15; Luke 24:47).


Evidences of Salvation


The inward evidence to the believer of his salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Rom. 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of holiness (1 Thess. 4:7, 2 Tim.1:9).


Baptism in Water


The ordinance of baptism by burial with Christ should be observed (as commanded in the Scriptures) by all that have repented of their sins and  in their hearts have believed on Christ as their Savior and Lord. In doing so, they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they have also been released to walk with Him in newness of life (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:4).


The Lord’s Supper (Communion)


The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements, bread and fruit of the vine, is the symbol expressing our sharing in a memorial to His suffering and death, and a prophecy of His second coming, and is enjoined to all believers “until He comes” (John 6:48,51,53-­‐57; Luke 22:19,20;2 Pet. 1:4; 1 Cor. 11:25).


The Promise of the Father


All believers should ardently expect and earnestly seek the Promise of the Father, which is the baptism in the Holy Spirit. With it comes the infilling of power for life and service, and the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-­‐8; 1 Cor. 12:1-­‐31). This experience may be distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the New Birth (Acts 2:38; 10:44-­‐46; 11:14-­‐16; 15:7-­‐9).


Sanctification Process


By the power of the Holy Spirit we strive to obey the command, “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” Sanctification is the will of God for all believers, and should be earnestly pursued by walking in obedience to God’s Word (Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 1:15, 16; 1Thess. 5:23, 24; 1 John 2:6).


The Church


The church is the holy Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer is an integral part of the church, and their names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (I Thess. 2:4)


Ministry


Divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for a two-­fold purpose: (1) The evangelization of the world, and (2) The edification of the Body of Christ (Mark 16:15, 20; Eph. 4:11-­‐13).


Marriage


 God created marriage.  It is a covenant made between a man and a woman that makes them one (Gen 2: 22,24; Matt 19: 5-­‐6). Divine Healing Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement of Christ and is the privilege of all believers (Isa. 53:4, 5; Matt. 8:16, 17; Mark 16:18; John 5:14).


 The Blessed Hope


The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation, together with those who are alive and remain unto the Lord, is imminent and is the blessed hope of the church (1 Thess. 4:16; Rom. 6:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Cor. 15:51,52).


The Millennial Reign of Jesus


The revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven, the salvation of national Israel, and the millennial reign of Christ on the earth are Scriptural promises and our hope (2 Thess. 1:7; Rev. 19:1l-­‐16; Rom. 11:25; Rev. 20:l-­‐7).


The Lake of Fire


The devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, and whosoever is not found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life shall be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burns fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Rev. 19:20; 20:10-­‐15).


The New Heavens and New Earth


We, as promised in the Scriptures, look for a new heavens and a new earth wherein righteousness dwells (2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21: l).