what we believe
God
There is one God. He is the Creator and Ruler of the
universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: 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)
Man
Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in
character. He is the supreme object of God's creation. Although man has
tremendous potential for good, he is marred by an attitude of disobedience
toward God called "sin." This attitude separates man from God.
(Genesis 1:27, Psalm 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6a, Romans 3:23,
Isaiah 59:1-2)
Eternity
Man was created to exist forever. He 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, I John 2:25; 5:11-13, Romans 6:23, Revelation
20:15)
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 men by dying on a 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 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)
Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up
for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ
as God's offer of forgiveness can man 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)
Holy Spirit
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 believer 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.
(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)
The Church
The church is the Body of Christ lived through local bodies
of believers. Each church consists of real people who have discovered the
truths of real life and a relationship with Christ. The main responsibility of
the church is to take this truth of life to others through loving them and
proclaiming the good news of salvation to them and teaching each believer more
about living for Him daily.
Baptism
Baptism is a symbolic act of obedience that shows our new
life in Christ. It symbolizes our death to sin and our resurrection to a new
way of life through Jesus Christ. Baptism is by immersion in water. Baptism
itself cannot save, it is simply an act of obedience for the new believer.
The Bible
The Bible is God's Word to all men. It was written by human
authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme
source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by
God, it is truth without any mixture of error.
(II Timothy 3:16-17, II Peter 1:20-21, II Timothy 1:13,
Psalm 119:105,160, Psalm 12:6, Proverbs 30:5)