WE BELIEVE
The Bible is the real and true Word of God. Although some parts require deep research and wisdom to understand, we believe it is without error and that every part is included for a reason (2 Tim 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; Psalm 119:160).
There is one God who has existed for all of time as the three people of the Trinity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matt 28:18, 19; 2 Cor 13:14).
The Image of God. This God created all things (Genesis 1) including humanity, who stand apart from the rest of creation as being made male and female in his image (Genesis 1:26-27). This means that we are created to reflect and be like God in his character and attributes, and is the anchor point for our identity.
The Fall and introduction of sin occurred when humanity rejected God’s way and instruction (Genesis 2:15-17), and instead, under the influence of embodied evil (satan), defined good and evil for themselves. This broke the relationship with God, with humanity, the image of God within us, and creation. (Genesis 3)
Sin is simply missing the mark of God’s perfection through embracing desires outside of God’s intention for us and image in us. Everyone has sinned (Romans 3:23) and the consequence of sin is death (Romans 6:23). This leaves us in a position of debt (Matthew 6:12) that we cannot hope to pay for on our own.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God who was born of a virgin and lived a perfect, sinless life. He was crucified so that humanity could experience forgiveness and freedom from sin and rose to life after three days! After His resurrection He ascended to heaven and is now seated at the right hand of the Father until He returns again for His church (1 Peter 2:22).
Salvation is for all people. Because Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins when He died on the cross, anyone who asks for forgiveness of their sins can receive it. He paid the price, so salvation is free for those who recognize and confess that Jesus is Lord. Anyone who repents and believes in Jesus is given the gift of eternal life (Rom 4:25; 2 Cor 5:17,18).
We are called to discipleship. Discipleship is simply following Jesus. Initially by coming to him and trusting in the work of the cross for salvation, but also in following his way of living, following his truth as authority for our lives and embracing his life (John 14:6).
This journey of discipleship has markers along the way that we are called to embrace:
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is still available for the church today, just as we read about in Acts 2:4. This Spirit baptism empowers and equips believers to continue the ministry of Jesus with boldness and authority and they operate in spiritual gifts that point people towards a clearer understanding of God (Acts 1:8; 2:4; Gal 5:22, 23; 1 Cor 12-14).
Water baptism is a public statement to others that you’re choosing to let your old life go and allowing God to make you new. It is a symbolic and obedient act that an individual chooses when they are old enough to make their own decisions, that they have buried their old life and have been born again (Matt 28:19; Acts 2:38).
The Lord’s Supper, also called communion, is an ordinance that symbolizes the death and resurrection of Christ. We eat a cracker and drink grape juice to remind us of the death and resurrection of Jesus (1 Cor 11:23-26).
Biblical Sexuality. Sex is a gift from God for procreation and unity, and it is blessed and designed by God exclusively for marriage. Marriage was instituted by God (Genesis 1) and ratified by Jesus (Matthew 19:4-6)
Matthew 19:4-6
4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Marriage is exclusively between one man and one woman. It is a picture of Christ and his church.
Sanctification. When we come to Jesus and ask him to save us – he accepts us just as we are. He invites us to be transformed into his likeness and image ( 2 Cor 3:17-18), to embrace the true abundant life (John 10:10) that we were made for (2 Cor 5:17).
Eternity will be determined for all people when they have to give an account for their life spent on earth. Those who have chosen to follow Jesus will spend an eternity with God in Heaven, and those who do not believe will spend eternity separated from Him (1 Thess 4:13-18; Rev 20:11-15).