Core Beliefs

The Bible:

○     Is the inspired, infallible, God breathed Word of God.

○     Is the ultimate authority on all issues pertaining to spiritual life.

○     We believe that God gave us His Word so we can know God personally and we can know how to live our lives.

2 Timothy 3:15 -17

The Trinity: 

○     God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), & God the Holy Spirit.

○     God existing in 3 separate persons that are co-equal and co-eternal.

Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19, Mark 12:29, John 10:30 

God the Father:

○     The one true living God who is an intelligent, spiritual, and a personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe.

○     God is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. 

○     His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future. 

○     God is infinite & perfect in holiness. 

○     God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. 

○     He is fatherly in His attitude toward all humanity. 

Exodus 3:14, Isaiah 43:10, 1 Chronicles 29:10, Matthew 7:11, 23:9

God the Son, Jesus: 

○     Born of a virgin, lived on earth as 100% God and 100% man.

○     Died on the cross to atone (paid the price) for our sins.

○     Rose from the dead on the third day & went up to Heaven to sit at the right hand of God, His Father.

○     Sent us the Holy Spirit.

○     He is our mediator and makes salvation possible between God and humanity.

○     Every man, woman, and child can experience a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

○     He will return one day (the Second Coming) to welcome those who have turned from sin, put their faith in Jesus as Lord, & receive His forgiveness, into His kingdom forever. 

John 6:39, John 3:16, John 14:6

God the Holy Spirit:

○     Is the Spirit of God, a fully divine person. He exalts Christ. 

○     He inspired holy men of old to write The Scriptures.

○     Invites people to accept Jesus Christ, which brings about a significant spiritual inner change in them.

○     Sent to live inside of us, guides, teaches, counsels, comforts, corrects, gives wisdom, peace, reveals sin, and is our Helper this side of Eternity.

○     Empowers the believer, and convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. 

○     Through illumination He enables men to understand the Truth and The Bible.

○     He cultivates Christian character.

○     Bestows the spiritual gifts to serve God through His church. 

○     He provides an inward assurance that we belong to Jesus. 

John 16:7-11, 13, Acts 1:8

Salvation: 

○     Accepting Jesus Christ in your heart as your Savior & surrendering your will to His will for your life.                                                                                               

○     By faith accepting His forgiveness & being cleansed by the blood Jesus shed on the cross & it is available to everyone by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

○     After salvation there is an ongoing indwelling work of sanctification through the Holy Spirit that enables a believer to live a holy life.  

1 Peter 1:15-16, 2 Corinthians 3:18  

Baptism: 

○     Immersion in water is an important step of obedience after an individual repents of their sins and in their hearts believes in Jesus as their Savior and Lord.                                

○     Symbolic of your old life prior to accepting Jesus-being washed away.   

○     This represents the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior.           

○     Displays public decision to follow Jesus.

Matthew 3:6, 28:19  

Spiritual Gifts of The Holy Spirit: 

○     Are given by the Lord; Wisdom, knowledge, discernment, healing, faith, working of miracles, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation.

○     Are still relevant and active today. 

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

The Infilling of the Holy Spirit:

○     Is distinct from salvation.

○     It is a gift that God desires all believers to have to have a more effective prayer life, greater ability to witness, and for their own personal edification.

Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:6, 1 Corinthians 14:2-4

Divine Healing: 

○     Is provided for us through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross.                                                  

○     Includes deliverance and healing of both spiritual, physical, & emotional sufferings.   

○     God still does miracles.                

○     A privilege of all believers.

Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 8:16-17, James 5:14-16

What are our responsibilities as followers of Christ?

○     Daily growth in our relationship with Him through a personal relationship.

○     Share the gospel message with everyone so they will have the opportunity to accept Jesus and have the promise of eternal life.

○     Disciple others to go do the same.

○     Minister to others with love & compassion.

Matthew 28:19

Holy Communion:

What is Communion? 

○     An ordinance established by Jesus and given to the church in the new covenant.

○     The elements: bread and fruit of the vine represent the broken body of Jesus and His shed blood to make payment for our sin.

○     A representation of a believer's unity with Christ's life, death, resurrection, and return.

○     We should examine ourselves to ensure that we are taking it in a worthy manner. 

Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20, 1 Corinthians 11:27-31

The Blessed Hope:

○     Is the resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ.

○     Represents their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord.

○     The blessed hope is for the Believer.

1 Thessalonians 4:16,17, Titus 2:13, 1 Corinthians 15:5, 52

The New Heavens and the New Earth:

○     "We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." 

○     Jesus promised his followers that He will return to earth, set up a new kingdom and judge each person for his actions while living on earth.

2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 20:1-6, 11-15, 21, 22