What We Believe & Teach
The Bible
is the Word of God. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because God inspired it, the Bible is the supreme source of truth for all Christian beliefs and practices. (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105, 160; 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)
God
is the creator and ruler of the universe. He is one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is both infinite and personal, holy and loving, forgiving and just. (See Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
Jesus Christ
is the eternal God who became a man, lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and was bodily raised from the dead. He ascended to heaven’s glory and will return some day to reign forever. (See Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5; 14:10-13; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15)
The Holy Spirit
is God’s presence in the world today. He is present to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He comes to live in every believer at the moment of conversion, and provides power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and personal guidance. The Holy Spirit also gives every believer spiritual gifts, which are to be used in ministry to others. (See John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; 12:4-7; Ephesians 1:13-14, 5:18)
Human beings
are created by God in His image. They are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and causes them to miss God’s plan for their lives. (See Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-5; Isaiah 53:6; 59:2; Romans 3:23)
Human beings
need for God. Human beings are the special creation of God, made in His image. They fell through the sin of the first man, Adam, all human brings are sinners in need of salvation. (See Genesis 1:27;Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; 59:1; Romans 3:23)
Salvation
is a free gift received from God. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works, so we must place our faith in Jesus Christ as God’s provider of forgiveness. This faith involves committing one’s life to Jesus as Lord (or boss). (See John 1:12, 14:6; Romans 3:21-26, 6:23, 10:9-13; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)
Our salvation
being a gift of God, is secure. It is maintained by the grace and power of God, not the self-effort of the Christian. (See John 5:24; 10:27-29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10-14; 1 Peter 1:3-5)
Baptism
is by immersion after salvation and is done in obedience to Jesus Christ’s command. (Matthew 3:15-17; Acts 2:38) The Church is a local body of baptized believers with the Lord Jesus Christ as the Head. (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:27-29; 1 Corinthians 12:27-29; Ephesians 1:21-23, 3:20-22, 4:1-3, 5:21-27)