Our Core Beliefs:
I. The One True God:
God is the creator and sovereign ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The three are coequal and are one God. (1 Cor. 8:6, Deut. 6:4, 1 Timothy 2:5, Isaiah 44:6)
II. The Bible is the Inspired Word of God:
The Bible was written under the supernational guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian life, belief, and conduct. (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21, John 17:17)
III. Jesus is the Son of God:
Jesus Christ is the eternal Word of God and existed with God before creation. All things were created by him and through him. The Word of God became a man, born of a virgin, lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. Jesus arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sins and death. He ascended to heaven and will return someday to earth to reign as King. (Luke 1:35, Galatians 4:4, John 10:30, John 1:1)
IV. The Salvation of Man:
All have sinned and fallen short of the perfect standard of God. Therefore, all mankind is destined for eternal separation from God in Hell. The only hope of eternal salvation is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. By accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior and repenting of our sins we are forgiven of our sins and given eternal life with God in heaven. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Acts 4:12, Romans 3:23, John 3:16)
V. The Holy Spirit:
The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is present in the world to convict the world of their sin and to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He provides Christians with power for living and ministry, an understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance on doing what is right. (John 14:26, John 14:16, 1 Corinthians 2:14)
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Evidence that a Christian has received the Holy Spirit is through exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit. This fruit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23). These fruits are exhibited outwardly as evidence of internal spiritual transformation. (Galatians 5:22-23, Romans 8:6, Ephesians 4:1-3)
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit gives every believer spiritual gifts. Different gifts are given to different people through the same Holy Spirit. These gifts are given to aid in ministry to evangelize the world, make disciples, and build up the Church. (1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 1 Peter 4:10, Romans 12:6-8)
VI. The Ordinances of The Church:
God-ordained ceremonies are given to the church for the purpose of the declaration and remembrance of gospel truths.
Water Baptism: Once we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, baptism by submersion in water is a way for us to publicly declare our new life in Christ. It is also a step of obedience to God’s commands and allows us to follow in the example of Jesus, who submitted himself to baptism to “fulfill all righteousness.” (Acts 2:38, John 3:5, Mark 16:16, Matthew 28:19, Matthew 3:11)
Holy Communion: Also known as the “Lord’s Supper” or “The Lord’s Table” is a way for believers to show our fellowship with Christ, to remember the atoning sacrifice that Jesus made for them, and to look forward to the time when He will partake with us in His heavenly kingdom. (Matthew 26:26-28, 1 Corinthians 11:25-28, Luke 22:19-20)
VII. The Great Commission:
We are commanded by God to go into all the world and preach the gospel with the goal of making disciples of Jesus Christ. We are called to teach the uncompromising word of God, to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and to do so in the power and presence of God’s Spirit. (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Acts 1:8)
VIII. Marriage:
Marriage is a spiritual covenant designed by God and given as a gift to mankind. Marriage is for our benefit and profitable for but not limited to; companionship, encouragement, co-laboring in ministry, resisting temptation, procreation, raising a family, and growing in holiness and understanding. God designed marriage to be between one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:24, Hebrews 13:4, Proverbs 18:22, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 2 Corinthians 6:14)
Co-habitation: Sex outside of the covenant of marriage is biblically forbidden. Co-habitation places a couple in a dangerous place of temptation and therefore should be abstained from. (Hebrews 13:4, Proverbs 6:32, Matthew 5:27-28)
Divorce: The Bible states that God hates divorce because it destroys lives, (Luke 16:18, Matthew 19:8, Malachi 2:16 ) however, the Bible does outline allowances for divorce.
- Matthew 5:32 permits divorce due to adultery/sexual immorality
- 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 permits divorce when an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave the believing spouse.
Homosexuality: The Bible states that homosexuality is a sin (“an abomination to the Lord). It is no more a sin than any other sin, and those struggling with homosexuality will be welcomed into this church. However, homosexuality is not biblically acceptable to God. See handout: “The Biblical Perspective on Homosexuality” (Leviticus 18:22, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Romans 1:26-27, Jude 1:7, 1 Timothy 1:10)
IX. Stewardship:
God is our ultimate source and owner of all things. We are called to be His stewards; caretakers of what is His. It is our responsibility to use our God-given resources His way. (1 Corinthians 4:2, Matthew 25:14-30)
Money: While the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, money is a tool given to us for life and ministry. God has outlined in Scripture how He desires us to use that money and how we are to trust him and worship him with the giving of financial offerings. These offerings are for the support of the ministry and the building of the Kingdom of God. (See handout: “What does the bible say about money/giving/tithes/offerings”)
People: All people are valuable and the epitome of God’s creation. God has put people in our lives for us to serve. He expects us to love, to encourage, to teach, and to lead. In following the example of Jesus Christ, we are to humble ourselves and lovingly serve our family, our friends, our church, and the world. (1 Peter 4:10, Galatians 5:13-14, Acts 20:35, James 1:27)
Time: The Bible teaches that time is short and therefore should not be wasted. We have limited time in our lives to fulfil His purposes, therefore we should live focused on His mission. (Psalms 39:4-5, Revelation 22:20, Ephesians 5:16)
Bodies: The Bible teaches that since we are indwelt with the Holy Spirit, our bodies are a Holy Temple and should be treated as such. Proper care for our bodies is not only an act of worshiping God, but practically needed for life and ministry. (1 Corinthians 6:19, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 9:27, 1 Timothy 4:8)
Words: Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21). God had given us the responsibility of guarding our months. In Matthew 12:36, Jesus says, “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak”. Do we use our words wisely to build up others or tear them down?
Personal Convictions:
In areas that are not clearly forbidden or encouraged in scripture, each person must prayerfully consider what God wants them to do as an individual. These convictions are formed by prayer, biblical standards, and principles. (Romans 14:1-23, James 4:17)
Alcohol:
The Bible is clear that we should not become drunk on alcohol or similar substances. However, alcohol consumption is not forbidden in Scripture. Each believer must prayerfully consider what is appropriate for their personal life and walk with God, and area of ministry. (Ephesians 5:18, Proverbs 20:1, Romans 14:21)
Bible Translation:
Modern publishers have produced a wide variety of Bible versions useful for personal study and for ministry. While our church does not have an official preferred translation, the New King James Version (NKJV) is most frequently used during Sermons and Bible Study. Each believer must prayerfully consider a bible translation that is best for their personal understanding and application. (Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Matthew 4:4)
Worship (Music) Style:
Worshiping God through music is a crucial part of our personal walk with God. Worship music is profitable for but not limited to; teaching/recalling biblical truths, encouragement, conviction, church unity, refocusing our hearts and minds on God, and most importantly as a love-offering to God. The Bible teaches that Worship must be done humbly, genuinely, and spiritually. There are various worship music styles that meet those qualifications. (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, Psalm 95:1, James 5:13)
Clothing and Apparel
One claiming to be a child of God should present themselves in a way that honors God. We should not dress in a way that leads others into temptation. We should not dress in a way to feed our pride and vanity. Each believer, both men and women, should prayerfully consider how the Lord would want them to dress, and how they can best honor God with their clothing, makeup, and apparel. (1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3:3-4, 1 Corinthians 8:9-13)
Secular Music, Movies, Media
We are responsible to guard our hearts and minds from things that are spiritually toxic to our lives. Movies, music, or media that give glory to the Devil, sin, or blasphemy have no place in our lives. This does not mean that all non-Christian music, movies, or media must be rejected. Each believer should prayerfully consider what types of entertainment are appropriate and edifying for themselves and their family. Parents are responsible to guard the hearts and minds of their children until they are mature enough to do so for themselves. (1 Thessalonians 5:21, Luke 21:36, Matthew 6:22-23, Philippians 4:8, 1 Corinthians 6:12)