I.
God
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe in God the Father, the Creator and Sustainer of this universe, who in his infinite wisdom and love planned the redemption of mankind and accomplished it through Jesus Christ.
We believe in Jesus Christ, true God and true man, who was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a perfect life, was crucified for our sins, rose from the dead, and was exalted to the right hand of God.
We believe in the Holy Spirit who applies redemption in the lives of those who believe in Christ. He convicts, guides, teaches, rebukes, indwells, illuminates, empowers, comforts, intercedes, unites believers into one body, and glorifies Christ.
Gen. 1-2; Deut. 6:4-6; Ps. 139; Is. 40; Mt. 28:19; Jn. 1:1, 18; 4:24; 15:26; Rom. 8:1-17, 26-27; 2Cor. 3:17; 5:19; 13:14; Phil. 2:6-8; 1Tim. 3:16; 6:15-16; Heb. 11:6; Jude 2-5.
II.
The Revelation of God & the Holy Scriptures
We believe in a self-revealing God who has made His power and deity known generally through creation yet supremely and finally in the Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Holy Bible.
We believe that the Bible is the authoritative and inerrant word of God, breathed out by God and written by men through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; intended to teach, reprove, correct, train, and equip believers for the life and good works that God has purposed for them. We believe that it is through the scriptures that God has principally chosen to reveal himself to us today, and that everything necessary for the proper understanding of who He is, who we are, and what He is up to in the world are revealed through them. We, therefore, strive to teach the truths contained in them passionately and accurately in order to live our lives in light of them.
Ps. 1; 19; 119; Lk. 24:27, 44; Rom. 1:18-23; 2Tim 3:15-17; 2Pet. 1:16-21; Heb. 1:1-2; 8:5-13.
III.
Man & Sin
We believe that man was created in the image of God, sinless and in fellowship with God, with a free will to make moral choices. Through one man’s rebellion, death, and sin were introduced and brought upon the whole human race. As a consequence people are born sinful by nature, guilty before God, and in need of forgiveness and restoration.
Gen. 1:27; 3:1-19; Mt. 19:13-15; Rom. 3:10-18; 5:12; 18:21; Eph. 2:1-3.
IV.
Salvation by Grace
We believe that there is one God and Mediator between God and men, the Man Jesus Christ, who, by his substitutionary death, has redeemed humanity from the power of sin, death, and eternal punishment, through the shedding of his blood. On the cross, the wrath of God was satisfied and atonement was accomplished for those who put their faith in Christ. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ Jesus alone to the glory of God alone. Those who repent of their sins receive forgiveness and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, are adopted into the family of God called to live as faithful disciples in joyful obedience to God’s Word. Christians are to treat people of other faiths with respect, while urgently proclaim Christ as the only way of salvation.
Acts 2:42, 46; Eph. 1:13-14; 2:8-9; 1 Tim. 2:5-6; Heb. 4:12; 9:15-28; 1Jn. 1:9; Jn 14:6; Acts 4:12; Rom 1:18-24; 2:1-16; 3:21-26.
V.
The Church of Christ
We believe that the church was established through Christ’s redemptive work in history and that it is comprised of all who put their faith in him and who are baptized by the Spirit into one body, regardless of nation, race, or social class. Despite the diversity in congregations and denominations, the Holy Spirit creates unity among all of God’s people.
Mt. 18:15-35; Jn. 13:1-17; Jn. 17-21; Acts 2:38-44; 15:1-28; 1 Cor. 12-14; 2 Cor. 2:6-8; Eph. 1:22-23; 2:10-22; 5:21, 25-27; 1 Thess. 5:11, 14; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14-15; Rev. 5:9 .
VI.
The Mission of the Church
We believe that the Gospel is “the power of God unto salvation”, and that the command to make disciples of all nations is the primary task of the church. Every member of the church has been called and enabled by God’s grace and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to participate in the mission of proclaiming the gospel to all peoples everywhere.
Mt. 2:23; 11:5; 24:14; 28:19-20; Luke 24:46-69; Acts. 1:8; Rom 10:14; 2 Cor. 5:18-20.
VII.
The Indwelling & Empowerment of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is fully God, equal in nature, and work with Father and Son and that as a result of Jesus’ substitutionary and atoning work, the separation between God and man that resulted from Adam and Eve’s sin has been repaired. Thus, we acknowledge that the Holy Spirit now indwells every believer and seeks to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, to convict unbelievers of their sin and need for Christ, and to impart spiritual life through regeneration. The Spirit calls, indwells, sanctifies, leads, illumines, and graciously empowers for godly living and service all who come to faith in Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit desires to fill, empower, anoint, and impart gifts to every believer in order that they can be effective in ministry and powerfully testify to the good news of Jesus Christ. The church is to commission people to such ministries and show love, respect, and support to those who serve faithfully and live exemplary Christian lives.
Is. 6:1-10; John 14:16-17; Romans 8:9-16; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; Gal 5:16-23; 1 Thess. 5:12-13; 1 Tim. 3:1-10; 5:17-22; Tit. 1:5-9; 3:10; 1 Pet. 5:1-5; 2 Peter 1:3-10.
VIII.
Christian Baptism
We believe that Christians should be baptized in water upon the confession of their faith in Christ. We practice baptism by immersion, although we receive into fellowship those who have been baptized upon the confession of their faith by another mode upon elder approval. Baptism is a public declaration that the believer identifies with Christ and has become part of His body, the church. In baptism, a believer is united with Christ in his life, death and resurrection.
Mt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:2-6; Col. 2:12-13; 1 Thess. 5:23-24; 1 Pet. 3:21
Ix.
The Lord’s Supper
We partake weekly of the Lord’s Supper in order to be regularly reminded of the work of Christ on our behalf, and in order to regularly examine ourselves for indwelling and unrepentant sin. All those who understand its meaning, confess Jesus Christ as Lord in word and life, are accountable to their congregation, and are living in right relationship with God, and others are invited to participate in the Lord’s Supper. While we have an open table, we call everyone to invite the Holy Spirit to examine them and search their hearts prior to partaking. To participate in the Supper in an unworthy manner is to call judgement down upon ourselves.
Mt. 16:24; 26:26-30; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; 11:23-32; Rev. 3:20.
x.
Sexuality, Marriage & the Christian Home
We believe that God created men, women, sexuality, and the institution of marriage. As Lord over all, God reserves the right to define what these mean and how they are expressed. Marriage is a sacred union between one man and one woman meant to reflect the covenantal relationship between Christ and the Church. Therefore, believers should seek to reflect God's unending covenantal love towards those in Christ, through life-long marriage. Those who marry should have a common Christian commitment and understanding; a believer ought not marry an unbeliever.
We believe that divorce, adultery, and homosexuality constitute a violation of God’s intention for marriage and sexuality as laid out in the Holy Bible. We do not condone same-sex marriage or homosexual lifestyles. Additionally, we believe that God has created men and women as two distinct sexual beings. Any discrepancy between one’s biological sex and gender identity is due to the effects of sin in the world.
We believe that Christian parents should nurture their children through exemplary living, prayer, worship, instruction in God’s Word, and godly discipline. Parents are commanded to ‘train up’ their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, and children are commanded to obey and honour their parents.
Gen. 1:27-28; 2:18-24; Ex. 20:12; Prov. 5:18-19; 22:6; Mal. 2:13-16; Mt. 5:31-32; 19:4-9; 1 Cor. 7:10-11; 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:22-23; 6:2-4; Heb. 13:4; Rom 1:18-32.
xI.
The Lord’s Day & Work
We believe that God has called us to work with excellence and that work is an honorable task that every Christian should take very seriously. However, the Bible clearly instructs believers to keep a rhythm of Sabbath rest, as a way of acknowledging our human frailty and need of rest, actively trusting God for our provision, freeing ourselves from cycles of ‘doing.’ Christians also need to have time for corporate worship, instruction in the faith, and fellowship with one another. Therefore, following the example of the New Testament Church, we set aside one day a week as the Lord’s Day for spiritual edification and limit our labors on that day to work of necessity and honor God.
Gen. 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-10; Mt. 6:33; Lk. 24:1-36; Acts 2:1; 20:7; Rom. 14:5-6; Eph. 4:28; 1 Thess. 4:11-12; Heb. 10:23-25.
xII.
Christian Integrity
Christians are obligated to speak the truth at all times. As a witness to our integrity, we affirm that we will tell the truth at all times in keeping with what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount. We avoid holding membership in lodges and secret societies including those that require an oath, but rather seek to foster fellowship among other believers.
Mt. 5:33-37; 23:1-12; Jn. 18:19-23; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Eph. 5:6-13; James 5:12.
xIII.
The Christian’s Relationship Towards the Government & State
We believe that God has instituted the state. Our chief concern and primary allegiance, however, is to Christ’s kingdom. We pray for our government, respect those in authority, pay taxes, obey all laws not in conflict with the Word of God, and witness against corruption and injustice in society.
Mt. 22:17-21; Acts 4:19; Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Tim. 2:1-6; 1 Pet. 2:13-14.
xIV.
Leadership of the Church
We believe that a church is to be governed by a plurality of qualified elders who help steer and provide oversight of the congregation; help teach and preach sound doctrine; bring clarity to matters of theology; shepherd, pray for, and provide oversight for the congregation; and lovingly care and administer correction and restoration in matters of church discipline.
The scriptures are also clear that an elder must be: above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money, not fond of sordid gain, a good manager of his household, one who has his children under control with dignity, not a new convert, one who has a good reputation outside the church, self-controlled, sensible, able to exhort in sound doctrine, able to refute those who contradict said doctrine, are above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, loving what is good, just, and devout.
1 Pet. 2:59; Matt. 27:51; Heb. 4:14-16; Acts 15:22; 20:28; 1 Tim. 2:5; 3:2-7; 1 Thess 5:12; Titus 1:6-9; 1 Pet. 5:1-3, Jas. 5:14.
xV.
Love & Peacemaking
We believe that Christians should live by the law of love and practice forgiveness of enemies as taught and exemplified by Jesus. We seek to be agents of reconciliation. Our bond with the family of God transcends all racial, social, and national barriers.
Ex. 20:1-17; Mt. 5:17-28, 38-45; Rom. 12:19-21; 13:8-10; 1 Pet. 2:19-23.
xVI.
Sanctity of Human Life
We believe that God is the creator and giver of life, and highly values each person as one who bears his image. All lives are worthy of dignity and respect regardless of race, ethnicity, and social or economic standing. Procedures, such as abortion and euthanasia, which are designed to take human life are wrong. We oppose all attitudes which devalue human life, especially the defenseless lives of the unborn, disabled, poor, aging, and dying.
Gen 1:26-27, 2:7; Exod 20:13; Job 31:15; Ps 139:13-16; Amos 1-2; Matt 6:25-27, 25:31-46; John 10:11.
xVII.
Christ’s Final Triumph
We believe that God will someday bring His purposes to a final consummation and that the narrative arc of all history will come to a glorious conclusion as Christ returns visibly, personally, bodily, and triumphantly. When Christ returns the dead in Christ will be raised bodily and, together with the living believers, will be bodily transformed and shall be forever with the Lord. In the end, all evil powers will be defeated, those trusting in a righteousness apart from Christ will suffer an eternal punishment, and the saints shall enjoy eternal bliss in the presence of God in a renewed creation completely free from the presence and effects of sin.
Is. 2:4; 61:1-11; Mt. 25:13, 31-46; Mk. 9:43-48; Lk. 16:22-23; Jn. 5:25-29; Acts 1:11; 1 Cor. 15:21-58; Phil. 1:21-24; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; Tit. 2:11-14; 2 Pet. 3:3-13; Rev. 1:15, 20-22.