What We Believe

1. We believe that the Holy Bible, as originally written, is verbally inspired in every part, and the product of God through Spirit-controlled men. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Acts 1:16, 28:25) As a result of Divine inspiration, the Bible is Truth without error. (Psalm 119:105, 130, 160; Luke 24:25-27, 44, 45; John 17:17). It is the final authority for all matters of faith and practice and is the all-sufficient Word of God to man.
1. By “THE HOLY BIBLE” we mean that collection of sixty-six books from Genesis to Revelation inclusive which, as originally written, does not only contain and convey the Word of God, but is the very Word of God.
2. By “INSPIRATION” we mean that the books of the Bible were written by Holy Men of Old, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, in such a definite way that their writings were supernaturally inspired and free from error, as no other writings have ever been or ever will be.
3. By “SUFFICIENT” we mean that the Bible is the complete Word of God revealing God’s supreme plan for man and is able to fully equip the believer to handle all of life’s issues, both organic and non-organic, in a God-honoring fashion.
1. “NON ORGANIC” issues are behavioral types of problems that plague mankind.
2. “ORGANIC” issues would be physical troubles that require a medical doctor’s examination and supervision. In light of those; however, we believe that God’s Word provides us with the help needed to handle the physical struggles in a way that pleases God.
2. We also believe that the Scriptures shall remain to the end of the age, the only complete and final revelation of the will of God to man; they are the true center of Christian union and the supreme authority by which all human conduct, creed and opinions should be tried. Mankind in their relationships with God must move from truth to experience and not from experience to truth. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Matthew 7:21-23; Psalm 119:89; Proverbs 30:5-6; Romans 3:4; 1 Peter 1:23; Revelation 22:19; John 12:48; Isaiah 8:7-11; John 1:45-47; John 5:39)

Our Commitment: In light of the importance of God’s Word, we commit ourselves to the regular reading and studying of God’s Word, both publicly and privately, with conformity to godliness being the goal, that we may be “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:15, 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Colossians 3:16).

1. We believe that there is only one living and true God, infinite in every distinction that makes Him God, Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth, inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all worship, confidence and love. (Exodus 15:11, 20:2, 3; Revelation 4:11) We believe that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, equal in every Divine attribute and executing individual but harmonious offices. (Matthew 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; Ephesians 2:18; 2 Corinthians 3:14)
2. We believe in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ and that He is Absolute Deity, that He was Divine as no other man can be, entirely God and entirely human, all the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in Him, existing for all eternity and co-equal with the Father and the Spirit. (John 1:1-3; Colossians 2:8-10; Hebrews 1:2, 3, 8; Micah 5:2)
1. We believe that in His voluntary humiliation He did not lay aside His Deity. (Matthew 1:21-22, 28:1; Mark 14:61, 62; John 10:30, 32, 33, 14:9, 20:28; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Philippians 2:5-8; Colossians 1:15-17; 1 John 1:1, 2, 5:20)
2. 2. We also believe that at His incarnation He was miraculously begotten of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary as no one else was or can ever be born. (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; John 1:14)
3. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, equal with God the Father and Son, and of the same nature. (John 14:16, 17, 26; Matthew 28:19; Hebrews 9:14)
1. This is proven in the fact that He was active in creation. (Genesis 1:1-3)
2. Further proof exists in His relation to the unbelieving world as He restrains the evil one until God’s purpose is fulfilled (2 Thessalonians 2:7); that He convicts of sin, of judgment and of righteousness, (John 16:8-11); He bears witness to and empowers the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony. (John 15:26, 27; Acts 5:30-32)
4. We believe the Holy Spirit is a true person and completely Divine in all aspects. Upon salvation, He indwells and seals the believer and freely bestows spiritual gifts to every believer for the purpose of building up the body. Since the completion of the canon of Scripture the temporary gifts of miracles, tongues, interpretation of tongues, discerning spirits, wisdom, knowledge, apostleship, prophecy (foretelling of future events) and healing have fulfilled their purpose and are no longer needed today. (John 14:16, 17, 26; Matthew 28:19; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4; Romans 12)
5. His purpose in this age is to glorify the Son. (John 14:6)
6. He is also active in the life of the believer.
1. He is the agent of the New Birth. (John 3:5, 6)
2. He indwells, seals, baptizes, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps believers until the day of redemption. (Ephesians 1:13, 14, 4:30; John 14:26, 16:13; Acts 11:16; Romans 8:9, 14, 16; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2; Romans 8:26, 27)
3. He never depreciates the completeness that is in Jesus Christ by exalting anyone or anything above or as an addition to Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:3; Colossians 2:10)
4. He gives to every believer at salvation, gifts of service according to His will (1 Corinthians 12:11) and to be used only for the edification of the body. (1 Corinthians 13:5b; Ephesians 4:16)

Our Commitment: In light of the greatness of God, we commit ourselves to the faithful worship of Him both privately and corporately. Also, understanding that God is Judge and that we will give an account to Him in eternity, we commit ourselves to strive to please Him in all that we think, say, and do. (2 Corinthians 5:9-10)

1. We believe that Satan is a distinct personality who was once holy and enjoyed heaven’s honors, fell through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty. (Isaiah 14:12-13; Ezekiel 28:15-17)
2. In his fall, he drew after him a host of angels. (Revelation 12:9; Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:2-4; John 14:30) and now exists as the malignant prince of the power of the air, and the unholy god of this world. (1 Thessalonians 3:5; Matthew 4:1-3)
1. As such, he is man’s great tempter. (1 Peter 5:8) and the enemy of God and His Christ. (Acts 4:26; 1 John 3:8; Matthew 13:25, 37-39; Luke 22:3, 4; Revelation 11:15; 12:10)
2. He also revels in being the accuser of the Saints. (Revelation 12:10)
3. As a great deceiver, he is the author of all false religions, the chief power promoting the present apostasy. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Mark 13:21, 22)
3. We also believe he is the lord of the Anti-Christ. (1 John 4:3; 2 John 7; 1 John 2:22) and is the author of all the powers of darkness. (Revelation 13:13, 14; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-11)
4. Although a powerful adversary and not to be underestimated, he is not omniscient, omnipotent, nor omnipresent and cannot overcome the believer who is submitting in obedience to Jesus Christ and His Word in Faith. (James 4:7; 1 John 4:4)
5. His final destiny is to find defeat at the hands of God’s Son, through His death on the cross (Genesis 3:15; Revelation 19:11, 16, 20; Revelation 12:7-9; 20:1-3), and is destined to the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels. (Revelation 20:10-15; Matthew 25:41)

Our Commitment: In light of the reality of Satan and evil, we commit ourselves to strive to avoid all appearances of evil.

1. We believe in the Biblical account of creation, and that it is to be accepted literally, and not allegorically or figuratively. (Genesis 1 & 2; Exodus 20:11; Acts 4:24; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 11:3; John 1:3; Revelation 10:6; Romans 1:20; Acts 17:23-26; Jeremiah 10:10)
2. All mankind was created directly by God and in God’s own image and after His own likeness. (Genesis 1:27; 1 Corinthians 11:7)
1. Man’s creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of species, or development through long periods of time from lower to higher forms. (Genesis 2:7, 21-23; John 1:3)
2. All animal and vegetable life was created directly and to reproduce “after its own kind.” (Genesis 1:11, 24; Colossians 1:16, 17)

Our Commitment: We will view life as beginning at conception and is a sacred gift from God.

1. We believe that man was created in innocence (Genesis 1:27) and by his own voluntary transgression, fell from his sinless state. (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12, 19)
2. Consequently, every person is born a sinner by inheritance from Adam and by individual choice, and until regenerated is dead in sin. (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 3:10-13)
3. We believe that everyone is by nature utterly void of the righteousness required by the law of God, and definitely inclined to evil. (Romans 3:11; Galatians 3:22; Ephesians 2:1-3; Psalm 40:12) and that all are under just condemnation without defense or excuse. (Romans 3:9-20, 23; Romans 1:19, 20, 2:1, 12-15)
4. Humanity’s only hope of eternal life is through redemption in Jesus Christ. (John 3:3, 5; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Galatians 3:26)

Our Commitment: We understand the commitment of our total beings to God is only reasonable (Romans 3:23; 6:23)

1. We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of God’s grace; and (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24, 25) through the offices of the Son of God, as mediator, who by appointment of the Father, voluntarily took upon Him the form of a man, was tempted in all points as we are yet without sin in nature or deed, honored the Divine Law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins. (John 3:16; Matthew 18:11; Philippians 2:7, 8; Hebrews 2:14, 4:15; Romans 3:25; 1 John 4:10; Isaiah 53:6; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
2. We also believe His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a Martyr, but was the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner’s place, willingly shedding His own blood for our forgiveness, the Just dying for the unjust, Christ, the Lord, bearing our sins in His own body on the tree. (John 10:18; Philippians 2:8; Galatians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:11; Hebrews 9:22; 12:2; 1 Peter 3:18)
3. We believe Jesus, having risen bodily from the dead, is now enthroned in heaven and uniting in His Wonderful Person the tenderest sympathies with Divine Perfection, He is in every way the suitable, compassionate, all sufficient Savior and the mediator for His believer priests. (Isaiah 53:12; Hebrews 7:25, 9:12-15, 10:10, 12, 14, 18; 1 John 2:2)
4. We believe the blessings of this atonement are given to all who believe from the heart and confess, with the mouth to God, Jesus is this Lord and Savior and accept Him as their own personal Lord and Savior. It is the immediate duty of man to obey the command to accept this offer of mercy. (Acts 17:30; Romans 10:8, 9, 10)

1. We believe in order to be saved all men must be born again (John 3:3; Galatians 3:26) and that the new birth is a New Creation in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
2. It is instantaneous, not a lengthy process (John 3:5-7; Acts 16:30-33) and that in the new birth, the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made partaker of the Divine Nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God. (2 Peter 1:4; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1, 4-9; Colossians 2:13; Titus 3:5)
3. This new creation is brought about in a manner above comprehension, not by culture, not by character, nor by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of The Holy Spirit in connection with Divine Truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience by faith in the Gospel. (John 1:12, 13, 3:8) This new creation is evidenced by the productions of the holy fruits of repentance and faith in the finished work and Person of Jesus Christ and newness of life. (Romans 10:8-10; 1 John 5:1-5)

1. We believe that those who trust in Christ receive the blessing of justification, being declared righteous by a sole act of God, which includes the pardon of sin, and the gift of eternal life on the basis of Christ’s righteousness and atonement. (Acts 13:39; Isaiah 53:11; Romans 5:1, 9, 8:1)
2. The believer is justified not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done or ever will do, but His righteousness is imputed to us solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood (Titus 3:5-7; Romans 4:24, 25, 5:1, 17; 2 Corinthians 5:21Galatians 3:11)

1. We believe in God’s electing grace. (1 Thessalonians 1:4; Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 1:2) and that salvation is freely offered to all by the Gospel. (Romans 10:9-13; Revelation 22:17)
2. It is the immediate duty of all to accept this salvation by whole-hearted, penitent and obedient faith, (John 3:15-18; 1 Timothy 1:15; Acts 2:37- 41; Romans 10:8, 9) and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel. This rejection which brings upon man the condemnation of God’s wrath. (John 3:18, 36; Romans 1:18, 20, 2:1, 4, 5)

1. We believe that repentance and faith are inseparable graces (Mark 1:15) and are also solemn obligations. (Acts 20:21)
2. Both are wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God who convicts the believer of guilt, danger, helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, so that the believer turns to God with unfeigned contrition, and confesses to God his wholehearted faith in the work and person of the Lord Jesus Christ as his all sufficient Savior. (Acts 2:27, 28; Romans 10:9-13)

1. We believe that Biblical Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, the believer is set apart from sin, unto Christ, and has three aspects.
1. The believer has been set apart positionally before God the moment he believes. (1 Corinthians 1:30, 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 10:10, 14)
2. The believer is being set apart progressively in his walk, day by day, as he grows in grace toward the likeness of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit in the continual use of the appointed means, especially the Word of God, self-examination, watchfulness, prayer and yielding to the Spirit through Biblical change. (John 17:17; Romans 8:13; 2 Peter 3:18; Romans 8:28, 29a; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Timothy 4:7b; Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 John 3:3; Romans 12:1, 2; Ephesians 4:22, 24)
3. The believer is to be set apart prospectively from the very presence of sin when his sanctification is completed at the coming of Christ for the church. (1 John 3:2;1 Thessalonians 3:13, 5:23)

Our Commitment: In light of these important doctrines of man, his lostness, and need for salvation and sanctification, we commit ourselves to evangelizing the lost and the discipleship of the believer. (Matthew 28:19-20)

1. We believe the design of God’s Divine Plan is that every person, immediately upon acceptance of Christ as personal Savior and Lord, receives eternal life and is made at once a child of God; and (1 John 5:11-13; John 1:12) that believers are kept by the power of God through faith, kept in a state of grace, and are eternally secure apart from any human works.
2. We also believe only the believers will endure to the end. (Philippians 1:6; John 8:31; Revelation 21:7, 8; Ephesians 2:10) and that the believers’ persevering attachment to Christ and His own and their growth in the likeness of Christ are God’s marks which distinguish them from superficial professors of Christ (Romans 8:28, 29a; John 14:21-23; John 10:27-29; 1 John 2:19; 5:1-3; John 13:34, 35; Ephesians 2:10, Titus 2:11-13; James 2:14-20)

1. We believe that the church universal is a New Testament institution, established by Jesus Christ, who is its sole Head; revealed through the apostles; empowered and perpetuated by the Holy Spirit; His “body” for service and His “bride” for glory. It began with the New Testament Saints at Pentecost and will be consummated at the coming of Christ in the Rapture. (Matthew 16:18; Acts 1:8, 2:1-13, 41-47, 15:14; Ephesians 1:22, 23, 3:21, 5:23-32; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
2. We also believe that the church universal is manifested through the local church.
1. The local church is a congregation of baptized believers, associated together by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel. (Acts 2:41, 42)
2. The local church actively observes the ordinances of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:2) and is governed by His laws. (Ephesians 1:22, 23)
3. The local church consistently exercises the gifts, responsibilities and privileges invested in them by His work. (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:4, 8:11)
4. The Scriptural offices of the local church are those of pastors, elders or bishops, and deacons whose qualifications, claims, and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures. (Acts 14:23, 6:5, 6, 15:23, 20:17-28; 1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 8-13)
5. The true mission of the church is expressed in the New Testament and abbreviated in Matthew 28:19, 20 and Ephesians 4:11-16: to make individual disciples, to baptize them into a properly organized and functioning local church, and to teach them to obey His Word as He has commanded.
1. This includes assisting parents in teaching truth.
2. The local church also has the absolute right of selfgovernment, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; and that the one and only superintendent is Christ, through the Holy Spirit’s direction by the Word. (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23, 24; 1 Peter 5:1-4)
6. We believe it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel and that each local church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation. (Acts 15:22; Jude 2, 3; 2 Corinthians 8:23, 24;1 Corinthians 16:1-3)
7. On all matters of membership, of policy, of government, of discipline, and of benevolence, the will of the local church following the Word of God is final. (Malachi 3:10; Leviticus 27:32; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13)

Our Commitment: In light of the importance of the church, we commit ourselves to the faithful support of the church through our attendance (unless providentially hindered), involvement and service, finances and resources, spiritual giftedness, as well as our hearts. (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-14, 2 Corinthians 8-9)

1. We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion of the believer in water (Acts 8:36-39; Matthew 3:6; John 3:23; Romans 6:4, 5; Matthew 3:16), once in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Baptism indicates a solemn testimony and picture of our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life. (Romans 6:3, 5; Colossians 2:12).
2. We believe that the Lord’s Supper is the commemoration of our Lord’s death until He comes, by the sacred use of broken bread and the freshly pressed juice of the vine as symbols of the price He paid for us. This commemoration should be preceded always by solemn selfexamination. (1 Corinthians 11:23-28; Hebrews 10:25)

1. We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked. (Galatians 3:22, 26; Genesis 18:23; Romans 6:17, 18; 1 Peter 4:18; Proverbs 11:31) Those who through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified or set apart by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in their standing before God, not by a righteousness of their own, but by the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:17; 1 Corinthians 15:22; John 5:24; Romans 3:22-24, 4:22-24; Ephesians 1:6, 7).
2. All who continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked, and are under the curse. (1 John 5:19; Galatians 3:10; Romans 6:23, 7:5) This distinction holds among men both before and after death, in the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost. (Matthew 25:34, 41, 46; Luke 9:26, 16:25, 26; John 8:21; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:10-15)

1. We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society. (Romans 13:1-7; 2 Samuel 23:3; Exodus 18:21, 22)
2. We also believe that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed: (Matthew 22:21; 1 Timothy 2:1, 2; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13, 14, 17: Daniel 1:8-15) except for things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Acts 4:19, 20, 5:29; Daniel 3:17, 18, 6:10, 11) who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming Prince of the Kings of the earth. We believe that the church and the government should remain as separate entities allowing the church to govern herself under the authority of God, and that the church is responsible to follow God when the civil government stands in opposition to the Word of God. (Matthew 10:28, 22:21, 23:10; Revelation 11:16; Philippians 2:10, 11; Psalm 72:11)

Our Commitment: In light of the fact that God has ordained civil government, we commit ourselves to obey the laws of the land and to pray for our civil authorities. (Romans 13)

1. We believe that the marriage of a man to a woman is the plan of God and sacred in His sight. (Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-9; Ephesians 5:18-32; 1 Timothy 3:4, 5, 12; Malachi 2:13, 14) and that the roles of the husband, wife, parent, and child are clearly defined in Scripture. (Ephesians 5:21-32; 6:1,2; Colossians 3:16-21; 1 Peter 3:1-7)
2. It is our belief that sexual relationships are sacred and fulfilling only within the bonds of marriage, and are condemned outside the marriage relationship. (1 Corinthians 7:3, 4; Hebrews 13:4)
3. Children are a blessing of God and the responsibility for them rests solely upon the parent and they are to be brought up in loving structured control and conscientious instruction in the truths of God and His principles of life. (Psalm 127:3; Ephesians 6:4; Deuteronomy 6:6, 7; Psalm 78:4-7; Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 17:6)
4. We believe that homosexuality, lesbianism, incest, adultery, fornication, and any other sexually deviant conduct is clearly sin and condemned by God in the Scripture. (Romans 1:24-32; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:9-10)

Our Commitment: In light of the importance of the family, we commit ourselves to strive to foster solid marriages and family relationships. (Ephesians 5, 1 Peter 3:1-7, 1 Corinthians 7) Parents will strive to “bring their children up in the ‘training and instruction of the Lord’ (Ephesians 6:1-4)

1. We believe in and accept the sacred Scriptures upon these subjects at their full and face value.
1. Christ’s bodily resurrection from the tomb. (Matthew 28:6, 7; Luke 24:39; John 20:27; 1 Corinthians 15:4-8; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:2-6; Acts 2:24, 32, 3:15, 4:2; Romans 4:25)
2. His ascension to the Father’s right hand. (Acts 1:9, 11; Luke 24:51; Mark 16:19; Hebrews 10:12)
3. His present high Priesthood. (Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 7:24, 25, 8:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 2:1)
4. His future appearing in the air to receive His saints. (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; Acts 1:11; Hebrews 9:28)
5. The resurrection of the righteous dead. (1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 15:52)
6. The physical change of the living in Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Philippians 3:20, 21)
7. The believer’s response to God’s Word will be evaluated at the Judgment Seat of Christ for reward or loss. (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; Romans 14:10; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 22:2)
8. Christ’s bodily return to the earth to reign from the throne of David. (Pre-Millennial) (Matthew 24:29-32; Luke 1:32; Isaiah 9:6, 7; Acts 2:29, 30; 1 Corinthians 15:25; Isaiah 32:1, 11:4, 5; Psalm 72:8; Revelation 20:1-4, 6)
9. The White Throne Judgment of the unsaved, and the new heaven and the new earth. (Revelation 20:11-15, 21:1, 2)
2. With this view of God’s future for mankind, it then becomes the Christian’s responsibility to prepare himself with purity and to seek the conversion of the world from the powers of darkness to the kingdom of God’s light (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 John 3:1-3)

Our Commitment: In light of these important doctrines, we commit ourselves to be prepared for the Lord’s coming by striving to be pure, holy, and blameless and to seek to warn the lost and plead with them to come to the Lord in salvation.