The Essentials We Believe
1. About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14
2. About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as Kings of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; I Cor. 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13
3. About The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Act 1:8 I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
4. About the Bible
The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20, 21; II Timothy 1:13;Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
5. About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2
6. About Salvation
We believe that Jesus Christ, the Living Son of God, was given by God as a sacrifice for the sins of all men. Christ died on the cross to mend the broken relationships which were caused by man's sin of disobedience. This severed relationship between God and man may be restored into perfect harmony through belief in Jesus Christ by faith, and not on the basis of our works (Galatians 5:4,5; Ephesians 2:8, 0). This belief and faith in Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as Lord and Savior, gives men and women the free gift of eternal life (John 1:29; 3:16; I Corinthians 5:7; Ephesians 5:2; I Peter 1:19). After receiving salvation by faith through belief in Jesus Christ, the "born-again" (John 3) believer may live free from the judgment of God, by living al life according to the teaching of the scriptures and trusting the Holy Spirit for the power to live a holy life according to God's Word.
7. About Good Works
We believe, that after we have experienced regeneration, it is possible to fall into sin, for in this life there is no such height or strength of holiness from which it is impossible to fall. But, by the grace of God, one who has fallen into sin may, but confession and true repentance, find forgiveness and restored fellowship with God (Matthew 18:21; I John 1-9, 24-25; John 15:15:6; II Peter 2:20-22). We believe that even though men and women cannot receive salvation by good works, their good works are still pleasing to God and show evidence of a true faith in God, and Jesus as Lord of the believer's life. Matthew 5:16; 7:16-20; Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16; James 2:18, 22
8. About Eternity
People are created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be externally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. John 2:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; I Corinthians 2:7-9