what we believe

SCRIPTURE

We believe that the Bible was written under the direction and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We believe that both the Old and New Testaments reveal to us the will of God and are, as originally written, without error in all that they affirm.

GOD

We believe that there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three persons are co-equal and co-eternal.

HUMANITY & SIN

We believe that humankind was made in God’s own image, set apart from all of creation, and made for intimate community with the Creator.  Because of Adam and Eve’s choice, we are all born with a bent towards sin. Consequently, we have all sinned and are sinners. Sin is a willful violation of a law of God and is only forgiven through the sacrifice of Christ.

JESUS CHRIST

We believe that Jesus is the second person of the Trinity, fully God and fully man. He was born of a virgin, established the Kingdom of God on earth, died on a cross for all people, atoning for our sins. He rose from the dead on the third day, returned to the Father, and will return again one day.

SALVATION

We believe that salvation is a free gift of God and is received by individuals through faith in Jesus Christ apart from any human effort. We believe that the shed blood of Jesus and His resurrection provide the only grounds for the forgiveness of sins for all who believe and that only those who receive Jesus Christ are born of the Spirit, become children of God, and are given eternal life.

We also believe that God’s offer of grace includes an infilling of the Holy Spirit, which enables us to carry out Jesus’ command to wholeheartedly love God and love others.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and dwells in people when they place their faith in Christ. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, helps us grow in Christ, and empowers and emboldens us to live our lives for Christ.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

We believe that the use of Biblical spiritual gifts continues today.  We believe that it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to minister according to the gifts and grace of God that is given to him; that these gifts are divine provisions central to spiritual growth and effective ministry; and that these gifts are to be eagerly desired, faithfully developed, and lovingly exercised according to biblical guidelines.

THE CHURCH

We believe that the Church was established by Christ and is strengthened by the Holy Spirit to carry out the Great Commission until Christ returns.

SACRAMENTS

We believe that baptism is an outward sign of an inner transformation that has taken place through faith. It is a symbol of our new life and a confession of our new faith.

We believe that Communion represents Christ’s death and resurrection. Through Communion, Christians participate in the life offered by Christ.

LAST THINGS

We believe that Jesus will return to establish an eternal Kingdom and make right the brokenness of this world.

We believe in a future judgment in which every person will be resurrected and judged according to their deeds and that everlasting life will be granted to all who have faith in Christ.