What We Believe and Teach

What We Believe and Teach

The Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:21, Matthew 5:18)
All Scripture (both the Old and New Testament) is verbally inspired as originally written, and thus is infallible, without error, and the supreme authority for all matters in this life. There is but one acceptable method of Bible interpretation: the normal, literal method. This approach recognizes that the authors of Scripture meant what they said. The normal, literal method consistently applies the rules of grammar, literature, history, and culture to Scripture in order to unlock and understand the author's meaning.

God (Genesis 1:1, Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19)
There is one living and true God, Creator of heaven and earth, who exists eternally in three Persons -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Although each person of the Godhead possesses the same nature, each functions differently in respect to God's dealings with man.

Christ (Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:26-38, Romans 1:4, Acts 1:3)
The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who, being born of a virgin, became a man to give His life as a ransom for our sins. Jesus was completely God and completely man at the same time. Having led a sinless life, He satisfied the Father's justice concerning sin by dying for us on the cross. He then defeated sin and death by rising bodily from the dead.

Man (Genesis 3, Romans 3:9-19, Ephesians 2:1-3)
Man was created in the image of God, sinned, and thereby incurred not only physical death but, also spiritual death, which is separation from God. The Fall of man is a once-for-all historical fact, and its spiritually deadening effect has spread to all men. Therefore, all human beings sin naturally in thought, word and deed. All are lost sinners in need of salvation.

Salvation (Romans 3:25, Hebrews 9:22, 1 John 2:2)
God has provided salvation through offering His Son on the cross of Calvary and allowing His blood to be shed as the only sufficient legal payment for our sins.
(Romans 3:24, 4:5, Ephesians 2:8-9)
We receive salvation and are justified when we recognize ourselves as sinners, and put our trust in Christ as the son of God and in His finished work on the cross of Calvary. Salvation is by grace through faith, plus nothing else.
(Philippians 1:6, John 10:27-29, Romans 8:38-39, Ephesians 1:13, 4:30)
When we trust in Christ as Savior, we are indwelt and sealed by the Holy Spirit and thus are secure until the day of redemption.

The Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11, 1 Corinthians 12, Galatians 5:16-25)
The Holy Spirit is the same in essence, majesty, and glory as the Father and the Son. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment; who empowers the church to live a lifestyle pleasing to God; who endows believers with special gifts to accomplish distinct ministries. The baptism of the Holy Spirit takes place at the time of conversion and is the act of placing the believer into the body of Christ.

Satan (Matthew 4:1-11, Ephesians 6:10-18, Colossians 2:14-15, Revelation 12:9)
Satan truly exists and is the enemy of God, and the deceiver and destroyer of men. He was defeated and judged at the cross and therefore his final doom is certain. We are able to resist and stand against him and his forces by putting on the whole armor of God.

Ordinances (Matthew 28:19, Acts 18:8, 1 Corinthians 11:23-28)
The local church is to observe the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, which is a picture and reminder of the Savior's suffering and death. In addition, baptism should be administered upon confession of faith in Jesus as an outward testimony to one's new life in Christ.

Future (Matthew 24-25, Revelation 19:11-20:6)
At His appointed time, God will bring this world to an appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally (physically and visibly) to the earth in power and great glory to judge mankind and to reign in righteousness.