THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE
About God
- God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. (Genesis 1:1, 27)
- Jesus Christ is the living Son of God. (Matthew 16:16)
- The Holy Spirit is the third member of the Trinity and present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus. (John 16:13)
God’s Word and People
- The Bible is God’s Word to us, written by human authors under supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. (2 Timothy 3:16)
- People are made in the spiritual image of God, even while separated from Him by sin. (Romans 3:23)
Salvation
- Salvation is God’s free gift to us and can only be accepted by a trusting faith in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- We were made to live forever, either separated from God or joined with Him in Jesus. (Romans 6:23)
- Heaven and hell are both real places of eternal existence. (Matthew 25:34, 41)
OUR BEST PRACTICES
Beliefs must be translated into action. Based on biblical teaching, we feel very strongly about these seven practices:
God’s Word as Our Authority
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching... (2 Timothy 3:15)
Jesus as the Head (leader) of the Church
Christ is the head of His Body, the church. He is the source of the Body’s life (Colossians 1:18)
Baptism by Immersion
For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ...(Colossians 2:12)
Christian Service
Christ loves us, and by His death He has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God...(Revelation 1:6)
Spirit-led Living
Jesus said, ‘I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you abide in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Financial Stewardship
A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. (Leviticus 26:30)
Friendship Evangelism
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (1 Peter 3:15)
HOW WE HANDLE OUR BELIEFS
We have unity in essential beliefs.
There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all... (Ephesians 4:4-6)
We have liberty in non-essential beliefs.
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgement on disputable matters... Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?... each of us will give an account of himself to God. (Romans 14:1, 4, 12)
We show love in all our beliefs.
If I hold in my mind, not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains - but have no love, I amount to nothing at all. (1 Corinthians 13:2)