Statement of Faith
Statement Of Faith
Our Statement of Faith
is broken down into sections about particular topics
of Scripture and contains Scripture
verses pertaining to why we believe
what we do as a church.
Scriptures
We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God (2 Pet 1:19-21), free from error
(Prov 30:5-6) in the original manuscripts and the final authority in matters of life and faith (2 Tim 3:16-17). God’s written revelation of Himself is contained in the sixty-six books of the Protestant Cannon. The Scriptures shall be interpreted according to their normal grammatical-historical meaning, and all issues of interpretation and meaning shall be determined by the Leadership Team
(Heb 13:17). Translation Bibles such as the New International Version and the New American Standard Bible are acceptable, but the New King James Version of the Bible shall be the official translation used by the church.
Supportive Verses
Ps 19:7-11, 119:11-16, 119:105; Prov 30:5-6;
Is 40:8; Luke 21:33; Acts 17:11; Rom 15:4;
2 Tim 3:16-17; Heb 4:12, 13:17; 1 Pet 1:25;
2 Pet 1:19-21
God
We believe in one living and true God
(Duet 4:35). He is the Creator (Gen 1:1), Redeemer (Ps 78:35), Preserver
(1 Thes 5:23-24), and Ruler of the universe (Heb 1:1-2). God is revealed in three distinct Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
(Matt 28:19). Together They dwell in an eternal triune (1 John 5:7).
Supportive Verses
Gen 1:1, 1:26, 2:7; Deut 4:35, 6:4;
Ps 19:1-2, 32:7, 78:35, 86:10, 97:10, 121:7-8;
Is 45:5; Matt 28:19; John 17:3; Rom 3:29-30;
Eph 4:4-6; 1 Thes 5:23-24; Heb 1:1-2;
1 John 5:7
God The Father
We believe God is spiritual (John 4:24), eternal, immortal, and invisible in His being
(1 Tim 1:17). He is all powerful (Jer 10:10), all knowing (1 Sam 2:3), all loving (1 John 4:16), and all wise (1 Cor 1:25). He is fatherly toward all (Matt 7:11),but only Father to those who become His children by adoption through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 8:14-15).
Supportive Verses
Ex 6:2-3; Deut 32:6; 1 Sam 2:3; Ps 31:23, 138:7; Prov 2:8; Is 64:8; Jer 10:10;
Matt 5:44-45, 6:26, 6:32, 7:11, 23:9;
Luke 6:35; John 4:24; Rom 1:20-21, 8:14-15;
1 Cor 1:25, 3:19-20, 8:6; 2 Cor 2:14;
Gal 4:6-7; 1 Tim 1:17; Heb 11:6;
1 John 3:1, 4:8, 4:16, 4:19
God The Son
We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God
(John 1:1-3, 14). He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary
(Luke 1:26-35). Jesus was fully God and fully man, yet completely without sin (2Cor 5:21). He became incarnate in order to take on the substitutionary death on the cross, paying the price for our sin-debt (1John 2:2). Three days later, He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples (Luke 24:36-43), proving that He was God the Son who conquered death and declared our sins forgiven (Luke 24:46-48). Jesus then ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19) where He is the One Mediator between God and man (1 Tim 2:5).
Supportive Verses:
Matt 11:27; Mark 1:9-11, 16:19;
Luke 1:26-35, 22:69, 24:36-43,
24:46-48; John 1:1-3, 1:14, 8:58,
14:6, 14:11, 17:1-2; 1 Cor 15:3-8;
2 Cor 5:21; Col 1:15-18, 3:1; 1 Tim 2:5;
1 John 2:2, 5:20
God The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is the fully divine Spirit of God (John 15:26). It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to understand truth, are called to the Savior, and justified by Christ (John 14:26). At the moment of regeneration, the Holy Spirit indwells each believer (1 Cor 3:16) and works in each believer’s life to help him become more like Christ (John 16:13). He seals the salvation of the believer unto the day of final redemption (Eph 1:13-14).
Supportive Verses
John 14:26, 15:26, 16:13; Rom 8:26;
1 Cor 2:10-16, 3:16; 2 Cor 1:21-22;
Eph 1:13-14, 4:30
Creation
We believe in the literal account of creation,
as recorded in Genesis (Gen 1:1-25) and reject other theories of origin, including but not limited to, evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural. Humans are the special creation of God made in His own image (Gen 1:26-27). By their free choice, our first parents sinned against God and brought sin into the human race causing humans to fall from their original innocence (Gen 3:6-19). Because of our sin, we are spiritually dead and unable to save ourselves (Eph 2:8-9). Only by the grace of God did He restore the fellowship between us and God through Jesus Christ
(Rom 3:23-24).
Supportive Verses
Gen 1:1-25, 1:26-27, 3:6-19;
Rom 3:23-24; Eph 2:8-9; 1 Pet 3:18
Salvation
We believe that there is not a single person on earth who is always good and never sins
(Rom 3:10-11), for everyone has sinned and we all fall short of God’s glorious standard (Rom3:23-24). When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death which spread to everyone because everyone has sinned (Rom 5:12). The result of sin is death and eternal separation from God, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ (Rom 6:23). God demonstrated His great love for us by sending Christ to die in our place as payment for our sins while we were still sinners (Rom 5:8). Since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, He has saved us from God’s condemnation
(Rom 5:9). It is through Christ’s finished work upon the cross that God forgives our sins, declares us righteous, and offers the free gift of eternal life with Him as His adopted children (Rom 8:16-17). A right relationship with God is offered freely to all (2 Pet 3:9) who accept Jesus Christ as Lord of their life by faith (John 3:16-17). Accepting Jesus as Lord through faith involves a change of heart, a response to God’s prompting through an acceptance of and a commitment to Jesus
(2 Cor 5:17), and a verbal confession
(Rom 10:9-10). God saved us by His grace when we believed, and we can’t take credit for this because it is a gift from God (Eph 2:8). Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can brag about it (Eph 2:9). Those whom God has accepted in Christ will never fall away from the state of grace (John 10:28-30) because our salvation is sealed with the blood of Christ on behalf of our sins (1Pet 1:18-19). We believe that upon our death, we will immediately be with Jesus in heaven (2Cor 5:6-8) because everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Rom 10:13).
Supportive Verses
Eccl 7:20; John 3:16-17, 4:23-24,
10:28-30; Rom 3:10-11, 3:23-24, 5:8, 5:9, 5:12, 6:23, 8:16-17, 10:9-10, 10:13; 2 Cor 5:6-8, 5:17; Gal 3:22; Eph 2:8, 2:9, 4:30;
1 Pet 1:18-19, 2:24, 3:18; 2 Pet 3:9; 1 John 4:9, 5:11-13
Family
We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society (Prov 17:6, 18:22) and it is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church (Eph 5:25-32). He has the God-given responsibility to provide for (1Tim 5:8), protect (1 Pet 3:7), and lead his family. The wife is to respect her husband (Eph 5:33) and submit herself to the Scriptural leadership of her husband as the church submits to the headship of Christ
(Eph 5:22-24). She has the God-given responsibility to serve as her husband’s helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation (Prov 31:10-31). Children, from the moment of conception
(Ps 139:13-16), are a blessing and a heritage from the Lord (Ps 127:3-5). Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life, and therefore is murder (Ex 20:13). We reject any teaching that supports abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the physical or mental well being of the mother. Life is a gift of God and must be respected from conception until natural death (Eccl 3:1-2). Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values
(Deut 6:4-9), and leading them, through consistent lifestyle and loving discipline
(Prov 19:18), to make choices based upon biblical truth(Prov 22:6). Children are to honor their mother and father in all things in order to receive the promise of long life (Eph 6:1-4).
Supportive Verses
Gen 1:27-28; Ex 20:12, 20:13;
Deut 6:4-9; Ps 25:5, 127:3-5, 139:13-16;
Prov 6:20-22, 12:4, 17:6, 18:22, 19:18, 22:6, 22:15, 23:13-14, 31:10-31; Eccl 3:1-2;
Eph 5:22-24, 5:25-32, 5:33, 6:1-4; 1 Tim 5:8;
1 Pet 3:1-4, 3:7
Human Sexuality
We believe that the only Scriptural marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in a covenant commitment with God and with each other for a lifetime (Matt 19:3-6). God clearly disapproves of and forbids divorce (Mal 2:16) and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies (Rom 7:2). Divorce and remarriage after accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior is regarded as adultery except on the grounds of fornication (Matt 19:9). God uses marriage as the framework for intimate companionship (Prov 5:15-20), the channeling of sexual expression according to biblical standards (1 Cor 7:2-5), and the means for procreation of the human race (Gen 1:27-28). God has commanded us not to engage in intimate sexual activity outside of Scriptural marriage (1 Thes 4:3-5). We believe that any form of homosexuality (Lev 18:22), lesbianism (Rom 1:26-27), bisexuality, incest(Lev 18:6), fornication (Gal 5:19-21), adultery (Ex 20:14), and pornography (Matt 5:28) is a sinful perversion of God’s gift of sex (Lev 18:30).
Supportive Verses
Gen 1:27-28; Ex 20:14; Lev 18:6, 18:22, 18:23, 18:30; Prov 5:15-20, 6:32-33; Eccl 9:9;
Mal 2:16; Matt 5:28, 19:3-6, 19:9; Rom 1:26-27, 7:2; 1 Cor 6:9-10, 7:2-5, 7:39; Gal 5:19-21; 1 Thes 4:3-5; Heb 13:4
Christian Behavior
We believe Christians are to diligently seek (Matt 7:7-8) all things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, and praiseworthy
(Phil 4:8) so the peace of God will be present in our life (Phil 4:9). We are commanded to forgive those who sin against us (Col 3:12-13), for God will use the same standard of forgiveness that we use toward others
(Matt 6:14-15). We are to love our enemies (Matt 5:43-48), treating others the same way we want to be treated (Matt 7:12). The Lord requires each Christian to treat others justly, showing them our mercy (Luke 6:36), and developing a humble relationship with Him (Mica 6:8) by loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind (Mark 12:30-31). Christians should not be judgmental of others, or have a spirit of criticism (Eph 4:29), or find fault with others (Matt 7:1-5). However, we are to show a strong understanding between right and wrong as defined by the scriptures (John 7:24). Christian people throughout the world should be peacemakers (Matt 5:9), opposed to any form of racism, inequality, or discrimination towards any group of people or any individual
(Gal 3:26-28).
Supportive Verses
Mica 6:8; Matt 5:9, 5:43-48, 6:14-15, 6:33-34, 7:1-5, 7:7-8, 7:12, 22:37-40; Mark 12:30-31; Luke 6:36, 11:9-13, 12:31; John 7:24;
Gal 3:26-28, 5:13-15; Eph 4:29, 4:31-32;
Phil 4:8, 4:9;Col 3:12-13; James 4:11
Loving God
We believe God is the source of all love
(1John 4:16). Loving other believers is a fundamental requirement of the Christian life (John 15:12) which will show unbelievers that we are Disciples of Christ (John 13:35). Keeping God’s word is the proof that we love God ( 1 John 2:5), but God loved us long before we loved Him (1 John 4:19). Every Christian is to constantly seek to convert unbelievers by verbal witness (2 Tim 2:24-26), by the demonstration of our Christian lifestyle (Rom 12:9-21), and by always being ready to give abundantly to anyone who asks
(Luke 6:35).
Supportive Verses
Matt 5:38-42; Luke 6:35; John 13:35, 15:12; Rom 12:1-2, 12:9-21; 1Thes 4:11-12;
2 Tim 2:24-26; 1 John 2:5, 4:16, 4:19, 5:2-3
Spiritual Gifts / Good Works
We believe the Holy Spirit has given each believer at least one spiritual gift so we can help each other (1 Cor 12:7-11) and build up the church (Eph 4:11-12). There are different gifts and ministries (1 Cor 12:4-6) and we are commanded to use them (Rom 12:6-8). Remember, it is a sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it (James 4:17). Our good works should be like a beacon to others so that everyone will praise the Lord
(Matt 5:14-16) and we will build up treasures in heaven (Matt 6:19-21). Faith without good works is useless (James 2:26).
Non-believers will realize the strength of our faith by the good works that we do
(James 2:18). In whatever we say or do, our character and actions should reflect Jesus Christ to everyone (Col 3:17).
Supportive Verses
Matt 5:14-16, 6:1-4, 6:19-21, 25:37-40;
Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:4-6, 12:7-11;
Eph 4:11-12; Col 3:17; Titus 3:8;
James 2:18, 2:26, 4:17
Mentoring
We believe that the older men of the church should never be intoxicated(Eph 5:17-21), but always exercise self-control, living in a manner that is worthy of respect (Titus 2:1-2), and lovingly (Col 3:14-16) encouraging younger men to also live wisely (Titus 2:6-8). Similarly, older women are to live in a way that honors God(Titus 2:3), teaching the younger women (Titus 2:4-5), and by example, being modest in appearance (1 Tim 2:9-11). As Christians, we should be quick to listen and slow to speak
(James 1:19-20), always cheerful (Phil 4:4), and in a constant attitude of prayer
(1 Thes 5:14-22).
Supportive Verses
Mark 11:24; Eph 5:15-16, 5:17-21;
Phil 4:4; Col 3:14-16; 1 Thes 5:14-22;
1 Tim 2:9-11; Titus 2:1-2, 2-3, 2:4-5,
2:6-8; James 1:19-20, 5:16
Church Leadership
We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God
(Gal 3:26-29), but that God ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and the church. The man is to be the leader of the home (Col 3:18-21), and men are to be the leaders (pastors and elders) of the church (1 Tim 3:1-7). Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church. Deacon (1 Tim 3:8-13) and deaconess (Rom 16:1-2) are positions of service (Acts 6:1-7) by men and women of the church for various ministries as determined by the elders (1 Pet 5:2-4).
Supportive Verses
Matt 20:25-26; Acts 6:1-7, 20:28; Rom 16:1-2; Gal 3:26-29; Col 3:18-21;
1 Tim 2:12, 3:1-7, 3:8-13; Titus 1:5-9;
James 5:13-15; 1 Pet 5:2-4
Church
We believe the universal church, or Body of Christ (Col 1:24), is made up of those whom Christ has saved through all the ages, of every tribe, tongue, people, and nation (Rev 14:6-7). The local congregation is the autonomous, local expression of the New Testament church (1 Pet 2:9). The purpose of the church is to go into the entire world and make disciples
(Matt 28:19-20). To accomplish this mission, God has created (Eph 2:10), saved, called
(2 Cor 5:20), gifted (1 Cor 12:4-11), authorized (2 Cor 5:18-19), and commanded (James 1:22, 25) every Christ-follower to serve in and through the local church (Heb 10:24-25).
Supportive Verses
Matt 18:20, 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16;
Acts 1:8, 16:5; 1 Cor 12:4-11;
2 Cor 5:18-19, 5:20; Eph 1:22-23, 2:10, 3:20-21, 4:11-12; Col 1:18, 1:24; Heb 10:24-25, 13:15-16; James 1:22, 1:25; 1 Pet 2:9; Rev 14:6-7
Holy Ordinances
We believe Christ has given the church two symbolic acts, Baptism (Matt 3:13-15) and the Lord’s Supper (Matt 26:26-29), which demonstrate His grace and our faith in Him. Baptism is the immersion of a Christ-follower in water (Matt 3:16-17) as an act of obedience (Mark 16:16) symbolizing one’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior (Rom 6:3-4). It is a testimony to his/her faith in Jesus Christ. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a symbolic act of partaking of bread and juice to memorialize the death of Jesus Christ on behalf of our sins and to anticipate Christ’s return to earth (1 Cor 11:23-26).
Supportive Verses
Matt 3:13-15, 3:16-17, 26:26-29;
Mark 14:22-25, 16:16; Luke 22:19-20;
Acts 2:38-39; Rom 6:3-4;
1 Cor 10:16-17, 11:23-26
Stewardship
We believe that God receives glory from our act of giving through the church to others because it causes them to give thanks to God (2 Cor 9:10-15). When our gifts are used to help those in need, God’s love and compassion for others is shown to them by our example (1 John 3:17-18). Whoever does not give does not have the love of the Father in him (1 John 2:15) and is actually robbing from God (Mal 3:8). It is not possible to serve both God and money (Luke 16:13). Contrary to the normal Biblical pattern, giving is the only area where we are permitted to put God to the test (Mal 3:10-12). God has challenged us to give freely (Matt 10:8), regularly, and systematically to the church (1 Cor 16:2). Although the tithe was established by God as a basis for giving (Lev 27:30-32), we believe each Christian is to determine in his own heart how much to give without feeling pressured and without reluctance, for God loves a person who gives cheerfully (2 Cor 9:6-7). Then God will provide so generously for all our needs that there will be plenty left over to share with others (2 Cor 9:8). Even though we are under obligation to give of our time (Eph 5:15-16), talents (1 Cor 14:12), and material possessions (Prov 3:9-10), we will actually receive the greater blessing (Acts 20:35) because we cannot out-give the Lord (Luke 6:38).
Supportive Verses
Lev 27:30-32; Prov 3:9-10; Mal 3:8,
3:10-12; Matt 10:8; Mark 12:41-44;
Luke 6:38, 12:16-21, 12:33-34, 16:13, 21:1-4; Acts 20:35; 1 Cor 14:12, 16:2;
2 Cor 9:6-7, 9:8, 9:10-15; Eph 5:15-16;
1 John 2:15, 3:17-18
Christ’s Return
We believe no one knows exactly when Christ will return (2 Pet 3:10). Christ will visibly return to earth in the future (Mark 13:26-27) and He will raise the dead (1 Cor 15:20-23), judge the world (1 Cor 15:24-28), and consummate His kingdom in the new heaven and the new earth (Rev 21:1-4). The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment (Matt 25:41). It is then that all Christ-followers, in their glorified bodies (1 Cor 15:50-54), will receive their reward and dwell forever with our Lord
(1 Thes 4:15-18).
Supportive Verses
Matt 25:41; Mark 13:26-27;
1 Cor 15:20-23, 15:24-28, 15:50-54;
1 Thes 4:13-14, 4:15-18; 2 Pet 3:10, 3:13;
Rev 21:1-4
