Doctrinal Statement

STATEMENT of FAITH

I believe the Bible is inspired and empowered by God, infallible and authoritative.

I believe in one eternal God who exists as three separate persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life as He walked among men, demonstrated the authority and power of God in works and speech, died on the cross, rose from the dead on the third day, and is now seated at the right hand of God having accomplished all that is necessary for man’s salvation.

I believe it is essential for man to repent of sin and by faith receive the finished work of Christ by confessing Him as Lord with his mouth and believing in his heart resulting in regeneration by the Holy Spirit.

I believe the Holy Spirit is continuing the work He started at Pentecost empowering believers to live a godly life and continue in all the works of Jesus.

I believe in the imminent return of Jesus and that those who have believed in Him will be resurrected to a heavenly dwelling in an incorruptible body, and those who do not believe will join Satan and his host in everlasting punishment.

I believe the true Church is composed of all born-again believers in Christ, regardless of denominational affiliation.

I believe all born-again believers have been commissioned to share the complete Gospel to all the world.

DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

The Scriptures:

I believe that all of Scripture (i.e. both the Old and New Testament) is verbally inspired by God and is our final authority in all matters pertaining to doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16,17). I believe that the Scriptures (the Bible) do not simply contain the Word of God but are the Word of God that inherently possess His life and authority and bring faith, revelation and healing to those who choose to receive (Matthew 4:4; Matthew 22:31; Romans 1:17; Romans 15:4; 2 Corinthians 4:13; Hebrews 10:7; Proverbs 4:20-22).

God:

I believe in only one true God; One in essence, nature, and attributes, but existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (1 John 5:7).

Jesus Christ:

I believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, of His shed blood on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins, of His bodily resurrection and ascension to the Father’s right hand. I do not believe that He is a way to the Father, but rather the only way through which we can receive righteousness, regeneration, sanctification, and glorification. He is, in fact, our salvation (1 Corinthians 1:30-31).

Holy Spirit:

I believe that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God and is God. The Holy Spirit is a divine Person possessing all the attributes of personality and deity. The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; 28:25-26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the Spiritual Gift of Tongues:

I believe that every Christian is baptized (immersed) in the Holy Spirt when they receive Jesus as their Lord. Therefore, the divine Person of the Holy Spirit lives in every child of God. One of the spiritual gifts that is available to the believer is the gift which can be expressed with speaking in tongues according to Acts 1:8; 2:4; 9:17; 10:44-46; 11:15-16; and 19:6. I believe this particular experience is part of the “Great Commission” (Mark 16:15-17) and enriches our lives spiritually (Romans 8:26-27). I believe it is subsequent to the new birth and can be received by faith (Galatians 3:2).

Salvation:

I believe that all who, in repentance and faith, receive the Lord Jesus as Savior and Lord are born again by the Spirit of God. (Acts 20:20-21; Romans 10:9-13; John 3:5-6). I believe that salvation is offered to all men by God’s grace but is only effectual for those who believe (Ephesians 1:13). I do not accept the doctrines of universalism, ultimate reconciliation or inclusionism in their various forms.

Healing:

I believe that the redemptive work of Christ on the cross has provided healing for the human body (Matthew 8:16-17; Isaiah 53:4; 1 Peter 2:24).

The Resurrection:

I believe in the resurrection of the just and the unjust; one to everlasting life and one to everlasting damnation (Matthew 25:46). I believe that hell as described in both Old and New Testaments is a literal, eternal destination for all who have rejected Christ’s redemptive work and refused the gift of salvation (2 Pet. 2:4-9; Luke 12:5).

The Second Coming:

I believe in a literal, physical second return of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:16-17) and that His return did not happen in A.D. 70 but is a future, physical event (Revelation 1:7; Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:11).

The Church:

I believe that the universal church is comprised of all true believers who have received salvation through Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). I also believe in and encourage fellowship with a local church (Hebrews 10:25).

Gifts of the Spirit:

I believe that spiritual gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit are for the common good and building up of others today (1 Corinthians 12:7).