The following is a brief explanation of our beliefs about several key Biblical teachings. These explanations are brief and fairly simplistic in nature. Though volumes could be (and have been) written about each of these topics, what follows are the basics of our Christian beliefs.

God the Father

God is the Creator and Ruler and Redeemer of the universe. He eternally exists in three personalities - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are equal and are one God.   Yet, for the sake of order, the Son submits to the Father as the Spirit submits to the Son. 

While God possesses the qualities of knowing everything, being everywhere at all times, being almighty and never changing; God’s primary quality is holiness.  Holiness is being totally free from any sin or impurity.  It is also vital to know that God is Sovereign, which

Consider: Genesis 1:1, 26-27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; 102:27; 147:5; Isaiah 6:1-8; Jeremiah 23:23-24; Daniel 4:34-37; Malachi 3:6; Matthew 28:19; John 14:10-30; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 3:20

God the Son: Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He, the Father, and the Holy Spirit are equally God. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead on the third day to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return to earth one day without warning for the Judgment.

Consider: Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-18; 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3; 1 Timothy 6:13-16; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 4:14-15; 9:23

God the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is equally God with the Father and with Jesus Christ. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian, as a gift given at the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. As Christians, we seek to live in obedience to Him daily. Those who have received the indwelling Spirit will grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Consider: John 14:16-18; 16:5-15; Acts 1:8; 2:38-39; 1 Corinthians 2:6-13; 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:22-25; Ephesians 1:13-14; 5:15-21

The Bible

The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of Truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the absolute truth without any error.

Consider: Psalm 12:6; 119:105,160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13; 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21

People

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person is born without the guilt of personal sin, as we age, each of us is tempted, gives in to this temptation and sins.  When we disobey God, this separates us from Him and causes us to deserve eternal punishment in Hell. We are truly desperate for His mercy and grace!

Consider: Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; 59:1-2; Romans 3:9-26; 6:23; James 1:13-15

Salvation

Salvation is God's free gift to us, but we must accept it.  (See "What is the Gospel?”) We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or through good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved – that is set free – from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in obedient faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins when one receives Jesus Christ into his life by grace through faith. Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer who abides in Christ is secure in that salvation. However, like all relationships, our relationship must be maintained.  If this relationship is neglected, a Christian can forfeit the peace they had with God by deliberately turning away from Him.

Consider: Mark 16:16; John 1:12; 3:16; 14:6; Acts 2:38-39; Romans 5:1; 6:23; Galatians 3:26-29; Ephesians 2:8-10; Colossians 2:6-15; Titus 3:3-7; Hebrews 10:26-27; I Peter 1:3-12

Eternity

We are created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally in God's presence through forgiveness and salvation. Those who do not accept Christ are eternally separated from God and go to Hell, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.

Consider: Matthew 13:40-42; 24:31-46; John 3:16; 14:1-7; Romans 6:23; 8:17-18; Revelation 20:11 – 21:5

The Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper (Communion) is to be observed as a memorial of Christ's sacrifice and an expression of fellowship with the Lord and with one another. As an expression of fellowship, we are reminded of the unity of believers in Christ. It should be taken with an attitude of self-examination and sincerity. Though the Bible does not specifically command that it should be taken each week, it is our practice to remember our Savior’s sacrifice for us each week, since it is our understanding that the Church practiced this spiritual feast each week.

Consider: Matthew 26:26-30; Luke 22:14-20; Acts 2:42-47; 20:7 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)