Our Beliefs

The Bible tells us that God speaks to us in many ways (through nature [Romans 1:19-20], people [I Thessalonians 5:11; I Corinthians 14:3], His Spirit [Galatians 4:6, 5:16, 18; Acts 11:19-20], the Bible [I Timothy3:16]). However, we believe that scripture teaches that all truth must be measured by the unchanging truth revealed in the Bible – His holy words. (John 17:17; Psalm 119:160) The Bible is the source and standard by which all beliefs and experiences must be measured. Below are 1) The Essentials of “What we Believe” and 2) FAQs of “What We Believe”.

We are a church who believes in the Reformed Doctrines of Faith and Grace and we hold to the Westminister Confession of Faith. In addition or in explanation of this, below are the essentials we believe.

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities often referred to as the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.

Scriptural Proof: Gen 1:1,26,27; 3:22 | Ps 90:2 | Matt 28:19 | I Pet 1:2

Jesus is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father and the Spirit. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will someday return to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Scriptural Proof: Matt 1:22-23 | Is 9:6 | John 1, 14 | Ti 2:1 | Heb 4:14-15 | I Cor 15:3-4

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He lives in a believer from the moment of salvation and gives them a spiritual gift(s). He provides the believer with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, conviction of their righteousness in Christ, and guidance in doing right. As believers, we are to live under His control every day.

Scriptural Proof: II Cor 3:17 | John 16:7-13; 14:16-17 | Acts 1:8 | Eph 1:13 | I Cor 2:12; 3:16 | Gal 5:25

The Bible is God’s Living Word to us. Human authors, under the Holy Spirit’s guidance, wrote it for us. It is the story and revelation of the gospel – God’s eternal plan of restoration through Jesus Christ for all of creation specifically his ultimate creation – man. It the follower of Christ’s only standard for truth, life, and knowledge of God. God and not man inspired the Bible. Therefore, it is the truth without any mixture of error.

Scriptural Proof: II Tim 3:16 | II Pet 1:20-21 | II Tim 1:13 | Prov 30:5 | Ps 12:6; 119

People are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character revealing His glory. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and keeps us from pursuing the things of God. Jesus Christ provided for our sin through His sinless life, his sin bearing death, and his life giving resurrection.

Scriptural Proof: Gen 1:27 | Ps 8:3-6 | Is 53:6a | Rom 3:23 | Is 59:1-2

Salvation is God’s work and God’s gift to man through the person and complete work of Jesus Christ. We can never make up for our sin by good works or self-improvement. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into His life by a faith surrender.

Scriptural Proof: Rom 3:23, 6:23 | Eph 2:8-9 | John 14:6; 1:12 | Ti 3:5| Rom 10:9-10

We practice baptism by immersion under water with the belief that baptism is a symbol of our new life in Christ. (Ie. Thief on the cross received salvation without baptism.) However, it is an important act of obedience that was a command of Jesus.

Scriptural Proof: Mk 1:9 | Matt 3:16 | Matt 28:19

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true follower of Christ is secure in that saving relationship for eternity. We are made right with God by Jesus and we are kept right with God by Jesus. Salvation is given, kept and completed by God’s grace and power.

Scriptural Proof: Jn 10:27-29; 5:24; 6:47 | Eph 2:8-9 | Heb 7:25 | Acts 16:31 | Rom 5:1, 10 | II Cor 5:17-21 | I Jn 3:14, 5:11-14

There are two types of churches in the Bible. The church universal is the church to which all followers of Christ belong. This is the bride of Christ that He will return to claim as His own. The second type of church mentioned in the Bible is the local church. Christ is the recognized head of our church – not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self- governing and independent from any denominational control.

Scriptural Proof: Col 1:18 | Eph 1:23; 4:12, 15; 5:23, 25 | Rom 12:5 | I Cor 12:27 | Rev 21:2

Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and the Bible. The Bible also teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian ministry, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service.

Scriptural Proof: I Pet 2:5, 9 | Rev 1:6; | Ex 19:6 | Matt 6:6

We are not commanded to tithe in the New Covenant but there are some important truths we must know about giving and the tithe.

1. The tithe was instituted before Moses (Genesis 14:20) and is not part of the law
2. 10% is not a magic legalistic number but it seems to be the point at which God’s economy works in the local body and there would be more than enough to live out the gospel in the body, the community around us, and the world.
3. Under the New Covenant, Jesus’ requires all of you, but allows us to give as His Spirit leads us.
4. God longs for us to be cheerful givers who give out of the overflow of His gospel’s work in us.

Scriptural Proof: II Cor 8:3-5; 9:6-8 | Prov 3:9 | Mal 3:8 | Deut 8:18

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.

Scriptural Proof: Jn 3:16, 14:17 | Eph 1:3-14 | Rom 6:23; 8:17-18 | Rev 20:15