Our Foundation
wHAT WE BELIEVE
OUR BELIEFS
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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 about daily living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any form of error (including scientific and historical.)
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1-20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:89,105,160; Proverbs 30:5
GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
HUMAN BEINGS / SIN NATURE
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 has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. Sin separates us from God and causes many problems in our life.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2
SALVATION
Salvation is God’s free gift to us; but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
COMMUNION
We regularly practice Communion or the Lord’s Supper in our weekend services. Jesus initiated this practice as a way to help us remember His death and resurrection.
WATER BAPTISM
We practice baptism by fully immersing a person in water. Baptism is not necessary for salvation, but is a choice that is made to obey Jesus’ command and to follow His example. Teens are encouraged to be water baptized as well (those under age 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian). We baptize people “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19; Acts 2:34-36; 19:1-6
BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
When a person begins a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to live inside the believer at the moment of salvation. We also believe in the baptism in the Holy Spirit as a biblical experience that follows salvation. The purpose of baptism in the Holy Spirit is to enable the believer with power to be a more effective witness.
Acts 2:1-4; 8:14-17; 10:44-46; Gal 3:14-15
THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
In 1 Corinthians 12-14, the Bible lists many gifts of the Holy Spirit. The First Century Church practiced these gifts regularly, and we should as well. We desire to have these gifts functioning within the members of our local church family too.
1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12:6-8
PHYSICAL HEALING IN JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus is able to heal today even as he did in the time of the New Testament. In our gatherings we often pray in faith for the healing power of God to be real in people's lives.