What We Believe... (expanded)
Scriptures Inspired · The Old and New Testament is the Word of God, given through the Holy Spirit, for the teaching, rebuking, correction, and training of believers for good works. (2 Timothy 3:15-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Peter 1:21)
One True God · God is One embodied in three Person - God the Father, God the Son in Jesus, and God the Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 43:10-11, Matthew 28:19, Luke 3:22)
Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ · Jesus is the Son of God, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died upon the cross, and exalted to Heaven. (Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:31, Luke 1:35, Hebrews 7:26, 1 Peter 2:22, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Matthew 28:6, Luke 24:39, 1 Corinthians 15:4, Acts 1:9, Acts 1:11, Acts 2:33, Philippians 2:9-11, Hebrews 1:3).
The Fall of Man · Man was created by God and in His image and seen as "very good". However, man sinned by his own willful choice and in doing so incurred physical death along with spiritual death, which is separation from God. (Genesis 1 -3, Romans 3:23, Romans5:12-19)
The Salvation of Man / Forgiveness of Sin · Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus. Salvation is received through repentance and faith in Jesus. It is through God's grace that we become children of God and receive eternal life. (Luke 24:47, John 3:3, Romans 10:13-15, Ephesians 2:8, Titus 2:11-12, Titus 3:5-7, Romans 8:16, Ephesians 4:24)
Baptism in Water · The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded by the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16, Acts 10:47,48, Romans 6:4)
Holy Communion · The Lord's Supper, consisting of the elements --bread and the fruit of the vine-- is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ, a memorial of his suffering and death, and a prophecy of His second coming, and is enjoined on all believers "till He come!"(1 Corinthians 11:24-26, Luke 22:19, Matthew 26:26-28)
Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts · Each believer is encouraged to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus. This experience was "normal" among New Testament believers as they received power for life and service. The Holy Spirit also gives spiritual gifts for the edifying of the body of Christ. (John 7:37-39, Acts 4:8, Acts 2:42-43, Hebrews 12:28, Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, Acts 8:12-17, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 11:14-16, Acts 4:29-31}, BIBLE[John 7:37-39, Mark 16:20, Galatians 5:22-26, 1 Corinthians 14:12, Ephesians 4:11,12, 1 Corinthians 12:28)
Sanctification · A believer's life should look more like Jesus each day. Sanctification is an act of separation from our old ways and becoming more dedicated to God. It is in this sanctification journey that we identify with Christ's death and resurrection and move towards a Holy life. (Romans 12:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 13:12, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 1:15,16, Romans 6, Romans 8, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:12,13, 1 Peter 1:5)
Love People · The church is the body of Christ. God's purpose for His church is to love lost people, to worship Him, and to grow in Christ's likeness. This is accomplished as we display His heart in sharing, serving, and giving. (Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 2:22, Hebrews 12:23, Mark 16:15,16, Mark 16:15-20)
Jesus Heals · Healing is an integral part of the gospel. Jesus paid the price for our healing upon the cross. Therefore healing is the privilege of all believers. (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; James 5:14-16)
Final Judgment · Each person, living or dead, will give an account for their lives. Those who have not received God's grace of salvation will be separated from God for eternity. Those, along with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will experience spiritual death of everlasting punishment in Hell. (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21:8)
Jesus Will Return · All believers, those dead and alive, look to Christ's return. At that time, each Christians will join Him in the air to reign with Christ forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51,52)
