What We Believe

God

God is the transcendent and intimate Creator of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal, co-existent, co-eternal and are one God.

(Gen. 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Ps. 90-:2; Mat. 28:19; 1 Pet. 1:2; 2 Cor. 13:14)

The Bible is God's written, inerrant Word. The Bible is God-breathed, meaning the Holy Spirit guided the authors who wrote it. The Bible is the lens through which we view the world. Its teachings are the final say regarding the decisions we make. We encourage everyone to read and study the Bible daily and to learn to apply what it says to their lives.

(Ps. 12:6, 119:105,160; Prov. 30:5; 2 Tim. 1:13, 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21)

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God (possessing the same nature). The fullness of God dwells in Him (Col. 1:19). Jesus lived a sinless life and paid for our sins through his sacrificial death on the cross. He rose from the dead after three days proving his divinity and demonstrating the everlasting life promised to all who trust him for their salvation. One day he will return to earth and live in eternal fellowship with those who have received him as their Savior.

(Col. 1:19, 2:9; Heb. 1:3; Isa. 9:6; Mat. 1:22, 23; Jn. 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Rom. 1:3,4; 1 Cor. 15:3,4; 1 Tim. 6:14,15; Titus 2:13; Heb. 4:14,15)

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is not an impersonal force, but rather, a relational counselor, comforter, and teacher who indwells all believers. He enables us to navigate a path in life that corresponds to God's will.

(2 Cor. 3:17; Jn. 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 2:12, 3:16; Eph. 1:13; Gal. 5:25; Phil. 2:13; Eph. 1:13; 5:18)

Human Beings

People are the most valued of God's creation because they are created in the image of God. Although we are not perfect, our ability to relate and exist in mind, body, and spirit as morally responsible beings separates us from all other creatures. Although every person has the potential for good, all of us are more inclined to please ourselves and to settle for our standards instead of pleasing God by living according to His standards. This inclination is called "sin." It is what separates us from God and is the cause of evil and suffering in this life.

(Gen. 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isa. 53:6a, 59:1, 2; Rom. 3:23, 6:23)

Salvation

Salvation is a free gift from God. We are not able to earn it through works because our works are tainted by our sinful nature. We do good works in appreciation for what Jesus has already done for us. They are proof of a changed life. We receive salvation by grace (unmerited favor) if we believe that Jesus lived a perfect life on our behalf and that his death is sufficient to pay for our sins in light of God's holiness. Salvation means that we can reconnect to God because of the righteousness Jesus bought for us with his life.

(Jn. 14:6, 1:12; Rom. 3:28, 5:1, 6:23; Gal. 3:26; Eph. 2:8,9; Phil. 3:8-9; Titus 3:5)