What We Believe
The Bible
The Bible is the word of God. Every word of the Old and New Testament is inspired and preserved by God. The Bible is without error and true. The Bible is useful in all matters of faith and practice and we follow its authority.
God
There is only one God, he has always existed. God is three distinct but equal persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is unchangeable in his character, justice, perfection, power, wisdom and love. He is the Creator and sustainer of all things.
Humanity
All men and women are created in the image of God, we all equal in dignity and worth. Due to the Fall every aspect of human nature has been corrupted. Every person has themselves fallen short of the perfect standard that God has called us to live.
Jesus
Jesus is truly God and truly man. Sent by God the Father through the Holy Spirit he was born of a virgin He lived the perfect life that we have all failed to live. Jesus taught with the authority of God and preformed many miracles.
The Cross
Jesus the perfect man allowed himself to die on a cross. On the cross he took the penalty and punishment for the sin of all those who would believe on him. On the cross Jesus died.
The Resurrection
Jesus’ body was buried but on the third day he rose from the dead bodily. Jesus was seen alive by hundreds of people proving His victory on the cross. Jesus then ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father in His resurrection body.
Savlation
Salvation is a gift of God it is not earned or deserved. Everyone needs to be saved and we can only be rescued through Jesus’ work on the cross. God dispenses His grace to those He has called and regenerating them. All who believe in Jesus are forgiven and adopted into the family of God.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit has been sent from heaven to glorify Christ and to apply his work of salvation. He convicts sinners, gives spiritual life and understanding of the Scriptures. He brings assurance of salvation and produces increasing likeness to Christ. He builds the Church and empowers its members for worship, service and mission.
The Church
Church is not a building but a gathering of Christians with Jesus as the head. Churches must commit to worship, preaching of the word, sacraments, pastoral care, discipline, evangelism and each other. Churches are to be united in love, care and encouragement in God and faithful to the gospel.
Prayer
Prayer is intentionally communicating with God laying out our desires, weakness and plans. It grows our relationship with Him. Prayer is made in faith knowing that God hears because Jesus is our mediator between man and God. Through prayer our human will is aligned with God’s decrees and will. Traditionally includes adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication.
Sacraments
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper have been given to the church by Jesus as visible signs of the gospel. Baptism is a symbol of union with Christ and entry into His Church or covenant but does not impart spiritual life. The Lord’s Supper is remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice offered once for all. There is no physical change in the bread and wine.
The Future
One day which only God knows Jesus Christ will return in glory. He will raise the dead and judge the world in righteousness. Those who rejected Jesus will be rejected by Jesus and sent to eternal punishment. But those who accepted Jesus will be accepted by Him and welcomed into a life of eternal joy in fellowship with God in Heaven. God will make all things new and will be glorified forever.