Doctrinal Statement

The Bible

I believe that the Bible is the true and divine inspiration of God, given to men by the movement of the Holy Spirit to write the scriptures.  This word was given to men that he might reveal himself for our knowledge and worship, to reveal his will and purpose for the Church, and to instruct believers in the conduct of a godly life against the corruption of the flesh, the presence of Satan and the fallen world. (2Tim 3:16)  All scripture centers around the person of Jesus, his work and his second coming. (Luke 24:27)

God

I believe in the eternally existent, triune God of the Bible who is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent.  He exits in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These three are of one substance and power that possess the same perfect nature, attributes and mission and are worthy of equal worship (Deut 6:4)  He is the creator, sustainer, and sovereign over all things. The course of history has been laid out by His will.  He is completely holy and pure.  In Him is no darkness nor can He sin.  (1Jn 1:5)  He is thoroughly loving, generous, and merciful yet he is a God of justice and righteous wrath. (John 16:12-15)  (Heb 1:1-3)

Humanity

I believe that man, created in the image and likeness of God, was designed for righteous intimate communion with God and stewardship over his creation to rule as his representatives on earth.  (Gen 1:26-29) The human state was corrupted in body and soul when Adam & Eve, of their own free will, defiled the law of God written in their hearts.  That corruption was transmitted to all of humanity (Rom 5:12) with the exception of Jesus Christ.  Original righteousness was lost and man took on a sinful nature that produced a natural opposition to God and His moral law.  Man become void of any ability to do “spiritual good” (Is 64:6) and wholly inclined to do evil. (Gen 6:5) Therefore communion with a holy God was damaged, and mankind fell into a state of total depravity, helpless and unable to bring restoration in our own power.  Through Christ’s atonement we receive freedom from this bondage, yet the sinful nature is still at work.

Christ

I believe Jesus Christ to be the second person of the Godhead, the only Son of the Father and eternally existent throughout history. (John:1)  Because of His infinite love for mankind, he submitted to the Fathers will to put on flesh and become the sacrificial Lamb who would bring salvation to the lost.  He was foretold in the scriptures, conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary.  He was completely human in the fullness of nature and appearance, and yet remained completely divine in the fullness of his power.  Two perfect and distinct natures were inseperately joined to him.  He was without sin and remained without sin to qualify as an acceptable sacrifice for all of mankind.  During his time on earth he fulfilled every prophesy written about the Messiah as he proclaimed the kingdom of God and ushered in Salvation for both Jew and Gentile.  In obedience with the will of the Father, he was captured, tortured and crucified on a cross, bearing the full wrath of God and taking the punishment for the sins of all humanity.  He died, was buried, and was raised to life on the third day.  In his death and resurrection he fully satisfied the justice of God, providing freedom from the bondage of sin and ushered in a new era of life through the spirit and  restored communion with God.  He ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God where he will one day return at the end of the world.

Salvation

I believe that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone.  When an individual professes true faith in Christ, repenting from sin and submitting lordship of life to Him, they receive the Holy Spirit and immediately pass from spiritual death to spiritual life.  They are justified in the eyes of God, freed form the power of sin and receive a new, spiritual nature. (Rom 5:1,2)  I believe there is no amount of good that man can do to earn this on his own.   Though one may grow in understanding of faith and in the pursuit of holiness of his life in Christian maturity, they are complete in Christ from the moment of conversion and in possession of every spiritual blessing in Him.

Afterlife

I believe in the eternal state of the renewed soul.  I believe at death the souls of believers are brought immediately into Christ’s presence. At the end of time when Christ returns, mankind will go through certain Judgments.  Those sealed with the Holy Spirit will receive new physical bodies and dwell in the presence of the Lord forever.  Those  outside of faith in Christ will experience eternal separation from God in torment.

Church

I believe the church to be the body of believers saved by the blood of Christ, of which He is the their Head.  The mission of the church is to make Christ known to the world.   (Matt 28, Acts 2)

Worship

I believe that worship is a response to the greatness and goodness of God in our lives.  It is the act of acknowledging his supremacy and worth and submitting to him in all areas of life.  Worship is a lifestyle and not only something to do with music on a Sunday morning. Worship is an attitude that shapes our thoughts our words and our actions.  Worship can take many forms but must be fostered in the heart to please God.  Corporate worship glorifies God, edifies our hearts, and unifies the Church.  (Rom 12:1-2)