Beliefs and Doctrine

If you cared enough to click on this page, it shows us that you value what we do...standing upon the truths found in the Word of God!  
 
What follows is a detailed explanation of what we believe about many of the most crucial topics in God's Word.  You will see many Scripture references listed.  Please don't take our word for it!  Read the Scriptures for yourselves.  
 
If you would like a look at our heart and personality as a Ministry, please read about our Convictions, Persuasions, and Opinions by clicking here.
 

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. The Bible, in its original language is completely accurate and without error (Rev. 22: 18-19; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). Although the original documents are no longer available, God has promised that his most important revelation to mankind would stand forever (1 Peter 1:25). It reveals God’s passionate pursuit of restoring his creation and is the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.

There is one and only one living and true God. …The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.

God as Father reigns with care over all that is; His universe, His creatures, and even human history according to the purposes of His grace. God is the Father of Jesus and to those who have trusted in Jesus according to the scriptures (John 1:12). God is never changing and is consistent in his being (Malachi 3:6).

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation (when he became human), He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He was both fully human (Heb. 2:14) and fully divine (John 1:1-2) living a flawless life. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience to God, and His death on the cross for the redemption of men from sin. He rose in bodily form on the third day to establish that those who trust in him will also rise to eternal life (1 Cor. 15:20-23). He returned to Heaven, has been given a place of honor, and represents us before God (Romans 8:34). He will return at any time to take those who believe and trust in Him to Heaven (John 14:23). Later, he will return to judge and righteously rule the earth (Matthew 25:31-34).

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine (Isaiah6:8-9/Acts 28:25-26). His coming was promised by Jesus (John 14:16-26). He works in us to teach us (John 14:16-26), direct us (Galatians 5:18), and make us more Christ-like (Galatians 5:22-23). He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service by giving gifts/skills for the mutual benefit of the community (1 Cor. 12: 1-7). It is the Holy Spirit who draws people to see their need of forgiveness from sins (1 Cor. 12:30).

There is a spiritual realm that exists consisting of heavenly beings known as angels and demons. God created all angels including Satan (Ezekiel 28:14/Col. 1:16) who led a rebellion against God and was then cast down from Heaven (Isaiah 14:12-17). Satan and his angelic followers (demons) seek to entice people away from God (Genesis 3:1-6) and deceive people from recognizing Truth (2 Cor. 4:3-4). There is a spiritual battle that is ongoing (Job 2:7), but the ultimate outcome has been determined-- eternal punishment for Satan and his followers (Rev. 20:10).

Man is the special creation of God, in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27, 2:7). For this reason, human life is valued above all other living things and we are commanded to love the people around us (James 3:9). God created humans male and female as the crowning work of His creation. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race (Genesis 3:1-6/Romans 5:12-19).

Marriage is a reflection of Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:22-33). Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's image (Genesis 1:26-27). Husbands and wives hold unique, complimentary roles as seen in Genesis 2, 1 Cor. 11, and 1 Timothy 2.

Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Savior, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. The need for salvation comes from the fact that all people sin and fall short of God’s standards (Romans 3:23). God took it upon himself to restore mankind to Himself by sending his Son to be a sacrifice (John 3:16). God promises that when we truly accept this gift by faith that we will receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. The Holy Spirit seals us and the gift of salvation can never be lost (John 4:24, 10:28- 29). The Bible also tells us that there is no way other than Jesus to be restored to a right relationship, and thus eternal life, with God (John 14:6). There is nothing we can do to deserve this life – it is all a gift of God, and our responsibility is simply to receive it (Ephesians 2:8-10).

The Church consists of all people who have trusted, and follow Jesus (1 Cor. 12:12-14). Jesus Christ is the head of the Church (Col. 1:18). According to the New Testament examples, local communities of believers come together to form a local church. The Church performs the work of God here on Earth. This work includes inviting others to follow Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20), gathering to worship and grow closer to God (Hebrews 10:24-25), guiding people with the Bible and offering accountability (Ephesians 4:11-14), using our abilities for the benefit of the community (1 Cor. 12:4-7), and meeting the needs of others (James 1:27). A New Testament church observes the two ordinances of Christ, Baptism (Matthew 28:19-20) and Communion (1 Cor. 11:23-26). In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord.

Christian baptism is an outward expressing of what has occurred inwardly in a believer’s heart. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, and the believer's death to sin, burial of the old life, and resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act that is intended to help us remember what Christ did for us on the Cross.

It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18- 20). This starts locally and extends globally.

We exist to create Disciples of Jesus Christ that have a desire to create more Disciples. We look at 2nd Timothy 2:2 as a picture of effective Discipleship Multiplication.

While we are not dogmatic in our views, we believe the Scriptures share that we will be raptured (1 Thess. 4:13-18) prior to a 7-year Tribulation on Earth (Revelation 6-19). Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly, the dead will be raised, and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell and the righteous will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord (Matthew 25:46).