God
We believe in one (Deut. 6:4, Isa. 45:5-6) eternal
(1 Tim. 1:17), knowable (Heb. 1:1-2), sovereign God
(Dan. 4:34-35). He knows all things (Psa. 139:1-4),
and providentially oversees all things (Mt. 10:29-31).
He is merciful (Exod. 34:6), and just (Acts 17:31),
loving (1 Jn. 4:8), and holy (Rev. 4:8), great in power
(Ps. 147:5) and good in purpose (Rom. 8:28). His glory
is our chief concern (1 Cor. 10:31).
Trinity
We believe in one God who exists in three Persons:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Mt. 28:19). All three are
uncreated, coeternal, and equal in power, glory, and honor.
They are rightly worshiped as the one true God–three in one,
and one in three (Rev. 22:13, Acts 5:3-4).
Scripture
We believe that while God has revealed himself in his creation
(Ps. 19:1-6, Rom. 1:18-20), he has spoken to us most clearly
in his word (Jn. 14:25-26, Deut. 6:6-7). The Scriptures of
the Old and New Testaments are breathed out by God, holy,
complete, and entirely without error in the original
manuscripts (2 Tim. 3:16, Jn. 10:35, 2 Pet. 1:20-21).
The Bible is our final authority in life, doctrine, and
godliness (Mt. 4:4, 2 Pet. 1:3-4).
Creation
We believe God created the entire universe out of nothing
(Gen. 1:1, Heb. 11:3). Man and woman were the crown of
God's good creation, being created in his own image
(Gen. 1:26-27). As image-bearers, we were created to worship
God and reflect him in true knowledge, righteousness, and
holiness (Eph. 4:22-24, Col. 3:9-10).
Fall
We believe that Adam and Eve, our first parents, rebelled
against God and plunged themselves and all their offspring
into ruin (Gen. 3:1-19). Because of Adam's sin, we are all
guilty sinners (Rom. 5:12-21). We come into the world with
corrupt natures through and through (Ps. 51:5). We are
spiritually dead until God makes us alive in Christ
(Jn. 6:44, Rom. 3:10-18, Eph. 2:1-5).
Person of Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus of Nazareth was and is the Christ, the
Messiah, the Anointed One. We believe he is also the Son
of the Living God (Mt. 16:16). He is fully man and fully God
(1 Tim. 2:5, Titus 2:13). He was born of the virgin Mary,
lived a perfect life, taught the way of God's kingdom,
worked miracles, suffered, died, and (bodily) rose again
(1 Cor. 15:1-8).
Work of Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ lived a perfect life and died a
shameful death that we might be counted righteous and
forgiven of our sins (2 Cor. 5:21). He was our sacrificial
substitute (1 Pet. 3:18). He defeated the devil (Rev. 12:9),
removed our guilt (Isa. 53:4-6), and became a curse for us
(Gal. 3:13), bearing the weight of God's wrath
(1 Jn. 1:8-2:2).
Salvation
We believe that we are justified–declared righteous before
God–through faith alone in Christ alone by grace alone
(Gal. 2:16). The only way (Jn. 14:6) to be adopted into
God's family is through union with his Son, Jesus Christ
(Eph. 1:3-6).
Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit, working through the word,
supernaturally converts (regenerates) the hearts of God's
people by making alive what was spiritually dead
(Titus 3:5, 1 Pet. 1:23). The Spirit convicts us of sin
(Jn. 16:8-11), leads us to repentance (Eze. 36:26-27),
causes us to grow in holiness (2 Cor. 3:18), seals us for
the day of redemption that we might be assured of our
salvation (Eph. 1:13-14), and equips us with spiritual gifts
for the building up of the body (1 Cor. 12:7).
Church
We believe the church is the communion of God's people drawn
from every tribe, language, people, and nation
(Eph. 2:11-12, Rev. 5:9-10). This invisible body, of which
Christ Jesus is the head, exists locally, and imperfectly,
as the visible church. Jesus Christ has given his church
two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper
(Mt. 28:19-20, 1 Cor. 11:23-26).
Marks and Mission
We believe God's people should be marked by Christlikeness
(Eph. 5:1-2), prayerfulness (Rom. 12:12), joyful obedience
(John 14:15), love of God and love of neighbor
(Mt. 22:37-44). We believe the mission of the church is
to make disciples by declaring the gospel of Jesus Christ
in the power of the Spirit to the glory of God the Father
(Mt. 28:19-20). As salt and light (Mt. 5:13-16), we seek
to save the lost (1 Cor. 9:19-23), love others in word and
deed (1 Pet. 4:11), work for righteousness and justice
(Amos 5:24), and care for the hurting and needy
(1 Jn. 3:16-18).
Last Things
We believe Jesus Christ will return to earth personally,
visibly, and bodily as King of Kings and Lord of Lords
(Acts 1:11). At his appearing the dead shall be raised and
the living and the dead will be judged (1 Cor. 15:20-28).
The wicked and unbelieving will be consigned to eternal
punishment (Rev. 20:10, Rev. 14:15). Those belonging to
Jesus will have eternal life in the new heavens and the
new earth and live in ever-increasing joy to the glory
of God (Mt. 25:21, Rev. 21:1-5).