ABOUT US

We believe there is only one Holy Bible made up of 66 distinct writings. We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired, and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of life and godliness. Therefore, every word written is true and trustworthy. We believe this collection reveals the standards that God uses to judge man, the offer of salvation, and the final hope that we have in God. We believe that the canon of Scripture is closed and cannot be added to or subtracted from without incurring the wrath of God.

(Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 17:19; Psalms 12:6, 19:7-10, 119:11,89,105, 140; Isaiah 34:16, 55:11; Jeremiah 15:16; Matthew 24:35; Luke 21:33, 24:44-46; John 5:39, 16:13-15; Romans 15:4, 16:25-26; II Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2, 4:12; I Peter 1:23,25; II Peter 1:19-21; Revelation 28:19)

We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons, that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption.  God the Father sits in Heaven, God the Son comes to earth in a physical being and relates to us physically, God the Spirit comes to earth and relates to us emotionally and spiritually. The Father sends the Son. The Son is the way to the Father. The Father and Son send the Spirit. The Spirit leads to the Son.

(Genesis 1:1,26; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:8, 48:13,16; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19-20; Luke 3:21-22; John 10:30, 14:6,16-17,26; 15:26; Acts 5:3-4; 16:7; II Corinthians. 13:14; I Peter 1:2; Hebrews 1:3)

We believe in God the Father, an infinite personal being, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. We believe God the Father is eternal in every aspect, pre-existing all creation. We believe that the Father is an emotional being. He is angered, joyed, saddened, compassionate, loving, jealous, and hates. He is exceedingly able to do any work that He desires; however, He chooses to listen to our prayers. God the Father is the head of the Trinity, as the Son and Spirit place themselves in submission to the will of the Father. We believe the Father is the perfect moral authority because in Him there is no wrong.

(Genesis 1:1, 4:24, 6:6; Exodus 20:5, 33:17; Deuteronomy 33:27; Isaiah 6:5, 40:28, 46:9, 57:15, 62:5; Psalms 7:11, 11:15, 46:1, 90:2, 102:27, 103:13, 104:24-35, 115:3, 139:1-24, 147:5; Proverbs 6:16; Matthew 19:26; John 3:16, 4:24, 6:38-40, 15:26, 16:13; Romans 11:33; I Corinthians 11:3, 15:9-10; Ephesians 1:3-14; I John 1:5, 3:30, 4:8; Revelation 1:8, 4:8)

We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, being fully God, came down as an obedient sacrifice. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, He became fully man, while maintaining His divinity. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe Jesus lived on Earth, endured the trials and temptations of humanity, and grew in maturity and obedience. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death(1), bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth. We believe Jesus died on the cross. This is the physical component of the wrath of God poured out on Jesus as the propitiation for our sin(2). The spiritual component is God turning His back on the person of Jesus while on the cross. Jesus was buried and rose three days later in order to free us from the Law of Sin and Death. We believe that Jesus covered our sins with His death so that we can have life. We believe that Jesus has ascended into heaven and will return again. We believe that Jesus is the only way to the Father. We believe He sits at the right hand of the Father as well as in the lives of all those that have accepted Him into themselves.

(1) Substitutionary atoning death: refers to Jesus Christ dying as a substitute for death deserved by sinners.

(2) Propitiation of our sin: satisfaction of sin—Propitiation is a two-part act that involves appeasing the wrath of an offended person and being reconciled to him.

(Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25, 4:1-11, 26:39,42, 27:46; Mark 16:19; Luke 1:26-35; John 1:1,14, 6:38, 8:58, 10:30, 11:38-44, 14:6; Acts 1:9-11, 2:33; Romans 5:8, 6:8, 8:1-2; I Corinthians 15:1-58; II Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 5:8-9, 7:25; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:7; Colossians 1:13-18, 2:9; I Peter 2:24; James 1:13-15; I John 2:2,15-17)

We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit was present at Jesus’ baptism as well as other times in the scripture. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher, and guide. He imparts spiritual gifts for Christian service and edification and the fruits of Spirit for a Christ-like life. We believe the Holy Spirit is the help that we many times pray for in our lives today. This help is manifested in physical, emotional, or mental strength to remember the scriptures or truths that we need to remember at any given time. The Holy Spirit is here to convict us of wrong doing (sin) in order to bring us back to a clear relationship with the Father and to lead those that are in a relationship with the Father.

(Genesis 1:2; Judges 3:10; Matthew 3:16; John 3:5-6, 14:16-17,26, 15:26, 16:7-11; Acts 2:4, 5:3-4; Romans 8:1-39, 12:6-8; I Corinthians 12:4-13; Galatians 5:16-18,22-23; Ephesians 4:11-12)

We believe that salvation is needed for all, as we are all sinners by nature and by choice, and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that salvation is given to all who accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, who repent of their sins, and are regenerated(1) by the Holy Spirit. This salvation is brought to us through the redeeming power of Jesus Christ, through His death, burial, and resurrection. Salvation has taken our dead spirit (dead from the sin that Adam brought into the world) and given it a new life, which is Christ’s life. We believe that, at the moment of salvation, we become new creations, not simply in words, but in reality of our character and life. Salvation is only given as a gift of grace, not through works (good deeds) nor anything else that man can do.

Salvation is brought through admitting your sin, believing that Jesus lived, died, and rose to pay the price for your sin, repentance of your sin, and committing your life to God, making Jesus your real Lord and Savior. Repentance is turning from sin towards God; (this does not mean that all sin is immediately stopped, but that you are now looking to God instead of away from Him). As evidence of this new creation, we believe that regeneration results in righteous living, good works, and proper social concern. We further believe that those who are truly saved shall be kept saved forever.

(1) Regenerated: being given a new spiritual life and a new heart by God.

(Genesis 3:1-6; Matthew 1:21, 27:22-28:6; Luke 5:31-32; John 10:27-29; Acts 20:21; Romans 3:9-24, 5:12-19, 6:23, 8:28-30, 10:9-10; II Corinthians 4:17, 5:17; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 1:5, 2:1,8-10; James 2:14-17; I Peter 1:3-5, 15-16)  

We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world.

(Ephesians 4:14-16, 1:22,23, 5:25-27; Acts 2:41-42; Matthew 16:13-18; 28:18-20)

UNIVERSAL

We believe that the church is the universal body of believers, who have received the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit. This is to include all the redeemed of all ages, believers from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. We believe that the responsibility of spreading the gospel is charged to all believers as part of the church. We believe the church has the responsibility of making disciples through teaching, baptizing, and right living so that the gospel will spread to the world. We believe that the church is called to a loving relationship, edifying and admonishing as a means of glorifying God. This is done through times of prayer, worship, giving, fellowship, and the use of spiritual gifts. We believe this is all done under the headship of Christ

(I Corinthians 2:13, II Corinthians 5:18-20; Revelation 7:9; Matthew 28:19; II Timothy 2:2; Ephesians 4:12; John 13:34-35, I Corinthians 12:7, 16:2; I Peter 2:12; Romans 15:14; I Thessalonians 5:15; II Timothy 3:16; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23)

LOCAL

We believe that the local congregation is built of baptized believers that organize together to observe the ordinances of the church in accordance with the direction that we have been given by God through His Word. We believe that there are two ordinances of the church, these are baptism (by immersion), and communion, or Lord’s Supper. We believe that there are many different groups (or denominations) of the local church who have varying ministries and understandings but serve the same Lord. We believe that the local church is to be organized in a way that glorifies God. In this there are two offices of the local church. These are pastor/elder/bishop/overseer and deacons. There are many words used to describe the first office, however these are all the same position, which is dedicated for the teaching, leadership, and spiritual care of the church. This is the place where the leadership and direction for the local congregation comes. This position is assigned exclusively to men. The second office is that of deacons. This position is one of ministry or service; they will help in any and all ways to build others in faith and service. The local church should be led and directed by the office of pastor; however, this should be done with a balanced pastoral ministry and not a dictatorship. We believe it is important for every Christian to join in fellowship with a local church. This allows for mutual growth, as well as mutual accountability, using church discipline as necessary. We believe it is good practice to meet at least weekly with both a larger body to maintain larger ministry and evangelism, as well as a smaller body to maintain intimacy and relationships. Neither of these should be left out. The church is not a building or a denomination. The church is the Body of Christ; this is all those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ and made Him Lord of their lives. Local churches are smaller gatherings of the universal church where believers can fully express and exemplify what it means to be a Christ follower as described in I Corinthians 12, and fulfill the mission of Christ.

(Matthew 3:13-17, 18:15-17; Luke 22:19-20; Romans 12:3-13; Acts 2:46, 6:1-7, 20:17-38; Romans 16:1-2; I Corinthians 12:5,12, 5:1-12; Ephesians 4:12; I Timothy 2:11-14, 3:8-13, 5:17; Titus 1:5-7,9; Hebrews 10:24-25, 13:17, I Peter 5:2-3)

We believe that local churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another with like-minded associations. Such an association, whether regional or district association, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in an association is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. Churches may cooperate with inter-denominational or non-denominational fellowships on a voluntary independent basis.

(I Corinthians 16:1-3; Romans 15:25-27; 16:16; Revelation 1:4, 11; Galatians 1:1-2)

We believe that an encounter with Jesus changes people; therefore, we believe Christians should live for the glory of God and the well-being of their neighbor. We believe that our heart guides our actions; therefore, the Christian should seek to have a heart that is focused on God.

By having a heart for the Lord, the Christian should seek to have conduct that is blameless before the world, be a faithful steward of his possessions, and seek to realize for himself and others, the full stature of maturity in Christ.

(Matthew 15:18-19; Luke 19:1-10; I Corinthians 6:19,20, 10:31; Colossians 3:1-17; Ephesians 4:11-32; I John 4:7-12; James 4:1-4)

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water into the name of the triune God. We recognize that baptism is an outward expression and testimony of personal regeneration. Furthermore, we affirm that personal salvation is the result of faith plus nothing (Ephesians 2:8-9). Nonetheless, because the New Testament is clear that baptism always followed regeneration for Christ’s earthly followers, we affirm this ordinance/command especially since it always appeared in the New Testament as a joyful act of testimony/witness of a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ.

We believe that the Lord’s Supper/Communion was instituted by Jesus with his followers the night He was arrested. We believe that the bread and wine (juice) used are a symbol of Jesus’ body that was broken and blood that was spilled for all that would believe in Him. We believe that during Communion the Holy Spirit brings us into the presence of Jesus. We reject the false teachings of Transubstantiation(1) and Consubstantiation(2).

(1) Transubstantiation is the false teaching that once blessed by the Catholic priest the bread and wine (juice) from communion are literally transformed into the flesh and blood of Christ.

(2) Consubstantiation is the false teaching that the bread and wine (juice) are spiritually joined with flesh and blood of Christ.

(Matthew 26:26-30, 28:18-20; Mark 1:9-10; Acts 8:36-39; Romans 6:3-4; I Corinthians 11:23-32)

We believe that every human being has the opportunity for a relationship with God and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith. We believe that God has created the nuclear family structure with the command to be fruitful and multiply. We believe this physical family structure is a picture of the family of God with the same command to be fruitful and multiply. We believe that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority. We believe that God has ordained the state to provide a society in which we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all Godliness and honesty, and that He has ordained the church for the edification of the Body of Christ. We believe that religious liberty (and authority) should follow this pattern: 1. Self 2. Family 3. Church 4. State.

If and when these duties conflict, we ought to obey God rather than man.

(Genesis 1:28, 2:24, 6:18; Deuteronomy 5:16; Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 2:23, 4:11-13; I Timothy 2:1-3, 5:1-12; Hebrews 13:17; I Peter 2:13-17)

We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked. At this time, the Holy Spirit will rejoin God the Father and God the Son in eternal glory.

PERSONAL

We believe that at the moment of death all spirits will leave this physical body. For those who have professed Jesus and surrendered to Him then they will go to be in Jesus' presence. We believe that those that have chosen to follow Christ will be given a new body and will live with Christ for eternity on the New Earth. We believe that those who have chosen to reject Christ will face His judgement and will receive the same judgement as Satan. This judgement will be the eternal punishment of the lake of fire, which is hell.

(Matthew 8:12; 25:46; Luke 16:22-23; I Corinthians 15:42; II Corinthians 5:8; I Thessalonians 4:13-18, 5:1-11; I John 3:2-3; Revelation 20:10)

UNIVERSAL

We believe that the very end will not happen until the entire world has heard the gospel in some way. We believe that no one knows the day or time when the end will come. There is no one that can predict these events. God will, in His own time and in His own way, bring this current world to an end, fulfilling His promise that Jesus will return to earth in glory and will judge all men. 

(Matthew 24:3-51, 25:1-46; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; I Corinthians 15:24; II Thessalonians 1:6-10, 2:1-4; Revelation 19-20, 21:1-8, 22:12-15)

1. We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning and that is marriage sanctioned by God which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union as delineated in Scripture. (Genesis 1:27-28; Genesis 2:22-24; Ephesians 5:25-33; Matthew 19:4-9; Mark 10:2-12)
2. We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. (I Corinthians 6:9-20; I Corinthians 7:1-5; I Corinthians 7:8-9; Ephesians 5:25-33; Hebrews 13:4-5; I Thessalonians 4:1-8)
3. We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography, or any attempt to change one’s gender, or disagreement with one’s biological gender is sinful and offensive to God. (Leviticus 18:16-30; Leviticus 20:13; I Corinthians 6:9-20; Deuteronomy 22:5; I Thessalonians 4:1-8)
4. We believe that God hates divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. Divorce and remarriage is regarded as sin, except on the grounds of adultery or an unbelieving spouse leaving a believing spouse due to their faith in Christ. (I Corinthians 7:8-9; I Corinthians 7:10-16; Matthew 19:4-9; Mark 10:2-12; Malachi 2:16; I Corinthians 7:39)
5. Therefore, we prohibit our licensed and ordained ministers to perform homosexual marriages on or off the church’s property. We also prohibit the church property from being used for homosexual marriages, celebrations, receptions, or any other type of gatherings.
6. Additionally, we will not recognize the license or ordination of ministers whose sexuality does not conform to the above-mentioned institution of marriage.

We believe that humans are made in the Imago Dei(1), and that children are a blessing from the Lord. Thus all human life is sacred and worthy of protection from the moment of conception. We believe that abortion is murder and that pre-born children are image-bearers who deserve the exact same protection afforded to anyone living. We also believe that there is forgiveness for the sin of murder.

(1) “Imago Dei” is the Latin translation of "Image of God” as found in Genesis. This is associated uniquely to humans, which signifies the symbolic connection between God and humanity. Mankind is made in the likeness and image of God. This is the unique imprint of God upon humanity.

(Genesis 1:22, 9:6; Exodus 21:22-25; Psalms 103:12, 127:3-5, 139:13-16; Proverbs 20:10; Jeremiah 1:4-5; John 3:16; Romans 5:8, 8:1; I Corinthians 6:11; James 2:8-9)