Statement of Faith
Scripture
Scripture is the inspired Word of God, comprised of the 66 books of the Bible, which are entirely reliable and truthful. Scripture stands as the central authority over our lives, our faith and the direction of our ministry. It is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training. (2 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Tim 3:16-17)
God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
Three persons eternally share the Divine Nature as One God. The Bible refers to these persons as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God is both self-existent and personal. (John 14:10, 26; 15:26)
Jesus Christ, the Son, born of a virgin, is fully God and fully human. He lived a sinless life, died for the sins of humankind, was resurrected bodily on the third day, ascended into heaven and is coming again as King and Judge. Jesus Christ is the only provision that God has given for people to be reconciled to Him. Jesus’ life on earth, is the Father’s revelation of His nature, and also serves as the model for the Christian life. (John 14:6; Acts 4:12)
The Holy Spirit is God. He draws us to Christ, and indwells us at the moment we place our faith in Christ. He empowers us to live an effective Christian life by affirming our salvation, encouraging us and giving us the strength to live a life that is pleasing to God and personally fulfilling. (John 14:16-17; Ephesians 1:13-14)
People
Human beings are created in the image of God. As such, we are unique among all of God’s creation. However, people have turned against God and disobeyed His commands. Sin’s consequences result in physical and spiritual death for all humankind. Humanity lives in a state of alienation and profound need which can only be satisfied by reconciliation with God through Christ. Without this reconciliation, all people stand under God’s righteous judgment. Humanity, although fallen, maintains the image of God and is, therefore, still dignified and unique. God continues to love us and reach out to us, even though we are hostile to Him. Believers in Jesus Christ receive a new nature that becomes the foundation for a process of transformation. (Genesis 1:27-31; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
Salvation
Salvation is reconciliation with God through the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. God offers us salvation by His grace alone and we receive it as a gift through personal faith in Jesus Christ. This right standing before God must be received and cannot be earned. God freely offers salvation to all people, and our salvation is secure. (Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans 8:38,39; Ephesians 1:13; 2:4)
The Church (Ekklesia)
The church (Greek word: Ekklesia) is composed of all those throughout history who place saving faith in Jesus Christ. It also is used in a local context as “Those who Christ has called out to gather together”. The Ekklesia is not an institution, but a people. God wants all Christians to live out their spiritual lives in a corporate context. This context of Christian relationships is a crucial feature of our witness for Christ as it reflects God’s character to the world. The Ekklesia is God’s chosen instrument through which the message of salvation is spread to all people. This mission is the central purpose for the Ekklesia. All believers are commanded to carry the good news locally and worldwide, making disciples as we go and also demonstrating the gospel by relevant social love and action through our words and deeds. (John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Matthew 28:19; Matthew 18:20; 1 Peter 2:5,9)
The Second Coming
This age will conclude with the personal, bodily return of Christ. At that time, He will complete God’s plan to reestablish His just and righteous rule over all humanity. There will be a resurrection of all humankind. Those that are saved through Jesus Christ will spend eternity with God in the new heaven and earth and those who are not will spend eternity in torment separated from God. Therefore, because eternal issues are at stake, there is an urgency to communicate the gospel. (Matthew 25:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Matthew 24:29-31; Revelation chapters 20-22)