the essentials we believe

God

He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The three are co-equal and are one God.

Genesis 1:1, 26-27, 3:22; Psalms 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14

Human Beings

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God, called sin. This attitude separates us from God and causes many problems in life.

Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2

Eternity

We will either exist eternally in hell, separated from God by sin, or eternally in heaven, with God through forgiveness and salvation in Christ. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence.

John 3:16; 1 John 2:25; 1 John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 25:31-46

Jesus Christ

He is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate his power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13

Salvation

Salvation is God's free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works - only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness, can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his or her life by faith.

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; John 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

Eternal Security

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.

John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:10,14; I Peter 1:3-5

The Holy Spirit

He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1

The Bible

It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.

2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Tim. 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160; Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

Baptism

It is your public declaration that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Baptism does not save you, but shows the world that you have already been saved. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates your love and obedience to Christ.

Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:41; Ephesians 2:8-9; Matthew 28:19-20

Communion

Also known as the Lord's Supper, or Eucharist, communion is an ordinance given to all believers by Jesus Christ that symbolizes our new covenant. The elements of bread and wine (or juice) are symbols of Christ's broken body and shed blood. Communion is not a means of salvation. Rather, it is a testament of a believer's faith in the atoning work of the cross.

Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29