The Bible
We believe the scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments are the inspired word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We believe the Holy Spirit guided and directed human authors to create God's written means of communication with us, which reveals God's love and plan to be in relationship with all of humanity. The Bible is God's blueprint for living the Christian life and is our source of faith and practice.
God
We believe that God is the Creator and Ruler of the Universe. We believe in one God, who exists in three distinct persons...the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is equally the one God in being, essence, character, power and eternal qualities.
Humanity
We are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme object of God's creation. Although we have tremendous potential for good, everyone is marred by an attitude of rebellion toward God called sin. Sin separates people from God.
Eternity
People are created to exist forever. Every person will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him in Heaven. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence.
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior who came to earth in the flesh to reveal God to humans and to restore all of fallen humanity to a personal relationship with God. We believe Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary; He is both fully human and fully God. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life and embodies the truth about God and the Truth of God. Jesus willingly died on the cross to demonstrate God's love for sinful humans and to provide salvation for all humanity. His sacrifice in our place provides all humans the means to be reconnected with their loving Creator. We believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Jesus ascended into heaven, where He rules as our Lord (absolute authority) and advocate. Jesus will return to earth in the future to establish God's perfect peace and justice for all time.
Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to all people. Men and women can never make up for their sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can a person be saved from sin's penalty. When God has begun a saving work in the heart of any person, He gives assurance in His Word that He will continue performing it until the day of its fully consummation.
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the divine personhood of the Holy Spirit as an equal part of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is God present, living within each follower to empower a life that reflects that lifestyle, values and character of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the change agent in the lives of Jesus' followers, illuminating God's word for understanding and application in the life of each. The Spirit is involved in progressively transforming each follower into the image of Christ, and is actively working within the Christian community and world at large to bring about God's plan of redemption for all people and all creation.
The Church
We believe the Church (also known as the Body or Bride of Christ in scripture) is a spiritual organism made up of all those in a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, who are called to live in fellowship and worship together. We believe in the priesthood of all believers: everyone in relationship with Christ is gifted, empowered and called to serve within God's mission to reach the world. The Church is God's vehicle on earth to bring about God's justice and mercy for all people.
