Our Beliefs

Our core beliefs are centered in Jesus Christ and his message, found and supported in Scripture. Ours is a biblical theology rather than a theology that is speculative or merely rooted in routines. Our biblical theology embraces the prophetic consciousness of the post-church era and that emphasis on the prophetic ministry is defined as a concern for wholeness of the individual and community through the social gospel. This is nothing new. In fact, anyone familiar with historic Christian doctrine will recognize that our theology is derived directly from the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

THE BIBLE

The basis of our belief is in the 66 books of the Holy Bible, both Old and New Testaments. We believe that all Scripture originated from God and that it was revealed to individuals chosen specifically for that reason. Scripture speaks with the authority of God, and thus, this is where we get our authority from, while reflecting the backgrounds, styles, and vocabularies of the human authors. We hold that Scriptures, in their original manuscript, are the unique, full, and final authority on all matters of faith and practice, and there are no other writings similarly inspired by God.

GOD

God exists in three persons (or personalities)—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each possessing all the attributes of deity and the characteristics of personality. In the beginning, by His power, wisdom, and goodness, God created the world and everything in it. God continues to sustain His creation and He is operating throughout history to fulfill His redemptive purposes.

JESUS CHRIST

The second Person of the Trinity is Jesus Christ who, following a miraculous conception and birth, lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father. Jesus voluntarily paid the price for the sins of all humans by dying on the Cross as our substitute. After his death, he arose from the dead and ascended into Heaven to sit at the right side of God. Jesus is the only Mediator between God and humans. Jesus has promised that he will come to earth again to complete God’s eternal plan.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

Following the example of Jesus, Christians are called to a life of obedience by submitting to the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit applies the saving works of Jesus Christ by indwelling every believer at the point of salvation, giving each gift to build up the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit guides believers in understanding and applying the Scripture. The Holy Spirit’s powers and control are appropriated by faith, making it possible for the believer to lead a life of Christlike character and to bear fruit to the glory of the Father.

SALVATION

God’s desire is to call all people into fellowship with the Lord. By defying God and going one’s own way, as human beings, we will alienate ourselves from God. This “fall” happened at the beginning of human history and all people since then have suffered the consequences of the fall and need God’s saving grace. The salvation of humankind is a work of God’s free grace, rather than the result of human works or goodness. Each person can receive salvation through repentance and faith. God assures us that He will then continue relationship with His people by His saving work in us forever.

HUMAN DESTINY

When we die, believers will be received into eternal communion with God. Having rejected God, unbelievers will suffer God’s judgement in eternal condemnation.

THE CHURCH

Through union with Jesus Christ, all believers become members of Christ’s body, the one true Church. The Scripture commands believers to gather for worship, prayer, fellowship and the teaching of the Word; to observe Baptism and Holy Communion as established by Jesus Christ; to offer service to the body through the development and use of talents and gifts; and to engage in outreach to the world; and, to offer new alternatives as an antidote for Holy living. The local expression of the church is found wherever God’s people meet regularly in obedience to this command. Members, led by pastors or other supportive leaders, work together to glorify God.

FAITH AND PRACTICE

In matters of faith and practice, Scripture is the final authority. In matters where the scripture is silent, each believer should seek to be led by the Lord, to whom he or she alone is ultimately responsible. In fact, we believe that it is that moment that Christ invites us to imitate His thoughts and ways and be the Christ in that particular moment! There is an old saying, “What would Jesus do?”