WHO WE ARE

We believe in God as three persons in one, as revealed in Scripture, expressed in historic confession of the Apostles' Creed, and passed down to the church.

We believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

We believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; He descended into hell, the third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from where he shall come to judge the living and the dead.

We believe that the Bible has final authority in all matters. The Bible fully reveals God's perfect plan for humankind. It is "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). The Bible is "inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the child of God may be adequate, equipped/or every good work" (II Timothy 3:16, 17). Therefore, we believe the Bible is first, foremost, and final in all matters of Christian faith and practice.

We are all sinners without exception (Romans 3:10, 23). Our sin has severed our relationship with God (Isaiah 59:2).

We believe that heaven and hell are real. They are the final and eternal destinations for all people. Heaven is an eternity in God's presence, while hell is an eternity separated from God. Our personal response to the Good News of Jesus Christ determines where we will spend eternity.

We believe that God desires all followers of Christ to grow more like Him in their thoughts and actions every day. The Apostle Paul writes, "Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, He gives freedom. Moreover, all of us have had that veil removed (from our hearts and minds) so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more." (II Corinthians 3:17-18).

Jesus Christ alone has the power to forgive our sins and restore our relationship with God (John-14:6). Jesus "bore our sins in His body on the cross so that we might die to sin and live in right relationship" with God. "By His wounds, you were healed” I Peter 2:24).

We must respond to Jesus by repenting and believing that He died for our individual sins. Jesus said, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1: 15).

We become new creations when we respond through repentance (turning to Jesus) and belief (trusting in Jesus). The Bible says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he (or she) is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold all things have become new" (II Corinthians 5:17).

We believe that eternal and abundant life is a free gift of God. "It is by faith you have been saved through grace, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). No one can ever make up for their sin by self-improvement or good works.

We believe in the Holy Spirit. He is God's presence within us. He convicts everyone of sin, draws everyone toward Christ Jesus (John 16:8), and gives us the power to live lives that please God.

We believe that the church of Jesus Christ is the hope of the world. It is God's primary instrument for bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to every person. Jesus said. "Upon this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overpower it" (Matthew 16:18).

We believe that fellowship among Christians is essential for healthy spiritual life. Believers in the book of Acts were "continually devoting themselves to fellowship" (Acts 2:42). Through our common trust in Jesus Christ, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. We are family! The Bible encourages us to love each other, pray for each other, encourage each other, admonish each other, greet each other, serve each other, teach each other, accept each other, honor each other, bear each other's burdens, forgive each other, submit to each other, and be devoted to each other.