Theology

Scripture

All the words found in scripture are God’s words: we believe both the Old and New Testament to be verbally inspired. They are the final authority for faith and life, infallible, and inerrant in the original writings (2 Tim 3:16–17All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20–21; Matt 5:18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Matthew 5:18; John 16:12–13“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:12–13).

God

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each are co-eternal in being, co-eternal in nature, co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections (Deut 6:4Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Deuteronomy 6:4; 2 Cor 13:14May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14).

The Person and Work of Jesus

We believe that Jesus is the eternal Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary. He became man without ceasing to be God. He came so that he might reveal God and redeem sinful man (John 1:1–2,14In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning…. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1–2,14; Luke 1:35The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35). We believe that Jesus accomplished our redemption through his death on a cross, sacrificing himself in our place. We are insured access to God and adoption as his children through Jesus’ literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Rom 3:24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24; 1 Peter 1:3–5Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3–5, 2:24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24, 3:18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 1 Peter 3:18; Eph 1:7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace Ephesians 1:7). Jesus is now exalted at the right hand of God and as our High Priest represents, intercedes, and advocates our relationship with God (Acts 1:9–10After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. Acts 1:9–10; Heb 7:25Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25, 9:24For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Hebrews 9:24; Rom 8:34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1–2My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1–2).

The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person of the triune God who convicts the world of sin, secures our relationship with Jesus, aids the believer in understanding God’s word, brings glory to the name of Jesus, and empowers the believer to live a transformed life (John 14:26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26, 16:8–11When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. John 16:8–11; 1 Cor 12:12–14The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 1 Corinthians 12:12–14; 2 Cor 3:6He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians 3:6; Rom 8:9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. Romans 8:9; Eph 5:18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18).

Humanity

We believe that all humans were created in the image and likeness of God. Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s willful, voluntary choice. They trusted their own evaluation of what was right and what would be good for them, rather than allowing God’s words to define right and wrong. As a result, all of humanity has inherited a sinful nature and are separated from God. It is impossible for men and women to restore their relationship with God on their own merit. Grace found in Jesus is our only possible hope (Gen 1:26–27Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26–27; Rom 3:22–23This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:22–23, 5:12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned— Romans 5:12; Eph 2:1–3,8–9As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath…. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:1–3,8–9,12remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:12).

Salvation

We believe that salvation is a gift from God and can only be found through a personal relationship with Jesus; none of us are exempt from the corruption of sin. It is only through God’s grace that Jesus went to the cross and died for the forgiveness of our sin (Eph 1:7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace Ephesians 1:7, 2:8–10For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8–10; John 1:12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— John 1:12, 14:6Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6; 1 Peter 1:18–19For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:18–19).

Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in that salvation for all of eternity. We have been adopted into God’s family and can rejoice in the assurance of our salvation (John 6:37–40All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:37–40, 10:27–30“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. John 10:27–30; Rom 8:1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, Romans 8:1,38–39For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38–39; 1 Cor 1:4–8I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge—because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:4–8; 1 Peter 1:5who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:5). This assurance in no way gives us a right to abuse our relationship; we must stay faithful to the teachings of God’s word and not give in to our flesh (Rom 13:13–14Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:13–14; Gal 5:13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11–15For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Titus 2:11–15).

The Ministry and Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

We believe that God is sovereign in the giving of spiritual gifts. All believers are given spiritual gifts to edify the church and to impact an unbelieving world with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Each believer is responsible for the development and use of their sovereignly given spiritual gift(s). The Holy Spirit is present in an individual’s life at the moment of conversion and establishes that believer as part of the Body of Christ. We also believe that particular spiritual gift(s) are neither essential (proving the presence of the Holy Spirit), nor an indication of deep spiritual experience (1 Cor 12:7,11Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good…. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12:7,11,13For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 12:13; Eph 4:7–8But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” Ephesians 4:7–8). We do believe that God answers prayer according to His will, for the sick and afflicted (John 15:7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. John 15:7; 1 John 5:14–15This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14–15). It is essential for every believer to minister according to their gift(s) (Rom 12:1–8Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:1–8; 1 Cor 13If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Peter 4:10–11Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10–11).

The Church

We believe that the church is the body of Christ of which Jesus Christ is the Head (Eph 1:22–23And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Ephesians 1:22–23, 5:25–27Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:25–27). It is imperative that the church holds fast to the truths of scripture but is fluid enough to translate the truth with relevance to a lost generation and culture. The church must offer an unbelieving world a clear and authentic representation of Jesus and allow them the opportunity to experience the fullness of life that only He offers. Healthy growth can only be experienced in the context of community. Those who have a personal relationship with Jesus find unity, purpose, and focus within the local church. It is in the body of Christ that community comes alive (1 Cor 3:9,16For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building…. Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:9,16, 12:12–14The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 1 Corinthians 12:12–14; Acts 20:28Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1–4To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:1–4). We recognize believer’s baptism and the Lord’s supper as scriptural means of testimony for the church in this age (Matt 28:19–20Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:41–42Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:41–42, 18:8Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized. Acts 18:8; 1 Cor 11:23–26For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).