Mission- To Build lives that will glorify God
Scriptures
We believe that every word of the original autographs of the Scriptures was breathed out by God Himself (II Timothy 3:16-17); that by virtue of the superintendence and empowering of the Holy Spirit, the human writers of the Scriptures wrote not their private interpretations but the very words of God (II Peter 1:19-21), preserved from error of any kind on any subject whatsoever (John 10:35). We believe that the Scriptures are, therefore, the unique, absolute, authoritative standard of faith and practice, to be studied, proclaimed, obeyed, and defended (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 19:7-11; John 17:17; Jude 3-4); that they are to be interpreted literally, historically, and grammatically (Matthew 12:39-41; II Peter 1:16) unless the context clearly indicates otherwise (John 6:35, 51, 58; 10:7; 15:1); and that every portion is without exception profitable for doctrine and Christian growth (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:3). We believe, therefore, that the denial of their inerrant authority contradicts the clear position of Christ and the apostles and thus undermines all facets of their doctrine as reliable for faith and practice; that the sixty-six books of the Bible constitute the complete and only authoritative revelation of God to man (I Corinthians 14:37; II Peter 3:15-16); and that anyone who adds to or takes away from this completed revelation is cursed of God (Revelation 22:18-19).
The God-head
We believe that the Godhead eternally exists in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and these three constitute one God being co-equal, co-substantial, co-eternal, and have the same essence, attributes, nature, perfections, and are worthy of the same worship, confidence and obedience (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 29:19,20; Mark 12:29; John 1:1-4; Acts 5:3, 4; II Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 1:1-3; Revelation 1:35). God is the Creator of the universe and its inhabitants (Genesis 1:1-2:5). He created the universe and its inhabitants by direct action, the word of His mouth, not by means espoused by the theories of theistic evolution or evolution. He is eternal, sovereign, holy, immutable, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, true, merciful, and loving.
The Father
We believe that God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is the Heavenly Father of all who have come to a saving knowledge of His only begotten Son (John 1:14; 20:17; Romans 4:11; I Peter 1:3-5).
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, one Person consisting of two natures, human and Divine (John 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18; Hebrews 11:17; I John 4:9). We believe that as God the Son, Jesus the Christ is completely God, Possessor of Divine attributes and Agent of Divine works, to be worshipped and honored as Jehovah God Himself (Genesis 3:15; Psalm 68:18; Psalm 102:25-27; Isaiah 6:1; 7:14; 9:6; 40-3; 42:5; 45:12; 45:21-23; Micah 5:2; Matthew 3:3; John 1:3; John 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18; John 12:41; Ephesians 4:7-8; Philippians 2:10-11; Hebrews 1:8; Hebrews 1:10-12; I John 5:20). We believe that by virtue of His incarnation and virgin birth, Jesus Christ is completely man, yet without sin, able to reconcile sinful man with perfect Deity. (Isaiah 7:14: Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; John 1:14; Romans 8:34; Philippians 2:6-8; Hebrews 7:25; 9:24; I John 2:1). We believe that according to the will of the Father, Jesus Christ took upon Himself human nature, laying aside the prerogatives of Deity; that He lived earthly life without sin, and voluntarily sacrificed Himself on the cross in bloody death once and for all on behalf of mankind, bearing the sins of the entire race in His own body; that in so doing He paid sin's penalty and appeased the wrath of God; that He rose again bodily from the grave and is exalted to the right hand of God to reign forever; that only in Him, by virtue of His exalted Person and vicarious work, can man find salvation from sin and death (Isaiah 53; Matthew 28; Mark 10:45; Mark 16:1-14; Luke 24; John 10:11; John 14:6; John 20; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:8; I Corinthians 15:3-8; II Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 9:24-26; I Peter 3:18; I John 2:2)
Holy Spirit
We believe in the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit, that it is by His working that sinners are brought under conviction of sin and are drawn to Christ for salvation, that through Him men are regenerated and sanctified, that by Him the saints are indwelt with the Divine Presence, and that by His empowerment God's people are enabled to serve the Lord acceptably. We believe that He is the Divine Witness, Seal, Earnest, Anointing, Guide, Teacher, Comforter and Administrator (John 14:26; 16:7-13; Acts 1:5, 8; 2:4; Romans 8:14-27; 15:16; I Corinthians 12:1-14; 14:40; II Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; I John 2:20, 27).
Man
We believe that man was created in the image of God and is, therefore, unique among all God's creation; that in Adam man willfully sinned against God, thus forfeiting his original innocence and alienating the entire race from God; that every man from Adam's fall onward is a sinner by birth and by choice, utterly incapable apart from God of escaping his sinful condition or its rightful eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire (Genesis 1:27; 2:7; 3:1-19; 9:6; II Samuel 12:23; Matthew 18:10-14; Romans 3:22, 23; 5:12; 6:223; 8:5-8; I Corinthians 15:45; Galatians 5:17; Revelation 20:14-15).
Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinful men is through the literal, efficacious, shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe salvation is a free gift of God. It is given to those who believe Christ died, was buried and rose again, and who trust His finished work on the cross as the only way to Heaven. All who trust in Christ are justified, have forgiveness of sins and are made righteous in the sight of God (John 1:12; 3:16; 3:18; 5:24; 6:40; 6:47; 11:25-2; 20:31; Acts 10:43; Romans 3:26; 3:28; 4:5; 5:1; I Cor.15:3,4; 6; Galatians 2:16; 3:26; Ephesians 1:13; 2:8-9; Philippians 3:9; I Timothy 1:16).
Security of the Believer
We believe that all those born again by the Spirit of God are kept by God's power alone and are thus secure in Christ forever (John 1:12; 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Romans 8:1; 8:38-39; I Corinthians 1:4-8; I Peter 1:5; I John 5:13). We believe it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God's Word; which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to sin (Romans 13:13-14; Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).
Sanctification of the Believer
We believe it is God's will that every believer should strive to be like Christ and to walk in obedience with Him. It should be the goal of every believer to be growing and changing daily to become more like Jesus Christ. We believe that no man will become perfect in this life, but that victory over sin can be achieved on a consistent basis by walking in the Spirit. When Christians sin, fellowship with the Father is broken. However, the Christian who confesses his sins receives forgiveness, cleansing and renewed fellowship through Jesus Christ (Romans 7:14-25; 8:1-4, 28,29; II Corinthians 5:9; Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 4:22-32; I John 1:8-9; 2:1; 2:15-17
Church
We believe that the Church, the body of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again believers of this present age; that it was constituted and empowered by the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost; that it was purchased with the blood of Christ; that it was founded upon Christ; that its mission is to bear to the ends of the earth a Spirit-filled testimony to the judgment of God against sin and the salvation of sinners who exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:17-18; 28:18-20; Acts 2; I Corinthians 3:11; 12:12-14; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 5:25-27; Colossians 1:18). We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures; that a local New Testament church is a body of believers which have followed the Lord through the waters of baptism, associated together under the direction and government of the Holy Spirit for worship, instruction, fellowship, service, and the spread of the gospel to the uttermost part of the earth; that it is absolutely sovereign, under the administration of the Holy Spirit, self supporting in the handling of its own affairs and in determining its own relationship; and while maintaining its autonomy, should fellowship and work together with churches of like faith and practice (Matthew 16:17-18; 28:18-20; Acts 11:22; 14:27; 20:17, 28-37; I Corinthians 3:9-17; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 5:25, 27; Colossians 1:18; I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11; III John 10).
Separation
We believe in the separation of believers unto Christ and from the world so as to maintain good works and to "have no fellowship with the evil works of darkness but rather reprove them"; that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon our Savior and Lord; and that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations is commanded by God. (Romans 12:1-2; 14:13; II Corinthians 6:14-18; Galatians 5:6; 17:23; Ephesians 2:8-10; 4:1-32; Philippians 2:12-16; II Thessalonians 3:11-12; II Timothy 3:1-5; Titus 3:1-11; James 4:4; I Peter 4:12-19; I John 2:15-16; II John 9-11).
Ordinances
We believe that there are two Christian ordinances and that they are symbolical, not sacramental: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; that it sets forth in picture the essential facts in redemption, the death and resurrection of Christ, the essential facts in the experience of the believer, that should he experience physical death, he will be raised from the dead to participate in the eternal glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:4). We believe that the Lord's Supper is a commemoration of the Lord's death to be observed till He comes; that the elements, the bread and the fruit of the vine are only symbols of His broken body and shed blood, and that our observance of it is a pictorial testimony of the believer's fellowship with the Crucified Savior and should be preceded by solemn heart searching and self-judgment (Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Matthew 26:26-30; I Corinthians 10:16-21; 11:17-34).
World Evangelism
We believe that it is the heart's desire of Almighty God to save sinners, that He has committed Himself to the faithful witness of His redeemed children to reach them with the gospel, and that He has commissioned His people to be diligent and zealous in publishing the saving message of Jesus Christ throughout all the world so that sinners may be persuaded to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-48; Acts 1:8; I Timothy 2:3-6; II Peter 3:9).
Last Things
We believe in the imminent return of Christ in the clouds, known as the rapture, wherein, Christ will catch up together the dead in Christ as well as those believers who are alive and remain to be forever with the Lord. The Judgment Seat of Christ will take place for believers following the rapture, where believers will either be rewarded for their works, or suffer the loss of rewards.The rapture will precede the Tribulation period which will consist of seven years, wherein God will deal in wrath with the sin of the world, preparing it and especially believing Israel for the Revelation of Christ, when the Lord Himself will return to the Mount of Olives to judge the nations and establish His literal 1,000 year reign on the earth, known as the Millennium. Following the Millennium is the judgment of all unbelievers at the Great White Throne Judgment, where all unbelievers will be resurrected, when with soul and body reunited, shall be judged according to their works and cast into eternal punishment (not annihilation) in the Lake of Fire, which was originally prepared for a personal Satan, the adversary and enemy of God, and his fallen angels (Job 19:25-26; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2-3; Matthew 25:41-46; John 5:28-29; I Corinthians 15:12-58; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; II Thessalonians 1:10; Revelation 19-21).
Eternity
We believe that eternity will be consist of Heaven and Hell: that Heaven is a place of eternal blessedness and that Hell is a place of eternal suffering; that all true believers in Jesus Christ will be fully redeemed from sin's penalty, power, and presence, will be glorified with the Lord when He comes, and will enjoy the blessing of unbroken fellowship with God in Heaven forever; that all unbelievers will be judged by the Lord Jesus Christ according to their deeds, without respect of persons, by the glorious Gospel of God, and will be cast out from God's presence to suffer the torments of the Lake of Fire in Hell forever (Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:19-31; Romans 2:1-16; II Corinthians 5:1-10; Philippians 3:20; Revelation 20:1-15; 21:22). We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal fellowship with Christ, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28-29; 11:25-26; Revelation 20:5,6,12,13). We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, when, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; II Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; 3:21; I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:4-6). We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious misery until the second resurrection, when with soul and body reunited they shall appear at the Great White Throne of Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment (Matthew 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; II Thessalonians 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Revelation 20:11-15).
Human sexuality
1. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery and pornography are sinful perversions of God's gift of sex. We believe that God rejects any attempt to alter one's gender by surgery or appearance. 2. We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman.(Genesis 2:24; 19:5, 13; 26:8-9; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:26-29; Romans 7:2; I Corinthians 5:1; 6:9; I Corinthians 7:10; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 5:22-23; Colossians 3:18; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; I Timothy 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12; Hebrews 13:4). 3. We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and the church. The husband is to be the leader of the home and men are to be the leaders (pastors and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church to preach. Single female missionaries or single female staff workers may be licensed to the ministry.