In matters of doctrine and theology, we believe there are 2 basic categories: Minor issues and Major issues. While we hold firmly to the teachings of Scripture, some of these issues can become divisive when they are of a minor nature, secondary to the foundations of the Christian faith. Rather, we choose to focus on the Major issues here below, and to faithfully teach the entire Word of God as it is written and to discuss and teach those Minor subjects with grace and love. Here you can read those things we hold to firmly as Major Issues of the faith.
Bible
We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally inspired word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant, infallible, and God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:18; John 16:12-13).
GOD
We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections (Deuteronomy 6:4; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
JESUS
We believe that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary as the Messiah in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man (John 1:1–2;14; Luke 1:35). We believe that Jesus accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as substitutionary sacrifice, and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Romans 3:24; 1 Peter 2:24; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3–5). We believe that Jesus ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God as our High Priest. Acts 1:9, 10; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:24; Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1–2). We believe Jesus is coming again to judge the living and the dead (1 Peter 4:5; Romans 14:9; 2 Timothy 4:1).
HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He empowers believers today by indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption. (John 16:8–11; 2 Corinthians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 12:12–14; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 5:18).
MAN
We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that through Adam’s sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; Man is sinful and unable to remedy his lost condition apart from accepting the work of Jesus on the cross. (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:22-23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:1–3;12).
SALVATION
We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins (Ephesians 2:8–10; John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18–19).
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
We believe that God gives spiritual gifts to His children to minister to one another and bring Glory to Him. We believe that the spiritual gifts we read of in Scripture are the same gifts we see operating in the church today. We also believe that the evidence of particular spiritual gift(s) are neither essential, nor prove a person’s salvation. (1 Corinthians 12:7,11,13; Ephesians 4:7–8). We believe that it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to minister according to the gift(s) and grace of God that is given to him (Romans 12:1–8; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Peter 4:10–11).
CHURCH
We believe that the church is the body and bride of Christ made up people who have been born again. (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:25–27; 1 Corinthians 12:12–14; 2 Corinthians 11:2). We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:27; 18:22; 20:17; 1 Timothy 3:1–3; Titus 1:5–11). We believe in the autonomy of the local churches, free of any external authority and control (Acts 13:1–4; 15:19–31; 20:28; Romans 16:1,4; 1 Corinthians 3:9, 16; 1 Corinthians 5:4–7, 13; 1 Peter 5:1–4). We recognize believer’s baptism and communion as scriptural means of testimony for the church (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; Acts 18:8; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).
