In all essential beliefs – we have unity.
“There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all…” Ephesians 4:4-6
In nonessential beliefs – we have liberty.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters…Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his master he stands or falls…So then each of us will give an account of himself to God…So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22
In all our beliefs – we show love.
“…If I can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” I Corinthians 13:2
The essentials we believe:
About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1, 26-27; Psalms 90:2, Matthew 28:19, I Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father and Holy Spirit. We believe He was supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again for his own. (Mt. 1:22,23; Jn. 1:1-5; Heb.4:14-15; I Cor. 15:3,4; Rom. 1:3,4; Ac. 1:9-11; I Tim. 6:14,15; Titus 2:13)
About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives believers spiritual gifts when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. (II Cor. 3:17; Jn. 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Ac. 1:8; I Cor. 2:12, 3:16; Eph. 1:13, 5:18; Gal. 5:25)
About the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error. The Bible is the complete and final authority for belief and behavior. (II Tim.3:16; II Pt. 1:20,21; II Tim. 1:13; Ps. 12:6, 119:105,160; Pr. 30:5)
About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character and person. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an inherent nature that leads us to rebellion against and disobedience toward God called “sin”. All people are born with this flawed nature that results in being separated from God and undermines the satisfaction of our deepest needs and desires and can cause many problems in life. (Gen. 1:27; Ps. 8:3-6; Is. 53:6; Rom. 3:23)
About Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ and receiving God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. This is the one faith.
Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Rom. 6:23; Eph 2:8,9; Jn. 1:12, 14:6; Titus 3:5; Gal. 3:26; Rom. 5:1)
About the Church
We believe that the universal church, the body of Christ, of which He is the Head, consists of all believers regardless of organizational affiliation and that Christ commanded for His church the observance of water baptism and the Lords’ Supper until He returns. The local church has a two-fold purpose of the edification of believers and the evangelization of the lost. (Col. 1:18; Eph. 4:4-6; I Thess. 4:13-17; Mt. 28:19; I Cor. 11:24-26)
We also believe the local church should be a witness to the contemporary world. Without compromising biblical absolutes, its ministry, worship and teaching should creatively adapt to the particular culture it feels called to reach.
About Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 6:23; Rev. 20:15)
