Love ↷ Sacrifice ↷ Salvation ↷ Transformation ↷ Restoration
At the time of this writing, we have almost two dozen statements and a few more on the way. Rather than make this page even longer, and to avoid clogging up the menu, our wiki contains more comprehensive statements.
Bible references appear as links, thanks to the Ref Tag Tool from BibleGateway. Hover the mouse over (or long tap) the reference and the verse will open in a pop-up. If you want more detail or context, simply click "More" at the bottom of the pop-up and you'll be taken to BibleGateway.
Try this reference to John 3:16 and click "More" and you'll see why we like the New English Translation (NET) Bible. Not only is the language clear it also provides abundant footnotes to discuss various translational matters. Once you've clicked into the verse, below it you will see a "Read full chapter" link, which provides easy access to the verse's context. And, of course, the full arsenal of BibleGateway - easy verse lookup, change Bibles, resources, parallel views, etc. - is at your disposal.
Now, on to the statements of what we believe.
Comprised of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, the Bible is God's inspired message to us. It is the one and only trustworthy guide for how we should believe and act in our lives. To truly know God and understand His will and live true to Him, we must study the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit and apply what we learn to ourselves.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 — 2 Peter 1:20-21
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three distinct but co-equal Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These Persons, while distinct, are of one essence, and they work together harmoniously in the acts of creation, redemption, and sanctification.
Deuteronomy 6:4 — Matthew 28:19 — 2 Corinthians 13:13
We believe in God the Father, the eternal and unchangeable Creator, who is the source of life, love, and wisdom. He exercises sovereign authority over all creation, both visible and invisible, and governs with justice, mercy, and grace.
Genesis 1:1 — Exodus 34:6-7 — 1 Corinthians 8:6
We believe in Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, who is the express image of the Father. He took on human nature, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again, conquering death and granting eternal life to those who believe in Him. He will return to claim His redeemed, judge the wicked, abolish sin, and establish His everlasting kingdom.
John 1:1-3, 14 — Philippians 2:5-11 — Hebrews 1:3 — Revelation 19:11-16
We believe that Jesus was literally conceived and born as flesh and blood of a virgin name Mary.
Isaiah 7:14 — Luke 1:26-33
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. He is the divine agent in the process of regeneration, sanctification, and the development of Christian character. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and guides believers into all truth.
John 14:16-17, 26 — John 16:7-14 — Acts 5:3-4 — Ephesians 4:30
We believe that the Ten Commandments, written by God's own hand, express His eternal moral law, which still applies to all humanity.
Matthew 5:17-20 — Romans 8:3-4
We believe in the observance of the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, as a sacred day of rest and worship, commemorating God's creation and the redemption provided by Jesus Christ.
Genesis 2:2-3 — Exodus 20:8-11 — Luke 4:16 — Hebrews 4:9-10
We believe that all of humanity has fallen short of God’s glory and is in need of salvation; hence the reason Jesus came to earth.
Romans 3:23 — Romans 6:23 — Romans 5:8 — John 14:6 — 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
We believe death is the consequence of sin, and we believe the dead are in a state of nothingness, often referred to as sleep, and await either the resurrection of life at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ or of condemnation and destruction at His Final Advent. We do not believe, as some do, in the doctrine of immediate judgment (that is, being instantly present in heaven or “hell” after death) as the Bible is clear that all the dead, righteous and wicked, await resurrection and judgment at the coming of Christ.
Romans 6:23 — Ecclesiastes 9:5 — John 11:11-14 — Daniel 12:2 — John 5:28-29
We believe that Jesus lived a sinless life and died for our sins on the cross, thereby being qualified to forgive our sins and redeem us through the shedding of His blood, was raised from the dead to reign with the Father forevermore, and now offers to all humanity the free gift of salvation through belief on His name and acceptance of His sacrifice.
1 Peter 2:22 — 1 John 3:5 — John 14:6 — John 3:16 — John 10:17-18 — Romans 1:4 — Romans 5:8
We believe in the personal, visible, and imminent return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the beginning of the Millennium.
Matthew 24:27 — 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 — 2 Timothy 4:1 — Revelation 21:1-5
We believe the Millennium begins with the Second Coming when the living and resurrected righteous are taken into the air to meet Jesus and live with Him in heaven for a thousand years. During this time the earth will be destroyed and desolate, except for Satan.
Revelation 20:1-10
We believe at the end of the millennium, Jesus and the redeemed will return to earth, when God will reveal the judgment of the wicked and they will receive their penalty.
Revelation 20
We believe after the events of Jesus' final return that He will establish His throne, a New Heaven, on a New Earth, where the righteous will reign with Him throughout eternity.
Revelation 21:3-4 — Revelation 22:3-5 — Isaiah 65:17-25
We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, comprised of all believers, and exists to carry out His mission in the world. We also believe that the local church exists to serve and nurture its members and the surrounding community.
Matthew 16:18 — Ephesians 2:19-22
We believe that baptism by immersion is an outward symbol of an inward transformation and is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ.
Matthew 28:19 — Acts 2:38
We believe in the observance of Communion, with its ordinances of humility, body, and blood, as a remembrance of Christ's service, suffering, death, and resurrection.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 — John 6:48-58
We believe in the biblical practice of tithing and giving offerings to support the mission and ministry of both the local church and the larger Body of Christ (ie, The Church.)
Malachi 3:8-12 — Matthew 23:23
We believe that the Holy Spirit bestows a variety of spiritual gifts and callings upon believers for the edification of the Church and the fulfillment of its mission.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 — Ephesians 4:11-16
We believe that marriage is a sacred institution, ordained by God, to be a lifelong and monogamous union between one man and one woman, which also as the foundation for the family. It is multifaceted; simple, and yet complex. A correct understanding is central to the believer's experience with and understanding of God.
We believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit each have distinct roles in marriage and family matters, each contributing uniquely to the formation, sustenance, and guidance of these sacred institutions.
Ephesians 3:14-15; 5:21-33 — 1 Corinthians 11:3 — Colossians 3:12-21
We believe that marriage is a sacred institution, ordained by God, to be a lifelong and monogamous union between one man and one woman.
Genesis 2:18-24 — Hebrews 13:4
We believe that the husband, in a marriage ordained by God, is called to love his wife just as Christ loved the church. This love is selfless and sacrificial, reflecting the depth of Christ's love for His people. A husband's leadership in marriage should be marked by humility, understanding, and a commitment to the spiritual growth of his wife.
Ephesians 5:25-33 — 1 Peter 3:7
We believe that the wife, in a marriage ordained by God, is called to respect and submit to her husband as to the Lord. This submission should be voluntary and arises out of love, not obligation or fear. It mirrors the church's submission to Christ, reflecting the harmony and orderliness of God's creation.
Ephesians 5:22-24 — 1 Peter 3:1-6
We believe that marriage, practiced as He intended, serves as the foundation for the family, the sure footing children need to grow and mature.
Genesis 2:24 — Hebrews 13:4
We believe that the father, within the family unit ordained by God, is called to provide, protect, and guide his children. As the spiritual leader of the home, his primary responsibility is to raise his children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, exemplifying the character of our Heavenly Father.
Ephesians 6:4 — Proverbs 20:7 — 1 5:8
We believe that the mother, within the family unit ordained by God, is called to nurture, instruct, and care for her children. Her primary responsibility is to instill in her children the values and principles of the faith, thereby contributing significantly to their spiritual and emotional development.
Proverbs 31:26-28 — 2 Timothy 1:5
We believe that parents, within the family unit ordained by God, are called to nurture, instruct, and discipline their children in the ways of the Lord. Their primary responsibility is to raise their children in the knowledge and fear of God, thereby equipping them to live a life that honors God.
Ephesians 6:4 — Proverbs 22:6
We believe that children, within the family unit ordained by God, are called to honor and obey their parents. This command is fundamental in maintaining familial harmony and is a practical expression of children's love for God. The obedience of children to their parents is tied to God's promise of a fruitful and prosperous life.
Ephesians 6:1-3 — Colossians 3:20
We believe that the extended family, within the larger familial structure ordained by God, plays an essential role in fostering faith, providing support, and imparting wisdom. Their involvement contributes to the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of the family unit, thus enriching the overall familial experience.
Ruth 4:14-15 — 1 Timothy 5:8 — 2 1:5
We believe that Christians are called to live holy lives, demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit and reflecting the character of Christ, and satisfying the law of the Third Commandment.
Galatians 5:22-25 — 1 Peter 1:15-16 — Exodus 20:7
We believe that the human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and should be cared for in a healthful manner. We acknowledge that healthful living encompasses a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoidance of harmful substances, and proper rest. We further believe that the pursuit of healthful living should be grounded in a deep commitment to God and His principles of love, compassion, and care for others as well as self.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 — 3 John 1:2 — 1 Corinthians 10:31 — Leviticus 11:1-47 — Genesis 1:29-30 — Genesis 9:3 — Romans 12:1
We believe that all aspects of our lives, no matter how large or small, should reflect our commitment to follow Jesus Christ and His teachings. We further believe that the Word of God is the supreme guide for our conduct and decisions, and we must strive to immerse ourselves in it and apply its teachings daily.
Ephesians 4:28 — Proverbs 10:9 — John 13:34 — Matthew 6:14-15 — Philippians 2:3 — Mark 1:35 — Matthew 6:33 — Psalm 119:105 — 1 5:16-18 — Matthew 5:14-16 — James 1:22
We believe that the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired Word of God and valuable for study, learning, and guidance. As to Old Testament feasts, festivals, ceremonial sabbaths, and ordinances, however, we believe they foretold Christ and have been fulfilled in Him and are no longer required to be observed by believers.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 — Colossians 2:16-17 — Galatians 4:9-11
We believe in the spiritual rebirth of Israel, emphasizing that true Israel comprises believers in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles, and that the promises made to Israel are fulfilled in the Church.
Romans 9:6-8 — Galatians 3:29
We believe in respect for civil authorities and that individual conscience should guide the believer's decision about armed service. We suggest non-combatant roles for those who serve, but the ultimate choice is between the believer and God.
Romans 13:1-7 — 1 Peter 2:13-17
We believe in approaching the teachings and beliefs of other Christian denominations with humility, love, and discernment. We welcome the opportunity for growth through new insights that stand up to prayerful examination. We also commit to celebrating our shared faith in Christ and pursuing unity through the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 — Matthew 22:37-39 — 1 Thessalonians 5:21 — John 13:35
We believe any understanding and interpretation of the Bible should transcend linguistic barriers, seeking to reflect the universal Truth present in God's Word. We recognize that no single translation or version can fully capture the richness and depth of the original texts. Consequently, we encourage thoughtful exploration of various interpretations, utilizing scholarly resources to improve understanding, and importantly, relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit for discernment.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 — Hebrews 4:12 — 1 Corinthians 2:13