The Bible
We believe the Bible, including both the old and new testaments, to be the inspired Word of God which is without error and the infallible rule of faith and practice. The Word of God is the foundation upon which the Church operates and is the basis for which the church is governed. We believe the Word of God supersedes culture and every earthly law that is contrary to the Holy Scriptures.
Psalm 19:7-8 "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes."
Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart".
2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works".
2 Peter 1:3-4 "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust".
2 Peter 1:21 "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever."
Matthew 24:35 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."
THE BIBLE GIVES US HOPE
The Bible was “written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). We find hope through learning about God, His ways, and His plans for our lives. When we discover the promises of God, we recognize there is more to life than merely existing. We discover there is life beyond this life. Through the Bible, we obtain hope, encouragement, comfort, strength, wisdom, and much more. Best of all, we gain understanding of how to know God personally and how to live for Him righteously.
THE BIBLE GIVES DIRECTION
To find our way through the dark, we need a flashlight. Only then can we see clearly and avoid stumbling. The psalmist described God’s Word as “a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). As we allow the Bible to direct our lives, we’ll keep from stumbling and falling.
If you want to be wise, read the Bible. If you want to be safe, believe the Bible. If you want to be right, obey the Bible.
The translations of the Bible that we accept as accurate. These translations were crafted by diverse, interdenominational committees of biblical scholars and are heavily trusted for study, sermon preparation, and mainstream theology are as follows:
KJV and NKJV King James Version and New King James Version
NIV New International Version
RSV Revised Standard Version
NRSV New Revised Standard Version
ESV English Standard Version
NASB New American Standard Bible
Bibles that we do not accept as accurate. These versions are generally rejected by mainstream Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox scholars alike, usually due to heavy theological bias or because they were translated by a single individual rather than an accountable committee. These are:
NWT New World Translation (Jehovah’s Witness version. Rejected for changing verses about Jesus.)
TPT / MSB The Passion Translation / Mirror (Solo translations. Rejected for inserting modern personal opinions.)
MSG The Message (A modern paraphrase. Rejected for serious doctrinal study or teaching.)
Book of Mormon (An additional book proliferated by the Mormon church supposedly found by Joseph Smith, the false prophet that founded the Mormon cult.)
Nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus asked the question, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” (Matthew 22:42). A person’s answer to that question can determine his or her eternal destiny.
JESUS’ PREEXISTENCE
The Apostle John declares Jesus’ preexistence in John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus says He is “the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 1:8). Jesus reigns eternally (Hebrews 1:8), and He exists before all things (Colossians 1:17).
JESUS’ DEITY
Jesus did not become God-He always has been God, and is the second member of the Trinity. Referring to His deity, Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58). The preexistence of Jesus Christ and the deity of Jesus Christ are inseparable. You cannot accept one and deny the other.
JESUS’ INCARNATION
The word incarnation means “in flesh.” It denoted the act in which the Son of God took to Himself the nature of humanity through the Virgin Birth (Matthew 1:23). John writes, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
JESUS’ HUMANITY
For Jesus to represent fallen humanity, He had to become a man. His Virgin Birth, which was essential for Him to be sinless, was prophesied long before it occurred (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:18, 23; Luke 1:34-35; and Galatians 4:4). Jesus experienced everything in life that we do: pain, suffering, thirst, hunger, sorrow, anger, and so on; yet, He was without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
JESUS’ DEATH
The penalty for our sin is death (Romans 6:23). Jesus died in our place and paid our penalty (Matthew 20:28; John 10:17-18; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18). The death of Jesus on the cross laid the foundation on which a righteous God could pardon guilty and sinful people without compromising His righteousness in any way.
JESUS’ RESURRECTION
Jesus’ resurrection assures us of our future resurrection. Because of His victory over death, we have victory as well. Without the resurrection, there would be no gospel message. His resurrection has been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt (Matthew 28:5-8; Luke 24:39; John 20:27-28). The empty tomb, the shape of His linen wrappings, and His appearances to many after His crucifixion were just a few of the credible evidence of His resurrection.
JESUS’ ASCENSION AND EXALTATION
After His resurrection, Jesus visibly departed from His disciples into heaven (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9). His ascension and exaltation were necessary to complete when He rose from the dead (Mark 16:19; Philippians 2:9; Ephesians 1:20-21; Hebrews 1:3).
JESUS’ PERSONAL RETURN
Jesus Christ will return to this earth and receive His Church, the body of Christ, to Himself (John 14:1-4; Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7).
We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons:
The Father
Exodus 33:20 "And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live."
John 1:18 "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him."
John 6:46 "Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father."
1 Timothy 6:16 "Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen."
The Son
John 14:9-10 "Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then , Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works."
Colossians 1:12-20 "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say , whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven."
The Holy Spirit
John 14:23-26 "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
1 John 4:12-15 "No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God."
To walk with God and grow spiritually, it’s an absolute necessity to be involved in a church. The Bible instructs us to “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
WHAT IS THE CHURCH?
In The New Testament, temple and synagogue are the only words that describe a building as a place of worship. Today’s church is not a building, but an assembly of people who make up the body of Christ (Colossians 1:24; Romans 16:5). The universal church consists of genuine Christian believers of all ages, both on earth and in heaven. There won’t be any denominations in heaven – only believers!
IS IT NECESSARY TO JOIN A LOCAL CHURCH?
Although we are all members of the universal church, the body of Christ, it’s very important for a Christian to identify with a body of believers in a local church. We need each other in order to develop fully as Christians (1 Corinthians 12:4-27). We are also disciples who are commanded to make disciples (Matthew 28:19). But to do so, we must spend time around other believers.
WHAT MAKES A CHURCH EFFECTIVE?
What makes the church effective today is no different from what made the early church effective. It’s the Spirit of God working through the Work of God in the hearts of His people. Jesus told His disciples, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Only a Spirit-filled church can be an effective church. We simply need to ask God to empower us.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH?
The purpose of the church is threefold. First, the church is to exalt God. He called us to live “to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:12).
Second, the church is to edify the saints. Paul exhorts us to “present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:28).
Third, the church is to evangelize the world. Jesus told His disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). We believe in adhering to these purposes while keeping them in proper balance.
WHAT IS THE PRACTICE OF THE CHURCH?
The practice of the church is fourfold. It is to be a worshipping church, a learning church, a loving and united church and a praying church. We find the trademarks of a healthy church in the book of Acts: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (2:42).
WHAT ARE THE ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH?
Ordinances of the church are outward rites or symbolic observances commanded by Jesus, which set forth essential Christian truths. We observe the ordinances of water baptism and communion.
WHO IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH?
Jesus told His disciples, “On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The Bible says that the head of the church is Jesus Christ Himself (Ephesians 1:22; 5:23).
Water Baptism
Baptism is not a personal choice, but a command for believers. Jesus established water baptism as an ordinance when He gave the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16).
WHAT IS WATER BAPTISM?
Water baptism is a public, outward testimony that indicates a personal, inward faith. It gives evidence of the inner change that has already occurred in the believer’s life, when he or she was “born again” through faith in Jesus Christ.
WHY SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED?
We are to be baptized because Jesus Christ commanded it (Matthew 28:19), and because we love the Lord. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Throughout the book of Acts, we read how the early church gave importance to water baptism (2:41; 8:12,38; 9:18; 10:47-48; 16:15,33; 19:3-5).
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
All born-again believers in Jesus Christ and only believers should be baptized. (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 16:31-33; 18:8).
SHOULD INFANTS AND CHILDREN BE BAPTIZED?
After Peter spoke at Pentecost, “those who gladly received his word [in its entirety] were baptized” (Acts 2:41, emphasis added). In the New Testament, every instance in which a person was baptized and his or her identity was given, that person was an adult. In light of Scripture, infant baptism must be ruled out, because infants cannot receive the Word of God and understand it. However, infants are to be dedicated to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:26-28). Children may be baptized if they receive and understand God’s Word.
IN WHOSE NAME SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED?
As part of the Great Commission, Jesus instructed the disciples to baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
IS WATER BAPTISM NECESSARY FOR SALVATION?
The Bible clearly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) and according to God’s mercy (Titus 3:5). The thief on the cross next to Jesus had no time to be baptized; yet Jesus promised that he would be with Him in Paradise that day (Luke 23:43).
The Bible contains no record of Jesus baptizing anyone – a strange omission if baptism was essential for salvation. The Apostle Paul declared, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…” ( 1 Corinthians 1:17). This clearly indicated that salvation is a response of faith to the gospel not the act of baptism. Therefore, water baptism is not an act of salvation, but an act of obedience.
Communion
Communion, often called “The Lord’s Supper,” is a memorial in which Christians identify with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16, 11:20). It’s a time for believers to remember the Lord’s broken body and His shed blood for all people (Luke 22:19-20).
INSTITUTION OF COMMUNION
Jesus Christ instituted communion on the eve of His death when He ate the Passover meal with His disciples (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25).
MEANING AND SYMBOLISM OF COMMUNION
Bread and wine were once served for the Lord’s Supper. (Today many churches use crackers and grape juice.) The bread symbolizes Christ’s body, which was beaten and broken for us as He died for the sins of humanity. The cup of wine symbolizes His blood, which was shed for us as He paid for our sins (John 10:17-18; Ephesians 1:7; Romans 5:8-9).
ESSENTIALS FOR OBSERVING COMMUNION
Anyone who participates in the Lord’s Supper must first be a believer. Jesus commanded His disciples to observe communion (Matthew 26:26); therefore, a person must have placed his or her faith in Jesus Christ for salvation before taking part in communion.
In addition to being believers, we must prepare our hearts to participate in the Lord’s Supper. Paul instructed believers not to “eat this bread or drink this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner…” (1 Corinthians 11:27).
Last, we must examine our lives for any unconfessed sin. Paul reminds us, “Let a man examine himself” (1 Corinthians 11:28) to avoid bringing judgment upon ourselves. As we become right with God through confessing our sins (1 John 1:9), we may then participate in the Lord’s Supper in a worthy manner.
PAST SIGNIFICANCE OF COMMUNION
Communion is a time to look back, remembering the Lord’s death on the cross. His death was more than just an atoning death – it was a substitutional death. He died in our place so that we might live. He took our sins upon Himself so that we could receive His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
PRESENT SIGNIFICANCE OF COMMUNION
Communion is a time to look within, considering our lives in light of our profession of faith. As we enter into a time of communion with the Lord, we are to thank Him for our salvation and the privilege of being His children.
FUTURE SIGNIFICANCE OF COMMUNION
Communion is a time to look ahead toward the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Paul said we’re to “Proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). The Lord’s Supper foreshadows the great Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19).
Today, we stand between the two most important events in human history: the First and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. When we observe The Lord’s Supper as Christians, we become connected to both.
To do God’s work, we need God’s power. Jesus told His disciples, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8).
WHAT IS THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?
The baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs when the Spirit of God comes upon a believer. The Holy Spirit fills the believer’s mind with genuine understanding of truth, takes possession of the believer’s abilities, and imparts gifts that qualify the believer for service in the body of Christ.
The Holy Spirit also speaks to the hearts of unbelievers, showing them their need for salvation (John 16:7-11). When a person accepts Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit dwells inside him or her (John 14:15-17; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 12:13). But believers also need the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5-8).
WHY WE NEED THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is that He empowers believers for service, witness, spiritual warfare, and boldness in their testimonies (Acts 1:8, 4:19-20, 29-31; 6:8-10; 1 Corinthians 2:4).
Jesus commanded the disciples not to begin the work to which He had called them until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:48-49; Acts 1:4,8). When the apostles met believers in Christ, they at once asked whether the believers had received the Holy Spirit. If not, they made sure the believers received Him (Acts 8:14-16; 19:1-5). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an absolute necessity in every Christian’s life for the service to which God has called us.
HOW TO RECEIVE THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Jesus said, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13). God fulfills His promises in a variety of ways, and no two human beings are alike in how they receive spiritual things.
The New Testament tells us that some believers received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the moment of their conversion, such as Cornelius and his family (Acts 10). Others, such as the believers in Ephesus, received it at a later time (Acts 19:1-5). We should never limit God by our own expectations. He is sovereign and will work in whatever way He chooses.