We hold seven core beliefs (aka. “doctrines”) based on the teachings of the Bible that guide our thoughts and beliefs about God, humankind, and the Church. These core beliefs are essential to our Church teachings and unity.
We believe that God the Father is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal with God (Genesis 1:1, 26-27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14).We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with God the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days, proving His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return again to reign over all (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15). We believe that God the Holy Spirit lives in every Christ follower. When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, God the Holy Spirit lives in us. He also is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus. He gives Christ followers understanding of spiritual truth, guidance for wise and pure living, and spiritual gifts to help us serve others. As Christ followers, we seek to live under His control daily (John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13; 5:18).We believe 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 source of truth for Christ followers for beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any errors (Psalm 1190:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13; 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).We believe people are made in the image of God. We are made by God’s design as His supreme object and to be like Him in character. Although every person has potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This “sin” condition in all of us separates us from God and is the root of all problems in life and eventual death (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; 59:1-2; Romans 3:23).We believe salvation is God’s free gift to us. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, He paid the penalty for our sins. It is only when we trust in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can we be saved from sin’s penalty. The moment one accepts and receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, salvation is given and an eternal life begins that cannot be lost or taken away (John 1:2; 3:16-17; 14:6; Romans 5:1; 6:23; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5).We believe everyone lives forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through salvation. The Bible describes two places that people will go after they die as Heaven and Hell. Heaven is for those who have received salvation (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1). Hell is for those who remain separated from God (Matthew 25:41-45; Revelation 20:11-21).
