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What We Believe
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following six practices:
The Bible is our sole authority.
"The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and made us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right." 2 Tim. 3:15
Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is "What does the Bible say?" We practice daily bible reading, bible study, and bible memorization. The bible is the basis for all we believe.
THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE:
1. ABOUT GOD
God 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 coequal and are of God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; II Corinthians 13:14
2. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the son of God. He is coequal with the Father. 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 someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22,23, Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; I Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11;
I Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13.
3. ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is coequal 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 of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.
II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14;16,17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18.
4. 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 the truth without any mixture of error.
II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20,21; II Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5.
5. ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin". This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2.
6. 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 of good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. We are saved by God’s grace. We believe that the Bible teaches that every individual needs to repent of their sins, confess Christ as Lord, be baptized (immersed) into Christ, live daily their Christian faith.Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1-12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1-2; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-7; Galatians 3:27