We Believe
Tenets of Faith
1. The Scriptures
2. The One True God
3. The Son of God – Jesus Christ
4. Salvation
5. Baptism in Water
6. Holy Communion
7. Baptism in the Holy Spirit
9. Sanctification
10. Pastoral Authority
11. Statement on Marriage and Sexuality
- The Old and New Testaments are verbally inspired by God.
- They are His revelation to humanity and the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct.
- Scripture References: 2 Timothy 3:15–17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21
2. The One True God
- God has revealed Himself as the eternal “I AM,” Creator of heaven and earth, and Redeemer of mankind.
- He is revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- We affirm God as One Lord, expressed in three persons (Trinity).
- Scripture References: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10–11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22; John 1:18; 15:26; 17:11,21; Zechariah 14:9
3. The Son of God – Jesus Christ
- Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God.
- The Scriptures declare:
- Virgin Birth: Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31,35
- Sinless Life: Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22
- Miracles: Acts 2:22; 10:38
- Substitutionary Work on the Cross: 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21
- Bodily Resurrection: Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 15:4
- Exaltation to God’s Right Hand: Acts 1:9,11; 2:33; Philippians 2:9–11; Hebrews 1:3
- After purging our sins, He sat at God’s right hand with all powers subject to Him.
- He sent the Holy Spirit so that all may confess Jesus as Lord to the glory of the Father.
- Scripture References: Hebrews 1:3; 1 Peter 3:22; Acts 2:32–36; Romans 14:11; 1 Corinthians 15:24–28
- Humanity’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
- Received through repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ.
- Through regeneration by the Holy Spirit, we are justified by grace and become heirs of eternal life.
- Scripture References: Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13–15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5–7
- Inward: Direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16).
- Outward: A life of righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12).
5. Baptism in Water
- Baptism by immersion is commanded in Scripture.
- It declares that believers have died with Christ and are raised to walk in newness of life.
- Scripture References: Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47–48; Romans 6:4
- The Lord’s Supper consists of bread and the fruit of the vine.
- It is:
- A symbol of our sharing in Christ’s divine nature (2 Peter 1:4)
- A memorial of His suffering and death (1 Corinthians 11:26)
- A prophecy of His return
7. Baptism in the Holy Spirit
- All believers should earnestly seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire.
- It brings empowerment for service, spiritual gifts, and deeper love for God and others.
- This experience is distinct from salvation.
- Scripture References: Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,8; Acts 8:12–17; 10:44–46; 11:14–16; 15:7–9
- Overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37–39; Acts 4:8)
- Reverence for God (Acts 2:43; Hebrews 12:28)
- Consecration and dedication to His work (Acts 2:42)
- Love for Christ, His Word, and the lost (Mark 16:20)
- Speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12:4–10,28).
- Healing is an integral part of the Gospel.
- Deliverance from sickness is provided in Christ’s atonement and available to all believers.
- Scripture References: Isaiah 53:4–5; Matthew 8:16–17; James 5:14–16
9. Sanctification
- Sanctification is separation from evil and dedication to God.
- Believers are called to live a life of holiness by the Spirit’s power.
- Realized by:
- Identifying with Christ’s death and resurrection
- Daily surrender to the Holy Spirit
- Scripture References: Romans 12:1–2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15–16; Romans 6:1–11; Galatians 2:20
10. Pastoral Authority
- The Pastor is the church’s sole authoritative interpreter of Scripture.
- Marriage: Ordained by God as a covenant between one man and one woman.
- Sexual Intimacy: Reserved for marriage between one man and one woman.
- Prohibited Practices: Adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography, gender reassignment, or rejection of one’s biological sex.
- To preserve biblical integrity, all employees and volunteers of the church must affirm and live in agreement with this statement.
