God
God longs to show us grace and is actively involved in our lives. God doesn't want us to simply believe in Him, but to have an ongoing and growing relationship with Him. We believe that there is only one true God. God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He eternally exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- Genesis 1:1, 26-27, 3:22
- Psalm 90:2
- Matthew 28:19
- I Peter 1:2
- II Corinthians 13:14
Man
Man has been created in the image of God. Like God, man is a relational being. Man needs both a relationship with God and with others. Man has a tremendous potential for good, but often gives into disobedience towards God. This disobedience, called 'sin', separates man from God.
- Genesis 1:27
- Psalm 8:3-6
- Isaiah 53:6a, 59:1-2
- Romans 3:23
Jesus Christ
Jesus longs for us to know Him in a real, intimate, and personal way. Jesus desires to refine us through the prompting of His Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ eternally exists as the Son of God. Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless human life, and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for all people by dying on the cross. After dying He arose from the dead after three days in a tomb to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended into heaven and will return again for those that have a relationship with Him.
- 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
Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to man. It is the way God chooses to actively restore a relationship with man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by believing in Jesus Christ as God's offering of forgiveness and by man's admission of Jesus Christ as their Lord will the relationship with God be restored.
- Romans 6:23
- Romans 10:9-10
- Ephesians 2:8-9
- John 1:12, 14:6
- Titus 3:5
- Galatians 3:26
- Romans 5:1
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is present in the world today to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides Christians with the power for living, understanding, and guidance in doing what is right. Christians strive to live under His direction 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
Scripture
The Bible is God's Word to all men. It was written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the vital source for Christian beliefs and guides our relationship with God. It is the Truth inspired by God.
- II Timothy 3:16-17, 1:13
- II Peter 1:20-21
- Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6
- Proverbs 30:5
Eternity
Man was created to exist forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in a relationship with God, through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. Those who walk with Christ as their Lord will share eternal life with God. Heaven and Hell are both places of eternal existence.
- John 3:16
- I John 2:25, 5:11-13
- Romans 3:23
- Revelation 20:15
Christian Living
Jesus was asked, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" He answered by saying, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." We believe that as a Christ follower our life should be lived in this way: loving God and loving others. This is a lifelong journey for us that is based on a growing relationship with God.
- Matthew 22:34-40
- Romans 6:15-23
- 1 Corinthians 2:12
- 2 Corinthians 3:5-6, 18
- Ephesians 1:13
The Church
The Church is so much bigger than a building, an organization, or a bunch of programs and events. It is a living, breathing example of God and His love for His creation. The church is not limited to location, style, or method...rather it is the body of Christ that is made up of those who are in a relationship with Him. Just as the parts of our body serve each other to promote health and growth, so we through servant leadership, serve each other.
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
- Ephesians 4:7-16
- Acts 2:42-47
- Acts 20:28