Statement of Faith
What We Believe
Jesus said in Matthew 24:11, "...many false prophets will appear and deceive many." How do we avoid them? How do we recognize "the spirit of truth" and "the spirit of error?" Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is God-breathed." Therefore, scripture must be our basis and our directive. This is what we believe:
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The Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16).
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In the Eternal Godhead, who has revealed Himself as One God, existing in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, distinguishable but indivisible (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14).
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Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day, and personally appeared to his disciples (1 Corinthians 15:4, Romans 4:25).
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In the bodily ascension of Jesus to heaven; His exaltation and personal, literal and bodily coming again for His church (John 14:2-3, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
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In the salvation of sinners by grace, through repentance and through faith in the perfect and sufficient work of the cross by which we obtain forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:12,22; Romans 5:11).
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In water baptism by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, which is in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is an act of obedience and public confession (Acts 2:34-38; Peter 3:18-21).
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In the baptism of the Holy Spirit as an experience subsequent to salvation, generally evidenced with tongues and/or prophesying, as the Spirit gives utterance. And we believe in the fruit of the Spirit (Acts 2:4, 8:14-17; Galatians 5:22-23).
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In the present day expression of Gifts of the Spirit as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12-14 as were manifested in the early church.
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In the table of the Lord, known as communion or the Lord's supper, for believers (1 Corinthians 11:28-32).
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In eternal life of the believer and eternal punishment for the unbeliever (John 5:24, 3:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Revelation 20:10-15).
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In the present-day operation of the fivefold ministries of apostle, prophet,evangelist, pastor and teacher (Ephesians 4:11) for the perfection of the Church;
and in the local government ministries of Elders and Deacons. (1Timothy 3; Titus 1; Acts 6).
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In the ministry of laying on of hands for healing and impartation of the gifts of the Spirit. (James 5:14; 1 Timothy 4:14).
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In the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, acknowledging that strong marriages make for a strong church. (Matthew 19:4; Genesis 2:21).
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That Jesus Christ is to be glorified by His church. We are to be part of a "complete" body, expressing the Kingdom of God to the world. This involves a lifestyle of discipleship as well as equipping and maturing believers to minister the truths and principles of God's Word in love and service.
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Jesus is coming for a glorious Bride. (Ephesians 5:27).
