Who We Are
Statement of Beliefs
We generate this statement of beliefs not to exhaustively cover the myriad of theological topics that might be addressed in such an exercise, but simply to state the essential beliefs that underlie our mission and purpose.
God – There is one true God, eternally existing in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ – The Son, is the living Word (Logos) of God who has become flesh through miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and His virgin birth. We affirm the full deity and humanity of Jesus the Christ, the Messiah, who lived a sinless life on earth as a man, surrendered His life on a cross, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. During His earthly ministry, Jesus taught, proclaimed, and demonstrated the kingdom of God.
Holy Spirit – The Third Person of the Godhead, the work of the Holy Spirit is to bring glory to Christ Jesus. The Spirit is active in convicting humans of sin and accomplishing God’s saving work in those who repent and believe. The Spirit enables the transformation of human lives and empowers believers for witness and service, distributing gifts according to God’s will.
The Bible – The Bible is the fundamental basis for our beliefs and is the fully inspired written Word of God as contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. It is the unique, authoritative, and inerrant (in the original manuscripts) standard for faith and life and contains all things necessary for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Humankind – Is created in the image of God, in all its diversity, for the purpose of being in relationship with God and exercising dominion over His creation. However, all humans are fallen beings and are under the power of sin and death. All, left to themselves, are unable to please God and be reconciled to Him. Thus, all humans are in desperate need of salvation. God sent His Son, Jesus, to provide a way for humankind (and all creation) to be restored to a right relationship with Him.
Salvation – Restoration to a right relationship with God and the eternal life that accompanies it is only possible through Jesus Christ. By prevenient grace, God has shown His great lovingkindness and initiates a restored relationship with all humankind. Salvation is not earned by human effort but is offered by God’s love, mercy, and grace. It is received by repentance and faith in Jesus. God desires that all humankind be restored to Him through His gift of salvation.
Church – The Church is the Body of Christ, the universal community of believers in Jesus. Jesus loves the Church and gave His life for it. Endowed with gifts by the Holy Spirit, it is the mission of the Church to glorify God, make disciples, witness His redemptive grace to the world, and prepare to meet Jesus upon His glorious return to the earth.
The kingdom of God – Restored at the first advent of Christ, the kingdom of God will be consummated at the return of Christ Jesus and will be characterized by victory over death, Satan, and all evil. Those who have died in Christ will be resurrected to eternal life with God. Until that time, we are called to follow Jesus and join Him in His kingdom work.
Calling/Final Words – Final words have great meaning. For believers in Christ Jesus, His final words call us to action. He has sent each believer into the world to share the good news of salvation, to make disciples, and to teach them according to the tenants of the Word of God. In obedience to that call, we each are to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and share our love for God and our neighbors by doing and proclaiming God’s mercy and justice.
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