OUR BELIEFS
Below you will find a few of the beliefs that inspire us to live like the REAL Jesus. These convictions motivate us to make disciples who can live like him, too.
The Bible
The Bible is the infallible Word of God. It is always correct and always relevant. Even though the standards of our culture might change through time, the standards of scripture do not. Where the Bible speaks on a topic we choose to stand on the Bible’s counsel. (Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 119:9, Matthew 7:24, Isaiah 40:8)
God
He is the Creator and Sustainer of the world. He is the only true God. He is the author of all history – nothing occurs without His knowledge and approval. He is the Father of Jesus Jesus. (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 18:30, Numbers 23:19, 1 John 1:5, Isaiah 40:23, John 3:16, Psalm 116:5)
Jesus
He is the perfect Son of God, born of the virgin Mary. He lived a life of holy example, died on a cross as punishment for the sins of the world, was buried in a sealed tomb, and three days later rose from that grave and came to life again. He is the ultimate head of the church. He sits at the right of his Father in heaven right now and awaits His return to earth where He will escort His church to heaven for all of eternity. (Luke 1:26-38, Luke 23:23-25, 1 Peter 3:18-20, Mark 16:19, 2 Timothy 4:1, Philippians 2:5-11, Hebrews 9:11-15)
Holy Spirit
He is by nature equal to God and sent to the lives of all believers to assist them in their Christian walk. He indwells a believer at the point of their baptism (Acts 2:38) and provides them with specific gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) to serve God and His People. He comforts, convicts, guards, and equips all those who love the Father and the Son.
Mankind
All people are sinful; no one is perfect. Therefore, all people need to be saved from impending punishment due to sin. (Romans 3:10-18, 23) When saved by the grace of God, people can make an incredible impact on society for the cause of good (Romans 3:24-25).
Salvation
God’s desire is that we would repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38), which means to turn our hearts away from sin. It means allowing Jesus to be the leader of our life and accepting the grace that God extends to us through Jesus’ death on the cross. We do not have enough goods, accomplishments, or ability to make up for our sins. Jesus alone is our hope of salvation, and we are saved by his grace through faith in him to do good (Ephesians 2:8-10).
The Church
Jesus is the foundation, head, and authority over the Christian Church (Colossians 2:24) . We are a New Testament Christian Church in the tradition of the Restoration Movement. Our plea is unity! Unity is based upon the Word of God – no man-made law or rule is to alter or change what Jesus has set up regarding faith and practice. (Ephesians 4:2-6)
Elders
When it comes to leading the church this is done by men that the Scriptures call pastors or Elders. According to the New Testament, Elders are men who are set apart to shepherd and protect the flock (Acts 20:28-31). When Paul planted churches throughout Asia Minor he appointed Elders to continue the work he had begun. Churches need Elders the way sheep need a shepherd. And great shepherds are continually growing in their faith because they know they’ve got sheep counting on them.
Baptism
Baptism is a positive command. On the authority, subject, action, and design the Scripture is plain. We do not believe baptism is any more important than faith, repentance, or good works. Neither do we believe there is any virtue in the water. We believe that our baptism (along with repentance) is an act of obedience commanded by Jesus and is the Biblical response to accepting salvation (Acts 2:36-38, Mark 16:16).
The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a time to remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. During this time of remembrance, the bread represents the body of Jesus and the grape juice symbolizes his blood. When believers take the elements in an act of worship, gathering in His name, Jesus’ presence is among them and felt (Matthew 18, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29).
Jesus’ Return
Jesus will one day return and judge all people (1Thessalonians 4:13-18). Unbelievers will be separated from God’s presence in Hell and believers will be welcomed in God’s presence in Heaven.
Marriage and Sexual Purity
God created humans male and female and His intent for the marriage relationship is for it to be between one man and one woman for one lifetime. Believers should practice chastity unless married, and if married, complete fidelity within a heterosexual and monogamous marriage. Regardless of one’s marital status Jesus’ followers should pursue purity and abstain from sexually immoral practices which include but are not limited to adultery, homosexuality, premarital sex, and pornography (Romans 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, 10:8; Ephesians 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4).