Statement of Faith

Holy Bible

The Holy Bible in its original writing is Holy Spirit inspired, infallible and inerrant. The sum of God’s word is truth. God’s word does not change. (Psa 19:8; 119:160; Prov 30:5; Matt 5:18; 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21; Rom 16:25-26)

Trinity

There is one God eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Gen 1:1-3, 26; Isa 48:16; Matt 3:16-17; 28:19; Luke 1:35; 2 Cor 13:14; 1 John 5:7)

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of Father God. He has always existed and spoke all creation into existence. Jesus Christ is the direct image of the Father; He is the only way to the Father. Jesus was born of a virgin, performed miracles, signs and wonders, lived a sinless life. Jesus died on a cross atoning for the sin of mankind and was buried. On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead according to scriptures. Jesus ascended into heaven at the right hand of the Father. Jesus will return in power and glory. (Isa 9:6; Matt 16:16-17; John 1:1-3, 14,18; 14:6-7; 20:28-29; Phil 2:5-11; Rev 19:11-16)

Fall and Redemption

Man is God’s most special and unique creation. We are created in God’s image and likeness – male and female. We were created to be in perfect and direct relationship with God, and to rule and have dominion over the earth and all creation on the earth. We were created to have free will and man chose to rebel against God. The consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin- their rebellion, was separation from God, spiritual death and physical death. The sin of Adam and Eve cursed all mankind through their future generations. God, before He created all that is seen, and unseen, provided a plan for our redemption through His Son Jesus Christ.  (Gen 1:26-31; 2:17; 3; Rom 5:12-21; Rev 13:8)

Resurrection

Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead three days after His death on Calvary in a glorified body. Both the saved and the lost will be resurrected. The saved to eternal life with God, and the lost to eternal damnation and separation from God. (Job 19:25-26; Dan 12:1-2; Mark 8:31; 18:1-8; Luke 24:16, 36-39; John 2:18-22; John 20:26-28; 21:4-7; 1 Cor 15:42-44; Phil 3:21; 1 John 5:11-12; 2 Cor 5:1-10; Rev 20:12)

Salvation

We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Salvation is a gift from God the Father, we can’t earn salvation or perform enough righteous acts to merit or gain salvation. The moment we are born-again our spirit is regenerated – reborn, made knew by Holy Spirit. (Eph 2:8-9; 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 2:16; 3:8; Titus 3:5; Rom 8:9; 10:9-10)

The Church

Jesus Christ is the “Rock” on which He built His Church. His Church is not a building, His Church is the body of Christ encompassing all born-again believers on earth. Satan and his forces will not prevail against it; Jesus Christ has given gifts to edify the body of Christ. The body of Christ has many parts, unique functions and giftings and are guided by Holy Spirit and are to operate in unity. (Matt 16:16-18; Eph 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 4:11-12; Heb 12:23-24; John 17:11, 20-23)

Baptism

Every believer is commanded to be baptized in water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Baptism does not save us, but is done in faith, following Jesus Christ’ example and obedience to God’s word. Righteousness is credited to us through our faith in Jesus, and we confirm that righteousness through water baptism – a public proclamation of the righteousness Jesus credits believers. (Matt 28:19; Mark 16:15-16; Rom 6:3-4; Gal 3:27)

Faith

Faith in unity with God’s will brings His Kingdom on earth now through believers. Faith is a substance of things hoped for; things yet to come.  A Christian’s faith is a decision to believe in God, based on guaranteed evidence. Faith comes by hearing; and can be obtained. Faith is active; and requires patience. Faith is the currency of God’s Kingdom.  Faith is expressed through love. Faith is a gift from God. (Matt 22:36-40; Heb 6:11-12, 16-18; 11:1; Rom 10:17; 12:3; James 2:17)

Repentance

Repentance is a decision beginning in our will – part of our soul, it is not emotional. Repentance compels us to turn away from our sin; it is not temporary remorse. Repentance produces godly grief resulting in God granting us repentance. Without repentance one perishes. (Matt 27:3-4; Luke 15:17-20; 13:5; Acts 3:19; 2 Cor 7:10, 2 Tim 2:25)

Gifts of Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, and is a He/Him, not neuter or it. Jesus sent Holy Spirit to us after His ascension. God distributes gifts of Holy Spirit according to His will; the gifts are to strengthen, build up and sanctify believers and the body of Christ. The gifts of Holy Spirit demonstrate the validity of the resurrection and confirm the authority and power of God. All believers are commanded to desire the manifestation of the gifts in their lives.  We are called to exercise our gifts in love and in harmony with God’s word. (Luke 11:13; John 14:6-7, 16:7; Acts 1:8; Heb 2:4, 1 Cor 12:1-31; 14:1-40; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6-7; 1 Pet 4:10)

Sanctification

Sanctification is an ongoing process of holiness for believers while on the earth. While believers are “positionally” holy and set apart through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ, we still are in the world and sin. Sanctification matures believers as we yield to God’s word and Holy Spirit, thereby maturing Jesus Christ’s character in us. Only through submitting to God and abiding in Christ can we resist the schemes of Satan, gain the freedom God has for us, and consistently walk in the fruit of the Spirit. (John 15:5-8; 2 Cor 3:17-18; Rom 12:1-2; Gal 5: Phil 1:6; 1 Thess 4:3, 5:23; James 4:7; 1 Pet 1:15; 1 John 1:10)

Christians are Commissioned

Believers are commanded to proclaim the gospel to all creation, make disciples, baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, teach God’s word, cast out demons, speak in new tongues, handle serpents (metaphor – for dealing with Satan’s forces and cunning tactics), if they drink poison it will not harm them (metaphor – combating the enemy’s attack), and healing the sick. (Matt 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-18)