STATEMENT OF FAITH

THE SCRIPTURES

Our belief is centered on the Holy Scriptures, encompassing the Old and New Testaments, which we consider to be the Word of God in its true form (I Thessalonians 2:13). We affirm that these texts were inspired verbatim by God and have been preserved in their original writings throughout the ages for every generation (II Timothy 3:16, Psalms 12:6-8). We acknowledge that the Authorized King James Version in English is the supreme and ultimate authority in all matters of faith and life, having been perfectly preserved by God for English speaking people. We are convinced that the Bible is the only source of absolute truth and should be relied upon as such.

THE GODHEAD

Our belief is centered on the existence of a single Triune God who exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are equal in power and glory and have identical nature, attributes, and perfections (Deuteronomy 6:4; II Corinthians 13:14). This belief affirms that there is only one God, yet he exists in three persons, with each person being fully divine and equally God. The Bible, in these verses, provides evidence to support our belief that God is triune in nature.

THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST

Our belief is centered on the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, who became a man while remaining God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary to reveal God’s plan of redemption for sinful humanity (John 1:1-2, 14; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 9:6; 7:14;Philippians 2:5-8; Galatians 4:4-5).

We hold that Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His finished work on the cross, acting as our representative and taking the place of sinners as a substitutionary sacrifice. We believe that our justification is made certain by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Romans 3:24-25; I Peter 2:24; Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 1:3-5).

We affirm that Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God. As our High Priest, He serves as our Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9-10; Hebrews 9:24, 7:25; Romans 8:34; I John 2:1-2). In fulfilling these roles, Jesus Christ serves as the mediator between God and humanity, providing us with a means of forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

THE PERSON AND WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Our belief is centered on the Holy Spirit, a distinct Person who plays a crucial role in the life of every believer. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and He is the Supernatural Agent responsible for regeneration, indwelling all believers, and sealing them for the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; II Corinthians 3:6; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13-14).

Regarding the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and the gift of healing, we hold that these were temporary gifts. We believe that speaking in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit. While God often answers believers’ prayers for physical healing, we acknowledge that ultimate deliverance from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in the resurrection (II Corinthians 12:12; I Corinthians 13:8; Hebrews 2:3-4; Mark 16:17-20; I Corinthians 1:22, 14:21-22).

LOVE

We believe that as followers of Jesus Christ, we should demonstrate love for all people, including those who oppose us, those who engage in sinful actions, and those who do not believe in Jesus. We are called to respond to opposition with grace, gentleness, patience, and humility, and to refrain from stirring up strife, taking revenge, or resorting to violence to resolve personal conflicts or seek justice (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 5:44-48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34-35; Romans 12:9-10; 17:21; 13:8-10; Philippians 2:2-4; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; Titus 3:2; 1 John 3:17-18).

While God commands us to abhor sinful actions, we believe that we should still love and pray for those who engage in such actions, recognizing that they too are made in the image of God and in need of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23; 5:8; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9). We affirm that it is our responsibility as believers to extend the love and grace of Christ to all people, regardless of their beliefs or actions.

MISSIONS

As followers of Jesus Christ, we affirm that God has given the Church a great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations, so that people from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group may come to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:20).

We believe that as ambassadors of Christ, it is our responsibility to use all available means to reach people in foreign nations with the message of salvation, rather than waiting for them to come to us. This includes taking intentional steps to learn about different cultures and languages, and actively seeking out opportunities to share the Gospel with those who have not heard it before (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

We affirm that the Great Commission is not just a suggestion or an optional extra for believers, but a command given by Jesus Himself to His followers. As such, it is our highest priority and greatest privilege to participate in God’s mission of reconciling people from every nation to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). We recognize that this task is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit and our dependence on Him to lead, guide, and empower us as we go (Acts 1:8).

As Paul writes to the faithful at Philippi in Philippians 4:15-17, he notes that they are the only church who have communicated with him in terms of giving and receiving. He also highlights that it’s not just about the financial support, but also the spiritual fruit that comes from their partnership. Therefore, staying in contact with missionaries helps to ensure that their needs are met, but also provides a way for believers to participate in spreading the gospel and producing spiritual fruit. It’s a way to partner with them in the work that God has called them to do and to contribute to their success in fulfilling the Great Commission.

LAWSUITS BETWEEN BELIEVERS

As believers in Jesus Christ, we believe that civil lawsuits between Christians or against the Church to resolve personal disputes are prohibited. Instead, we affirm that the Church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve disputes between members (1 Corinthians 6:1-8; Ephesians 4:31-32).

However, we do acknowledge that in certain circumstances, a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company, provided that the claim is pursued without malice or slander. We believe that as Christians, we are called to uphold justice and fairness in all our dealings, and seeking compensation in this manner is not inherently wrong (Proverbs 21:15; Luke 10:30-37).

We affirm that personal disputes between Christians should be resolved through prayer, mediation, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, with a focus on forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration of relationships (Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15-20; Ephesians 4:1-3). As members of the body of Christ, we are called to love and serve one another, seeking to build up and encourage each other in the faith (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Galatians 5:13; Hebrews 10:24-25).

MAN

We believe that man was created in the image of God, both male and female, with inherent dignity and worth (Genesis 1:26-27). We also believe that man is a fallen creature, having rebelled against God and incurred spiritual and physical death (Genesis 3:1-24; Romans 5:12-21).

We affirm that every person is in need of salvation, which is available only through faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). We believe that salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, received by faith alone apart from works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

We also believe that every person is accountable to God for their thoughts, words, and deeds, and that all will face judgment according to their works (Romans 2:6-11). We affirm that the ultimate destiny of every person is either eternal life with God or eternal punishment in hell, based on their acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:46; John 3:16-18; Revelation 20:11-15).

We affirm that man, from the moment of conception, is a creature who has individual conscious existence eternally beyond physical death. We deny that man is a merely mortal creature whose individual conscious existence terminates at physical death, or that man’s unborn offspring are less than human

THE WAY OF SALVATION

Our belief is centered on the clear message of salvation, which is “repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). We affirm that salvation is by grace alone, and nothing can be added to or subtracted from it. We believe that people are justified by faith alone and are counted righteous before God only because of the merits of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-10; John 1:12; I Peter 1:18-19).

We hold that all the redeemed are kept secure by the power of God in Christ forever. We believe that eternal life is the present possession of every believer (John 6:37-40, 10:27-30; Romans 8:1, 38-39; I Corinthians 1:4-8; I Peter 1:4-5; Jude 1, 2). This assurance is based on the faithfulness of God, who has promised to keep and protect His people, and on the finished work of Jesus Christ, who has paid the penalty for our sins and secured our eternal salvation.

THE CHURCH

Our belief is centered on the New Testament church, which we consider to be a local gathering of baptized believers who have voluntarily united themselves to carry out the Great Commission. We affirm that the Lord is accomplishing His work in the world through local churches. The establishment and continuation of local churches are clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:27; 20:17, 28-32; I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11).

We also believe in the autonomy of the local church, which is free from external authority or control. Christ alone is the head of the church (Acts 13:1-4,15:19-31, 20:28; Romans 16:1, 4; I Corinthians 3:9,16; 5:4-7,13; I Peter 5:1-4). This means that the local church has the right to govern its own affairs without interference from outside sources. As such, the local church is responsible for choosing its own leaders, making its own decisions, and carrying out its own mission according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of the New Testament.

THE ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH

Our belief is centered on the recognition of two ordinances, namely baptism by immersion in water and the Lord’s Supper, as Scriptural means of testimony for local churches in this age (Matthew. 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42, 18:18; I Corinthians 11:23-26).

We acknowledge that baptism by immersion in water is a public declaration of a person’s faith in Jesus Christ, symbolizing their death to their old life and their new life in Christ. This ordinance is based on the teachings of Jesus in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and is practiced by local churches throughout the New Testament.

We also affirm the Lord’s Supper, which is a remembrance of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is a time for believers to reflect on the atoning work of Christ and to renew their commitment to Him. This ordinance is also based on the teachings of Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 11:23-26) and is practiced by local churches throughout the New Testament.

We believe that these ordinances are significant practices that help to define the identity and purpose of local churches in this age. They serve as powerful reminders of our salvation in Christ and our ongoing commitment to Him.

BIBLICAL SEPARATION

Our belief is centered on the principle that all those who have been saved by Jesus Christ should live in such a way that they do not bring shame upon their Savior and Lord. We affirm that separation from all forms of religious apostasy, worldly and sinful pleasures, practices, and associations is commanded by God (II Timothy 3:1-5; Romans 12:1, 2,14:13; I John 2:15-17; II John 9-11; II Corinthians 6:14-7:1).

We believe that Christians should be examples of godly living in all aspects of their lives, reflecting the character and teachings of Jesus Christ. This means that we should avoid any behavior or association that is contrary to the teachings of the Bible, and that we should strive to live a life that honors God and serves as a positive witness to those around us.

We also believe that separation from all forms of religious apostasy and ungodly practices is essential for the spiritual health of believers. This means that we should avoid any association with groups or individuals that promote teachings that are contrary to the Bible, and that we should seek fellowship with other believers who share our commitment to the truth of God’s Word.

In summary, we believe that all those who have been saved by Jesus Christ should live a life that reflects their commitment to Him, avoiding any behavior or association that would bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord. We also believe that separation from all forms of religious apostasy and ungodly practices is essential for the spiritual health of believers.

THE RETURN OF CHRIST

Our belief is centered on the doctrine of the “Blessed Hope,” which refers to the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We affirm that His return will be a literal, personal, visible, and imminent event, which will occur before the seven-year period of tribulation. This event is premillennial and pretribulational in nature (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; I Thessalonians 1:10; Revelation 3:10; Zechariah 14:4-11; Revelation 19:11-16, 20:1-6; Psalm 89:3-4).

We believe that at the time of Christ’s return, believers will be caught up to be with Him, prior to the seven years of tribulation. Following the tribulation, Christ will return with His saints to establish His thousand-year reign on the earth. This reign will be characterized by justice, righteousness, and peace, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old and New Testaments (Zechariah 14:4-11; Revelation 19:11-16, 20:1-6; Psalm 89:3-4).

In summary, we believe that the return of Jesus Christ is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith, and that it is essential for believers to be ready for His imminent return. We also affirm that the return of Christ will be a literal, personal, visible, and premillennial event, and that it will occur before the seven years of tribulation.

OUR ETERNAL STATE

Our belief centers on the doctrine of the resurrection and the eternal destiny of every person. We affirm that all men will experience bodily resurrection, the saved to eternal life and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28, 29, 11:25-26; Revelation 20:5-6, 12-13).

We believe that at the point of physical death, the souls of the redeemed are absent from the body and present with the Lord. In conscious bliss, they await the first resurrection when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; Revelation 20:4-6; II Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23, 3:21; I Thessalonians 4:16-17).

On the other hand, we believe that the souls of unbelievers remain in conscious misery after death until the second resurrection. At this point, their soul and body will be reunited, and they will appear at the Great White Throne Judgment. They will be cast into the Lake of Fire, where they will suffer everlasting, conscious punishment, rather than being annihilated (Luke 16:19-26; Matthew 25:41-46; II Thessalonians 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 20:11-15).

We affirm that the certainty of eternal life and eternal punishment should motivate us to share the Gospel with others, so that they too may have the opportunity to accept Jesus Christ and spend eternity in heaven. We also believe that the reality of eternal life and eternal punishment should inspire us to live a life that honors God, seeking to obey His will in all that we do.