Our Statement of Faith and Guiding Principles
(Articles 1-30)

The Scriptures - We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men supernaturally inspired; that it has truth without any admixture of error for it's matter; and therefore is ,and shall remain to the end of the age , the only complete and final revelation of the will of God to man; the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.
( II Timothy 3: 16 - 17; II Peter 1 : 19 - 21 )

1. By the " Holy Bible " we mean that collection of sixty-six (66) books from Genesis to Revelation, which, as originally written, does not only contain and convey the Word of God, but IS the very Word of God.
2. By "inspiration" we mean that the books of the Bible were written by holy men of God, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, in such a definite way that their writings were supernaturally and verbally inspired and free from error, as no other writings have ever been or ever will be inspired.

The True God - We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God: an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
( Exodus 20:2-3; Psalm 83: 18; I John 5: 7 )

Jesus Christ - We believe that Christ is God manifested in the flesh; in His divine nature truly God, in His human nature truly man. The mediator between God and man, once crucified, He is now risen and glorified, and is our ever-present Savior and Lord.
( Isaiah 9:6; John 1:14; Luke 1:26-28; Matthew 14:13 - 21; Mark 16:9 - 19; Acts 1: 9 - 11; Mark 15:22 - 47 )

The Holy Spirit - We believe that the Holy spirit is a divine person, equal with God the Father, and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; and in His relation to the unbelieving world, he restrains the evil one until God's purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of judgment and of righteousness; that He bears witness to the Truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the agent in the new birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer.
(John 14:16-17; John 14:26; John 16: 8-11; Romans 8:14; Romans 8: 26 - 27 )

The Devil or Satan - We believe that Satan was once holy and enjoyed heavenly honors, but through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and drew after him a host of angels, and that now he is the malignant prince of the air and the unholy god of this world. We hold him to be man's great tempter, the enemy of God and His Christ, the accuser of the saints, the author of all false religions, the chief power of the present apostasy, the Lord of the Antichrist, and the author of all the powers of darkness - destined, however, to final defeat at the hands of God's son and the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels.
( Isaiah 14;12 - 15; Ezekiel 28: 14 -17 )

The Creation - We believe in the Genesis account of creation, and that it is to be accepted literally and allegorically or figuratively; that man was created directly in God's own image and after His own likeness; that man's creation was not a matter of evolutionary change of species, or developments through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms; that all animals and vegetable life were made directly, and God's established law was that they should bring forth only "after their kind".
( Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16 - 17; Hebrews 11:13 )

The Fall of Man - We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by the voluntary transgression, fell from his sinless and happy state, in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but by choice, and therefore under just condemnation without defense of excuse.
( Genesis 3: 1 - 6; Romans 5: 12 )

The Virgin Birth - We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Spirit in a miraculous manner, born of Mary, a virgin, as no other person was ever born or can be born of woman; and He is both the Son of God and God the Son.
( Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18 - 25 )

The Atonement for Sin - We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, who by the appointment of the Father freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin, honored the divine law by His personal obedience and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins; that His atonement consisted not in setting for us an example by His death as a martyr, but was our voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner's stead on the tree; that, having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven and is uniting in His Wonderful Person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection. He is in every way qualified to be a suitable, compassionate, and all - sufficient Savior.
(John 3:16; II Corinthians 5:21 )

Grace in the New Creation - We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again, that the new birth is a new creation in Jesus Christ, that it is instantaneous and not a process, that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God, that the new creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, not by culture, not by character, nor by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of the Holy Spirit i9n connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel, that it's proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life.
( John 3:3; Corinthians 5:17; II Peter 1:4 )

The Freeness of Salvation - We believe in God's electing grace; that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel, that it is the immediate duty off all to accept them by a cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel, which rejection involves him in aggravated condemnation.
( Romans 10:13; Ephesians 2: 8 - 9 )

Justification - We believe that the great Gospel ( BLESSINGS ) which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is justification, the justification includes the pardon of sin, the gift of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that is bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood, His righteousness is imputed unto us.
( Romans 5: 1; Romans 5:9 Romans 4: 1 - 6 )

Sanctification - We believe that sanctification is the divine setting apart of the believer unto God accomplished in a threefold manner; first, an eternal act of God, based upon redemption in Christ, establishing the believer in a position of holiness at the moment he trusts in Christ; second, a continuing process in the saint as the Holy Spirit applies the Word of God to the life; third, the final accomplishment of this process at the Lord's return.
(Hebrews 10 : 10 - 14; Hebrews 3 : 1; John 17 : 17; II Corinthians 3 : 18 )

Adoption - We believe that adoption is the gracious act whereby the Father, for the sake of Christ, places new believers into the honored position of mature sons in contrast with regeneration, whereas the believer receives the nature of God and becomes a child of God. The full benefit of the position accorded by adoption as the sons of God awaits the glorification of the believer at the coming of the Lord.
(Ephesians : 1 : 5 ; Galatians 4 : 1 - 7; Ephesians 1 : 13 - 14; I John 3 : 1 - 2 )

The Security Of the Saints - We believe that all who are truly born - again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ; that there is nothing present, nor anything that ever will be that can take a believers salvation.
( Philippians 1 : 6; John 10 : 28; Romans 8 : 35 - 39 )

Repentance and Faith - We believe that repentance and faith are solemn obligations and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God; thereby, being deeply convicted of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God ( TURN TO CHRIST ) with unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessing Him as our only and all - sufficient Savior.
( Acts 2 : 37 - 38; Romans 10 : 9 - 11 )

The Church - We believe that the New Testament Church is a congregation of baptized believers associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel, observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that it's officers of ordination are elders ( pastors and deacons ) whose qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures; we believe that the true mission of the church is found in the Great Commission; first, to make individuals disciples; second, to build up the church; third, to teach and instruct as He commanded. we do not believe in the reversal of this order. We hold that the local church has the absolute right of self government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; and that the one and only Superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel; that every church is the sole and only judge of the measure and method of it's cooperation; on all matters of membership, of policy, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the church is final.
( Acts 2 : 41 - 47; Acts 20 : 17 - 28; Ephesians 3 : 1 - 6 I Corinthians 11 : 2; I Corinthians 12 : 12 - 13; Ephesians 1 ; 22 - 23; Ephesians 4 : 11; I Timothy 3 : 1 - 7; I timothy 5 : 17; Colossians 1 : 18; acts 15 : 13 - 18)

Baptism - We believe that baptism states the fact of an event that has already transpired beforehand; that it is an outward symbol of an inward reality - a genuine conversion; that it is in obedience to the Lord's command; that it is following Christ's example; that it means fulfilling all righteousness; that it means identifying with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection; that it means association with Christ's body; that only those who have been saved may be baptized; that a person should be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; that baptism is done by much water and that by immersion.
( Mark 16: 16; I Peter 2 : 21; Matthew 3: 15 - 16; Romans 6 : 4 - 13; I Corinthians 12 : 13; Matthew 28 : 19 - 20; Acts 9 : 18; Acts 2 : 38; Acts 8 ; 38 - 39; Colossians 2 : 12 )

The Lord's Supper - We believe that we do not partake of communion to receive forgiveness of sins nor is there power in the sacrament to give the recipient forgiveness; that we partake in of communion in obedience to the command of Christ; that we partake of it in anticipation of His soon return; that we partake to show forth His death; that no one partakes of it because he is worthy; that Christ alone is worthy; that it is by His grace that we have been born into the family of God; and only those who have been born into the family of God have the right to sit at His table in fellowship with the Lord; that each person should examine himself before partaking of communion; that unleavened bread and unfermented wine (juice) are the only two substances used as symbols of the Lord's body and blood; that we are to do this until He comes. We neither believe in transubstantiation nor consubstantiation, but believe that the elements continue to remain merely, symbols or pictures.
( I Corinthians 11; 24; I Corinthians 11 : 26; I Corinthians 11 : 28; II Corinthians 13 : 5; psalm 26 : 6; psalm 139 : 23 )

Separation - We believe in obedience to the Biblical command to separate entirely from worldliness and ecclesiastical apostasy unto God.
(II Corinthians 6 : 14 - 7 : 1; I Thessalonians 1 : 9- 10; I Timothy 6 : 3- 5; Romans 16 : 17; II John 9-11 )

The Perseverance Of The Saints - We believe that such only are real believers as to endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation.
( I Peter 1 : 5; Romans 8 : 35 - 39 )

The Righteous and the Wicked - We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that only those as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem, while all such that continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked and under the curse, and the distinction holds among men both in life and after death, in the everlasting life of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost.
(Romans 6 : 23; Matthew 25 : 34; Matthew 25: 41; Matthew 7 : 13 - 14)

Civil Government - We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interest and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed, except in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming Prince of the kings of the earth. We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions:

1. The home
2. The church
3. The state

Every person is subject to these authorities, but all ( including the authorities themselves ) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe on the other. The home, the church, the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God.
( Romans 13 : 1 -7; Acts 4 : 19 - 20; Ephesians 5 : 22 - 24; Hebrews 13 : 17; I Peter 2 : 13 - 14 )

The Resurrection and Return of Christ and Related Events - We believe in and accept the sacred Scriptures upon these subjects at their face and full value:

1. Of the resurrection, we believe that Christ arose bodily "the third day according to the Scriptures";
   
2. That He ascended " to the right hand of the throne of God" ; that He alone is our merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God;
   
3. That " this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven" - bodily, personally, and visibly;
   
4. That the "dead in Christ shall rise first";
   
5. That the living saints "shall be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump";
   
6. That "the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His Father David";
   
7. That Christ shall reign a thousand years in righteousness until He hath put all enemies under His feet.

(Matthew 28 : 6 - 7; I Corinthians 15 : 4; I Corinthians15 : 42 - 44; I Corinthians 15 : 51 - 57 )

Missions - We believe that all men everywhere are lost and condemned and that the command to go and preach the Gospel to the world is clear and unmistakable and this commission was given to the churches.
( Matthew 28 : 18 - 20; Romans 10 : 13 - 15; Acts 1 : 8)

Israel - We believe in the sovereign selection of Israel as God's eternal covenant people, that she is now dispersed because of her disobedience and rejection of Christ and that she will be regathered in the Holy Land and, after the completion of the Church, will be saved as a nation at the second advent of Christ.
(Genesis 13 : 14 - 17; Romans 11 : 1 - 23; Ezekiel 37 )

The Grace of Giving - We believe that we ought to give our bodies and ourselves wholly to the things of God; to the reading of the Word; to give ourselves continually to prayer, to give thanks for everything; to give of our money; to give systematically, individually, proportionally, cheerfully and sacrificially. In the Old Testament, Leviticus 37 : 30, the Israelites were under the law and were required to give a tenth; however, we recognize that we are neither Israelites nor under the Law and therefore not forced by Law to give, but we give because we are compelled by love, grace and the example given under the Law.
(Romans 12 : 1; II Corinthians 8 : 2 - 5; I Timothy 4 : 15; I Timothy 4 : 13; Acts 6 : 4; I Thessalonians 5 : 18; I Corinthians 16 : 2; II Corinthians 9:6 - 7 )

Human Sexuality -

1. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God's gift of sex. Any employee of the church becoming pregnant or causing pregnancy as a result of consensual intercourse, outside of the marriage relationship, shall be terminated from employment. (Genesis 2 : 24; Genesis 19 : 5, 13; Genesis 26 : 8 - 9; Leviticus 18 : 1 - 30; Romans 1 : 26 - 29; I Corinthians 5 : 1; 6 : 9; I Thessalonians 4 : 1 - 8; Hebrews 13 : 4)
   
2. We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman. ( Genesis 2 : 24; Romans 7 : 2; I Corinthians 7 ; 10; Ephesians 5 ; 22 - 23)
3. We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and the church. The husband is to be the leader of the home and the men are to be leaders ( pastors and deacons ) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church. ( Galatians 3 : 28; Colossians 3 ; 18; I Timothy 2 : 8 - 15; 3 : 4 - 5, 12)

Lawsuits Between Believers - We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes. we believe that the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian's insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander. ( I Corinthians 6 : 1 - 8; Ephesians 4 : 31 - 32 )

Abortion - We believe that a human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. we reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the mental well being of the mother are acceptable. ( Job 3 : 16; Psalms 51 ; 5; 139 ; 14 - 16; Isaiah 44 : 24; 49 ; 1, 5; Jeremiah 1 : 5; 20 : 15 - 18; Luke 1 : 44 )

If you have any comments or questions, please e-mail us!

(body3)