Beliefs
Explore the biblical foundations that guide our mission and vision.
The Bible
The Bible is written by humans and inspired by God. The Bible is without error. All of the Bible is to be interpreted in light of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Psalms 19:7-10; Isaiah 40:8; Acts 17:11; 1 Timothy 3:16-17
God
The Trinity is defined as the perpetual existence of three persons in one God. The Father sent the Son, the Father sent the Holy Spirit, and God came to Earth. God is the Father in truth to those who become children of God through Jesus Christ. God is fatherly toward all. Christ is the eternal Son of God. He will return; He also lives inside all believers. The Holy Spirit cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church.
Genesis 1:1-2; John 1:1-5; Matthew 3:13-17; John 14:1-6; Acts 2:1-40; Ephesians 1:3-14
Humanity
Humanity was created by the special act of God, in His image, and is the crowning work of His creation. In the beginning, man was innocent of sin. By his free choice, man sinned against God.
Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 1:31; Genesis 3:1-7; Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:28-29
Salvation
Salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification.
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Regeneration is a work of God’s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus.
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Justification is full acquittal of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ.
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Sanctification is the process of being set apart for God’s purposes, the process of progressing toward Christian completeness through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him.
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Glorification is the culmination of salvation at the conclusion of this life.
Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 3:22-24; Romans 10:9-10; Philippians 3:12-13; James 2:14-26; John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:50-57
God's Grace
Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ and sanctified by His Spirit will never fall away from the state of grace but shall persevere to the end.
The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of baptized believers associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. This church is an autonomous body.
Baptism & The Lord's Supper
Baptism is by immersion, and after conversion. Baptism does not save you. The Lord's Supper is a memorial.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:36-38; Luke 22:14-23
Worship
Worship is the daily offering of our entire lives to God–our thoughts, actions, choices, and affections. Worship extends beyond Sunday mornings as we surrender to Christ in every area of life throughout the week.
Genesis 1:1–2:3; Exodus 20:8–11
The Return of Jesus Christ
This world is not forever. God, in His own time and in His way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly, the dead will be raised, and Christ will judge all people. Those who have a relationship with Jesus Christ will live forever with God in the new heaven and earth. Those who do not have a relationship with Jesus will be consigned to Hell.
Matthew 25:31–46; 1 Corinthians 15; Revelation 21–22
Evangelism
Evangelism is a vital expression of love for God and others. Through evangelism, our faith grows, our dependence on the Holy Spirit deepens, and our understanding of God’s Word expands.
Micah 6:8; Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; James 1:26–27
Giving
Giving is a spiritual practice that involves our time, energy, and resources. As giving becomes a habit, it transforms and strengthens us into the hands and feet of Christ for a world desperately in need of hope.
Partnership with Other Churches
Partnership with other churches (Baptist and non-Baptist) is encouraged. This cooperation can be local, national, or international in scope. The organizations that are developed have no authority over the local church. Cooperation should be sought as long as there is no compromise of loyalty to Christ.
2 Corinthians 8:1-6; Acts 13:1-3; Revelation 7:9-12
The Christian Life
Ultimately, individual and social support can only come from a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Every Christian is supposed to support others as Jesus did. Christians should oppose every form of greed, selfishness, and vice.
Amos 5:21–24; Micah 6:8; Ephesians 2:8–10; Colossians 3:5, 12–17
Religious Liberty
Church and state should be separate. The state owes every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. The state should not favor any church or denomination over others. The church should not resort to civil power to carry on its work. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal.
1 Timothy 2:1–4; 1 Peter 2:13–17
Marriage & Family
Marriage is the unity of one man and one woman in a covenant commitment for a lifetime. The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God’s image. Children are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and guide them in making choices based on biblical truths.
Genesis 1:26–30; 2:24; Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Matthew 19:4–9; Romans 1:24–27; Ephesians 5:21–33; 1 Samuel 1:27–28