STATEMENT OF FAITH
Section 1. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES: We believe in the verbal and plenary inspiration of the Scriptures, consisting of 66 books which constitute the Old and New Testaments, the Word of God, the final authority for faith and practice, inerrant in the original writings, infallible and God-breathed. The Scriptures shall be interpreted according to their normal grammatical-historical meaning, and all issues of interpretation and meaning shall be determined by the pastor. The King James Version of the Bible shall be the official and only translation used by the church. (Matthew 5:18; John 16:12-13; II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21).
Section 2. THE TRUE GOD: We believe that there is one and only one living and true God, an infinite all intelligent Spirit whose name is Jehovah, 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 Ghost ‑ equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
Section 3. THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST: We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son of God, became man, (John 1:14) being conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:35) in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man. We believe that He accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross, His blood being the purchase price, (Rom. 3:24‑25) and that he secured that redemption forever by His literal, bodily resurrection from the dead (Rom. 4:25; I Peter 1:3‑5).
Our Lord Jesus Christ is now in heaven, exalted at the right hand of God, where as the high Priest for His people, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, Mediator, and Advocate (Heb. 9:24; 7:25; Rom. 8:34; I Tim. 2:5; I John 2:1‑2).
Section 4. THE PERSON AND WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: We believe that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, took up His abode in the world in a special sense on the day of Pentecost, who according to promise indwells every believer at salvation (I Cor. 6:19‑20; John 14:16‑17). He baptizes each believer into the Body of Christ (I Cor. 12:13), seals them unto the day of Redemption, (Eph. 4:30, Eph. 1:13‑14) and it is the commandment to every believer to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18). The ministry of the Holy Spirit to the world is that of conviction in relation to sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:7‑11).
Section 5. THE CREATION AND FALL OF MAN: We believe that God created the universe in six literal, 24-hour periods. We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin. (Gen. 1-2; Ex. 20:11) We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, (Gen. 1:26‑27) but that in the transgression of Adam (Gen. 3:6‑7) the whole human race fell, inherited a sinful nature (Rom. 5:12), became alienated from God and was totally unable to change his lost condition (Eph. 2:12).
Section 6. THE ORIGIN AND PERSONALITY OF SATAN: We believe that God created an innumerable company of spiritual beings known as angels. The highest in rank, Lucifer, sinned through pride, becoming Satan, of which many demons followed him in his fall (Isa. 14:12‑14). We believe that Satan is the originator of sin, who led the human race into transgression and accomplished their fall (Gen. 3:1‑19). We believe that Satan is a direct enemy of God, and in his warfare appears as an angel of light to blind men from the Gospel of Christ (II Cor. 4:3‑4; I Peter 5:8).
Section 7. THE WAY OF SALVATION: We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly by grace through the mediation offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father became flesh and dwelt among men, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by His death made a full atonement for our sins. Having risen from the dead, the son of God is now enthroned in heaven, uniting in his wonderful person the most tender sympathies with divine perfection, and is in every way qualified to be the only suitable, compassionate, and all‑sufficient Savior (Eph. 2:8, 9; John 1:12, 14; II Cor. 5:21).
Section 8. THE SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER: We believe because of the eternal purpose of God toward His creation and because of His freedom to exercise grace toward the sinner on the grounds of the finished work of Christ, all genuine true believers who are once a child of God are kept secure forever (Rom. 8:1, 38‑39; John 10:27‑30; John 3:24; I Peter 1:5; John 17:11). We believe it is the privilege of all who are born again to be assured of their Salvation (I John 5:13).
Section 9. SANCTIFICATION: We believe that sanctification, which is a setting apart unto God, is threefold: First, at the time of Salvation the individual is positionally set apart once for all (Heb. 10:10; I Cor. 6:11). Second, we believe that the believer retains his sin nature, which cannot be eradicated in this life. There is, therefore, a "progressive" sanctification wherein the Christian is to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ (John 17:17; II Peter 3:18). Third, we believe that the child of God will be "totally" sanctified in his state, when he shall see his Lord and shall be "like Him" (I Thess. 3:13; 5:23).
Section 10. THE RETURN OF CHRIST: We believe that at Christ's coming in the air, the bodies of the dead in Christ shall first be raised incorruptible and reunited with soul and spirit; the bodies of Christians who are alive shall be changed and glorified, and without dying, shall be caught up to be with the Lord (I Thess. 4:13‑17; I Cor. 15:51‑53). On earth the tribulation will occur, while in Heaven, the saved will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, be rewarded for their works (II Cor. 5:10; I Cor. 3:11‑15) and enjoy the marriage supper of the Lamb. After these things, Christ will return bodily and visibly to the earth, with His saints, and shall rule the world in righteousness for a thousand years at the end of which, the unsaved dead will be resurrected, and their judgment and condemnation shall take place (Matt. 24:30‑31; Rev. 11:16; Rev. 20:5‑6, 11:15). We believe in Pre‑Tribulation rapture and the Pre‑Millennial second coming of Christ.
Section 11. THE ETERNAL STATE: We believe that those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation do at death immediately pass into His presence (Phil. 1:23) and there remain until the resurrection of the body at the rapture, when soul and body, reunited, shall be with Him forever; but unbelievers remain after death in Hell until the final judgment of the Great White Throne at the close of the millennium, when soul and body, reunited, shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power (Luke 16:19‑26; II Cor. 5:8; II Thess. 1:7‑9; Jude 6‑7; Rev. 20:11‑15).
Section 12. THE CHURCH ORDINANCES: We believe that water baptism and the Lord's supper are the only ordinances of the church and that they are the scriptural means of testimony for the church in this age (I Cor. 11:2).
Believer's baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, setting forth the essential facts in the experience of the believer ‑ death to sin and resurrection to newness of life (Matt. 28:19‑20; Acts 8:36‑39). Believer's baptism pictures the spiritual baptism which has already taken place (Matt. 3:13‑17).
We believe that the Lord's supper is a commemoration of His death until He comes and is to be observed at designated intervals by the local church (I Cor. 11:23‑26). We will practice "open communion" (I Cor. 11:28, 29).
Section 13. STEWARDSHIP: We believe that God, the Creator and Owner of all things and persons, has entrusted to the Christian, his life, time, talents, influence, money, goods, and all things whatsoever he possesses; that as steward of these possessions he is to administer them under the will of God for the purposes of Jesus Christ; that in definite expression of this stewardship he is to contribute systematically at least a tithe of his means to the support of His church, and free will offerings to the missionary and benevolent enterprises of the church as God directs.
Section 14. THE LORD'S DAY: We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's day, and is to be kept sacred for religious purposes by abstaining from secular labor, whenever possible.
Section 15. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BELIEVERS: We believe that all believers should seek to walk in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Lord and Savior and that separation from worldly practices is commanded by God (Rom. 12:1‑2; 14:13; I Cor. 6:19‑20; Col. 3:17).
We believe that it is the obligation of every believer to witness by lifestyle, appearance, attitude, and word to the truths of Scripture; to seek to proclaim the gospel to the world (Acts 1:8); that the responsibility of all believers is to pray for and faithfully support the church with their means as the Lord has prospered them (I Cor. 16:2).
Section 16. CIVIL GOVERNMENT: We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: (1) the home, (2) the church, and (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 and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God. (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13-14)
Section 17. A GOSPEL CHURCH: We believe that the church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing the ordinances of Christ, governed by His law, and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His word; that its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons, whose qualifications are defined in the epistles of Timothy and Titus, together with such other leaders, teachers and workers as the church may select and as are needed in carrying out the true functions of a gospel church.
We believe that every church is individual and self‑governing, but that it is under moral obligation to associate itself with other churches of like faith and order in approved common enterprises which seek the promotion of Christ's kingdom, particularly such as missions, Christian education and benevolence.
Section 18. SEPARATION: We believe II Corinthians 6:14‑7:1 teaches separation of the believer from the world and unrighteousness, wherever it is found, and that it displeases God to attempt to do His work unequally yoked as described in this passage. We take this position against modern day neo‑evangelicalism, ecumenicalism, and inter-denominationalism, which cooperates with the ecumenical movement, secret lodges and cults. We believe this passage not only teaches direct separation from the above, but separation from those who tolerate and cooperate with those evils as well (Eph. 5:6‑17). We believe that we should earnestly contend for the faith once for all delivered unto the saints; and that we should preach the Word, being instant in season, out of season, reproving, rebuking, exhorting with all longsuffering and doctrine (I John 2:16‑17; Deut. 22:9‑12; II Tim. 4:1‑8).
Section 19. ECCLESIASTICAL SEPARATION: This church will not support, co‑operate with or lend its name or influence to any organization, movement or men who are:
a. members of the World Council of Churches
b. members of National Council of Churches
c. members of Modern Charismatic movement
d. Ecumenical in nature of New Evangelical in work and associations (John 14:15; Rom.16:17; II Cor. 6:14‑17; II Thess. 3:6; I Tim. 6:3‑5; I John 2:3‑5; I John 5:2‑3; II John 9‑11).
Section 20. DISPENSATIONALISM: We believe that the Scriptures interpreted in their natural, literal sense reveal divinely determined dispensations or rules of life which define man’s responsibilities in successive ages. These dispensations are not ways of salvation, but rather are divinely ordered stewardships by which God directs man according to His purpose. Three of these dispensations, the law, the church, and the kingdom, are the subjects of detailed revelation in Scripture. (Gen. 1:28; 1 Cor. 9:17; 2 Cor. 3:9-18; Gal. 3:13-25; Eph. 1:10; 3:2-10; Col. 1:24-25, 27; Rev. 20:2-6)
Section 21. HUMAN SEXUALITY:
1. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between one man and one 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. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance. (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1: 26-29; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4)
2. We believe that the only Scriptural marriage is the joining of one man and one woman. (Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23)
Section 22. FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS:
1. 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 men are to be the leaders (pastors and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church. (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12)
2. We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church. The wife is to submit herself to the Scriptural leadership of her husband as the church submits to the headship of Christ. Children are an heritage from the Lord. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline, including Scriptural corporal correction. (Gen. 1:26-28; Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mk. 10:6-12; 1 Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4, Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; 1 Pet. 3:1-7)
Section 23. DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE: We believe that God disapproves of and forbids divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. Divorce and remarriage is regarded as adultery except on the grounds of fornication. Although divorced and remarried persons or divorced persons may hold positions of service in the church and be greatly used of God for Christian service, they may not be considered for the offices of pastor or deacon. (Mal. 2:14-17; Matt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3; 1 Tim. 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6)
Section 24. ABORTION: We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human 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 physical or mental well being of the mother are acceptable. (Job 3:16; Ps. 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44)
Section 25. EUTHANASIA: We believe that the direct taking of an innocent human life is a moral evil, regardless of the intention. Life is a gift of God and must be respected from conception until natural death. Thus we believe that an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder contrary to the will of God. Discontinuing medical procedures that are extraordinary or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be a legitimate refusal of over-zealous treatment. (Ex. 20:13, 23:7; Matt. 5:21; Acts 17:28)
Section 26. LOVE: We believe that we should demonstrate love for others, not only toward fellow believers, but also toward both those who are not believers, those who oppose us, and those who engage in sinful actions. We are to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently, patiently, and humbly. God forbids the stirring up of strife, the taking of revenge, or the threat or the use of violence as a means of resolving personal conflict or obtaining personal justice. Although God commands us to abhor sinful actions, we are to love and pray for any person who engages in such sinful actions. (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34-35; Rom. 12:9-10; 17-21; 13:8-10; Phil. 2:2-4; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Titus 3:2; 1 John 3:17-18)
Section 27. 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 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. (1 Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32)
Section 28. MISSIONS: We believe that God has given the church a great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As ambassadors of Christ, we must use all available means to go to the foreign nations and not wait for them to come to us. (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:20)
Section 29. AUTHORITY OF THE STATEMENT OF FAITH: This Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible and, therefore, is binding upon all members. All literature used in the church shall be in complete agreement with The Statement of Faith.