STATEMENT OF FAITH

God:

God has existed eternally before the beginning as three in one: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Gen 1:1, 26; 1 Jn 5:7). He is the Creator and Lord of all (Isa 40:28; Rev 4:11). He is holy and commands the believer to be holy (1Pe 1:15-16). He is the Father of all who believe (Rom 4:11). He so loved the world (John 3:16), but shows special care for His children (1 Pe 5:7). This care is sometimes demonstrated by chastening, which is one indication of those who are

His children and those who are not (Heb 12:5-8). While He has given man a will to choose or reject the Son (Rev 22:17),  God is the Most High who governs in the affairs of men (Dnl 4:17). He is the Almighty (Rev 11:17). He will one day make all things new according to His will (Rev 21:5).


Jesus:

Jesus is the eternal Son of God and one with the Father (Jn 10:30). He was God manifest in the flesh (1 Tim 3:16). In the fullness of time, He was sent to dwell in flesh among men and offer himself to redeem man (Gal 4:4-5). He arose triumphant (Col 2:15) as the firstfruits of the resurrection (1 Cor 15:20) and has returned to the Father (Jn 16:16, 28).  He makes intercession for the saints (Rom 8:34; Heb 7:25). He will one day return for His own (Jn 14:3). He will take possession of the earthly kingdom as the rightful King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev 11:15; 17:14).


The Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit was present at the work of creation (Gen 1:2). He moved men of old to speak and record the Word of God (2 Pe 1:21). He is the promise given to the New Testament saints (Gal 3:14) and the power by which the church operates (Acts 1:8). He seals (Eph 1:13) and indwells the believer (Jn 14:17). He will be taken out of the world with the believers before the tribulation (2 Th 2:7).


The Bible:

The Bible is the final authority for all matters of faith and practice. The Bible does not merely contain the words of God – it is the literal Word of God (1 Th 2:13). All scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Tim 3:16) and has been preserved to all generations (Ps 12:6-7). As God’s Word, it is as inerrant and infallible as God Himself. God has preserved His Word in English in the KJV.


Man:

Man was made in God’s image (Gen 1:26) as a sinless three-fold being. Adam’s sin brought death upon all (Rom 5:12) and a curse upon creation (Gen 3:17). Man became the servant of sin (Jn 8:34) in need of redemption. Man by nature does not seek God (Rom 3:11). Man’s spirit is dead because of sin (Eph 2:1-5). He will one day die in the lake of fire without salvation (Rev 21:8).


Salvation:

Salvation is by grace through faith (Eph 2:8). It is a miraculous work of God’s grace by which a man hears the gospel and chooses to receive (Rom 10:9-14) that which is contrary to his proud and sinful nature (Eph 2:3). Salvation is through the name of Jesus alone (Acts 4:12). Man is redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ (Col 1:14; Heb 9:12).  Salvation is eternal life through the Spirit (Rom 8:2; 1 Jn 2:25). The hope of salvation leads the believer to purify himself (1 Jn 3:2-3).


The Church:

The church was purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28). It is the bride of Christ, espoused as a chaste virgin (2 Cor 11:2). The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ being the cornerstone (Eph 2:19-20). It has been commissioned to take the gospel to a lost and dying world, teaching the new believers to follow God’s Word (Mt 28:19-20). It is currently assembled on earth as local bodies of believers. The church was given the ordinances of baptism (Mt 28:19) and the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11:23-26). Since it is a body of believers, a church should keep itself pure in doctrine and practice (Eph 4:14; 5:27). The pastor is the head of the local church (Acts 20:28; Heb13:17).


Separation:

God has called His people to be lights that shine in a dark world (Phil 2:15). They are sanctified for a holy purpose (1 Cor 6:11; 2 Ti 1:9). While they are sent to the world with the gospel (Jn 20:21), they are not to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph 5:11). They are to live in a way that glorifies His name (Eph 1:12) – not in a way that brings dishonor (Rom 2:24; 1 Ti 6:1).


The Lord’s Return:

The Lord will first come for His own (1 Thes 4:13-18) and then with His own (Rev 19:11-21) at a time that only the Father knows (Mt 24:36). The seven-year tribulation (Dnl 9:27) will begin after the saints are removed, as God pours out judgment against the unsaved (Th 2:7-12; 2 Pe 2:9). The Jews will suffer persecution from the anti-christ (Jer 30:7; Dnl 9:27; Mt 24:15). Satan will be defeated and bound in hell during the millenial reign of Christ (Rev 20:2-3). He is released and defeated again (Rev 20:7-10). The unsaved are resurrected to face their final judgment and punishment (Rev 20:11-15). God destroys the former heavens and earth to begin His eternal reign on the new heaven and earth (Rev 21:1-5).

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