10/13/2015
We Believe In . . .
DOCTRINE
The divine inspiration of the Bible as the Word of God, the revelation of His mind to man, and the all-sufficient guide for the Christian Life (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life on earth, His vicarious death, burial, resurrection, ascension to heaven (John 1; Luke 1:26-2:20; John chp. 19-20; Mark 16:19).
The total depravity of man through Adam's fall in the garden of Eden and his absolute helplessness to please God apart from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Genesis 3; Romans 3; 5:12-19).
The love of God to the entire world, proven by the gift of His beloved Son to be the Savior of mankind (John 3:16).
The finished work of Christ on the cross, through which complete and eternal atonement for sin has been effected (Hebrews 9:26). To all who trust in His work of redemption - the present assurance of salvation from eternal judgment, forgiveness of all their sins, enjoyment of eternal life now, and security for all eternity in the glory (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 10:28; 1 John 5:11-13).
The eternal punishment of every person who refuses to accept Christ as their Savior (John 5:28-29; Hebrews 2:3; Revelation 20:11-17).
The rapture of the Church at the Lord's coming to the air (1 Corinthians 15:51-57). The revelation of Christ in glory at His coming to the earth (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
The resurrection of all believers at the coming of the Lord and the review and reward of their lives and works (Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 3:12).
CHURCH PRACTICE
There is one Church. It is not an organization but a living organism, known as the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23) and is made up of all born-again believers. The local expression of the Church is composed of believers in a certain locality. Although autonomous, this local gathering exists in vital union with all believers. We gather in Christ's Name as a corporate testimony to the Lordship of Christ and to the oneness of His body. We gather specifically to learn God's Word, for fellowship and edification, to remember the Lord by observing the Lord's Supper, to worship together, and to collectively pray for others (Acts 2:42). In addition we also evangelize and make disciples of those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15; Acts 1:8).
We observe the Lord's Supper upon the first day of every week as is the pattern we find in the Scriptures. We believe it is a privilege and duty to heed the Lord's request: "This do in remembrance of Me." The women participate silently (see 1 Cor. 14:34-35; 1 Tim. 2:11-14) while the men participate audibly, leading the assembly in the public giving of thanks and worship of the Lord Jesus, as directed by the Holy Spirit.
We believe that the Lord has gifted certain men to take roles of leadership among His people. We believe the Scriptures teach a plurality of elders, whose primary function in the local assembly is to lead by example. These men must answer to a list of qualifications (see 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Ptr. 5:1-4) and have the spiritual welfare of the assembly upon their heart at all times. If any desire the work of an elder, he desires a good work!
We believe that the financial needs of the local church are to be solely supported by believers who regularly attend and for that reason we do not solicit funds during our activities. Believers are to give willingly unto the Lord and His work as He has prospered them with a cheerful heart (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:7).
