OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH
THE HOLY TRINITY
We believe in the Triunity of God. There is only one God in three distinct persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. They are co-equal.
Deuteronomy 6:4 “…the Lord our God, the Lord is one.”
Mark 1:10-11 “Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
THE BIBLE
We believe in the Bible. It is God’s Holy Word, active, inerrant, and everlasting. It is our guide for living.
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Psalms 19:7 “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”
Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Psalms 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
MAN’S FALL
We believe that God created man in His own image. However, due to the disobedience of Adam and Eve (the first man and woman), this image was marred by sin. Consequently, through the sin of one man, sin entered into the world; all of us inherited sin’s nature, and we are all in need of a Savior.
Genesis 1:27 “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Rom 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned
Romans 5:19 “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”
GOD’S PLAN OF REDEMPTION
We believe that because of God’s love for the world, He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem man in his fallen state. Jesus Christ died for our sins while we were yet sinners and took the punishment for our sins. In Him, we have redemption through His blood, and the forgiveness of our sins.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Titus 2:14 “who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”
Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.”
SALVATION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH
We believe that salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Christ Jesus and not by works. In Christ Jesus, all of us who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8 “or it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought nearby the blood of Christ.”
REPENTANCE AND ACCEPTANCE
We believe that when there is repentance from sin and acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior, we are justified through Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. Repentance means turning away from sin; accepting Christ means believing that He alone is Savior and Lord.
1 John 1:9 “ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Romans 10:9-10 “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
SPIRITUAL REBIRTH
We believe in the “born again” experience. A person who has received Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior has received righteousness through Jesus Christ; because of this, change is taking place in his life; he is empowered by the Holy Spirit who produces within him new desires and interests.
John 3:3 “Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
2 Cor. 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
WATER BAPTISM
We believe that a person who has been born again should be baptized in water, following the example of Jesus Christ. He is baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a symbol that we died, buried and raised from death just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too, might walk in newness of life.
Matthew 3:14-15 “But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
Romans 6:4 “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
THE LORD’S SUPPER
We believe in the observance of the holy communion or the Lord’s Supper. Jesus Himself said that we do this in remembrance of Him.
1 Cor 11:24-27 “ and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 Whoever, therefore, eats guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord
Luke 22:19-20 “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me”20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood which is poured out for you.”
CHRISTIAN LIVING
We believe in the process of sanctification. A person who has been born again is now, on a daily basis, growing in sanctification, separating himself from the things and desires of this world; as he increases in faith, holiness, and power.
2 Cor 7:1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM
We believe in the Baptism with the Holy Spirit as manifested in speaking with other tongues, as experienced by the early church. The Holy Spirit gives us power for living and power to witness to others about God’s saving grace.
Acts 1:5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Sprit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
THE GIFTS AND THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
We believe that according to God’s will, and as the believer desires, the Holy Spirit gives the following gifts: the message of wisdom, the message of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, speaking in different kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. The fruit of the Spirit is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the believer’s life. The believer, then, shows the following spiritual fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.
1 Corinthians 12:1, 7-11 “Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[ All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
THE SPIRIT FILLED LIFE
We believe that the Holy Spirit enables every believer to live with godly values and behaviors everyday, showing kindness, gentleness, and forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:30-32 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 5:18 “ And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”
BALANCED AND UNCOMPROMISING LIFESTYLE
We believe that believers should live a balanced lifestyle, avoiding excesses or fanaticism, showing moderation in all things; being uncompromising in their stand, doing exactly what God commands in His Word.
Philippians 4:5 “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
Psalms 119:1-3 “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— they do no wrong but follow his ways.
CHURCH FELLOWSHIP AND EDIFICATION
We believe that in obedience to God’s instruction, it is important for believers to become part of a congregation of other believers for mutual edification and fellowship, especially as we see the Day of God approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM
We believe that we are saved not only to go to heaven but also to bring others to salvation, first to our families, our neighbors, others, and the world; the preaching of the gospel will be in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”
DIVINE HEALING
We believe that Jesus Christ is our Healer. His healing power is still at work today and He is able to heal body, soul, and spirit.
James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Mark 16:16-18 “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. 17 These [a]signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues;18 they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
TITHES AND OFFERING
We believe in the giving of tithes (10% of earnings) and offerings (the amount as determined in the heart of the believer). This is the way by which the ministry of the Lord is sustained, including the preaching of the gospel anywhere. It is also the way to receive personal blessing.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”
Malachi 3:10 “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that the civil government is appointed by God and established to maintain order in the civil affairs. We further believe that those in authority should be respected and civil laws upheld except when these laws are in opposition to the Word of God.
Romans 13:1-7 “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Acts 5:29 “ Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE
We believe in the sanctity of marriage and that what God has joined together, no man shall separate. And for as long as the other spouse is still living, one cannot and should not remarry for any reason.
Matthew 19:6 “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
Romans 7:1-3 “Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives? 2 For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. 3 So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
We believe that the Second Coming of Christ is sure, and He will come to judge each individual; no one knows exactly the time of His coming but on the day of His coming, He will descend from heaven at the trumpet sound of God, with the voice of the archangel, and the dead in Christ will rise first, then the believers who are still alive at that time will be taken up to meet the Lord in the air.
Matthew 24:36, 42, 44 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only…. 42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming… 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
JUDGMENT
We believe that everyone, great and small, will stand before Christ in His judgment seat, each one to receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Those who are born-again will inherit everlasting life in heaven and those who are unbelieving will be sent to everlasting punishment in hell.
2 Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
Rev. 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.
HEAVEN
We believe that heaven is the dwelling place of God; it is where His throne is established. It is a place that God has prepared for His people to live forever where there is no more pain or tears, but joy everlasting.
Psalms 103:19 “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.”
John 14:1-2 ““Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
Revelation 21:4 “"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
HELL
We believe that hell was prepared for the devil and his angels; those who rejected Christ as Savior will be thrown in this place of eternal separation from God.
Mat 13:40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all lawbreakers. 42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Rev. 20:10;15 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. … 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.