The Church and Its Ordinances
Salvation
We believe salvation (also redemption, born again, saved, brought to life) is the process by which a spiritually dead person is made whole and alive to God. Man's fallen condition required a perfect sacrifice for his sin. God sent his son in the person in Jesus Christ who willingly lived a perfect life and died a sinners death, so that the penalty of sin would be paid for those that believe. The scripture tells us that salvation cannot be obtained through works but is a gift from God to mankind. This salvation comes only through faith in the payment of Jesus Christ for our sins.
The Church
We believe the true Church is all those who by faith have been redeemed unto God the Father by the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and having been redeemed, are born again through the indwelling Holy Spirit. We believe the Church is the symbolic body and bride of Christ and that Jesus is the Lord, Head and Husband of the Church.
(John 3:3, Matthew 16:18, Colossians 1:18)
Water Baptism
We believe that water baptism was commanded by Jesus Christ Himself. Since salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, and is not of works, we do not believe that baptism provides salvation. However, baptism is an important step of obedience, though it does not accomplish salvation it should accompany salvation.
(Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16)
The Lord’s Supper (Communion)
The Lord's Supper is to be observed by all believers. The Communion supper is symbolic only and is observed as a remembrance that Jesus suffered and died in His body. He allowed His holy blood to be spilled that we might receive the remission of our sins.
(Luke 22:19-20, 1st Corinthians 11:26)
Church Relationship
We believe that every born-again child of God should identify himself with the church of Jesus Christ. Believers should labor diligently, and give of their time, talent and treasure toward the spreading of the gospel here on earth. We believe that offerings should be given to the work of the Lord, which is the local church for the support and work of the church. Scripture tells the church will be known by it's love for each other (the brethren). The true church cannot function properly without this Love for each other. This Love is required by scripture and a fruit of the spirit.
(Hebrews 10:24-25, 1st Corinthians 9:13-14, Hebrews 13:16)
Leadership Structure
We believe that the local church must govern its affairs according to the pattern revealed in scripture, found primarily in the book of Acts and the various epistles penned by the Apostles.
We recognize that both men and women are created in the image of God, and are equals with respect to the love, grace and mercy of God. Both men and women are of equal value before God and both are heirs of the same gift of salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. We do not distinguish between the intelligence, worth or dignity of men or women. We do, however, recognize that God has specially equipped each gender with unique roles and responsibilities.
We believe that, according to scripture, the offices of Elder (the pastor being an elder) and Deacon are to held by men. Paul described positions of authority and the structure of the leadership in the church very clearly, he went on in the same scriptures give us the qualifications for those positions.
(1st Timothy 2:11-13, 1st Timothy 3:1-12, Titus 2:1-5)
(note) The prohibition, which applies to positions of authority within the church, does not apply to all positions of authority or teaching. Women have been charged with ministering to the other women of the church regarding God’s standards for their lives, as well as teaching and ministering to children.
Gifts and Baptism of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit enables us to accomplish the will of God. Each believer is equipped with individual gifts, so as to be part of a larger ministry. No ministry can be effective without the gifts of the collective body.
(1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
We believe that divine healing is the power of God to heal the sick and afflicted in answer to believing prayer, and is provided for in the atonement. We believe that God is willing to, and does, heal the sick today.
(Isaiah 52:4-5, James 5:14-16)
We believe the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a definite experience, separate from salvation. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is given to empower the believer to live a life of holiness and to equip him or her with boldness in their obedience to the Great Commission of Christ, which is to preach the Gospel and teach His commandments!
(Acts 1:8)