Our Beliefs.
ABOUT GOD
The God of the Bible is the one and only true God, Creator and Ruler of the universe 1. He eternally exists in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The three are co-equal and are One God 2. He is holy, eternal, infinite, personal, sovereign, faithful, unchanging, all powerful, all-knowing, and present everywhere always3. He is love, light, Spirit and truth4.
1) Deuteronomy 4:35,39, 6:4; 1 Kings 8:60; 2 Kings 5:15; 1 Chronicles 17:20; Isaiah 43:10-11, 44:6,8, 45:5; 1 Timothy 2:5
2) Matthew 3:16-17, 28:18-20; John 10:30, 14:10; 2 Corinthians 3:17, 13:14; Hebrews 1:1-4
3) Revelation 4:8; Isaiah 57:15; Revelation 1:8, 22:13; Matthew 1:23; Ephesians 1:4-6; Colossians 1:16-17; Isaiah 45:7-9; Job 42:2; Psalm 117:2; Malachi 3:6; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; 1 John 3:20; Psalm 139:7-12
4) 1 John 4:8; 1 John 1:5; John 4:24, 14:6; Hebrews 6:18
1) Deuteronomy 4:35,39, 6:4; 1 Kings 8:60; 2 Kings 5:15; 1 Chronicles 17:20; Isaiah 43:10-11, 44:6,8, 45:5; 1 Timothy 2:5
2) Matthew 3:16-17, 28:18-20; John 10:30, 14:10; 2 Corinthians 3:17, 13:14; Hebrews 1:1-4
3) Revelation 4:8; Isaiah 57:15; Revelation 1:8, 22:13; Matthew 1:23; Ephesians 1:4-6; Colossians 1:16-17; Isaiah 45:7-9; Job 42:2; Psalm 117:2; Malachi 3:6; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; 1 John 3:20; Psalm 139:7-12
4) 1 John 4:8; 1 John 1:5; John 4:24, 14:6; Hebrews 6:18
ABOUT THE FATHER
The Father is fully God and is co-equal with the Son and the Holy Spirit. He perfectly foreknows all that will come to pass1. He is merciful and just2, and He hears and answers prayers3. The Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from sin and death4. The Father, along with the Son, sent His Holy Spirit to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, to call people to repentance, and to empower believers in sanctification5.
1) Psalm 139:1-6; Psalm 147:5; Romans 11:33
2) Jonah 3:10; Ephesians 2:4-5; 2 Peter 3:9
3) Psalm 91:15; 1 Chronicles 4:9-10; Jeremiah 29:12
4) John 3:16; 1 John 4:14
5) John 16:7; John 14:16-17, 26; John 20:21-23; Acts 1:7-8
1) Psalm 139:1-6; Psalm 147:5; Romans 11:33
2) Jonah 3:10; Ephesians 2:4-5; 2 Peter 3:9
3) Psalm 91:15; 1 Chronicles 4:9-10; Jeremiah 29:12
4) John 3:16; 1 John 4:14
5) John 16:7; John 14:16-17, 26; John 20:21-23; Acts 1:7-8
ABOUT THE SON
The Son is fully God and has eternally existed as God. He is co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. The Son, sent from the Father, became the man Jesus who is the Christ, the Savior of the world1. The one person of Jesus Christ has two natures, being fully God and fully human2. Jesus was miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, lived a sinless human life in obedience to the Father, and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin by dying on a cross3. He physically arose from the dead after three days and demonstrated His power over sin and death4. He ascended to the right hand of the Father and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords5.
1) John 1:1-5, 14, 14:10-14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1-13, 7:1-17, 24-25
2) Romans 1:3-4, 9:5; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 2:9; 1 John 1:1-14
3) Matthew 1:18-23; Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Peter 2:22; Matthew 27:45-56
4) Mark 16:6; Luke 24:13-49; John 20:19-29; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 12-19, 32-34; Romans 10:9
5) Acts 1:9-11; Colossians 3:1; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:3
1) John 1:1-5, 14, 14:10-14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1-13, 7:1-17, 24-25
2) Romans 1:3-4, 9:5; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 2:9; 1 John 1:1-14
3) Matthew 1:18-23; Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Peter 2:22; Matthew 27:45-56
4) Mark 16:6; Luke 24:13-49; John 20:19-29; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 12-19, 32-34; Romans 10:9
5) Acts 1:9-11; Colossians 3:1; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:3
ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is fully God and is co-equal with the Father and the Son. Sent by the Father and the Son1, the Holy Spirit is present in the world to make mankind aware of their need for Jesus Christ, to convict mankind of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to reveal the work of God2. He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation and provides the Christian with power for living, provides understanding of spiritual truth, provides spiritual gifts and guidance for serving, as well as baptizes and seals the believers salvation for eternity with God3. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
1) John 14:26, 15:26, 16:7, 20:22; Galatians 4:6
2) John 16:7-9; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18; Romans 8:5-11
3) 1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 5:5; 1 John 2:20-27; James 4:5; Ephesians 1:17-18; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Ephesians 1:13, 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22
1) John 14:26, 15:26, 16:7, 20:22; Galatians 4:6
2) John 16:7-9; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18; Romans 8:5-11
3) 1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 5:5; 1 John 2:20-27; James 4:5; Ephesians 1:17-18; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Ephesians 1:13, 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22
ABOUT THE BIBLE
The Bible is about Jesus; God’s revelation of Himself to us. It is the Word of God, written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit1. The Bible, consisting of its 66 books, is the one and only authoritative and sufficient source of truth for Christian beliefs and living2. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error in all that it affirms3.
1) Exodus 24:4; 2 Samuel 23:2; Jeremiah 1:9; Habakkuk 2:2; John 1:1; 1 Corinthians 2:13, 14:37; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13
2) Psalm 119:2, 105, 130; Matthew 24:35; Luke 11:28; Colossians 3:16; Romans 15:4; 1 Timothy 4:16; Hebrews 3:7-8, 4:12; 2 Peter 1:3; James 1:25
3) 2 Samuel 7:28; 1 Kings 17:24; Psalm 12:6, 33:4, 119:142, 160; Matthew 5:18; John 17:17; 2 Corinthians 6:7; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:15
1) Exodus 24:4; 2 Samuel 23:2; Jeremiah 1:9; Habakkuk 2:2; John 1:1; 1 Corinthians 2:13, 14:37; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13
2) Psalm 119:2, 105, 130; Matthew 24:35; Luke 11:28; Colossians 3:16; Romans 15:4; 1 Timothy 4:16; Hebrews 3:7-8, 4:12; 2 Peter 1:3; James 1:25
3) 2 Samuel 7:28; 1 Kings 17:24; Psalm 12:6, 33:4, 119:142, 160; Matthew 5:18; John 17:17; 2 Corinthians 6:7; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:15
ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS
People are the supreme object of God’s creation, made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character1. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are born into rebellion that the Bible calls sin. Due to sin, every person is spiritually dead, separated from God, and in need of salvation through Jesus Christ2. Because of Jesus’ redemptive and sacrificial work on the cross, we are able to approach God, and understand the truths of God3. We cannot earn or maintain salvation through our own efforts4. All people who trust in Jesus Christ for salvation will inherit eternal life; and those who do not will experience the consequence of eternal punishment and separation from God5.
1) Genesis 1:26-28, 5:1, 9:6; Colossians 3:10; 1 Corinthians 15:49; Ephesians 4:22-24; 2 Peter 1:4 James 3:9
2) Isaiah 59:2; John 3:3-5; Romans 3:10-12, 23, 8:7; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 2:1-3
3) Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 1:4, 2:1-10, 4:22-24; 2 Peter 1:4
4) Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 4:1-6; Galatians 3:1-3
5) Matthew 25:46; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-9; Revelation 20:11-14
1) Genesis 1:26-28, 5:1, 9:6; Colossians 3:10; 1 Corinthians 15:49; Ephesians 4:22-24; 2 Peter 1:4 James 3:9
2) Isaiah 59:2; John 3:3-5; Romans 3:10-12, 23, 8:7; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 2:1-3
3) Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 1:4, 2:1-10, 4:22-24; 2 Peter 1:4
4) Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 4:1-6; Galatians 3:1-3
5) Matthew 25:46; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-9; Revelation 20:11-14
ABOUT SIN
Sin is rebellion against God1. After Adam and Eve committed the first sin in the Garden of Eden, all humanity thereafter is born with a sin nature2. This means that sin infects every aspect of our being, resulting in condemnation, physical and spiritual death, and separation from God (judgment)3. In addition to our sin nature, everyone has personally committed their own sin against God as well4. Because of the effects of sin in the world we experience brokenness, pain and suffering5.
1) Genesis 3; Deuteronomy 9:7; Galatians 5:19-21; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 John 3:4
2) Genesis 6:4; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:3; James 1:14-15
3) Genesis 2:17; Isaiah 59:2; Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 3:10, 6:23; Galatians 6:7-8;
4) Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23, 5:12; 1 John 1:8, 5:17; James 1:14-15, 4:17
5) Genesis 3:13-19; Psalm 88:15; Proverbs 1:24-27; Romans 8:20-21
1) Genesis 3; Deuteronomy 9:7; Galatians 5:19-21; Colossians 3:5-6; 1 John 3:4
2) Genesis 6:4; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:3; James 1:14-15
3) Genesis 2:17; Isaiah 59:2; Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 3:10, 6:23; Galatians 6:7-8;
4) Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23, 5:12; 1 John 1:8, 5:17; James 1:14-15, 4:17
5) Genesis 3:13-19; Psalm 88:15; Proverbs 1:24-27; Romans 8:20-21
ABOUT SALVATION
Salvation is being saved from sin and the righteous judgment of God by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross and being given eternal life in Him1. It is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it2. Salvation is obtained by grace alone, through faith alone, in the work of Christ alone and not by our own good works3. Salvation includes being accepted (adoption), being made new (regeneration), being made right (justification), being made holy (sanctification), and eventually being made perfect (glorification)4. Salvation is available to everyone who receives the grace of Jesus Christ through faith and repentance5.
1) Mark 16:16; John 3:16-18, 5:22-30, 9:39, 12:47-50; Romans 5:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
2) Romans 6:23; Acts 16:30-33
3) John 6:44, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:20, 5:2; Ephesians 2:5,8-9; Titus 3:5
4) Galatians 3:26; Titus 3:5; Romans 3:24; Titus 3:7; Hebrews 10:14; Philippians 3:21
5) Mark 1:15; John 3:16, 6:28-29; Acts 2:38; Romans 1:16, 10:9; Hebrews 11:6; 1 John 5:1
1) Mark 16:16; John 3:16-18, 5:22-30, 9:39, 12:47-50; Romans 5:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
2) Romans 6:23; Acts 16:30-33
3) John 6:44, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:20, 5:2; Ephesians 2:5,8-9; Titus 3:5
4) Galatians 3:26; Titus 3:5; Romans 3:24; Titus 3:7; Hebrews 10:14; Philippians 3:21
5) Mark 1:15; John 3:16, 6:28-29; Acts 2:38; Romans 1:16, 10:9; Hebrews 11:6; 1 John 5:1
ABOUT SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification is the process in which the Holy Spirit forms and shapes us into the image of Jesus Christ in all we do, think, and desire1. It is the process by which we grow in our strength to repent from and resist sin by God’s grace, and this process continues throughout the Christian life2. Sanctification is the result of salvation, not a cause or contributing factor to salvation3.
1) John 17:17; Ephesians 4:20-24; Philippians 1:6, 2:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:23;
2) 1 Timothy 4:6-10; Acts 20:32; Romans 6:11,19; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 3:13-14
3) Romans 6:1-11; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 2:9-10; Hebrews 10:14; Titus 3:5
1) John 17:17; Ephesians 4:20-24; Philippians 1:6, 2:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:23;
2) 1 Timothy 4:6-10; Acts 20:32; Romans 6:11,19; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 3:13-14
3) Romans 6:1-11; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 2:9-10; Hebrews 10:14; Titus 3:5
What We Practice
Based on what the Bible teaches and who we are as theCHURCH, we feel very strongly about the following practices:
A Self-Governing and Interdependent Church.
“Christ is the head of his body, the church.” – Colossians 1:18
Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious denomination. While recognizing the value of associating or cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe that every local church should be self-governing.
We also recognize the value of interdependence among our campus locations. Depending upon one another is necessary for maintaining unity throughout our different locations. Staying true to what we believe and practice, sharing resources and support, making things work in different cultures and contexts, holding each other accountable, and working toward our common vision and mission means we need to depend on one another – while still being able to make our own decisions. This is at the heart of what it means to be a self-governing and interdependent church.
Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious denomination. While recognizing the value of associating or cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe that every local church should be self-governing.
We also recognize the value of interdependence among our campus locations. Depending upon one another is necessary for maintaining unity throughout our different locations. Staying true to what we believe and practice, sharing resources and support, making things work in different cultures and contexts, holding each other accountable, and working toward our common vision and mission means we need to depend on one another – while still being able to make our own decisions. This is at the heart of what it means to be a self-governing and interdependent church.
Believers Baptism.
“Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith…” – Colossians 2:12
We practice believers baptism, meaning that baptism is appropriately administered by full immersion and only to those who give a thoughtful profession of faith in Jesus Christ. We believe that baptism comes after faith in Jesus, rather than before.
We practice believers baptism, meaning that baptism is appropriately administered by full immersion and only to those who give a thoughtful profession of faith in Jesus Christ. We believe that baptism comes after faith in Jesus, rather than before.
Monthly Communion.
“...do this in remembrance of me.” – Luke 22:19
We practice communion on the first Sunday of every month. We believe communion is a reminder and a celebration of all that Jesus has done for us in His atoning death. The bread is symbolic of His body broken for us; the wine is symbolic of His blood shed for us.
We practice communion on the first Sunday of every month. We believe communion is a reminder and a celebration of all that Jesus has done for us in His atoning death. The bread is symbolic of His body broken for us; the wine is symbolic of His blood shed for us.
Orderly Worship.
“But all things should be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40
We practice an orderly worship service that promotes unity in the church. While we see the value and the benefit of using the various spiritual gifts God gives his people, in our worship services we strive to make it easier for people to know Jesus by creating an irresistible environment that the churched, the unchurched and the de-churched all desire to be a part of. We see the work of the Holy Spirit in our planning as much as our meeting together. Our services consist of welcome, music, preaching, prayer, and sharing vision.
We practice an orderly worship service that promotes unity in the church. While we see the value and the benefit of using the various spiritual gifts God gives his people, in our worship services we strive to make it easier for people to know Jesus by creating an irresistible environment that the churched, the unchurched and the de-churched all desire to be a part of. We see the work of the Holy Spirit in our planning as much as our meeting together. Our services consist of welcome, music, preaching, prayer, and sharing vision.
The Unity of Scripture.
“Then [Jesus] said to them, ‘these are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’” – Luke 24:44
We believe that the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is one unified story pointing to Jesus. All of God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ and applied to God’s people, the church. The story ends with Jesus and his church inheriting the new heaven and the new earth. We teach and practice the unity of Scripture.
We believe that the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is one unified story pointing to Jesus. All of God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ and applied to God’s people, the church. The story ends with Jesus and his church inheriting the new heaven and the new earth. We teach and practice the unity of Scripture.
Unique Leadership Roles.
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:27
We believe that both men and women were created in the image of God, to be used and valued in God’s church according to their gifting. While we believe that the role of pastor or overseer is reserved for called and qualified men (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1), we practice unique leadership roles that allow men and women to lead in all other areas of ministry within the church, including the role of bible teaching. Both men and women have unique, God-given roles, and we are committed to living those roles out with humility, honor, and a spirit of teamwork.
We believe that both men and women were created in the image of God, to be used and valued in God’s church according to their gifting. While we believe that the role of pastor or overseer is reserved for called and qualified men (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1), we practice unique leadership roles that allow men and women to lead in all other areas of ministry within the church, including the role of bible teaching. Both men and women have unique, God-given roles, and we are committed to living those roles out with humility, honor, and a spirit of teamwork.
Local Outreach.
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” – Jeremiah 29:7
While we see the value in, and support, global outreach initiatives, there are people who don’t know that they can know Jesus right in our own backyard. We practice local community outreach first and foremost as our means of making disciples right here at the “end of the earth” (Acts 13:47).
While we see the value in, and support, global outreach initiatives, there are people who don’t know that they can know Jesus right in our own backyard. We practice local community outreach first and foremost as our means of making disciples right here at the “end of the earth” (Acts 13:47).