Tenets of Faith

The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice.   This doctrinal statement is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us—(i.e., that we all speak the same thing, (1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42). The phraseology used in this statement is not inspired, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a full-gospel ministry.  No claim is made that it contains all Biblical truth, only that it covers our need as to these fundamental doctrines.

 The Trinity

We believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the one true God who has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent “I Am,” the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind.   (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10, 11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22)

 Jesus Christ

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, dead, buried, resurrected and ascended into Heaven, and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father, and is true God and true man.  (Matthew 1:18-24; Luke 1:31, 35; Matthew 27:32; Luke 23:53; Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 15:4; Acts 1:9, 11; Acts 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3)

The Bible

We believe the Bible in its entirety to be the inspired Word of God and the infallible rule of faith and conduct.  (2 Timothy 3: 15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21)

 Eternity

We believe in the resurrection of the dead, the eternal happiness of the saved, and the eternal punishment of the lost.  (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51,52; Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21:8)

Salvation

We believe in personal salvation of believers through the shed blood of Jesus Christ; that the inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16), and that the outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness.  (Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12).  (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; Titus 3:5-7)

Sanctification

We believe in sanctification through the Word of God by the Holy Spirit, and in personal holiness of heart and life.   (Romans 12:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15,16; Romans 6:1-11, 13; Romans 8:1,2, 13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12; 1 Peter 1:5)

 Healing

We believe in divine healing, through faith in the Name of Jesus Christ and that healing is included in the Atonement.  (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; James 5:14-16)

Baptism in Water and by  the Spirit

We believe in water baptism, the baptism in the Holy Spirit as distinct from the new birth, in speaking with tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance, in the gifts of the Spirit, and the evidence of the fruit of the Spirit.  We believe all are available to the believer that God might be glorified.  (Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:16; Acts 10: 47,48; Romans 6:4; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; Acts 8:12-17; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 11:14-16; Acts 15:7-9; Acts 2:4; Galatians 5:22,23)

 Second Coming

We believe in the Christian’s hope: the soon coming, personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ.  (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27,30; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 19:11-14; Revelation 20:1-6)

 Body of Christ

We believe that the Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission.  Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the General Assembly and the church of the Firstborn, which are written in Heaven.  (Ephesians 1:22,23; Ephesians 2:22; Hebrews 12:23)

 Ordinances of the Church

We believe in the Ordinances of the Church as follows:

1.     Baptism in water   The ordinance of baptism by immersion is ordained in the Scriptures.  All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized.   Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ, and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life.  (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47,48; Romans 6:4)

2.     Holy Communion   The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements—bread and the fruit of the vine—is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:14); a memorial of His suffering and death (1 Corinthians 11:26); and is enjoined on believers "till He comes!"