what we believe

 

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Mission Statement and Core Values

Our Vision

To lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

 

Our Mission

To partner with people to know God, find freedom, discover purpose and make a difference.
 
 

Core Values

Authentic
Living out with integrity what is true, honest, and right (Philippians 4:8)
 
Relevant
Practical truth that is usable, grace-filled and uncompromising (Hebrews 4:12)
 
Enjoyable
Celebrating life together and giving God thanks in all things (Ephesians 5:20)
 
Diverse
We value others, without exception, and serve them wholeheartedly (Philippians 2:3)
 
Generous
With eager willingness, we wholeheartedly give ourselves to God and others (2 Corinthians 9:13)

About God

God is an uncreated spirit -the Creator, Redeemer and Ruler of the universe. He has always existed in three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26-27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14;1 Peter 1:2

 

About the Lord Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, co-equal with the Father. He lived a sinless human life, teaching people the true potential of a human life surrendered to the Spirit of God and offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He became alive again after being dead three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He’s the Head of the church and the only way to God and eternal life. He went to heaven and now “sits at the right hand of God” until the time He will return to judge the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5; 14:6-30; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4;1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15

 

About the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.
John 14:16-17; 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13; 5:18

 

About Communication from God

The Bible is God’s message to all people. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, to reveal God’s character, to show us the true nature of humanity and to teach us how to fully live life both now and for eternity. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. The original documents did not contain any errors. God has provided an avalanche of evidence to support what He claims in the Bible. God also communicates through the Holy Spirit, prayer, circumstances and His church, but these will never conflict with the truth He’s already communicated in the Bible.
Psalm 12:6; 119:105,160; Proverbs 30:5; 1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21

 

About being Human

Humans are made in the image of God to enjoy fellowship with Him and other people. Humanity is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although humans have tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. This attitude separates us from God and renders us incapable of regaining a right relationship with God through our own effort alone. We can only reach our highest potential by being reconciled to God.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; 59:1-2; Romans 3:23

 

About Salvation

Salvation is being right with God. It means having your sins forgiven rather than punished. It means that God’s Spirit lives within you and helps you become a real person. It means you will enjoy living in the presence of God forever after you die. Salvation is God’s free gift to everyone who puts his or her faith in Jesus.
Matthew 5:3-11; John 14:1-2; Romans 5:1; 6:23; Titus 3:5

 

About Becoming a Christian

People can never make up for their sin by self-improvement or doing good deeds. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can a person be saved from sin’s penalty, which is death. The Bible says we are saved by grace through faith. Therefore to become a follower of Christ, one needs to admit to God that he or she is a sinner in need of God’s grace and forgiveness. That person needs to pledge in faith that they want to stop sinning and start living like Christ. Through faith they must accept that Jesus paid the penalty for their sin by dying on the cross and that they are being saved because Jesus came back from the dead. After that, just like the Bible says, each believer should be “buried with Christ in baptism” and raised to live a new life as a Christ-follower.
John 14:6; Acts 2:38; 8:34-39; 22:16; Romans 5:1-2; 6:1-7; Galatians 3:26-27; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:12; Titus 3:5

 

About Living as a Christian

The Christian life is the best way to live. God desires for people to live the highest quality life possible. Once one becomes a Christian, it’s like getting married to Jesus. We fall in love with Him and want to do the things that please Him. We begin a long process of getting rid of sin and becoming more like Jesus. However, the only way possible to live like a spouse of Jesus is through God’s power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right.
Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:16-18; Ephesians 5:1-18; Philippians 2:12-13

 

About the Church

The Church is a divinely instituted body, given the mission of strategically and effectively pursuing God’s purpose on earth. Each local church is God’s primary means of bringing His people to spiritual maturity and equipping them for the work of ministry. The church is a gathering place for love, support, encouragement, accountability, service, worship, growth and mission with people who share a common bond in Christ.
Matthew 16:18; 22:34-40; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2:42-47; Ephesians 4:11-16

 

About the Christian Mission

Jesus is the Light of the world. Christians must not keep the Light to themselves. We are commanded to let the Light shine to everyone. It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with. Therefore, we should practice sharing our faith in Christ and inviting friends to church.
Matthew 28:18-20; John 15:5; 1 Peter 3:15

 

About Marriage

Marriage is defined in the Bible as a covenant, a sacred bond between one man and one woman, instituted by and publicly entered into before God.
Matthew 19:4-6

 

About Temporary Things and Eternal Things

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell.
John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15