We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16).  Both Old and New Testaments were recorded under the supervision of the Holy Spirit (2 Pet.1:20, 21) so as to provide an infallible and inerrant record of God’s Word (Prov. 30:5, 6).  This record has been supernaturally preserved by God (Isa. 40:8; Mt. 24:35; 1 Pet. 1:23-25). God’s Word is absolute Truth (Jn. 17:17; 2 Tim. 2:15) and provides our only rule for faith and practice (Ps. 119:105; Isa. 55:11; Rom. 16:26; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17).  Further, we believe that the King James Version of the Bible is the preserved Word of God.  It is the sole version of the Bible used for the preaching and teaching of the scriptures from the pulpit and in the classroom.

We believe in the one true and eternal God (Deut. 6:4; Isa. 44:6, 8; 45:5, 6) Who has revealed Himself by three distinct Persons, identical in essence (Jn. 4:24) yet separate in personality: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Mt. 3:16, 17; 28:19, 20; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Pet. 1:2; 1 Jn. 5:7).  The God of the Bible is sovereign over His creation (Deut. 4:39; Josh. 2:11).  He is omniscient (1 Sam. 16:7; Jer. 51:15; Acts 15:18; Rom. 11:33, 34), omnipotent (Gen. 18:14; Job 42:2; Mt. 19:26; Rev. 19:6), omnipresent (Ps. 139:7-16; Jer. 23:23, 24; Acts 17:24-28), and immutable (Ps. 33:11; Heb. 6:17, 18; Jam. 1:17).  God is the perfection of holiness (Lev. 19:2; Deut. 32:4; Isa. 6:3; Hab. 1:12, 13; Rev. 4:8) and love (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8; Eph. 2:4, 5; 2 Thes. 2:16; 1 Jn. 4:8, 19).

We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal God (Jn. 1:1, 2; 8:58; 10:30; Col. 2:9).  This same Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14; Mt. 1:20-23) that He might take upon Himself the form of man (Jn. 1:14; Rom. 8:3; Phil. 2:6-8).  By His sinless life (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15) and sacrificial death (Isa. 53:4-6; Jn. 1:29; Heb. 9:26), Christ made atonement for the sins of the world (Rom. 3:24, 25; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 1 Jn. 2:2). Christ was literally raised from the dead three days following His death and burial (Rom. 6:4; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; Col. 2:12), ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9), and is set down on the right hand of the Father (Eph. 1:20; Heb. 1:3) where He remains as our heavenly Advocate and High Priest (1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 4:14; 1 Jn. 2:1).

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the eternal God (Acts 5:3, 4).  The role of the Holy Spirit in the world is to bring conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment (Jn. 16:8-11).  The Holy Spirit testifies of Christ (Jn. 15:26) and brings new life to all who believe (Jn. 3:5, 6; Titus 3:5). Upon salvation, the Holy Spirit indwells every believer (Jn. 7:39; 14:16, 17; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Tim. 1:14) and seals him until the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13; 4:30).  The Holy Spirit then becomes the believer’s guide into all truth (Jn. 16:13; 1 Jn. 2:20, 27), bringing understanding of God’s Word (1 Cor. 2:19-13). It is the believer’s responsibility to be filled (controlled) by the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:16; Eph. 5:18) and so demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22, 23).  The Holy Spirit bestows at least one spiritual gift upon each believer (1 Cor. 12:4-11) for the work of the ministry and the edification of the local church (Eph. 4:11-16).

We believe that salvation is a free gift (Rom. 5:15-18; 6:23) extended by God’s grace apart from any effort of man (Eph. 2:8, 9; 2 Tim. 1:9; Tit. 3:5) through the Law (Rom. 3:20). All mankind is in desperate need of the gift of eternal life (Rom. 3:9-19) and it is offered to the whole world (Jn. 3:16, 17) on the merits of Christ’s sacrificial death and shed blood (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19). As the sinless Lamb of God, Jesus Christ took upon Himself the just penalty for the sins of all mankind: death (Jn. 1:29; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 2:9; 1 Pet. 2:21-25).  By His resurrection, Jesus Christ afforded mankind the opportunity to be justified in God’s eyes and fully reconciled to Him (Rom. 4:25; 5:1, 8-10; 2 Cor. 5:18, 19).  There is no other Savior but Jesus Christ (Jn. 14:6; Acts 4:12) and there is no other salvation save that which is offered by God’s grace (Rom. 3:21-28). This salvation can only be received by repentance and faith (Acts 20:21; Rom. 10:9, 10, 13). Our salvation is eternally secure in Christ (Rom. 8:33-39; 1 Jn. 5:11-13) and the believer is kept by God (1 Pet. 1:3-6), no longer under His just condemnation (Jn. 3:36; 5:24; Rom. 8:1).

We believe that every believer has been chosen by God unto salvation (Eph. 1:4; 2 Thes. 2:13).  This act of predestination (Eph. 1:5, 11) is rooted in God’s sovereign foreknowledge (Rom. 8:29; 1 Pet. 1:2).  Those whom God foreknew would believe the gospel, He called unto Himself by the conviction of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 16: 7-11; Rom. 8:30; 1 Pet. 2:9).  This foreknowledge provides the basis of the believer’s election (1 Thes. 1:4; 2 Pet. 1:10).  All believers are thus referred to as “God’s elect” (Rom. 8:33). Election verifies God’s sovereign call of grace upon the believer (Rom. 11:5, 6) without violating the independent exercise of man’s free will (Jn. 1:12; Rom. 10:13).

We believe that separation, or Biblical sanctification, is the will of God for every believer (1 Thes. 4:3).  At salvation, the believer is set apart unto God and is to live a life of personal holiness (Lev. 11:44; 1 Pet. 1:15, 16).  Separation from the world and conformity to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit is the ultimate objective of God for each Christian (Rom. 12:1, 2; Eph. 2:10; Col. 3:1-17; 2 Pet. 1:3-8). Only by renewing the mind through the Word of God can the believer put off the old nature and put on the new nature (Eph. 4:17-32) so that he might glorify God with his life (1 Cor. 6:19, 20).

We believe in a literal heaven where God has established His eternal throne (Deut. 26:15; 1 Kings 8:30; Ps. 11:4; Acts 7:49).  This is the “third heaven” (2 Cor. 12:2-4), located above the first (Acts 4:24) and second (Mt. 24:29) heavens (earth’s atmosphere and the universe, respectively), and beyond the view of mortal man.  It is in this place that Christ has gone to prepare a place for believers (Jn. 14:2, 3; Heb. 11:16) and currently sits at the right hand of the Father (Heb. 1:3; 8:1). Upon death, the believer’s soul is ushered immediately into heaven (2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23).

We believe in a literal hell of perpetual fire and torment (Mt. 13:42, 50; Mk. 9:43-48; Lk. 16:22-24). It is a place of darkness (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6) and everlasting punishment (Mt. 25:46). Hell was originally prepared for the devil and his angels (Mt. 25:14).  While hell is also the abode of all who reject the gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Thes. 1:8, 9), God is not willing that any should go there (2 Pet. 3:9). After the final judgment, the unbelievers will be cast into the lake of fire, a place of eternal torment (Rev. 20:10-15).

We believe that the New Testament church is a local assembly of baptized believers (Acts 2:41) gathering for the purpose of fulfilling Christ’s commission of world evangelization and discipleship (Mt. 28:19, 20; Mk. 16:15). The New Testament church was established by Christ during His earthly ministry (Mt. 16:18) and empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 1:8). Christ remains the Head of His church (Eph. 1:22, 23; Col. 1:18) and has promised its perpetuity until His return (Mt. 16:18; 28:18, 20). The New Testament church is the “pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15) and the sole institution set for the proclamation of the gospel (Mt. 28:18-20), discipleship of the saints (Acts 2:41, 42; Eph. 4:11, 12) and defense of the faith (Jude 3). The local New Testament church represents the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27). Each member is fitly joined to the whole by the providence of God (Eph. 4:16; 1 Cor. 12:18). The believer is commanded to assemble regularly with his local church (Heb. 10:24, 25).

We believe there are only two ordinances observed by the local New Testament church today: baptism (Mt. 28:19) and the Lord’s Supper (Lk. 22:19, 20). Baptism always follows conversion (Acts 2:41; 8:35-38; 16:30-33) and identifies the new believer symbolically with Christ (Rom. 6:3-6).  Baptism is the means by which the believer is joined in membership to the local church (Acts 2:41). As this ordinance was given solely to Christ’s local New Testament church, we recognize only those baptisms performed by churches of like faith and order.  The Lord’s Supper is a memorial of the broken body and shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 11:24, 25) and reflects the believer’s communion with His Savior (Jn. 6:53-56; 1 Cor. 10:16).  This ordinance is to be observed by the local church until Christ’s return (1 Cor. 11:26).  Only those who are saved, baptized (Acts 2:41, 42) and in right relation to Christ (1 Cor. 11:27-29) may participate. While the Lord’s Supper is a local church ordinance, we do not discriminate against those of like faith and order who happen upon our assembly and meet the aforementioned requirements. This is in keeping with the personal and individual nature of this observance (1 Cor. 11:28), Christ’s prayer in John 17:20-23, the spirit of 1 Corinthians 11:17, 18, 33, and the example of Paul and his companions in Acts 20:7-11.

We believe that there are three offices represented within the local New Testament church today: evangelist, pastor (Eph. 4:11), and deacon (Phil. 1:1). The evangelist is literally “one who preaches the gospel” and fulfills the role of the modern missionary or church-planter (Acts 13; 14; 15:36, 41). The pastor has the responsibility of shepherding God’s flock (1 Pet. 5:1-4).  Also called “bishop” or “elder”, these designations for the pastor represent different aspects or functions of the same office. The qualifications of the pastor are given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. The deacon, literally “a servant”, was instituted as an office to assist with the temporal needs of the church (Acts 6:1-6). The qualifications of the deacon are listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.

We believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit are functional in nature and fall into three separate categories: support gifts, sign gifts and service gifts. The support gifts (Eph. 4:11) are represented by the offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor. The apostle and prophet were foundational gifts and no longer are viable today (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 2:20).  The sign gifts of miracles, healing, and tongues (1 Cor. 12:9, 10) were intended for the supernatural spread and confirmation of the gospel (Mk. 16:17-20; Acts 14:3; Heb. 2:4). With the completion of the scriptures, these gifts were no longer necessary (1 Cor. 13:8-10). The service gifts such as helps, governments, teaching, giving, mercy, and exhortation (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:28) provide the necessary services for the strengthening and progress of the church (1 Cor. 12:7; Eph. 4:16).

We believe that the worship of God is central to man’s existence (1 Chr. 16:23-29; Acts 17:24-29) and is the purpose for which he was created (Eccl. 12:13; 1 Cor. 10:31).  This worship is reserved for God alone (Exo. 34:14; Deut. 6:13; Mt. 4:10; Lk. 4:8) and is forbidden of man (Acts 10:25, 26; 14:11-18) and angels (Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10; 22:8, 9). Genuine worship is in spirit and in truth reflecting the nature and character of God (Josh. 24:14; Jn. 4:24).  Genuine  worship exalts the holiness of God (Ps. 29:2; 95:6; 96:8, 9). It is motivated by a love which allows for no rival to its affections (Deut. 6:4, 5; Mt. 22:37, 38; Mk. 12:29, 30) and is willing to pay the cost (2 Sam. 24:24). Such worship is also anchored in God’s truth which permits no substitute (Exo. 20:3-5; Deut. 5:7-9; Heb. 12:28, 29).

We believe that Satan is a real and personal being whose proper name is Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-15). Satan is a created angelic being, likely a cherub, who was cast from heaven for the sin of pride (Eze. 28:11-19). As the originator of sin (1 Jn. 3:8), Satan is now the “god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4) and “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2). He is the father of lies (Jn. 8:44) and a master of deception (2 Cor. 11:13- 15).  Satan stands in direct opposition to the believer (Eph. 6:12-17) as a tempter (Mt. 4:1-11), an adversary (1 Pet. 5:8) and an accuser (Rev. 12:8).  Satan will ultimately be vanquished and cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10).

We believe that angels are real and personal beings created by God for His purposes (Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:7). In the Old Testament, angels were referred to as “the sons of God” (Job 1:6; 2:1).  They are capable of taking human form (Gen. 19:1-5; Heb. 13:2) and serve at the bidding of the Lord (1 Pet. 3:22). A third of the angelic host followed Satan (Rev. 12:4) and was cast from heaven to await judgment (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6).

We believe in the literal creation of the universe by a supernatural act of God (Gen. 1:1; Ps. 8:3; 19:1- 6; Heb. 11:3). This act of creation was completed over a period of six literal days with God resting upon the seventh (Gen. 1:3-2:3; Exo. 20:11). Jesus Christ, Himself, was instrumental in the creation of all things (Jn. 1:1-3; Col. 1:16, 17; Heb. 1:2, 3).

We believe in a world-wide flood that destroyed all life upon the earth save those within the ark (Gen. 7:17-23).  This cataclysmic event was foretold and enacted by God Himself for the sins of the world (Gen. 6:13, 17; 2 Pet. 2:5). Noah and his family alone were spared along with a specified number of all living creatures (Gen. 6:18-21; 7:1-3; Heb. 11:7) by entering into an ark designed by God and built by Noah (Gen. 6:14-16; 1 Pet. 3:20). Following the flood, God placed a rainbow in the clouds to signify His promise never again to destroy the world with a flood (Gen. 9:11-13).

We believe that God created man in His spiritual, moral, and mental image in a state of perfect innocence (Gen. 1:26, 27; 2:7, 25). Through Adam’s disobedience, the whole human race fell, inherited a sinful nature (Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12) and became alienated from God (Gen. 3:8; Col. 1:21). Man is now under the just condemnation of death (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:21, 22), physically (Gen. 5:5), spiritually (Eph. 2:1), and eternally (Rev. 20:14).

We believe that human life begins at conception (Ps. 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; Jer. 1:5) and the termination of a pregnancy constitutes murder (Exo. 20:13). God hates the shedding of innocent blood (Prov. 6:16-19).

We believe that marriage is a covenant of companionship (Mal. 2:14-16) between a man and a woman as ordained by God (Gen. 2:21-24; Mt. 19:4, 5; Mk. 10:6, 7). The marriage relationship represents a picture of Jesus Christ and His Church (Eph. 5:31, 32) and as such was intended to remain indisoluble until the death of one of the partners (Mt. 19:6; Mk. 10:9; Rom. 7:1-3). While God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16) and commands married couples to be reconciled rather than divorced (1 Cor. 7:10, 11), He has made provision for divorce due to the sinfulness of man’s heart (Mt. 19:7, 8; Mk. 10:2-5).  There are only two grounds for divorce given in scripture: fornication (Mt. 19:9) and abandonment by an unbeliever (1 Cor. 7:12-15). Remarriage outside of these limitations is considered adultery (Mk. 10:11, 12). Marriage was intended by God for the purposes of companionship (Gen. 2:18), procreation (Gen. 1:28; Ps. 127:3-5) and avoidance of fornication (1 Cor. 7:2, 5, 9). Sexual relations outside the marriage relationship constitute fornication (Heb. 13:4). The sins of homosexuality, lesbianism, transgenderism, bisexuality, incest, bestiality, adultery, and pornography are all condemned in scripture (Lev. 18; Rom. 1:26, 27; 1 Cor. 5:1, 2; 6:16-18).

We believe that civil government was instituted and ordained by Divine authority for the punishment of evil (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-16). It is the believer’s responsibility before God to respect civil government and submit himself to its authority (Lk. 20:25) in a quiet and peaceable manner for the sake of the gospel (1 Tim. 2:1-4; Tit. 3:1, 2). Such submission should be maintained in so far as civil authority does not overstep its God-given bounds and conflict directly with the will of God clearly stated in scripture (Acts 4:19, 20; 5:29).

We believe that the responsibility for the education of our children chiefly rests with the parent (Deut. 6: 7-9; Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4). A Bible-based education in a godly environment (Ps. 1:1, 2) is necessary in helping children to avoid the corrupting influence of the world and its philosophy (Prov. 19:27; Col. 2:8).

We believe that the Jews are God’s chosen people (Deut. 7:6). It was by means of the Jewish people that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, was introduced into the world (Deut. 18:15, 18; Mt. 1:1-25; Jn. 1:41).  The coming of Jesus Christ was in partial fulfillment of God’s covenant promise to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3; Gal. 3:8). By faith in Christ, the Gentiles likewise share in the blessings of this covenant (Rom. 4:9-16).  National Israel remains “the apple of [God’s] eye” (Zech. 2:8). Though a spiritual veil of blindness has settled over the Jewish people in general, causing them to reject the claims of Jesus Christ, that veil one day shall be lifted (Rom. 11:8; 2 Cor. 3:14-16) and a remnant will return in faith to the One “Whom they have pierced” (Zech. 12:10). This will take place during the Great Tribulation, or “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer. 30:7).

We believe in the imminent (Mt. 24:42, 44; Phil. 4:5), bodily (Acts 1:11), pretribulational (2 Thes. 2:3- 12) return of the Lord Jesus Christ for His saints (Jn. 14:1-4). Referred to as the Rapture (“a catching away”), this event will precede the Tribulation of Revelation 6-19.  The Rapture will be marked by the resurrection of all saints of the Church Age, past and present (1 Thes. 4:13-18), unto immortality and incorruption (1 Cor. 15:42-54).  This resurrection will culminate in the general assembly of the church of Jesus Christ in glory (Heb. 12:22, 23). We further believe in Christ’s premillenial return to Jerusalem (Zech. 14:4) following the great battle at Armageddon (Rev. 16:16) at the close of the Tribulation (Rev. 19:11-21). At that time Christ will establish His earthly, millennial reign (Rev. 20:4-6) from the throne of David (Isa. 9:6, 7; Jer. 23:5, 6).

We believe that God shall provide for the saints of all time a new heaven and new earth (2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1). The center piece of this new creation will be the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:2) in which God will dwell among His people (Rev. 21:3). The establishment of these things will follow the destruction of the old heaven and earth with fire (2 Pet. 3:10-12) and the final judgment of the unbelievers of all time (Rev. 20:11-15). A description of the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem are recorded in Revelation 21:1-22:5.

The Bible is recognized as the sole rule for faith and practice. All other writings, personalities, and traditions have no binding authority upon the New Testament church.  Scripture: Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:3, 4, 19-21.

The local New Testament church answers solely to Christ and His Word not any other church or governing body. The New Testament church of Jesus Christ is independent of denominational ties. Scripture: Acts 2:41-47; 13:1-3; 14:26-28; 1 Timothy 3:15.

In Jesus Christ, every believer is considered a “priest”. No other human instrumentality is needed to attain grace or forgiveness. Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Peter 2:4, 5, 9.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the two ordinances Jesus Christ left behind for His church to observe. These two ordinances illustrate the sacrifice of our Lord and provide the believer with a means to identify with and remember this sacrifice. Scripture: Matthew 28:19, 20; Luke 22:19, 20; Acts 2:41; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

Every person is responsible for his own relationship with God. Each individual must give an account of themselves before God. This accountability is the sole responsibility of the individual. Scripture: Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11-15.

The believer is sanctified (set apart) unto God. As such, he is to be separated from worldly influences, sinful practices and erroneous teachings. Scripture: Proverbs 19:27; Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Colossians 2:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:3.

There are three offices provided within the local New Testament church: 

1. The evangelist (“a preacher of the gospel”) – this office is the Biblical equivalent of the modern missionary or church-planter. 

2. The pastor/teacher – this office represents the shepherd of the local church. This office is also referred to as “bishop” and “elder”, reflecting the functional variety of the office. 

3. The deacon (“a servant”) – this office cares for the temporal affairs of the local church in a support role. 

Scripture: Acts 6:1-6; Ephesians 4:11, 12; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-3.

The local church consists only of saved and baptized individuals. While unbelievers are welcomed within the church, only baptized believers comprise its membership. Scripture: Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3.