FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH

The Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God without error in its original writings, given by God as a revelation of Himself and as our final authority for faith and practice in knowing Him and how to live in a manner pleasing to Him. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Peter 1:20-21

God the Spirit was sent by Jesus Christ following His ascension, to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment, and to be the agent of salvation and the seal of our redemption. He glorifies the Son by reminding us of all that Jesus taught. The Spirit supplies each believer with conviction, power, and spiritual gifting that enables him to live in a manner that honors God and bears spiritual fruit. John 3:3-6, Titus 3:4-7, Ephesians 1:13-14, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, John 16:13-15

All who have received Jesus Christ as an atonement of their sins through faith and repentance are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and placed into the true Church, the Body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 1 Peter 2:1-10, Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:13-22, 4:1-16, Colossians 1:17-18

Biblical marriage is exclusively the union of one man with one woman. This is God’s only prescribed design for marriage, and is sacred not only in its practice according to God’s plan and design, but also in its portrayal of the union between Christ and His church. Genesis 2:18-25, Matthew 19:4-6, Ephesians 5:22-23 God created mankind as male and female, both made in the image of God, with equal worth and with distinct roles. Though sin has had its effect and consequences on the human race, God’s plan and design in His creation of two distinct and complementary genders determined at the birth of an individual is to be honored and upheld according to His sovereign purpose. Genesis 1:26-27, 2:20-23, Matthew 19:4 God’s design for sexual intimacy is for one man with one woman within the context of their marriage. God’s Word makes clear that adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual behavior, bestiality, incest, and the use of pornography is considered sinful and contrary to the will of God. Matthew 5:27-32, 15:18-20, Romans 1:15-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Timothy 1:8-11, Hebrews 13:4, Jude 6-7

God is One God existing in three Persons as Father, Son, and Spirit. Each Person manifests to an infinite degree the exact same attributes. He is the Creator of every good thing, and He rules as sovereign over His entire universe to accomplish all of His purposes. Genesis 1:1-2,26, Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 9:6, Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 1:1-3

Man and woman were created in the image of God, yet chose to rebel against God's authority. Hence the entire human race came under the curse of sin, completely separated from God, and in need of receiving spiritual life so as to be restored in relationship with God and fulfill the purpose for which mankind was created. Genesis 3:24, Romans 3:23, 5:12, 18, 6:23, Ephesians 2:1-3

The universal church has its visibility and expression in local church congregations. Each of these are to function under the headship and authority of Christ, forming communities that live out the Great Commandment and carry out the Great Commission given by Christ. With Christ as the Chief Shepherd, each local church is to recognize and follow spiritual authority and leadership invested in those who are set apart based on scriptural qualification and gifting. Mark 12:28-31, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, 6:1-6 Book of Acts, 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9,

Jesus Christ will one day return to the earth to receive in a bodily resurrection all those who have believed in Him for eternal salvation, and to defeat Satan and bring everlasting judgment upon those who have rejected Him. John 5:25-29, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Revelation 20:10-15

Jesus Christ, God the Son, became the God-Man by willingly coming to earth, taking the form of a servant in the body of a human child. He was born of a virgin, conceived miraculously by the Holy Spirit of God. He grew as an individual, tempted as we are, yet without sin, and provided the eternally sufficient atoning sacrifice for the salvation of those who believe in Him. He was crucified, buried, and He arose from the dead, shortly thereafter ascending back into heaven where presently He intercedes for His followers. Matthews 1:18-23, Luke 2:8-12, John 1:1-2,14, Galatians 4:4-5, Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 4:15

Only through the atoning blood of Christ can a man, woman, or child be saved from the sin they committed against God. Repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ alone, His work on the cross and His resurrection from the grave brings eternal salvation. John 1:12, 3:16, 14:6, Acts 4:12, Romans 1:16, Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:4-6

The Lord Jesus Christ commanded His followers to observe two symbolic ordinances, which we as His church practice in obedience to our Lord. Baptism is a witness to a person's salvation from sin, picturing our identification with Christ's death, burial and resurrection as we in saving faith have died and been buried to our old life of sin, and raised to walk in the newness of Christ's life in us. The Lord's Table is a memorial and celebration of Christ's death on our behalf, and is to be partaken of regularly until He returns to gather His people. Matthew 28:19-20, Luke 23:14-20, Romans 6:1-11, 1 Corinthians 11:23-34