BELIEFS
We embrace biblical and historical Christianity as expressed in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as
summarized by the Nicene and Apostles Creeds, and the Westminster Confession of Faith. Additionally, we affirm
the five tenets of the Reformation, which are: scripture alone, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone,
and to God alone be the glory.
GOD is one (Mark 12:29), yet THE BIBLE is the inspired Word alive when our trust, affections, and authentic faith in Jesus (James 2:17). We
mysteriously exists in three Persons of God. It is without error in its original allegiances center on Him. become more fully human—the very best
(Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), who are manuscripts and contains everything to be equally loved, honored, and adored we need to know about having a right (Matthew 28:19). relationship with God and our fellow
JESUS CHRIST is fully God and all of our essential beliefs (2 Timothy
fully human. He is the sole Mediator able 3:16-17).
resulting alienation, between God and
people (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
THE HOLY SPIRIT is God, the
third Person of the Trinity. He is alive and
active. He indwells followers of Christ,
working in unison with the Word of
God to guide them in all truth. He is the
power that enables Christians to live as
people (also called “salvation”) happens
and most healthy version of ourselves—to
the degree that we follow God’s loving
when the Holy Spirit gives people a new commands. His commands, properly
heart, leading and enabling them to trust understood, are neither limiting nor
in Jesus alone for salvation (John 1:12- oppressive but life-giving. Obedience
13). Because God loves His creation, He to God’s commands is an essential
PEOPLE are created by God and in will also restore the entire universe to a prerequisite for true human flourishing.
the image of God (Genesis 1:27). On this condition of beauty, rest, joy, perfection, basis, all people must be treated with and freedom (Romans 8:18-30). God’s THE CHURCH is the family of God
dignity, honor, love, and respect (James world, which began as a promising and consists of those who place their
3:9-10). At the same time, in their quest Garden (Genesis 1:27-31), will find its functional trust (faith) in Jesus. God
for independence and the centrality of fulfillment in a perfected, life-giving City wants all members of His worldwide
in which there will be no more death, Church, together with their children, to
mourning, crying, or pain (Revelation be active in a local church which meets
human beings. The Bible is the basis for
to restore the broken relationship, and the
RESTORATION between God and
self, all people begin their lives alienated
from God, and in this condition are
without hope and under judgment, a
condition that can only be cured through
21:1-8).
regularly to worship God, serve each
new creations in Christ and empowers God’s loving, gracious, and saving GOOD WORKS do not and cannot other, and be a life-giving presence in
believers for service (John 16:7-14; intervention (Romans 6:23; Ephesians make us acceptable to God (Ephesians their local community and world (Acts
Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 6:17). 2:1). As the image of God, we are most 2:8-9), but are the natural outcome of 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25).
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