While we believe the Bible from “cover to cover”, below is a partial and helpful summary of the many Doctrinal Teachings we affirm. Because the Scriptures are essential and foundational to all Christian worship and living, the doctrine concerning the Word of God is presented first.

1. The Scriptures – Holy Bible

a. By the Scriptures or Holy Bible, we mean the collection of sixty-six books from Genesis to Revelation that comprises the Old and New Testaments.

b. Every word was inspired (breathed out) by God.

c. The Scriptures have their authority from God alone. They are the only perfect, entirely trustworthy, infallible and sufficient standard for faith and practice.

d. The books of the Bible were written by holy men of old, as they were moved (carried along) by the Holy Spirit, such that, the Bible as originally written does not only contain the Word of God, but is the very Word of God.

e. In their original autographs, the Scriptures are wholly true in everything they affirm, whether doctrine or morality or with the social, physical and life sciences.

f. God has preserved His Word for all generations.

g. Bible Reference: Mark 12:26-36 –the Scriptures. John 16:12-13 –the Truth. Acts 1:16 –Both Testaments as Scripture.
1 Corinthians 2:13 – words of God revealed by the Spirit. 2 Timothy 3:16 – all Scripture inspired by God and profitable. 2 Peter 1:21 –men moved by Holy Spirit spoke from God. Deuteronomy 9:10 –stone tablets from God. John 17:17 -God’s Word is Truth. Exodus 24:4 – Moses wrote down the words of the Lord. Deuteronomy 4:2 –prohibition to add or take away from the words of God. Psalm 119 –the blessings of the word of God. Isaiah 40:8 – word of God stands for ever. Hebrews 1:1-2 – God spoke long ago thru prophets. Hebrews 4:12 – power of God’s word. Matthew 5:18 – smallest letter and stroke will not pass away

b. He is an infinite Spirit; self-existent, omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent.

c. He is good, wise, just and merciful.

d. He is creator, preserver and sovereign of the universe.

e. He is inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all honor, confidence and love.

f. The Godhead eternally exists in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are one God, having precisely the same nature, attributes and perfections, who execute distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption, and are worthy of the same homage, confidence and obedience.

g. Bible Reference: Genesis 1:26 – let us make man. Genesis 3:22 – man has become like one of Us. Genesis 11:7 – let Us go down. Isaiah 63:8-10 – Lord, Savior, Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19-20 – Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Mark 12:29 – God is one. John 1:1-4, 14 – God and Jesus as one. Acts 5:3-4 – personhood of Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 13:14 – Jesus, God, Holy Spirit. Hebrews 1:1-3 – Jesus as son and same nature. Revelation 1:4-8 – seven Spirits (Zech 4:2ff), Jesus, Him who was and is and is to come. Isaiah 48:16 – Lord God, His Spirit, Messianic Me. Isaiah 61:1-2 w/ Luke 4:21 – Spirit, Lord God, Jesus. Mark 1:9-11 – Spirit, Son, voice from Heaven at Jesus’ baptism.

b. He is Father to people who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

c. He is Fatherly in His attitude toward all men.

d. Bible Reference: Genesis 1:1 – in the beginning God. Exodus 3:14 – I am who I am. Exodus 6:2-3 – God Almighty and Jehovah. Leviticus 22:2 – Jehovah is holy name. Deuteronomy 6:4 – the Jehovah is our God and is one. 1 Chronicles 29:10 – the Lord is our Father. Psalm 19:1 – the glory of God. Isaiah 43:3, 15 – Lord God, holy, savior, creator, king. Jeremiah 10:10 – true God and everlasting king. Matthew 6:5ff –Heavenly Father hears our prayers. Matthew 7:11 – Heavenly Father gives good gifts. John 4:24 – God is Spirit. Acts 1:7 – the authority of the Father over times and epochs. Romans 8:14-15 – a spiritual Father to the Christian. 1 Corinthians 8:6 – one God the Father who originates all things. Galatians 4:6 – Abba Father. Ephesians 4:6 – one God and Father over all. Colossians 1:15 – invisible God. Hebrews 11:6 – God rewards. 1 Peter 1:17 – Father who impartially judges. 1 John 5:1 – a Father who can be loved. James 1:17 – Father of every good and perfect gift. Matthew 5:45 – rain on just and unjust.

4. God the Son

a. Jesus Christ is the eternal son of God. Born of the Virgin Mary and conceived by the Holy Spirit, Jesus is fully God and fully man.

b. In His humanity, he experienced the sufferings and stresses of man but without sin.

c. He is at the center of all the Scriptures including His person and work, His sacrificial death upon the cross, His bodily resurrection, His triumphant ascension and His coming again.

d. He is Savior of all who repent and believe and is at present the intercessor of all His people at the right hand of the Father, and is to be the judge of all men.

e. Bible Reference: Isaiah 7:14 – virgin gives birth to son, Immanuel. Matthew 1:18ff – save His people. Luke 1:35 – conceived by Holy Spirit and Son of God. John 5:39 – Scriptures testify about Jesus. Acts 17:2-3 – Jesus is the Christ. Acts 18:28 – Scriptures demonstrate Jesus is the Christ. Acts 26:22-23 – Prophets and Moses say the Christ must suffer and be resurrected. Genesis 3:15 – Jesus bruised and Satan destroyed. Psalm 2- The Son reigns, judges and receives worship. John 1:1-18 – the Word with God, was God and became flesh and is in the bosom of the Father. John 10:30 – Jesus and Father are one. Romans 1:1-4 – Jesus declared Son of God. Romans 8:1-4 – God sending His own Son. 1 Corinthians 8:6 – one God, the Father and one Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 4:4 – God sent His Son. Philippians 2:5-11 – form of God, equality with God, form of servant. Colossians 1:13 – His beloved Son. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 – Jesus only mediator. Titus 2:13-14 – God and Savior Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-3 – God speaks thru His Son. Hebrews 9:11-14 – only the Blood of Christ brings redemption. 1 John 1:7 – blood of Jesus the Son cleanses from sin.

5. God the Holy Spirit

a. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. He is a divine personality and the third person of the Trinity.

b. He is present now in the true church for the expressed purpose of revealing Jesus Christ (1) to the members of the church, that they may be comforted, instructed, and built up in their most holy faith and (2) to the world that sinners might be convicted of sin, of righteousness and of judgment.

c. The Holy Spirit gives Spiritual gifts to believers and places them into the Body of Christ.

d. Bible Reference: John 7: 38-39 – indwelling of the Spirit promised. John 14:16-17 – Father sending the Spirit. John 16:13 – Spirit will guide believer into all truth. Acts 1:8 – Holy Spirit empowers for witnessing. 1 Corinthians 12:4, 11 – varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit…distributing…as He wills. 1 Corinthians 12:13 – by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. Genesis 1:2 – The Spirit of God was moving. Judges 14:6 – The Spirit of the LORD came upon Samson. Matthew 1:18, 3:16, 4:1 – The Spirit involved with Jesus birth, baptism and wilderness temptations. Romans 8:9-11 – work of indwelling Spirit. 1 Corinthians 3:16 – you are a temple of God. Galatians 4:6 – the Spirit leads the believer to cry Abba Father. Ephesians 1:13 – redemption secured by sealing work of the Holy Spirit. 1 Timothy 4:1 – the Spirit speaks regarding apostasy. 2 Peter 1:21 – the Holy Spirit guided men to speak from God. 1 John 4:13 – the Spirit gives us assurance of salvation.

6. Man

a. Man was created in the image and after the likeness of God. God created them as male and female.

b. However, Man fell from his high and holy estate through voluntary disobedience, by eating the forbidden fruit, and in consequence, incurred the penalty of death, becoming dead in trespasses and sins and subject to the power of the devil.

c. The spiritual death of Man and the total corruption of human nature have been transmitted to the entire human race (except the man Jesus Christ). Hence every child of Adam is born into the world with a sinful nature.

d. Every man’s only hope is God’s salvation thru Jesus Christ.

e. Bible Reference: Genesis 1:26 – Let us Make man in Our image. Genesis 2:17 – certain death for disobedience. Genesis 6:5 – man’s wickedness and evil heart. Psalm 14:1-3 – corrupt, wayward man. Psalm 51:5 – conceived in sin. Isaiah 64:6-7 – righteous deeds are filthy. Jeremiah 17:9 – deceitful heart. Matthew 16:26 – gain the whole world but forfeit soul. Acts 17:26 – every nation made from one man. Romans 5:12-19 – sin and death came from Adam…grace and life comes from Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:1 – dead in trespasses and sins.

7. Salvation
a. Salvation is by Grace through Faith

i. The great gospel blessing which Christ secures to those who believe in Him is Justification

ii. Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the gift of eternal life.

iii. It is bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely by grace through faith in the Redeemer’s blood. His righteousness is imputed to us.

iv. Bible Reference: Romans 5:1 –justified by faith. Ephesians 2:8, 9 – saved by grace. Acts 13:39 – forgiveness thru Jesus. Titus 2:11-14 – Jesus redeems.

b. Atonement is by the Blood of Christ.

i. Our redemption has been accomplished by the atoning, sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, where He died and shed His blood.

ii. Jesus was made to be sin and the sacrifice of Himself was both acceptable to God and effectual for every sinner who receives Him.

iii. Christ’s atonement was the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner’s place.

iv. Bible Reference: Leviticus 17:11 – life is in the blood. Matthew 26:28 – Jesus blood for forgiveness. Romans 5:6-9 – justified by His blood. 2 Corinthians 5:21 – Jesus became sin for us. Galatians 3:13 – Jesus became a curse. Ephesians 1:7 – redemption through His blood. 1 Peter 1:18, 19 – redeemed by Christ’s blood not silver.

c. Repentance leads to Salvation

i. In repentance, the sinner, having seen their sin, being moved by the conviction of the Holy Spirit, is led to grieve for and hate it as an offence against God

ii. And apprehending the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the sinner lovingly returns to God to walk in the way of His commandments.

iii. Bible Reference: Acts 2:37, 38 – repent and be baptized. Acts 20:21 – repentance and faith. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 – repentance leads to salvation. Mark 1:4 – baptism of repentance for forgiveness.

d. Regeneration unto Salvation is a work of the Holy Spirit

i. Owing to the universal depravity of man and death in sin, no one can see or enter the Kingdom of God unless born of the Spirit whereby he or she becomes a new creation.

ii. Bible Reference: John 3:5-8 –born again of the Spirit. Titus 3:5 – renewing by Holy Spirit.

8. Sanctification of the Believer

a. Sanctification begins with the new birth. It is the way a believer is set apart for God’s purposes and by which the believer grows toward moral and spiritual maturity.

b. Upon salvation, the believer is sanctified as a member in the Body of Christ. This is his new position or standing before God.

c. Practically, the new believer may be progressively sanctified by the study of the Word, self-examination, watchfulness and prayer, confession of sin and the in-working presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

d. Bible Reference: John 17:17 – sanctify them in the truth. Romans 15:16 – sanctify by Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:11 – sanctified in name of Jesus. Ephesians 4:22-24 – put on new self. Ephesians 5:25-27 – Jesus sanctifies the church. Hebrews 10:10 – sanctified by Jesus once for all. 1 Peter 1:2 – Spirit sanctifies to obey Jesus. 1 John 1:7-9 – confession of sin for continued fellowship.

9. Baptism with the Holy Spirit
a. When the Holy Spirit came upon the whole body of believers on the day of Pentecost, it was the fulfillment of the announcement made by John the Baptist and the promises of Christ to His own during His earthly ministry. At this time the disciples were individually endued with power to witness concerning Christ, and collectively baptized into one body, which was the formation of the Church, which is His Body. Bible Reference: Matthew 3:11 – He will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 24:46-49 – wait for Father’s promise. John 14:16-17 – Jesus prays to Father to send Helper. John 15:26-27 – Spirit of Truth testifies of Jesus. Acts 1:4-5, 8 – baptized with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1-4, 37 – all filled with the Holy Spirit.

b. Since the time of the Gospel went to the Gentiles in the house of Cornelius, when the believing Gentiles received the Holy Spirit without delay, tarrying, praying, laying of hands, or any other condition, save faith; all who believe in Christ are born of the Spirit, sealed by the Spirit, anointed by the Spirit, indwelt by the Spirit and with the Holy Spirit baptized into the Body of Christ. Bible Reference: John 3:8 – born of the Spirit. Acts 10:42-44 – Holy Spirit received at conversion. Acts 11:15-18 – baptism with the Holy Spirit at point of repentance. Romans 8:9-15 – indwelling Spirit of Christ indicates salvation. 1 Corinthians 3:16 – Spirit of God dwells in you, temple of God. 1 Corinthians 12:13 – by one Spirit baptized into one body. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 – God gave Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. Ephesians 1:13 – sealed in Christ w/ Holy Spirit of Promise. Ephesians 4:30 – don’t grieve the Holy Spirit who sealed you.

c. The New Testament distinguishes between being indwelt by the Spirit which is true of all believers, and being filled with the Spirit, which is the believer’s privilege and duty. There is one baptism with the Spirit, and it is into the Body of Christ, but there are many fillings. Bible Reference: Ephesians 1:13-14 – sealed in Him w/ the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 –not drunk w/ wine but filled with Holy Spirit.

10. The Church

a. The Church of Christ is composed of all Believers who are united by the Holy Spirit to the risen and ascended Son of God. By the same Spirit, we are all baptized into one Body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, thus being members one of another and knit together in love.

b. The Local Church is an assembly of baptized Believers, called out from the world, separated unto the Lord Jesus, voluntarily associated for the ministry of the Word and Spirit, the mutual edification of its members, the propagation of the faith and the observance of the ordinances.

c. The Local Church is a sovereign, independent body, giving visible expression on the earth of the Universal Church, exercising its own divinely awarded rights, precepts and privileges under the direct Lordship of Christ, the Great Head of the Church. Its officers are pastors and deacons.

d. Bible Reference: Romans 12:5 – members one of another. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 – one Spirit…one body…Jews Greeks, Free Slave. Ephesians 4:1-16 – unity of the Spirit…tolerance for one another…evangelists, pastors. Colossians 2:19 – Christ is head of the body. Matthew 28:19, 20 – preaching, baptizing, making disciples in all the world. Acts 2:41-42 – about 3,000 souls added. Acts 13:1-3 – the church sanctifies men for mission. Acts 14:23 – elders appointed in every church. Romans 16:4-5 – faithful workers in the church. 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 – spiritual gifts in the body to edify. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 – collections to aid sister churches. Ephesians 1:22-23 – God made Christ head of the church, His body. Ephesians 5:24 – church is subject to Christ. 1 Timothy 3:1-13 – qualifications for pastor and deacons. 1 Peter 5:4 – elders to shepherd God’s flock. Acts 2 – birth of church, Jews and Gentiles one body in Christ.

11. The Ordinances

a. The two Ordinances to be practiced by the Local Church are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They are memorials and contribute no salvation merit.

b. Christian Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience. It pictures the Believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior. It is a symbol of the Believer’s death to sin and his resurrection in newness of life in Christ Jesus.

c. The Lord’s Supper is a picture of obedience. It is a memorial of the Lord’s death and a call to look forward to His Second Coming.

d. Bible Reference: Matthew 28:19, 20 – baptizing in the name of…. Acts 2:38 – baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 8:12 – baptized after hearing preaching. Luke 22:19, 20 – this is My body, do in remembrance of Me. 1 Corinthians 11:23-28 – proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. Romans 6:3-5 – salvation and Spirit baptism are foundational model for water baptism. Acts 8:36-40 – baptism…went down into the water. 1 Corinthians 10:16, 21 – unity in communion.

12. Congregational Church Polity and Membership

a. Recognizing Jesus Christ as the only head of the Church, the church congregation must seek to obey the will of the Lord in all matters of faith and practice.

b. Because Christ has given governing authority to the church for spiritual and temporal affairs, such authority and responsibility is vested in the body of believers that compose each local assembly.

c. The church is led by elders, supported by deacons and governed by members.

d. The church is to be subject to no other ecclesiastical body but should sustain interdependent fellowship with other churches of like faith and practice for mutual counsel and service.

e. Regarding membership:

I. Repentant baptized believers were added to their number.

II. Regular meetings demonstrate membership.

III. The descriptive terms of body, household and flock demonstrate membership.

IV. Church discipline demonstrates membership.

f. Bible Reference: Acts 6:1-6 – deacons arise out of members. 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 – administer discipline when you are assembled. 1 Timothy 3:1-13 – pastors and deacons. Titus 1:5-9 – elders/overseers in every city. Hebrews 13:17 – obey your leaders. Acts 2:41-47 – 3000 souls added. Romans 12 – members in body of Christ. Matthew 18: 15 – discipline…tell it to the church. Galatians 6:2 – to the churches of Galatia. 1 Peter 5:2 – shepherd the flock of God among you.

13. Manhood, Womanhood, Marriage and Family
a. Men and women are equal before God by creation and by redemption and equal bearers of the image of God. There are also distinctions in the masculine and feminine roles that are ordained by God as part of the created order.

b. Marriage was intended by God at Creation to be a permanent, monogamous, and heterosexual union. God demands chastity before marriage and fidelity within marriage.

c. Within the context of mutual submission of all believers one to another, husbands are to love their wives, treat them with respect, and serve them sacrificially; wives are to honor their husbands and support their leadership; children are a blessing from God and are to be reared by godly example and Biblical training.

d. Bible Reference: Genesis 1:26-27 – male and female in God’s image. Galatians 3:26-28 – no male or female, all one in Christ. Ephesians 5:22-33 – husband & wife and Christ & church. 1 Timothy 2: Jesus gave Himself…men pray w/ holy hands…women adorned in godliness.

14. Angels, Satan and Demons

a. Angels are created beings and they are God’s ministering spirits.

b. Demons are angels who rebelled with Satan against God and so are considered fallen angels.

c. Satan was a created angel with great power, position and perfections who rebelled against the LORD. He opposes the plan of God and will be eternally punished.

d. Bible Reference: Hebrews 1:14 – ministering spirits. Psalm 148:1-5 – LORD created all His angels. Colossians 1:16 – Jesus created all things. 1 Timothy 5:21 – His chosen angels. Luke 10:17-20 – Satan’s fall, demons subject, spirits subject. Matthew 12:24 – ruler of demons. Matthew 25:41 – hell for devil and his angels. Ezekiel 28:11-19 – King of Tyre and Satan’s perfections. Job 1 – Satan before God. Matthew 4:1 – Satan tempts Jesus. Isaiah 14:12-17 – King of Babylon and Satan’s pride. Revelation 20:1-3 – Satan bound and cast into Abyss 1,000 years. Revelation 20:10 – Satan tormented forever in lake of fire.

15. Last Things – A Future Hope and Judgment
a. At a day and hour known only to God, our Lord Jesus Christ shall come again personally, bodily, visibly, gloriously, to establish his Kingdom of righteousness and peace.

b. We believe in the resurrection of all persons, judgment to come, and in the eternal blessedness of the redeemed and the eternal punishment of the unsaved.

c. Further, we believe that the imminent appearing of Jesus Christ will take place immediately before the seven years of tribulation, to be followed by a literal 1,000-year earthly reign of Christ and then the final judgments and the eternal state.

d. Bible Reference: Matthew 24:44 – we do not know the hour of the Lord’s coming. John 14:3 – I will come again and receive you. 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 – in the twinkling of an eye. Daniel 12:2 – awake to everlasting life or disgrace. John 5:28-29 – resurrection of life or judgment. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 – dead in Christ rise first. Revelation 20 – 1,000 years, resurrected for great white throne judgment, the 2nd death. Revelation 22:11-15 – separation between saved and lost, those inside or outside the holy city, names written or not written in the Lamb’s book of life. Daniel 9 – seventy weeks and the Messiah. Matthew 24 – tribulation. Micah 5:2 – ruler in Israel who is from eternity. Isaiah 11 – righteous reign, strike earth with rod of His mouth. Acts 1:11 – Jesus returns in same manner as He left. 2 Corinthians 5:10 – judgment seat of Christ. 2 Timothy 4:1 – Christ Jesus, judge the living and the dead. Titus 2:13 – blessed hope, glorious appearing. James 5:8 – the coming of the Lord is near.

We are serious about Scripture so we can joyfully celebrate
the Good News of the Gospel and our New Life in Christ.