WHAT WE BELIEVE

First of all, we draw a distinction between “what we believe” and “what we know.” This distinction is not intended to introduce an element of uncertainty into “what we believe.” It is simply to assert the idea that certain events, rooted in history, go beyond belief to a certainty that is, for us, absolute.

WHAT WE KNOW

“What we know” is what the Apostle Paul called “of first importance.” It is what we call “first things first.” We know and preach that Jesus of Nazareth was begotten by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary and therefore is fully God and fully man. We know that Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He rose again from the dead (physically) according to the Scriptures, and that after His resurrection He was seen by hundreds of eyewitnesses. This is not merely belief. This is a fact from history.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

We believe in one God, maker of all things, eternally existent as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe that the Bible in its entirety is the inspired Word of God and is the only infallible rule of faith and conduct.

We believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in the work and person of Jesus Christ.

We believe in believers’ water baptism as a sign of repentance and identification with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit upon believers as an anointing for gospel witness. A normative part of this experience includes speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.

We believe in the orderly operation of spiritual gifts as identified in the scriptures.

We believe in divine healing for the body, and that this should be actively prayed for by believers.

We believe that we are called to make converts and disciples throughout the world.

We believe that Jesus is coming again, and that we should live in expectation of that return.