Our Statement of Faith and Beliefs

1. The Word of God (Bibliology)

We believe that the Bible, consisting of the sixty-six canonical books of the Old and New Testaments, is the uniquely inspired, infallible, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God. As such, the Scriptures are the supreme standard and final authority in all matters of faith and practice.

The doctrine of Bibliology encompasses several essential affirmations that we believe:

Inspiration of Scripture: We affirm that all Scripture is God-breathed (Greek: theopneustos) and thus carries divine authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). The Holy Spirit superintended human authors so that, without overriding their personalities, they composed and recorded God's revelation without error.

Inerrancy of Scripture: We maintain that the original manuscripts of Scripture are without error in all they affirm (John 17:17; Psalm 119:160).

Sufficiency of Scripture: The Bible contains everything necessary for salvation, spiritual life, and godliness. It requires no additions from tradition or human authority (2 Timothy 3:17; Psalm 19:7-11).

Eternality of Scripture: God's Word is eternal and unchanging, reflecting the unchangeable character of God (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18).

Doctrine of the Preservation of Scripture
We believe that the Holy Scriptures, once inspired by God, have been divinely preserved throughout history. God, in His providence, has guarded His Word from corruption, ensuring that the faithful copies and translations available today accurately convey the truth of the original autographs. Therefore, the Scriptures in our possession are trustworthy and sufficient for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. We affirm that God's Word will endure, and every promise of His truth will be fulfilled, just as He has promised in Scripture.

Canon of Scripture: The canon refers to the authoritative list of the 66 biblical books recognized as inspired. The church does not confer authority upon these texts but recognizes their inherent divine origin. This does not include deuterocanonical or pseudo-apocryphal writings (e.g The Books of Enoch, Maccabees, etc.)

Sola Scriptura: Latin for "Scripture Alone," this principle teaches that Scripture alone is the final authority for doctrine concerning faith (orthodoxy) and practice (orthopraxy), over and above tradition, ecclesiastical pronouncement, words of prophecy or subjective personal experiences or revelations and that believers should not go beyond what scripture expressly instructs or commands. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 4:6, Acts 17:11; Galatians 1:8 Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32; Revelation 22:18-19, John 5:39).

2. The Trinity

We believe that there is only one true and living God who eternally exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This doctrine, known as the Trinity, affirms that each person is fully and equally God, sharing the same divine essence but distinct in personhood (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

Key aspects of Trinitarian theology that we believe include:

Godhead: The one divine essence is shared fully and equally by the three persons. This unity of essence and plurality of persons forms the foundational Christian understanding of God.

Perichoresis: Also called circumincession, this term refers to the mutual indwelling of the three persons of the Godhead. Each person is in the other without confusion, division, or separation (John 14:10-11; 17:21).

Eternality, Equality, and Equity: Each person of the Trinity is co-eternal and co-equal, exercising divine functions in perfect harmony. The Father is not more divine than the Son or Spirit; all are equally God (Hebrews 9:14; John 1:1-3). Jesus is not a created being. Jesus the Logos has been eternally with the Father and the Spirit and has been and will be eternally God.

God's triune nature reveals His infinite love, perfect justice, and relational unity. The doctrine of the Trinity is the foundational mystery of the Christian faith.

3. God the Father

We believe that God the Father is the eternal source of all that exists, the Creator of heaven and earth. He is sovereign in His rule and providential in His care. As Father, He is personal and relational, exercising His love, justice, and mercy in perfect unity.

Sovereignty of God: God the Father exercises absolute rule over creation. All things come to pass according to His sovereign will (Psalm 103:19; Ephesians 1:11).

Eternality of God: God is without beginning or end. He exists outside of time, having no origin or succession of moments (Psalm 90:2).

God as Creator: He created all things ex nihilo (out of nothing) and sustains all things by His power (Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16-17).

The Father initiates redemption, sends the Son into the world, and adopts believers as His children (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6).

4. God the Son (Christology)

We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, who became incarnate for our salvation. He is fully God and fully man-one person in two natures-united without confusion, change, division, or separation. This is known as the Hypostatic Union (John 1:1-14; Colossians 2:9).

Incarnation: The Son took on human nature through the Virgin Birth by the Holy Spirit and was born of the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:18-25).

Deity of Christ: Jesus is coequal and coeternal with the Father and the Spirit (John 10:30; Hebrews 1:3).

Sinless Life: He lived a life of perfect obedience, fulfilling the Law (Hebrews 4:15).

Substitutionary Atonement: At the cross, Christ bore the penalty of sin in the place of sinners, satisfying divine justice (Penal Substitution) as our propitiation (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Double Imputation: Our sin was imputed to Christ, and His righteousness is imputed to believers by faith (Romans 4:5; Philippians 3:9).

Resurrection: He was bodily raised from the dead on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Ascension and Intercession: Christ ascended into heaven and now intercedes for believers (Hebrews 7:25).

Sola Christus: Salvation is found in Christ alone, apart from any human merit or mediator (Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5).

5. God the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology)

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, who regenerates, indwells, sanctifies, and empowers all believers for service and godly living. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11).

Personhood of the Spirit: The Spirit is not an impersonal force but a divine person who can be grieved, quenched, and resisted (Ephesians 4:30).

Regeneration: The Spirit causes the new birth (Titus 3:5; John 3:5-8).

Indwelling and Sealing: At conversion, believers are indwelt and sealed for the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Corinthians 6:19).

Sanctification and Empowerment: The Spirit enables believers to mortify sin, bear spiritual fruit, and grow in holiness (Romans 8:13-16; Galatians 5:22-23).

Spiritual Gifts: As Continuationists, we affirm that all of the gifts of the Spirit-including teaching, leadership, tongues, prophecy, healing are still present and available to believers today. These gifts, activities and ministries are only given sovereignly by the Spirit as He chooses in a diverse manner for the edification of the Church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Romans 12:6-8). These gifts are not transferred or absorbed from another and cannot be imparted by one person to another. We believe in equity and equality in the body of Christ and do not uphold the idea of spiritual hierarchies within the body of Christ based on works, roles or functions. Every believer that receives the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, receives the manifestation of the Holy Spirit (in the manner of giftings, ministries and activities) for the benefit of all in the specific and sovereign way that the Holy Spirit alone chooses (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:28).

The Spirit glorifies Christ and equips the Church to fulfill its mission which is primarily to preach the Gospel, make disciples and teach, equip and encourage the church.

6. Salvation (Soteriology)

We believe People sin, which separates them from God and that salvation is the gracious, sovereign work of God whereby He rescues sinners from sin and its consequences and reconciles them to Himself through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Salvation is by grace alone (Sola Gratia), through faith alone (Sola Fide), in Christ alone (Solus Christus), entirely apart from human merit or works (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7).

We believe that humans are Responsible to God for their sin and in need of salvation. We believe that we are created in the image of God and have free moral agency with an ability to distinguish between good and evil. We believe that this agency when illuminated with the grace of God and empowered by the divine persuasion of the Holy Spirit equips us with the capacity to respond to God's appeals for reconciliation.

We believe salvation is Open to anyone who believes upon Jesus Christ through faith and not a reserved select few. From eternity past, God freely and unconditionally predestines for people to have the opportunity to freely accept the free gift of redemption and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ alone. That whosever believes upon Him should not perish but have eternal life. Those that believe upon Christ by faith are His elect. (Ephesians 1:4-6; Romans 8:29-30, John 3:16).

We believe in a Vicarious atonement and propitiation, that Jesus Christ's perfect life, fulfilling the law and his atoning sacrifice, suffering and death on the cross was sufficient for satisfying both the legal punishment and the wrath of God as related to our sin and trespasses. We believe this is effectual and applied to anyone who believes and receives Jesus Christ.

We hold to Christ's own words that no one comes to the Father without the drawing or calling of the Spirit of God. This happens primarily through the external preaching of the gospel and the internal calling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's Illuminating grace reveals the truth of the gospel externally, allowing all to understand and respond with the measure of faith God has given. (John 6:44; Acts 16:14; 2 Timothy 1:9).

We believe predicated upon the illuminating grace of God, the divine persuasion of the Holy Spirit and the measure of faith given to every person, we have both the opportunity to freely accept or reject the free gift of salvation. Those who reject the gospel are eternally being punished and Destroyed (not Annihilationism), not by a predetermined decree, but by their own resistance to the Holy Spirit and rejection of Jesus Christ.

We believe that true believers have Eternal security in their salvation. God preserves His body as His workmanship so that they never fully or finally fall away from grace. Those truly transformed through belief will persevere in faith and holiness until the end (John 10:27-29; Jude 24-25 Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 1:13, Hebrews 10:14, Romans 8:31-35).

We believe in a New Birth or born-again experience. This is the instantaneous transformational work of the Holy Spirit whereby He imparts spiritual life to the sinner. We believe that the former existence and state of the believer is crucified with Christ and dies, giving way to a new, eternal, irrevocable existence hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5).

As part of the salvific work of Christ, we believe that as believers we are beneficiaries of the following benefits:

Justification: A forensic, legal act of God in which He declares the sinner righteous on the basis of the imputed righteousness of Christ. This righteousness is received by faith alone and not by works (Romans 8:30-34, Romans 5:1; Galatians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Double Imputation: In justification, our sins are imputed (credited) to Christ, and His perfect obedience is imputed to us. This is the ground of our peace with God (Romans 4:5-8; Philippians 3:9).

Adoption: God brings justified believers into His family, giving them the status of sons and daughters and the inheritance of eternal life (Romans 8:15-17; Galatians 4:4-7).

Sanctification: This includes both positional sanctification (whereby the believer is set apart as holy at conversion as the workmanship of Christ) and progressive sanctification (the ongoing work of the Spirit to conform believers into the image of Christ). This involves daily dying to sin and living unto righteousness (Hebrews 10:14; Philippians 2:12-13; Romans 8:13). Progressive sanctification does not contribute to or maintain salvation, rather it is the result of the grace gift of God that empowers us to live the life of Christ, submitting to His leading in obedience and being conformed to His image (Philippians 2:13-14).

Glorification: At Christ's return, believers will be fully conformed to His image, body and soul, in perfect holiness and immortality (Romans 8:30; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:49-53).

Union with Christ: All aspects of salvation flow from the believer's vital, spiritual union with Christ. This union is the foundation of every benefit of salvation (John 15:4-5; Ephesians 1:3-13; Colossians 3:3, 1 Corinthians 12:13).

This entire work of salvation is the accomplishment of God's sovereign grace and is to the glory of God alone (Soli Deo Gloria).

7. Evil, Angels, and Demons (Angelology & Demonology)

We believe that evil entered creation through the rebellion of created beings and is ultimately rooted in the willful defection of Satan, a created angel who rebelled against the sovereign rule of God. God, though not the author of evil, permits it to fulfill His divine purposes and will ultimately bring it to judgment and end.

Angels: We affirm the existence of holy angels-created spiritual beings who serve God as messengers, worshipers, and ministers to the heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 103:20). They are part of God's divine council and operate under His sovereign direction.

Lucifer and Fallen Angels: Lucifer, once a high-ranking angel, fell through pride and became Satan, the adversary of God and man (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:11-19). He was cast from God's presence and now leads a host of fallen angels in opposition to God's kingdom (Revelation 12:9).

Demons: These are spiritual beings who serve Satan and oppose the people of God through deception, temptation, and spiritual oppression (Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8).

The Defeat of Satan: Christ triumphed over Satan at the cross, disarming the rulers and authorities and putting them to open shame (Colossians 2:15). His final judgment will result in eternal punishment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

Christian Authority and Protection: Believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and sealed by God. They cannot be possessed by demons or have demons (Gk. daimonizomai) in the sense that they need a deliverance through some type of exorcistic ritual. Believers may be opposed through means of temptation, demonic doctrines, trials and undermining of faith by attempting to present God's faithfulness, character and person in a diminished capacity. Spiritual warfare consists of resisting the devil through the truth of God's Word and submitting to God in truth and obedience (Matthew 12:43-45, 2 Corinthians 1:21-23, 1 Peter 1:3-9, James 4:7; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 John 4:4, 1 John 5:18)

8. Humanity and Sin (Anthropology and Hamartiology)

We believe that humanity was created by God, male and female, in His own image (Imago Dei) with inherent dignity, worth, and responsibility. Humanity was designed to reflect God's character and steward His creation, yet fell into sin through Adam's disobedience.

Image of God (Imago Dei): Every person bears the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), which includes moral capacity, rationality, creativity, relationality, and dominion. Though marred by sin, this image remains and is being renewed in Christ (Colossians 3:10).

Creation Mandate: God commanded mankind to fill the earth, subdue it, and rule over it responsibly. Although sin and separation from God followed closely on the heels of this original charge, the creation mandate has been reiterated to the people of God throughout Scripture. The final and ultimate reiteration of this mandate is the Great Commission, which Jesus gave to his disciples before his ascension. Therefore, the creation mandate is on-going and is not in competition with worshipping God; Christians are to care for this world even as we hope in the second coming of Christ. (Genesis 1:28).

Definition and Nature of Sin: Sin is any lack of conformity to, or transgression of, the law of God (1 John 3:4). It is not merely external behavior but includes inward disposition and rebellion.

The Fall and Original Sin: Through Adam's disobedience, all humanity fell and inherited a sinful nature and condemnation (Romans 5:12-21; Psalm 51:5). This is known as original sin.

Depravity of Sin on Humans: Every aspect of human nature-mind, will, emotions, and body-is corrupted by sin. Humanity is unable to please God or seek Him apart from divine illuminating grace and the internal calling of the Holy Spirit.

Condemnation and Need for Redemption: All stand condemned under the righteous judgment of God and require the atoning work of Christ for reconciliation (John 3:18, 36; Romans 6:23).

9. The Church (Ecclesiology)

We believe that the Church is the one, holy, catholic (universal), and apostolic body of Christ. It is both a spiritual organism and a visible community, consisting of all who are united to Christ by faith and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

The Universal Church: Comprised of all true believers in Christ across time and space (Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 12:22-24).

The Local Church: A local assembly of baptized believers who gather for worship, instruction, fellowship, service, and mission (Acts 2:42-47).

Visible and Invisible Church: The visible church includes all who profess Christ and participate in the church's life. The invisible church includes only those who have truly experienced the New Birth by the Spirit (2 Timothy 2:19).

Church Government: Christ rules His Church through ordained leadership headed by Senior Pastors (pastors/overseers/bishops). We also affirm the biblical model of elders and servant-leadership (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9).

The Priesthood of All Believers: Every Christian has direct access to God through Christ and is called to serve using their spiritual gifts empowered by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 2:5, 9, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

Role of Women: We affirm that women are equal in dignity and giftedness and are called to gospel ministry (ministry or reconciliation). Their roles in ecclesial leadership are to be defined according to Scripture with charity and clarity and is restricted from the position of (senior pastors/overseers/bishops) and elders. (Galatians 3:28; Acts 2:17-18, 1 Timothy 2:11-14, 1 Timothy 3:1-13).

10. Sacraments (Ordinances)

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has instituted two ordinances for the Church: baptism and the Lord's Supper. These ordinances are visible signs of the gospel, instituted by Christ, to be observed by the Church until His return. While not sacraments in the sense of conferring saving grace ex opere operato, they are means of grace that strengthen faith and deepen communion with Christ.

Water Baptism: Baptism is the initiatory rite of the Christian life, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. We affirm Trinitarian baptism, performed in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-4) by the authority of the name of Jesus Christ. It signifies cleansing from sin, entrance into the covenant community, and public profession of faith.

Example of His Place House of Worship baptism formula from scripture

"Because of your confession of faith in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God and as your personal Lord and Savior received the Gospel, I baptize you in the name of Jesus Christ as he commanded: In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."

The Lord's Supper (Communion): The Lord's Supper is a memorial and proclamation of the death of Christ. We practice open communion, welcoming all true believers in Christ. In partaking of the bread and the cup, believers renew their covenant with God and express unity with the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 22:19-20).

These ordinances do not save but serve as means of spiritual nourishment and obedience. They are to be observed reverently and in faith, testifying to the reality of the gospel.

11. Missions and Service

We believe that the Church is called to participate in God's redemptive mission by making disciples of all nations, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and serving others in love. This task is carried out through the power of the Holy Spirit and is grounded in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

The Ministry of Reconciliation: God reconciles sinners to Himself through Christ and entrusts the Church with the message and ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

The Great Commission: Christ commands the Church to go into all the world, preaching the gospel, baptizing, and teaching obedience to all He has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20).

Fivefold Ministry: God has given spiritual leadership gifts-apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers-to equip the saints for ministry and to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Spiritual Gifts for Ministry: In addition to leadership gifts, the Holy Spirit imparts diverse gifts to believers for the edification of the Church and the advancement of the gospel (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

Compassionate Service: We are called to remember the poor, care for the marginalized, and serve others sacrificially as an expression of Christ's love (Isaiah 58:6-12; Galatians 2:10; Matthew 25:34-40).

Missions and service are essential to the Church's identity and purpose and are to be carried out in the power and character of Christ.

12. Eschatology (Last Things)

We believe in the personal, visible, and glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ at the end of the age. His coming will usher in the final judgment, the resurrection of the dead, and the consummation of God's kingdom.

The Second Coming: Christ will return bodily to rapture His church, to judge the world, and to establish His reign in righteousness (Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11-16).

The Resurrection of the Dead: Both the righteous and the wicked will be raised-those in Christ to everlasting life, and those outside of Christ to judgment (John 5:28-29; Daniel 12:2).

Final Judgment: Christ will judge all people according to their deeds. Believers will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ for reward (2 Corinthians 5:10), while the wicked will face the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).

Millennial Views: We acknowledge that faithful Christians hold varying views of the millennial reign, including Amillennialism, Postmillennialism, Historic Premillennialism, and Dispensational Premillennialism. While we may favor one interpretation, we affirm the unity of believers who await Christ's return in hope.

New Heaven and New Earth: God will create a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells, and where redeemed humanity will dwell with God forever (Revelation 21:1-4).

The New Jerusalem: The glorified Church will dwell in the presence of God in a perfected creation, enjoying unbroken communion with Him (Revelation 21:9-27).

Our eschatological hope motivates holy living, patient endurance, and fervent mission.

13. Eternal Rewards and Punishment

We believe in the conscious, eternal existence of all people-either in eternal life with God or eternal punishment separated from Him. This final state is determined by one's relationship to Jesus Christ.

Death and the Intermediate State:

Believers: Upon death, the souls of believers immediately enter into the joyous presence of Christ (Philippians 1:21-23; 2 Corinthians 5:8).

Unbelievers: The souls of the unregenerate go to a place of conscious punishment in the realm of the dead (Hades) awaiting the final judgment (Luke 16:19-31).

Two Final Judgments:

Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema): Believers will be judged for their works and rewarded accordingly, though not condemned (1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

Great White Throne Judgment: Unbelievers will be judged according to their deeds and cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15).

Heaven: The final dwelling place of the redeemed, where they will behold the glory of God, enjoy eternal life, and experience perfect joy and worship (Revelation 22:1-5).

Hades: The realm of the dead where the Old Testament saints once resided awaiting the Messiah but now are liberated and where the spirits of those who have died in rejection of Christ are held awaiting the resurrection and the final judgement.

Hell: A place of final, eternal, conscious punishment and separation from the presence of God for those who die in their sins (Matthew 25:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).

Eternal State: The righteous will enjoy eternal communion with God, and the wicked will endure eternal separation. These are irreversible and everlasting realities.

Thus, we preach Christ, urging all to repent and believe the gospel while there is time, knowing that eternal destinies are at stake.

14. Israel and the People of God (Israelology)

God's Eternal Covenant Purposes for Israel

We believe that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob sovereignly chose Israel to be a distinct nation through whom He would reveal His character, His Word, and ultimately His Messiah to the world. God's covenant promises to the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob-including the gift of the land and the preservation of Israel as a people-remain irrevocable, not because of their righteousness but because of God's faithfulness and His covenant love (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:18-21; 17:7-8, Jeremiah 31:35-37, Romans 11:1-2).

Rejection of Replacement Theology

We reject any teaching that the Church has permanently displaced a remnant of Israel in God's redemptive plan or that the promises to Israel have been fully and finally transferred to the Church. While the Church is the one new man in Christ composed of Jew and Gentile alike (Eph 2:11-22), God's covenantal commitments to national Israel remain intact and will reach their climactic fulfillment in accordance with His Word (Romans 11:11-15, 28-29, Zechariah 12:10; 14:1-11, Acts 1:6-7)

Salvation Only Through Faith in Jesus the Messiah

We believe that all people-Jew and Gentile-are sinners in need of salvation and that there is no other name under heaven by which anyone can be saved except Jesus the Messiah; salvation is only by grace through faith in Him. Ethnic identity or covenant heritage does not save; only repentance and faith in Christ's death and resurrection bring forgiveness and eternal life (John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Romans 3:9-30, Galatians 3:7-9, 26-29

The Mystery of the Church and Israel's Future Restoration

We believe the Church is a present mystery-Jews and Gentiles united as one body in Christ-while Israel remains distinct in God's unfolding redemptive plan. A future remnant turning of Israel to Jesus Christ as the Messiah will occur, fulfilling the prophetic promises of restoration and kingdom blessing (Romans 11:25-27, Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:1-12, Ezekiel 36:22-28; 37:21-28).