What We Believe
The Bible
The Bible (also called the “Word of God” or the “Word”) was spoken from God to men, who then recorded it for all the world. The Bible is our guide, a guide for all people, and gives life to those trapped in sin (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).
God
There is only one God who always existed and always will. He exists in three equal persons (the Trinity): the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Father is the sender of the Word (John 16:28, John 1:14). The Son is the Word who became flesh (a man), and He has existed from the beginning (John 1:1,John 1:18, John 1:14). The Holy Spirit is the “doer,” performing the work of the Father and the Son (Genesis 1:2; John 15:26).
Man
Man is a being created by God and made in his image. When Adam (through the devil’s influence) did not obey God in the Garden of Eden, his disobedience caused all mankind to be cursed (Genesis 3) and disobedience (also known as “sin”) to enter the world.
Jesus Christ came to destroy the devil’s influence (1 John 3:8) and bring people back into relationship with God. He did this through his death, burial and resurrection (being raised from the dead).
Salvation begins when we recognize we’re trapped in sin. From there, we believe wholeheartedly that Jesus died, was buried and was raised again to free us from sin and reconnect us with God. Salvation is worked out in us as this belief permeates our whole lives. Salvation is a free gift to man from God for anyone who chooses to trust him through Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10).
The New Birth
Another term for salvation is “born again.” You were already born naturally; when you’re saved, your spirit is reborn. Being born again is necessary for everyone and, when experienced, produces eternal life (John 3:3-5).
Baptism in Water
Baptism (or submersion) in water is a public demonstration to celebrate the spiritual transformation of being born again. It is symbolic of dying, being buried, then coming up out of the grave free of our former selves (John 3:3-21; Acts 8:27-39; Acts 10:47). Water baptism does not produce salvation; instead it is a celebration of salvation. This is why water baptism is only offered to those who understand salvation and have received it.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Baptism (or submersion) in the Holy Spirit is a free gift from the Holy Spirit to anyone who is saved and willing to receive it (Mark 1:8, Luke 11:13; Acts 19:1-6). This baptism isn’t visible to the naked eye, but it is often evidenced at first by speaking spiritual language (Acts 2:4). It’s then followed by a life of spiritual-led actions and power (Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:22-23).
Healing
According to Isaiah 53:5, Jesus paid for our healing when he suffered and died on the cross. Healing is received through prayer and/or when believers place their hands on the sick to pray for them (Mark 16:15-20, James 5:14-15, 1 Peter 2:24, Matthew 8:17).
The Rapture
Jesus is coming back for His church (the “Rapture”). The angels said to Jesus’ followers, “And some day, just as you saw Him go, He will return!” (Acts 1:11). When He comes, “First, all the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with Him forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).