ESSENTIAL BELIEFS (OUR NON-NEGOTIABLES)
1. THE BIBLE IS…
A. the divine revelation of God to mankind
B. our fixed source of authority for faith and conduct
C. without error and endurable for all generations and culture
2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21; Psalm 119:160
2. GOD IS…
A. eternal, having always existed outside of time and space
B. a single Being consisting of three Persons – Father, Son, & Holy Spirit
Genesis 1:1,26-27; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22
3. JESUS IS…
A. eternal Son of God
B. conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin
C. one who ultimately restores mankind from sin
D. raised from the dead and seated with the Heavenly Father
Revelation 1:8; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31, 35; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22; Acts 2:22; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16; Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 6:14, 15:4; Acts 1:9, 11; 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS…
A. active today to make people aware of their need for Jesus
B. active today to empower believers to live the Christian life more victoriously
C. We believe the Spirit of God indwells every believer. The fruit of the Spirit is the by-product of a spirit-filled life and evidence of spiritual
maturity. The gifts of the Spirit should be earnestly sought and used to serve others and glorify God.
John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Romans 8:16; Luke 24:49; Acts 8:12-17; 19:1-7; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; Acts 10:44-46
5. MANKIND IS…
A. made in the spiritual image of God
B. fallen from innocence due to a willful choice to do wrong
C. destined for eternal separation from God
D. provided an opportunity to be reconciled to God through Christ
E. invited to accept Christ, repent of sin, and receive a fresh start
Genesis 1:26-30; 3:8-9; Genesis 3:6-24; Romans 3:23; 5:12-19; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:3, 16; Acts 20:21; Romans 5:1; 1 John 1:9; Titus 2:11-13; 3:5-6; Romans 8:38-39; John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; 1 Peter 1:3-5; John 15:6; 1 Peter 1:16; Hebrews 12:14; Revelation 22:19; Luke 8:13; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12; 1 Peter 1:16; Romans 6:1-11; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12-13
6. THE CHURCH IS…
A. the body of Christ that consists of all Christians on a three-fold mission of upreach, inreach, and outreach
B. respectful of two ordinances – water baptism and The Lord’s Table (Holy Communion)
Ephesians 4:16; Galatians 3:28-29; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Matthew 22:37-38; Ephesians 4:11-11-13; Matthew 28:19-20; Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 11:26; 2 Peter 1:4
7. THE FUTURE IS…
A. hopeful for those ready for the imminent return of Christ
B. bright for the Christian because of eternal life with God
1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 22:12-13; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 3:13; John 14:2-3; Revelation 21:1-7; 22:5; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 25:46