Statement of Belief

I believe the Scriptures of the Old and New testaments are the inspired, inerrant Word of God - His special revelation of Himself to humankind - and declare His design and plan for humanity.

I believe there is only One God - one Being eternally existent in three Persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

I believe in the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell and on the third day rose again. He ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. I believe humankind was created in the Image of God and was orignally Perfect, but through the defiance of God's Law willingly fell into a state of sinfulness and separation from the Creator. The end result of this is eternal separation from God through damnation to Hell and, ultimately, the lake of fire.

I believe God, in His mercy, provided salvation for humankind - as we could not save ourselves - through the vicarious and atoning death of Jesus Christ. He took our sins upon Himself, paying the price for our rebellion, and freely offers eternal salvation to everyone. One must only receive this free gift to be saved (ARTICLE PENDING). "Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

I believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, that is, a Divine empowering that emboldens the believer with in a deeper committment to Christ, a desire to win the lost, and to live a holy life. I believe the normative initial outward evidence of someone receiving the Baptism is speaking in tongues, but is confirmed by the above.

I believe sanctification initially occurs at salvation and is not only a declaration that a believer is holy, but also a progressive lifelong process of separating from evil as the believer continually draws closer to God and becomes more Christ-like, conforming to the Image of God.

I believe God has instructed the Church with the mission to seek and save all who are lost in sin. The Church is the "Body of Christ" and consists of the people who, throughout time, have accepted God's offer of redemption (regardless of religious denomination) through the sacrificial death of His son Jesus Christ.

I believe that God continues to manifest His power through Miracles.

I believe in the future return of Jesus Christ and the Rapturing (or "taking away") of His Church, prior to the Tribulation. I believe that after this period of God's wrath Christ will rule the Earth for a thousand years prior to the final judgement of all humankind.

Amen.