Statement of Faith
1
We value God’s Word above all else.
The Bible is the Word of God. The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, witness to Him and provide the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct.
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. (John 1:14) All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. (2 Timothy 3:16)
2
Jesus says, “You must be born again.”
“If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation.” New birth in Christ means knowing you are forgiven, accepted, and have eternal life.
Jesus replied,“I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17)
3
The church exists to share God's love and bring hope.
We follow Jesus' two Great Commissions: to go and make disciples and to proclaim good news to the poor with compassion and justice.
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age”(Matthew 28:18-20) “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come” (Luke 4: 18-19)
4
We welcome you whatever your background.
This is a family of equals, one body, where the importance of each person is held up and honored.
There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)
5
We depend on the Holy Spirit for our strength and direction.
The Holy Spirit empowers us, comforts us in times of sorrow, inspires our prayer and worship, and gives each of us gifts to bless the church.
A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other… It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11)
6
We practice freedom in Christ.
Where the Bible allows for a variety of interpretations, we offer one another space to differ on issues of belief or practice. We seek to focus on what unites us, rather than what divides us.
Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. (Rom 14:12-13)