We hold to a core set of basic beliefs that we refer to as essentials. 

In these, we have unity.

God: God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe.  He has eternally existed in three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – are co-existent, co-equal, co-eternal, each sharing equally in the divine attributes.

Genesis 1:1, 26-27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14 

Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was the eternal Word made flesh, supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, is the Son of God.  He was always with God and is God.  Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross.  He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death.  He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords. 

Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13

Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, convicts the world of sin.  He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ.  He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right.  He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved.  As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. 

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18

The Bible: The Bible is God’s Word to us.  Human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote it.  It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.  Because God inspired it, it is truth without any mixture of error. 

2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

Human Beings: People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character.  People are the supreme object of God’s creation.God’s purpose for man was relationship with Himself and rulership over the creation – this is called dominion.  Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.”  This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. 

Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2 

Salvation: Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it.  We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. 

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12; 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

Two Sacraments: Water Baptism: Following faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the new convert is commanded by the Word of God to be baptized in water in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38 

The Lord's Supper: A unique time of communion in the presence of God when the elements of bread and grape juice (the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ) are taken in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross

Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 10:47-48; I Corinthians 10:16, 11:23-25 

Eternity: People were created to exist forever.  We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation.  To be eternally separated from God is Hell.  To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life.  Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. 

John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9

In non-essential beliefs, we have liberty: By non-essential, we mean that these are not critical to your salvation.  Examples include eschatology (belief about the “end times”) ecclesiology (church structure and government) worship styles; scripture translations, etc.

Romans 14:1,4, 12, 22

In all our beliefs – we show charity. 

1 Corinthians 13:2