WHO WE ARE

There is one God, though He has eternally existed in three distinct, co-equal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things; He spoke the universe into existence and holds it together through His will. Though God transcends time and space, He has chosen to stay intimately involved with His creation.

Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 1:35; John 5:21-23; 14:8-11, 15-16; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 13:14

God created mankind in His spiritual image, to be like Him in character, with the intention that we would be His representatives in caring for creation. Humanity has tremendous potential for good, but is marred by an attitude of disobedience towards God called “sin.” This attitude separates man from God. Despite this fact, God’s love for His image-bearers never wavers and He desires that no one would die separated from Him by sin, but would be restored back into relationship with Him.

Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 8:3-8; Romans 3:10-19; 10:9-10, 2 Peter 3:9

Salvation is a gift from God. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works; we can only be saved from sin’s penalty (death) by trusting in Jesus who died to pay the penalty for our sins. Eternal life begins the moment we place our faith in Jesus and choose to follow him as our Lord.

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

Jesus is the eternal Word through which God spoke the world into existence and continues to hold it together. He is fully God, yet He chose to also become fully human, taking on flesh and being born of a virgin. Though He was without sin, He willingly gave His life as a payment for our sins, dying on the cross so we could be reconciled to God. Then, He rose from the grave three days later, proving He has overcome sin and death and validating everything He said and did. He then ascended to Heaven where He is now our High Priest and Advocate. One day soon, He will return to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

John 1:1-5, 14; 3:13-15; Matthew 1:20-23; 26:63-64; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 1:18-23; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 4:14-16; Acts 1:9-11; Titus 2:11-14

The Holy Spirit was present at the formation of the world and has been working throughout human history to glorify God and bring about His purpose and plans. When we place our faith in Jesus, God gives us His Spirit as both a mark of ownership and a source of empowerment. The Holy Spirit dwells with believers, guiding, instructing and empowering them to live as God’s representatives. As Christ-followers, we seek to live under His control daily.

John 14:16-17; 16:7-14;Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9-16; Ephesians 1:13-14

The Bible is God’s written message to all mankind, penned by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error and is the primary source of wisdom and guidance for Christ followers.

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

Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is the public declaration of a person who has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Baptism does not save you, but shows the world that you have already been saved. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a Biblical command and demonstrates one’s love and obedience to Christ.

Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:41; Ephesians 2: 8-9; Matthew 28:19-20

Communion (the Lord’s Supper) is an ordinance given to all believers by Jesus Christ to help us remember his sacrifice for us and to symbolize the new covenant. The elements of bread and juice are tangible symbols of Christ’s body and blood which he willingly gave to pay for our sins. Communion is not a means of salvation. Rather, it is a testament of a believer’s faith in the atoning work of the cross.

Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29