Statement of Faith
The Word of God
We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
The Trinity
We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons, that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption.
God the Father
We believe in God, the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. We believe that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people and personal visible return to earth.
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ and that he is an abiding helper, teacher, and guide.
Regeneration
We believe that all men are sinners by nature and by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who are regenerated by the Holy Spirit repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior.
The Church
We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body in which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work, and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world.
Christian Conduct
We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellow men; that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions; and that he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ.
The Ordinances
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water in the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Religious Liberty
We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by ecclesiastical and political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other.
Church Cooperation
We believe that local churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ with one another in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether regional or district conference, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. Churches may likewise cooperate with interdenominational fellowships on a voluntary basis.
The Last Things
We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal joy of the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked.
Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
We believe God created mankind with two distinct, biological genders, male and female, each having intrinsic dignity and merit as fellow image-bearers. We believe these genders have separate and complementary God-given roles and duties that every member of each sex are called to embrace and fulfill. We believe that the adoption of a gender other than the one God gave at conception, insofar as it may be known, is a rejection of one’s God-given identity, and is sin.
Marriage
We believe the institution of marriage is God-ordained and meant to reflect Christ’s relationship with His bride, the church universal. Therefore, we believe that marriage is always and only between one man and one woman and is a monogamous and sacred covenant. We believe that sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage is sin.
Our Doctrinal Distinctives
While you do not have to believe these things to be a Christian, we teach from the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689 LBC). We consider this document to be an accurate and excellent expression of the teaching of the word of God. We find it to be a confirmation of faith, a means of edification, an aid in controversy, and a basis for church unity. At the same time, as the 1689 LBC states in the last paragraph of the opening chapter, “The supreme judge for deciding all religious controversies and for evaluating all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, human teachings, and individual interpretations, and in whose judgment we are to rest, is nothing but the Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit. In this Scripture our faith finds its final word.”
We affirm the 1689 LBC with two addendums:
We affirm the 1689 LBC with two addendums:
- Chapter 22, paragraph 8. We believe that the specific tasks and activities that a Christian refrains from doing to keep the sabbath holy on the Lord’s Day are a matter of conscience.
- Chapter 26, paragraph 4. The 1689 LBC states that the Pope of Roman Catholicism is “the antichrist.” We believe that it is more accurate to say that the Pope is “an antichrist.”
Reformed
We believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible and authoritative Word of God, sufficient in all matters of faith and practice.
Reformed theology summarizes what we believe the Bible clearly teaches... that God rules with absolute sovereignty over everyone and everything. God has foreordained all events and is therefore never surprised or frustrated by circumstances. His sovereignty over all does not limit the will of the creature (us), nor does it make God the author of sin. God in his grace and mercy has chosen to redeem a people to himself, delivering them from sin and eternal death.
“When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head.” -Charles Spurgeon
God has and is doing his great redeeming work for the same reason God does all things - for his own glory, that he would be seen, made known and worshiped now and forever! The Reformed doctrine of salvation, sometimes called the Doctrines of Grace, are commonly represented by the acrostic TULIP or the five points of Calvinism (though some prefer not to use the term Calvinism). These five points are summarized below with some of the scripture references that support each doctrine.
We understand that many Christians have not been introduced to, taught, or have misunderstood Reformed theology. We also understand that for various reasons some Christians and churches will avoid digging into these biblical truths. But, we believe the Doctrines of Grace are clearly taught in scripture and that they are glorious, good and wonderful truths. We believe that these doctrines rightly exalt God and humble man and that having a right understanding of these doctrines will help fuel Christian worship, evangelism, discipleship, missions, increase our joy in God and strengthen the Christian's assurance. For this reason, though some who hold to Reformed theology have been rightly or wrongly viewed as angry, argumentative or divisive, we seek to be joyful and warm “Calvinists" that humbly yet unashamedly believe and share these God-exalting, man-humbling, precious biblical truths:
Reformed theology summarizes what we believe the Bible clearly teaches... that God rules with absolute sovereignty over everyone and everything. God has foreordained all events and is therefore never surprised or frustrated by circumstances. His sovereignty over all does not limit the will of the creature (us), nor does it make God the author of sin. God in his grace and mercy has chosen to redeem a people to himself, delivering them from sin and eternal death.
“When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head.” -Charles Spurgeon
God has and is doing his great redeeming work for the same reason God does all things - for his own glory, that he would be seen, made known and worshiped now and forever! The Reformed doctrine of salvation, sometimes called the Doctrines of Grace, are commonly represented by the acrostic TULIP or the five points of Calvinism (though some prefer not to use the term Calvinism). These five points are summarized below with some of the scripture references that support each doctrine.
We understand that many Christians have not been introduced to, taught, or have misunderstood Reformed theology. We also understand that for various reasons some Christians and churches will avoid digging into these biblical truths. But, we believe the Doctrines of Grace are clearly taught in scripture and that they are glorious, good and wonderful truths. We believe that these doctrines rightly exalt God and humble man and that having a right understanding of these doctrines will help fuel Christian worship, evangelism, discipleship, missions, increase our joy in God and strengthen the Christian's assurance. For this reason, though some who hold to Reformed theology have been rightly or wrongly viewed as angry, argumentative or divisive, we seek to be joyful and warm “Calvinists" that humbly yet unashamedly believe and share these God-exalting, man-humbling, precious biblical truths:
Total Depravity
Our sinful corruption is so deep and so strong as to make us slaves of sin and morally unable to overcome our own rebellion and blindness. Because of this, we are utterly dependent on God’s grace to overcome our rebellion, give us eyes to see, and effectively draw us to the Savior.
All of us are sinners because of our relationship to Adam (Psalm 51:5; Psalm 58:3; Romans 5:18-19). We are therefore unable to do anything spiritually good to atone for our sin (Genesis 6:5; Job 15:14-16; Psalm 130:3; Psalm 143:2; Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah 64:6; Jeremiah 13:23; John 3:19; Romans 3:9-12; James 3:8; 1 John 1:8), trust in God or come to him on our own (John 6:44; John 6:65; John 8:43-45; John 10:26; John 12:37-41), understand the truth (John 14:17; 1 Corinthians 2:14), or seek God (Romans 3:10-11). All of us are born dead in sin (Genesis 2:16-17; John 3:5-7; Ephesians 2:1-3; Colossians 2:13), spiritually blinded and corrupt in heart (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21; Ecclesiastes 9:3; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; John 3:19-21; Romans 8:7-8; Romans 4:17-19; Ephesians 5:8), captive to sin and Satan (John 8:34; John 8:44; Romans 6:20; Ephesians 2:3; 2 Timothy 2:25-26; Titus 3:3; 1 John 5:19), and able to perform actions freely according to our nature, but that nature is evil (Job 14:4; Matthew 7:16-18; Matthew 12:33; Mark 7:21-23; James 1:13-14).
All of us are sinners because of our relationship to Adam (Psalm 51:5; Psalm 58:3; Romans 5:18-19). We are therefore unable to do anything spiritually good to atone for our sin (Genesis 6:5; Job 15:14-16; Psalm 130:3; Psalm 143:2; Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah 64:6; Jeremiah 13:23; John 3:19; Romans 3:9-12; James 3:8; 1 John 1:8), trust in God or come to him on our own (John 6:44; John 6:65; John 8:43-45; John 10:26; John 12:37-41), understand the truth (John 14:17; 1 Corinthians 2:14), or seek God (Romans 3:10-11). All of us are born dead in sin (Genesis 2:16-17; John 3:5-7; Ephesians 2:1-3; Colossians 2:13), spiritually blinded and corrupt in heart (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21; Ecclesiastes 9:3; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; John 3:19-21; Romans 8:7-8; Romans 4:17-19; Ephesians 5:8), captive to sin and Satan (John 8:34; John 8:44; Romans 6:20; Ephesians 2:3; 2 Timothy 2:25-26; Titus 3:3; 1 John 5:19), and able to perform actions freely according to our nature, but that nature is evil (Job 14:4; Matthew 7:16-18; Matthew 12:33; Mark 7:21-23; James 1:13-14).
Unconditional Election
God’s election is an unconditional act of free grace that was given through His Son Jesus before the world began. By this act, God chose, before the foundation of the world, those who would be delivered from bondage to sin and brought to repentance and saving faith in Jesus.
God elects (chooses, predestines, foreordains), his angels (1 Tim. 5:21), his people (Ex. 6:7; Deut. 7:6-8, 10:14-15; Ps. 33:12; Is. 43:20-21), individuals to salvation (Ps. 65:4; Matt 24:24; Jn. 6:37; Jn. 15:16; Acts 13:48; Rom. 8:28-30, 9:10-24, 11:5-7; Eph. 1:3-6; Eph. 1:11-12; 1 Thes. 1:4; 1 Thes. 5:9; 2 Thes. 2:13-14), and individuals to condemnation
(Ex. 4:21; Rom. 9:13, 9:17-18, 21-22; 1 Pt. 2:8). God's motivation in election includes his own good pleasure (Eph. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:9), the display of his glory (Is. 43:6-7; Rom. 9:22-24; 1 Cor. 1:27-31; Eph. 2:4-7; Pro. 16:4), and his sovereign, free, special love (Deut. 7:6-8; Jer. 1:5; Amo. 3:2; 2 Thess. 2:13, Matt. 7:22-23; 1 Cor. 8:3; 2 Tim. 2:19; 1 Pet. 1:20). His election is not because of any good he foresees in anyone (Deut. 7:7; Rom. 9:11-13, 16; 10:20; 1 Cor. 1:27-29; 4:7; 2 Tim. 1:9) because if that were the case God would elect none (see above "Total Depravity").
God elects (chooses, predestines, foreordains), his angels (1 Tim. 5:21), his people (Ex. 6:7; Deut. 7:6-8, 10:14-15; Ps. 33:12; Is. 43:20-21), individuals to salvation (Ps. 65:4; Matt 24:24; Jn. 6:37; Jn. 15:16; Acts 13:48; Rom. 8:28-30, 9:10-24, 11:5-7; Eph. 1:3-6; Eph. 1:11-12; 1 Thes. 1:4; 1 Thes. 5:9; 2 Thes. 2:13-14), and individuals to condemnation
(Ex. 4:21; Rom. 9:13, 9:17-18, 21-22; 1 Pt. 2:8). God's motivation in election includes his own good pleasure (Eph. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:9), the display of his glory (Is. 43:6-7; Rom. 9:22-24; 1 Cor. 1:27-31; Eph. 2:4-7; Pro. 16:4), and his sovereign, free, special love (Deut. 7:6-8; Jer. 1:5; Amo. 3:2; 2 Thess. 2:13, Matt. 7:22-23; 1 Cor. 8:3; 2 Tim. 2:19; 1 Pet. 1:20). His election is not because of any good he foresees in anyone (Deut. 7:7; Rom. 9:11-13, 16; 10:20; 1 Cor. 1:27-29; 4:7; 2 Tim. 1:9) because if that were the case God would elect none (see above "Total Depravity").
Limited Atonement
Also called “particular redemption.” The atonement of Christ is sufficient for all humans and effective for those who trust him. It is not limited in its worth or sufficiency to save all who believe. But the full, saving effectiveness of the atonement that Jesus accomplished is limited to those for whom that saving effect was prepared.
God purposed to redeem a certain people and not others (1 Chronicles 17:20-21, Matthew 22:14, 1 Peter 2:8-9). It is for these in particular that Christ gave his life (Isaiah 53:10-11, Matthew 1:21, John 6:35; 10:3-4, Acts 20:28, Ephesians 5:25, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 9:15). It is for these in particular that Christ intercedes (John 17:1-2; 17:6-12; 17:20-21; 17:24-26, Romans 8:34). The people for whom Christ intercedes are the same as the people for whom he offered himself up as a sacrifice (Hebrews 7:24-27; 9:12; 9:24-28). The atonement of Christ is effective to justify, (Isaiah 53:11, Romans 8:34), to redeem and cleanse from sins (Ephesians 5:25-27, Titus 2:14), to propitiate the Father (1 John 2:2; 4:10), to raise to new life (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 1 Peter 3:18). Those whom God purposed to redeem include all who believe from every nation (Revelation 5:9), and from every class (Galatians 3:28, 1 Timothy 2:1-6). Therefore, Christ's saving work is commonly spoken of in terms of "all", "world", etcetera (John 1:29, Titus 2:11-14, Hebrews 2:9-10, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 John 2:2). The word "all" is often used to indicate all of a set, or even many representatives of a set (Matthew 10:22, 1 Corinthians 6:12; 15:22, Matthew 2:3, John 4:29, Acts 10:39; 17:21; 21:28; 26:4). Or, to indicate all "classes" or "nations," not all individuals (Matthew 5:11, Acts 2:17; 10:12). The word "world" is often used in the sense of "many," or "all of a set" (Luke 2:1-2, John 6:33; 12:19, Acts 19:27, Romans 1:8). Additional reasons that the atonement of Christ is not for all the sins of all people, God punishes people in hell, which would be unjust if their sins were atoned for (Mark 9:42). If one were to say "their sins are atoned for, but that atonement is not applied because of unbelief," he fails to realize that unbelief is likewise a sin Hebrews 3:12.
God purposed to redeem a certain people and not others (1 Chronicles 17:20-21, Matthew 22:14, 1 Peter 2:8-9). It is for these in particular that Christ gave his life (Isaiah 53:10-11, Matthew 1:21, John 6:35; 10:3-4, Acts 20:28, Ephesians 5:25, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 9:15). It is for these in particular that Christ intercedes (John 17:1-2; 17:6-12; 17:20-21; 17:24-26, Romans 8:34). The people for whom Christ intercedes are the same as the people for whom he offered himself up as a sacrifice (Hebrews 7:24-27; 9:12; 9:24-28). The atonement of Christ is effective to justify, (Isaiah 53:11, Romans 8:34), to redeem and cleanse from sins (Ephesians 5:25-27, Titus 2:14), to propitiate the Father (1 John 2:2; 4:10), to raise to new life (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 1 Peter 3:18). Those whom God purposed to redeem include all who believe from every nation (Revelation 5:9), and from every class (Galatians 3:28, 1 Timothy 2:1-6). Therefore, Christ's saving work is commonly spoken of in terms of "all", "world", etcetera (John 1:29, Titus 2:11-14, Hebrews 2:9-10, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 John 2:2). The word "all" is often used to indicate all of a set, or even many representatives of a set (Matthew 10:22, 1 Corinthians 6:12; 15:22, Matthew 2:3, John 4:29, Acts 10:39; 17:21; 21:28; 26:4). Or, to indicate all "classes" or "nations," not all individuals (Matthew 5:11, Acts 2:17; 10:12). The word "world" is often used in the sense of "many," or "all of a set" (Luke 2:1-2, John 6:33; 12:19, Acts 19:27, Romans 1:8). Additional reasons that the atonement of Christ is not for all the sins of all people, God punishes people in hell, which would be unjust if their sins were atoned for (Mark 9:42). If one were to say "their sins are atoned for, but that atonement is not applied because of unbelief," he fails to realize that unbelief is likewise a sin Hebrews 3:12.
Irresistible Grace
The resistance that all human beings exert against God every day is wonderfully overcome at the proper time by God’s saving grace for undeserving rebels whom He chooses freely to save.
Perseverance of the Saints
All who are justified will win the fight of faith. They will persevere in faith and will not surrender finally to the enemy of their souls.
Baptist
We believe that there are two ordinances appointed by the Lord Jesus, which we are to continue until he returns. These two ordinances are Baptism, and The Lord’s Supper.
Baptism is an act of obedience to God in which a believer in Christ publicly confesses his faith by being immersed into water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Baptism also allows the Christian to identify with Christ in his death and His resurrection - going under the water representing death and burial, and being raised up from the water representing resurrection.
Baptism is for Believers
The pattern we see for baptism in the New Testament is that it follows a conscious profession of faith in Jesus. Baptism is to be an outward sign of a person’s faith in Christ.
Believers are Baptized by Immersion
In every clear example of baptism the Bible gives us, the method of baptizing is the same. Believers are baptized by immersion. The Greek word baptizo usually means, “To plunge, dip, or immerse something under the water.”
Baptism by immersion symbolizes not only a cleansing, but also our union with Christ in his death and resurrection.
Baptism by immersion is based on both the New Testament pattern set forth and also the teaching of the apostles concerning the symbolism of baptism.
Baptism is not necessary for salvation, but is an act of obedience that expresses one’s faith in and submission to Jesus. Baptism does not save anyone, but it is an essential part of obedience to Christ, since He commanded that those who believe were to be baptized.
The Lord’s Supper
Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper the night before he went to the cross. Unlike baptism, which is an ordinance that a believer observes (or participates in) once, the Lord’s Supper is meant to be observed repeatedly until Christ returns.
In 1 Cor. 11, Jesus calls his disciples to “do this in remembrance of me” which shows that he intended them to continue to observe the supper after he would no longer be there with them. And, that by participating in the Lord’s Supper, we are testifying to Christ’s sacrifice and we do this “until he comes” again.
Baptism is an act of obedience to God in which a believer in Christ publicly confesses his faith by being immersed into water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Baptism also allows the Christian to identify with Christ in his death and His resurrection - going under the water representing death and burial, and being raised up from the water representing resurrection.
Baptism is for Believers
The pattern we see for baptism in the New Testament is that it follows a conscious profession of faith in Jesus. Baptism is to be an outward sign of a person’s faith in Christ.
Believers are Baptized by Immersion
In every clear example of baptism the Bible gives us, the method of baptizing is the same. Believers are baptized by immersion. The Greek word baptizo usually means, “To plunge, dip, or immerse something under the water.”
Baptism by immersion symbolizes not only a cleansing, but also our union with Christ in his death and resurrection.
Baptism by immersion is based on both the New Testament pattern set forth and also the teaching of the apostles concerning the symbolism of baptism.
Baptism is not necessary for salvation, but is an act of obedience that expresses one’s faith in and submission to Jesus. Baptism does not save anyone, but it is an essential part of obedience to Christ, since He commanded that those who believe were to be baptized.
The Lord’s Supper
Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper the night before he went to the cross. Unlike baptism, which is an ordinance that a believer observes (or participates in) once, the Lord’s Supper is meant to be observed repeatedly until Christ returns.
In 1 Cor. 11, Jesus calls his disciples to “do this in remembrance of me” which shows that he intended them to continue to observe the supper after he would no longer be there with them. And, that by participating in the Lord’s Supper, we are testifying to Christ’s sacrifice and we do this “until he comes” again.
Complementarian
Complementarianism asserts that God has created both men and women in his image, of equal value and dignity as human persons, but with a distinction in the roles and responsibilities each is to fulfill in both church and home.
Complementarianism asserts that the above statements are perfectly and practically compatible with each other. Complementarianism asserts that functional differences between men and women in church and home, as expressed in the biblical terms “headship” and “submission”, do not diminish or jeopardize their worth or value.
This relationship between men and women was meant from the beginning to parallel Christ and the church. Though the church is under the authority of Christ and women are to submit to their own husbands, Christ lays his life down for the church, and men are to do the same for their wives. Sin has led to the abuse of these gender roles in our society which has its roots in the fall (Gen 3:16).
Complementarianism asserts that the above statements are perfectly and practically compatible with each other. Complementarianism asserts that functional differences between men and women in church and home, as expressed in the biblical terms “headship” and “submission”, do not diminish or jeopardize their worth or value.
This relationship between men and women was meant from the beginning to parallel Christ and the church. Though the church is under the authority of Christ and women are to submit to their own husbands, Christ lays his life down for the church, and men are to do the same for their wives. Sin has led to the abuse of these gender roles in our society which has its roots in the fall (Gen 3:16).
Cessationist
The Holy Spirit is the acting agent that regenerates our hearts, giving us new spiritual life at the hearing of the gospel. He indwells the believer, gives understanding of God’s Word, convicts us of sin, seals the believer giving assurance of our salvation, unifies God’s people, causes the Christian to bear fruit, and empowers the Christian for service to build up the church by giving spiritual gifts.
We affirm…
that God can and does heal people, that he speaks to us through His Word (the Bible), and that God works a miracle each time a person is saved. He can also work any miracle he wants to. We affirm that God blesses believers with gifts such as teaching, mercy, administration,, etc.
We don’t believe…
that the miraculous gifts such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues exist as the norm for today as it did in the apostolic age, when the church was being built and the New Testament was being written. Such gifts were the norm among the apostles to be a sign, authenticating the message of the New Testament and the establishment of Christ’s Church. With the Scriptures now being completed, God speaks to us through them.
We affirm…
that God can and does heal people, that he speaks to us through His Word (the Bible), and that God works a miracle each time a person is saved. He can also work any miracle he wants to. We affirm that God blesses believers with gifts such as teaching, mercy, administration,, etc.
We don’t believe…
that the miraculous gifts such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues exist as the norm for today as it did in the apostolic age, when the church was being built and the New Testament was being written. Such gifts were the norm among the apostles to be a sign, authenticating the message of the New Testament and the establishment of Christ’s Church. With the Scriptures now being completed, God speaks to us through them.