One God
There is one true, holy God eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; Who subsist in unity, and also as three separate distinct Persons. How this is possible is a mystery to human beings. While we cannot always comprehend, we choose to apprehend and accept the revelation of His nature as presented to us in His Word, the Bible. Genesis 1-2, Deuteronomy 6:4, John 1:1-4, John 10:30, Ephesians 4:5-6, I John 5:7
Jesus Christ Is God’s Son
Jesus Christ is God’s Son. He is the eternal second Person of the Trinity. He was born of a virgin as both God and man, lived a sinless life, died to atone for the sins of human beings, was buried, arose from the grave, ascended into heaven, and will literally return to earth.
Isaiah 7:14, 53:1-12, Matthew 1:20-23, John 1:13-16, I Timothy 2:5-7
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the divine Helper, Assistant, Counselor and Instructor and His work is to reveal Christ, convict men of sin, lead to repentance, guide believers, comfort, strengthen, empower and sanctify the soul. John 14:16-18, 26, John 16:8
The Bible
The Bible is God’s Holy Word, without error in the original manuscripts, and is the sole authority for life. Scripture, at one and the same time speaks with the authority of God and reflects the background, styles, and vocabulary of human authors. While human history is filled with amazing literature, there are no other writings similarly inspired by God. Psalm 119:105, Matthew 5:18-19, II Timothy 3:15-17
Man’s Need for God
Human beings are the special creations of God, unlike other creatures, we are made in His image. Humanity fell through the sin of the first man, Adam, and all human beings are sinners in need of salvation.
Genesis 1:26, Romans 3:23, II Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 10:1-4
Salvation
Salvation is a gift through repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. Every person who truly is saved is eternally secure in the Lord Jesus Christ and will spend eternity in heaven, while those who choose to die in their sins will spend eternity in hell. This is not because God is vindictive, but rather because He is Holy. He has made a way of payment for humanity, but when a person chooses to pay for his own sin, God will allow that choice. John 3:16, Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-9
Baptism
Baptism is by immersion, or a person being immersed in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, after salvation and is done in obedience to Jesus Christ’s command as a symbol of our faith. Each part of baptism symbolizes the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection and marks the believer as they walk forward in newness of life. Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1: 9-11
The Lord’s Supper (or Communion)
The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ, to be administered with the elements of bread and the fruit of the vine. It is to be observed by the Church until Jesus Christ’s return. In no sense is it a sacrament; rather, it is designed to commemorate His death on the cross for the sins of mankind. The observance is always to be preceded by solemn self-examination. We do not partake of the Lord’s Supper every week, but rather observe it regularly throughout the year and include special services that commemorate His advent to earth (Christmas) and His death, burial and resurrection (Easter). Matthew 26:26-29, I Corinthians 5:6-8, I Corinthians 11:23-26
Believer’s Access to God
Each believer has direct access to God through the Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God was written for human beings to read and understand God’s ways, His heart for mankind, and His redemptive plan for history. The Church is the communal gathering of those who walk in obedience to Christ as believers. We do not have to go through a pastor, priest, bishop, deacon, or representative of any kind to have access to a relationship with God. John 14:6, I John 2:1
The Church
The church (lower-case c) is a local body of baptized believers with the Lord Jesus Christ as the Head. The Church Universal exists as Christ’s hands and feet on earth. The Church is not an institution, a building, or an organization. We are a living organism made of those who have experienced a rebirth through Christ and who collectively seek to glorify Him. Wherever God’s people meet regularly in obedience to His command, there is a local expression of the Church. Its members are to work together in love and unity, to encourage one another, teach, make disciples and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world around us. Ephesians 2:19-22, Colossians 1:18, I Peter 5:1-4
