We will teach that the Bible is God\u2019s written revelation to man, and thus the 66 books of\u00a0the Bible given to us by the Holy Spirit constitute the plenary (inspired equally in all\u00a0parts) Word of God (1 Corinthians 2:7-14; 2 Peter 1:20-21).\u00a0We will teach that the Word of God is an objective, propositional revelation (1\u00a0Corinthians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:13), verbally inspired in every word (2 Timothy\u00a03:16), absolutely inerrant in the original documents, infallible, and God-breathed. We\u00a0will teach the literal, grammatical-historical interpretation of Scripture which affirms the\u00a0belief that the opening chapters of Genesis present creation in six literal days (Genesis\u00a01:31; Exodus 31:17).\u00a0We will teach that the Bible constitutes the only infallible rule of faith and practice\u00a0(Matthew 5:18;24:35;John 10:35;16:12-13;17:17;1Corinthians 2:13;2 Timothy 3:15-17;Hebrews 4:12;2 Peter 1:20-21).<\/p>\n
We will teach that God spoke in His written Word by a process of dual authorship. The\u00a0Holy Spirit so superintended the human authors that, through their individual
\npersonalities and different styles of writing, they composed and recorded God\u2019s Word to\u00a0man (2 Peter 1:20-21) without error in the whole or in the part (Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy\u00a03:16).<\/p>\n
We will teach that, whereas there may be several applications of any given passage of\u00a0Scripture, there is but one true interpretation. The meaning of Scripture is to be found as\u00a0one diligently applies the literal, grammatical-historical method of interpretation under\u00a0the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (John 7:17; 16:12-15;1 Corinthians 2:7-15;1 John\u00a02:20). It is the responsibility of believers to ascertain carefully the true intent and\u00a0meaning of Scripture, recognizing that proper application is binding on all generations.\u00a0Yet the truth of Scripture stands in judgment of men; never do men stand in judgment of\u00a0it.<\/p>\n
We will teach that there is but one living and true God (Deuteronomy 6:4;Isaiah 45:5-7;\u00a01 Corinthians 8:4), an infinite, all-knowing Spirit (John 4:24), perfect in all His attributes,\u00a0one in essence, eternally existing in three Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit\u00a0(Matthew 28:19;2 Corinthians 13:14) – each equally deserving worship and obedience.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
We will teach that God the Father, the first person of the Trinity, orders and disposes all\u00a0things according to His own purpose and grace (Psalm 145:8-9;1 Corinthians 8:6). He is\u00a0the Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1-31;Ephesians 3:9). As the only absolute and\u00a0omnipotent ruler in the universe, He is sovereign in creation, providence, and redemption\u00a0(Psalm 103:19;Romans 11:36). His fatherhood involves both His designation within the\u00a0Trinity and His relationship with mankind. As Creator He is Father to all men (Ephesians\u00a04:6), but He is spiritual Father only to believers (Romans 8:14;2 Corinthians 6:18). He\u00a0has decreed for His own glory all things that come to pass (Ephesians 1:11). He\u00a0continually upholds, directs, and governs all creatures and events (1 Chronicles 29:11).\u00a0In His sovereignty He is neither author nor approver of sin (Habakkuk 1:13), nor does He\u00a0abridge the accountability of moral, intelligent creatures (1 Peter 1:17). He has\u00a0graciously chosen from eternity past those whom He would have as His own (Ephesians\u00a01:4-6); He saves from sin all those who come to Him; and He becomes, upon adoption,\u00a0Father to His own (John 1:12;Romans 8:15;Galatians 4:5;Hebrews 12:5-9).<\/p>\n
We will teach that Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity, possesses all the divine\u00a0excellencies, and in these He is coequal, consubstantial, and coeternal with the Father\u00a0(John 10:30;14:9).\u00a0We will teach that God the Father created \u201cthe heavens and the earth and all that is in\u00a0them\u201d according to His own will, through His Son, Jesus Christ, by whom all things\u00a0continue in existence and in operation (John 1:3;Colossians 1:15-17;Hebrews 1:2).<\/p>\n
We will teach that in the incarnation (God becoming man) Christ surrendered only the\u00a0prerogatives of deity but nothing of the divine essence, either in degree or kind. In His\u00a0incarnation, the eternally existing second person of the Trinity accepted all the essential\u00a0characteristics of humanity and so became the God-man (Philippians 2:5-8;Colossians\u00a02:9).<\/p>\n
We will teach that Jesus Christ represents humanity and deity in indivisible oneness\u00a0(Micah 5:2;John 5:23;14:9-10;Colossians 2:9).\u00a0We will teach that our Lord Jesus Christ was virgin-born (Isaiah 7:14;Matthew\u00a01:23,25;Luke 1:26-35); that He was God incarnate (John 1:1,14); and that the purpose of\u00a0the incarnation was to reveal God, redeem men, and rule over God\u2019s kingdom (Psalm\u00a02:7-9;Isaiah 9:6;John 1:29;Phillippians 2:9-11;Hebrews 7:25-26;1 Peter 1:18-19).<\/p>\n
We will teach that, in the incarnation, the second person of the Trinity laid aside His right\u00a0to the full prerogatives of coexistence with God, assumed the place of a Son, and took on\u00a0an existence appropriate to a servant while never divesting Himself of His divine\u00a0attributes (Philippians 2:5-8).\u00a0We will teach that our Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through the\u00a0shedding of His blood and sacrificial death on the cross and that His death was voluntary,\u00a0vicarious, substitutionary, propitiatory, and redemptive (John 10:15;Romans 3:24-\u00a025;5:8;1 Peter 2:24).<\/p>\n
We will teach that on the basis of the efficacy of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, the\u00a0believing sinner is freed from the punishment, the penalty, the power, and one day the\u00a0very presence of sin; and that he is declared righteous, given eternal life, and adopted into\u00a0the family of God (Romans 3:25;5:8-9;2 Corinthians 5:14-15;1 Peter 2:24;3:18).\u00a0We will teach that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from\u00a0the dead and that He is now ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He now\u00a0mediates as our Advocate and High Priest (Matthew 28:6;Luke 24:38-39;Acts 2:30-\u00a031;Romans 4:25:8:34;Hebrews 7:25;9:24;1 John 2:1).<\/p>\n
We will teach that in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave, God confirmed the\u00a0deity of His Son and gave proof that God has accepted the atoning work of Christ on the\u00a0cross. Jesus\u2019 bodily resurrection is also the guarantee of a future resurrection life for all\u00a0believers (John 5:26-29;14:19;Romans 4:25;6:5-10;1 Corinthians 15:20,23).\u00a0We will teach that Jesus Christ will return to receive the church, which is His body.(Acts\u00a01:9-11).<\/p>\n
We will teach that the Lord Jesus Christ is the One through whom God will judge\u00a0all mankind (John 5:22-23):\u00a0As the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5), the head of His body the church\u00a0(Ephesians 1:22;5:23;Colossians 1:18), and the coming eternal King who will reign\u00a0supreme, He is the final Judge of all, including those who fail to place their trust in Him\u00a0as Lord and Savior (Matthew 25:14-46;Acts 17:30-31).<\/p>\n
We will teach that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, eternal, underived, possessing all the\u00a0attributes of personality and deity including intellect (1 Corinthians 2:10-13), emotions\u00a0(Ephesians 4:30), will (1 Corinthians 12:11), eternality (Hebrews 9:14), omnipresence\u00a0(Psalm 139:7-10), omniscience (Isaiah 40:13-14), omnipotence (Romans 15:13), and\u00a0truthfulness (John 16:13). In all the divine attributes He is coequal and consubstantial\u00a0with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19;Acts 5:3-4;28:25-26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6;2\u00a0Corinthians 13:14;Jeremiah 31:31-34; and Hebrews 10:15-17).<\/p>\n
We will teach that it is the work of the Holy Spirit to execute the divine will with relation\u00a0to all mankind. We recognize His sovereign activity in the creation (Genesis 1:2), the\u00a0incarnation (Matthew 1:18), the written revelation (2 Peter 1:20-21), and the work of\u00a0salvation (John 3:5-7).<\/p>\n
We will teach that a unique work of the Holy Spirit in this age began at Pentecost when\u00a0He came from the Father as promised by Christ (John 14:16-17;15:26) to initiate and\u00a0complete the building of the body of Christ. His activity includes convicting the world of\u00a0sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ and transforming\u00a0believers into the image of Christ (John 16:7-9;Acts 1:5;2:4;Romans 8:29;2 Corinthians\u00a03:18;Ephesians 2:22).<\/p>\n
We will teach that the Holy Spirit is the supernatural and sovereign agent in regeneration,\u00a0baptizing all believers into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). The Holy Spirit also\u00a0indwells, sanctifies, instructs, empowers them for service, and seals them unto the day of\u00a0redemption (Romans 8:9-11;2 Corinthians 3:6;Ephesians 1:13).
\nWe will teach that the Holy Spirit is the divine teacher who guided the apostles and\u00a0prophets into all truth as they committed to writing God\u2019s revelation, the Bible (2 Peter\u00a01:19-21). Every believer possesses the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit from the\u00a0moment of salvation, and it is the duty of all those born of the Spirit to be filled with\u00a0(controlled by) the Spirit (Romans 8:9;Ephesians 5:18;1 John 2:20,27).<\/p>\n
We will teach that the Holy Spirit administers spiritual gifts to the church. The Holy\u00a0Spirit glorifies neither Himself nor His gifts by ostentatious displays, but He does glorify\u00a0Christ by implementing His work of redeeming the lost and building up believers in the\u00a0most holy faith (John 16:13-14;Acts 1:8;1 Corinthians 12:4-11;2 Corinthians 3:18).<\/p>\n
We will teach, in this respect, that God the Holy Spirit is sovereign in the bestowing of\u00a0all His gifts for the perfecting of the saints. Speaking in tongues and the working of sign\u00a0miracles in the beginning days of the church were for the purpose of pointing to and\u00a0authenticating the apostles as revealers of divine truth, and were never intended to be\u00a0characteristic of the lives of believers (1 Corinthians 12:4-11;13:8-10;2 Corinthians\u00a012:12;Ephesians 4:7-12:Hebrews 2:1-4).<\/p>\n
We will teach that man was directly and immediately created by God in His image and\u00a0likeness. Man was created free of sin with a rational nature, intelligence, volition, selfdetermination,\u00a0and moral responsibility to God (Genesis 2:7,15-25;James 3:9).\u00a0We will teach that God\u2019s intention in the creation of man was that man should glorify
\nGod, enjoy God\u2019s fellowship, live his life in the will of God, and by this accomplish\u00a0God\u2019s purpose for man in the world (Isaiah 43:7;Colossians 1:16;Revelation 4:11).
\nWe will teach that in Adam\u2019s sin of disobedience to the revealed will and Word of God,\u00a0man lost his innocence; incurred the penalty of spiritual and physical death; became\u00a0subject to the wrath of God; and became inherently corrupt and utterly incapable of\u00a0choosing or doing that which is acceptable to God apart from divine grace. With no\u00a0recuperative powers to enable him to recover himself, man is hopelessly lost. Man\u2019s\u00a0salvation is thereby wholly of God\u2019s grace through the redemptive work of our Lord\u00a0Jesus Christ (Genesis 2:16-17;3:1-19;John 3:36;Romans 3:23;6:23;1 Corinthians\u00a02:14;Ephesians 2:1-3;1 Timothy 2:13-14;1 John 1:8).<\/p>\n
We will teach that because all men were in Adam, a nature corrupted by Adam\u2019s sin has\u00a0been transmitted to all men of all ages, Jesus Christ being the only exception. All men\u00a0are thus sinners by nature, by choice, and by divine declaration (Psalm 14:1-3;Jeremiah
\n17:9;Romans 3:9-18,23;5:10-12).<\/p>\n
We will teach that salvation is wholly of God by grace on the basis of the redemption of\u00a0Jesus Christ, the merit of His shed blood, and not on the basis of human merit or works\u00a0(John 1:12;Ephesians 1:4-7;2:8-10;1 Peter 1:18-19).<\/p>\n
We will teach that election is the act of God by which, before the foundation of the\u00a0world, He chose in Christ those whom He graciously regenerates, saves, and sanctifies\u00a0(Romans 8:28-30;Ephesians 1:4-11;2 Thessalonians 2:13;2 Timothy 2:10;1 Peter 1:1-2).\u00a0We will teach that sovereign election does not contradict or negate the responsibility of\u00a0man to repent and trust Christ as Savior and Lord (Ezekiel 18:23, 32;33:11;John 3:18-19,36;5:40;2 Thessalonians 2:10-12;Revelation 22:17). Nevertheless, since sovereign\u00a0grace includes the means of receiving the gift of salvation as well as the gift itself,\u00a0sovereign election will result in what God determines. All whom the Father calls to\u00a0Himself will come in faith and all who come in faith the Father will receive (John 6:37-40,44;Acts 13:48;James 4:8).<\/p>\n
We will teach that the unmerited favor that God grants to totally depraved sinners is not\u00a0related to any initiative of their own part nor to God\u2019s anticipation of what they might do\u00a0by their own will, but is solely of His sovereign grace and mercy (Ephesians 1:4-7;Titus
\n3:4-7;1 Peter 1:2).<\/p>\n
We will teach that election should not be looked upon as based merely on abstract\u00a0sovereignty. God is truly sovereign but He exercises this sovereignty in harmony with\u00a0His other attributes, especially His omniscience, justice, holiness, wisdom, grace, and\u00a0love (Romans 9:11-16). This sovereignty will always exalt the will of God in a manner\u00a0totally consistent with His character as revealed in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ\u00a0(Matthew 11:25-28;2 Timothy 1:9).<\/p>\n
We will teach that regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by which the\u00a0divine nature and divine life are given (John 3:3-8;Titus 3:5). It is instantaneous and is\u00a0accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of the\u00a0Word of God (John 5:24), when the repentant sinner, as enabled by the Holy Spirit,\u00a0responds in faith to the divine provision of salvation. Genuine regeneration is manifested\u00a0by fruits worthy of repentance as demonstrated in righteous attitudes and conduct. Good\u00a0works will be its proper evidence and fruit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20;Ephesians 5:17-21;Philippians 2:12b;Colossians 3:12-17;2 Peter 1:4-11). This obedience causes the\u00a0believer to be increasingly conformed to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ (2\u00a0Corinthians 3:18). Such a conformity is climaxed in the believer\u2019s glorification at\u00a0Christ\u2019s coming (Romans 8:16-17;2 Peter 1:4;1 John 3:2-3).<\/p>\n
We will teach that justification before God is an act of God (Romans 8:30-33) by which\u00a0He declares righteous those who, through faith in Christ, repent of their sins (Isaiah 55:6-7;Luke 13:3;Acts 2:38;3:19;11:18;Romans 2:4;2 Corinthians 7:10) and confess Him as\u00a0sovereign Lord (Romans 10:9-10;1 Corinthians 12:3;2 Corinthians 4:5;Philippians 2:11).\u00a0This righteousness is apart from any virtue or work of man (Romans 3:20;4:6) and\u00a0involves the placing of our sins on Christ (Colossians 2:14;1 Peter 2:24) and the\u00a0imputation of Christ\u2019s righteousness to us (1 Corinthians 1:2,30;6:11;2 Corinthians 5:21).\u00a0By this means God is enabled to \u201cbe just, and the justifier of the one who has faith in\u00a0Jesus\u201d (Romans 3:26).<\/p>\n
We believe that every believer is sanctified (set apart) unto God by justification and is\u00a0therefore declared to be holy and is identified as a saint. This sanctification is positional\u00a0and instantaneous and should not be confused with progressive sanctification. This\u00a0sanctification has to do with the believer\u2019s standing, not his present walk or condition\u00a0(Acts 20:32;1 Corinthians 1:2,30;6:11;2 Thessalonians 2:13;Hebrews\u00a02:11;3:1;10:10,14;13:12;1 Peter 1:2).<\/p>\n
We will teach that there is also by the work of the Holy Spirit a progressive sanctification\u00a0by which the state of the believer is brought closer to the likeness of Christ through\u00a0obedience to the Word of God and the empowering of the Holy Spirit. The believer is\u00a0able to live a life of increasing holiness in conformity to the will of God, becoming more\u00a0and more like our Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:17,19;Romans 6:1-22;2 Corinthians 3:18; 1\u00a0Thessalonians 4:3-4;5:23).\u00a0In this respect, we will teach that every saved person is involved in a daily conflict – the\u00a0new creation in Christ doing battle against the flesh – but adequate provision is made for\u00a0victory through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The struggle nevertheless stays\u00a0with the believer all through this earthly life and is never completely ended. All claims to\u00a0the eradication of sin in this life are unscriptural. Eradication of sin is not possible, but\u00a0the Holy Spirit does provide for victory over sin (Galatians 5:16-25;Ephesians 4:22-
\n24;Philippians 3:12;Colossians 3:9-10;1 Peter 1:14-16;1 John 3:5-9).<\/p>\n
We will teach that all the redeemed once saved are kept by God\u2019s power and are thus\u00a0secure in Christ forever (John 5:24;6:37-40;10:27-30;Romans 5:9-10;8:1,31-39;1\u00a0Corinthians 1:4-9;Ephesians 4:30;Hebrews 7:25;13:5;1 Peter 1:4-5;Jude 24).<\/p>\n
We will teach that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their\u00a0salvation through the testimony of God\u2019s Word, which, however, clearly forbids the use\u00a0of Christian liberty as an occasion for sinful living and carnality (Romans 6:15-22;13:13-14;Galatians 5:13,16-17,25-26;Titus 2:11-14).<\/p>\n
We will teach that separation from sin is clearly called for throughout the Old and New\u00a0Testaments, and that the Scriptures clearly indicate that in the last days apostasy and\u00a0worldliness shall increase (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 2 Timothy 3:1-5).\u00a0We will teach that out of deep gratitude for the undeserved grace of god granted to us and\u00a0because our glorious God is so worthy of our total consecration, all the saved should live\u00a0in such a manner as to demonstrate our adoring love to God and so as not to bring\u00a0reproach upon our Lord and Savior. We also teach that separation from any association\u00a0with religious apostasy, and worldly and sinful practices is commanded of us by God\u00a0(Romans 12:1-2;1 Corinthians 5:9-13;2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1;1 John 2:15-17;2 John 9-11).<\/p>\n
We will teach that believers should be separated unto our Lord Jesus Christ (2\u00a0Thessalonians 1:11-12;Hebrews 12:1-2) and affirm that the Christian life is a life of
\nobedient righteousness demonstrated by a beatitude attitude (Matthew 5:2-12) and a\u00a0continual pursuit of holiness (Romans 12:1-2;2 Corinthians 7:1;Hebrews 12:14;Titus\u00a02:11-14;1 John 3:1-10).<\/p>\n
We will teach that all who place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately placed by the\u00a0Holy Spirit into one united spiritual body, the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-13), the bride\u00a0of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2;Ephesians 5:23-32;Revelation 19:7-8), of which Christ is\u00a0the Head (Ephesians 1:22;4:15;Colossians 1:18).<\/p>\n
We will teach that the formation of the church, the body of Christ, began on the day of\u00a0Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21,38-47) and will be completed at the coming of Christ for His own\u00a0(1 Corinthians 15:51-52;1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).<\/p>\n
We will teach that the church is thus a unique spiritual organism designed by Christ,\u00a0made up of all born-again believers in this present age (Ephesians 2:11-3:6). The church\u00a0is distinct from Israel of the Old Testament(1 Corinthians 10:32), but is clearly the\u00a0spiritual Israel of the New Testament (Ephesians 2:12-13, Romans 11:17-24).<\/p>\n
We will teach that the establishment and continuity of local churches is clearly taught and\u00a0defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:23,27;20:17,28;Galatians
\n1:2;Philippians 1:1;1 Thessalonians 1:1;2 Thessalonians 1:1) and that the members of the\u00a0one spiritual body are directed to associate themselves together in local assemblies (1\u00a0Corinthians 11:18-20;Hebrews 10:25).<\/p>\n
We will teach that the one supreme authority for the church is Christ (Ephesians\u00a01:22;Colossians 1:18) and that leadership, gifts, order, discipline, and worship in the
\nchurch are all appointed through His sovereignty as found in the Scriptures. The\u00a0biblically-designated officers serving under Christ and over the assembly are elders
\n(males, who are also called bishops, pastors, and pastor-teachers;(Acts 20:28;Ephesians\u00a04:11)) and deacons, both of whom must meet biblical qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-13;Titus 1:5-9;1 Peter 5:1-5).<\/p>\n
We will teach that these leaders lead or rule as servants of Christ (1 Timothy 5:17-22)\u00a0and have His authority in directing the church. The congregation is to submit to their\u00a0leadership (Hebrews 13:7,17).<\/p>\n
We will teach the importance of discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20;2 Timothy 2:2), mutual\u00a0accountability of all believers to each other (Matthew 18:15-17), as well as the need for\u00a0discipline for sinning members of the congregation in accord with the standards of\u00a0Scripture (Matthew 18:15-22;Acts 5:1-11;1 Corinthians 5:1-13;2 Thessalonians 3:6-15;1\u00a0Timothy 1:19-20;Titus 1:10-16).<\/p>\n
We will teach the autonomy of the local church, free from any external authority or\u00a0control, with the right of self-government and freedom from the interference of any
\nhierarchy of individuals or organizations (Titus 1:5). We will teach that it is scriptural for\u00a0true churches to cooperate with each other for the presentation and propagation of the\u00a0faith. Local churches, however, through their pastors and their interpretation and\u00a0application of Scripture, should be the sole judges of the measure and method of their\u00a0cooperation (Acts 15:19-31;20:28;1 Corinthians 5:4-7,13;1 Peter 5:1-4).<\/p>\n
We will teach that the purpose of the church is to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21) by\u00a0building itself up in the faith (Ephesians 4:13-16), by instruction of the Word (2 Timothy
\n2:2, 15;3:16-17), by fellowship (Acts 2:47;1 John 1:3), by keeping the ordinances (Luke\u00a022:19;Acts 2:38-42) and by advancing and communicating the gospel to the entire world\u00a0(Matthew 28:19;Acts 1:8).<\/p>\n
We will teach in the calling of all saints to the work of service (1 Corinthians\u00a015:58;Ephesians 4:12;Revelation 22:12).\u00a0We will teach in the need of the church to cooperate with God as He accomplishes His\u00a0purpose in the world. To that end, He gives each member of the local assembly spiritual\u00a0gift(s). He gave men chosen for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the\u00a0ministry (Ephesians 4:7-12) and He also gives unique and special spiritual abilities to\u00a0each member of the body of Christ (Romans 12:5-8;1 Corinthians 12:4-31;1 Peter 4:10-11).<\/p>\n
We will teach that there were two kinds of gifts given to the early church: miraculous\u00a0gifts of divine revelation and healing, given temporarily in the apostolic era for the\u00a0purpose of confirming the authenticity of the apostles\u2019 message (Hebrews 2:3-4;2\u00a0Corinthians 12:12); and ministering gifts, given to equip believers for edifying one
\nanother. With the New Testament revelation now complete, Scripture becomes the sole\u00a0test of the authenticity of man\u2019s message. Confirming gifts of a miraculous nature are no\u00a0longer necessary to validate a man or his message (1 Corinthians 13:8-12). Miraculous\u00a0gifts can even be counterfeited by Satan so as to deceive even believers (Matthew 24:24).\u00a0The only gifts in operation today are those non-revelatory equipping gifts given for\u00a0edification (Romans 12:6-8).<\/p>\n
We will teach that no one possesses the gift of healing today but that God does hear and\u00a0answer the prayer of faith and will answer in accordance with His own perfect will for the\u00a0sick, suffering, and afflicted (Luke 18:1-8;John 5:7-9; 2 Corinthians 12:6-10; James 5:13-16;1 John 5:14-15).<\/p>\n
We will teach that two ordinances have been committed to the local church: baptism and\u00a0the Lord\u2019s Supper (Acts 2:38-42). Christian baptism by immersion (Acts 8:36-39) is the\u00a0solemn and beautiful testimony of a believer showing forth his faith in the crucified,\u00a0buried, and risen Savior, and his union with Him in death to sin and resurrection to a new\u00a0life (Romans 6:1-11). It is also a sign of fellowship and identification with the visible
\nbody of Christ (Acts 2:41-42).<\/p>\n
We will teach that the Lord\u2019s Supper is the commemoration and proclamation of His\u00a0death until He comes, and should be always preceded by solemn self-examination (1Corinthians 11:23-32). We also believe that whereas the elements of communion are\u00a0only representative of the flesh and blood of Christ, the Lord\u2019s Supper is nevertheless an\u00a0actual Communion with the risen Christ who is present in a unique way, fellowshipping\u00a0with His people (1 Corinthians 10:16).<\/p>\n
We will teach that angels are created beings and are therefore not to be worshiped.\u00a0Although they are a higher order of creation than man, they are created to serve God andto worship Him (Luke 2:9-14;Hebrews 1:6-7,14; 2:6-7;Revelation 5:11-14).<\/p>\n
We will teach that Satan is a created angel and the author of sin. He incurred the\u00a0judgment of God by rebelling against his Creator (Isaiah 14:12-17;Ezekiel 28:11-19), by\u00a0taking numerous angels with him in his fall (Matthew 25:41;Revelation 12:1-14), and by\u00a0introducing sin into the human race by his temptation of Eve (Genesis 3:1-15).\u00a0We will teach that Satan is the open and declared enemy of God and man (Isaiah 14:13-\u00a014; Matthew 4:1-11;Revelation 12:9-10), the prince of this world who has been defeated\u00a0through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 16:20) and that he shall be\u00a0eternally punished in the lake of fire (Isaiah 14:12-17;Ezekiel 28:11-19;Matthew25:41;Revelation 20:10).<\/p>\n
We will teach that physical death involves no loss of our immaterial consciousness\u00a0(Revelation 6:9-11), that there is a separation of soul and body (James 2:26), that the soul\u00a0of the redeemed passes immediately into the presence of Christ (Luke 23:43;2\u00a0Corinthians 5:8;Philippians 1:23).<\/p>\n
We will teach the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life (John\u00a06:39;Romans 8:10-11,19-23;2 Corinthians 4:14), and the unsaved to judgment and
\neverlasting punishment (Daniel 12:2;John 5:29;Revelation 20:13-15).<\/p>\n
We will teach the personal, bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 1:9-11; 1Thessalonians 4:16;Titus 2:13).<\/p>\n
We will teach that all mankind who ever lived and ever will live will stand before thecreator of the universe and give account for their life. The Book of Life will be the
\neternal record that will decide the fate of every soul who ever lived. All will be judged\u00a0out of the things written in the book. Those who have believed in Jesus Christ will be\u00a0ushered into the presence of God and will reign with him forever and ever. Those who\u00a0have rejected him will go into eternal punishment in the lake of fire.<\/p>\n
We will teach that man will enter an eternal state, so that after man has died, has been\u00a0resurrected, has been given an immortal body, and has stood in judgment, he will then\u00a0enter that eternal state. He will enter that eternal state never to leave the presence of our\u00a0Lord Jesus Christ if part of the redeemed, and never again to see his face if outside the\u00a0body of Christ, and therefore cast into the lake of fire, which is literal and eternal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Holy Scriptures We will teach that the Bible is God\u2019s written revelation to man, and thus the 66 books of\u00a0the Bible given to us by the Holy Spirit constitute the plenary (inspired equally in all\u00a0parts) Word of God (1 Corinthians 2:7-14; 2 Peter 1:20-21).\u00a0We will teach that the Word of God is an objective, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"template-whatwebelieve.php","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-93","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n