Statements of Faith, Belief, & Affirmation

Scripture 

We believe the Bible is God’s inspired Word and is the highest authority we have for life, faith, and practice. It was written by men who were moved by the Holy Spirit and it is without error.
(2 Peter 1:21) 

Trinity 

We believe there is one true God that has eternally existed in a Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is the all-powerful and all- knowing Creator of the Universe. He will forever rule and reign. 
(2 Corinthians 13:14) 

Jesus 

We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He was: born of the virgin Mary, became a man, lived a sinless life, died on a cross, was buried, rose bodily from the grave, and ascended into Heaven to redeem this world from sin. 
(Hebrews 1:3) 

Holy Spirit 

We believe the Holy Spirit is the supernatural agent who activates salvation in people’s lives – regener- ating, indwelling, sanctifying, and sealing them until Christ returns again. The Holy Spirit indwells and empowers every Christian; the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, brings comfort, provides guidance, gives spiritual gifts, and enables people to understand God’s Word.
(John 15:26) 

Sin 

We believe that all of mankind is sinful and falls short of the glory of God. There is no one without sin. We believe our sin, as defined in Scripture, leads us to pain, sorrow, destruction, and death. 
(Romans 6:23, Romans 3:23) 

Repentance 

We believe that God loves us so intensely that His heart is pained to watch us suffer from our sin, so He calls us to turn from sin and repent. We believe if we confess our sins that God is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
(1 John 1:9, Ezekiel 33:11, Matthew 4:17) 

Our Need for a Savior 

We believe Jesus atoned for our sins so that we could be made right with God. God best demonstrated His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
(Romans 5:8) 

Forgiveness 

We believe that forgiveness is unmerited grace that God has lavished on us. Because of that grace, we are called to extend forgiveness to others.
(Colossians 3:13) 

Salvation 

We believe salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus. All people are sinful and in need of redemption. Salvation is a gift from God received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Ephesians 2:8) 

Restoration 

We believe that Jesus was glorified, ascended into Heaven, and now sits at the right hand of the Father until the day He returns to earth to judge both the living and the dead. Jesus will return to earth to judge all people and to rule and reign with His saints forever. In time, He will make all things whole again. We believe in a new heaven and new earth where believers will be free from sin, will live in renewed (resurrected) bodies, and will enjoy God forever.
(Matthew 25:46) 

The Church 

We believe that the Church is the body of Christ sent into the world to shine forth the glory of God. The church is both universal and local. We believe that the Church is a community of Christ-followers who are united by Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and led by godly spiritual leaders. We believe that the primary purpose of the church is to love God, love others, and carry out the Great Commission until Christ returns.
(Acts 2:42-47) 

Baptism 

We believe that water baptism through immersion is an outward expression of the inward work of salvation. Baptism is not necessary for salvation, but it is commanded in Scripture and is a necessary step for RCC membership.
(Colossians 2:12) 

The Sacraments 

We believe that the sacraments, both communion and baptism, are outward visible signs of an inward spiritual grace. Both are a means by which we experience the grace of God as the body of Christ.

Humanity 

We believe God creates all people in His image with equal dignity and worth, uniquely male and female. We believe this is God's original design and intent and is not to be altered or changed in any form.
(Genesis 1:27) 

Marriage 

We believe the Biblical covenant of marriage is between one man and one woman for life.
(Genesis 1:26-27, Ephesians 5) 

We believe in orthodox Christianity and hold to the truths found in the Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed.