We cling to non-negotiables while being open-handed with the gray areas of our faith. Here is a list of our non-negotiable beliefs:

The Bible

We believe that the Bible, consisting of both the Old and the New Testaments, was written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit and is God’s revealed word to man. It is the sufficient, infallible rule and the guide to salvation and to all Christian worship and service (II Peter 1:20-21; II Timothy 3:15-17; I Thessalonians 2:13). The Bible is the inspired Word of God, equal in all parts and in the whole; it is totally inerrant in the original manuscripts. All the Scriptures center around the Lord Jesus Christ and point to humanity’s desperate need for Him as our savior (Luke 24:27).

God

We believe that Scripture teaches there is one and only one true and living God, who is self-existent, and the eternal “I AM,” the creator of heaven and earth, and the redeemer of mankind. We believe that He has chosen to reveal Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the same in essence, though distinct in personality (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Matthew 28:18-19; Luke 3:22). These three are one God, having the same nature, attributes, and perfection and are worthy of the same homage and obedience (Mark 12:29; John 1:14; Acts 5:3, 4;II Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 1:4-6).The mode of His existence, however, is a subject far above the understanding of man. He is the fountain of all perfection and happiness. He is glorified by the whole of creation and is worthy to be loved and served by all intelligence. He, therefore, is the only proper object of worship. (Jeremiah 10:10; Exodus 3:14; Psalms 90:2; Matthew 28:19,20; Job 11:7; Psalms 19:1,2; 145:10;150:6; Exodus 34:14).

          1. God the Father

We believe that God the Father is the first Person of the Trinity, and the creator of all things. (1 Corinthians 8:6) All things are held together through and by Him. He is the absolute and omnipotent ruler in the universe, He is sovereign in creation, providence, and redemption (Psalm 103:19; Romans 11:36). As the ultimate creator of all things, He is the Father to all mankind (Ephesians 4:6). He saves from sin all who come to Him through Jesus Christ; He adopts as His own all those who come to Him; and He becomes, upon adoption, Father to His own (John 1:12; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:5; Hebrews 12:5-9).

          2. God the Son

Jesus was born miraculously of the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31, 35). He lived a sinless life. (Hebrews 7:26; I Peter 2:22). He came into the world to save men from the guilt and condemnation of sin (John 3:16), offering His blood as atonement (I Corinthians 15:3; II Corinthians 5:21) and making it available to all who exercise faith in Him. He physically and literally resurrected from the dead. (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; I Corinthians 15:4). He is exalted to the right hand of God. (Acts 1:9, 11; 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1-3). His divinity is proved from His titles, His attributes, and His works. (John 1:14; Luke 1:26-35; Acts 4:12; Acts 16:31). He is presently seated at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for His redeemed. We also acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord over all things in Heaven, and in Earth, and under the Earth. (John 1:12; I Timothy 3:16; Acts 7:37-38; Philippians 22:9-10; Hebrews 7:25).

          3. God the Holy Spirit

The Scriptures ascribe to the Holy Spirit the acts and attributes of an intelligent being. He guides, knows, moves, gives information, commands, forbids, sends forth, reproves, as the instrumental segment of the Godhead in the liberal dispersion of spiritual gifts, and can be sinned against. (John 16:13; I Corinthians 2:11; Genesis 1:2; Acts 10:19; 13:2; 16:6; 13:4; John 16:8; Mark 3:29; Acts 7:51; Ephesians 4:30; I Corinthians 6:11). The works of God are ascribed to the Holy Spirit; creation; inspiration, giving of life, and sanctification. (Job 33:4; II Peter 1:21; I Peter 3:18; I Corinthians 6:11).

Humanity

          1. Free Will

God gave mankind volition, the right and ability to make choices, good and bad. Mankind was created free of sin with a rational nature, intelligence, volition, self-determination, and moral responsibility to God (Genesis 2:7, 15-25; James 3:9). Free will enables us to make moral/immoral decisions.

          2. Fellowship With God

Fellowship with God emphasizes the friendship relationship with God the Father and the Son. Sin breaks the fellowship; confession of sin restores the fellowship with God. When in fellowship with God, believers partner with God in service and enjoy a close friendship. The central passages are 1 John 1 and John 13. Since one is no longer walking in darkness (sin), the Holy Spirit also leads and controls the believer as Galatians 5 teaches. John 15:1-9 uses the term “abide” which also refers to fellowship with Jesus Christ.

Salvation

Humanity’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, as the remission of our sins and sin debt. Salvation is received through repentance (turning away from sin and former selfish desires) by turning towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The inward evidence of salvation is direct witness of the Spirit and the  outward evidence to all men of a life of righteousness and true holiness. (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11 3:5-7; Romans 8:16; Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12).

Lordship Salvation

Scripture teaches that the gospel calls sinners to faith joined together with repentance (Acts 2:38; 17:30; 20:21; 2 Pet. 3:9). Repentance is a turning from sin (Acts 3:19; Luke 24:47) that consists not of human works but of a divinely bestowed grace (Acts 11:18; 2 Tim. 2:25). It is a change of heart, but genuine repentance will effect a change of behavior as well (Luke 3:8; Acts 26:18-20). Scripture teaches that salvation is all God’s work. Those who believe are saved utterly apart from any effort on their own (Titus 3:5). Even faith is a gift of God, not a work of man (Eph. 2:1-5, 8). Real faith therefore cannot be defective or short-lived but endures forever (Phil. 1:6; cf. Heb. 11). Scripture teaches that the object of faith is Christ Himself, not a creed or a promise (John 3:16). Faith therefore involves personal commitment to Christ (2 Cor. 5:15). Scripture teaches that real faith inevitably produces a changed life (2 Cor. 5:17). Salvation includes a transformation of the inner person (Gal. 2:20). The nature of the Christian is new and different (Rom. 6:6). The unbroken pattern of sin and enmity with God will not continue when a person is born again (1 John 3:9-10). Those with genuine faith follow Christ (John 10:27), love their brothers (1 John 3:14), obey God’s commandments (1 John 2:3; John 15:14), do the will of God (Matt. 12:50), abide in God’s Word (John 8:31), keep God’s Word (John 17:6), do good works (Eph. 2:10), and continue in the faith (Col. 1:21-23; Heb. 3:14). Scripture teaches that Jesus is Lord of all, and the faith He demands involves unconditional surrender (Rom. 6:17-18; 10:9-10). In other words, Christ does not bestow eternal life on those whose hearts remain set against Him (James 4:6). Scripture teaches that those who truly believe will love Christ (1 Pet. 1:8-9; Rom. 8:28-30; 1 Cor. 16:22). They will therefore long to obey Him (John 14:15, 23). Scripture teaches that behavior is an important test of faith. Obedience is evidence that one’s faith is real (1 John 2:3). On the other hand, the person who remains utterly unwilling to obey Christ does not evidence true faith (1 John 2:4). Scripture teaches that genuine believers may stumble and fall, but they will persevere in the faith (1 Cor. 1:8). Those who later turn completely away from the Lord show that they were never truly born again (1 John 2:19).

Repentance

Repentance is a conscious and Holy Spirit led decision to turn from one’s sin with a contrite heart— seeking God’s unfailing mercy and grace. Like the prodigal son in Jesus’ parable, the repentant child of God realizes life is much better with the Father than in the world and returns home (Luke 15:11-32).

Sanctification

Sanctification (not to be confused with progressive sanctification) happens to every believer in Christ when made righteous and holy through justification and declared a saint. (Acts 20:32; 1 Corinthians 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 2:11; 3:1; 10:10, 14; 13:12; 1 Peter 1:2)

Progressive Sanctification

Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and acts of obedience to the Word of God, the believer is able to live a life of increasing holiness, becoming more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:17, 19; Romans 6:1-22; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4; 5:23).

Justification

The legal act whereby God declares the sinner to be innocent of his or her sins. It is not that the sinner is now sinless, but that he or she is “declared” sinless. This declaration of righteousness means the person is justified before God. This justification is based on the shed blood of Jesus. (Romans 5:9; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4) God imputed the righteousness of Christ at the same time our sins were imputed to Christ when He was on the cross. (1 Peter 2:24)

Eternal Security

We believe that once an individual has truly repented (turned away from sin) and has placed his or her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that he or she is redeemed, saved, and kept by God’s power and thus secure in Christ forever (John 5:24; 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Romans 5:9-10; 8:1, 31-39; 1 Corinthians 1:4-8; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 7:25; 13:5; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 24).

Gifts of The Holy Spirit

We teach practical-continuationism. Meaning that the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we see on display in the New Testament are still active within the life of the church. These gifts did not end with the close of the New Testament or the death of the last apostle. We look to and affirm scriptures instructions for how the spiritual gifts are intended to be used. (1 Cor. 12:1-11;Romans 12:6-8;1 Peter 4:10-11; 1 Cor. 13).

          1. Sign Gifts

By teaching practical-continuationism we believe that the sign gifts are currently active in today's world if applied biblically. We do not in any way support chaotic outbursts that are antithetical to what the inherent word of God says about the “sign gifts.” They are given to edify the church with specific orders. We do not hold the belief that the gifts ceased after the apostolic era. However, we look to scripture as the authority for how spiritual gifts are to be used.

          2. Tongues

a. Angelic Tongues (I Corinthians 13:1)
     1. Angelic tongues are not an understandable or intelligible language or dialect but rather when a believer speaks “mysteries in the spirit” “not to people” but “to God.” (I Corinthians 14:2)
     2. Angelic tongues of prayer or praise are not intended in a congregational setting (1 Corinthians 14:14-19,23).
     3. Angelic tongues in a congregational setting must require an interpreter and must attain order and understanding within the church. (I Corinthians 14:26-30, 32-33, 40).

b. Human Tongues (I Corinthians 13:1)
     1. Human tongues is an intelligible language, that is foreign to the speaker, spoken for the edification of the Church, and ultimately to glorify God. (I Corinthians 14:6-12)
     2. Human tongues is what we see taking place in Acts 2. The Lord fills the speakers' mouths with a language unknown to them, but known to the audience they are preaching to. (Acts 2:6)

Tithes & Offerings

Both the Old and New Testament Scriptures teach tithing as God’s financial plan for the support of His work. These are to be practiced continually by all believers and are outward expressions of the unity of the church, the Body of Christ, as it joins together in support of the work of the Lord. The word tithe means “tenth” and is the baseline for giving—the bare minimum. It is a form of worship, showing God that we trust Him, not money, to provide for us. Offerings are given above and beyond the tithe. The Bible doesn’t command us to give offerings, but it does encourage us to give generously. Our offerings, since they are not required, reflect the generosity in our hearts (Malachi
3:8-10; I Corinthians 16:2; Genesis 28:22; Matthew 23:23; Deuteronomy 26; 14:28-29; 15:7-11; Numbers 18:8-11; Ezekiel 44: Proverbs 14:21; 29:7; Luke 11:41; 12:33; 2 Corinthians 9:7).

Marriage

Marriage was created and instituted by God (Gen. 2:22). It is a covenant made between a man and a woman that joins them as one (Gen 2:24). The marriage covenant requires the husband and wife to be faithful, loving, and helpful to each other as long as they both shall live (Mark 10:3-10). Those whom God has directed to be joined together shall, after counseling with the pastor concerning what God requires of them, be joined in marriage. (Malachi 2:13-16; Matthew 5:32; 19:5-6, 9: Romans 7:2-3; I Corinthians 7:10-11; II Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 5:22-23) This church observes the wedding ceremony as holy and unto God. It is a religious ceremony and cannot be conducted in this church without pastoral consideration. Any couple wishing to conduct their wedding ceremony in this church must first submit to pastoral counseling that is approved by this church. The couple must also live a lifestyle that is consistent with this church's doctrinal views.

Eternal State

Death is not the end for humanity, but our souls live forever in eternity. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus offers humanity the opportunity to gain eternal life. Those who have believed and been saved enter into an unhindered relationship with Jesus in Heaven. There will be no more sin, sorrow, or death, and all of humanity’s soul-level desires will be satisfied in Jesus. Those who reject Jesus face the judgment of God and receive eternal suffering and eternity of brokenness; an eternity where humanity’s soul-level desires are never satisfied. Heaven is heaven because of Jesus, and hell is hell because of separation from Jesus. (Matthew 25:31-46, John 17:3, Revelation. 21:1-8)

Complementarianism

Men and women are absolutely equal in essence, dignity and value but are distinct by divine design. As part of God’s good created order, men and women are to have different yet complementary roles and responsibilities in the home and church. As it relates to the church, men and women are both expected to lead; however, the offices of Elder and Pastor are reserved for qualified men (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1).

The Church and Ministry

We believe that all who are united by the new birth to Jesus Christ are covenant partners of the universal church, the body of Christ. We also believe that the local congregation of Christian believers is divinely instituted and is the chosen instrument of God for the furtherance of God’s work here on Earth. While appreciating the work of para church groups, we believe that the local church is God’s chosen vehicle for world evangelization and the nurture of Christians. We further believe in the spiritual unity of all believers and in working together with others who believe in salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ for the causes of evangelism, missions, and benevolence. (Matthew 16:16-18; John 17:21; Ephesians 1:20- 23;4:3-10; Colossians 3:14-15) The church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission and purpose. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the Church of the Firstborn, whose name is written in heaven in the Lamb’s book of Life. As such, the Bible reveals that we are covenant partners one of another and the basis of our fellowship is in Christ in the power of the Spirit (Ephesians 1:22; 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23) A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the three-fold purpose of leading the church in: (1) Evangelization of the world, (2) Worship of God, and (3) Building a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son. (I Chronicles 16:29; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 14:23; John 4:23-24; Ephesians 4:11-16;Colossians 1:28)

Discipleship

The last words of Jesus to his disciples before his ascension was to go and make disciples of all nations and to teach them to observe all the things He had commanded them (Matthew 28:19-20). We believe this great commission applies to us as well (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:2). It is a co-mission that we are all in together. The disciples of Jesus walked with him and observed all that He did. He invested time and energy into them even outside of synagogue, or church. We believe discipleship is of utmost importance and as a church will disciple through the preaching and teaching of God’s word. We also believe, however, that true discipleship requires more than church sermons, programs, or classes. It requires the body of Christ daily choosing to follow the greatest two commandments and teach others all we know about Christ; pushing them to foster a deeper, stronger relationship with Him. We believe that God created everyone with a purpose, and when discipling people we want to help them find that purpose and live out the good works prepared for them before they were created (Ephesians 2:10). In doing so, we believe that they will eventually make disciples as well and the kingdom of God will continue to grow.

Matters of Scriptural Interpretation

In the case of any matter of dispute not covered by our Non-negotiables: What We Believe, after consultation among the Elder Team and the Leadership Team, the church’s final authoritative interpreter of Scripture for public statement or representation of the church family will be the Senior Pastor or, in his absence or on his behalf, an Elder appointed by the Elder Team.