Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. We feel strongly about the following beliefs, for they lie at the core of our teachings.
God
We believe there is one and only one eternal, true and living God. God is an intelligent, spiritual and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver and Ruler of the universe. To God, we owe the highest love, worship and commitment. God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit with distinct personal attributes but without division of nature, essence or being. The only existing God is the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; that in the oneness of the Godhead there are three manifestations, the Father (God in heaven), the Son (God in flesh), and the Holy Ghost (God in us); equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct and harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. Scripture references: John 4:24; Psalms 147:5; 83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20; Jeremiah 10:10 Exodus 15:11, Isaiah 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rev. 4:6-8 Mark 12:30.
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the perfect representation of God in human form. He is fully human and fully divine. He is equal with God but took on the form of a servant and committed himself to die on the cross to redeem ALL humanity. Through the shedding of His blood, humanity would experience the security of forgiveness and remission of sins. Jesus Christ arose on the third day following His death as He declared authority over life and death. Jesus Christ lives in all believers as the living, ever-present Lord. 1Corinthians 15:3-4; Philippians 2:5-11. We believe that salvation is because of the grace of God through the mediatory work of the Jesus Christ and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the death, he is now enthroned in heaven and uniting in his wonderful person the tender sympathies and grace to all people with divine purpose; he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, compassionate and an all-sufficient Savior. Scripture references: Eph. 2:5; Matt. 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; Acts 15:11 John 3:16; 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14; 12:24; Phil. 2:6-7.
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit. A Spirit-led life, God’s power within us, is the only way possible to live the Christian life. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right. We believe that the Holy Spirit sanctifies us; the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of God; The Holy Spirit is the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use for self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness and prayer. We believe all believers are exhorted to be filled with, walk in, be led by and live in the power of the Holy Ghost. We believe that it is God’s desire that all believers live life under the control of the Holy Spirit and being continuously refreshed with the empowering divine strength of Holy Ghost. We believe that after the initial filling of the Holy Spirit, there are many fillings and there is to be the ongoing filling ministry of the Spirit in the life of the believer for empowerment to effectively and victoriously live a life that glorifies God. We believe the Holy Ghost fills or empowers believers for service in the Kingdom of God. Being filled with the Holy Ghost is the result of continuing submission to Divine power and control. Scripture references: Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:18
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
We believe the baptism of the Holy Ghost and the filling of the Holy Ghost are distinct, separate valid and valuable ministries of the Holy Ghost which may occur simultaneously at salvation. Being filled with the Holy Ghost should not only be a continuous reality, but an ongoing characteristic of the believer’s consecrated commitment to holiness. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we believe that God has given authority to the believer over the Enemy, Satan and victory to be gained by the exercise of the authority in the areas of deliverance, healing and holiness. Scripture references: Ephesians 1:20-23, 6:10-17; Thess. 4:3; 5:23; 2 Cor. 7:1; 13:9; Eph. 1:4; 5:18; Prov. 4:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 6:1; 2
Justification by Faith
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is Justification; that Justification includes the pardon of sin and the promise of everlasting life on principles of righteousness by grace through faith, that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood and by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity. Scripture references: John 1:16; Eph. 3:8 Acts 13:39
The Freeness of Salvation
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all people by the work of Jesus Christ; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept salvation by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith. Scripture references: Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Luke 14:17 Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15
Repentance and Faith
We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; where being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness through the conviction of the Spirit we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy, while at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Savior Scripture references: Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1 John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-31
God’s Purpose and Grace
We believe that divine election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which God graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves us. That divine purpose is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of God’s free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that God’s purpose is the foundation of Christian assurance. Scripture references: 2 Tim. 1:8-9; Eph. 1:3-14; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; Rom. 11:5-6
The Priesthood of every Believer
We believe that every believer has direct access to God and is called to live with spiritual authority, power and grace. Our authority is given through the grace of God in Jesus Christ by His death on the cross. 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:16
The “Whosoever” Church
We embrace the love of God. We believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ cuts across all barriers that fragment and divide us. We are called to love, affirm, and welcome all people regardless of race, gender, affectional orientation, class, or life situation. We are to be known for our love, compassion, reconciliation, and liberation for all who are oppressed. We emphasize the “whosoever” in John 3:16. We are called to “love our neighbors as we love ourselves” (Mark 12:29-31), and “love our enemies” Luke 6:27
The Bible; the Christian Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction. The Holy Bible reveals the principles and purposes of God’s revelation through the context of history and human interpretation and the sufficient center of Christian union; The Christian scriptures are the inspired record of God’s activity with humanity. It is truth provided for the believer as a tool to know the heart of God. It reveals the plan, purposes and will of God for all time. We believe the Bible should be interpreted through the loving lens of Jesus Christ, so that it is used as a tool to liberate, and not oppress, unite and not divide, affirm and not reject. John 1:14; II Timothy 3:16, 1 John 2:5-6, Psalm 119:105; 2Timothy 3:16, 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21
Humanity
Humankind was created by a special work of God, in God’s image and is the finest of all creation – God said, “It is very good!” and God created this diverse humanity with purpose and destiny. There are many variations expressed in the human creation, yet ALL equal in God’s eyes. Regardless of our differences we are called to be of one “spirit”. We believe that this diversity reflects the creative and unique possibility and power of our God. While we are all different on the outside, God does not judge the outside, but the “heart”. Therefore, we celebrate, embrace, and affirm the diversity of God’s human creation. Scripture references: Galatians 3:28; 1 Samuel 16:7
Giving Back To God
We believe in the practice of tithing for the support of Christ’s body, the Church. We believe in the spiritual principles of sowing and reaping. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard given to us. Leviticus 27:30
The Church
The church is a group of believers brought together by the Spirit of God to carry out the Great Commandment by practicing the Great Commission. We are admonished to observe the two ordinances of the church; baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion) Matthew 22:37-40; Ephesians 5:23-27
Baptism
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation that has occurred in the life of the believer. Baptism is identification with Christ by picturing his death, burial and resurrection. It is the first commandment a new Christian is given from the Lord Jesus. Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4
The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is an opportunity for personal examination and reflection on Christ’s love and sacrifice. The bread and cup are symbols of His body and blood which were broken and spilled out for us. These are done in “remembrance” of Him. Luke 22:19,20; 1Corinthians 11:23-32
Worship
We view worship from two sides: adoration and service. Worship could be defined as pure adoration, the redeemed person contemplating and praising God in His holy perfection. Reverential adoration and committed service are both prominent expressions of the biblical concept of worship. True worship involves a willingness to serve and genuine service to God must be accompanied by a sense of reverence and adoration. Psalm 95:6,7; Ephesians 2:10
Evangelism: Telling others about God’s Love
We believe it is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with. We practice sharing about God’s love and purpose for our lives 1 Peter 3:15
The Power of Prayer
We believe that in prayer and prayerful meditation, we experience the manifestation of God’s presence. God speaks to us, guides us, reveals spiritual things to us, refreshes us, and imparts revelation to us. We are promised all forms of healing, direction, guidance, strength, and power if we connect with God in prayer. Prayer is regenerative and enlightening to our spirit. Matt 21:22; Philippians 4:6-7; James 5:13-18
Spiritual Gifts
We believe that spiritual gifts are for the edification of the believer and the Body of Christ (the Church). We believe that God’s spiritual purposes and the edification of God’s people are manifested in and through these diverse gifts. The word of wisdom, word of knowledge, gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophesy, unknown and divers (different) tongues, gifts of helps, teaching, preaching and administration, are all useful for the edification of the individual, Body of Christ and entire world. We believe in the perpetuity and continuing ecclesiastical value of all spiritual gifts for the edification of believers and the body of Christ until the end of this church age is by the glorious event of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12:3-7; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 13:10, 2 Corinthians 12
The Power of Love
Love, the “greatest force in the world”, must motivate all we do. We must constantly be committed to love one another, work hard to promote unity and harmony within the church, and express this love from the church to the world. John 3:16-18, 1 Corinthians 12
Biblical Servant Leadership
We believe in the value of biblical terminology of leadership in the contemporary church: Bishop, Apostle, Overseer, Pastor, Minister, Elder and Deacon. We believe all of these are designations for servant-leaders. Jeremiah 3:15; Acts 20:28; 2 Corinthians 6:4; 1Timothy 3:1-7
The Autonomy of the Local Church
We believe in the full autonomy of the local church as an independent entity under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, through pastoral authority, with regards to local Church government, polity, operations and discipline with pastoral discernment. We believe that leadership should be submitted to other leaders for spiritual-parental accountability, and utilize the guidance of Episcopacy as a covering. Acts 15:1-35; 6:3-5, 11:22; Titus 1:5
The Power of Pentecost
We believe the full gospel includes the proclamation of both the eternal power of Calvary and the potential power of Pentecost for all people. We believe that the Power of Pentecost is the spiritual activity and power of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to speak and minister to diverse people, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations. We believe that the baptizing power of Jesus Christ is essential for salvation and is available to all people because of Calvary; and, the indwelling power of the Holy Ghost is available for service and holy victorious living because of the empowering strength of the Holy Spirit as demonstrated at Pentecost. Acts 1; 1:8; 2; 20:27.