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STATEMENT OF FAITH & MINISTRY COVENANT
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We believe that the Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, inerrant as originally given, were verbally inspired by God and are the complete and only revelation of His will for the salvation of man. They constitute the divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice for every age and every life. (2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:15-16)
Terms explained:
1. Verbal: This means that the individual words of the Bible are true and without error in the original writings. Therefore, more than just the thought or concept is inspired, but also every word. The term "plenary" is often used with the word "verbal" to give the view that all Scripture is fully and equally inspired. (Proverbs 30:5,6; Matthew 5:17,18; 2 Timothy 3:16,17)
2. Inspired (Inspiration): Inspiration is that particular work of God by which the Holy Spirit, becoming the co-author of Scripture, supernaturally directed the writers of Scripture and without excluding their human intelligence, individuality, literary style, personal feelings, or any other human factor, God's own complete and coherent message to men was recorded in perfect accuracy and the very words of the Bible bear the authority of this divine authorship. Inspiration is not equivalent to dictation except in certain instances, as God uses the experience, feelings and thinking of the human author. The end result, however, is just as accurate as if God Himself had taken the pen. Hence, the Scriptures were inspired or breathed out by God and, though the authors were fallible men, what they wrote was without error. Inspiration does not suppress the intellectual ability and talent but rather uses that intellectual ability and talent (2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:1-3; 2 Peter 1:20,21).
3. Inerrant: Inerrant means that the Scriptures in their original writings were without error (John 10:35; Luke 16:17).
God
We believe there is one God who is infinitely perfect and who eternally exists and reveals Himself in three persons -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – each having the same divine nature, attributes, and perfections, and each worthy of the same worship and obedience. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 3:16-17, 5:48, 28:19; John 1:1-2, 1:14, 10:30, 14:15-17)
We believe that God is the absolute and sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and that creation was by divine command, from nothing and not through an evolutionary process. (Genesis 1:1; John 1:3; John 1:10; Acts 17:24-25; Colossians 1: 15-17)
We believe that God, by His sovereign choice and out of love for man, sent Jesus Christ into the world to save sinners. (John 3:16; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 John 4:14)
Terms explained:
1. Eternally existing: There is but one God Who has no beginning and no ending. (Genesis. 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalms 90:1-2; Isaiah 45:5-6,14,18,21-22; Mark 12:29-32)
2. Three in One: God is one in essence, yet three persons, co-equal, eternally existing. (Matthew 28:19; John 12:26; 15:26; 16:15; Acts 2:32-36; I Corinthians 12:3-6, II Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; Revelation 1:4)
3. Co-equal:
a. The Bible tells us that the Father is God (John 6:27; Romans 1:7).
b. The Son is recognized as God (John 1:1; 20:28; Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 1:8; I John 5:19-27;).
c. The Holy Spirit is also identified as God (Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:4,9).
4. Sole Creator and Sustainer: God alone created and sustains all that exists, both visible and invisible, and nothing that exists came into being apart from Him. He is the One who continues to hold it all together. (Psalm 33:6-9; Colossians 1:16-17)
5. Sovereign: God is the supreme ruler and as such answers to no one, but is Himself Ruler over all that exists. (Psalm 103:19; Colossians 1:17)
God the Father
We believe that the first Person of the Holy Trinity is God the Father. As the Father He is perfect and holy and the standard by which all of creation is called into account. As the Sovereign of all that exists His will cannot be thwarted nor corrupted. (Psalm 103:19; Matthew 5:48, 6:9; John 10:29-30; Ephesians 4:6)
Terms explained:
1. Perfect and holy: God is absolute perfection and there is no evil to be found in Him, and because He is perfect and holy He Himself is the standard by which everything that has been created is judged to determine whether it is good or evil. (Matthew 5:48, 6:9)
2. His will: Because God reigns as the supreme ruler of all that exists, and holds absolute power, and is absolutely perfect, His will is therefore perfect and will be carried out to its eternally ordained conclusion. (Psalm 103:19; John 10:29-30; Ephesians 4:6)
God The Son
We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, that He lived a sinless life in which He taught and performed mighty works and wonders and signs exactly as revealed in the gospel records of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. We believe that He died upon the cross, the Just for the unjust, as a substitutionary sacrifice, and that all who believe in Him are justified on the basis of His shed blood. He arose from the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures. He ascended forty days later to the right hand of the Majesty on high where He is even now our great High Priest. He will come again to earth personally, bodily, and visibly to establish His millennial kingdom of righteousness and peace. (Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 1:3-38; 1 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 2:9; Romans 5:9; Acts 2:23-24; Hebrews 8:1; Matthew 26:64)
Terms explained:
1. Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ had two natures in one person, so that He was simultaneously fully God and fully man, and this relationship was such that there was no dividing of person nor confounding of the two natures. (John 1:1-14)
2. Conceived by the Holy Spirit: The conception of Jesus was a divine act of God, without human agency. (Matthew. 1:18; Luke 1:26-38)
3. Born to the virgin Mary: At the time of Christ's conception and birth, Mary was a virgin. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:27)
3. Substitutionary: This is called the "vicarious" suffering since Christ died in our place. He did not die for His own sin, but died for the sins of others. (1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:8; Hebrews 4:15-16; 1 John 3:5)
4. All Who Believe: The gift of salvation provided by the death of the Lord Jesus Christ is for all mankind, yet only those who exhibit faith are justified. (Romans 1:13; Galatians 2:16; 3:11; 1 John 2:2)
5. Rose from the dead: We believe that after three days, Jesus Christ arose bodily from the grave. The doctrine of the resurrection is essential to salvation. (Luke 24:23-40; Romans 10:9,19; 1 Corinthians15:12-23,35-37)
6. Ascension: After His resurrection and forty-day ministry Jesus ascended up into Heaven. (Acts 1:1-11; 1 Peter 3:22)
7. High Priest: Since Christ's atonement has restored our relationship with God, we now can approach God through Christ, Who as our High Priest represents us before God. As our Advocate, He compassionately deals with our needs and strengthens us (John 14:18; Hebrews 4:14; 5:1-10; 13:5; 7:25; 8:1,2; 9:11-15,24[1]).
8. Second coming: The return of the Lord is an event that believers ought to wait for with high expectation and excitement. As still imperfect people, we eagerly await the restoration of all things to perfect Christ-likeness after the return of Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:18-25; 1 Corinthians.1:7; 2 Thessalonians. 1:7; Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 1:7,13; 4:13;)
9. Personally, bodily, and visibly: Jesus, not just in spirit, but in bodily form, will return to this earth to establish His 1000 year earthly reign. (Acts 1:11; Revelation 20:4)
God The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Person and is God, possessing all the divine attributes. His ministry in the church and in the world is multifaceted as declared in the Bible. Among His many ministries we are told that He is sent to regenerate, indwell, guide, teach, and empower the believer, and He is come to convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. (John 3:5, John 14:15-18; John 16:7-11; John 16:12; Acts 1:8)
Terms Explained:
1. Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, equal with the Father and the Son. (John 14:16; Matthew 28:19)
2. Regenerate: The Holy Spirit is the agent of spiritual birth. The Spirit regenerates, indwells, seals, and baptizes into the Church body all believers. (John 3:5-8; Romans 8:9,11; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 12:13; 2 Corinthians 1:21,22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; Titus 3:5)
3. The believer's life is strengthened and guided by the Spirit. The believer is commanded to be filled or controlled by the Spirit, so that the characteristics of Christ-likeness will be evident in a powerful life. (John 16:13; Romans 8:4,14,26-27; Galatians. 5:16; Ephesians 1:13, 3:16, 5:18)
4. Empowers: The Holy Spirit enables the spreading of God's word in testimony, preaching and practical living. Spiritual obedience will give fruit to a spiritually powerful life of service for Christ. (John 15:26-27; Ephesians 5:15-21; Galatians 5:22-25)
5. Convicts: Jesus Christ said that the Spirit would perform this ministry with respect to the world. (John 16:7-11)
Man
We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam’s sin all men fell through disobedience, incurring thereby both physical and spiritual death. All men are born with a sinful nature, are separated from the life of God, and can be saved only through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The portion of the unrepentant and unbelieving is existence forever in conscious torment separated from God; and that of the believer, in everlasting joy and bliss in the presence of God. (Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23; Revelation 21:8; Revelation 21:1-4)
Terms explained:
1. Man: Term used to denote the whole of mankind, male and female alike.
2. Created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27; 5:1; 1 Corinthians 11:7)
3. Separation from God: When man, of its own free will, chose to disobey God, he sinned (the breaking of God's law). This original sin separated us from God, Who, because of His holiness, could not tolerate sin, and therefore, judged such sin. (Romans 6:23; 3:10; 8:7; Galatians 3:22)
Salvation
We believe that salvation has been provided through Jesus Christ alone for all men as a gift from God, and those who repent and believe in Him are justified by grace alone through faith apart from works, are born again of the Holy Spirit, receive the gift of eternal life, and become the children of God. This is the gospel. (Acts 4:12; Romans 4:5; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7)
Terms Explained:
1. Through Jesus Christ alone: Scriptures teach that one can find salvation in nothing or no one other than Jesus Christ. He alone is the way to eternal life and fellowship with God. (John 14:6; Acts 4:12)
2. For all men: This means that Jesus Christ represented all the sins of the world and that He who knew no sin was made sin for us. As Adam was the representative of man in the fall, so Christ was the representative of man in the Atonement. Therefore, if Christ represented all, His sacrifice will cover all. (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:22; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21)
3. Repent: literally means to “Change one’s mind or thinking about a thing.” It is a decision made by the will of man in response to the conviction of sin brought by the Holy Spirit whereby he agrees with God about its evil and turns from it back to right and holy living according to the truths set forth in the Word of God. (Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38;26:20; 2 Corinthians 7:9-10)
4. Justified: Justification is that act of God whereby He declares the guilty and depraved sinner to be righteous because of God's own righteousness having been imputed, or credited to the sinner. (Deuteronomy 25:1; Proverbs 17:15; Romans 3:23-26; 4:5-8,25; 5:18f; 8:33)
5. Grace alone through faith: the gift of salvation and eternal life is a totally free gift of God’s grace or “unmerited favor” and is received at the moment one exercises faith or “trust” in Jesus Christ as his Savior alone apart from works. Faith is produced by the Word of God. However, genuine faith necessarily leads to good works. (Matthew 5:16; Romans 3:20, 24, 6:23, 10:14,17; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5; James 2:17-26)
6. Born again by the Holy Spirit: The new birth (regeneration) is absolutely necessary for fellowship with God. Man is totally passive in regeneration since it is completely a work of God. The new birth is the work of the Holy Spirit (John 3:8) by which He creates within a person a new nature, a new heart, a new spirit. (John 1:13, 3:5-7; 2 Peter 1:4; Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
7. Children of God: Those who have received the Spirit of Christ have therefore been born again into God's family. As members of His family we not only have fellowship with our Father in Heaven, but we are being transformed by the Holy Spirit into the image of Christ, and when Christ returns we will be completely changed in body and spirit to be like Jesus Christ. This experience of the life of Jesus Christ within us now by the presence of the Holy Spirit and forever ours in the presence of Jesus Christ is "eternal life." (John 1:1-12; Romans 8:9,14-17, 19-23; 1 John 3:2)
The Church
We believe that the true Church is composed of all persons of all times who personally believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, are redeemed through His shed blood, and are born again of the Holy Spirit. Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church, which has been commissioned by Him to go into all the world as a witness preaching the gospel to all peoples.
We believe that the local church is a visible body of believers in Christ who are joined together for the worship of God, for edification through the preaching and teaching of the Word of God, for prayer, for fellowship, for the proclamation of the gospel, and for the observance of the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-47; Ephesians 1:22-23)
We believe in the Church, whose mission it is to preach the Scriptures to all the world, all of its endeavors being guided by multiple leadership and supported by the wise stewardship of God's people.
Terms explained:
1. Body of Christ: The collective body of believers in Jesus Christ is the Church. (Matthew 18:20; Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:23-32; Colossians 1:18, 2:19; 3:15)
2. Mission (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 15:6; Ephesians 1:15-23)
3. Preach: By this term we encompass all of the believers who are to declare and make known God's truth through the totality of their lives, in addition to the formal proclamation of the Word of God. (Ephesians 3:8-10; 4:15,16; Colossians 1:10-28)
4. Multiple leadership: Within each local church we believe God provides a team of Pastor(s), Elders, Deacons and other workers who are to guide and enable the congregation to develop spiritual maturity. Pastors are literally shepherds, or those who feed sheep, and therefore, figuratively, those appointed to feed spiritually and serve the congregation. Elders are appointed to exercise spiritual oversight for the flock entrusted to them. We believe the functions of Elders or bishop/overseers to be identical, and that the term "Elder" refers mainly to the person, while "bishop" or "overseer" refers to what an Elder does. Deacons serve as helpers, or ministering workers who fulfill various formal or informal roles within the congregation.
5. Stewardship: As members of God's family we recognize the obligation under which God places us to exercise care and concern with regard to all time, possessions, wealth and persons as may be entrusted to us. One mark of the spiritually wise person is the mature choices made with respect to these areas. (Matthew 20:8; Luke 16:2,3; 1 Corinthians 4:1,2, 9:17; Galatians 4:2; Ephesians 3:2; Colossians 1:25; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 4:10)
The Ordinances
We believe the ordinances which every believer is to observe are water baptism by immersion and the Lord’s supper as a memorial. They are, however, not to be regarded as a means of salvation, but both are a testimony of the believer’s obedience and fellowship with the Lord. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38-41; Acts 8:35-38; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29)
Terms Explained:
1. Baptism: Baptism is commanded of all believers and it is an act of obedience signifying the believer's death, burial and resurrection "in Christ". The disciples were commanded to see to it that baptism was a part of their ministry and the pattern found in the book of Acts (Acts) indicates the widespread practice of water baptism by immersion for believers. This church does not believe in baptismal regeneration, nor do we hold that water baptism is necessary for salvation, but is commanded as one of the first acts of obedience for every Christian believer by Christ Himself. (Matthew 16:16, 28:19,20; Acts 2:38-41, 8:12,13,36,38, 18:8; Romans 6:3,4; 1 Peter 3:21)
2. Lord's Table (Communion): On the night of His arrest, Jesus instituted what is known as the Eucharist, or Communion service, which symbolizes and calls our attention to the atonement. This celebration is one in which we look back to the finished work of Christ and also forward to the yet to be completed consummation of our redemption. (Matthew 26:26-30; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:23-30; 2 Peter 2:13)
The Christian Life
We believe it is the will of God that every believer should be filled with the Holy Spirit and be sanctified wholly, being separated from sin and the world and fully dedicated to the will of God, thereby receiving divine power for holy living and effective service. This is an experience brought about in the life of the believer as he yields to the Holy Spirit’s control with the goal of conforming him to the image of Christ. (Acts 1:8; Romans 6:1-14; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:23)
Terms Explained:
1. Filled with the Holy Spirit: to be controlled and influenced in every facet of one’s life, body, soul, and spirit by the Holy Spirit of God so that one lives a holy life in accordance with God’s Word. (Ephesians 5:18)
2. Sanctified: to be set apart from sin and the world unto God for the fulfilling of His eternal purposes and to bring glory to His name. (Romans 6:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; 2 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 12:14)
3. Yields: to give up or surrender control of one’s life to God. (Romans 12:1-2)
4. Image of Christ: to think and live in such a way so as to evidence the very person and character of Jesus Christ. This would include showing forth the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Divine Healing
We believe that provision is made in the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ for the healing of the mortal body. Prayer for the sick and anointing with oil by the elders are taught in the Scriptures and are privileges for the Christian believer in this present age. (Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:13-16)
Terms Explained:
1. Redemptive: refers to all that Jesus did in paying the penalty for our sins through His physical suffering on the cross in order to redeem us or purchase our pardon. (Isaiah 53:4-8; Romans 3:24-25; Ephesians 1:7)
2. Anointing with oil: the act of faith whereby oil is applied on the head of a believer and pray is offered up to God with the purpose of seeking God’s spiritual or physical healing touch or spiritual blessing on the believer. The oil in Scripture represents a “type” of the Holy Spirit and His working in the life of the believer. It has no medicinal properties or magical power. (James 5:13-16)
The Resurrection
We believe there shall be a bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust; for the former, a resurrection unto eternal life and fellowship in heaven; for the latter, a resurrection unto judgment and everlasting conscious suffering in the lake of fire,. (John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23)
Terms Explained:
1. Bodily resurrection: Those Christian believers who are "asleep in Jesus" will be raised at the same time the living saints are "raptured" and changed. After Christ’s millennial rule, all the unsaved will be resurrected to stand before the Great White Throne for judgment, and since their names will not be found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, they will be cast into the Lake of Fire forever. (Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 10:20; Acts 13:48; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; Philippians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 20:11-15; 21:8,27)
2. Everlasting conscious suffering: (Matthew 25:30, 24:51; Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians. 5:6-9; Philippians 1:23; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 6:9; 20:4)
3. Heaven: We believe heaven to be a literal place where Jesus Christ is pre-paring an eternal home for believers of all ages (John 14:1-6; Hebrews 1:10-16).
4. Lake of Fire: We believe hell to be a literal place where all unsaved will spend eternity. (Matthew 13:36-43; Revelation 20:15)
The Second Coming
We believe in the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. His second coming will be personal, bodily, visible, and pre-millennial. This is the believer’s blessed hope and is a vital truth which is an incentive to holy living and faithful service. (Luke 21:27; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 10:37)
Terms Explained:
1. Second coming: The return of the Lord is an event that believers ought to wait for with high expectation and excitement. As still imperfect people, we eagerly await the restoration of all things to perfect Christ-likeness after the return of Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:18-25; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 1:7,13; 4:13)
2. Personal, bodily, visible, and pre-millennial: Jesus, not just in spirit, but in bodily form, will return to this earth to establish His 1000 year earthly reign (Acts 1:11; Revelation 20:4).
3. Blessed Hope: The return of the Lord is an event that believers ought to wait for with high expectation and excitement. As still imperfect people, we eagerly await the restoration of all things to perfect Christ-likeness after the return of Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:18-25; 1 Corinthians1:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 1:7,13; 4:13)
5. Holy lining and faithful service: The Bible's teaching concerning the Lord's impending return is always set in the context of practical exhortation, focusing upon our present lifestyle, rather than upon undue speculation. (Matthew 24:42-51; 2 Peter 3:11)
Creation
We believe that God created all that exists, both visible and invisible, ex-nihilo. He spoke it into existence and fashioned it over a period of six 24-hour days and even now holds it all together by His own power. (Genesis 1:1-2:25; John 1:1-4; Colossians 1:16-17)
Terms explained:
1. Ex-nihilo: Literally meaning “out of nothing” (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16)
2. Spoke it into existence and fashioned it: God called into being that which was not by the very words of His mouth and then took from that which He called into existence and formed from it what exists. (Genesis 1:1-2:25)
3. Six 24-hour days: The Bible teaches that during creation there were periods of evening and morning indicating solar days. Therefore we believe creation did not involve an evolutionary process of any kind. (Genesis 1:5,8,13,19,23,31)
The Devil (Satan)
We believe in the existence of the person of the devil, who is still working in the world to destroy the souls of men and that he and all the fallen host of heavenly beings, and all who receive not Christ as their Savior will be eternally punished in the lake of fire. (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ephesians 6:11-12;1 Peter 5:8;James 4:7; Revelation 20:10,14,15; 19:20)
Terms explained:
1. Devil: Though a created being and one the highest angels, the devil fell because he wanted to be greater than God. (Isaiah 14:12-15)
2. Eternally punished: The judgment upon the devil and his followers is an unending punishment. (Revelation 20:10,14,15; 19:20)
MINISTRY COVENANT
Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, we do now in the presence of God and this church most solemnly and joyfully enter into this Covenant with one another as one body in Christ. We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit:
a. To walk together in Christian love;
b. To exercise Christian care and watchfulness over one another;
c. To pray with and for one another, sharing our burdens, sorrows, and joys;
d. To be thoughtful and courteous to one another, to be slow to take offense, and to be quick to forgive and to seek forgiveness;
e. To guard the spiritual and Scriptural purity, peace, prosperity of the Church, and to promote its usefulness as a witness to the saving grace of God and Christ Jesus;
f. To assist, through the gifts of the Spirit, in the work of the Church and to promote its usefulness as a witness to the saving grace of God and Christ Jesus;
g. To contribute, as the Lord directs, to the financial support of the Church, the relief of the needy, and the evangelism of all people;
h. To love and to pray for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ;
i. To engage regularly in personal Bible reading and prayer, and to establish family devotions where possible;
j. To bring up such children as may be entrusted to our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord;
k. To walk circumspectly in the world, to provide things honest in the sight of all men, to be faithful in engagements, exemplary in deportment, denying ungodliness and worldly lust;
l. To endeavor by example, by work, and by prayer, to win others to an acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord;
m. To purpose that when we remove ourselves from this place, we will as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this Covenant and the principles of God's Word.
Signed ___________________________________ Date ____/____/____
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