We take theology seriously because we take God seriously. The word “theology” simply means “God thoughts” or “God reasons.” First and foremost, we believe it’s important to align our thoughts about God with what Scripture says about God. Secondly, we value and hold fast to the ways in which historic Christian orthodoxy has articulated the Essential beliefs of the Christian faith, which are listed below. Along with St. Augustine, we say, “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In everything, love.”

THE SCRIPTURES

We believe the Bible is God’s Word, the product of holy men of old who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. It is accurate, authoritative, and applicable to our everyday lives.

Deut 4:1-2; Ps 119:11, 89, 105; Isa 40:8; Matt 22:29; John 5:39, 16:13-15, 17:17; Rom 15:4; 2 Tim 3:15-17; Heb 1:1-2, 4:12; 1 Pet 1:25; 2 Pet 1:21

GOD (THE TRINITY)

We believe in one eternal God who is the Creator of all things, and He exists in three co-equal Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. God is totally loving and completely holy.

1 John 5:7; John 1:14, 14:28, 16:28; John 15:26; Deut 6:4; Isa 61:1

THE FATHER

We believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in love, holiness, justice, and grace. We believe that He is all-knowing and all-powerful. We believe that He mindfully and mercifully concerns himself with the lives of humankind, that He hears and answers our prayers, and that He offers salvation from sin and death through Jesus Christ.

Luke 10:21-22; Matt 23:9; John 3:16, 6:27; Rom 1:7; 1 Tim 1:1-2, 2:5-6; 1 Pet 1:3; Rev 1:6

JESUS, THE SON

We believe that Jesus Christ is the only One who can restore us to God. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe the unconscionable beating and violent crucifixion of Jesus was in our place–the full, fitting payment for our sin.

1 John 1:7; Rev 1:5, 5:9; Col 1:20; Rom 3:10-12, 23; 5:9; John 1:29

THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, co-equal with Jesus and the Father in the Godhead. We believe the Holy Spirit, who came forth from the Father and Son, convicts the world of sin and promotes righteousness and judgment. The Holy Spirit is our omnipresent, omnipotent helper, comforter, and guide to all who believe in Jesus.

John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26-27; John 16:9-14; Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 3:16, 6:19; Gal 5:22-26

MAN

We believe that mankind was made in the image of God as male and female. Every human personality is uniquely created, possesses dignity, and is worthy of respect and Christian love. We believe sexuality is defined by God and that marriage is between one man and one woman.

Gen 1:26-30, 2:7, 18-22; 3:1-24; Ps 8:3-6, 51:5; Acts 17:26-31; Rom 1:19-32; Eph 2

SIN

We believe our sin has separated each of us from God and His purpose for our lives. As a result, man cannot attain a right relationship with God through his own effort.

Gen 3; Ps 32:1-5; Isa 6:5; Jer 17:5; Rom 3:10, 3:23, 5:12; 1 Cor 15:21-22

SALVATION

We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ: His death, burial, and resurrection. Salvation is an unmerited gift from God, not earned by good works or any human effort. Whosoever calls upon Jesus will be saved.

Eph 2:8-9; Gal 2:16, 3:8; Titus 3:5; Rom 10:9-10, 13; Acts 16:31; Heb 9:22

SECOND COMING

We believe that Jesus Christ, the enthroned Son of God, will return in glory at the time appointed by the Father to judge the living and the dead. The saints will be resurrected and reign with Christ in the new heavens and new earth while the wicked will be resurrected to spend eternity separated from God in hell.

Matt 24-25; Mark 9:43-48; Acts 1:11; Heb 9:27; Rev 14:9-11, 20:12-15, 21:8