Doctrinal Statement

1. The Word of God - The Bible is God's written word. God the Holy Spirit directed human authors to write down just what He wanted, without error. As God's word it has absolute authority over everything we believe and do. Without the Bible we could never gain an accurate understanding of God or know how to appropriately respond to Him. (Mk 13:31; Jn 8:31-32; Acts 20:32; 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:20-21)

2. God - The God of the Bible is the one true God, and He exists in three persons. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit fully share all the characteristics of God and, therefore, are equally deserving of worship and honor. The three persons of the Trinity have distinct, but complimentary roles in the fulfillment of God's flawless plan. (Gen 1:1,26; Deut. 6:4; Matt 28:19; Jn 1:1,3; 4:24; Rom 1:19-20; Eph 4:5-6)

3. The Father - God the Father is the Creator of heaven and earth, which He spoke into existence and designed to give every person an awareness of Himself. The Father has complete knowledge of and authority over all events, past, present, and future. As God's people, we can live with confidence that He uses every event for our ultimate good and His honor. (Matt 23:9; Lk 10:21-22; Jn 3:16;6:27; Rom 1:7; 1 Tim 1:1-2; 2:5-6; 1 Pet 1:3; Rev 1:6; 4:11)

4. Jesus Christ - Jesus is the one and only Son of God who always existed with the Father. While remaining fully God, He became a man and entered human history. He was conceived within Mary while she was still a virgin. He was born and lived His whole life free from sin. He was murdered by being nailed to the cross. Following His burial Jesus came back to life, demonstrating that the Father accepted His willing sacrifice for our sin. He returned to heaven and now champions our cause in the presence of the Father. (Matt 1:18-25; 20:28; Lk 1:26-38; Jn 1:1; 20:28,30-31; Acts 1:11; 2:23; 4:27-28; 7:52; Rom 5:6-8; 6:9-10; 2 Cor 5:21; Eph 1:4-5; 1 Pet 2:21-24; Heb 7:25; 9:28)

5. The Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit is also fully God. He helps us understand the greatness of the Father and the Son. He gives God's people special abilities to serve Him. He shows us where we fall short and gives us the power to live out God's plan: becoming more like Jesus. The Spirit assures that we really are God's children and helps us enjoy all of life as worship. (Jn 3:6-8; 14:14-26; 15:26-27; 16:7-14; Rom 8:8, 13-14, 26; 12:4-8; 1 Cor 3:16; 6:11,19; 12:1-31; Gal 4:29; 5:18; Eph 3:16; 4:1-13; 2 Thess 2:13; 2 Tim 1:7; Tit 3:5; Rom 15:16)