Statement of Faith
Some Christians seem to like to know where we stand theologically, so we've decided to publish something close to a complete Statement of Faith. While this has been agreed upon by our leadership, please be aware that not all participants will agree completely, and actual beliefs of users onsite may vary wildly.
Christ-like love - We believe the only true basis of Christian Fellowship is Christ's (Agape) love, which is greater than any differences we possess, and without which we have no right to claim ourselves as Christians.
Bible - We believe the Bible, consisting of 66 books, to be the inspired Word of God, (Exodus 24:4; Psalms 19:7-10; Luke 24:44; Matthew 5:17-18), without error in the original writings (Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 2), the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith, life and conduct (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
God - We believe in one God (John 10:30), existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). God has always been and will always be the only God. There were none before Him and shall be none afer Him.
The Father - We believe that the Father created all things in heaven and on earth (Genesis 1:1). He created human beings out of a love for us and desires a personal relationship with each of us.
Jesus - We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, (John 10:31-38; Hebrews 1:3), having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:31-35). He lived a sinless life and died on the cross (Mark 15:23-26; John 19:16-18), as a perfect and complete sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures (Hebrews 9:13-15; Ephesians 1:6-7). Further, He arose bodily from the dead and ascended into heaven (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 1:6-11), where at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate (Hebrews 2:16-17).
Holy Spirit - We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to convict men, making them aware of their sin and the salvation available through Jesus (John 16:7-12; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:11). He regenerates (Galatians 3:26-28), guides, instructs, and empowers the believer for godly living and service (Romans 8:26-27; and 15:13; Proverbs 3:5-6).
Man - We believe that man was created in the image of God and sinless (Genesis 1:27), but chose to disobey God. (Genesis 3) All people have sinned, (Romans 3:23) and are therefore lost and subject to judgment. There is nothing man can do to save himself from this judgment, but he can allow the death of Jesus to take the place of his own eternal damnation by repenting of sin and receiving the free gift of salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 2:4-9; Romans 8:13-14).
Salvation - We believe that the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ provides the only way of justification and salvation for all who believe (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Justification comes from faith, and not from any works that we do. (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, true belief and trust in Jesus leads to growth and good works within the believer. (James 2:12-26, Galatians 5:16-26)
Accepting the Sinner, Denouncing the Sin - We believe that no sin is too big for God to forgive. Therefore, as Christians we should be open and eager to share the gospel with everyone regardless of their sin or affliction. However, making Jesus Lord of our lives means striving towards holiness and turning from our sinful ways. While being open to all sinners, Christians ought not accept, ignore, or promote any sin as permissible.
Non-Essential Elements - We believe the above tenets make up the basis of Christian faith on which all Christians believe and agree. We have intentionally omitted any statements regarding areas of legitimate disagreement (i.e. predestination, end time prophecy, denominational differences) on which agreement is not essential for salvation