WHAT WE TEACH
The Bible
We believe that the Bible, consisting of 66 books, is the divinely inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It is God's objective revelation to humanity, without error in its original manuscripts, and it stands as the ultimate standard for absolute truth (John 17:17). We affirm that God is the author of Scripture, who, through the Holy Spirit, inspired human writers to compose the sacred texts (2 Peter 1:20-21).
We are committed to a literal, grammatical, historical, and contextual interpretation of Scripture, ensuring that we understand and apply God's Word as He intended (Nehemiah 8:8). We emphasize the importance of expository preaching, careful study, and personal application of Scripture for a faithful declaration and demonstration of the gospel for edification of believers, and evangelization to the lost (Acts 20:27; James 1:22).
Trinity
We teach that there is one God who eternally exists in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). Each Person is fully God, sharing the same nature, attributes, and perfections, and is worthy of the same worship (Mark 12:29; Hebrews 1:1-3; Revelation 1:4-6). Though equal in power and glory, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit fulfill different roles and responsibilities. The Son willingly submits to the Father, and the Holy Spirit submits to both the Father and the Son (John 1:14; Acts 5:3-4; John 16:13-15). We teach that our triune God is all-powerful Creator and Sustainer of all things, visible and invisible. He alone is worthy of all worship, praise, and adoration (Colossians 1:16-17; Revelation 4:11).
God the Father
We teach that God the Father, the first Person of the Trinity, orders, organizes, and sovereignly rules over all creation according to His perfect will and purposes (Ephesians 1:11; Isaiah 46:10). He foreknows, foresees, and governs all things, ensuring that His divine plans are fulfilled (Romans 8:29-30; Proverbs 16:9). From eternity past, He has chosen whom He will save and redeem through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:4-5; 2 Timothy 1:9). Through the sacrificial payment of His Son on the cross, He adopts lost and wayward sinners into His family of faith (Galatians 4:4-5; John 1:12).
God the Son
We teach that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, who has always been fully divine (John 1:1-2, 14; Colossians 2:9). He did not attain deity but has always existed as God, equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. In His incarnation, Jesus became the God-man, fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem, and lived a sinless life. His purpose was to reveal God, redeem mankind, and rule over God's Kingdom.
We affirm that our Lord Jesus accomplished redemption through His sacrificial death on the cross, serving as a substitute for our sins (1 Peter 2:24; 2 Corinthians 5:21). He was buried and rose again on the third day, securing our justification through His literal, physical resurrection from the dead. Jesus has now ascended into heaven at the right hand of the Father, where He mediates as our Advocate and High Priest.
We teach that Jesus will return to rescue the Church at the Rapture and will later return in glory with His Church to establish His millennial Kingdom on earth (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 19:11-16). Jesus Christ is the ultimate Judge of all mankind and the mediator between God and man. He is the head of the Church, reigns on the throne of David, and will execute final judgment. All who fail to place their trust in Him as Lord and Savior will perish, while all who believe in Him will receive eternal life (John 3:16-18).
God the Holy Spirit
We teach that the Holy Spirit is a divine Person, eternal and possessing all the attributes of personality and deity, including intellect, emotions, eternality, omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence, and truthfulness. He is co-equal and co-essential with the Father and the Son (John 14:16-17; Matthew 28:19).
The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and by His powerful and mysterious work, regenerates spiritually dead sinners, awakening them to repentance and faith (John 16:8; Titus 3:5). He baptizes believers into union with the Lord Jesus, justifying them before God by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.
The Holy Spirit is the supernatural and sovereign agent in regeneration, sanctification, adoption, indwelling, convicting, counseling, comforting, and empowering believers for Christ-like living and service. He also seals believers unto the day of redemption, being Himself the down payment of the promised inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14).
Creation
We teach that God created the world and everything in it, including humanity, out of nothing (Genesis 1:1). He created the earth in a literal six days, resting on the seventh (Genesis 2:2-3). His creative act was intentional and purposeful, as He designed all creation with order and beauty, declaring it good (Genesis 1:26-27).
God's creative work reveals His immense power, infinite wisdom, and incomparable glory (Psalm 19:1; Isaiah 45:18). The universe exists by His will and serves as a testament to His majesty (Colossians 1:16-17; Revelation 4:11). Humanity, created in His image, holds a special place in His creation and is designed to reflect His character and purpose.
Mankind
We teach that man was created by God in His image and likeness, free from sin, endowed with rationality, intelligence, volition, self-determination, and moral responsibility toward God (Genesis 1:26-27). God's intention in creating humanity was that man should glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.
However, through Adam's disobedience, man lost his innocence and incurred the penalty of both spiritual and physical death. As a result, mankind became subject to God's wrath, inherently corrupt, and utterly incapable of choosing or doing what is acceptable to God without divine intervention (Romans 5:12-14; Ephesians 2:1-3).
Despite the corruption of sin, all people are still created in the image and likeness of God and, therefore, possess inherent dignity, value, and worth, deserving of respect regardless of their beliefs, background, or lifestyle (James 3:9). Jesus Christ, the only sinless exception, provides the way for humanity to be redeemed by grace, through faith, and reconciled to God (John 14:6; Romans 5:17-19).
Salvation
We teach that salvation is solely by God's grace and is found only in Jesus Christ (John 14:6). It is a free gift received through faith, apart from human merit or works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death fully discharged the debt for those justified, making complete and real satisfaction to God's justice.
We affirm that once salvation is received, it is eternally secure, as God's power keeps believers safe forever (John 10:28-29). A truly saved person cannot lose their salvation or revert to being unsaved. Saving faith is demonstrated through a fruitful, God-pleasing life that remains faithful to that commitment until death (James 2:14-26).
We reject universalism, personal merit as a means of salvation, and reincarnation. The Bible teaches there are no second chances after death; believers are immediately with the Lord, while unbelievers face eternal conscious punishment (Hebrews 9:27; Matthew 25:46).
Christian Living
We teach that the Christian life is a spiritual journey marked by both joy and sorrow. True joy is found in our relationship with Jesus, nurtured through the Holy Spirit, fellowship with other believers, and the application of God's Word (Philippians 4:4; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
Christian living involves ongoing spiritual growth, known as sanctification, which has two dimensions: positional and practical. Positional sanctification occurs when the Holy Spirit makes us right with God at the moment of salvation. Practical sanctification is the continuous process where the Holy Spirit helps us grow in holiness through the study of Scripture and the practice of our faith (2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:5-8).
We are called to walk by the Spirit, which means rejecting the sinful desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16) and abiding in Christ (John 15:5). Although our fallen nature persists, the Spirit empowers us to keep it in check, preventing it from leading us into sin (Romans 8:13).
Human Life
We teach that humanity was created in the image and likeness of God, with all human life being sacred and of inestimable worth in all its dimensions. We teach that life begins at conception, and that each person, including pre-born babies, the elderly, and those who are physically or mentally challenged, bears the image of God and is therefore worthy of respect, protection, and dignity (Psalm 139:13-16; Genesis 9:6; Luke 1:41-44).
Because human life is God's unique creation, we reject the practice of abortion and affirm that the unborn are created in His image and must be protected (Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13-16). We are called to defend, protect, and value all human life from conception through natural death.
Men and Women
We teach that men and women are equally made in the image of God, endowed with equal dignity, value, and access to salvation through Christ. Both genders are called to reflect God's glory in unique roles within the family, church, and society.
In the church, men are entrusted with elder leadership and the responsibility to teach and lead mixed-gender congregations, while women serve in many other ministry roles such as teaching other women, ministering to children and youth, leading or co-leading worship arts and various other ministries (1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:11-14; Ephesians 5:22-33).
Some men and women are called to remain single; some are called to marriage, which is a one-flesh union between one man and one woman. The two genders are not identical, but were created to complement each other in roles and responsibilities in church and home.
Marriage
We teach that marriage is a sacred, lifelong covenant designed by God to unite one man and one woman in a one-flesh union that reflects Christ's relationship with the Church (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:18-24; Ephesians 5:31-32).
This union is established for love, joy, pleasure and the procreation of godly offspring, as well as for the furtherance of moral, spiritual, and public good. Men and women, while equal in value, are created with complementary roles in marriage that fulfill God's design.
Husbands are called to lead their families with sacrificial love, humility, and courage (Ephesians 5:25), while wives are called to honor their husbands' leadership with willing, intelligent submission. We reject abusive or domineering male leadership and affirm that God's design for marriage roles ought to foster relational peace, blessing, and joy.
Sexual relations are to be confined to the biblical covenant of marriage. Any acts outside of this union, including adultery, fornication, and homosexual behavior, are prohibited by Scripture as violations of God's design for human flourishing (1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Hebrews 13:4).
The Family
We teach that the family, ordained by God, is the foundational building block of society, with marriage and children at its center (Genesis 1:28; Malachi 2:15). Parents are the primary spiritual influencers of their children, called to raise them in faith through example, discipleship, and love (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Proverbs 22:6). Adoption is encouraged as a noble and godly pursuit, reflecting the gospel by providing homes for children in need (James 1:27; Romans 8:15).
All human life is sacred, made in God's image, and deserving of protection from conception to natural death. Families who follow God's design are a testament to His love and faithfulness, building a legacy that impacts both the Church and society for the glory of God.
The Church
We teach that the true Church, the Universal Church, is comprised of every person who has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, united to Christ, repented of their sins, and trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation (1 Corinthians 12:13; Titus 3:5-7). While there is one people of God, the Church is distinct from Israel. The Church began on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) and will continue until its completion at the Rapture.
Each local church, as an expression of the Universal Church, is made up of redeemed individuals who gather together for worship, teaching, fellowship, service, and evangelism (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:42-47).
Jesus Christ is the supreme authority of the Church (Ephesians 1:22), and He delegates that authority through His Word to biblically qualified elders who are called to shepherd and equip the congregation for ministry (1 Peter 5:1-3; 1 Timothy 3:1-7). The Church is distinguished by her Gospel message, her sacred ordinances of Baptism and Communion, her discipline, her mission, and above all, by her love for God, for one another, and for the world (John 13:34-35).
Israel
While the Church and Israel are distinct, we affirm God's ongoing plan and special purpose for the Jewish people. We support the biblical invitation to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) and recognize the unique identity, historical preservation, and promises of blessing to Israel (Genesis 12:1-4; Romans 11:1-2, 29). God's covenant with Israel remains significant, and we acknowledge the enduring role Israel plays in His redemptive purposes throughout history.
Baptism and Communion
We teach that the Lord Jesus Christ instituted two ordinances for the local church: Baptism and Communion, to be observed until His return. Baptism, by immersion, signifies a believer's public declaration of faith, representing their union with Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:1-11) and their identification with the Universal Church (Acts 2:38-42). It is performed after salvation, not as a means to earn it.
Communion, or the Lord's Supper, commemorates and proclaims Christ's death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). The elements serve as a symbol to represent His body and blood as a reminder of the sacrifice that was made on our behalf for the forgiveness of sins and our communion with Christ and His Church.
Angels and Fallen Angels
We teach that angels are created spiritual beings who serve God and carry out His will. They are not to be worshipped but exist to glorify God and minister to believers (Hebrews 1:14; Revelation 22:8-9). Among the angels was Lucifer, who rebelled against God and became Satan, leading other angels in rebellion (Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-19).
Satan is a real, personal being who opposes God and seeks to destroy God's people through deception, accusation, and temptation (1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9-10). He was defeated at the cross (Colossians 2:15) and will ultimately be cast into the lake of fire forever (Revelation 20:10).
Believers are called to resist Satan, stand firm in the faith, and put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18; James 4:7).
Physical Death and Afterlife
We teach that physical death is a consequence of sin (Romans 6:23) and is the separation of the soul from the body. For believers, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23). At the resurrection, believers will receive glorified bodies fit for eternity (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).
For unbelievers, death leads to conscious, eternal separation from God in a place of judgment (Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:11-15). There is no second chance, no purgatory, and no annihilation. The destiny of every person is determined by their relationship with Jesus Christ in this life (Hebrews 9:27; John 3:36).
The Rapture
We teach the imminent, pre-tribulation, pre-millennial return of Jesus Christ to remove His Church from the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). At the Rapture, the dead in Christ will rise first, and those who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. The Church will then be with the Lord forever, receive rewards at the judgment seat of Christ, and participate in the marriage supper of the Lamb (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 19:6-9).
The Tribulation
We teach that following the Rapture of the Church, a seven-year period of unprecedented tribulation will come upon the earth, as described by Daniel and Revelation (Daniel 9:24-27; Revelation 6-19). This will be a time of God's judgment on a Christ-rejecting world and a time of refinement for Israel.
During this period, the Antichrist will rise to power, deceiving the nations and leading them in rebellion against God. The latter half of the tribulation, known as the Great Tribulation, will see judgment intensify, culminating in the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16; Matthew 24:21-22).
Despite the horrors of this period, God will save a remnant of Israel and many Gentiles who come to faith in Christ during the tribulation (Revelation 7:9-14; Romans 11:25-27).
The Second Coming and the Millennial Kingdom
We teach that at the end of the tribulation, Jesus Christ will return to earth in glory with His Church to defeat the Antichrist, judge the nations, and establish His millennial Kingdom (Revelation 19:11-21; Matthew 25:31-46). His return will be visible, physical, and triumphant — every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7).
During the Millennium, Christ will reign on the earth for 1,000 years from the throne of David in Jerusalem, fulfilling the promises made to Israel (Revelation 20:1-6; Isaiah 11:1-9). Satan will be bound, righteousness will prevail, and creation itself will be partially restored from the curse.
At the end of the Millennium, Satan will be released for a brief time and will lead a final rebellion before being cast into the lake of fire forever (Revelation 20:7-10).
Satan's Defeat and the Great White Throne Judgment
We teach that after Satan's final defeat, all unbelievers from throughout history will stand before God at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). The books will be opened, including the book of life, and each person will be judged according to their works.
All whose names are not found in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire, where they will experience conscious, eternal punishment apart from God (Revelation 20:15; Matthew 25:46).
This final judgment vindicates God's holiness, justice, and the supremacy of Christ over all creation.
The New Heaven and the New Earth
We teach that after the millennium, Satan's defeat, and the judgment of the lost, the saved will enter into eternal glory with God. The current earth will be dissolved and replaced with a new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:10; Ephesians 5:5; Revelation 20:15; 21:1).
The heavenly city will descend from heaven to earth, serving as the eternal dwelling place of the saints, where they will enjoy fellowship with God and one another forever (John 17:3; Revelation 21:2-3; 21:22-27). Ultimately, Jesus will deliver the kingdom to God the Father, establishing the eternal reign of the triune God (1 Corinthians 15:24-28), where His sovereign will is perfectly fulfilled in this eternal state.