About our Church Name

I. THE BIBLE

We believe that the Bible, consisting of only 66 canonical books, from Genesis to Revelation, is the absolute Word of God, These 66 books are the whole counsel of God to man; God's complete revelation of truth which man would not otherwise know. Because God is not the author of confusion, (I Cor. 14:33), We cannot accept the Apocrypha as it contains doctrines contrary to the accepted canon of Scripture.

We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of these Scriptures. (II Tim. 3:16) By this, we mean that every word in every book is the true breath of God. Every word in the original manuscripts is the very word God intended to use to convey His message to men. The Holy Spirit bore, or carried the human authors as they wrote, although they used their own vocabularies. (II Pet. 1:20) We believe that these 66 books are the complete, thoroughly accurate revelation of God, and as such, are absolute truth in content whether of doctrine, or historical or scientific fact (Jn. 17:17). We can without reserve, rely on this divinely preserved record of God's message to man; using it to try all human thought, act, creed, and opinion. It is our rule for faith and practice. (Ps. 119:89; Prov. 30:5,6; I Pet. 1:23; Jn. 12:48; Ps. 19:7-11; Rom. 15:4; Jn, 5:39; II Tim. 3:16,17)

We further believe that only those who are regenerated by the Holy Spirit can understand spiritual truth. This is due to the spiritual blindness which Satan uses to bind the minds of those who do not believe. (I Cor. 2: 14; II Cor. 4: 4) We believe that the Scriptures should be interpreted literally in the light of context, grammar, and historical circumstance. It should also be recognized that the Word falls into seven dispensations which show God's plan for the ages. (I Cor. 10:32)

II. THE TRINITY

We believe in One True God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Duet. 6:4; Mt. 3: 16, 17; 28:19; Eph. 4:4-6). Each member of the Trinity is co-equal with the others in every divine perfection, (Jn. 10:30) exercising separate but equal ministries. (I Pet. 1:2)

III. GOD THE FATHER

We believe that there is but one only (Deut.6:4; I Cor. 8:4, 6) living and true God, (I Thess. 1:9; Jer. 10:10) Who is infinite in being and perfection, (Job. 11:7-9; 26:14) a most pure spirit, (Jn. 4:24) invisible, (I Tim. 1:17) without body parts, (Deut. 4:15, 16; Jn.. 4:24; Lk.24:39) or passions. (Acts 14:11, 15)  Immutable, (James 1:17; Mal. 3:6) Immense, (I Kings 8:27; Jer.23:23,24) Eternal, (Ps. 90:2; I Tim. 1:17) Incomprehensible, (Ps.145:3) Almighty, (Gen. 17:1; Rev. 4:8) Most wise, (Rom. 16:27) Most Holy, (Is. 6:3; Rev. 4:8) Most free, (Ps. 115:3) Most absolute, (Ex. 3:14) Working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will (Eph. 1:11) for His glory. (Prov. 16:4; Rom. 11:36) Most loving, (I Jn. 4:4, 8, 16) Gracious, Merciful, Long-suffering, Abundant in goodness and truth, Forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin. (Ex. 34:6, 7) He is the Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. (Heb. 11:6) and most just and terrible in His judgments, (Neh. 9:32, 33) Hating all sin (Ps. 5: 5, 6) and will by no means clear the guilty. (Nahum 1:2, 3; Ex. 34:7)

We further believe that God has all Life, (John 5:26) Glory, (Acts 7:2) Goodness, (Ps. 119:68) Blessedness (I Tim. 6:15; Rom. 9:5) in and of Himself; and is alone in and unto Himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creature which He has made, (Acts 17:24, 25) nor deriving any glory from them, (Job 22:2, 3) but only manifesting His glory in, by, unto, and upon them; He alone is the foundation of all beings, of Whom, through Whom, and to Whom are all things; (Rom. 11:36) having most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them whatsoever He pleases. (Rev. 4:11, I Tim. 6:15, Dan. 4:25, 35) In His sight all things are open and manifest; (Heb. 4:13) His knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent of the creature; (Rom. 11:33, 34; Ps. 147:5) so as nothing is to Him contingent or uncertain. (Acts 15:18, Ezek. 11:5) He is most Holy in all His counsel, all His works, and all His commands. (Ps. 145:17, Rom. 7:12) To Him is due from angels, men, and every creature, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience He is pleased to require of them. (Rev. 5:12-14)

IV. JESUS CHRIST--GOD THE SON

We believe that Jesus Christ is the second Person of the Trinity; being Very and Eternal God, co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father, Who when the fullness of time was come, took upon Himself man's true nature, (John 1:1, 14; Phil. 2:6; Gal, 4:4) with all essential properties and common limitations, yet without sin, (Heb. 2:14, 16, 17; 4:15) being conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. (Mt. 1:25, Lk. 1:27, 34, 35; 2:7; Gal. 4:4) The two whole, perfect, and distinct natures--Deity and  Humanity, were inseparably united in one person without change, mixture, or conflict. (Lk. 1:35, Col. 2:9)

We further believe that Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and man. (II Tim. 2:5) He is Prophet, (Acts 3:22) Priest, (Heb. 5:5, 6) and King. (Ps. 2:6, Lk. 1:33) He is Head and Savior of His church, (Eph. 5:23) Heir of all things, (Heb. 1:2) and Judge of the World. (Acts 17:31)

We also believe that in His work of Salvation, He endured most grievous torment in His soul, (Mt. 26:37, 38; Lk. 22:44) and most painful suffering in His body. (Mt. 26&27) He was crucified and died, (Phil. 2:8) was buried, fully experiencing the power of death without knowing corruption, He was raised bodily on the third day; (Acts 2:23, 24, 27; 13:27; Rom. 6:9; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4) He visibly ascended into Heaven, there to intercede for us at God's right hand. (Acts 1:11, Rom. 8:34, Heb. 7:25, 9:24) He, by His perfect obedience and Substitutionary sacrifice of Himself, fully satisfied the justice of His Father (Rom. 5:19; 3:25, 26) and purchased not only reconciliation, but a1so an everlasting inheritance in Heaven for all who believe. (Col. 1:19, 20; Eph. 1:14; Heb, 9:12:15)

We as well believe in the literal, bodily, personal, visible, pre-millennial return of Jesus Christ. (Mt.25:31-46)

V. THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe that the Holy Spirit is wholly God and possesses all divine attributes in perfection. (Acts 5:3-5, Ps. 139:7) He is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son and is of the same divine essence. (Heb. 9:14, Mt. 28:19) The Holy Spirit is a divine person rather than an impersonal force or influence; because the Scriptures attribute to Him the features of personality such as intellect, (Jn. 14:26; I Cor. 2:10, 13) emotion, (Eph. 4:30, Is. 63:10) and will. (I Cor. 12:11; Acts 16:6, 7) 

We further believe that the Holy Spirit was active in creation. (Gen. 1:2, Ps. 33 :6) He strives with men, reproving the world of sin. (Jn. 16:8-11) We believe the Spirit supervised the writing of Scripture.  (II Pet. 1:21) With regard to the believer: He regenerates, (Titus 3:5, Jn. 3:3-8) baptizes, (I Cor. 12:13, Col. 2:10-12) indwells, (1 Cor. 6:19, 20; Rom. 8:8,9-,11) and Seals, (Eph. 5:18-20, Acts 4:8, 6:3, 5) Throughout our Christian lives; He convicts of sin, (I Jn. 3:20) bears witness of our salvation, (Rom. 8:16; 1 Cor. 2:11, 12) Enables us to serve, (Acts 1:8) Guides us, (Jn. 16:13; Rom. 8:14) Intercedes for us, (Rom. 8:26, 27) and sanctifies us. (I Pet. 1:2, II Cor. 3:18, II Thess. 2:13)

We also believe that the Holy Spirit sovereignly bestows upon every believer at salvation, some spiritual gift, but not all the gifts. This gift is the enablement of God for service in the local church. (Eph. 4:11, Rom. 12:8) We believe that with the completion of the New Testament and its acceptance by the early church, that the need for authenticating signs such as healing, interpreting tongues, discerning spirits, (I Cor. 12:10) apostles, and prophets (Eph. 4:11) ceased. While the gift of healing is no longer given to individuals, God can in answer to prayer and faith; sovereignly heal. (James5:14-16)

VI. THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS

We believe in the existence of angels as created spirit beings, (Ps. 148:2, 5; Neh. 9:6) innumerable in number, (Heb. 12:22; Rev. 5:11) having abilities and powers which far exceed a man's, yet fall far short of deity. (Ps. 103:20; II Pet.2:11)

We also believe that the work of angels is to: execute God's judgments and purposes, (Mt. 13:39-41; 24:30, 31; Acts 12:23) guide believers, (Acts 8:26) protect God's Children, strengthening them, (1 Kings 19:5; Dan. 6:22) bear God's children to Heaven, (Lk. 16:22; Jude 9) and to accompany the Lord at His kingly return. (Mt.25:31; II Thess. 1:7, 8)

We believe in the existence of Satan, once a holy angel, who enjoyed heavenly honors; but through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell (Is. 14:12-15; Ez. 28:14-17) and drew after him a host of angels. We believe that he is now the deadly prince of the power of the air, (Rev. 12:9; Jude 6; II Pet. 2:4; Eph.2:2; Jn.14:30) the unholy god of this world. (I Thess. 3:5; Mt. 4:1, 3), We hold him to be man's greatest tempter, (I Pet. 5:8) the enemy of God and His Christ, (I. Jn:3:8; Mt. 13:25, 37-39; Lk. 22:3, 4) the accuser of the saints, (Rev. 12:10) the author of all false religions, the chief power behind the present apostasy, (II Cor. 11:13-15; Mk. 13:21, 22) the lord of the antichrist, (I Jn. 4:3; 2:22; II Jn. 7) and the author of all power of darkness; destined however (Rev. 13:13, 14; II Thess. 2:8-11) to final defeat at the hand of God' s Son (Rev. 19:11; 20:10) and to the judgment of an eternal justice in Hell--a place prepared for him and his angels. (Mt. 25:41)

We also believe in the existence of demons; who like Satan are personal spirit beings, degenerate in character; and are employed in taking possession of unregenerate man or beast. (Mt. 8:28-31; Mk. 5:8, 11-13) We recognize that believers may not be possessed, although the inf1uence by demons is possible if one yields himself to their power. Resisting Satan and yielding to God assures us that we can be free from their power. (James 4:7; I Pet. 5:9)

VII. THE DOCTRINE OF MAN

    We believe in the scriptural account of creation found in Genesis; that the universe and man were created in six literal twenty-four hour days by the direct creative work of God apart from any process of evolution. (Gen. 1&2)

    We also believe that man was created in a state of perfect innocence, in the image and likeness of God. (Gen. 1:26,27) This likeness related to man's personality, moral character, and dominion. Man was created in a state of unconfirmed holiness, (Gen. 2:16, 17; 36) but of his own free will, he disobeyed God, thus incurring physical and spiritual death, which was imputed to the entire human race by natural reproduction; therefore all mankind is born with a sin principle. (Nature) (Ps. 51:5; Rom. 3:1-18; I Cor. 15:22; Eph.2:1, 5) This sin principle (nature) renders man incapable of any spiritual good.

    We believe as well that man is composed of material and immaterial parts. (I Thess. 5:23; Heb. 4:12)

    We believe that as a result of Adam's sin, all mankind is destined to eternal damnation, (Ez. 18:4; Rom. 5:12) but God in His mercy and grace provided, as promised, eternal life through His Son to all who believe. (Rom. 6:23; Jn. 1:12) The final destiny of man is determined by his relationship to Jesus Christ and will eternally be either in a literal lake of fire, or a literal Heaven. (Jn. 3:18, 36; Rev. 20:11-15; Jn. 14:1-3; Rev. 21:1-7, 23-27; 22:1-5)

    We further believe that no man shall reach sinless perfection prior to Glory. (Eph. 4:13; Heb. 12:23; I Jn. 3:2; Jude 4)

    We believe as well, that God has ordained special institutions for man: Government, (Rom. 13:1-7); Marriage, (Gen. 2:24) and the Home. (Prov.22:6)

    Relating to marriage, we believe that God created mankind as two distinct sexes, male and female. From the very beginning, God established marriage as the exclusive, lifelong covenantal union of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matt. 19:3-9). Hence, sexual activities outside of marriage including, but not limited to, adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, and pedophilia are unlawful and unfulfilling (Rom 1:26-27, 1 Cor 6:9; 1 Thess. 4:3-8). Further, lewd conduct, transgender behavior, bestiality, and the creation and/or distribution and/or viewing of pornography, are incompatible with Christian conduct (Matt. 5:27-28, Eph. 5:3-5).

    Relating to the home, we believe that children are a blessing of God and the responsibility of them rests solely upon the parent and they are to be brought up in loving structured control and conscientious instruction in the truths of God and His principles of life. (Ps. 127:3;Ps. 78:4-7; Eph. 6:4; Deut. 6:6, 7; Prov. 17:6; Prov. 22:6)

VIII. THE DOCTRINE OF SIN

Origin: We believe that sin was brought into the universe by Lucifer (Satan); (Is. 14:4-7; Ez.28:11-19; Jn.8:44) and entered the human race by deception, (I Tim. 2:14) disobedience motivated by unbelief, (Rom. 5:19) and the serpent's enticement. (Gen. 3:1-6)

Reality: We believe that sin is not merely an accident, infirmity, weakness, or necessity. Rather, it is rebellion toward God; (I Sam. 15:23) failure to love God supremely, (Deut. 6:5) willful transgression of the law, (Num. 15:27; Heb.9:7) failure to love our neighbor, (Lev. 19:18) selfishness, (Mt. 16:26) and corruption. (Ps. 51:5)

Results: We believe that the penalty for sin is death. (Rom. 6:23) Along with physical death, spiritual death (separation from God eternally) is the ultimate punishment called the "second death." (Rev. 20:13-15) Sin in the life of a believer results in the loss of fellowship with God (I Jn. 1:5, 6) which can be restored through confession of that sin to God. (I Jn. 1:9)

We further believe in the thorough depravity of man, making him therefore to have nothing with which to commend himself before God, and totally helpless in the grip of this sin principle (nature). (Jn. 1:12, 13)

IX. THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION

A. The definition of salvation: Salvation is the work of God whereby He delivers undeserving repentant sinners from sin and its awful results. It is a work of total grace, through faith, not works. (Eph. 2:8, 9) Salvation rests rather on the perfect finished work of Christ on the Cross. (Titus 3:5, 6) Through salvation, God brings sinners into a right relationship with Himself, and bestows upon them the riches of His grace. (Eph. 2:1-7)

B. The Divine Responsibility in Salvation:

GRACE--The unmerited favor of God towards fallen men. For the sake of Christ, He has provided for man's redemption. God has from all eternity determined to show favor to all who exercise faith in Christ as Savior. (Rom. 10:13, Eph. 1:4, 5)

ELECTION--The work of God whereby He sovereignly chose certain human beings to be the recipients of salvation. (Rom. 9:15, 21; Eph. 1:4) It was not based on merit, or predisposition in man, (Rom. 9:11, 16; Eph. 2:1, 5) nor on prescience (pre-knowing) of who would accept or reject the gospel, (Rom. 3:10, 11; 1 Pet. 1:2) but upon the good pleasure of His will. (Eph. l:5, 11)

PREDESTINATlON--The work of God whereby He determined that all who are regenerated, will be conformed to the image of His Son. (Christlikeness)  (Rom. 8:29; I. Jn. 3:2)

ATONEMENT--The work of God whereby He sent His Son to give His life as a substitutionary sacrifice for those whom God had chosen from before the foundation of the world to be saved. None need ever die for another's sin, for the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. (Heb. 9:25-28)

REGENERATION--The work of God whereby He imparts to the believing sinner spiritual life; thereby renewing the immaterial part of man's human nature. (Eph. 2:1, 5, 6; Tit. 3:5, 6)

JUSTIFICATION--The work of God whereby He acquits the believing sinner of condemnation's verdict, and imputes to his account the righteousness of Jesus Christ. (Rom. 5:1, 18; 3:24)

REDEMPTION-The work of God whereby He releases the believing sinner from the bondage of his spiritual masters and from the penalty of his sin on the basis of Christ's life given in ransom-price on the Cross of Calvary. (Rom. 3:24; I Cor. 1:20)

RECONCILIATION--The work of God whereby He, on the basis of Jesus Christ's death, does away with the case of hostility between believing sinners and Himself; establishing peace. (Rom. 5:10, 11; Col. 1:20)

REPENTANCE--The sinner while under sin's influence will justify his actions. When God causes him to repent, his attitude changes completely. He acknowledges the truth of what God says; and repudiates his sin. (Acts 20:21; 17:30)

SANCTIFICATION--The work of God whereby He sets apart to Himself those who are His. This work includes:

Positional sanctification--The truth that all believers are made saints through Jesus Christ. (Heb. 10:10)

Progressive sanctification--The process of conforming the believer to the image of Jesus Christ. This is a never-ending transformation culminating In death or the Rapture. (II Pet. 3:18; II Cor. 7:1)

Permanent sanctification--The eternal state of perfection following the final redemption of the believers’ bodies following the Rapture. (I Jn. 3:1, 2; 1 Thess. 5:23)

ETERNAL SECURITY--The work of God whereby He assures the eternal and permanent security of all believers. (I Jn. 5:12, 13) Those who are scripturally born again by God's Spirit will not fall away. (Rom. 8:35) Of those who believe, none will ever be lost. (Jn.6:39, 40; 10:27-29)

C. The Human Responsibility in Salvation:

Man' s responsibility in salvation is but to believe; trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of his sin. The faith to believe is the gift of God to every believer. (Jn. 3:16, 36; Acts 13:48; Eph. 2:8, 9)

X. THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH

A. The Church Universal--That company of people who are regenerated and baptized with the Holy Spirit, from Pentecost to the Rapture; who form the Body of Christ. (I Cor. 12:12-14; Eph. 1 :22, 23)

B. The Local Church--The N. T. local church is a company of saved, baptized people, assembling in a certain locality, (Acts 2:41, 47; 11:20-26; 18:8-11) who are organized according to Biblical principles, (Phil. 1:1) who, recognizing the presence of the Lord Jesus, (Matt. 18:20) assemble regularly to worship God, (Acts 2:42; 20:7; I Cor. 11:23-26) to fellowship together in the study of the Word of God and in prayer, (Acts 2:42; 4:23-31) to exercise their spiritual gifts for the edification of the church, (Acts 13:1; 9:31; I Cor. 12:1-32; 14:23-26) to do good works, (Acts 11:27-30; Gal. 6:10; Rev. 2:5) and to bear witness to the Gospel at home (I Thess. 1:8) and abroad (Phil. 4:10-18; Acts 8:4) looking for the return of Jesus Christ. (I Thess. 1:10; Phil. 3:20; Tit. 2:13)

As a New Testament Baptist Church, we accept the Baptist distinctives, namely:

Biblical Authority-The Bible is a complete and infallible guide, our standard of authority in all matters of faith and morals. (II Tim. 3: 16, 17)

Autonomy of the Local Church-Each local church is an independent; self-governing body of believers. (Matt. 18:17; Acts 13:3; I Cor. 5:4, 5)

Priesthood of the Believers-Every believer has equal access to God for prayer, worship, and service. (I Pet. 2:5; Heb. 10:19, 20; 4:14-16; Rev. 1:5, 6)

Two Ordinances-Baptism: The immersion in water of a regenerated person professing saving faith in Jesus Christ. (Matt. 28:18-20; Rom. 6:1-6)  Lord’s Table (Communion): Available only to believers who are in fellowship with the Lord and are in obedience to His commandments. (I Cor. 11:23-29)

Individual Soul Liberty--Every believer has the guidance of the Holy Spirit in understanding the Scriptures. (I Jn. 2:27; Jn. 14:26; 16:13)

Saved Church Membership--The church is to be composed totally of a regenerate membership. (Acts 2:41-47)

Two offices- Only two Biblical offices are in the church: Pastor and Deacons. (Phil. 1:1; I Tim. 3:1-13)

Separation of Church and State-The government (Federal or State) shall not dominate or interfere with the affairs of the church, but shall protect her right to exist, and minister in the community.

C. Ecclesiastical (Church) Separation--We believe that it is the duty of every local church to separate itself from any ecclesiastical organization or movement that denies the Fundamentals of the Faith i.e. the virgin Birth, Substitutionary Sacrifice, Bodily Resurrection and Visible return of Jesus Christ, The verbal plenary inspiration of Scripture, the necessity of the new birth. Examples of these organizations are the World Council of Churches; the National Council of Churches, and the National Association of Evangelicals.

We believe that the present Ecumenical movement is a forerunner of the World Church of the Tribulation Period.

D. The Charismatic Movement--We believe that the Charismatic movement with its emphasis on "the second blessing", tongues, and healing is deceiving Christians and encourages the ecumenical spirit. We believe that these gifts are no longer present in this age, and those that preach their existence and encourage their use are more concerned with spiritual experience than sound doctrine. (Mt. 12:38, 39; I Cor. 13:8-13)

XI. THE DOCTRINE OF FUTURE THINGS-ESCHATOLOGY

We believe in the pre-millennial, imminent, personal, bodily return of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 1:11; Heb. 10:28)

We believe in the pre-tribulational rapture of the church. (I Cor. 15:35-50; I Thess. 4:13-17; II Thess. 2:1-6) Following the rapture, the saint's works will be judged at the Judgment seat of Christ, and rewards given. (I Cor. 3:12-15; 9:16-27; II Cor. 5:9-11) This will be followed by the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. (Rev. 19:7-9) During this same time period on earth will be the Tribulation period: a seven year span of judgment known also as the 70th week of Daniel. (Mt.24:9-28; II Thess. 2:8-12; Rev. 8:1-18) This time includes Israel's final suffering, (Jer. 30:4-7; Mt. 24:21-27) the destruction of Babylon  (economic and spiritual) (Rev. 17&18) and the battle of Armageddon, (Rev. 16:13-16; 19:17-21) all which follow the appearing of the Man of Sin. (II Thess. 2:1-12; Dan. 11:36-45; Matt. 24:15)

When the preparations for the battle of Armageddon are complete, Christ visibly and personally returns with the church to set up His 1000 year reign (Rev. 19:11-16; Zech. 14:9, 10; Is. 2:2-4) during which Satan is bound in the bottomless pit, (Rev. 20:1-3) and Israel is regathered. (Is. 11:11, 12; Ez. 37:21-28; Matt. 23:37) The Old Testament saints and the Tribulation saints are resurrected (Ezek. 37:1-14; Dan. 12:1-3) and Christ judges the nations thereby ending the times of the Gentiles. (Matt. 24:37-25:46)

After the Millennial reign of Christ (1000 years), Satan is loosed from the pit and leads the final revolt against God. (Rev. 20:7-9) Satan is judged and doomed, (Rev. 20:10) the present heaven and earth pass away with fervent heat, (Is. 65:17; II Pet. 3:3-13; Rev. 21:1) all unsaved people appear before the Great White Throne for judgment as they receive their eternal condemnation. (Rev. 20:12-15) A New Heaven and earth are created (Rev. 21:1) and all the saints will live with God for eternity. (Rev. 21:1-27)