THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE

1. ABOUT GOD

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three
personalities known as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are
co-equal and are one God.

Genesis 1:1, 27,27. 3:22, Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, II Corinthians 13:14

2. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is also co-equal with the Father. Jesus was
born of the virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. He lived a sinless
human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people
by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His
power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven's glory and reigns as King of
Kings and Lord of Lords.

Isaiah 9:6,7, Matthew 1:21-23, Luke 1:35, John 1:1-5, Romans 1:3,4, I
Corinthians 15:3,4

3. ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present
in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He lives in
every Christian from the moment one receives salvation. He provides the
Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in
doing what is right. As Christians, we seek to live under His control everyday.

John 14:16,17, 16:7-13, Acts 2:38,39, I Corinthians 6:19,20, Galatians 5:22-25

4. ABOUT THE BIBLE

The Bible is God's Word to mankind. It was written by human authors under
the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for
Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without
any mixture of error.

Psalm 119:11, 105, 160, Proverbs 30:5, 6, II Timothy 1:13, 3:16,17, II Peter
1:20,21

5. ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS

People are made in the spiritual image of God and were created to be like Him
in character. Human beings are the supreme object of God's creation. Although
every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an
attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." This attitude separates people
from God and causes many problems in life.

Genesis 1:26,27, 3:1-6, Psalm 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:4-7, 59:1,2, Romans 3:23, 6:23

6. ABOUT SALVATION

Salvation is God's free gift offered to mankind. We can never make up for our
sins by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ can
anyone be saved from sin's penalty, which is eternal death. Though salvation
is truly a gift and can never be merited, we understand the Bible to teach that
one receives salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, turning away from sin, and
being baptized into Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. At that moment,
one possesses eternal life. Salvation is maintained through trusting and
following Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Acts 2:38, 22:16, Romans 5:1, 6:3-5,23, Galatians 3:26,27, Ephesians 2:8-10,
James 5:19,20

7. ABOUT THE CHURCH

The church was planned in the mind of God before the world ever existed. The
church was established on the day of Pentecost recorded in Acts chapter 2. The
church is connected to Jesus Christ as the body is joined to the head. One is
automatically added to Christ's church upon receiving salvation. It is God who
adds people to His church, not man. The church has no earthly headquarters or
man-made creeds to follow. Each local congregation is self-governing, following
the principles and practices of the New Testament. The church has a five-fold
purpose established by Jesus Christ (see Purpose-Driven).

Matthew 22:37-39, 28:18-20, Acts 2:37-47, 14:23, I Corinthians 12:13,
Ephesians 1:22,23, 4:4, 5:23. Colossians 1:18,24

8. ABOUT ETERNITY

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated
from God in Hell because of our sin, or eternally with God in Heaven through
receiving God's forgiveness and salvation. Heaven and Hell are real places
of eternal existence.

Matthew 25:31-46, John 3:16, Romans 6:23, I John 5:11-13, Revelation 20:11-15

In essential beliefs - we have unity
In non-essential beliefs - we have liberty
In all our beliefs - we have love