STATEMENT OF FAITH

GOD

We believe that there is one true God who is the living Creator, author of life, omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. He is eternally and existing in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, equal in power and in glory. He is infallible in every way and governs all.

CHRIST

We believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, He is Lord, God in flesh, the one true Messiah, and Gods only begotten Son. We believe He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, released signs and wonders and was a profound teacher. Christ reconciled us to God through His substitutionary atoning death, and bodily resurrection. He ascended into heaven and sits at God’s right hand interceding on mankind’s behalf waiting for His return to the Earth.

HOLY SPIRIT

We believe that the Holy Spirit came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He also came forth to regenerate, sanctify and empower for ministry all who believe in Christ and are baptized in the Spirit. We believe the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ and that He is an abiding Helper, Teacher and Guide. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and in the exercise of all the Biblical gifts of the Spirit.

SCRIPTURE

We believe that the scriptures of the Old Testament and the New Testament are the written Word of God. The authors of the scriptures were given divine inspiration, and the men that canonized the scriptures were led by the Spirit to unify a doctrine that is without error, in the original manuscripts. We also believe that the scriptures are the infallible rule of faith and practice.

MANKIND

We believe that mankind was made in the spiritual image of God. This image is manifested in mankind's ability to create life, dream, imagine, build, inspire, help and protect others far beyond a primal animal instinct. Through acting upon our selfish ambitions, mankind sinned and rebelled against God, causing mankind to separate from their Creator. Mankind, being the crown of God’s creation, is incapable of returning into God’s fellowship on their own without the atonement of their sin by sacrifice.

SALVATION/SIN

We believe that ALL mankind has sinned and rebelled against God, thus has fallen short of His Glory and has come under condemnation. We believe that through God’s love and grace, He sent the Christ to be a blood sacrifice for ALL mankind. Through the revealing of the Holy Spirit, ALL mankind has the opportunity for salvation by: recognizing and turning away from their fallen/rebellious nature, and accepting Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ. Salvation is affirmed by allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell inside of you and guide you into God’s sovereignty daily.

RETURN OF CHRIST

We believe God’s redemptive purpose will be accomplished by the return of His Son, Jesus the Christ. We believe upon His return the wicked will be judged and separated from the righteous. The wicked shall be removed from God’s presence, leading to the second death. Jesus will establish the Kingdom of God, and the righteous will enter into eternal blessing with their Creator, their Lord, and their Friend.

OFFERINGS

We believe the New Testament Church is NOT obligated to give a tithe from their possessions. With the destruction of the Temple in 70AD, and the disbandment of the ordained Levite priests, the original and proper function of tithing found in the Old Testament can no longer exist. The New Testament Church understood these principles and allowed Alms (money or food for the poor) to be given as well as any offerings. An offering has to do with each individual’s heart. It cannot be given out of compulsion and does not have a defined percentage attached to it (2 Corinthians 9:6-12). Taking an offering rather than a tithe allows the giver to be as generous as the Lord desires, and cheerful when giving because it is not out of obligation. For these reasons we believe a follower of Christ should give offerings to the Lord as the Lord directs. Offerings will be anonymous and not passed around during any church gatherings. Instead, a labeled container at the entrance and exit will be posted, and one can give as God has directed him/her to give.

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

We believe that women have a role in the New Testament Church. They have a heritage of leadership found in Genesis and through Christ; God re-established their identity that was forfeited at the fall. We clearly see women functioning within the early church. Women joined with men in the upper room praying at Pentecost (Acts 1:14). Women received the gifts of the Spirit (I Corinthians 12:7). They received Christ and were baptized (Acts 5:14 & 8:12). They were persecuted (Acts 9:2). They were prophetesses (Acts 21:9) and teachers (Acts 18:26). Women were called fellow workers (Philippians 4:3) and deacons (Romans 16:1). As an Acts 2 Church, we will recognize and utilize the gifts and talents found within God’s daughters.