Doctrinal Statement

Verbal Inspiration of the Scriptures – I believe in the infallible, verbally inspired Word of God.  I accept the Textus Receptus manuscript as the foundational material from which we derive the English Bible.  The Old and New Testament scriptures were penned by humans, divinely inspired and edited by the Holy Spirit, preserved, plenary and passed down to us today in the King James Version.  (II Tim. 3:16; Ps. 12:6-7; 119:89; II Pet. 1:20-21)

Deity – I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God because of His character, His miracles, His influence, and His power to forgive sins and to set people free from Satan.  Jesus Christ was God in the flesh because He claimed to be, died making this claim, and arose victorious over death. (Matt. 26:63-66; Jn. 14:9-10; Jn. 1:1; Mk. 14:61-62)

Salvation By Grace Through Faith – The sacrifice made by Jesus is the only basis of salvation, the only means of reconciliation, and the only ground of justification.  We hold and believe many important truths, but the most important thing to every individual is the personal salvation of his soul.  Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and repentance toward God.  God’s order is first salvation, and then works. (Acts 4:12; 20:21; Rom. 10:9-13; Eph. 2:8-10; Titus 3:5-8)

Separation From the World – I believe that all the saved are called into a life of separation from all worldly and sinful practices.  A person, once he has accepted Christ as Saviour, is a new creation in Christ and should live a holy, consecrated life; he should separate himself from the world and all its lust in obedience to the command of God.  (Rom. 12:1-2; I Jn. 2:15-17; II Cor. 5:17; 6:14-7:1; II Tim. 2:19; I Pet.1:14-16; 2:9)

Rapture and Second Coming – I believe in the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ in the air to catch up those that have received Him.  The saved will stand at the judgment seat of Christ and following will be the marriage supper of the Lamb.  The lost will be left on earth and go through the Tribulation period, after which Christ shall return visibly in body to set up His Kingdom of one thousand years of righteous rule. After this the unbelievers of all ages will stand at the Great White Throne to be judged and cast into the Lake of Fire, separated from God forever, while the believers spend eternity in the fullness of joy in Heaven with the Lord. (Acts. 1:11; I Thess. 4:16-18; Rev. 19:11; 20:15; Matt. 24:42)

Local Church – I believe that a scriptural church is a visible assembly of baptized believers, covenanted together under New Testament law for the purpose of carrying out the Great Commission. This church has an unbroken history from the personal ministry of Jesus on earth to this present day; this church is a self-governed body having Christ as the head, the Holy Spirit for its guide and the Bible as the only rule of faith and practice.  The only scriptural offices of the church are the bishop (or pastor) and deacons.  The two ordinances of the local church are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.  On all matters of membership, of polity, of discipline, of benevolence, etc., the will of the local church is final.  (Matt. 16:18-19; Eph. 1:22-23; 3:21)

Soulwinning and Missions – I believe that the Great Commission to evangelize the world was given to the church by our risen Lord and that this evangelization is the mission of the church.  The Great Commission was given to the local church that was commanded to “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”  Christ commanded His church to “teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”  (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15; Jn. 20:21; Acts 1:8; Lk. 24:46-47)