Assumptions, Beliefs & Convictions

Statement of Faith

We believe in the Triune God—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We acknowledge one God unified in these three persons. We believe that God created and sustains the universe. He is holy, loving, compassionate, just and kind. His desire is to draw humanity into an intimate relationship with Himself. (Deut. 6:4; Isaiah 40; John 3:16-21; Ephesians 1:3-14; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:1,2).

We believe that, because God desires to be in a relationship with us, God took on flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus Christ, born of a virgin, is fully God and fully man. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus’ perfect sacrifice makes him the only and perfect mediator between God and humanity and We believe that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He rose bodily from the dead on the third day to demonstrate His power over sin and death. Christ ascended to heaven and reigns in glory at the right hand of God the Father.  Through Jesus Christ and Him alone can people enter into a relationship with God. (Luke 2:1-20; John 1:1-18; 14:1-14; I Corinthians 15:3, 4; Ephesians 1:20-22, 2:11-18).

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the continuing presence of Jesus Christ among us. God is Spirit, and through the Spirit, God loves; empowers, guides and comforts us. The Spirit gives life and bears fruit in all believers, for in this way we are rooted and established in love. The Baptism of the Spirit is a calling for all believers to enjoy the ongoing filling and leading of the Spirit of Jesus. We believe in the full manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit through which the Body of Christ (the church) can and will be mature. (John 16:1-15; John 3:1-8; Acts 1:8, 2:38, 4:8, 10:44-48; Romans 8:1-16, 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Ephesians 4:11-13; Galatians 5:12-26).

We believe that the Bible is the Word of God. Through it, God reveals Himself to us. The entire Bible is God-breathed and God-inspired. The Old and New Testament show the wholeness of God’s covenant love for us and God’s commitment to establish His Kingdom on this earth. (Psalm 19:7-11;2 Timothy 3:15-17;2 Peter 1:20, 21;John 8:30-31;Hebrews 4:12).

We believe that the church, is uniquely called the body of Christ, and is to proclaim the completed work of Jesus Christ. There is only one Church and it is called out to be the salt and light of the world, making disciples throughout the world. It is our privileged to worship and serve Him as the vessel through which the treasure Good News of the Kingdom is proclaimed to the world. (Matthew 5-7; 22:36-40; 28:18-20; Ephesians 1:20-22, 1 Peter 1:1)

We affirm and identify with the Reformed Church of America. We affirm the centrality of Word of God and the Sacraments. We believe in and practice the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion. We believe that through the waters of Baptism, God displays His adoption of us as His children.  We affirm the water baptism of infants and adults. We believe that through the Lord’s Supper, God displays His love to us and willingness to forgive us. It is a meal of renewal and hope. The great mystery that we embrace is that Jesus is present within the celebration. (Romans 6:1-11,1 Corinthians 11:23-34; Eph 2)

We believe in the worth and value of the human being. Created in God’s image, humans have dignity. Their worth is dependent not on accomplishments, but on God’s love. At the same time we acknowledge that humanity is separated from God because of sin. We believe that all are sinners by nature, and by choice, and are in need of salvation. Therefore we joyfully proclaim the Good News that because of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, Sin was conquered and forgiveness is offered to all. It is only in relationship with Jesus by which forgiveness restores fallen humanity’s worth. Until we are washed in the blood of Jesus, forgiven of Sin, we remain death to the Spirit and living for the Flesh. (Genesis 1-3; Romans 5:12-21; Romans 3:21-26; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9).

We believe in and anticipate the return of Jesus Christ. Eternal life is to know Jesus Christ and begins here and now being in relationship with Him. Thus while we don’t know the day or hour, we joyfully proclaim His soon return to inspire all people to make the most of life today. (Matthew 24:30, John 17:3, 1 Thess. 5:1-11, Rev. 1:4-8)