Statement of Faith

Our Historic Christian View of the Nuclear Family

We hold to a historic Christian understanding of the nuclear family, grounded in the teachings of Scripture. We believe that the family, as instituted by God, is a foundational institution for human society and spiritual growth.

From the beginning, the Bible presents the nuclear family as a divine design. In Genesis 2:24, we read, "This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh." This passage establishes the foundational principle of marriage between one man and one woman, forming the basis for the nuclear family unit.

The role of parents in this structure is outlined in Ephesians 6:1-4: "Children, obey your parents as you would the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." This instruction highlights the reciprocal responsibilities of both parents and children in fostering a loving and disciplined family environment.

Additionally, Psalm 127:3-5 reminds us of the blessing and importance of children within the family: "Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, children, a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one’s youth. Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them. They will never be put to shame when they speak with their enemies at the city gate."

In aligning with these scriptural teachings, we affirm that the nuclear family is more than a social construct; it is a sacred institution ordained by God for nurturing faith, character, and community. We are committed to supporting and upholding these biblical principles in all aspects of our ministry and outreach.

The Deity of Jesus Christ

We firmly believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, affirming His divine nature as a core tenet of our faith. We hold that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, the eternal Son of God, who took on human flesh to accomplish the work of salvation.

1. Jesus as True God

We believe that Jesus Christ is truly and fully God, as revealed in Scripture. John 1:1 (CSB) declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This verse establishes the divine nature of Jesus, identified as the "Word" who is both with God and is God. Further, John 1:14 (CSB) confirms, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” affirming that Jesus, while fully God, took on human form.

2. Jesus as the Son of God

The deity of Jesus is also affirmed through His unique relationship with God the Father. In Matthew 16:16 (CSB), Peter confesses, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus Himself acknowledged His divine sonship, as seen in John 10:30 (CSB): “The Father and I are one.” This unity with the Father underscores His divine identity and equality.

3. Jesus as the Creator and Sustainer

Scripture further affirms Jesus’ divine role in creation and sustenance. Colossians 1:16-17 (CSB) states, “For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.” This passage highlights that Jesus is the active agent of creation and the one who sustains all things.

4. Jesus as the Object of Worship

As God incarnate, Jesus is deserving of worship and reverence. In Philippians 2:9-11 (CSB), Paul writes, “For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth—and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” This exaltation and universal acknowledgment of His Lordship affirm His divine status.

Our belief in the deity of Jesus Christ is central to our faith and essential for understanding the full scope of His redemptive work. We are committed to proclaiming and living out the truth of Jesus’ divine nature as we seek to follow Him and make Him known.

The Infallibility of Scripture

We firmly believe in the infallibility of Scripture, affirming that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God. We hold that the Scriptures are completely trustworthy and without error in their original manuscripts, serving as the ultimate authority for faith and practice.

The Bible’s infallibility is grounded in its divine origin. 2 Timothy 3:16 (CSB) declares, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness.” This verse underscores that every part of the Bible is breathed out by God, making it a reliable and authoritative guide for living a life that pleases Him.

In addition, we recognize the assurance of Psalm 19:7 (CSB), which says, “The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise.” This verse affirms that God’s Word is flawless and provides wisdom and renewal for those who study it.

The infallibility of Scripture also means that it is reliable in all matters it addresses. Proverbs 30:5 (CSB) states, “Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” This reinforces our belief that the Bible is a pure and reliable source of truth, offering protection and guidance to those who trust in it. We are committed to upholding the authority of the Bible in all aspects of our teaching, worship, and practice. The infallibility of Scripture assures us that God’s revelation is perfect and sufficient for understanding His will and living according to His purpose.

The Movement of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives and in Our Services

We deeply value and actively seek the movement of the Holy Spirit in our worship services. We believe that the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding, empowering, and transforming our gatherings as we seek to honor God and grow in faith.

Scripture consistently emphasizes the dynamic presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. In John 14:16-17 (CSB), Jesus promises, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you know him, because he remains with you and will be in you." This promise assures us that the Holy Spirit is present with us, guiding us in truth and fostering a deeper connection with God.

We also recognize that the Holy Spirit empowers believers for service and spiritual growth. In Acts 1:8 (CSB), Jesus instructs, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." This empowerment is integral to our mission and ministry, enabling us to live out our faith with boldness and effectiveness.

Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 12:7 (CSB) teaches that "A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good." We believe that the Holy Spirit bestows various gifts upon each believer, and these gifts are vital for the edification of the Church and the fulfillment of God's purposes.

In our services, we actively invite the Holy Spirit to move among us, guiding our worship, teaching, and fellowship. We seek His leading in our prayers and in the unfolding of our services, trusting that He will minister to us and through us in ways that glorify God and build up His people.

Our prayer is that every service will be a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit, where hearts are renewed, lives are transformed, and the presence of God is tangibly experienced.

The Importance of Discipleship

Discipleship is a cornerstone of our ministry as one of our core values is to never stop growing. We believe that growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ involves a lifelong commitment to learning, following, and imitating Him, and we are dedicated to fostering this growth through our services and programs.

Jesus’s call to discipleship is central to our mission. In Matthew 28:19-20 (CSB), He commands, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This Great Commission underscores our responsibility to not only share the gospel but to nurture believers in their faith journey, equipping them to live out Christ’s teachings.

Discipleship involves more than just initial conversion; it requires ongoing spiritual growth and maturity. 2 Peter 3:18 (CSB) exhorts us to “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.” Our services are designed to facilitate this growth through Bible teaching, prayer, and community, providing a foundation for believers to deepen their relationship with God.

Furthermore, Colossians 1:28 (CSB) highlights the purpose of discipleship: “We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” Our goal is to help every individual mature in their faith, becoming more like Christ and better equipped to live out His mission in the world.

In our services, we are committed to creating environments where discipleship can flourish. Through practical teaching, home group discussions, personal mentoring, and the Kairos School of Biblical Literacy, we strive to support each person’s spiritual development. We encourage everyone to actively participate in these opportunities, as we believe that discipleship is most effective in community and relational contexts.

We invite you to join us in this journey of discipleship, as we seek to grow together in grace and knowledge, becoming faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

The Necessity of the Sacraments

We recognize and honor the sacraments as sacred practices instituted by Jesus Christ to signify and strengthen our relationship with Him. The sacraments are important expressions of our faith, serving as visible signs of invisible grace and essential components of our Christian journey.

1. Baptism

Baptism is a foundational sacrament that symbolizes the believer’s identification with Christ and entry into the community of faith. Jesus commanded baptism as a key aspect of making disciples. In Matthew 28:19 (CSB), He instructed, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism signifies the washing away of sins, a public declaration of faith, and the beginning of a new life in Christ, as illustrated in Acts 2:38 (CSB): “Repent, and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”

2. The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion, is a sacrament that commemorates the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus established this practice during the Last Supper with His disciples, as recorded in Luke 22:19-20 (CSB): “And he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way he also took the cup after supper and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” The Lord’s Supper is a time for believers to remember Christ’s sacrifice, proclaim His death, and renew their commitment to Him. As Paul instructs in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (CSB), “Do this in remembrance of me,” emphasizing the importance of this sacrament in maintaining our spiritual focus and unity.

Both sacraments are vital to our faith and practice, reflecting our commitment to follow Jesus and grow in our relationship with Him. They are celebrated with reverence and joy, recognizing their role in nurturing our spiritual lives and ajirming our connection with the body of Christ.

We invite all believers to participate in these sacred practices as we journey together in faith, grounded in the grace and truth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I believe in one God,

the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Only Begotten Son of God,

born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,

and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,

he suffered death and was buried,

and rose again on the third day

in accordance with the Scriptures.

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead

and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, Christian* and apostolic Church.

I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins

and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Nicene Creed