1. About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
2. About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus was virgin-born, lived a sinless human life, demonstrated His authority through many miracles, 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 His Father in heaven, and is coming again. He will return someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:18, 22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1
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. Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer enabling them to live a victorious, abundant life and display the character of Christ. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is available to every believer; empowering the believer to witness and endowing spiritual gifts which enable the believer to serve and minister in the church. As believers exercise their spiritual gifts, the church is built up and those who are searching find eternal life in Christ. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily so to become like Christ in character, thought, speech, and action.
John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16,17; 12-14; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13; 4,5:18; Romans 12
4. About People
Man was made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him in character, the supreme object of God's creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us from birth are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." Because of sin, all people are under a curse and are in a state of spiritual separation from God. The ultimate result of sin is death.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; 51:5; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2
5. About Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation, or exist eternally separated from God by sin. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; I Cor. 2:7-9
6. About Salvation
Salvation is God's free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn away from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved from eternal death. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Salvation was paid for by the death and resurrection of Christ, and is given us by His grace through faith.
Romans 5:1; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8, 9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; John 10:27-28
7. About the Security of the Believer
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.
John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25 ; 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5
8. About the Bible
The Bible is God's Word to us. 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 or error, containing the answer for every need and situation of life.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; II Timothy 1:13; Psalm 12:6; 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5
9. About the Church
The purpose of the church on earth is to fulfill five God-given purposes primarily found in two passages of scripture known as "The Great Commandment" and "The Great Commission." Therefore, the church exists to turn seekers into fully committed followers of Jesus Christ. A fully committed follower of Christ commits to membership in God's family, growing in Christ-like maturity, serving in ministry in the church, and fulfilling Christ's mission in the world in order to magnify God's Name.
Matthew 22:36-40; 28:18-20 Ephesians 2:19; 4:11-16; John 17:1-26; Acts 1:8; 2:41-47; 20:24; Psalm 34:3; 122:1; 150:6
10. The Ordinances of the Church
A. Baptism in Water
The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. Thus, they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with him to walk in newness of life.
B. Holy Communion
The Lord’s Supper, consisting of two elements - bread and the fruit of the vine - is the symbol expressing our sharing in the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4); a memorial of his suffering and death (1 Corinthians 11:26); and a prophecy of his second coming (1 Corinthians 11:26); and is to be enjoyed by all believers “till he comes!”