We believe the scriptures, as contained in the Authorized King James 1611 Edition, to be the Word of God. We believe the 66 books, from Genesis to Revelation, to be the inspired Word and that it is free from "errors" and that it is profitable and an invaluable source in all manners of faith and practice for every Christian. (Psalms 119:89; Matthew 23:42; Proverbs 3:5,6; Revelation 22:19, and so forth.)
We believe that Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary, begotton of the Holy Ghost in a miraculous manner; that He was born God in the flesh; that no other man was ever or ever will be born this way. He was, and is, the sinless Son of God and God the Son. We believe that He died, was buried and arose the third day. (Genesis 3:15; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-14; I Corinthians 15:1-4 and so on.)
We believe the local church is the only Divine institution authorized by the Lord for doing the ministry outlined in the Word. We believe that a Baptist Church is a group of baptized believers who are come together to accomplish, and try to obey, what true Bible-believing Baptist have believed and practiced for centuries.
We believe the local church is a separate organization from the government and should be separate in all areas, and that it is a self-governing organization. We believe that the local church is not the church body, that is, the living organism of I Corinthians 12:13-20. But, that it does contain the "body" (True church).
We believe that the church (local) is bound by the great commission of Matthew 28:19,20, and that it is also accountable to the commission given in I Corinthians 15:1-4. And, that the two offices of the church are Pastor or Bishop and Deacon. The work and authority of these two offices are duly outlined in the scriptures. (I Timothy 3:1-3; Titus 1:6-9 and Acts 6:1-6)
We believe the account of creation in Genesis to be literal and correct. Any other interpretation, such as evolution (Theistic or otherwise), is a manmade doctrine (Matthew 15:9) and the teachers of such are fools (Psalms 14:1) and make the Word of God of none effect by their traditions. (Mark 7:13) Man is a direct creation of God (Genesis 2:7,8; 1:26) and that all creation produces after its kind. (Psalms 104:1-35; 121:2; 146:1-10; Colossians 1:16,17; Job 38:4; Isaiah 42:5 and so on.)
We believe the Devil (Satan, the Dragon, Lucifer, etc.) to be the great deceiver (Revelation 12:9), who at one time was holy and enjoyed heavenly honours. But, through pride and rebellion and the desire to be as God, fell (Ezekiel 28:1-19), and now is the Prince of the power of the air, (Ephesians 2:2; John 12:31) and is the god of this world (II Corinthians 4:4; Luke 4:5,6). We believe his destiny is the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10). (John 14:30; I Peter 5:8; I John 3:8: 4:3; Revelation 13:13-18 etc.)
We believe man is a fallen created due to the sin of Eve and the willingness of Adam to partake of the forbidden fruit. Thus man is under the condemnation of God and has no excuse and no defense for his position. (John 3:18; Romans 1:18-32; Ephesians 2:1; Romans 5:12, etc.)
We believe that God is the truth and living God and is infinite and has always been and always will be. (Revelation 21:6) That He is the Supreme ruler of the universe and maker of all things. In Him exists and yet are separate in their work, the Trinity: The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. All work in harmony and never conflict. (Romans 8:8-11; Philippians 2:5,6; Ephesians 2:18; Exodus 20:1-3 and many other like passages.)
We believe that heaven is a real place where Jesus Christ is now seated at the right hand of the Father. It is the place especially designed for those who God will someday take to be with Him. (Hebrews 10:12; Ephesians 5:5,6; John 3:16; John 14:1-3)
We believe that hell, just as heaven, is a literal place and that it was prepared for the Devil and his angels. However, any unsaved man that dies will be confined to hell until the White Throne judgment, where he will receive the everlasting judgment into the lake of fire. We believe hell to be located beneath us. (Luke 16:23,24; Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:12-15; Proverbs 15:24; Isaiah 14:9; Psalms 9:17; Proverbs 15:11; Matthew 5:22 and several other places.)
We believe that a person has to be saved in order to receive God's gift of eternal life. We believe that salvation is a result of a man's recognition of being a sinner and then calling upon the name of the Lord for forgiveness of sins. We believe that the blood of Jesus Christ is necessary for the cleansing of sins and there is no substitutes (water baptism, etc.) We believe that salvation is by grace through faith, plus or minus nothing! We believe salvation is eternal and that those who receive the Lord Jesus as their Saviour are kept by the power of God until the day of redemption. (Romans 3:23; 5:12; 3:10; Colossians 1:14; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 4:30; 1:13,14; John 10:28,29; I John 5:11,12 and many, many others.)
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will return in two different times. First: He will take out His body, the church, at which time He will appear in the clouds and this world will not see Him. Second: He will return in bodily form upon this earth in what is known as the second advent. We believe that this final return will occur AFTER the tribulation period of seven years and that this return will commence the millennial reign of Christ which will last 1000 years. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Acts 1:3,9,11; I Corinthians 15:42-44; 51-53; Philippians 3:20,21 and many other like passages.)
As stated in the opening paragraph, this is just a brief statement on the doctrinal position of our church. It is not made to point out errors of others, simply to show you where we stand. We are not interested in arguing with anyone, or "debating" the issues. We believe that our position is scriptural and have stood this way for over 30 years. Your comments are welcome, your arguments and charges will be disregarded due to the fact we are too busy serving God and doing our best to get the gospel around the world to spend time with ignorant saints who wish to waste time rather than use it wisely. (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5) Constructive criticism is always accepted.
June 2008