God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. Therefore, similar to the one God who lives in community as three persons, we strive to relate to other Christ-followers in a mutually honoring and submissive way and to live in close, interdependent community with them.

Genesis 1:1, 26-27; 3:22, Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Corinthians 13:14

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless human life 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 Heaven and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Therefore we worship Him and relate personally to Him as One who is both like us, (He suffered, was tempted, and experienced pain), and wholly unlike us – (the perfect and powerful Creator God of the Universe). We seek to make Christ visible in our broken world, taking risks to sacrifice our comfort and willingly enduring rejection and ridicule, all for the purpose of showing people what God is like. We wait for His arrival with anticipation and expectancy, and we work diligently to make His way of justice, grace, mercy, kindness, peace, and forgiveness visible here on earth.

Matthew 1:18-23, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1-5, 14:10-30, Hebrews 4:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 1:3-4, Acts 1:9-11,

1 Timothy 6:14-15, Titus 2:13

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily. Therefore we ask Him to fill us, we delight in using the gifts and abilities He gives us, and we strive to respond to His stirring in our hearts.

2 Corinthians 3:17, John 16:7-13; 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16 Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 5:25,

Ephesians 5:18

The Bible is God’s Word to all people. 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 the Bible is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error. Therefore, we teach from it regularly, open our hearts to its influence and authority, and ask God to reshape our lives according to it. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we try to understand both the original intention of the text & Scripture’s eternal application to our lives.

2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 1:13, Psalms 119:105, 160; 12:6, Proverbs 30:5

People are made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation and love. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates us from God until the relationship is restored through a personal commitment to Jesus Christ. Humans were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin in Hell or eternally in union with God in Heaven through forgiveness and salvation. Therefore, we are valued by God because He has created us unique individuals and desires a relationship with us and we can enjoy this relationship with God by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Genesis 1:27, Psalms 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59:1-2 John 3:16; I John 2:25; 5:11-13, Romans 6:23,

I Corinthians 2:7-9, Revelation 20:15, 2 Corinthians 4:15

God created us with free will-the ability to accept or reject a relationship with God. God loves us so much that He knew the only way for us to be in authentic relationship is to have a choice. Free-will is one of the best & yet one of the most destructive things about being human- we can either choose to embrace the truth of God or choose to not live as God intends. Choosing to not live as God intends, or a holy life, leads to alienation from God, which we call sin.

Romans 3:23, James 4:17, 1 John 1:8-10, Romans 6:23, Galatians 5:19-21, Mark 7:20-23, Romans 6:12-14

Salvation is a gift from God to humanity. 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 we be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life, surrender, and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. Therefore, we actively seek to both be and tell the good news – abundant, free and eternal life through Christ, – and humbly serving those who are lost, thirsty, broken, and in need of a new life and a new heart.

Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6; 1:12; 10:29, Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26,Romans 5:1; 10:9-10, 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10-14, I Peter 1:3-5