What We Believe
The Holy Spirit
Power without character is dangerous. Character without power is incomplete.
We believe that the Holy Spirit still works today with power, manifestations and all gifts of the Spirit. God gives His Spirit to change lives, build up the church and confirm the gospel. At the same time, we believe that true spiritual power always goes hand in hand with character and Christlikeness.
1 Corinthians 12:7 - To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Acts 1:8 - You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.
Galatians 5:22–23 - The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…
A holy and dedicated life
We believe that believers are set apart to live holy in Christ. Holiness is not religion, but a lifestyle of dedication, obedience and love, visible in our thinking, speaking and acting.
1 Peter 1:15–16 - Be holy, for I am holy.
Romans 12:1–2 - Do not be conformed to this world.
Christlike character
We believe that God forms us in the image of His Son. We strive for spiritual maturity, integrity and a life that reflects Jesus.
Romans 8:29 - Predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.
1 Corinthians 14:1 - Pursue love and earnestly desire the gifts.
Marriage as God's covenant
We believe that marriage was instituted by God as a covenant between man and woman, as unity and as an image of Christ and His church.
Genesis 2:24 - Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother…
Matthew 19:4–6 - What God has joined together, let no one separate.
Baptism by immersion
We believe in baptism by full immersion as a conscious choice based on faith: the old life is buried and a new life in Christ begins.
Romans 6:4 - We were buried with Him through baptism.
Acts 2:38 - Repent and be baptized.
The Lord's Supper
We believe in celebrating communion as a remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, a proclamation of His victory and a moment of fellowship, gratitude, healing and wholeness.
1 Corinthians 11:23–26 - Do this in remembrance of Me.
Luke 22:19–20 - This is My body… this is My blood.
Tithing
In the Bible we see the giving of a tithe recurring: with Abraham, with Jacob, and later in the law. Each time the tithe is seen as honoring and acknowledging God as the source of all we receive and possess. We believe in honoring God, including with finances. Giving a tithe is a good measure and a way to trust and honor God also with our finances. We believe God's blessing rests on this—whoever sows generously will also reap generously, 2 Corinthians 9:6–8. This passage also shows that giving generously is important. Not out of obligation, but from a heart that gives with joy.
1 Corinthians 16:2 - On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
Proverbs 18:16 - A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.