About Authority
As Christians there is only one reliable source for answers to questions of a spiritual nature: the Bible. The writers of the New Testament recognized that the Old Testament had been inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and we do as well. The New Testament also claims an authority for itself in that Jesus and His apostles were given authority and that the Word of God was not to be perverted or changed, but rather respected and rightly divided (Matthew 28:18; Hebrews 1:1-2; Galatians 1:8-9). We want to be a people who know God’s Word, not just to gain knowledge, but to gain a relationship with Christ by obeying Him (John 14:15).
About Salvation
The Bible teaches that because of our choice to sin, humanity is lost and is in need of salvation from God (Romans 3:23; 6:23; John 3:16). In spite of our sinfulness, by His grace, God sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to live among humanity and die in His perfection on our behalf (Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:9-10). Thus, salvation comes by responding to God’s grace in faith. How do we appropriately respond? We believe the Bible speaks with clarity on this important topic. Although some might think that our response to this question is too simplistic, we believe that individuals can be saved by God when they respond in faith by; believing that Jesus is His Son (John 3:16; Hebrews 11:6), turn (repent) from one’s own sinful ways and begin following God’s will as revealed in His Word (Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9), confess that Jesus is the Christ (Romans 10:9- 10), and be baptized (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21). Ultimately, baptism is simply doing what Jesus did. Not only was Jesus baptized to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:17), but He also died, was buried, and raised again as a paradigm for us (Romans 6:3-4). If we die to sin, are buried with Christ, and are raised again to walk in newness of life then we are ready to live the Christian life. This is not a works based salvation, but rather a submission in water to God’s will for the believer. Every example of conversion under the new covenant in the New Testament involves baptism.
About Worship
Worship is a beautiful and wonderful time when God’s people bow before Him and offer up a fragrant offering of praise to Him. Worship is not a mechanical movement or motion, but rather an action motivated from the heart in reverence. In the New Testament we read about vain worship (Matthew 15:9; 2 John 9-11; Revelation 22:18-19) and ignorant worship (Acts 17:23-31). We want to worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), meaning that we want to worship in the way that the Bible teaches for the reason that the Bible teaches. In the New Testament examples are given of the church assembling on the first day of the week for this purpose (Acts 20:7), especially because Jesus was raised on the first day of the week. Worship in the New Testament involved partaking in the Lord’s Supper as a memorial in remembrance of the Lord’s body and blood (1 Corinthians 11:23-28), singing (Matthew 26:30; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), praying (Acts 2:42; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:8), teaching (Acts 2:42; 2 Timothy 4:1-4; Matthew 28:18-20), and giving (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:1- 5; 9:6-8).
About God
In the New Testament, we read of God, the Father (Acts 17:24-27; Romans 1:20), Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 16:16; John 1:1-2, 14), and the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17; 1 Corinthians 2:11). Humanity was created in Gods image (Genesis 1:26- 27) and God still works in unity to reconcile (bring back together) the relationship between God and humanity (2 Corinthians 5:18). God is eternal (Hebrews 9:14) and He has given humanity the purpose of glorifying Him and living in a way that shows the world God’s intent for creation.
About the Church
The church is a divinely ordained institution, planned by God (1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Timothy 3:15). The church began on the Day of Pentecost as described in Acts 2 with power as the Gospel was preached and 3000 souls were added to it on that day (2:41, 47). Christ is the Head of the church (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23) and has been given all authority (Matthew 28:18). The church has been given the wonderful work of sharing the message of Jesus Christ with the world (Ephesians 3:10), doing all things to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). The church will eventually be called to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 5:13-18) and share in the inheritance of heaven, a place the Lord is preparing for those who obey Him (John 14:1-3).