The Lighthouse of Faith and Worship
Statement of Faith
Scripture
We believe that the Bible, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament, is the inspired word of God and without error.
We also believe God has protected the meaning of his word throughout time.
The Bible was given by God through chosen people and thus reflects the backgrounds, styles, and vocabulary of human writers.
The Bible is the full and final authority on all matters of faith and practice; there are no other writings similarly inspired by God.
The Bible’s truth is timeless and speaks to our everyday lives. It is the instruction and operation manual for mankind.
Luke 21:33, 24:44; Romans 15:4; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21
God
We believe there is only one God, Creator and Lord of everything, infinitely perfect, all-powerful, all-knowing and eternally existent in three persons:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit (The Trinity).
Isaiah 43:10-11; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; John 14:16-17, 16:23-27; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:4-6
God The Father
We believe that the Father is Creator and Ruler of all. He is compassionate, loving and just toward all people and is faithful to keep His promises. He hears and answers prayer. He calls all people to believe in Him and saves from sin and eternal death each person who comes to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Genesis 1; Matthew 7:7, 12:50; Ephesians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:4-5; Exodus 34:5-7
God The Son
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He came to earth fully God and fully man through a miraculous conception and virgin birth.
He lived a sinless life and voluntarily died on the cross in our place as full payment for the sins of all people.
He arose bodily from the dead on the third day to demonstrate His power over sin and death.
He ascended into heaven to the right hand of the Father where He is the only One who is able to provide access and reconciliation between God and people.
He will return personally and visibly to earth and those who have believed in Him will be united with God eternally in Heaven.
Those who have not believed in Him will be separated from God in Hell due to their sin.
Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 24:1-8; John 1:1-5, 1:14, 3:16, 3:18, 11:25, 14:6-7, 14:9-11, 14:16; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4, 5:8-11, 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:3-6; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Hebrews 4:14-16, 7:24-25; Titus 2:13-14; Revelation 19:20, 20:15
God The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, Counselor and Helper sent for believers.
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit who reveals God’s truth to the world and indwells believers to empower them for Godly life and service.
We believe in the diversity of gifts given by the Spirit for the common good of the church and that they are operating today. We do not believe in the cessation of the gifts.
John 14:15-17, 14:25-26, 15:26, 16:5-15; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31
Salvation
We believe every person is disobedient to God’s desires and plans.
Any disobedience to God, regardless of how large or small, is characterized as “sin.” “Sin” literally separates each person from God, which is spiritual death.
Sin is missing the mark that God has designed for us. Spiritual death is not God’s desire.
People can be united with God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and Him alone. Confession of Sin, Asking to be forgiven and finally repenting, turning away from the sin.
Jesus died for sinners. Anyone who accepts, and believes in Jesus’ death for their as payment for their sin, Confesses him as the Son of God and desires to have Him as Lord of their life, is forgiven for every sin.
Upon this decision, God re-establishes a personal relationship with that person and promises eternal life.
Romans 3:23-24, 5:12, 5:16, 6:23; Psalms 51:4-5; John 3:16, 14:6; Acts 4:12, 10:43; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 John 5:11-13
The Church Body
We believe that all those, anywhere, who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord make up the one true church.
Though there are divisions and debates that rage between denominations, the inherent truth is this. Jesus is the Son of God, the Sacrifice that produced the ability to be not only redeemed but reconciled to God.
The purpose of a local church is to organize Christians to reach unbelievers with the message of salvation, serve as a corporate body for the worship of God, provide fellowship for Christians with each other, develop the gifts and talents of Christians for godly service, and practice baptism and communion.
We believe baptism and communion are God’s ordinances to be observed by believers in Jesus Christ, but not to be regarded as means of salvation.
Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38–47; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 10:24-25, 13:17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, 12:12-13
Faith & Practice
Scripture is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice.
We believe with the word of God in the scriptures as our guide, God has instructed us on how to live here and how we will live in heaven.
By adhering to God’s Word and seeking Him, we can best observe His greatest commandments, which are to love Him and others.
2 Timothy 3:16 Romans 12:2, 14; 1 Corinthians 8 & 9, 10:23-11:1; Proverbs 3:5-6; Mark 12:29-31; Romans 12:2; Deuteronomy 6:5