Statement of Beliefs

As part of the Presbyterian Church USA, these are the things we believe:

1. About God

God is the Creator of the universe. He is one God with three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is all loving, all knowing, and full of forgiveness and mercy for His people. God is constantly seeking to bring His people back into a loving relationship with Him.

Genesis 1:1, 26-27; Psalm 71:5-6; Psalm 90:2 Isaiah 40:28-31; Matthew 6:33; Romans 8:12-17 Galatians 4:5-6; I Timothy 4:4

2. About Jesus

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who is fully human and fully God. He is a co-equal with God. Jesus was the human example of God and offered love, new life, forgiveness, and hope to all people everywhere and in every time. Jesus lived a sinless human life, and died on the cross in order for sinful people to receive everlasting life. On Easter he was resurrected from the dead to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended into heaven but will return to earth again to rule and reign in power.

Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:18-25; John 14:6-14 Romans 5:8; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 4:14-15

3. About the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is equal with God and Jesus Christ. He is present in the world to make us aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. The Spirit provides the Christian power for living, understanding of Scripture and spiritual truths, insight into prayer, and guidance in doing what is right by God's standards.

Psalm 139:1-12; John 16:7,13; Romans 8:11,26; I Corinthians 2:12; II Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18

 4. About Salvation

Salvation, the gift of eternal life, is a gift of God to us. We can never earn this gift through good works or self-improvement. It comes only through trusting in Jesus Christ as your friend, Lord, and Savior. Through trust we are saved from sin's penalty and offered forgiveness. Salvation begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our lives through faith.

John 3:5,16-17; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:26; Revelation 3:20

 5. About the Bible

The Bible is God's word to all people. It was written by human authors under the inspiration of God's Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.

Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 40:8; II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21

 6. The Sacraments

We believe in two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. We baptize both infants and believers, recognizing baptism as an entry into God's family, the church. Baptism is a sign of God's unconditional, unearned love as we are cleansed from sin, but does not guarantee access into heaven. The Lord's Supper -- communion -- was initiated by Jesus Christ and the elements of bread and juice represent His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection. Both of these sacraments symbolize the new covenant of love between God and all people.

Mark 1:8-11; I Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:4-6; Luke 22:19-20, 24:30-31; John 6:35; I Corinthians 10:16-17

 7. About Being Presbyterian

We are a reformed denomination, similar to Methodists, Lutherans, Baptists, and others who are democratically organized to embrace the faith common to all Christians. To become a member, a person must confess the Christian faith, trust in Jesus Christ as forgiving savior and friend, promise to follow Christ and His example for living and commit oneself to attend church and to become involved in its work.