In belief our church gives allegiance to those great truths that are recognized as the fundamental convictions of historic Christianity. . .
Purpose
To serve the community as a gathered church under the headship of Jesus Christ in the areas of evangelism, edification, and Christian nurture.
To minister in this manner the Church will be Congregational in government, autonomous in all areas of Church life, and amenable only to its Head through the leading of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
This Church shall seek to be a servant of its community by proclaiming the Good news of Jesus Christ. It shall seek to nurture and edify the people of the area in the Word of God. In its every activity and outreach its motivation shall be to the Glory of God.
When we ask the question, “How does one become a Christian?” we are asking more specifically “How does one receive the forgiveness of sin and the hope of eternal life?” Simply put, through Jesus Christ alone! Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but through me” (John 14:6). The Bible tells us “all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory” (Rom. 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23). But the Bible goes on to tell us “…the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 6:23). The Apostle Paul wrote “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works lest any man should boast” (Eph 2:8-9). The forgiveness of sin and the hope of eternal life come through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
When we ask, “What does it mean to be a Christian?” we are asking “How does one demonstrate the realty of faith in Christ in his life?” Simply, by his good works and obedience, not perfection, to God’s Word. Before we became a Christian we may have been capable of kind works, but certainly not righteous deeds to earn God’s forgiveness. We must recognize at the heart of our “good works” is still a sinner in need of a Savior. Our standing before a holy God is completely dependant upon the person and work of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s cross. The Apostle Paul argued clearly in his writings that faith and works could never save, that is, give us a right standing before God. Otherwise he believed Christ died in vain (Gal. 2:21). We are justified by faith alone in Christ alone but we show our justification according to James by our works. Simply put, “I do good works because I am a Christian, not to become a Christian.” To show others the reality of my faith in Christ I am to live a life of obedience to God’s Word, dependant upon the Holy Spirit, growing in maturity in the Lord Jesus Christ all to the glory of our Father in heaven. It is a life of progress not perfection!