At our church, you will hear the word “gospel” repeatedly because it is the most important truth that we can know and experience. The gospel is not merely a message that needs to be shared with non-Christians, but also with Christians. It is not something that mature Christians move on from, but rather something that they move deeper into. The gospel is the lens by which we should view theology, ministry, and all aspects of life.

The Apostle Paul defined the word “gospel” concisely in 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 when he wrote, “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.” Simply put, the gospel is all about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, and the implications it has for us.

That the Bible, comprising the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God. It is without error in the original writings and is the final authority for faith and life. (Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

GOD
In one God, infinitely perfect in love, justice, holiness and wisdom, Creator of all things and existing in three persons, the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 15:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

JESUS
In Jesus Christ, wholly God and man, conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He is the mediator between God and man and will return to earth to judge all men and establish His kingdom. (John 1:1-5; Luke 1:35; Romans 3:24-25, 5:8; Philippians 2:6-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; 1 John 4:10)

HOLY SPIRIT
In the Holy Spirit, who is present in the world to reveal and glorify Christ, to make men and women aware of their sins, and to impart new life to all who place their faith in Christ alone. He indwells believers from the moment of spiritual birth, instructs them, and empowers them to live lives that are pleasing to God. He also imparts a spiritual gift or gifts to every believer. (John 16:5-13; Romans 8:9; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

PEOPLE
That human beings were created in the image of God but chose to sin by disobeying God and in that condition are alienated from God. Therefore, all human beings are born with a corrupted nature, completely unable to recover from their sin and estrangement from God except by a personal faith in Jesus Christ. (Genesis 1:26-27, 3:6-7; Isaiah 53:6, 59:2; Romans 3:22-23; 5:12-17)

SALVATION
That people can receive forgiveness and freedom from the punishment their sins deserve, spiritual rebirth, and eternal life not by human effort nor by self improvement but only by the grace of God through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. Those who turn from their sin, place their trust in Christ alone, and receive Him into their hearts and lives become children of God. (Romans 6:23, 8:1; Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-10; Titus 3:5-7; John 1:12)

CHURCH
That the true Church is composed of all persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and that only those who are thus united together as members of the universal Church shall be eligible for membership in the local church. We observe water baptism and the Lord's Supper, but do not regard either of these as a means of salvation. (Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 4:4-14; Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 22:19-20; Ephesians 2:8-10)

IN THE END
In the personal, visible, and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ to this earth, and the consummation of His Kingdom, and in the bodily resurrection of the dead: of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment, and of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord. (Acts 1:11; Revelation 22:12; 1 Corinthians 15:51-59; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 20:11-21:8)