What We Believe.
What We Believe
Inherent in the worth of each person is also the ability of the soul to have direct access to God through Jesus Christ. Baptists believe that no group has the right to force others to believe or worship as it does. Our denomination has championed the cause of religious liberty because we believe that God has given all people freedom of choice.
God the Father
The Father is characterized as a God of love, truth and justice.
God the Son
The Son is found in the human and divine nature of Jesus Christ, who always existed and whose death and resurrection make a way of reconciliation between individuals and God the Father.
God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, who is eternal, is currently at work convicting the hearts and illuminates the minds of people to understand their sin and the forgiveness found in Jesus. He empowers Christians with gifts of service to build up the church of Christ.
New Testament Teaching
Baptists emerged historically out of a desire to follow New Testament teaching as they understood it. The following beliefs have come to be known as Baptist Distinctives:
- The Lordship of Jesus Christ
- The Authority of the Scriptures
- The Priesthood of the Believer
- Regenerate Church Membership
- Baptism
- Communion
- Local Church Autonomy
- The Separation of Church and State
Water Baptism
We practice believers’ baptism by immersion. Baptism is one of the first significant public acts that a follower of Jesus takes. It announces their personal faith in Jesus Christ and involves them more fully in church life and ministry.
Baptism is:
- An act of obedience: Jesus commands it (Matt 28:19).
- An act of following Jesus’ example (Matt 3:13-17).
- A symbol of the death and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6:1-4)
- An act of following Jesus through death and resurrection (Romans 6:1-4)
