Beliefs
The Bible
We believe in the verbal plenary inspiration of the Scriptures. The Bible is the complete, perfect Word of God, given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. On all matters of faith and life, we turn first to Scripture for answers, seeking God's view before forming our own.
We use the King James Version of the Bible for all preaching and teaching.
2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21
Salvation
We believe that salvation is a free gift given to us by God. As it says in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." This gift was purchased with the blood of Jesus through His death on the cross and is available to anyone who receives Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
If you would like to learn more about how you can receive this free gift, please click the link below:
God's Free GiftEternal Security
We believe in the eternal security of the believer; in other words, once saved, always saved. Scripture clearly states that all the redeemed are held firmly in the Father's hand, kept by God's power, and therefore are secure in Christ forever.
John 6:37-40; John 10:27-30; Romans 8:1, 38-39; 1 Corinthians 1:4-8; 1 Peter 1:4-5
Baptism
We believe that baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision- a public declaration of faith after accepting Christ as Savior. The act of baptism itself does not save us or wash away our sins but is instead a picture of what Christ did for us in His death, burial, and resurrection. When a believer is immersed in baptism, they are testifying to others that they have died to sin, been buried with Christ, and risen to walk in new life with Him.
We practice believer's baptism, meaning baptism is reserved for those who have made a conscious, personal decision to follow Christ. Only then can someone genuinely identify with Him in this way.
Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 1:10; Acts 8:38; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12
The Trinity
We believe in one triune God, eternally existing as three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-eternal in being, identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and share the same divine attributes and perfections.
Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 14:10, 26; 2 Corinthians 13:14
Pro-Life
We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being made in God's image. Abortion ends an innocent human life and is therefore unjustifiable. Scripture calls the shedding of innocent blood an abomination that God hates (Proverbs 6:16-17), and thus abortion is murder in His sight.
It is our firm belief that no circumstance justifies abortion including rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or concerns for the mother's mental or emotional well-being. The Bible consistently affirms the value and protection of unborn life and does not provide exceptions for these situations.
Every child, born or unborn, is precious to God, and we are called to defend and cherish the vulnerable from the moment life begins.
Job 3:16; Psalm 51:5, Psalm 82:3-4; Psalm 139:14-16; Proverbs 31:8-9; Isaiah 44:24; Isaiah 49:1, 5; Jeremiah 1:5; Jeremiah 20:15-18; Luke 1:44
Marriage
We believe that God created mankind in His own image, male and female, as the only two genders. Scripture clearly teaches that marriage is the lifelong union of one man and one woman, a sacred covenant ordained by God for companionship, procreation, and to symbolize Christ's relationship with the church.
Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:21-33
Financial Stewardship
We believe that every Christian is a steward of the resources God has entrusted to them and has a responsibility to support their local church financially. We affirm that God established the tithe as the foundational standard for giving, yet we also encourage every believer to give additional offerings, sacrificially and cheerfully in accordance with Scripture, to support the ministry of the church, to care for those in need, and to advance the spread of the Gospel. Once a tithe or offering is given, the Christian willingly releases all rights to direct how those funds are used, trusting the church leadership to steward them faithfully according to God's will.
Genesis 14:20; Proverbs 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Galatians 6:6; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 John 3:17
Why Are We Baptist?
B.A.P.T.I.S.T.S. Distinctives
Biblical Authority
The Bible is the final authority in all matters of belief and practice, because the Bible is inspired by God and bears the absolute authority of God Himself. Whatever the Bible affirms, Baptists accept as true. No human opinion or decree of any church group can override the Bible. Even creeds and confessions of faith, which attempt to articulate the theology of Scripture, do not carry Scripture's inherent authority.
1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21
Autonomy of the Local Church
The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the church. All human authority for governing the local church resides within the local church itself. Thus, the church is autonomous, or self-governing. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church's beliefs or practices. Autonomy does not mean isolation. A Baptist church may fellowship with other churches around mutual interests and in an associational tie, but a Baptist church may not be a “member” of any other body.
2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 19, 23; Colossians 1:18
Priesthood of the Believer
Priest is defined as “one authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God. ”Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence in prayer directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No other mediator is needed between God and people. As priests we can study God's Word, pray for others, and offer spiritual worship to God. We all have equal access to God-whether we are a preacher or not.
1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 5:9-10
Two Ordinances
The local church should practice two ordinances: (1) baptism of believers by immersion in water, identifying the individual with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection; and (2) the Lord's Supper, or communion, commemorating His death for our sins.
Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
Individual Soul Liberty
Every individual, whether a believer or an unbeliever, has the liberty to choose what he believes is right in the religious realm. No one should be forced to assent to any belief against his will. Baptists have always opposed religious persecution. However, this liberty does not exempt one from responsibility to the Word of God or from accountability to God Himself.
Romans 14:5, 12; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Titus 1:9
Saved, Baptized Church Membership
Local church membership is restricted to individuals who give a believable testimony of personal faith in Christ and have publicly identified themselves with Him in believer's baptism. When the members of a local church are believers, a oneness in Christ exists, and the members can endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 4:3
Two Offices
The Bible mandates only two offices in the church- pastor and deacon. The three terms-pastor, elder, and bishop, or overseer-all refer to the same office. The two offices of pastor and deacon exist within the local church, not as a hierarchy outside or over the local church.
Acts 20:17-38; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-13
Separation of Church and State
God established both the church and the civil government, and He gave each its own distinct sphere of operation. The government's purposes are outlined in Romans 13:1-7, and the church's purposes in Matthew 28:19 and 20. Neither should control the other, nor should there be an alliance between the two. Christians in a free society can properly influence government toward righteousness, which is not the same as a denomination or group of churches controlling the government.
Matthew 22:15-22; Acts 5:17-29