Doctrinal Positon

As a congregation which is voluntarily affiliated with the Church of God (Anderson, IN), we hold the following positions in regard to what the Bible teaches:

* We believe that there is one God, Who exists eternally as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:16,17 ; 2Corinthians 13:14

* We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, born of a virgin. He lived a totally sinless life, was crucified on a cross, rose from the dead, and ascended into Heaven where He never ceases to make intercession for mankind. Luke 1:26-31 ; John 3:16 ; 2Corinthians 5:21 ; Mark 15:21-24 ; Mark 16:6 ; Acts 1:9 ; Hebrews 7:25

* We believe that the Holy Spirit dwells within believers so that they can live the Christian life through His empowering and enabling. John 14:16-18 ; Romans 8:2-16

* We believe that the Bible is the Word of God. It is totally inspired by God, without error in its message to us, and is the sole, infallible rule of faith and practice for the church. 2Timothy 3:16 ; 2Peter 1:19-21

* We believe that salvation is a gift from God, not to be earned by good works or religious practices. It is to be found in Jesus Christ alone, Who was crucified and died in our place as the penalty for sin for all who would accept Him. Ephesians 2:8 ; Titus 3:5

* We believe in a second work of grace in the heart of every believer called sanctification, or perfect love. This work, which is made possible through the Holy Spirit, enables believers to live life in fellowship with God so that they do not practice sin. 1Thessalonians 4:3 ; 1Thessalonians 5:23,24

* We believe that God's grace makes it possible to keep faith with Him until He calls the believer home to heaven.

* We also believe that it possible to willfully forfeit God's grace, thereby forfeiting all of its benefits and privileges. Jude 24-25 ; Galatians 1:6 ; John 15:1-6

* We believe that coming to know Christ as Savior makes one a member of a local church. Acts 2:47

* We believe that everyone who knows Christ as Savior is a part of God's One Family called the church. Regardless of culture, Christ's followers are all one in Him. John 10:9 ; Ephesians 3:14,15

* We believe that the Kingdom of God is a present, spiritual reality. Romans 14:17 ; John 18:36

* We believe that Christ taught three ordinances for His followers to practice: Baptism by immersion, holy communion, and the washing of the saints' feet. Matthew 3:13-17 ; Matthew 26:26-29 ; John 13:1-17

* We believe that, at the appointed time, Christ will visibly return to judge the living and the dead. The righteous will live in a literal heaven with Him for eternity. The unrighteous and unbelievers will experience eternal pain and separation from God in a literal hell. Matthew 13:47-50 ; 1Thessalonians 4:13-18 ; Revelation 1:7 ; Revelation 20:11-15