Statement of Faith

Want to know what we believe? Take your Bible off the shelf and read it. That's what we believe.

But to elaborate, here is the Nicene Creed, 325 AD:

We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

  • Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
  • Colossians 1:16: "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."

We believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made.

  • John 1:1-3: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without Him was not anything made that was made."
  • Hebrews 1:3: "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of his power."

We believe for mankind and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

  • Luke 1:35: "And the angel answered her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.'"
  • Philippians 2:6-8: "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

We believe for our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate, He suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that 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."
  • Isaiah 53:5: "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

We believe He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and His kingdom will have no end.

  • Acts 1:9-11: "And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.'"
  • 2 Timothy 4:1: "I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom."

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

  • John 14:16-17: "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."
  • 2 Peter 1:21: "For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

We believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

  • Ephesians 4:4-6: "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
  • Matthew 16:18: "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

We confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

  • Acts 2:38: "And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
  • Ephesians 4:5: "One Lord, one faith, one baptism."

We look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

  • John 11:25-26: "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"
  • Revelation 21:1-4: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more... He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

Statement of Family

The degradation of the family in our nation has contributed to a rise in societal challenges, including increased rates of poverty, crime, mental health issues, and a decline in moral and social stability, highlighting the essential role of strong, healthy families as the foundation of a thriving society.

Restoring the strength of the family begins with a commitment to love, faith, and intentional investment in relationships. By prioritizing family values, nurturing healthy communication, and seeking guidance from God, we can rebuild the foundation of our homes, inspire future generations, and bring hope and renewal to our communities. Families united in love and purpose can transform the nation one household at a time.

 

We believe God ordained the family as a divine institution, beginning with the creation of humanity and the establishment of marriage and parenthood. Key scriptures include:

Genesis 1:27-31

  • “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.’”

  • This passage shows that God created man and woman and instructed them to form families through procreation and stewardship of the earth.

Genesis 2:24

  • “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

  • Here, God establishes the union of marriage as the foundation for the family.

Exodus 20:12

  • “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

  • The fifth commandment reinforces the family structure by commanding respect for parental authority.

Psalm 127:3-5

  • “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.”

  • This passage emphasizes the blessing and significance of family relationships.

Ephesians 5:25, 28-31 6:1-4

  • “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her… In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

  • “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

  • Paul provides instructions for family roles, highlighting the divine design for marriage and parent-child relationships.

Colossians 3:18-21

  • “Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged.”

  • This passage underscores the responsibilities within the family unit, reflecting God’s ordained structure. When husbands love their wives, it is not a challenge of their strength or opinion. Biblical submission in marriage is a wife making a choice not to overtly resist her husband's will. That is not to say she cannot disagree with him or that she cannot express her opinion. Indeed, a wife who practices submission is by definition a woman with the strength of character.

  • Through these scriptures, it is evident that God established the family as the cornerstone of human society, designed for love, nurturing, and reflecting His divine order.

Characteristics of Healthy Families Include:

  1. Strong Bonds and Connection
    Families thrive when members maintain close and supportive relationships.
  1. Respect for Elders
    Honoring the wisdom and experience of older family members strengthens relationships.
  1. Communication and Honesty
    Open and honest communication builds trust and fosters understanding.
  1. Shared Values and Morals
    Families pass down ethical principles and godly values to guide future generations.
  1. Responsibility and Accountability
    Each family member contributes and takes ownership of their actions.
  1. Loyalty and Commitment
    Families stand by each other through challenges with steadfast support.
  1. Sense of Belonging
    Feeling accepted and loved within the family creates a foundation of security.
  1. Family Traditions
    Maintaining customs and shared practices fosters identity and unity.
  1. Unconditional Love
    Families reflect God’s unconditional love, fostering an environment of acceptance and grace.
  1. Safe Harbor
    Families offer physical and emotional protection as an anchor in times of uncertainty.

Statement of Freedom

(Based on United States Constitution)

The U.S. Constitution does not explicitly define "patriotism," but "constitutional patriotism" reflects loyalty to the Constitution's principles of democracy, individual rights, and the rule of law. Rooted in the belief that God, our Creator, divinely guided the founding of the United States, this form of patriotism emphasizes active civic engagement and respect for others' rights, even amidst disagreement, over blind allegiance to the nation-state.

The truths we hold to be self-evident are rooted in the Declaration of Independence and affirm universal principles that reflect the dignity and equality of all people.

These truths form the foundation of a just society, grounded in the belief that all rights and freedoms originate from God and should be protected and honored by individuals and governments alike.

These truths include:

  1. All Men Are Created Equal
    Every individual is endowed with inherent worth and equal value before God and society.
  2. Endowed by Their Creator with Unalienable Rights
    Rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are given by God and cannot be justly taken away.
  3. The Right to Life
    Every person has a right to live, protected by just laws.
  4. The Right to Liberty
    Freedom to worship, think, speak, and live according to conscience is essential to human dignity.
  5. The Pursuit of Happiness
    Each person has the right to seek fulfillment and joy within the boundaries of moral law and the common good.
  6. Governments Derive Their Just Powers from the Consent of the Governed
    Legitimate authority is established through the consent and participation of the people.