Contrary to modern misconception, faith involves conviction produced by reliable evidence (Hebrews 11:1). The inspired Word of God contains the necessary information to produce faith (Romans 10:17; cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). While not exhaustive, the following descriptions explain some of our basic beliefs.
One God:
The Bible emphasizes the monotheistic nature of God. The Old Testament Law rested upon this foundation (Deuteronomy 6:4-6). Likewise, the New Testament confirms the existence of one God (Mark 12:28-30; Ephesians 4:6; James 2:19; 1 Timothy 2:5).
One Problem:
People confront many significant problems in this world. However, unlike all physical, social, and economic issues, only sin separates men and women from God (Isaiah 59:1-2) and threatens eternal destinies (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 21:7-8). The Bible characterizes this separation as “death” (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-3). Because this condition plagues every human being (Romans 3:23), the world knows no greater problem than sin.
One Solution:
Without God’s help, humans cannot resolve the problem of sin (Romans 7:24-25). In His magnificent grace, God lovingly provided the solution for sin when Jesus, the Son of God, died on the cross (Romans 5:8-11; John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10). Though the sacrifice of Jesus provided necessary payment (i.e. “ransom”) to recover the world from sin (Matthew 20:28; Hebrews 2:9), lost souls must submit to the authority of Jesus to receive salvation (Hebrews 5:8-9; Matthew 28:18-20). Through the power of His blood, Jesus provides the only way for sinners to return to the Father (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:3-6).
One People:
The New Testament describes Jesus as “the Savior of the body” (Ephesians 5:23) and affirms the existence of only “one body” (Ephesians 4:4; 2:16). Furthermore, Scripture defines this body as “the church” (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). From these passages, we learn that the Lord adds saved souls to the church — the one body which contains all disciples who have received remission of sins (Acts 2:37-41; Acts 2:47). Jesus promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18) and purchased it with His blood (Acts 20:28). Like any unique thing, when organized and assembled, this body of saved believers possesses distinctive identifying characteristics.
One Plea:
On the night of His betrayal, Jesus earnestly prayed for the unity of His followers to promote belief in the world (John 17:20-21). Elsewhere, the New Testament admonishes believers to “be perfectly joined together in the same mind” (1 Corinthians 1:10-11) and condemns religious division (i.e. “dissensions” and “heresies”) as “works of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19-21). The unity prescribed in the Bible cannot exist when professed believers in Christ wear different names, embrace diverse practices, and teach contradictory doctrines. Therefore, we endorse the New Testament as the only acceptable rule of faith and practice for followers of Jesus and aspire to conform to the Biblical pattern in all things. We plead with all believers in Christ to unite in reverence of and preference to the Word of God (Matthew 15:7-9; 1 Corinthians 4:6; Revelation 22:18-19; cf. Deuteronomy 4:1-2, Proverbs 30:5-6) so that “the world may believe” in Jesus (John 17:21).
We invite you to join us in our search for the “old paths” (Jeremiah 6:16). We love the Lord. We love the Word of God. We love you. We invite your further study of the principles addressed above. If we may assist you, please accept our invitation to study more. Certainly, if the idea of serving God according to the simple, New Testament pattern appeals to you, please come visit with us!