About Us

Our Statement Of Faith

What We Believe . . .

GOD - Genesis 1-3

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. God is sovereign over all creation. He is both immanent (involved in life) and transcendent (rules over life), holy and loving, just and merciful.

JESUS CHRIST - Phil. 2, Col. 1, Heb. 1

Jesus Christ is the son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus was virgin born and lived a sinless human life. He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days, defeating the power of sin and death. He ascended to the Father and currently intercedes for believers with the Father, having sent His Spirit to be with us and live in us. He will return again to claim His followers and to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

HOLY SPIRIT - John 3, John 14-16, Acts 2, Romans 12, 1 Cor. 12

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world, awakening individuals to their need for Jesus Christ. It is the Holy Spirit who regenerates individuals, bringing them from spiritual death to life. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift(s) when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live surrendered to His control.

THE BIBLE - 2 Tim. 3:16

The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because the Bible is inspired by God, it is infallible in all that it intends to teach regarding faith and life. We believe the Bible must be read prayerfully and with a humble attitude, asking the Holy Spirit to enable us to understand and apply its teachings.

THE CHURCH - Matt. 16:18, 1 Cor. 12, Eph. 5:22-33

Believers are privileged to belong not only to Christ but also to one another. Together believers form the church, the body of Christ. Because we need the encouragement of others to maintain our walk with Jesus and because no one has all the gifts and abilities to serve Christ alone, we are called to commit to a fellowship of believers. In a spirit of unity we worship God and serve His world.

SACRAMENTS - Matt. 26:17-30, 1 Cor. 11:23-25, Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 2:39

We believe that Jesus gave two sacraments to the church: Baptism and the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion). Both sacraments are "object lessons" of the truth that is taught in the New Testament: that we are made acceptable to God and enter into a relationship with Him only through His grace, which is demonstrated in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Note: First Church is part of the Reformed Church in America and, therefore, our theology is based on a reformed interpretation of Scripture. The essence of reformed theology is summarized in four documents: The Heidelberg Catechism, The Canons of Dort, The Belgic Confession, and The Belhar Confession. If you would desire to read/study any or all of these documents, please see one of the pastors for a copy. Periodically, message series or adult electives are based on these standards or expressions of faith.