What We Believe

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.” — 2 Corinthians 13:14

We believe in one God existing eternally in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each has characteristics of God and does what only God can do. The Bible points to relationship and community within the Godhead, affirmed in the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.

God the Father

We believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. The Fatherhood of God is revealed through Jesus. He is holy, wise, all-powerful, all-knowing, and tender-hearted towards the lost.

God the Son

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became Man without ceasing to be God in order to reveal God and redeem sinful humanity. Jesus is merciful and teaches His followers to be merciful.

God the Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit comes forth from the Father and the Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. His holiness ushers us into God’s presence. He raises gifts in God’s people that unify the Church and promote maturity and kingdom influence.

We acclaim both a King and a Kingdom. Jesus brought the good news of God’s kingdom into our world through healings, deliverances, and teaching. His atoning death and glorious resurrection established Him as the King who made a grace covenant with us. We participate in His kingship through repentance and faith-obedience.

The Scriptures of the ancient Church constitute the divinely inspired Word of God—revelatory, authoritative, and applicable in all areas of life.

The Stories and The Story

God created the universe and placed people, made in His image, to care for His good creation under His wise authority. In sinful arrogance, we separated ourselves from God. Yet in His compassionate mercy, He pursued us—offering covenant first to the Jews, then to all the world through Jesus the Messiah. Every penitent person is offered a restored relationship with the Father through the Son.

“This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” — Luke 22:20

God covenanted with His people through Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David; each held grace. In Christ’s blood, grace came in fullness: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He has lavished upon us.” (Ephesians 1:7)

“I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” — 1 Corinthians 2:2

“The Cross” is shorthand for the unjust crucifixion of Jesus and His astonishing resurrection. Jesus foretold His suffering; He made bread and wine signs of His atoning work. Though He is risen, we continually return to the Cross so His saving work bears ongoing fruit in us.

The Scriptures illuminate a magnificent hope—that God’s entire creation will be restored. To acclimate us to that new creation, renewal begins within: prayers of repentance and faith; renouncing rivals to God; relationships that are authentic, encouraging, and hope-filled.

All Christians should be connected and committed to a local church body. Through fellowship with other believers the church (ecclesia—“those called out”) is formed, encouraged, equipped, and sent into the world to serve Christ.

“For the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword… it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” — Hebrews 4:12

If our hearts are open, we will encounter the Living Word.

• In worship: we hear a Bible-based sermon.
• In classes: all ages participate and pass along what they learn.
• In discipleship groups: weekly men’s/women’s groups study, pray, and pursue accountable application.
• In the family: parents are primary disciplers; our ministries resource moms and dads.

“The love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 5:5

Prayer promotes love of neighbor, and love promotes heartfelt service. We value the multitude of professions and vocations within our congregation and support Christians’ engagement with culture. We support missionaries in Argentina and Uganda. Locally we serve or support Agape Ranch, Care Portal, the Coastal Bend Food Bank, the Pregnancy Center of the Coastal Bend, and STCH Family Counseling Ministries.

“For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until He comes again.” — 1 Corinthians 11:26

Holy Baptism declares new birth and union with Christ’s death and resurrection. The New Testament includes households baptized; when infants and young children are baptized, parents and church assume responsibility to nurture their faith. P. T. Forsyth called such baptisms “the sacrament of the future”—born to be born again.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” — Matthew 28:19–20

When we read the Bible, we see that God is involved in every aspect of culture. Scripture guides not only “religious life,” but every part of life before God.