A Mission of Transformation:
In Christ, we are committed to the divine transformation of our individual lives, our families, our local church and the Greater New Haven region. We nonetheless recognize our godly responsibility to the global Church of Christ and the world for which He died. In short, we are committed to making "the God Difference" as far as He can reach through us.
A Vision of Greatness:
In both word and deed, we will Love, Pursue, Obey, and Promote Christ while endeavoring to live as "members one of another" in Him. As a result, we shall increasingly become like Him. There is no greater vision or endeavor than to be like Him.
"...Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve...." (Matthew 20:26-28)
What we Believe:
It is absolutely essential that every Christian understand the basic doctrines of Christianity. These principles form a foundation for further building. Only upon this solid foundation can the Lord build the a beautiful, strong house that will stand for His glory against the wiles of the enemy.
We believe that there is one living and true God: who is everlasting, ever present, of infinite power, wisdom and goodness. He is the Maker, and Preserver of all things that are seen and invisible. He is present eternally in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We believe that the Son, true God and eternally begotten of the Father, took human form as Jesus Christ and was born of the Virgin Mary. He possessed two complete, perfect natures of God and Man. He suffered, was crucified, died, was buried, descended into Hell, and rose again on the third day to cleanse the sins of all men for all eternity.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, true God and eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ and also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides Christians with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, spiritual gifts and guidance in doing what is right.
We believe in the divine inspiration of the Bible: Old and New Testaments. It was written by men under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and is free of error. The Bible is sacred truth used to guide us in action and belief.
We believe that Salvation is a gift from God to man and that it is only available through faith in Jesus Christ. Only by believing in Jesus Christ as God's final sacrifice can man be saved from sin and an eternity in Hell.
We believe in the two ordinances prescribed by Jesus Christ: baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper.
- Baptism is not only a sign of repentance but also a sign of regeneration and re-birth into the Church where forgiveness, faith and salvation are visibly signed and sealed.
- The Lord’s Supper is a sign of our redemption by Christ’s death as long as the recipient does so worthily and with faith. We partake the Bread and Cup not only as symbols, but spiritually partake of the Body and Blood of Christ. Through the Lord’s Supper we grow closer in our union within the Church and with Jesus Christ.
We believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an endowment of power available to every Christian at or subsequent to conversion. Through the laying on of hands spiritual gifts may be manifest such as, but not limited to, prophesy and tongues. |
|
|
