Scripture

We believe the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, constitute the divinely inspired Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice. These Holy Scriptures show people the way to know God and live for His purposes in time and eternity.

God

We believe in the One true and living God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God reveals Himself in the Bible as Almighty Father, perfect in love and righteous in all His ways; as Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son; and as Holy Spirit, Lord, and giver of life; each with distinctive personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being.

2 Timothy 3:16  |  1 Corinthians 2:13  |  John 17:17

Genesis 1:1  |  Colossians 1:15-20  |  John 16:13

Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who became Man without ceasing to be God. That Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin birth. That He led a sinless life, performed miracles, died an atoning death, was bodily resurrected, ascended to the right hand of the Father, and will personally return in power and glory. He is Lord and the only Savior of lost and dying humanity.

The Holy Spirit

We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit whose indwelling enables a Christian to live a godly life. He came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and to regenerate, sanctify, comfort, and seal those who believe in Jesus Christ, and to empower them to use spiritual gifts for the carrying out of the work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 1:26-35  |   John 1:14-18  |  Isaiah 7:14  |  Isaiah 9:6

Acts 2:38  |  1 Corinthians 12-14

The Church

We believe the very nature and purpose of God is revealed in His Church. The Church Universal consists of all who live under Jesus’ Lordship, and the Church Local is a body of believing people, joined together and practicing the New Covenant. The goal of His Church is to glorify God and make disciples of all nations.

Priesthood of the Believer

We believe in the priesthood of the believer. By the shedding of His blood, Jesus has become the believer’s High Priest and has made it possible for each Christian to have free access to the presence of the Father. In His presence, each one can come to know God and receive from Him.

Baptism/Communion

We believe that baptism by immersion is the New Testament covenant sign between God and His people. We believe Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is for believers in Christ and should be regularly celebrated in remembrance of Him.

Acts 15:22  |  Matthew 16:18  |  Matthew 18:15-20

1 Peter 2:9-10  |  Hebrews 4:14-16  |  Hebrews 10:19-22

Acts 2:37-38 | Mark 16:16 | Matthew 28:19
1 Corinthians 11:28-32 | Luke 22:19-20

Sin

We believe that all men by nature are dead in sins and trespasses, and in this fallen state, man is unable to remedy his lost condition. Jesus Christ is the only Savior of lost mankind, the only way into the presence of the Father.

Salvation

We believe that eternal salvation is a gift of God brought to man by grace through the work of the Holy Spirit, and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed on the cross for the forgiveness of sin and life everlasting.

Isaiah 1:28  |  Isaiah 59:12  |  Romans 3:23
Ephesians 2:1  |  1 Timothy 5:24

Ephesians 2:8-9  |  Romans 6:23  |  Romans 10:9-10

Christ’s Return

We believe Jesus Christ will return to earth in a visible way and Christians are exhorted to be watchful and obedient until His appearing. There are diverse viewpoints concerning the timing and circumstances of His second coming and, until He comes Christians should give full attention to obedience. We believe His appearing will occasion the resurrection of the righteous who have died and who are now with Him.

Judgement

We believe in a final judgment at the end of the age. The righteous and the wicked shall stand before Him and be judged. Those who have righteousness produced by faith will be rewarded with His eternal blessings. Those who are wicked will be eternally punished.

1 Corinthians 15:50-58  |  Acts 1:11  |  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Matthew 25:31-46  |  2 Thessalonians 1:5-10  |  Revelation 20:11-15

Freedom of Conscience

We believe in freedom of conscience. Each person is responsible for his or her choices and behavior. Pastors and teachers should provide leadership and direction, but service should be rendered voluntarily, joyfully and from a free conscience.

Evangelism

We believe in world evangelism and accept the commission of Jesus Christ to make disciples of all nations, to baptize them, and teach them to observe His commandments. We join with all those believing in Him to accomplish this urgent task, and accept this as a personal commission as well as a command to the entire Church.

Romans 4:9-12  |  Philippians 2:5-8 |  John 10:14-18
2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Matthew 28:18-20  |  Mark 16:20

Civil Authority

We believe God is the author of all authority, and has ordained civil government for the establishment of order and peace in the nations. He also has ordained spiritual government in His Church, and there should be mutual respect between civil and spiritual authority. Civil authority is separated from church government, but should not be separated from God and His law.

Tithes and Offerings

We believe the Church should be supported by the tithes and offerings of those committed to its mission. We further believe that when God’s people give with a free spirit, there will be ample financial provision to accomplish God’s purpose.

Romans 13:1-7  |  Daniel 2:21-22 |  Acts 4:5 | Acts 4:18-20

Genesis 14:17-20  |  Malachi 3:16-20 |  2 Corinthians 8:1-7
2 Corinthians 9:10-13 | Luke 11:42

Marriage

We believe that marriage should be held in honor by all and is more than partnership; it is union through self-denial. Marriage is an expression of covenant love and sacrifice between a man and woman. Procreation and maturation should take place in the context of covenant love, security, discipline and identity. The increased divorce rate is a tragedy of our times, and deeply affects all of our lives. We seek to serve redemptively in the lives of those who have been touched by divorce, and preventively in the lives of those who are joined in marriage. “Let marriage be held in honor among all.”

Life

We believe God has given His Commandments for our good and when properly administered will bless all of society. The moral relativism and situational ethics of present day culture are often in direct contrast to God’s truth as revealed in the Scriptures. The Word of God teaches us to honor life at every level from conception to old age. Life itself is a gift, and we are called to protect the defenseless and unwanted. We believe both abortion and euthanasia are wrongful and preemptive terminations of life. Likewise, biogenetic engineering which dehumanizes and depersonalizes life into non-human research and “throw-away” parts is of deep moral concern. Scientific advances do not negate God’s glory and the inherent value and stewardship of human life.

Hebrews 13:4

Psalms 139:1-16  |  Galatians 1:15  |  Genesis 2:7

Constitution and Bylaws

To view our constitution and bylaws, please visit the following link:

Coastal Constitution and By-laws Rev Oct 2015