Our Core Body of Beliefs Are:

We Recognize the Bible as the inspired Word of God. It is not an outdated book of ideas. We believe that it is relevant today, and will always be relevant and is the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

We Acknowledge that there is one God, and that He exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is referred to as the Trinity.

We Accept that Jesus Christ is divine, both fully God, and fully man. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and was resurrected on the third day. After His resurrection, He ascended into Heaven and someday will return in power and glory.

We Trust that the Holy Spirit convicts all people of their need for Christ and indwells each believer. He empowers and enables us to live a Godly life. Each believer is given spiritual gifts to use in building up the body of Christ (other believers) by the Holy Spirit.

We Agree that the Bible teaches that man (each person) is born with a sinful nature, in conflict with God. This results in our need for salvation. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation comes only by grace through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

We Accept that adult believer’s baptism by immersion is a symbol, not a component of salvation. As a symbol, it is a public demonstration that shows that we have personally chosen to be identified with Christ, and accept His gift of salvation.

In a similar way, communion (The Lord’s Supper) is also a symbolic act. It is a symbolic act of obedience in which believers remember the death of Christ and look forward to His return. The bread and the cup are symbols of the body and the blood of Jesus Christ. Our practice at Mt. Hawley is one of open communion.

We Believe that Christ will return for the church (also referred to as the body of Christ or the bride of Christ). The church is made up of ALL who have accepted His gift of salvation, regardless of church affiliation.

When Christ returns, there will be a resurrection of the dead, and Christ will judge all people in righteousness. Believers will receive their rewards and live forever with the Lord in Heaven. The unbelievers will be separated from God forever.