When we talk about the essentials of Christianity we're referring to the basic elements that make up and characterize our faith, and which, of course, separate it from other beliefs. Let's survey these doctrines.

• First, we believe in the authority of Scripture, which is another way of saying that the Bible is God's inspired, infallible and inerrant Word. It's the ultimate source of knowledge about God, as well as the definitive guide for our daily lives.

• Next, we affirm the existence of a triune God or one God in three distinct persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This God is self-existent, eternal, unchanging, omnipotent, omnipresent, holy, righteous and loving. God created the universe from nothing and He rules over His creation sovereignly including both human and angelic beings.

• We also hold that man is a physical and spiritual being who is created in God's image. But because of his sin or transgression, man has lost his fellowship and relationship with God. Consequently, cruelty, suffering, killing and death are a daily reality.

• By God's grace, Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully man, was sent to save us from our bondage to sin. We believe that Christ was born of a virgin, died for our sins, physically rose from the dead and will one day return to judge the world and deliver His people. Faith in Christ is the only means by which mankind can escape judgement and eternal damnation.

• Finally, we recognize the Church as God's ordained institution headed by Christ. The Church is composed of all believers, and is organized for worship, for fellowship, for the administration of the sacraments, for spiritual growth and support, and for evangelizing the world.