WHAT I BELIEVE:
     I am a Baptist (Southern Baptist Convention), not because the baptist church is perfect, but because I believe that the particular church I belong to teaches and preaches the whole Word of God - without sugar coating it - in It's entirety.  It calls sin "SIN", and evil "EVIL".  It believes that there are absolutes in this world, as defined by the Holy Word of God, the Bible. 
     Am I perfect, or sinless?  NO, NO, NO!!  Only FORGIVEN!  Only by the Grace of God will I EVER be perfect - not in this life - but when I am called HOME to heaven, I WILL be perfect, made so by the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ!
     Am I going to tell you to rush right out and join a "Baptist" church??  NEVER!  But, I do ask you to examine whatever church you join in the light of God's Word.  If you see and hear things being taught that are in direct opposition to the Bible, then it is time to look for a new Christian home (church).
     There are wonderful, Bible believing churches by many names.  It doesn't matter what they are called, as long as they teach the unerring Word of God in It's entirety!
     I believe that the Bible calls for us to become a part of a local body of believers (church), not just to "get something out of it", but to participate in it, and share our talents, whatever they may be, with fellow believers.

About God: 
     God is the creator and the ruler of the universe. There is only one, true holy God. He eternally exists in three personalities: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. 
Genesis1:1,26-27, 3:22;Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; II Corinthians13:14.

About Jesus:
     Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father (God). Jesus lived on earth by a miraculous conception and virgin birth. He lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 
Matthew-1:22-23; Isaiah-9:6; John-1:1-5,14:10-30; Hebrew-4:14-15; I-Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans-1:3-4; Acts-1:9-11; I-Timothy-6:14-15; Titus-2:13; John-14:6; Hebrews-13:8.

About the Holy Spirit:
     The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need of Jesus Christ.  He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily. 
II-Corinthians-3:17; John-16:1-13,14:16-17; Acts-1:8; I-Corinthians-2:12,3:16; Ephesians-1:13; Galatians-5:25; Ephesians-5:18.

About the Bible:
     The sole basis for our belief is the Bible. The Bible is God's word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.  Because it is inspired by God, the Scriptures are infallible and inerrant in the original manuscripts. They are the final authority on all matters of faith and practice. 
II-Timothy-3:16-17; II-Peter-1:21; James-1:22; Hebrews-4:12; Romans-1:16-17.

About Salvation:
     Because of the sin of Adam, all have sinned and are separated from God. The result is eternal death and separation from God. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, however, we have the gift from God to all people, Salvation. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works.  Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can people be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. 
Romans-6:23; Ephesians-2:8-9; John-14:6,1:2,1:12,5:24, Titus-3:5; Galatians-3:26; Romans-5:1,8,8:31-39;  Romans-10:13; Revelation-3:20.

About Security of the Believer:
     I believe that since Jesus Christ died ONCE,
         for ALL sin,
         for ALL time - past -  present - and future,
         for ALL people,
then our salvation is ours for eternity, since ALL OUR SIN, - past - present - future, HAS BEEN PAID FOR!  IF we could do anything to lose our salvation once we have truly accepted the free gift of salvation, then we would have to crucify once again our Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved again.
Hebrews-6:4-6, John-10:28-29,3:36,5:24,1:12;1John-5:13

About the Church:
     I believe that there is ONE church, comprised of all believers, and that each local church makes up a part of this "universal" church.
Ephesians-4:5-6,5:30-32,2:14,1:22-23; Colossians-1:18,1:24,3:15; John-10:16,17:20-22, Romans12:4;Hebrews-1:11-12,1:22-23

About Baptism:
    I believe that all baptism is by immersion as demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ, and is done after public acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as atonement for our sin.  It is not necessary for salvation, but is done in obedience to our Lord's command and example.  It is a symbol of our death and burial to sin, and resurrection to new life through Christ.
Colossians-2:12

     I believe that God can and does heal in our current day.  I also believe, however, that God offers strength in our weakness and, at times, allows us to grow spiritually, although not always comfortably, by allowing the "thorns" into our lives, (2 Cor. 12:9).
I DO NOT BELIEVE that healing is 100 percent guaranteed with the right "faith formula."
     I believe that God can heal despite our lack of faith, if it is HIS will, therefore, we are not able to meet a formula of "praying harder," and be guaranteed an outcome of healing (Mark 6:5,6). Illness is not necessarily a sign that we have done something wrong (John 9:3) nor that we have "hidden sin" in our lives, (John 5:14).
     I caution against worshipping "the idea of healing" rather than God, (Exodus 20:3). Although I STRONGLY encourage people to pray for God's healing, I also comfort them in their pain; as I believe that we are called to comfort others in their pain, as God has comforted us in our own (2 Cor. 1:3-5), even when we are still living with pain in our own lives (1 Peter 4:10).