Statement of Faith
STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Scriptures
The Bible is the inspired Word of God, the product of holy men of old who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant as recorded is the New Testament. We accept it as our infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct and doctrine. 2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Peter 1:21
The Godhead
Our God is one, but manifested in three persons. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Philippians2:6, Matthew 3:16-17 God the Father is greater than all; the Source of the Word ( Logos) and the Begetter. John 14:18, John 16:28, John 1:14 Jesus is the Son of God, One with the Father, the Word flesh covered, the One begotten, and has existed with the Father from the beginning. John 1:1, John 1:18, John 1:14, John 10:30 The Holy Spirit proceeds forth from both the Father and the Son and is eternal (John 15:26).
Man, His Fall and Redemption
Man is a created being, made in the likeness and image of God, but through Adam’s transgression and fall, sin came into the world “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one.” Jesus Christ, the son of God, was manifested to undo the work of the devil and gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man back to God. Romans 3:23, Romans 3:9-10, 1 John 3:8, Galatians 3:13-14, Philippians 3:12-14, 1 Corinthians 1:30
Eternal Life and New Birth
Man’s first step toward salvation is Godly sorrow that works repentance. The New Birth is necessary to all man, and when fulfilled produces eternal life. 2 Corinthians 7:10, 1 John 5:12
Water Baptism
Baptism in water is by immersion, for believers only, and is a direct commandment of the Lord. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Matthew 29:19, Romans 6:4, Acts 8:36-39 The following recommendation regarding the water baptismal formula is adopted: “On the confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son and the Holy Ghost, Amen.”
Baptism in the Holy Ghost
The Baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire is a gift God as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to those who are believers. In this dispensation, it is received subsequent to the new birth. This experience is accompanied by initial evidence of speaking in tongues as the Holy Spirit Himself gives utterance. The Holy Spirit baptism is the empowerment to live a godly life through total surrender to Christ. Matthew 3:11, John 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:38-39, Acts 19:1-7, Acts 2:4
Sanctification
The Bible teaches that without holiness no man can see the Lord. We believe in the doctrine of sanctification as a definite, yet progressive work of grace, commencing at the time of regeneration and continuing until the consummation of salvation. Hebrews 12:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Philippians 3:12-14, 1 Peter 3:18
Divine Healing
Healing is for the physical ills of the human body and is wrought by the power of God through the prayer of faith, and by laying on of hands. It is provided for in the atonement of Christ and it is the privilege of every member of the Church today. Mark 16:18, James 5:14-20, 1 Peter 2:24, Matthew 8:17, Isaiah 53:4-5
Resurrection of the Just and the Return of Our Lord
The angels said “this same Jesus shall so come in like manner.” His coming is imminent. When He comes, “the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.” Acts 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Hell and Eternal Retribution
The one who physically dies in his sin without Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the lake of fire and therefore has no further opportunity of hearing the Gospel or for repentance. The lake of fire is literal. The terms “eternal and everlasting” used in describing the duration of the punishment of the damned in the lake of fire carry the same thought and meaning of endless existence as used in noting the duration of joy and ecstasy of the saints in the presence of God. Hebrews 9:27, Revelation 19-20, Hebrews 6:1-2
Communion — ”The Lord’s Supper”
We partake of the Lord’s Supper to show the Lord’s death til He come. 1 Corinthians 11:23-31, The Bread symbolized the Lord’s broken body. Isaiah 53:5, 1 Corinthians 11:24. The Cup represents the new covenant in His blood, which provided for us forgiveness and relationship with God. Hebrews 9:22, 1 Corinthians 11:25 We judge ourselves and realize that this is our salvation and receive it. 1 Corinthians 11:28-30. If we receive it unworthy, without giving it honor as the emblem of our salvation, we are guilty of the body and blood of our Lord. 1 Corinthians 11:27
Laying on of Hands
A simple belief that power or anointing or another necessary quality can be transmitted from one person touching anther. Laying on of hands was practiced by the Levitical priesthood. Jesus practices it in Mark 10:13-16 as a blessing. This is the basis for choosing baby dedication over infant baptism. Laying on of Hands healing is found in Mark 5:22-23, 23, 41 Mark 5:28-31, Acts 28:2, Acts 19:11, 12 To Confer office—Acts 6:2-6, to receive the Holy Spirit—Acts 8:16-18, to believe words spoken, receive anointing, and to cultivate the anointing 1 Timothy 4:14 Ordination to consecrate and receive the necessary ministry tools 1 Timothy 4:14.