Doctrine of Faith

DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

The Bible

We believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God and to be free from error (in the original manuscripts). We believe the Bible is the only God-given authority which man possesses; therefore, all doctrine, faith, hope, and all instruction for the church must be based upon and harmonize with the Bible. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, and sufficient in all matters of faith and practice.

Nature of God

We believe in Monotheism – that God is numerically one (Romans 3:30; Ephesians 4:5; Genesis 1:26; Exodus 8:10). We are made in God’s likeness. We are a tripartite creation (spirit, mind, and body), however, we are one manifestation of a living soul. The Bible reveals that God is made up into three divine manifestations yet he is still one God (Exodus 20:1–5; Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29; Galatians 3:20; Ephesians 4:5).

God's Divine Structure Man's Natural Structure

Father ----------------------------------------------- Body

Son ----------------------------------------------- Soul

Holy Spirit ----------------------------------------------- Spirit

We contain three levels of functioning: we are a spirit, we are a living soul, and we have a body in which we live. Yet all three makes us one complete person. This is similar to our likeness as God (Genesis 1:26); The Godhead consists of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19); all three divine manifestation make God one complete spiritual being. He does not have three personalities. He is one, yet He reveals Himself in many ways so that we can feel after Him (Acts 17:24-31).

Throughout the Bible, God manifest in all three ways. God manifest Himself as the Lord Almighty and the God of Abraham (Genesis 17:1). He also reveals Himself as Jesus (John 1:1–14). Jesus also reveals Himself as the Lord Almighty through His speech and actions (John 8:58; Luke 9:28–36). We see Jesus speaking about the Comforter returning, which symbolizes the Holy Spirit, yet Christ states He is doing the work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11; John 11:25, 14:26). We will never fully understand this manifestation, because the spiritual is different from the natural (John 1:1–16; 1 Corinthians 2:10–16). We are limited in our ability to fully grasp the makeup of God, because our minds cannot contain such excellent wisdom. We will literally burst like wineskins; however, God reveals a portion of Himself throughout every generation of His elect (Luke 5:23; Acts 1:8). Any person who claims to fully understand the Trinity is walking in an illusion. The wisdom of God is unsearchable (Job 5:9; Psalms 145:3;Romans 11:3; Deuteronomy 29:29; Ephesians 3:8).

The Lordship of Jesus

We believe that the one God of the Old Testament, whose name is Yahweh, became a man in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, is both fully God and fully man, being the visible image of the one invisible God. Jesus' deity is none other than that of the Father. As it pertains to His humanity, Jesus was born of a virgin "in time". Christ is also described as the mind of God. He is the very wisdom of God who created worlds, including the Earth (1 Corinthians 1:21–24; Colossians 1:16–29). Demons respect only the authority and power that is in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 8:28-33). It is in that name that all things are subject. There is no other name in or under heaven by which man can be saved (Colossians 3:17). We believe that God so loved the world that He gave His son as a ransom for the sins of mankind (John 3:16). We must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in the death, barial, and resurrection of Jesus (John 3:15).

The Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is God, the third person of the Trinity, coequal with the Father and the Son (Jesus Christ). The Holy Spirit was not created by the Father or the Son, but has always existed and is eternal (e.g. Heb. 9:14). Like the other two members of the trinity, the Holy Spirit is a person. Therefore, the Spirit isn't a "force" and it is correct to refer the Spirit as "He" as opposed to "it," as Jesus does (John 14:26 cf. Rom. 8:16. 26).

The Bible Examples of References

The Holy Spirit is said to:

Grieve (Isa. 63:10)
Love (Rom. 15:30)
Speaks (2 Sam. 23:2, Acts 8:29)
Ministers to people in several ways:

1. He teaches people (Luke 12:12).

2. He intercedes with regard to their prayers (Rom. 8:26).

3. He leads people, according to God's plan (Matt. 4:1)

4. He gives life (John 6:63).

People also have the capacity to deny the Holy Spirit, as He can be spoken against (Matt. 12:32), lied to (Acts 5:3), and resisted (Acts 7:51).
The Holy Spirit has several names:

1. "The Spirit of God" (Rom. 8:9)

2. "The Spirit of Truth" (John 14:17)

3. "Holy Ghost" (John 20:22)

4. "Comforter" (John 14:26)

5. Refered to as a "Teacher" (John 14:26)

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

(With Evidence of Speaking in Tongues)

We believe in that it is essential for the believer who is baptised by water, must experience the baptism of the Spirit that accompanies speaking in tongues. We believe this because this is what the disciples did after they received instructions from Jesus? The book of Acts is referred to as the Acts of the Apostles. This book supports the disciples’ obedience to what Jesus told them to do after His resurrection. We examine in the bible that Jesus manefests himself and tells his eyewitness apostles/ disciples to wait in Pentocost before they start their ministry. He told them to wait because God the Father was sending them the promise which was previously mentioned in John 14. The promise of the Comforter which is the baptism of the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues (John 14:26; Mark 1:8; John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7; and 20:22).

The promise is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus commanded them to receive in John 20:22. The Holy Spirit sent by Jesus comes to live in us (John 16:7). In the Old Testament time, before the birth of Jesus, the Spirit of God was either with or on the children of Israel? After the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we now have the opportunity for the Spirit of God to dwell in us. God does not dwell in church temples built by the hands of sinful men. He comes to visit church services; but He doesn’t come to stay. The Bible tells us where He dwells. God dwells in heaven according to Acts 7:47-50 and Isaiah 66:1-2. In addition, God can dwell in us. We are the temple of God. When we receive the Holy Spirit, God comes to live in us (1 Cor. 3:16-17). When Christ completed the work on the cross, according to Ephesians 4:8, Jesus “ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” Jesus made it possible for us to have a personal relationship with God.

In Acts 1:8, we see that Jesus instructed the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the promise before they attempted to minister or witness about the kingdom of God. The disciples and Jesus siblings (including Mary, Jesus’ mother) were gathered together in a room (Acts 1:13-15). When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-4).

The Bible said suddenly this experience happened. What caused this experience to come upon them suddenly? First, their obedience and trust in waiting on Jesus for the promise opened the door to the supernatural. God promises the Holy Spirit to all who accept Jesus as Lord in their lives by believing on the name of Jesus. Second, they were of one accord (mentally and verbally focused on the same topic), praying with supplication (Acts 1:14). The Bible says that they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. To be filled means to occupy to the full capacity.

We must understand that everyone that was in that room with Peter was already baptized by water. Baptism in water is a separate experience from being baptized in the Spirit. When you are baptized by water, you’ve experienced a portion of the Holy Spirit working in you. The Holy Spirit makes your spirit alive again (2 Cor. 4:16; 5:17); however, when you are baptized by the Spirit, you become filled with the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 2:4, what sign was given to indicate that the individuals had been filled with the Holy Spirit? They began to speak in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. What happens when a cup filled with water to its full capacity? The water begins to spill over. When an individual is filled with the Holy Spirit, he or she begins to overflow and a spiritual dialect emerges (John 7:38). The Holy Spirit is the one who is speaking as you allow Him to use your natural tongue. You cannot see a spirit unless your eyes are open to the spirit realm; nevertheless, because you can’t see the Spirit of God, speaking in tongues is your initial sign that you have received Him and the Spirit of God is living in you forever as you yield to His presence.

Salvation

Before and after Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus made it very clear how a lost soul can be saved. When we examine John 3, Jesus is in a serious discussion with Nicodemus regarding the topic of salvation. Jesus tells the religious man that unless a man is born again he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Jesus then replied “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Jesus makes three important points that should be taken to heart by every believer. Jesus said we must be born again, born by water, and born by Spirit! There must be a rebirth/new birth that takes the place of the old one. Anything that is reborn is new. Jesus makes it clear what being born again is. First, it’s comprised of water and spirit rebirthing. Second, this is a spiritual rebirthing, not physical, according to John 3:6. After carefully studying the scriptures, we believe that these five principle must be adhered to in order to receive salvation through Christ Jesus. We solely base this on what Jesus told His disciples “before” He was raised into heaven. In addition, we base our belief upon what the disciples repetitively did “after” Jesus ascension into heaven.

The Five Principles of Salvation

Joel 2:28; John 3:5-16; John 20:22; Acts 2:37-40; John 1:12; Acts 1:1-9; John 14:26; Luke 10:19

You must first hear the testimony of what Jesus did on the cross to redeem us from destruction.
You must acknowledge that your sins have separated you from God and that Jesus is to the father.
You must repent (turn away from sin and the thing that is causing you to sin—the things that God reveals to you) and accept Jesus as Lord in your life. Remember that salvation is a process. No believer will master perfection like Jesus; however, we strive toward perfection and maturity (Phil. 3:7-14). We must strive to be what God desires us to be with help from the Holy Spirit. We cannot be saved by our own efforts. It is by the grace of God (Eph. 2:8-9).
We need the Holy Spirit to help us to live right (Zech. 4:6; John 1:13; 14:26).
You must be baptized by water in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for remission of sin and filled with the Holy Spirit (with evidence of speaking in tongues).
Lastly, you must share your testimony as you bear fruit in your life (John 15:4; Gal. 5:22).

Baptism Procedures

Jesus said in John 3:5 that “except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” We believe that one must be baptized by water and Spirit in order to be considered a born-again believer? Jesus instructed the disciples to do this. Furthermore, the disciples were following this formula throughout the New Testament. Baptism of water and the baptism of the Spirit are two different functions; however, they operate together (1 John 5:8). You cannot separate them. You will not experience a true relationship with Jesus by having one baptism without the other (John 3:5; Rom. 8:9).

In regards to water baptism, Baptizo is the Greek word translated “baptize.” To be baptized means to be completely submerged (entirely covered) by liquid. In the Bible, we see that water was used as a means of baptism. Several faiths teach that you can be baptized by being sprinkled with water. This is not scriptural truth according to the New Testament. There is only one form of baptism. Baptism involves the individual being “completely dunked” in water in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are no other substitutes according to scriptural instructions. The words baptize means to completely submerge. Just noting the meaning of the word alone should cause one to comprehend its basic meaning. Read Acts 8:27-39.

When we are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, there are three major things that take place.

1. Every trespass and sin is completely wiped away up until the time of your baptism. In addition, all future sins are covered by the blood of Jesus through confession.

2. You receive a new nature. The control of sin’s nature (urges) will be broken in your life; however, one must wash his or her mind with the Word of God (Romans 12:1-2; Gal. 5:22).

3. Your spirit, which was dead in trespasses and sin, is being quickened (made alive) again. You are receiving a new inner man. This is referred to as experiencing the new birth that is from above.

We believe that confession of sin is a part of salvation; however, not by confession alone (excluding baptism of water and spirit). Romans 10:9 states “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” With the support of the following scriptures, confession must include baptism: John 3:5; Mark 1:15; Mark 16:16-18; John 3:15-18, 36; John 5:24; 6:35, 40; John 7:38; John 11:25, 26; John 20:22. Simply repenting and making a mouth confession is only part of the steps of salvation. Yes, you must repent and acknowledge your sins. Yes, you must confess your faith in Christ; however, next you must be baptized by water and by Spirit. If you look at Romans 10:9, who was Paul talking to anyhow? The book of Romans was a letter written to the Roman church. The first verse of Romans 10:1 states “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” Paul was writing to the “believers” in the Roman church who were already baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit! When the word “Brethren” is used in Scripture, it is indicating that they have received water and Spirit baptism because this is the “principle” that all the disciples experienced, taught, and exercised. So in this passage, Paul was not talking to the brethren at that church in regard to being saved because they had already experienced the new birth. If you backtrack to Romans 9, you will see that Paul’s letter to the church was speaking about the mystery of the kingdom of God concerning the children of Israel’s state of salvation (Rom. 9:24-27; 10:1). The majority of the Israelites did not accept the fact that Jesus was the Savior the holy oracles had prophesied to come. Paul was simply encouraging the church in Romans 10 to hold fast to their confession and faith in Jesus Christ.

The Second Coming

We believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He will return to earth in fulfillment of His promises and to fulfill the prophecies made about Him. Jesus Himself promised, "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory" (Matthew 24:30). Revelation 19:11-12proclaims this about the Second Coming, "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself."

Those who witnessed Christ's ascension into heaven after his death and resurrection heard the angels declare in Acts 1:11, "Men of Galilee…why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." The Second Coming is the literal return of Jesus Christ to earth as King in power and glory to rule for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1-6).

The second coming should also not be confused with the event referred to as the Rapture. The Rapture refers to a time when Jesus Christ will come to remove all believers from the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54). The church holds many positions on the rapture, but the Second Coming is undisputed. The Second Coming is the event when Jesus Christ returns to the earth to defeat evil and establish His reign of justice and peace.

The Final Judgment

We believe there is coming a time when all who ever lived will stand before Jesus Christ to be judged and that all who are not saved will be cast into the lake of fire. We believe this judgment to be literal and eternal.

Click Here: More Information to Why Do We Need the Holy Spirit?

CLICK HERE: Scientist Proves Speaking in Tongues is REAL