STATEMENT OF FAITH
WE BELIEVE
the Bible to be the inspired and inerrant Word of God. It is our direct, final source of authority for all aspect of our personal salvation and daily Christian living. All scripture is given by inspiration of God. It is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness. (See 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21). The basic fundamental doctrine of this church in the subject of salvation is: Man is saved by grace through faith; and not of self-righteousness, religion, affiliation or standard. It is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8) and must be received according to the Apostolic and biblical example, which is faith (belief in the gospel), water baptism and the infilling of the Holy Spirit to every believer. (Acts 2:4, 2:38, 10:44-48; 19:5-6; John 3:5).
WE BELIEVE
in the one true eternal God (Deuteronomy 6:1-7) who is holy in nature, infinite in power, all knowing and present everywhere. In His dealing with mankind through out the ages, He manifested as the Father, Son and Holy Ghost (Hebrews 1:1-3). He revealed Himself as the Creator in the beginning of time (Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 40:28). He revealed Himself in the person of Lord Jesus Christ to redeem the world from sin (2 Corinthians 5:17-19, 1 Timothy 3:16). He revealed Himself as the Holy Spirit to guide His people into a life of regeneration and victorious living. (John 4:24, John 14:26, Romans 8:14-17).
WE BELIEVE
in the creation and fall of man. In the beginning, God created man innocent, pure, holy; but through the sin of disobedience, Adam and Eve, the first of human race, fell from their state, and God banished them from Eden. Hence, by one man's disobedience, sin entered into the world. (Genesis 1:27, Romans 1:23, 5:12).
WE BELIEVE
in genuine repentance, confessing and forsaking of sin obtain pardon and forgiveness of sin. We are justified by faith thru the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). John the Baptist preached repentance, Jesus Christ proclaimed it, and the apostles emphasized it to both Jews and Gentile (Acts 2:38, 11:18; 17:30). The word "repentance" comes from several Greek words, which means change of views and purpose, change of heart; change of mind, change of life and to transform. Jesus said, "...except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish". (Luke 13:3).
WE BELIEVE
in water baptism. The scriptural mode of baptism is immersion, and is only for those who have believed the Gospel and in the Word of God and has repented. It should be administered by duly authorized minister of the Gospel, and must be done in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit which is the name of Jesus Christ, thus obeying and fulfilling Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38.
WE BELIEVE
in the infilling of the Holy Spirit. God, in the Old Testament hath promised it (Joel 2:28), the Lord Jesus Christ has declared it (John 20:22), John the Baptist confirmed it (Matthew 3:11) and the apostles had experienced and also preached about it in Acts2.
WE BELIEVE
in the fruit of the Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, against such there is no law," (Galatians 5:22-23). This fruit of the Spirit is manifested in the lives of spirit-filled believers today. We urge our members to walk in the Spirit every day, and to seek always to grow in the grace, knowledge and wisdom of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 2:9-12: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Ephesians 6:10-20).
WE BELIEVE
in the gifts of the Spirit. We believe and teach that the gifts of the Spirit are available and active in the church today. We believe these gifts should be desired and sought for. We learn the reception, use and abuse of the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians Chapter 12, 13, and 14. We learn the personal and corporate administration of the gifts in Romans 12:1-21; and the gifted ministries of the church in Ephesians 4:11-16.
WE BELIEVE
holiness is a major doctrine in the Bible. God said, Be ye holy for I am holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). It simply means clean and righteous living for God. It is our correct response to the goodness of God when we believe in His grace. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and Godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:11,12). Holiness is our moral responsibility to refrain from any worldly actions and reactions that will destroy our spiritual life. Holiness is a result of ones spiritual maturity and relationship with God.
WE BELIEVE
tithing and giving of offerings is God's financial plan to provide for His work, and has been since the time of Abraham. Tithing came with faith under Abraham; Moses law enforced it, and Israel practiced it when she was right with God. Jesus Christ endorsed it (Matthew 22:21). The apostle Paul said to lay by in store as God hath prosper you. The bible teaches that tithes and offerings belong to God (Malachi Chapter 3). It seems proper, practical and scriptural that the church should be supported by love gifts and offerings from its members and friends (Psalms 96:8-9; 1 Corinthians 6:1-3).
WE BELIEVE
in the translations of saints. We believe that the time is drawing near when our Lord shall appear; then the dead shall arise, and we who are alive and remain shall be caught up with them to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; Philippians 3:20-21).
WE BELIEVE
in church discipline. We believe that the best defense we have against the sin and offenses of this world (corrupting and infesting the church), is a genuine annointing of the Holy Spirit; upon both the individual and the church body. However, in the event of any failure, either alleged or actual, we strongly urge that the process of confrontation, confession and forgiveness and reconciliation outlined in the scriptures be followed. We do not seek to punish or humiliate; but rather to take any scriptural means before resorting to dis-fellowshipping, silencing, or excommunicating a member of this church (Matthew 18:15-22; Matthew Chapter 5, 6 and 7; 1 Corinthians 6:1-12; 2 Corinthians 13:1; and 1 Timothy 5:1-2, 19-21).
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