We understand that faith is
the foundation of any spiritual experience. Though a person's faith may
not be concretely proven to all, it must be proven effective in the
life of the person who accepts it. We realize that no language can
comprehensively note all of the aspects of ones faith; therefore, the
following statements are offered in attempt to explain only the
foundation of our faith.
One True and Living God
We believe there is one and only one eternal, true and
living God. God is an intelligent, spiritual and personal Being, the
Creator, Redeemer, Preserver and Ruler of the universe. To God, we owe
the highest love, worship and commitment. God reveals God-self to us as
Father (Divine Parent), Son and Holy Spirit with distinct personal
attributes but without division of nature, essence or being. The only
existing God is the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth;
inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all possible honor,
confidence, and love; that in the oneness of the Godhead there are
three manifestations, the Father (God in heaven), the Son (God in
flesh), and the Holy Ghost (God in us); equal in every divine
perfection and executing distinct and harmonious offices in the great
work of redemption. John 4:24; Psalms 147:5; 83:18; Hebrews 3:4; Romans
1:20; Jeremiah 10:10 Exodus 15:11, Isaiah 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rev.
4:6-8 Mark 12:30; Rev. 4:11; Matt. 10:37; Jeremiah 2:12-13 Matt. 28:19;
John 15:26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7 John 10:30; 5:17; 14:23;
17:5, 10; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Phil. 2:5-6; Eph. 2:18; 2
Corinthians 13:14; Rev. 1:4-5
The Deity Of
Jesus Christ
We
believe that Jesus Christ is the perfect representation of God in
human form. He is fully human and fully divine. He is equal with God
but took on the form of a servant and committed himself to die on the
cross to redeem ALL humanity. Through the shedding of His blood,
humanity would experience the security of forgiveness and remission of
sins. Jesus Christ arose on the third day following His death as He
declared authority over life and death. Jesus Christ lives in ALL
believers as the living, ever-present Lord. 1Corinthians 15:3-4;
Philippians 2:5-11. We believe that salvation is because of the grace
of God through the mediatory work of the Jesus Christ and by his death
made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the death,
he is now enthroned in heaven and uniting in his wonderful person the
tender sympathies and grace to ALL people with divine purpose; he is in
every way qualified to be a suitable, compassionate and an
all-sufficient Savior. Eph. 2:5; Matt. 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Cor.
3:5-7; Acts 15:11 John 3:16; 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14; 12:24; Phil. 2:6-7;
Heb. 2:9, 14; 2 Cor. 5:21 Isa. 42:21; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 3:21;
Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 20:28; Rom. 4:25; 3:21-26; 1 John 4:10; 2:2; 1 Cor.
15:1-3; Heb. 9:13-15; Heb. 1:8, 3; 8:1
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit. A Spirit-led life -
God's power within us - is the only way possible to live the Christian
life. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God's Spirit to
enable us to do what is right .John 15:5, Philippians 2:13, Ephesians
5:18 We believe that the Holy Spirit sanctifies us; the process by
which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his
holiness that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in
regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by
the presence and power of God; The Holy Spirit is the Sealer and
Comforter, in the continual use for self-examination, self-denial,
watchfulness and prayer. We believe all believers are exhorted to be
filled with, walk in, be led by and live in the power of the Holy Ghost.
Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16, 18, 25; We believe that it is God's
desire that all believers live life under the control of the Holy Spirit
and being continuously refreshed with the empowering divine strength
of Holy Ghost. We believe that after the initial filling of the Holy
Spirit, there are many fillings and there is to be the ongoing filling
ministry of the Spirit in the life of the believer for empowerment to
effectively and victoriously live a life that glorifies God. Acts 1:8,
2:4, 3:10, 4:31 We believe the Holy Ghost fills or empowers believers
for service in the Kingdom of God. Being filled with the Holy Ghost is
the result of continuing submission to Divine power and control. Acts
1:8; Ephesians 5:18
The Baptism of the
Holy Spirit
We believe
the baptism of the Holy Ghost and the filling of the Holy Ghost are
distinct, separate valid and valuable ministries of the Holy Ghost
which may occur simultaneously at salvation. Being filled with the Holy
Ghost should not only be a continuous reality, but an ongoing
characteristic of the believer’s consecrated commitment to holiness.
Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we believe that God has given
authority to the believer over the Enemy, Satan and victory to be
gained by the exercise of the authority in the areas of deliverance,
healing and holiness. Ephesians 1:20-23, 6:10-17Thess. 4:3; 5:23; 2
Cor. 7:1; 13:9; Eph. 1:4; 5:18; Prov. 4:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 6:1; 2
Pet. 1:5-8; Phil. 3:12-16; John 2:29; Rom. 8:5; John 3:6; Phil. 1:9-11;
Eph. 1:13-14 Phil.; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18; 2 Cor.
13:5; Luke 11:35; 9:23; Matt. 26:41; Eph. 6:18; 4:30
Justification by Faith
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ
secures to such as believe in him is Justification; that Justification
includes the pardon of sin and the promise of eternal life on
principles of righteousness by grace through faith, that it is
bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we
have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood and by
virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us
of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor
with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and
eternity. John 1:16; Eph. 3:8 Acts 13:39; Isa. 3:11-12; Rom. 8:1 Rom.
5:9; Zech. 13:1; Matt. 6:33; 9:6; Acts 10:43 Rom. 5:17; Titus 3:5-6; 1
Pet. 3:7; 1 John 2:25; Rom. 5:21 Rom. 4:4-5; 5:21; 6:28; Phil. 3:7-9
Rom. 5:19; 3:24-26; 4:23-25; 1 John 2:12 Rom. 5:1-3, 11; 1 Cor.
1:30-31; 1 Tim. 4:8
The Freeness of
Salvation
We believe that
the blessings of salvation are made free to ALL people by the inclusive
work of Jesus Christ; that it is the immediate duty of ALL to accept
salvation by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith. Isa. 55:1; Rev.
22:17; Luke 14:17 Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17 John 5:40; Matt.
23:37; Rom. 9:32; Prov. 1:24; Acts 13:46 John 3:19; Matt. 11:20; Luke
19:27; 2 Thess. 1:8
Eternal
Security
We believe that
because God gives man eternal life through Jesus Christ. The Work of
Jesus Christ at Calvary forever sealed the believer unto the day of
redemption. The believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation
is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of
the Christian, works or deeds. It is the grace and keeping power of
God that gives this security. John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25;
10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5
Repentance and Faith
We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred
duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the
regenerating Spirit of God; where being deeply convinced of our guilt,
danger, and helplessness through the conviction of the Spirit we turn
to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for
mercy, while at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ
as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the only
and all-sufficient Savior (4). Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John
5:1 John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-31 Luke 18:13; 15:18-21; James
4:7-10; 2 Cor. 7:11; Rom.10:12-13; Psa. 51 Rom. 10:9-11; Acts 3:22-23:
Heb. 4:14
God's Purpose and Grace
We believe that divine election is the eternal purpose
of God, according to which God graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and
saves us. That divine purpose is a most glorious display of God's
sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable
that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love,
prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of God’s free
mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that
God’s purpose is the foundation of Christian assurance. 2 Tim. 1:8-9;
Eph. 1:3-14; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; Rom. 11:5-6; John 15:15; 1 John 4:19; Hos.
12:9; 2 Thess. 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matt. 20:16; Acts 15:14
Exod. 33:18-19; Matt. 20:15; Eph. 1:11; Rom. 9:23-24: Jer. 31:3; Rom.
11:28-29; James 1:17-18; 2 Tim. 1:9; Rom. 11:32-36; 1 Cor. 4:7; 1:26-31;
Rom. 3:27; 4:16; Col. 3:12; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 15:10; 1 Pet. 5:10; Acts
1:24; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 2:9;
The Priesthood of every
Believer
We believe that
every believer has direct access to God and is called to live with
spiritual authority, power and grace. Our authority is given through
the grace of God in Jesus Christ by His death on the cross. 1 Peter
2:9, Revelation 1:16
The Radically Inclusive Love of God
We Believe in the Radically Inclusive Love of God. We
believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ cuts across all barriers that
fragment and divide us. We are called to love, affirm, and welcome ALL
regardless of race, gender, sexual and/or affectional orientation,
class, or life situation. We are to be known for our inclusiveness,
reconciliation, and liberation for all who are oppressed. The church
has too often allowed particular aspects of a person to place them out
of the faith. Therefore, we emphasize the "whosoever" in John 3:16. We
are also called to "love our neighbors as we love ourselves" (Mark
12:29-31), and "love our enemies" Luke 6:27; John 3:16-17; Romans 8:1;
Galatians 6; Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-17 and Luke 4:21-32]; Genesis
4:7
1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 139:16;
Proverbs 3:33-35; John 6:37; Romans 15:7; Ephesians 1:3-6; Colossians
1:19-23
The Bible; the
Christian Scriptures
We
believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and
is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction. The Holy Bible reveals
the principles and purposes of God’s revelation through the context
of history and human interpretation and the sufficient center of
Christian union; The Christian scriptures are the inspired record of
God's activity with humanity. It is truth provided for the believer as a
tool to know the heart of God. It reveals the plan, purposes and will
of God for all time. We believe the Bible should be interpreted through
the loving lens of Jesus Christ, so that it is used as a tool to
liberate, and not oppress, unite and not divide, affirm and not reject.
John 1:14; II Timothy 3:16, 1 John 2:5-6, Psalm 119:105; 2Timothy
3:16, 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21; 1 Sam. 23:2; Acts 1:16; 3:21; John
10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Psa. 119:11; Rom. 3:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet.
1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Rom. 1:16; Mark 16:16; John 5:38-39; Prov. 30:5-6;
John 17:17; Rev. 22:18-19; Rom. 3:4 Rom. 2:12; John 12:47-48; 1 Cor.
4:3-4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47-48; Phil. 3:16; Eph. 4:3-6; Phil. 2:1-2; 1
Cor. 1:10; 1 Pet. 4:11; 1 John 4:1; Isa. 8:20; 1 Thess. 5:21; 2 Cor.
8:5; Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:6; Jude 3:5
Humanity
Humankind was created by a special work of God, in
God's image and is the finest of all creation - God said, "It is very
good!" and God created this diverse humanity with purpose and destiny.
There are many variations expressed in the human creation, yet ALL
equal in God's eyes. Regardless of our differences we are called to be
of one "spirit". We believe that this diversity reflects the creative
and unique possibility and power of our God. While we are all different
on the outside, God does not judge the outside, but the "heart".
Therefore, we celebrate, embrace, and affirm the diversity of God's
human creation. Galatians 3:28; 1 Samuel 16:7
Giving Back To God
We believe in the practice of Giving for the support
of Christ's body, the Church. We believe in the spiritual principles of
sowing and reaping. We recognize that giving Of ALL Substance to God
is the Biblical standard given to us. 1 cor. 8:1-4-11
The Church
The
church is a group of believers brought together by the Spirit of God
to carry out the Great Commandment by practicing the Great Commission.
We are admonished to observe the two ordinances of the church; baptism
and the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion) Matthew 22:37-40; Ephesians
5:23-27
Water Baptism
Water Baptism is an outward expression of an inward
transformation that has occurred in the life of the believer. Baptism
is identification with Christ by picturing his death, burial and
resurrection. It is the first commandment a new Christian is given from
the Lord Jesus. Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4
The Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is an opportunity for personal
examination and reflection on Christ's love and sacrifice. The bread
and cup are symbols of His body and blood which were broken and spilled
out for us. These are done in "remembrance" of Him. Luke 22:19,20;
1Corinthians 11:23-32
Worship
We view worship from two sides: adoration and service.
Worship could be defined as pure adoration, the redeemed person
contemplating and praising God in His holy perfection. Reverential
adoration and committed service are both prominent expressions of the
biblical concept of worship. True worship involves a willingness to
serve and genuine service to God must be accompanied by a sense of
reverence and adoration. Psalm 95:6,7; Ephesians 2:10
Evangelism: Telling others about God's Love
We believe it is the responsibility of every Christian
to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with. We
practice sharing about God's love and purpose for our lives 1 Peter
3:15
The Power of Prayer
We believe that in prayer and prayerful meditation, we
experience the manifestation of God's presence. God speaks to us,
guides us, reveals spiritual things to us, refreshes us, and imparts
revelation to us. We are promised all forms of healing, direction,
guidance, strength, and power if we connect with God in prayer. Prayer
is regenerative and enlightening to our spirit. Matt 21:22; Philippians
4:6-7; James 5:13-18
Spiritual Gifts
We believe that spiritual gifts are for the edification
of the believer and the Body of Christ (the Church). We believe that
God's spiritual purposes and the edification of God's people are
manifested in and through these diverse gifts. The word of wisdom, word
of knowledge, gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophesy,
unknown and divers (different) tongues, gifts of helps, teaching,
preaching and administration, are all useful for the edification of the
individual, Body of Christ and entire world. 2. We believe in the
perpetuity and continuing ecclesiastical value of all spiritual gifts
for the edification of believers and the body of Christ until the end
of this church age is by the glorious event – the return of our Lord
Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 12-14; Romans 12:3-7; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1
Corinthians 13:10, 2 Corinthians 12
The Power of Love
Love, the "greatest force in the world", must motivate
all we do. We must constantly be committed to love one another, work
hard to promote unity and harmony within the church, and express this
love from the church to the world. John 3:16-18, 1 Corinthians 13
Biblical Servant
Leadership
We believe in the
value of biblical terminology of leadership in the contemporary
church: Bishop, Apostle, Prophet Overseer, Pastor, Minister, Elder and
Deacon. We believe all of these are designations for servant-leaders.
Jeremiah 3:15; Acts 20:28; 2 Corinthians 6:4; 1Timothy 3:1-7
The Autonomy of the Local Church
We believe in the full autonomy of the local church as
an independent entity under the Lordship of Christ, through pastoral
authority, with regards to: local Church government, polity, and
operations, Titus 1:5, Acts 15:1 34“ 35; discipline, I Corinthians 5:5,
Matthew 18:15-17, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; With Pastoral
discernment, leadership should be submit to other leadership for
spiritual-parental accountability, the guidance of an Episcopacy as a
covering. Acts 15:1-35; 6:3-5, 11:22; Titus 1:5
The Power of Pentecost
We believe the full gospel includes the proclamation of
both the eternal power of Calvary and the potential power of Pentecost
for ALL people; We believe that the Power of Pentecost is the
spiritual activity and power of the Holy Spirit empowering believers to
speak and minister to diverse people, sharing the radically inclusive
gospel of Jesus Christ to ALL nations; the baptizing power of Jesus
Christ for salvation for ALL people because of Calvary and the filling
controlling power of the Holy Ghost for service and holy victorious
living because through the empower strength of the Holy Spirit as
demonstrated at Pentecost. Acts 1; 1:8; 2; 20:27.