|
|
what we believe
In the unity of one true and living God revealed
in the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:16, 17; 28:19,
John 17).
In the Bible as the inspired Word of God, both
the Old and New Testaments (II Tim. 3:16, Heb. 4:12, I Pet. I:23-25,
II Pet. 1:19-21).
In the divinity and humanity of Christ Jesus.
Jesus is God come in the flesh. He is both divine and human (Luke
1:26-38, John 14:1-3, Acts 2:26, 3:14, 15, Phil. 2:5-11).
In the blood atonement, the blood of Jesus was
shed for our sins; it is only through his shed blood that our sins
are forgiven and we are justified by faith in him (Acts 4:12, Rom.
5:1-11, Eph. 1:3-15).
In the bodily resurrection and ascension of Jesus
Christ, he is presently engaged in preparing heaven and interceding
for the saints (Luke 24:39-43, John 20:24-29, John 14:1-6, Rom.
8:34).
In the second coming, that Jesus Christ will
return to this earth to capture his bride (the Church) and judge
the world. (Acts 1:10, 11, I Thess. 4:13-18, II Thess. 1:7-10, James
5:8, Rev. 1:7).
That man, in his natural state, is a sinner;
lost, undone, without hope, and without God (Rom. 3:19-23, Gal.
3:22, Eph. 2:1, 2, 12).
The Scriptures clearly set forth the doctrines
of eternal punishment for the lost, and eternal bliss for the saved;
hell for the unsaved, and heaven for the saved (Matt. 5:34, 41,
46, Luke 16:19-31, John 14:1-3, Rev. 20:11-15).
In salvation of the repentant sinner by grace
of our Lord Jesus Christ through heartfelt faith which results in
regeneration of the person (Acts 3:19,20, Rom. 5:1, Eph. 2:8-10).
In water baptism by immersion in water in the
name of the Lord Jesus Christ, as a symbol of identification with
Jesus Christ in his death, burial and resurrection (Matt. 3:15,
16, 28:19, 20, Acts 8:38, Rom. 6:1-4).
In the Holy Spirit, whose purpose in the redemptive
plan is to convict men of sin: regenerate the repentant believer
and give gifts to the believer as he wills.
That manifestations of that Holy Spirit operate
today (I Cor. 12:8-11) and shall continue to operate in those who
are yielded to Jesus Christ (Luke 11:13, John 7:37-39, 14:16, 17,
Acts 2:39-48)
We believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit
with signs following is for all believers (Matt. 3:11, Acts 1:4,
5, 8, 2:4, 38-41, 10:44-47, 19:1-6).
That believers should seek as the early disciples
did, to practice separation from the world unto Christ, and to set
standards of conduct which shall exalt our Lord and His Church (Rom.
12:1-3, II Cor. 6:17, Gal. 6:14, Eph. 5:11, Col. 3:17).
That God uses doctors, medicine, and other material
means for healing, but divine healing was provided for in the atonement
(Is. 53:5) and may be appropriated by laying on of hands (James
5:14-16, Mark 16:18), by the prayers of an anointed person gifted
by God for healing the sick (I Cor. 12:9) or by direct act of receiving
this provision of God by faith (Mark 11:23).
That each believer is a priest of the Lord (I
Pet. 2:5, 9, Rev. 1:6) and has direct access to the Father (Heb.
4:16) through the Lord Jesus Christ. Each person must believe for
himself, obey for himself, and answer to his Lord for himself.
church government
We believe the New Testament Church should
be apostolic in nature, governed by delegated authorities who are
officers of the church . (apostles, prophets, as evangelists, pastors
and teachers) for equipping the saints for the work of service,
to build up the body of Christ. The pastor of this particular church
has the overall responsibility for the church. To support his ministry,
there are appointed elders and deacons as overseers and servants.
They are to increase the outreach and to assist in whatever pastoral
needs arise in the Body. The elders and deacons are considered an
extension of the pastor's ministry. (Eph. 4:11, I Tim. 3, Tit. 1:5-9)
We believe the pastor's role is that which is
quoted in Jer. 3:15 "Then I will give you shepherds after my
own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding."
We believe that ministering should take place
within the body, that each of us are called to a royal priesthood
in Christ, as in Acts 2:42-45, " and they were continually
devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship,
to the breaking of bread and to prayer and everyone kept feeling
a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through
the apostles, and all those who had believed were together, and
had all things in common; and they began selling their property
and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might
have need." Interaction is encouraged on the part of the believer
to minister whenever the need may arise.
|
|