The Scriptures
The bible is the inspired Word of God, the product of the Holy Men
of old who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
We accept the New Covenant, as recorded in the New Testament, as our
infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct and doctrine ( Timothy
3:16, I Thessalonians 2:13, II Peter 1:21).
The Godhead
Our God is One, manifested in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit (Philippians 2:6, Matthew 3:16-17). God the Father is greater
than all; the Source of the Word (Logos) and the begetter (John 14:25,
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. "For all have sinned and fall 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 works of the devil, give His life, and shed His blood to redeem
and restore man back to God (Romans 5:12, Romans 323, Romans 3:9-10,
I John 3:8, Galatians 3:13,14). Salvation is the gift of God to man,
separate from works and the Law, and is made operative by grace through
faith in Jesus Christ, producing works acceptable to God (Ephesians 2:8).
Eternal Life and New Birth
Man's first step toward salvation
is "Godly sorrow that worketh repentance". The New birth is necessary
to all men, and when fulfilled produces eternal life (I Corinthians
7:10, I John 5:12, John 3:3-5)
Water Baptism
Baptism in water is by
immersion and is a direct commandment of our Lord, and is for believers
only. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christianís identification
with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Matthew 28:19,
Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12, Acts 8:36-39). The following recommendation
regarding Water baptism is adopted, to wit: "On the confession of
your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and by His authority,
I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit. Amen."
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The baptism of the
Holy Spirit and Fire is a gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus
Christ to those who are believers in this dispensation and is received
subsequent to the New Birth. This experience may be accompanied by
the evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit Himself
gives utterance (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, I Thessalonians 5:23, II Peter 3:18, II Corinthians
3:18, Philippians 3:12-14, I Corinthians 1:30). |
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 the laying on of hands.
It is provided for the atonement of Christ, and it is a privilege
of every member of the church today (Mark 16:18, James 5:14 I 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 come in
like manner." His coming is imminent. When He comes, "The dead in
Christ shall rise first, and then we who are alive and remain shall
be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in
the air." (Acts 1:11, I Thessalonians 4:16-17) Following the tribulation,
He shall return to earth as the King of kings and the Lord of lords
and together with His saints, who shall be kings and priests, He shall
reign a thousand years (Revelation 20:6)
Hell and Eternal Retribution
The one who physically dies in his sins without Christ is hopelessly
and eternally lost in the lake of fire and therefore has no further
opportunity of hearing the Gospel or of 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 Lords Supper
We partake of the Lord's Supper to show the Lord's
death until He comes (I Corinthians 11:23-31). The bread symbolizes
the Lordís broken body (Isaiah 53:5, I Corinthians 11:24). The cup
represents the new covenant in His blood which provides us forgiveness
and a relationship with God (Hebrews 9, I Corinthians 11:25). We judge
ourselves, realize that this is our salvation, and receive it (I Corinthians
11:28-30). If we receive it- unworthily, without giving it honor as
our salvation, we are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord (I
Corinthians 11:27).
Laying On of Hands
The laying on of hands is a
simple belief that power, anointing, or any other necessary quality
can be transmitted from one person touching another. The laying on
of hands was practiced by the Levitical priesthood. Jesus practiced
it in Mark 10:13-16 as a blessing. This will be our standard for baby
dedication instead of baptism. We will use the laying on of hands
for healing (Mark 5:22-23 and 41, Mark 5:28-31, Acts 28:8, Acts 19:11,12);
to confer office (Acts 6:2-6); to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:16-18);
to believe words spoken, to receive anointing, and to cultivate the
anointing (I Timothy 4:14); and for ordination to consecrate and receive
the necessary ministry tools ( timothy 4:14). |
