Beliefs

Beliefs

Faith in God

Everyone’s journey begins with faith. We believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God. The Bible tells us we are saved by grace, through faith, and not of ourselves. The Bible contains the Gospel, or the Good News, of what God has provided for us and what he is asking of us.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  (9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Galatians 2:16  Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

God is merciful and has given us this gift — an opportunity to join Him in eternity. This is opposed to an eternity separated from God. He has given us some commands, and those who have faith will believe these commands. A direct result of faith and belief is obedience. The first command to obey is to repent of our sins. Every one of us is broken and in sin. We cannot obtain this gift in any other way than through Jesus.

Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Repentance

Repentance means to turn away from our sins. This involves us asking God for forgiveness and then no longer partaking in that sin. When we sincerely ask God for forgiveness, He WILL forgive us. His mercies are never ending.

Luke 24:47  And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

2 Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Baptism in Jesus’ Name

One aspect of the New Birth is baptism in Jesus’ Name. The remission of sins is accomplished through baptism. The Old Covenant God had for His people was circumcision; the New Covenant is Water Baptism. The shedding of blood is key, as without it there is no remission of sins (Heb. 9:22). Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross took on the weight of the law and opened up the door for us to take on His Name in baptism, and obtain the blood covering that remits our sin. The water symbolically represents being buried with Christ. There is nothing inherently special about any water that someone is baptized in, but it is absolutely essential; it is commanded by the LORD. When we come up out of the water, our old self no longer serves sin and we are to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6). God forbid the idea that we can continue in sin that grace may cover us (Rom. 6:1, 15). While baptism should be celebrated, it is not reserved for public show; it is a response to hearing the Gospel and represents a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:21). The disciples baptized ONLY in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is only one Name by which we may be saved (Acts 4:12). There is one God, and He was manifest in the flesh as the man Jesus Christ. (Deut. 6:4; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1 & 14, 10:38, 12:45, 14:7+; 2 Cor. 5:19; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Tim. 2:5, 3:16). Jesus Christ was fully God and fully man (Php. 2:5-11); As a man, He experienced human feelings, shed His blood, and was tempted by the enemy yet remained sinless. As God, He reconciled us all to Himself (2 Cor. 5:18) by the death, giving us a mediator (1 Tim. 2:5) between us and God as a New Testament so that we can be redeemed from our sins. He was raised from the dead and promises that the last enemy to be defeated is death; this promise means that we can be resurrected in the end to spend eternity with God. God has sent us His Spirit as a gift that every one of us can receive and be empowered. In fact, we are told we must be born of the Spirit in order to enter the Kingdom of God.

John 3:5  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Romans 6:3-6  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  (4)  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  (5)  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  (6)  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Hebrews 9:22  And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Acts 8:12  But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 8:35-36  Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.  (36)  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

Acts 16:30-33  And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?  (31)  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.  (32)  And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.  (33)  And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.1 Peter 3:21  The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Infilling of the Holy Ghost

Another aspect of the new birth experience is the infilling of the Holy Ghost. The gift of the Holy Ghost is promised to us once we genuinely repent of our sins. The reception of the Holy Ghost is a very distinct experience from believing in God and being baptized. This is clear from the conversion stories in Acts, where we see the disciples converting unbelievers as well as praying for believers to receive the Holy Ghost. This distinct experience is especially evident in Acts 2, 8, 10, and 19. The experience of receiving the Holy Ghost coincides with the outward evidence of speaking in tongues. As this is one of the most divisive doctrines in churches today, please take time to read and study the conversion stories in Acts, and feel free to contact us for discussion.

Joel 2:28  And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Mark 16:16-18  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  (17)  And these signs SHALL follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (18) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Luke 24:49  And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Acts 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 2:4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:38-39  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  (39)  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Acts 8:15-18  Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:  (16)  (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)  (17)  Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. (18) And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

Acts 10:44-46  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.  (45)  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.  (46)  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Acts 11:15  And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

Acts 19:2-6  He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.  (3)  And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.  (4)  Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.  (5)  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  (6)  And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Life of Separation and Holiness

We have been called to be a holy people set apart from the world. We are in a continual sanctification process. While we can’t literally be perfect (Eph. 4:12), we should strive to be more like Christ every day. Its okay that you don’t look like Christ today, but you should look more like Him today than you did a year ago. The Bible gives a clear message: we cannot keep living in sin. Paul states it clearly twice to the Romans – “What then, shall we sin since we are under grace? God forbid.” (Rom. 6:1, 15). The fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) are a guide that can help us self-reflect and determine whether or not we are really being genuine in our Spirit-filled lives. The works of the flesh are a grave warning to us to not be deceived by religions that teach “once saved always saved” or “Romans Road Salvation” doctrines as those who partake in the works of the flesh will not inherit the Kingdom of God. (Gal. 5:19-21, 1 Cor. 6:9-10, Eph. 5:3-5). We must endure to the end to achieve our final salvation. Don’t give up. Don’t compromise.

1 Peter 2:9-10  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:  (10)  Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Romans 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  (2)  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 John 2:15-17  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  (16)  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  (17)  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Galatians 5:16-26  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  (17)  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  (18)  But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.  (19)  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  (20)  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  (21)  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  (22)  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  (23)  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  (24)  And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  (25)  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  (26)  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Hebrews 12:14  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Victorious Life in Christ

We have been commissioned by God. We are commanded to go forth and spread the Good News. We are also told to take authority given to us by His Spirit. We can have victory over the things of this world when we realize what the Word of God says and we stand on that Word. We have been given power; now lets use it. The Word says that we shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. It also says we shall cast out devils. Do you believe the Word? Stand on it and claim what the LORD has written to us. Tongues, prophecies, words of wisdom, and more are all used to build up the body of believers to help them live a victorious life in Christ.

Don’t settle for less than what God has offered you. Sin has been defeated through the death, burial, resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are no longer under the law of sin and death. Be free and sin no more; claim your authority over the enemy, and cast down imaginations (2 Cor. 10:5). Stand strong and put on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:10-17). Devote yourself to prayer and fasting (Mat. 17:21, Eph. 6:18), give thanks always, and do everything for the glory of God.

We have been promised victory over death. Without a victorious life in Christ, you won’t experience the resurrection. The last enemy to be defeated is death, and we will be raised up to spend an eternity with God.

Matthew 28:18-20  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  (19)  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  (20)  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Ephesians 6:10-17  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  (11)  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  (12)  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  (13)  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  (14)  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  (15)  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  (16)  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  (17)  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

2 Corinthians 10:3-5  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:  (4)  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  (5)  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

1 Corinthians 10:31  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 
(16) Rejoice evermore.  
(17)  Pray without ceasing.  
(18)  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  
(19)  Quench not the Spirit.  
(20)  Despise not prophesyings.  
(21)  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.  
(22)  Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1 Corinthians 15:50-58  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  (51)  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  (52)  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  (53)  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  (54)  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  (55)  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  (56)  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  (57)  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  (58)  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.