Statement of Faith
1. The Scriptures Inspired
1. The Scriptures Inspired
The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct (2 Tim. 3:15-17; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21).
The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct (2 Tim. 3:15-17; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21).
2. The One True God
2. The One True God
The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent "I AM", the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles or relationship and association as Father, Son and Holy Ghost (Deut. 6:4; Isa. 43:10,11; Matt. 28:19; Luke 3:22).
The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent "I AM", the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles or relationship and association as Father, Son and Holy Ghost (Deut. 6:4; Isa. 43:10,11; Matt. 28:19; Luke 3:22).
3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ
3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. The Scriptures declare:
The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. The Scriptures declare:
a) His virgin birth (Matt. 1:23; Luke 1:31,35).
a) His virgin birth (Matt. 1:23; Luke 1:31,35).
b) His sinless life (Heb. 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22).
b) His sinless life (Heb. 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22).
c) His miracles (Acts 2:22; 10:38).
c) His miracles (Acts 2:22; 10:38).
d) His substitutionary work on the cross (1 Cor. 15:3; 2 Cor 5:21).
d) His substitutionary work on the cross (1 Cor. 15:3; 2 Cor 5:21).
e) His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matt 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1Cor 5:21).
e) His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matt 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1Cor 5:21).
f) His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9,11; 2:33; Phil. 2:9-11; Heb. 1-3).
f) His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9,11; 2:33; Phil. 2:9-11; Heb. 1-3).
4. The Fall of Man
4. The Fall of Man
Man was created good and upright, for God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." However, man by voluntary transgression fell and therby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God. (Gen. 1:26,27; 2:17,3:6; Rom. 5:12-19).
Man was created good and upright, for God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." However, man by voluntary transgression fell and therby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God. (Gen. 1:26,27; 2:17,3:6; Rom. 5:12-19).
5. The Salvation of Man
5. The Salvation of Man
Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
a) Conditions to Salvation
a) Conditions to Salvation
Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God according to the hope or eternal life (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Rom. 10:13-15; Eph. 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7).
Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God according to the hope or eternal life (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Rom. 10:13-15; Eph. 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7).
b) The Evidence of Salvation
b) The Evidence of Salvation
The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Rom. 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Eph. 4:24; Titus 2:12).
The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Rom. 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Eph. 4:24; Titus 2:12).
6. The Ordinances of the Church
6. The Ordinances of the Church
a) Baptism in Water
a) Baptism in Water
The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Saviour and Lord are to be baptized. They declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. (Matt 16:16; Acts 10:47; Rom 6:4)
The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Saviour and Lord are to be baptized. They declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. (Matt 16:16; Acts 10:47; Rom 6:4)
b) Holy Communion
b) Holy Communion
The Lord's Supper, consisting of the elements -bread and the fruit of the vine- is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4); a memorial of His suffering and death (1 Cor. 11:26); and a prophecy of His second coming (1 Cor. 11:26); and is enjoined on all believers "till He comes!"
The Lord's Supper, consisting of the elements -bread and the fruit of the vine- is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4); a memorial of His suffering and death (1 Cor. 11:26); and a prophecy of His second coming (1 Cor. 11:26); and is enjoined on all believers "till He comes!"
7. The Baptism in the Holy Ghost
7. The Baptism in the Holy Ghost
All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church.
All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church.
With it comes the endowment of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:29; Acts 1:4; 1Cor 12:1-31). This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth (Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9).
With it comes the endowment of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:29; Acts 1:4; 1Cor 12:1-31). This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth (Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9).
With the baptism in the Holy Ghost come such experiences as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37-39; Acts 4:8), a deepened reverence for God (Acts 2:42; Heb 12:28), an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work (Acts 2:42) and a more active love for Christ, for His Word and for the lost (Mark 16:20).
With the baptism in the Holy Ghost come such experiences as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37-39; Acts 4:8), a deepened reverence for God (Acts 2:42; Heb 12:28), an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work (Acts 2:42) and a more active love for Christ, for His Word and for the lost (Mark 16:20).
8. The Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
8. The Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The baptism of believers in the Holy Ghost is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance (Acts 2:4). The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues (1 Cor 12:4-10, 28), but different in purpose and use.
The baptism of believers in the Holy Ghost is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance (Acts 2:4). The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues (1 Cor 12:4-10, 28), but different in purpose and use.
9. Sanctification
9. Sanctification
Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God (Rom 12:1,2; 1 Thess 5:23; Heb 13:12). The scriptures teach a life of "holiness without which no man shall see the Lord." (Heb 12:14) By the power of the Holy Ghost we are able to obey the command; "Be ye holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15, 16).
Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God (Rom 12:1,2; 1 Thess 5:23; Heb 13:12). The scriptures teach a life of "holiness without which no man shall see the Lord." (Heb 12:14) By the power of the Holy Ghost we are able to obey the command; "Be ye holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15, 16).
Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, and by faith reckoning daily upon the fact of that union, and by offering every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit (Rom 6:1-11, 13; 8:1,2,13; Gal 2:20; Phil 2:12,13; 1 Peter 1:5)
Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, and by faith reckoning daily upon the fact of that union, and by offering every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit (Rom 6:1-11, 13; 8:1,2,13; Gal 2:20; Phil 2:12,13; 1 Peter 1:5)
10. The Church and Its Mission
10. The Church and Its Mission
The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit is an integral part of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn, which are written in heaven (Eph 1:22,23; 2:22; Heb 12:23) Since God's purpose concerning man is to seek and to save that which is lost, to be worshipped by man, and to build a body of believers in the image of His Son, the priority-reason-for being a Church is:
The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit is an integral part of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn, which are written in heaven (Eph 1:22,23; 2:22; Heb 12:23) Since God's purpose concerning man is to seek and to save that which is lost, to be worshipped by man, and to build a body of believers in the image of His Son, the priority-reason-for being a Church is:
a) To be an agency of God for evangelizing the world (Acts 1:8; Matt 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16).
a) To be an agency of God for evangelizing the world (Acts 1:8; Matt 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16).
b) To be a corporate body in which man may worship God (1 Cor 12:13).
b) To be a corporate body in which man may worship God (1 Cor 12:13).
c) To be a channel of God's purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Eph 4:11-16; 1 Cor 12:28, 14:12).
c) To be a channel of God's purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Eph 4:11-16; 1 Cor 12:28, 14:12).
d) To teach and encourage believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. This experience:
d) To teach and encourage believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. This experience:
(1) Enables them to evangelize in the power of the Spirit with accompanying supernatural signs (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 4:29-31; Heb 2:3-4).
(1) Enables them to evangelize in the power of the Spirit with accompanying supernatural signs (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 4:29-31; Heb 2:3-4).
(2) Adds a necessary dimension to worshipful relationship with God (1 Cor 2:10-16; 1 Cor 12-14).
(2) Adds a necessary dimension to worshipful relationship with God (1 Cor 2:10-16; 1 Cor 12-14).
(3) Enables them to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in expression of fruit and gifts and ministries as in New Testament times for the edifying of the body of Christ (Gal 5:22-26; 1 Cor 14:12; Eph 4:11-12; 1 Cor 12:28; Col 1:29).
(3) Enables them to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in expression of fruit and gifts and ministries as in New Testament times for the edifying of the body of Christ (Gal 5:22-26; 1 Cor 14:12; Eph 4:11-12; 1 Cor 12:28; Col 1:29).
11. The Ministry
11. The Ministry
A divinely called and Scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the three-fold purpose of leading the Church in: (1) Evangelization of the world (Mark 16:15-20), (2) Worship of God (John 4:23, 24), (3)Building a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Eph 4:11-16).
A divinely called and Scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the three-fold purpose of leading the Church in: (1) Evangelization of the world (Mark 16:15-20), (2) Worship of God (John 4:23, 24), (3)Building a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Eph 4:11-16).
12. Divine Healing
12. Divine Healing
Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers (Isa 53:4,5; Matt 8:16,17; James 5:14-16).
Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers (Isa 53:4,5; Matt 8:16,17; James 5:14-16).
13. The Blessed Hope
13. The Blessed Hope
The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the blessed hope of the Church. (1 Thess 4:16,17; Rom 8:23; Titus 2:13, 1 Cor 15:51-52).
The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the blessed hope of the Church. (1 Thess 4:16,17; Rom 8:23; Titus 2:13, 1 Cor 15:51-52).
14. The Millennial Reign of Christ
14. The Millennial Reign of Christ
The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, and the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one thousand years (Zech 14:5;' Matt 24:27, 30; Rev 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6). This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ezek. 37:21-22; Zeph 3:19-20; Rom 11:26-27) and the establishment of universal peace (Isa 11:6-9; Psa 72: 3-8; Micah 4:3-4).
The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, and the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one thousand years (Zech 14:5;' Matt 24:27, 30; Rev 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6). This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ezek. 37:21-22; Zeph 3:19-20; Rom 11:26-27) and the establishment of universal peace (Isa 11:6-9; Psa 72: 3-8; Micah 4:3-4).
15. The Final Judgment
15. The Final Judgment
There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matt 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Rev 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8).
There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matt 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Rev 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8).
16. The New Heavens and the New Earth
16. The New Heavens and the New Earth
"We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13; Rev 21-22).
"We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13; Rev 21-22).
17. The Ordinances
17. The Ordinances
(1) The ordinance of Baptism by immersion in water (Matt 28:19) shall be administered to all those who have repented of their sins and who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls, and who give clear evidence of their salvation. (Rom 6:3-5; Col 2:12)
(1) The ordinance of Baptism by immersion in water (Matt 28:19) shall be administered to all those who have repented of their sins and who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls, and who give clear evidence of their salvation. (Rom 6:3-5; Col 2:12)
(2) The ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be observed regularly as enjoined in the Scriptures (Luke 22:19,20; 1 Cor 11:23-36).
(2) The ordinance of the Lord's Supper shall be observed regularly as enjoined in the Scriptures (Luke 22:19,20; 1 Cor 11:23-36).