“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” -
We believe that salvation is the process that God instituted whereby all people can be saved from sin and its consequences of death and hell.
We believe that salvation is a process that has a distinct beginning, growth period and completion level in the life of those being saved. (1 Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 1:6)
We believe that salvation continues as an ongoing walk with Jesus Christ. One becomes a new person, living a holy life with the sole purpose of winning other people to Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9)
We believe that all people are born in need of salvation from sin, death and hell. This condition is a direct result of the disobedience of Adam and Eve; death is a direct consequence of sin. (Romans 3:23)
We believe that without salvation, people are separated from God. If people should die without salvation, they will be eternally abandoned in hell and the Lake of Fire. (John 8:24; Revelation 20:14)
We believe that the unborn, infants and the very young that die prematurely receive salvation by God’s grace. (Matthew 19:14)
We believe that salvation is a gift from God; it cannot be earned. God wills for all people to be saved; however, as free agents, individuals must choose to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation. (Ignoring salvation is equivalent to rejecting it.) (Luke 9:57-
We believe that only by accepting Jesus Christ as one’s Lord & Saviour, becoming born again, can one be saved. Truly becoming Christian is becoming born again; unless one is born again, one is not a Christian. (John 3:3, 5, 7)
We believe that the means of salvation was Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross; God’s wrath and punishment towards our sin was cast upon Him. Jesus’ suffering on the cross was not a symbolic gesture but rather the real and full measure of God’s wrath towards all of the sins of humanity. Though on the cross for only a few hours, He suffered the quantity of punishment equivalent for an eternity multiplied by the number of souls upon the earth past, present and future. His “payment” for sin was complete; people who reject or ignore God’s salvation tragically are lost for eternity needlessly. (Isaiah 53:4-
We believe that requirements for salvation are: 1) Belief -
We believe that when one becomes saved, one remains a free agent in this relationship. As a condition of this freedom, one can end their relationship with Jesus Christ and return to an unsaved, damned condition. (John 15:4-
We believe that the ultimate result of salvation is eternal life in the new heaven and new earth to come. (John 10:10
Isaiah 53:4-
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. [6] We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Luke 9:57-
As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” [58] Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” [59] He said to another man, “Follow me.” But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” [60] Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” [61] Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-
John 3:3, 5, 7
[3] In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” [5] Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’”
John 8:24
“I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.” -
John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” -
John 15:4-
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. [5] I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. [6] If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” -
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Philippians 1:6
…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Romans 10:9
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 3:23
…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…
Revelation 20:14
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.
“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling…” (Philippians 2:12)
We believe that the “big picture” of salvation shows it to be a process. It is a process that has a distinct beginning, numerous components and a level of completion in the life of an individual. Some of the phases of the process of salvation occur initially upon an individual’s acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, while others occur over a period of time and in a sequential order. Although the jargon used with and personal testimonies about people’s acceptance of Jesus Christ can vary greatly from one person to another, we believe all of the components of the process of salvation should be evident in everyone’s salvation experience.
We believe that salvation is a process that actually begins with God. It was God’s decision in the first place to love us and provide a way out for us from sin, death and hell. (John 15:16a) To make His desire to save us known to us, God the Holy Spirit applies Himself to the consciousness of an individual in order to produce a sense of conviction. God primarily uses His Word, the Bible, to communicate His will. God is tapping an individual “on the shoulder”, so to speak, in order that they may know that they have offended Him and are in need of salvation. (Job 13:23; Psalm 139:23)
We believe that our part in the process of salvation begins with belief. This belief is not merely a recognition that God exists, but a recognition that God is who He is, and that His condemnation of sin and sinful behavior does apply to us personally. Our belief must embrace the reality that we are a sinner, and as such, are deserving of God’s wrath towards sin and its consequences of death and hell. (Romans 3:23, 5:12)
We believe that with a person having come to the point of belief, the process of salvation should move to a point of decision. Now knowing that he or she is a sinner and hell bound, does he or she want to be saved? Will he or she unconditionally surrender to God and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour? Spiritually speaking an individual has freewill: one chooses to accept or reject God’s loving offer of salvation. Ignoring God’s love and offer of salvation is the same as rejecting it. Now knowing of God’s love for oneself will one love God in return? In short, an individual must personally decide to receive God’s love and salvation. (Joshua 24:15)
We believe that having come to a point of belief and having made a decision to receive salvation from God an individual needs to confess this desire to God; simply admit to God that He is right about one’s personal sinfulness and need of salvation. An individual needs to ask God to forgive him or her and give them a “second chance”, a new life with Him. (Romans 10:10)
We believe that the act of communication in the process of salvation is twofold: it continues with profession: an open telling to all others about one’s new relationship with God. As one realizes their sinfulness and need of salvation they also naturally must see these realities in the lives of others. (Romans 3:23) One’s love for God must be coupled with a love of all others and a concern regarding where they will spend eternity. (1 John 4:20)
We believe that going hand in hand with belief should be repentance. Repentance is not merely a sense of shame for one’s sins but a rejection and abandonment of them. Repentance follows through with an implementation of a new way of living: living holy, right or blameless, in relationship with God. (2 Corinthians 7:10) Unless one repents, one cannot be saved. (1 John 3:6)
We believe that at the moment that one becomes a repentant believer, God the Holy Spirit literally comes into the individual. This part of the process of salvation is known as baptism by the Holy Spirit, sometimes referred to as baptism by fire. (This baptism by God the Holy Spirit should not be confused with water baptism.) (Luke 3:16)
We believe that God comes into the believer in order to meet a number of needs including: security, guidance and empowerment to the individual. The now indwelling Holy Spirit creates a new nature in the life of a believer. Being regenerated, one is now born again and adopted into God’s family as a child of God. This work of regeneration in the life of a believer begins upon their acceptance of God and continues on until they become complete, whole or mature as a new person in Jesus Christ. (John 3:5-
We believe that with regeneration, God additionally provides assurance to believers. God the Holy Spirit impresses this assurance upon a believer’s sense of awareness. God provides this assurance for believers so that they may confidently know that they are truly saved as a child of God. Assurance allows a believer to know, not simply feel like, they are saved. Salvation is brought about by a conscious decision and not by emotion. (One’s feelings and/or emotions may or may not be in unison with what one knows.) (Job 19:25, 26; 2 Timothy 1:12; 1 John 5:13)
We believe that at the moment that one becomes a repentant believer one becomes justified by God. In this pronouncement, God forgives a believing individual of the guilt of and subsequent punishment for their sins. (He paid the “cost” for them while suffering on the cross.) Repentance, the abandonment of sin, is essential for being forgiven and justified by God. (Acts 13:39; 1 Corinthian 6:11)
We believe that during the process of salvation all true believers receive fruits and gifts of the Spirit. Spiritual fruits serve a believer in the process of transforming their behavior into a godly way of living. Spiritual gifts are like tools and jobs, so to speak, that aid a believer in sharing Jesus Christ with the unsaved. Some believers may have many gifts, some may have a few but no believer has none.
We believe that, intended for all believers, Spiritual fruits include: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-
We believe that historically, Spiritual gifts include: miracles, healing, helps, government, faith, apostleship, prophecy, discernment, teaching exhortation, a word of wisdom, a word of knowledge, tongues and interpretation.
We believe that God assigns Spiritual gifts to believers; believers don’t pick and choose them. Spiritual gifts, as tools and jobs for believers, are intended to bring people and praise to God, not to the individual in whom they are endowed. Not all Spiritual gifts are in place today (1 Corinthians 13:8, 13) (See: “What We Believe About…” Spiritual Gifts.)
We believe that All through the process of salvation the believer is given a new purpose for life: to glorify God by bearing fruit. Glorifying God is not about praying and singing; it’s about witnessing to the unsaved about Jesus, His love and their need of salvation through Him. Bearing fruit is winning people to God and training them to become soul-
We believe that the process of salvation does come to a maturity while on this earth. This level in the process is known by such names as: Christian perfection, spiritual maturity, sanctification, holiness, et al. Simply put, it is the point in the life of a believer when all known sin has been repented of and has been replaced by a burning, vibrant and productive love for God and the lost. It is the point and state when the believer’s relationship with God has become perfected. When a believer becomes perfected, it’s not that they have become incapable of sin, it’s that they no longer have a desire to sin; in fact, sin becomes repulsive to them.
We believe that the completion dynamic in the process of salvation can be compared to a recruit coming into the fold of a military boot camp. The new recruit is sworn in; however, he or she is still raw. In a short time, as they yield to the process, they become transformed. They look, talk, walk and even think differently. They no longer are the immature youth who entered the boot camp; they have now become a new man or a new woman; they have become a soldier: redirected in life, fully equipped and complete.
We believe that salvation’s ultimate goal is to prepare us for eternal life in the new Heaven and new Earth. (Revelation 21:1-
Joshua 24:15
“… Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve …”
Job 13:23
“How many wrongs and sins have I committed? Show me my offense and my sin.”
Job 19:25, 26
“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. [26] And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;”
Psalm 139:23
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”
Luke 3:16
“John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.’”
John 3:5-
“Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’”
John 15:16a
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit -
Romans 3:23
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”
Romans 5:12
“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned – “
Romans 10:10
“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
Acts 13:39
“Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.”
1 Corinthian 6:11
“… But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
1 Corinthians 13:8
“Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
2 Corinthian 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
2 Corinthians 7:10
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
Galatians 5:22-
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-
1 Thessalonians 4:13-
“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. [14] We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. [15] According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. [16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. [17] After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. [18] Therefore encourage each other with these words.”
2 Timothy 1:12
“…I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.”
1 John 3:6
“No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him
1 John 4:20
“If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.”
1 John 5:13
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
Revelation 21:1-
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. [2] I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. [4] He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.
The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” –Jesus (Matthew 26:41)
We believe that temptation is a communicated suggestion to sin. These suggestions are directed towards the consciousness of an individual by Satan and/or any number of other demons. Temptation may be directed towards an individual indirectly by way of others. It should be stated that God does not tempt anyone. (James 1:13-
We believe that Satan’s motivation for the use of temptation is simple: to distract the unsaved from receiving salvation and also to lure the saved to return to a life of sin and thus ultimately nullify the Gospel in themselves and in others.
We believe that temptation may be perceived audibly, but in most cases is transmitted to individuals below the level of consciousness and can be difficult to detect. (In spite of this fact, individuals are still held accountable by God for their reactions to temptation.)
We believe that all humans, while on this earth, are subject to temptation. Those who are unsaved are in bondage to the effects of temptation. Those who are saved have God given empowerment to detect temptation and overcome its effects. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
We believe that temptation in and of itself is not counted sin; however, those in Jesus Christ are Biblically implored to be aware of temptation and to respond accordingly. Martin Luther illustrated this principle by stating: “You can’t keep birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest on top of your head.” Alcoholics Anonymous also has an illustrative thought: “If you hang around in a barber shop long enough, sooner or later you’ll get a hair cut.” (Matthew 6:13; 2 Timothy 2:22; James 4:7)
Matthew 6:13
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” –Jesus
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
James 1:13-
“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; [14] but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. [15] Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
“If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” -
We believe that sin is anything that is against the desire of God. Sin can take the form of an action, a word and even a thought.
We believe that at the core of sin is an attitude of rebellion towards God. Sins essence includes a desire to dethrone God as Lord and in His place install oneself.
We believe that the ultimate effect of sin is death: eternal separation from God.
Romans 5:12
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Although sin is not a disease in the medical sense, it still afflicts the human race in much the same way; it has a cause, symptoms, effects, and a cure. The following is an explanation of sin as a disease of the soul.
The Etiology of Sin
1. Sin is a disease that affects the mind, the body and the soul.
2. It primarily attacks the mind. Once in the mind, given the opportunity to grow, the body and soul are negatively impacted.
3. Passed on in the human race through conception, its origin can be traced back to two individuals: a man named Adam and a woman named Eve. Those infected now are known as sinners.
4. Although inherent and congenital in nature, the disease is advanced and compounded by deliberate actions of its victims.
5. Those infected with the disease of sin seldom realize they are carriers or are even ill themselves. Sin is a silent killer.
6. Sin can be easily diagnosed by evaluating the suspected individual with a test for the absence of personal Godly holiness.
7. The prognosis of those infected with the disease of sin is eventual and certain death. Patients may live to an age of 100 years or more but often succumb between the ages of 75 and 85. Certain activities frequently bring about complications and subsequent diseases that claim a patient’s life earlier.
8. Although there have been many purported cures, they are simply palliative and have not produced lasting results. There is only one cure: a washing with the sinless blood of Jesus Christ. The cure, only administered by God, is received by faith. The patient must be constantly and continually dependent on this cure until a new eternal body is received. Behavior modification or repentance is necessary for the cure to have its desired result.
Symptoms of Sin
1. Those infected with the disease of sin usually do not feel any particular pain or discomfort. Victims are for the most part, unaware of the presence of sin at work in the mind and body.
2. Once they are brought to the awareness of the presence of the disease of sin, its victims often remain in, and even perpetuate, a state of denial; most particularly, of sin’s fatal outcome.
3. In a peculiar way, those infected with the disease of sin can often detect its presence in others much more readily than they can within themselves.
4. Mimicking the disease of cancer, the disease of sin starts out small, but over a period of time grows to unlimited sizes.
5. Like cancer, sin is malignant in nature. Slowly deteriorating the body, mind and soul, it robs the individual of an otherwise healthy and lasting existence.
6. Similar to the behavior of cancer, no part of the mind or body is immune from the damaging effects of the disease of sin.
7. Primarily attacking the brain, psychological and cognitive functions such as emotion, inhibition, memory, perception, reasoning and others behaviors are primary targets of the disease of sin. As a result, the perception and understanding of reality juxtaposed to fantasy is greatly impaired.
8. Psychologically, those infected with sin suffer from a constant state of grandiosity. Any ability to think of others is still linked to an inflated perception of the victim’s own self worth.
9. Victims of sin are blinded by grandiosity to the extent that the existence and presence of God is distorted. Often believing they possess awareness of God and are in fellowship with Him, the victim of sin is actually fooled by a self-
10. People with the disease of sin often tend to believe that the disease and its effects will disappear over a period of time without any treatment or that victims naturally outgrow the disease. Some try to manage the disease with various home remedies. Some are resigned to the belief that there is no cure.
11. Psychologically, sin is addictive in nature. Those infected actually crave more of the disease, in spite of the dangers.
12. Because the disease of sin negatively impacts the immune system, victims acquire subsequent diseases. This compounded condition often brings about a host of additional painful symptoms and speeds up the disease’s final outcome of death.
13. Although deadly in its final outcome, the disease still appears pleasurable and even beneficial to those infected.
14. Those infected with the disease of sin harbor an irrational rebelliousness towards others; particularly to those in authority.
15. The prognosis of sin is death, or eternal separation from God and others. Once death has occurred, no cure is possible. Those infected with the disease of sin often believe that death somehow is actually a cure of the disease. (In reality, those who die still infected with the disease of sin continue on, eternally tormented with the maladies they suffered with prior to death.)
The Treatment and Cure of Sin
1. As with other diseases, a proper diagnosis of the disease of sin is important. A patient’s willingness to recognize its presence and its consequences is the beginning of the curing process. Regardless of the inherent and congenital nature of the disease and its subsequent diseases, personal accountability is essential.
2. Patients must submit themselves to the care of Jesus Christ, the great physician. They must cooperate and obey His orders.
3. Each component of an individual (body, mind and soul) is treated by Jesus with different therapies and medications: A) The body is ultimately resurrected into a rebuilt, flawless and eternal one. This is accomplished by the creative and sustaining powers of God Almighty. B) The spirit, or mind, is directed to think anew. The Holy Spirit of God is placed within the individual to encourage and facilitate proper thinking and behavior. The Holy Spirit’s presence also wards off reintroduction attempts of the sin disease. Daily consumption of the Bible in proper doses aids in the process of fending off reoccurrences. C) The soul’s eternal destination is rerouted by God. The deficit of the soul that was created by the disease of sin is filled. This is accomplished by the donated pure sinless blood of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ held on reserve.
4. The cure of the disease of sin is so effective that patients are describe as being born again. They live completely new lives. They behave, talk and even think differently.
5. Although the cure of the sin disease is instantaneous, the patient is dependant on the cure while still residing on earth. The sin disease is bountiful all over the planet and cured patients are susceptible to reacquiring the disease. Complete and constant devotion to the cure regiment is required for the cure to work.
6. Support groups known as congregations are formed to provide encouragement and strength to sin survivors and to bring the awareness of this deadly disease and its cure to all others in the local community and the entire world. A requirement of all cured patients is to have and to show compassion by personally sharing their experience of the disease and its cure to all others.
7. The comprehensive cure includes new sin free environments for those who have successfully overcome the disease. The two facilities are known as the new heaven and the new earth.
8. Although the cure can be administered and received at any point within a victim’s life, it is crucial that the treatment begins immediately. Once death has occurred, the cure is ineffective.
9. Although the cure and treatment are provided at no monetary cost to the patient, the medicine is quite expensive and was paid for by God at an enormous cost. The life of the donor named Jesus Christ was sacrificed for the cure to be valid and effective.
10. The cure is in ample supply for all. While the grace period exists, no patient is ever turned away.
11. As was stated, although the complete cure for sin exists by the mercy of God, each individual must choose to accept or reject it.
For everything in the world -
We believe that sinfulness is a human condition that separates each and all of us from God.
We believe that all people are born sinful. Our current state of sinfulness is inherited by each of us from our original human parents, Adam & Eve. (Adam & Eve became sinful by their own actions of disobedience towards, and rejection of, God.) (Romans 3:10)
We believe that our sinfulness produces behaviors in us that are contrary to God’s nature of holiness (purity). This behavior can be manifested in thoughts, words and deeds. Sinfulness is also, simply a state of existence that is contrary to God’s desires. (Romans 3:23; 5:12)
We believe that in the end, our state of sinfulness produces death: bodily and spiritually, eternally separated from God and isolated from all others. (Revelation 21:8)
We believe that there is no human way to be cured of our personal sinfulness. The only cure can be found in Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:15-
Romans 3:10
As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;”
Romans 3:23
…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…
Romans 5:12
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned-
Romans 5:15-
But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! [16] Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. [17] For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. [18] Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. [19] For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. [20] The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, [21] so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Revelation 21:8
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars -
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” -
We believe that the written law of God was originally given to mankind through the Israelites as a “code of conduct”. (Deuteronomy 26:16)
We believe that, to the unsaved individual, the law points out their sins and sinfulness to them. To the saved individual, the law reveals how God now expects them to live and behave. (Romans 3:19, 20; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17)
We believe that the law does not save anyone; rather, it condemns individuals to death. (Galatians 3:10) In God’s sight, if an individual breaks just one of God’s laws, they are guilty of breaking them all. (James 2:10) Contemplating about breaking a commandment is the same as breaking it. (Matthew 5:28)
We believe that the Ten Commandments are an overview of God’s law. God elaborates through the whole of Scripture regarding His complete law and will. (Matthew 4:4)
We believe that ignorance of the Ten Commandments and the rest of God’s law does not absolve an individual of guilt and punishment. (Romans 1:20) It is ultimately impossible for an unsaved sinful individual to obey the Ten Commandments. (1 Corinthians 1:18) All ten of the Ten Commandments are still in effect today. (Matthew 5:17, 18)
We believe that God desires for all believers to know, understand, meditate on, obey and communicate the Ten Commandments and the whole of God’s law. (Deuteronomy 6:1-
We believe that the greatest commandments, and in fact the only commandments that lead to salvation, are the first two: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-
We believe that the Ten Commandments and the whole of God’s law will eventually be abolished by God. (Revelation 21:4) In the new heaven and new earth they will not be necessary.
We believe that in its essence, the law brings only death; only Jesus Christ can deliver new and eternal life.
Deuteronomy 6:1-
“These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, [2] so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. [3] Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, promised you.”
[4] “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. [5] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. [6] These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. [7] Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. [8] Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. [9] Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
Deuteronomy 26:16
The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul.
Psalm 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 5:17, 18
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. [18] I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” -
Matthew 5:28
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” -
Matthew 5:48
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” -
Matthew 22:37-
Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. [40] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Romans 1:20
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -
Romans 3:19, 20
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. [20] Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Galatians 3:10
All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”
2 Timothy 3:16, 17
All Scripture is God-
James 2:10
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden…” (Genesis 2:16)
We believe in the existence of the free agency of each and every individual. By free agency we mean the freedom to make personal choices regarding any and all of life’s decisions. (Genesis 2:16; Joshua 24:15)
We believe that free agency, our freedom of will, is a gift given to all individuals by God. It underscores His special love for mankind; with this gift we are unique and different than all the rest of God’s creation.
We believe that one’s spiritual free agency, the decision to accept or reject God’s offer of personal salvation, resides in each and every individual; ignoring God’s love is tantamount to rejecting it. (John 3:16; Romans 10:9, 10
We believe that furthermore, free agency continues on in the new life of believers in Jesus Christ. Specifically, believers possess the ability to continue with or reject their relationship with God. People do not give up their personal freedom when they become a Christian. (Matthew 24:13; John 15:9; James 1:12; Revelation 14:12)
Genesis 2:16
And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden…”
Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Matthew 24:13
“…but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” -
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” -
John 15:9
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” -
Romans 10:9, 10
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Revelation 14:12
This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.
“…But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” –Jesus (Luke 13:3)
We believe that repentance is a necessary step in the process of salvation. We believe repentance involves: an abandonment of, turning away from and staying away from sin. “Repent” was the first recorded word of Jesus’ earthly ministry. (Isaiah 45:22; Matthew 4:17; 9:13; Acts 17:30)
We believe that repentance is a process which begins with an individual learning of their personal guilt of sinful behavior, accepting personal responsibility (or ownership) of it and openly acknowledging that Jesus Christ received God’s wrath and punishment because of it. (Luke 15:17-
We believe that it should be noted that the conventional thinking that repentance is simply an emotional perception of sorrow or remorse is not an accurate understanding of Biblical repentance. Emotions may or may not be a part of one’s experience of repentance; repentance is about action, not feelings. Repentance is an ongoing attitude, not merely an event in time; when one walks away from sin, one must stay away from sin. (2 Corinthians 7:10)
Isaiah 45:22
“Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”
Matthew 4:17
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Matthew 9:13
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” -
Luke 15:17-
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! [18] I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. [19] I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’” -
Acts 17:30
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
2 Corinthians 7:10
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Revelation 7:14
“…These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
(1 John 1:9)
We believe that forgiveness is a necessary part of the process of salvation: first that we are forgiven by God for our sins, and secondly, that we forgive others of their sins against us. Unless we are willing to forgive others, we will not be forgiven. (Matthew 6:14; Luke 11:4)
We believe that when one sins against an individual, God is also sinned against. Subsequently, when an individual receives forgiveness from another individual, forgiveness from God must also be sought. (Luke 15:18)
We believe that forgiveness can only be fulfilled once the guilty party repents of their sin. (1 John 1:9) If one does not cease from their sin, one can not be forgiven of it.
We believe that one’s open confession of one’s sin is also a necessary step in order to receive forgiveness from an offended party. (Leviticus 5:5, 6; Psalm 38:18; Romans 10:9)
We believe that regardless of whether one who has offended someone repents or not, the offended person must still be willing and prepared to forgive them, should they repent and seek forgiveness. (2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 81:13, 14)
We believe that forgiveness is akin to the letting go of a debt; moreover, in its completeness, the act of forgiveness calls for even the remembrance of one’s sins to be let go. (Hebrews 8:12)
Leviticus 5:5, 6
“When anyone is guilty in any of these ways, he must confess in what way he has sinned [6] and, as a penalty for the sin he has committed, he must bring to the Lord a female lamb or goat from the flock as a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Psalm 38:18
I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.
Psalm 81:13, 14
“If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, [14] how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!”
Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” -
Luke 11:4
“Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” -
Luke 15:18
“‘I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.’” -
John 20:23
“If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” –Jesus
Romans 10:9
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Hebrews 8:12
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
“You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’” –Jesus (John 3:7)
We believe that being born again is necessary in order to be saved from sin, death and hell. When one becomes born again, that is to say, a true and obedient believer in Jesus Christ, one becomes Christian. Hence, if one is not born again, one is not a Christian. Those who are born again are Christian; those who are Christian are born again. The term “born again Christian” is redundant, it is a double adjective. (John 3:1-
We believe that being born again involves the complete and continual surrender and submission of oneself to Jesus Christ. Upon this surrender, God the Holy Spirit literally indwells in the body and soul of the new believer. (This occurrence is also known by the terms: “baptism by the Spirit”, “baptism by fire” et al.) God’s spiritual presence in the life of the new believer imparts a new nature to an individual, hence the term, born again. This new nature specifically involves one’s conscience, thinking, attitudes, desires and behaviors.
We believe that there are many misconceptions and deceptions concerning the human spiritual state of being born again. Being baptized, confirmed, attending church services, being a member of a church, reading the Bible, participating in Communion, praying and even looking and acting like a Christian do not make an individual born again. (Matthew 7:21-
We believe that being born again has a distinct point of beginning in an individual. People become born again on purpose, not by accident. In hind sight, it may be difficult sometimes to testify as to the exact moment in one’s life when they became born again; however, one should be able to make clear distinctions of one’s life after, juxtaposed to before, accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.
We believe that it should be noted that when one becomes born again and receives their new holy nature, the original (old, Adamic, sinful, etc.) nature does not depart. The original nature is subdued by God’s indwelling Spirit. This dynamic also requires one’s willingness to keep the sinful nature subdued and the new Godly nature flowing. (Romans 7:15-
Matthew 7:21-
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ [23] Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” -
John 3:1-
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. [2] He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.” [3] In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” [4] “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!” [5] Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ [8] The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” [9] “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. [10] “You are Israel's teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? [11] I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. [12] I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? [13] No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven -
Romans 7:15-
[15] I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. [16] And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. [17] As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. [18] I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. [19] For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do -
1 Corinthians 15:31
I die every day -
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Galatians 6:15
Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.
“I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.” –God (Leviticus 11:44)
We believe that believers in Jesus Christ are called to live lives that are holy (pure, sinless, set apart). (Leviticus 19:2; Matthew 5:48) Holy living means living holy.
We believe that living holy is not only possible but expected by God of all believers in Jesus Christ.
We believe that once an individual becomes born again through accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, God’s Holy Spirit literally indwells within the new believer. God’s indwelling Spirit then begins a work of “spiritual housecleaning and remodeling”. This process transforms one’s whole being to be in conformity with God’s expectations of personal behavior; sinful behaviors are to be abandoned, God honoring and soul winning behaviors are instilled.
We believe that the Bible contains all of the necessary information concerning God’s expectations for holy living. Although a believer is no longer under the condemnation of the law, the Ten Commandments and the rest of the written law within the Bible do provide a comprehensive guide for appropriate Christian behavior. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Psalm 119:11) The earthly life of Jesus Christ is also a model of holy living for believers to emulate. (Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 12:2)
We believe that when believers are unclear concerning God’s will regarding an issue they should “test the spirits”. (1 John 4:1) Believers should act in faith and never in doubt. (Romans 14:23; James 1:6)
We believe that a basic rule of holy living is to be motivated by a desire to be acceptable and pleasing to God. Additionally, a love and concern to win others to Jesus Christ should be motivation for believers to live lives that are holy. (Colossians 3:17)
We believe that holy living is an exercise of one’s free will and can only proceed in the life of a believer if the individual is willing.
We believe that in essence, a believer’s behavior should attract people to (and keep fellow believers in) salvation in Jesus Christ.
We believe that the antithesis of holy living is worldliness. The following is a believer’s test guide for determining the potential worldliness of miscellaneous activities in life.
Leviticus 19:2
“Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.’”
Psalm 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Matthew 5:48
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” -
Romans 14:23
But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Colossians 3:7
You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
2 Timothy 3:16, 17
All Scripture is God-
Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
James 1:6
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
1 John 4:1
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
The Bible's Test on Worldliness
IS IT “OF THE WORLD?”
“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.”
-
IS IT TO THE GLORY OF GOD?
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
CAN GOD’S BLESSING BE UPON IT?
“The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.” (Proverbs 10:22)
IS IT AN OFFENSE TO OTHERS?
It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. (Romans 14:21)
HAS IT THE APPEARANCE OF EVIL?
Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22)
IS IT A “BESETTING SIN?”
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1)
HAS IT A WHOLESOME ATMOSPHERE?
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:14, 15, 17)
…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (1 Peter 3:15)
We believe that personal testimonies are a means by which believers can express gratitude towards God and love and concern for the lost. Testimonies also serve as an encouragement to other believers. Personal testimonies are perhaps the most effective method of winning the lost to salvation in Jesus Christ. (Psalm 71:15, 16)
We believe that all believers in Jesus Christ are expected to share with the lost their experience of becoming born again. (This is a no-
We believe that personal testimonies are most effective when they illustrate the segments of: one’s life before accepting Jesus Christ, how one became born again and then their new life in Jesus Christ now; it should show a personal spiritual transformation from sinfulness to holiness; the old life of sin juxtaposed to the new life in Christ
We believe that personal testimonies must be open, accurate and complete. One’s personal life should be lived out in such a way to provide living evidence of one’s proclamation of Jesus Christ to the world.
We believe that it should be stated: personal testimonies are a litmus test of one’s love towards God; if you know and love God, you don’t have to be told to share him, you can’t be restrained from sharing Him. (Mark 8:38; Romans 10:9)
Psalm 71:15, 16
“My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. [16] I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.” –David
Mark 8:38
“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.” –Jesus
Luke 9:26
“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” -
Romans 10:9
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
2 Timothy 1:8
So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God…
1 Peter 3:15, 16
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
“Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” –Jesus (Luke 9:60)
We believe that all believers in Jesus Christ have a mandate to share Him with the lost, locally and globally. We believe this is a no-
We believe that actual soul-
We believe that one’s salvation is dependent on one’s willingness to share Jesus Christ with the lost. (Matthew 18:15; Mark 8:38; Romans 10:9) This does not imply that we earn or work for our salvation; however; the Bible clearly links love of God with love towards others. (1 John 4:20)
We believe that it is one of the many responsibilities of the Christian Church to train, support and encourage each and every believer in the most effective ways of winning people to salvation in Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 4:2, 5)
We believe that it can not be overstated: all believers are called as co-
Genesis 4:9
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don't know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” -
Matthew 28:19
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” -
Mark 8:38
“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.” -
Romans 10:9
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:14, 15
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? [15] And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
2 Timothy 4:2, 5
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage -
1 John 4:20
If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” –Jesus (Matthew 7:16-
We believe that every believer is intended by God to receive spiritual fruit. The Bible refers to several components of spiritual fruit, namely: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-
We believe that all of the components of spiritual fruit are given to every believer by God; however, each believer must willingly accept and utilize each component of the fruit of the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
We believe that the components of the fruit of the spirit are new character traits that the Holy Spirit produces within the soul, spirit and life of the believer. They are displayed through the believer’s thinking, attitudes, desires, behaviors and actions. New believers acquiring and exercising these attributes is evidence of the presence of God the Holy Spirit at work in them; however, simply having these traits does not make one born again.
We believe that the ultimate purpose of receiving spiritual fruit is to transform, equip and empower each and every believer to be productive soul-
We believe that it cannot be over stated: each and every believer must bear spiritual fruit. Those who refuse to accept, be transformed by and utilize the fruit of the spirit will wither, eventually die and be cut off from the Vine (Jesus Christ). (John 15:1-
John 15:1-
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. [2] He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. [3] You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. [4] Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
[5] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. [6] If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. [7] If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. [8] This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” -
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Galatians 5:22-
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-
Love
We believe that believers are to love with a sacrificial love, a love that cares about other’s needs first, over and above one’s own needs. A love that is specifically concerned about where others will spend eternity: Heaven or Hell.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” -
Joy
We believe that believers experience joy which is brought about by realizing the many truths that only believers in Jesus Christ can know, understand and appreciate. Believers receive joy in knowing: God does exist; God does love them; God has entrusted them as soul-
The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Isaiah 51:11) “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” -
Peace
We believe that believers receive a peace (stability, calmness, assurance) in the knowledge that God has accepted them; they are no longer at odds with God. By God’s grace and power, believers have overcome Satan, sin, death and hell. The guilt and shame of unrepentant sin is over. The tyranny of the urgent is over; nothing in life truly matters anymore other than winning people to Jesus Christ.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, 7) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” -
Patience
We believe that believers are endowed with a resource of patience where before there was impatience. This patience is emboldened by the believer’s knowledge that God does desire that all people come to know and accept Him as their personal Lord and Saviour (although, sadly many won’t).
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. (Psalm 40:1) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 …be patient with everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
Kindness
We believe that believers are enabled to be kind where before there was rudeness, selfishness and indifference towards others. This kindness is exemplified by generosity: sharing and giving. The kindness that is expected in believers lives out the phrase: “What’s mine is yours, and you may have it.” opposed to “What’s mine is mine and I’ll keep it.” or “What’s yours is mine, and I’ll take it.”
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you…” -
Goodness
We believe that believers are given victory over sin, not mere management of sin or “coping skills” for sin. In place of the allure of sin, believers are to be filled with the joy of personally knowing and pleasing God. In the fruit of goodness, the cravings for sin are dissipated and replaced with a hunger for the things of God.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. (Psalm 29:2) “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” (Isaiah 6:3) Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14) “Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 20:7)
Faithfulness
We believe that believers are given the empowerment to endure and not to quit. All believers are capable of living a life completely devoted to pleasing God. If we fail at anything, it is because we stopped relying on God’s empowerment for our faithfulness.
For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. (Psalm 57:10) …And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear…he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
(1 Corinthians 10:13) We live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7) And without faith it is impossible to please God…because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Gentleness
We believe that believers are to be people of softness; any rough edges of behavior must be rounded off. Just as in the concept “Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast,” a believer’s behavior should project a sense of acceptance and hope in the mind of the lost. Believers should be not merely sympathetic to the needs and feelings of others but empathetic.
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey… (Zechariah. 9:9) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart…” -
Self-
We believe that believers are endowed with a restored ability to have absolute control and responsibility over their lives. While still possessing a free will, believers are given the ability to break from the addictive and never ending cycle of sin. Self-
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. (Proverbs 29:11) Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” –Paul (1 Corinthians 12:1)
We believe that spiritual gifts, or gifts of the Spirit, are various “tools” graciously given by God to all believers in Jesus Christ. The purpose of a spiritual gift is not so much for the benefit of the individual, but rather to equip the believer to serve God. Spiritual gifts are in a sense abilities, skills, and talents. They are designed to be used in the leadership, guidance and education (discipleship) of the Church (local groups of believers) and in group evangelism and personal soul-
We believe that spiritual gifts may be given at various times in one’s Christian experience. Not all spiritual gifts are permanent; one does not “own” them. Not all believers receive the same gifts. Some may receive numerous spiritual gifts and some may receive only a few; every believer receives at least one.
We believe that none of the abilities associated with spiritual gifts originate in the individual; they are acquired from and empowered solely by God.
We believe that it should be stated that although they are mentioned in the Bible, the various gifts of the Spirit and their uses are not exhaustively described.
We believe that the practice of equating the manifestation of any particular spiritual gift as evidence of, and even an actual requirement for, one’s salvation in Christ is un-
We believe that historically spiritual gifts included: miracles -
We believe that not all of the previously mentioned historical spiritual gifts are dispensed to individuals today. Not all of the gifts were intended to remain through the entire life of the Church age. (1 Corinthians 13:8) Some, such as miracles and/or healing, have been redirected to the body of believers as a whole. (James 5:14-
We recognize that the subject of spiritual gifts is often a point of confusion and even heated controversy within the Church, particularly the current application of languages, healing and prophecy. We believe the current practice of “speaking in tongues” using some alleged “heavenly” language is not in step with the true gift of languages; this modern phenomenon is demonic in its origin. (1 Corinthians 14:26-
Spiritual Gifts Today
We believe that, according to Paul, there are only three gifts of the Spirit that can be absolutely depended upon: “faith”, “hope” and “love”. (1 Corinthians 13:13) In the Bible, Paul speaks of love as the one lasting spiritual gift that is available to all believers. Love should be the most sought after and the most utilized of all of God’s gifts. This particular love is sacrificial in nature and concerned with people’s salvation.
We believe that all believers are called to be filled with the spiritual gift of love, a “family” love for fellow believers and a “concerned” love for the unsaved. Today, this core spiritual gift of love is expressed by individuals through a variety of services to fellow believers and the unsaved.
We believe that today, in a sense all believers are gifted: to guide; to evangelize and win souls; to understand, teach and expound the Bible; to encourage, lift up, and counsel; and to provide hospitality for fellowship, unity and outreach. Some individuals may be especially called in one or more areas of spiritual giftedness, but all believers are endowed with a fundamental ability in each area.
We believe that it is up to each believer to recognize and utilize their own particular strength in spiritual giftedness for the edification of the Church and the soul-
Numbers 11:29
But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!”
Matthew 17:14-
When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. [15] “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. [16] I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.” [17] “O unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” [18] Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. [19] Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn't we drive it out?” [20] He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Romans 12:8
….if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Acts 2:1-
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. [2] Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. [5] Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-
Acts 6:1
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
Acts 9:36-
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. [37] About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. [38] Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” [39] Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. [40] Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. [41] He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. [42] This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. [43] Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” -
Romans 11:33
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
Romans 12:8
…if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
1 Corinthians 1:10, 28
[10] I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. [28] He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things -
1 Corinthians 12:8, 9, 10, 28-
[8] To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, [10] to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. [28] And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. [29] Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? [30] Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?
1 Corinthians 13:8
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
1 Corinthians 13:13
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” -
1 Corinthians 14:19
But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
1 Corinthians 14:27
If anyone speaks in a tongue, two -
1 Corinthians 14:26-
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. [27] If anyone speaks in a tongue, two -
Ephesians 2:20
…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone…
1 Thessalonians 5:19-
Do not put out the Spirit's fire; [20] do not treat prophecies with contempt. [21] Test everything. Hold on to the good. [22] Avoid every kind of evil.
2 Timothy 2:2
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
James 5:14-
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. [15] And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. [16] Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. –Paul (1 Corinthians 13:11)
We believe that all new believers in Jesus Christ are called by God to become complete Christians. We call this dynamic: “Christian Completeness”. Other names in the Christian community for this belief are: Sanctification, Holiness, Christian Perfection, Spiritual Maturity, et al.
We believe that once an individual becomes born again through accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, God’s Holy Spirit literally indwells within the new believer. God’s indwelling Spirit then begins a work of “spiritual housecleaning and remodeling”. This process transforms one’s whole being to be in conformity with God’s expectations of personal behavior; sinful behaviors are to be abandoned, God honoring and soul-
We believe that the Bible contains all of the necessary information concerning God’s expectations for living a holy life. Although a believer is no longer under the condemnation of the law, the Ten Commandments and the rest of the Bible provide a guide for appropriate Christian behavior. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Psalm 119:11) The earthly life of Jesus Christ serves as a model of holy living for believers to emulate. (Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 12:2)
We believe that once a believer’s transformation is complete they must continue to yield to God’s leading day by day, and moment by moment. Becoming complete in the Christian life does not mean that one is perfect in the conventional sense nor does it mean that an individual becomes incapable of sin. It does mean that one does become “perfect” in the sense of being complete spiritually, thus one’s cravings, desires and enticements of sin are held in check.
We believe that the process of becoming spiritually complete produces an unfettered love of God, an abounding love for others and a relentless concern for their eternal destiny.
We believe that this process of becoming spiritually complete can only proceed and continue in the life of a new believer if the individual is a willing participant.
We believe that it should be noted that while believers are upon the earth, they are still vulnerable to temptations, sins, maladies, sufferings, mistakes and failures that are common to humanity. All of these present human attributes will be eradicated once the believer is received into the next life through death or the rapture of the Church.
Psalm 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Philippians 1:6
…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:16, 17
All Scripture is God-
Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
James 1:4
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
1 Peter 2:5
…you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. –Jesus (Matthew 12:31)
We believe that there is nothing, except our own free will, that can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:39)
We believe that, being descendants of Adam & Eve, we are all born as sinners, not children of God. (Psalm 51:5; John 8:44) When an individual becomes born again they are “adopted” back into the family of God. (Ephesians 1:5)
We believe that the believer’s restored relationship with God is a mutual relationship based upon love; believers are not in bondage as slaves nor do they abdicate their free will. Subsequently, while on this planet, it is possible to reject Jesus Christ and consequently, lose one’s salvation.
We believe that any doctrine that implies “once saved, always saved” is a false doctrine. It negates one’s free will, accountability and ability to fully love and trust God. We believe it also serves as an enablement for believers not to live holy lives, and thus live lives of unrepentant sin.
We believe that furthermore that the claim: “those who believe salvation can be lost are working for salvation” is incorrect. The exercise of one’s free will to love God and the lost is not work and should not be understood as working for one’s salvation.
We believe that it should be stated that the belief that one can lose salvation is not an inference that God toys with people or is one who takes back gifts. The loss of one’s salvation is the end condition of a continued pattern of lost belief and disobedience. (John 15:1-
We believe that it should be also stated: God does everything within His power to save individuals and keep them saved. Nothing can separate us from the love of God; however, salvation is based upon a mutual relationship. We choose whether or not to love God, and by so doing, choose where we will spend eternity.
Psalm 51:5
Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Psalm 51:11
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me
John 8:44
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” -
John 15:1-
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. [2] He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. [3] You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. [4] Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” [5] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. [6] If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” -
Romans 8:39
…neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 1:5
...he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will...
1 Thessalonians 5:19
Do not put out the Spirit's fire…
Hebrews 2:3
…how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.
Hebrews 10:29
How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?
Revelation 3:21
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
“The bride belongs to the bridegroom...” –Jesus (John 3:29)
We believe in the existence of the Church.
We believe that the makeup of the Church is in fact, the collective world-
We believe that the Church is mandated by God; believers are called to assemble and function as a unit. (Hebrews 10:25) Although assembled groups of Christians may vary in size, wherever two or three are gathered, Jesus Christ is there in their midst. (Matthew 18:20)
We believe that the purpose of assembling as believers is for: corporately worshiping and praising God; administering water baptism; mutually supporting and encouraging each other by sharing personal testimonies; collectively reading, teaching and expounding the Bible and proclaiming Jesus Christ through the practice of the “Lord’s Supper”. (Genesis 49:2; Acts 2:42-
We believe that those within the Church are unified by God the Holy Spirit; the Church is an invisible network. (Romans 8:16) Each member is a “brother” or “sister” in Jesus Christ. Members of the Church are able to recognize each other by the presence of God’s Holy Spirit indwelling within each of them. (Ephesians 2:19-
We believe that the Church’s primary purpose is to serve as a communicator of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the unsaved world. (Matthew 28:18-
We believe that leadership of the Church initiates with God and works through various believers who are called as leaders within the Church. (John 15:5) Leadership positions within the Church include: overseers, pastors, deacons, teachers, evangelists, elders, et al. We believe positions of congregational leadership within the Church are assigned exclusively to men. Women also greatly serve in the functioning of the Church; however, they are not called in the capacity of a leader over a congregation. (1 Corinthians 14:33-
We believe that the Church’s mission will be concluded on earth; the Church will come to an end. We believe all of its obedient members will be transported off of this planet in an event known as the rapture of the Church. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-
We believe that it should be noted that alongside the true Church of Jesus Christ exists a false church. This false church is an instrument of Satan, used to deceive the unsaved. (Matthew 7:15) (See: "What We Believe About..." The False Church)
We believe that it should be restated: the Church is the world-
Genesis 49:2
“Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel.”
Matthew 7:15
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” -
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” -
Matthew 28:18-
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
John 3:8
“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” -
John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” -
Acts 2:42-
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [43] Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. [44] All the believers were together and had everything in common. [45] Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. [46] Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Romans 1:11, 12
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong -
Romans 8:16
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
1 Corinthians 14:33-
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints, [34] women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. [35] If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
Ephesians 2:19-
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, [20] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. [21] In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. [22] And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. [14] We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. [15] According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. [16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. [17] After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. [18] Therefore encourage each other with these words.
1 Timothy 2:12
I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.
2 Timothy 4:1-
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: [2] Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage -
Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-
“This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.”
(1 John 4:3)
We believe that there is a false church existent along side the true Church in the world today. Its membership is comprised of multitudes of people who are unwittingly a part of it as well as many who are fully aware of its aims and ultimate goal. It is represented through many denominations, conferences and even independent congregations. (Matthew 7:15-
We believe that the false church mimics the true Church in many ways. The false church often utilizes the same nomenclature, music, symbols and even the same Bible as the true Church; however, the key attribute it lacks is an accurate understanding and acceptance of the person and work of Jesus Christ. The false church also lacks the proper understanding and embracement of the new birth that believers experience in Jesus Christ. Additionally, we believe a major tool of the false church is the current ecumenical movement. (See: The Ecumenical Movement.) (Matthew 24:24; 2 Peter 2:11; 1 John 2:18-
We believe that the false church is an instrument of Satan for the purpose of deceiving the unsaved and corrupting believers in the true Church.
We believe that it should be noted that those who have been deceived by the false church are not without accountability for their association with it. We believe those who truly seek God are led by Him into the fellowship of the true Church. (Jeremiah 29:13)
We believe that the current false church, by way of the ecumenical movement, is the platform for the great one-
Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Matthew 7:15-
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. [16] By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” [21] “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ [23] Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” -
Matthew 24:24
“For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect -
2 Peter 2:11
…yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord.
1 John 2:18-
Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. [19] They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us. [20] But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. [21] I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. [22] Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist -
1 John 4:1, 3
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ...but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
Revelation 19:2
“…for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
Revelation 20:14, 15
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. [15] If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” –Jesus (Matthew 28:19, 20)
We believe in the practice of discipleship.
We believe that every believer is called to be a disciple (student) of Jesus Christ. Every group of Christians is called to be a body that disciples (teaches) each of its members. (Matthew 28:18-
We believe that the purposes for discipleship are to fortify a believer’s faith as well as to equip them to be effective soul-
We believe that discipleship should start with an individual from the moment they are saved. A willingness to learn is essential in every new believer.
We believe that, although there are many good study aids such as a Bible concordance, dictionary, expository, etc., the sole textbook of discipleship is the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)
We believe that God the Holy Spirit serves as the believer’s guide for interpretation of the Bible. (John 16:13) Additionally, God directs believers in the practical everyday application of the knowledge contained within the Bible.
We believe that it should be stated, that even obtaining all of the wisdom of God there is to gain is not a substitute for a real and loving relationship with God. (Proverbs 1:7; John 3:9-
We believe that God desires for His wisdom to be known and understood by all believers; Godly wisdom is for all believers, not a selected few. God wants to be loved and understood. God’s wisdom is universal and applies to all believers equally.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Matthew 4:19
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 7:22
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’” -
Matthew 12:49
Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers.” -
Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Matthew 28:18-
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Luke 14:33
“In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” –Jesus
John 3:9-
“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. [10] “You are Israel's teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? [11] I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. [12] I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?”
John 8:31
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.”
John 16:13
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. -
2 Timothy 3:16, 17
All Scripture is God-
Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.
(Mark 6:7)
We believe in evangelism, the telling forth of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
We believe that the core mission of the Church is evangelism. In essence, the Church is in the communications business, communicating the love of Jesus Christ to our lost and dying world. (Mark 16:15)
We believe that evangelism is achieved through many formats and media including: The Bible, tracts (pamphlets), witnessing (verbally telling people about their need of salvation and how they can obtain it through Jesus Christ), sharing personal testimonies, music lyrics, dramatizations, public speaking, et al.
We believe that every believer is called as an evangelist; one cannot truly love God and not have a desire to share Him with the spiritually lost. (Luke 9:26; 1 Peter 3:15; 1 John 4:20) Additionally, some believers are specifically gifted and called in focused efforts of evangelism. (Ephesians 4:11)
We believe that the motivation for evangelism must be love: a thankful love towards God inseparably coupled with a compassionate sacrificial love for every fellow human being.
We believe that evangelism is most successful when those who are engaged in it are living their own lives completely sold out to Christ, free from the world’s distractions and sin.
We believe that additionally, evangelism is most successful when it is accompanied by generous acts of love and kindness that meet people’s physical needs: food, clothing, shelter, etc.
We believe that all activities of the Church and of a believer’s life must be ultimately aimed at supporting evangelism. Comparatively in the big picture, believers have nothing to do but lead souls to salvation in Jesus Christ; the value of a human’s life and eternal soul has no comparison. (Matthew 16:26) (See: “What We Believe About…” Personal Soul-
Matthew 16:26
What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? -
Mark 16:15
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” –Jesus
Luke 9:26
If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. -
Ephesians 4:11
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers…
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
1 John 4:20
If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
“The greatest among you will be your servant.” –Jesus (Matthew 23:11)
We believe that the Church does have direct leadership.
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord of the Church; the Church is His, it belongs to Him, He is the Bridegroom of the Bride. He, being God, is the Church’s sole authority and ultimate “leader”. (Matthew 28:18; John 3:29; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 21:2)
We believe that God does assign leadership responsibilities to specifically called believers within each local group of Christians. (Ephesians 4:11-
We believe that the choice of which specific model of local church government used by local groups of believers is left to the membership of each local group; the Bible does not give specific requirements or examples of local church government. Historically, those serving in positions of leadership within the local church have been referred to as: bishops, shepherds, pastors, deacons, overseers, ministers, elders, etc.; however, in the Itty Bitty Nitty Gritty Bible Church, leaders in each individual group are simply referred to as “leaders”.
We believe that the primary job responsibility of local group leaders is to guide, guard and support their membership’s spiritual wellbeing. Additionally they are responsible to serve as role models, mentors and teachers in matters of the Christian faith, focusing on: reading and understanding the Bible, living holy lives and personal soul-
We believe that those who are to be leaders of local groups of believers are called by God to this responsibility. One does not personally aspire to be a leader of a group, one is appointed by God to this responsibility. One does not volunteer to be a leader; one is drafted so to speak.
We believe that a believer’s call and giftedness by God regarding the position of a group leader should be easily recognized and openly respected by the group’s membership they are serving. (Hebrews 13:17) Not everyone who “feels” they are a leader or simply shows qualities of leadership are necessarily called as a leader by God. It should be noted that Satan often inspires, empowers and attempts to drive people under his influence into positions of Church leadership. (Matthew 7:15; 2 Timothy 4:3) One’s calling as a leader should be lovingly and thoroughly tested by fellow believers. (1 John 4:1)
We believe that the conventional view of Church leaders having some mystical “holiness” and/or absolute dictatorial authority is false. True Biblical leaders are merely human guides that defer to Jesus Christ in all matters. We believe that the concept of credentials, licensing or ordination is worldly in origin; God equips and authorizes those He calls as leaders. We believe that the use of the title “priest” is an abomination; Jesus Christ served as the final “priest” in His sacrificial death upon the cross. (John 19:30; Hebrew 9:12, 24) We believe that the notion of current “apostolic” leadership (a successive line of leaders from the original twelve Apostles) is false; there is no Biblical mandate for the continuation of Apostles in the leadership of the Church.
We believe that God exclusively calls men to be leaders of groups of believers. Women do serve the Lord faithfully within the Church and in a variety of capacities, however, not in the capacity of a leader of a group of believers. (1 Corinthians 14:33-
We believe that leaders must be: spiritually complete; self-
We believe that leaders must be “the husband of one wife.” (1 Timothy 3:2) Leaders may be single or widowed, but they may not be a divorcé.
We believe that leaders and all leadership within the Church must be of a humble nature. Who ever wants to be first must be last. Who ever wants to speak must listen. Who ever want to lead must serve. (John 13:13-
We believe that when it comes to the essence of leadership within the Church, all believers are called as “leaders” with regards to living their lives completely for Jesus Christ and proclaiming Him and the salvation He offers to our lost and dying world. (1 Peter 2:9)
Matthew 7:15
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” -
Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
John 3:29
“The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.” –Jesus
John 13:13-
[13] “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. [14] Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. [15] I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. [16] I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. [17] Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit -
John 19:30
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
1 Corinthians 14:33-
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints, [34] women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. [35] If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
Ephesians 4:11-
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, [12] to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
1 Timothy 2:12
I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.
1 Timothy 3:2
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-
1 Timothy 3:1-
Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. [2] Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-
2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
Hebrews 9:12, 24
[12] He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.
[24] For Christ did not enter a man-
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 5:4
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
1 John 4:1
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Revelation 21:2
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)
We believe in the practice of Christian fellowship. Although being born again is a personal and individual experience, believers are directed by God to join in fellowship with each other. (Genesis 4:9; Hebrews 10:25; 2 Corinthians 6:14, 15)
We believe that the Church (the collective body of those who are born again) is a single unit; it is unified supernaturally by God the Spirit.
We believe that the primary purpose for fellowship is for believers to mutually support each other in their belief and understanding in matters of the Christian faith. Additionally, fellowship serves as a way to encourage personal obedience to God’s word; “iron sharpens iron”. Fellowship is also a way that believers can help other believers with any special needs. (Romans 12:5; Hebrews 13:16; Galatians 6:1)
We believe that Christian fellowship ultimately serves as a witness to the unsaved world about the existence and love of Jesus Christ. The love that believers have for each other should exceed all other human bonds; they are uniquely joined as brothers and sisters in a spiritual family. (John 13:35)
Genesis 4:9
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don't know,” he replied. “Am I my brother's keeper?”
John 13:35
“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” -
Romans 12:5
…so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
2 Corinthians 6:14, 15
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? [15] What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another -
Hebrews 13:16
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. (Psalm 100:1)
We believe that God desires worship and praise from all of His creation. Most desirous of God is the worship and praise from all of humanity. (1 Chronicles 16:29)
We believe that although God desires worship and praise from each and every human, He only accepts human worship and praise from believers, those individuals who have accepted Him as Lord and Saviour. (Psalm 51:12-
We believe that God responds to and even “inhabits” (is present in, lives in, acknowledges) the worship and praise of His people. (Isaiah 57:15)
We believe that worship is a mind-
We believe that the Bible record shows that worship and subsequent praise have been expressed through: meditation (deep thought), prayer, private and open reading of the Bible, music, singing and even dancing. (Joshua 8:34, 35; Psalm 33:2, 48:9; Jeremiah 31:13)
We believe that the Bible does not promote or exclude any particular variation of the complex range of human communication for worshiping and praising God. With this viewpoint we believe any act and communication of worship and praise to God by believers is acceptable by Him, so long as its meaning is genuine, open and not in conflict with God’s written word. (God does not prefer traditional “church” organ music over any other mode.)
We believe that any and all forms of open and public worship and praise should be able to be understood and appreciated by all who are participating.
We believe that although individuals contribute to the spirit and act of worship and praise, God, being the sole recipient of worship and praise, determines what is appropriate and acceptable. (Isaiah 42:8)
We believe that although God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit are equal persons within the one triune God, worship and praise should be ascribed to Jesus Christ, the fullness of God in the flesh. (John 12:13; Hebrews 13:15; Revelation 4:9-
We believe that even though worship and praise are ascribed to God, it is for the believer’s benefit that God receives worship and praise. The believer is blessed through the open expression of love towards God; He loves us that much! (Psalm 122:1)
We believe that the greatest form of worship and praise is not found in great gatherings of singing and speaking but rather in the sharing of the Gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ with the lost. (John 21:15)
Joshua 8:34, 35
Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law -
1 Chronicles 16:29
…ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
Psalm 29:2
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
Psalm 33:2
Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-
Psalm 48:9
Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.
Psalm 51:12-
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. [13] Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. [14] Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. [15] O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. [16] You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. [17] The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. [18] In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. [19] Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Psalm 115:17
It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to silence…
Psalm 122:1
I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
Isaiah 29:13
The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.”
Isaiah 42:8
“I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.”
Isaiah 57:15
For this is what the high and lofty One says -
Jeremiah 31:13
Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
John 12:13
They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!”
John 21:15
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Hebrews 13:15
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise -
Revelation 4:9-
Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, [10] the twenty-
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” –Jesus (Mark 2:27)
We believe that God has appointed a day of the week whereby believers should cease from their normal activities of life. Moreover, this specific day should be devoted to spiritual fellowship with God and social fellowship with other believers. (Genesis 1:31-
We believe that although the ultimate focus of the Sabbath Day is God, He created and designed it for the benefit of humanity. (Mark 2:27)
We believe that there are many activities that are necessary for the good of all people and do not cease for a moment, let alone a day. (These activities include the various professions that oversee the defenses, health, safety and necessities of life.) (Matthew 12:10-
We recognize that God originally established the seventh day of the week (Saturday) as the Sabbath. (Exodus 20:8-
We believe that, in light of the Biblical record, the spirit of the law should take precedence over the letter of the law. That is to say, it’s more important to observe a Sabbath Day of rest rather then to struggle with the question of which particular day of the week that should be. Moreover, for believers, every day that one can share the love and Gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ with the spiritually lost is a special day. (We recognize that we are living in a world today that not only operates 24/7 but is hostile to even the idea of acknowledging God through the recognition of any Sabbath Day.)
We believe that the best utilization of the Sabbath Day by believers is to spiritually “recharge” for the coming week and also to labor in the love and joy of sharing Jesus Christ and the good news concerning Him with our lost and dying world. (Matthew 12:8, 12)
Genesis 1:31–2:3
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning -
Exodus 20:8-
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. [9] Six days you shall labor and do all your work, [10] but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. [11] For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”
Matthew 12:8, 12
[8] “For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” [12] “How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” -
Matthew 12:10-
…and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” [11] He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? [12] How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
Mark 2:27
Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
Acts 20:7
On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.
1 Corinthians 16:2
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
“John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 11:16)
We believe in the practice of water baptism.
We believe that the Bible refers to two baptisms: the first, a baptism by fire; the second, a baptism by water. (Matthew 3:11) The first baptism, a.k.a. baptism by fire, baptism by the Spirit, the indwelling of the Spirit, is the literal entrance of God the Holy Sprit into a new believer of Jesus Christ. (This “What We Believe” item is primarily regarding baptism by water. Please see “Salvation” for information regarding the baptism by fire.)
We believe that the act of water baptism is simply a purposed application of water onto the person receiving it in the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. We believe that all believers should be baptized as a testimony to their becoming born again; however, we do not regard water baptism as a necessity of salvation.
We believe that the purpose of water baptism is to openly communicate that the person receiving the water now has a new relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Baptism is an extension of the Old Testament practice of purification (Numbers 8:7; 19:18-
We believe that infants and children (who have not reached an age of understanding matters of faith) of believing parents are appropriate recipients of water baptism. We believe that in by so doing, parents act in proxy for their children. Baptizing infants and very young children is an act of faith and confidence by their parents in the expectation of their child’s future salvation. Baptizing infants and very young children does not produce salvation; each individual is responsible to personally accept Jesus Christ.
We do recognize the fact that many in the Christian community do not recognize the practice of baptizing infants and/or small children; many prefer a dedication ceremony. Because this issue involves personal understanding, acceptance and commitment on the part of the parents, we believe that the choice to baptize or dedicate an infant and/or small child is up to the parent’s discretion.
We believe that the Bible does not specify a required manner of application, such as: immersion in water, being sprinkled with water or having water poured on an individual. Water baptism is not a critical issue; very few Bible passages are devoted to the subject. Sadly the subject of water baptism has been used as a divisive agent within the Christian community. We believe that church creeds that mandate specific manners of water baptism are not Biblically supported and furthermore, they are divisive in the body of believers.
We believe that it should be stated: water baptism does not produce salvation; it is essentially a public testimony expressing an individual’s acceptance of salvation. The practice of christening (baptismal regeneration) is the belief by some that the application of a water baptism actually eradicates sin and transforms the recipient into a Christian. We believe this belief is Biblically false. Furthermore, it is demonically inspired for the purpose of negating the necessity and responsibility of personally accepting Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Saviour.
We believe that in a situation where a new believer was previously baptized in a “church” that was not Biblically Christian, it is not necessary to be “re-
We believe that it cannot be overstated: water baptism is symbolic; it does not save, nor is it an absolute requirement for salvation. Baptism by fire, that is to say, becoming born again by inwardly receiving God the Holy Spirit is the baptism that saves. (John 3:5-
Numbers 8:7
To purify them, do this: Sprinkle the water of cleansing on them; then have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes, and so purify themselves.
Numbers 19:18-
[18] Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to take some hyssop, dip it in the water and sprinkle the tent and all the furnishings and the people who were there. He must also sprinkle anyone who has touched a human bone or a grave or someone who has been killed or someone who has died a natural death. [19] The man who is clean is to sprinkle the unclean person on the third and seventh days, and on the seventh day he is to purify him. The person being cleansed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and that evening he will be clean. [20] But if a person who is unclean does not purify himself, he must be cut off from the community, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the Lord. The water of cleansing has not been sprinkled on him, and he is unclean.”
Matthew 3:11
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”
John 3:5-
Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’”
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)
We believe in the practice of communion by believers.
We believe that communion, also known as “The Lord’s Supper” or “Breaking Bread”, is a symbolic act that serves to recall and celebrate the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on the cross. (Matthew 26:26-
We believe that additionally, communion serves to communicate to others a believer’s acceptance of Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour; in a greater way, it communicates one’s faith amongst fellow believers, hence the word “communion”.
We believe that, being symbolic in nature, communion is not an actual spiritual event. The bread and fruit of the vine used in communion do not transform into the body and blood of Jesus Christ (Transubstantiation) nor is Jesus Christ present in or around the elements of communion (Consubstantiation / Reformed). Communion does not save people, heal people or wash away the guilt of sin.
We believe that only non-
We believe that the practice of communion is only for those who are born again in Jesus Christ. (This includes believing children who can communicate their Christian testimony.) Furthermore, believers receiving communion should be in a right relationship with God and others, not harboring any sin or sinful attitudes. We believe that receiving communion in an unworthy manner is detrimental to one’s spiritual health, producing a spiritual callousness and blindness. (1 Corinthians 11:27-
We believe that, in its essence, communion serves believers as a unifying object lesson of remembrance and focus upon the very life of God given over in ransom payment for the souls of humanity.
Matthew 26:26-
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” [27] Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. [28] This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. [29] I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom.”
1 Corinthians 11:23-
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, [24] and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” [25] In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” [26] For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
1 Corinthians 11:27-
[27] Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. [28] A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. [29] For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. [30] That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. [31] But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. [32] When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world. [33] So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. [34] If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.
Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV)
We believe in the existence of prayer.
We believe that prayer is in essence, a communication media between humanity and God.
We believe that the ability to communicate with God through prayer is an exclusive privilege between the saved (those who are born again in Jesus Christ) and God. The prayers of the unsaved are not heard, except of course, their initial prayer to ask God to save them. (Proverbs 15:29) The ability to pray does not originate in humans, it is empowered by God.
We believe that prayer can be expressed through the media of thought, speech and written word. By the help of God the Holy Spirit, even a believer’s wordless feelings can be expressed through prayer. (Romans 8:26)
We believe that prayer is not a “power” as commonly thought by many; it is merely a communication medium. God Himself answers prayer: God heals, God protects, God saves, etc. Prayer itself does not change one thing.
We believe that the purpose of prayer is to allow believers to fellowship with God in an intimate way while still upon this earth. Through prayer believers can: share thoughts, express thanks, express praise, ask for personal aid and call upon God on behalf of other believers in need or for the unsaved. (Matthew 5:44; John 17:1, 6, 9, 15-
We believe that “The Lord’s Prayer” is a model prayer, not a specific prayer to be communicated. (We believe that believers should talk with God in prayer, not to Him.)
We believe that “The Lord’s Prayer” illustrates several components that prayer should contain: a proper identification of God, an acknowledgment of God’s authority, power and glory, confession of sin (when applicable), a request for God’s continued providence of spiritual guidance and protection and necessities of life, personal requests and requests for others’ needs. (Matthew 6:9-
We believe that the Bible offers additional guidance regarding the use of prayer. Verbal prayer in the company of others should be directed to God, not to the other people present. (Matthew 6:5, 6) Prayer should not be repetitious. (Matthew 6:7, 8) Prayer should not be neglected. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) The Bible does not offer any specific bodily positions to take or hand gestures to make while praying; simply speak to God as you would speak to another individual: be direct, respectful and sincere.
We believe that it should be noted that there are many human concepts of prayer that are not Biblical. God is not impressed with the manner or multitude of prayer; simply praying harder or getting numerous people to pray about something does not advance the issue. We cannot pray to others, living or dead; attempting this connects an individual with the demonic realm. Meditation, concentration, mental relaxation, chanting, etc. is not prayer; these are simply examples of human communication with oneself or others.
We believe that prayer should be understood and utilized in its simplicity: it is communicating real-
Proverbs 15:29
The Lord is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” -
Matthew 6:5, 6
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. [6] But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” -
Matthew 6:7, 8
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. [8] Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” -
Matthew 6:9-
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, [10] your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. [11] Give us today our daily bread. [12] Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. [13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” -
John 17:1, 6, 9, 15-
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.” [6] “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.” [9] “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.” [15] “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. [17] Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. [18] As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. [19] For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.” [20] “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, [21] that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“…pray continually…”
“Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” -
We believe in the practice of giving and the responsibility of stewardship by believers.
We view giving as an expression of love, primarily to aid in soul-
We believe that believers shouldn’t have to show generosity towards others, they should want to be charitable. Contrary to popular opinion, it is not the Church’s responsibility to house, feed and clothe the poor of the world. The mental challenge between being obligated to give and the desire to give serves as a “litmus test” of our love towards God and others.
We believe that simply giving does not replace a personal relationship with and love for God; however, not giving is an open demonstration of trouble in an individual’s relationship with God. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
We believe that giving should be done privately, even in secret. The spiritual welfare of the individual receiving a gift should be the focus of the believer’s act of giving. (Matthew 6:3)
We believe that all giving should be free of any thought of personal gain or reward. The belief by some of receiving a personal blessing in return for an act of giving is incorrect. Furthermore, this viewpoint can motivate greed and subsequently destroy the attitude of love. We believe that Biblical references of being blessed by giving are referring to the blessed relationship believers naturally have with God, not specific rewards. (Luke 6:38)
We believe in the responsibility of stewardship by all believers with regards to the needs of the local group of believers and amongst the world community of believers. Each individual believer should desire to be interested in the physical and spiritual well-
We believe that the practice of tithing (giving 10% of one’s income) is not Biblically mandated for the present age of the Church. We believe that all that we receive is a gift from God and should be considered as assets for soul-
We believe that, in summary, giving is an inseparable part of an individual’s relationship with God; God freely gave of Himself so that humanity may be saved, we must freely give ourselves completely over to Him to become saved. Once saved, we express our gratitude for God’s love by continually giving out to others in spiritual need. (1 Peter 1:18, 19)
Matthew 6:3
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…” -
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” -
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
James 1:22-
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. [23] Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror [24] and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. [25] But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it -
1 Peter 1:18, 19
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”
1 John 3:16
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. [15] And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. (James 5:14,15)
We believe that God heals.
We believe that historically, in the opening years of the Church age, the spiritual gift of healing was assigned to certain individual believers as a ministry. The ultimate purposes of this gift was to glorify Jesus Christ and stimulate the growth of the newly begun Christian Church. (John 11:4; Acts 3:6)
We believe that now in the Church age, the ministry of healing has been reassigned to the corporate body of believers in a local setting. (1 Corinthians 13:1, 8, 13; James 5:14-
We believe that physical healings are given by God on His terms. Additionally, the person requesting a physical healing must be in a right relationship with God, not harboring any sin. Believers may ask for intercession for non-
We believe that it should be understood that while we are in our current bodies, we are all in a state of decay and slowly dying; from our very conception, death has been at work in us. We are born dying. Except for those who are taken off this earth in the Rapture, all humans will die bodily; healing only prolongs this inevitable event.
We believe that all requests for God’s intervention in medical needs should be made in the same attitude as that of Job and Paul in the Bible. That is to say, we should ask for God’s assistance with a positive expectation and yet be prepared and satisfied with the limits God has placed on our earthly humanity. We may or may not receive medical intervention by God. Those who are saved should be mindful of their coming new and eternal life in the new heaven and upon the new earth. This current creation will soon be discarded. (2 Peter 3:7, 10)
We believe that God has allowed the medical arts (doctors, nurses, hospitals, medicines, etc.) to come into existence for the limited relief of human suffering that they are able provide.
We believe that the current displays of “healings” administered by so-
We believe that God is empathetic to all suffering. In His great plan of salvation, God has purposed for all humanity to be free from pain, sickness and death. It is up to each individual to accept the “big picture” of God’s plan for total healing. (Revelation 21:4) For His own purposes and as an answer to a believer’s request, God does heal physical maladies for people. (Philippians 1:21-
Luke 12:5
“But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” -
John 11:4
When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it.”
Acts 3:6
Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
1 Corinthians 13:1, 8, 13
[1] If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. [8] Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. [13] And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Philippians 1:21-
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. [22] If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! [23] I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…”
James 5:14-
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. [15] And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. [16] Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
2 Peter 3:7, 10
[7] By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. [10] But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
“…man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…” (Hebrews 9:27)
We believe that death is the termination of life within the body.
We believe that once physical death has occurred, an individual’s spirit is separated from the body. Upon death, the spirits of those who are born again are brought to be with God to await the new heaven and new earth; the spirits of those who are not saved are brought to hell to await the final judgment in the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:12)
We believe that the exact moment of death is when the spirit is separated from the body, not necessarily when respiration, heart beats and other “vital signs” cease. God sustains all life and determines the timing of its conclusion.
We believe that death occurs only once to each individual. We believe that all accounts of those who claim to have come back to earth from beyond death are false. We believe that these false testimonies are inspired by the demonic realm for the purpose of minimizing the fear and finality of death and the need for personal salvation through Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 9:27)
We believe that death came into existence through the acts of disobedience by Adam and Eve; in short, death is the result of sin. As descendents of Adam and Eve, each human being is born as a sinner and subsequently born with the process of death already at work in their being. (Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12)
We believe that it should be noted: the dead do not remain on the earth, they do not return from heaven or hell and they cannot be communicated with; they are gone.
We believe that all who die will be bodily resurrected: those who were saved when they die will receive perfected bodies; those who were not saved when they died will receive the same decrepit body that they died with.
We believe that only by becoming born again in Jesus Christ can an individual escape the “second death”. (Revelation 20:6, 14; 21:8) “Born once, die twice; born twice, die once!”
Genesis 2:17
“…but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”
Romans 5:12
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned…
Hebrews 9:27
Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…
Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
Revelation 20:14
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.
Revelation 20:12
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
Revelation 21:8
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars -
In the beginning, God created man; “Male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
We believe that God designed and created human beings in two distinct genders: male and female. We believe that Eve was the completion of Adam, not an independent new type creation; together the two comprise the creation of “man”.
We believe that while both genders of humanity are similar to each other, they are also obviously very different from each other. We believe that their differences are not only physical, but behavioral as well, individually and socially. We believe it should be stressed: the differences between the genders are not a matter of ability, intelligence or worth. Both men and women are of equal value in God’s eyes.
We believe that it is proper to recognize the distinctions between the genders of human creation. It is inappropriate to deny, blend or reverse the distinctions between male and female; boys are boys and girls are girls, period.
We believe that key purpose of human sexuality is the process of human reproduction. Sexual behavior is not merely an act of fertilization, but it is also a beautifully complex array of communication, emotion and physical contact that celebrates and energizes the love between a husband and wife.
We believe that intimate expressions and behaviors of human sexuality are reserved for those who are married. Expressions and acts of intimate sexual behavior (nudity, sexual contact, etc.) outside of marriage are sinfully inappropriate. (Genesis 3:7) Contrary to the openness of sexuality in this modern age, sexual sin is particularly heinous and destructive. (1 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 5:3-
We believe that it should be noted that human sexuality, in of itself, is not sinful; God created it not only for the multiplication of humanity but for human pleasure as well. Prior to the fall to sin by Adam & Eve, the shame of nakedness was not present; today, since the “Fall”, modesty should be the rule in thought, speech and attire.
Genesis 3:7
Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.
Ephesians 5:3-
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. [4] Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. [5] For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person -
“…and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” -
We believe in the Biblical model of the human relationship of marriage.
We believe that the essence of the Biblical model of marriage is a lifelong monogamous union between one man and one woman. We believe that any deviations off of this premise are un-
We believe that the bond that a marriage creates between a man and a woman is not merely a union of two people but is more accurately a melding of the two. (Mark 10:8) We believe that the relationship established between a husband and wife supersedes all other human family relationships; blood is not thicker than water.
We believe that in the Biblical model of marriage the husband is God’s appointed leader of the family; the wife is second in command. This does not imply that the worth or abilities of a wife are anything less to God then that of her husband; God’s love is blind to human gender. A wife is to defer to her husband’s leadership while a husband is to live sacrificially in service to his wife. A husband’s life is to be lived for the best well-
We believe that, contrary to cultural beliefs, there are no Biblical prohibitions of marriage with regards to differences in age, nationality or race. We believe that the Bible does list certain prohibitions regarding some couplings for marriage, namely close relationships such a siblings, parents, children, etc. (Read Leviticus chapter 18.) We believe that the Bible clearly states that believers (people who are born again) are not to marry unbelievers. (2 Corinthians 6:14, 15)
We believe that there is no Biblical validation for the remarriage of a divorcee to another spouse. (Matthew 5:32, 19:3-
We believe that people are not required by God to get married. The term “old maid” represents a worldly characterization. God’s command in Genesis 1:28, “Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it.” was made prior to the rebelliousness of Adam and Eve. It is not necessarily a current Biblical mandate for all people. (1 Corinthians 7:32-
We believe that the concept of a “shotgun” wedding is of the world. The sin of fornication should not be considered as a confirmed reservation for marriage. No couple, in the Biblical sense, has to get married. Marriage, in of itself, should not be considered a solution to the violation that people have shown towards each other.
We believe that, although marriage is a relationship created for humanity by God, the wedding ceremony is not actually a Biblically mandated function of the Church. Just the same, we believe that the local group of believers may conduct wedding ceremonies if they so desire. Believers getting married should submit to their civil government’s licensing requirements for marriage; “Living together” is not marriage.
We believe that although marriage is certainly still ordained by God, in contrast, God relates through the Apostle Paul that it is more desirable by God for believers to forego the blessings of marriage. The reason for this suggestion is so that an undistracted ability to serve Jesus Christ (for the advancement of the Gospel) may be realized. (1 Corinthians 7:32-
Matthew 5:32
“But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.” -
Matthew 19:3-
Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” [4] “Haven't you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ [5] and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? [6] So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” [7] “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” [8] Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. [9] I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.” [10] The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.” [11] Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. [12] For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
Matthew 19:9
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.” -
Mark 10:8
“‘…and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one.” -
Mark 10:2-
Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” [3] “What did Moses command you?” he replied. [4] They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” [5] “It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied. [6] “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ [7] ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, [8] and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one. [9] Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” [10] When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. [11] He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. [12] And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”
Luke 16:18
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” -
1 Corinthians 7:12-
To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. [13] And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. [14] For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. [15] But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. [16] How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? [17] Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. [18] Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. [19] Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts. [20] Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him. [21] Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you -
1 Corinthians 7:32-
I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs -
2 Corinthians 6:14, 15
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? [15] What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
Ephesians 5:21-
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. [22] Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. [23] For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. [24] Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. [25] Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her [26] to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, [27] and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. [28] In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. [29] After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church -
1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8)
We believe in the Biblical model of a family unit: one father, one mother (married to each other) and subsequent sons and/or daughters (if so blessed).
We realize that because of sin’s destructive effects upon the human race and human relationships, many family units today do not even distantly resemble the original Biblical model.
We believe that many sincere efforts are made to children to compensate for the lack of, or provide substitutions for, a father and/or mother; however, the unique bond that only a natural parent can provide cannot be replaced.
We believe that the role of a step-
We believe that the husband is the appointed leader of the family and is ultimately responsible to God regarding the spiritual and physical well-
We believe that the bonds of love that connect the various members of family together are complex and gender sensitive; a father bonds with his daughter one way and with his son another way, a mother bonds with her daughter one way and with her son another way, etc.
We believe that the integrity, independence and privacy of each family unit should be respected at all times. (This respect is especially relevant today in large households where grandparents, grown siblings, cousins, etc. are present.) Contrary to the popular view that “it takes a village” to raise a child, what children really need is their natural mother and father.
We believe that the marriage bond between a husband and wife supersedes family relationships; blood is not thicker than water. (Matthew 19:5) One’s spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ supersedes all human relationships. (Matthew 10:34-
Matthew 10:34-
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. [35] For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-
Matthew 19:5
“…For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh…” -
Ephesians 5:22-
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. [23] For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. [24] Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. [25] Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her [26] to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, [27] and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. [28] In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. [29] After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church-
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6)
We believe that children are a gift to parents. A mother and father are stewards in a sense, held responsible by God for the spiritual and physical well-
We believe that some aspects of parenting are natural skills; however, most of the skills needed for parenting are acquired. Ultimately, parenting is a skill that needs to be passed on to young couples by more mature and experienced couples. (Titus 1:5, 6)
We believe that parenting should be more about raising “future adults” not simply raising children. While still being allowed to enjoy the fun of youth, children should be trained and encouraged in virtues that include: belief in and acceptance of Jesus Christ, soul-
We believe that parents are responsible to provide a structure of discipline for their children; left to themselves and without guidance, children will naturally misbehave. (Psalm 51:5; Proverbs 22:15, 23:13, 14) Rules, limits and boundaries should be established by parents with subsequent consequences for disobedience. All discipline should be fair, consistent and motivated by love.
We believe that an appropriate measure of corporal punishment may be used when warranted because of disobedience. Spanking should never cause injury. Spanking (and all other discipline punishments) should never be administered with an attitude of retribution, humiliation or anger. (Proverbs 13:24; 23:13, 14)
We believe that the bonds of love and emotion that connect children with parents are complex and gender sensitive; a father bonds with his daughter one way and with his son another way, a mother bonds with her daughter one way and with her son another way, etc. Fathers should focus on issues of masculinity and mothers should oversee issues of femininity. Modesty should be practiced by all members of the family.
We believe that parents are most effective and successful when they teach by example. The instruction: “Do as I say, not as I do.”, seldom has a positive result. All teaching should be sensitive to each particular child’s age, abilities, gifts and interests. We strongly suggest that parents home school their children when at all possible.
We believe that the ultimate goal of parenting is to bring a child to the point of their own personal acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” -
Psalm 51:5
Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Psalm 127:3-
Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. [4] Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. [5] Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
Proverbs 13:24
He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.
Proverbs 22:6
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:15
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.
Proverbs 23:13, 14
Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. [14] Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death.
Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Titus 1:5, 6
[5] The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. [6] An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.
I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs -
We believe in the nobleness of being single. The Bible actually encourages single men and women believers to remain single. The purpose for this is so that these believers can have all the more personal resources available to better serve Jesus Christ in soul-
We believe that the notion that everyone has to, or even should, get married is of the world; no one has to get married. The thought that there’s a “lid for every pot” or that everyone has a “soul-
We believe that in the scenario of a single woman who is expecting a child, marriage is not an absolute must. Children should have a father and mother who are married to each other, but this need does not supersede the appropriateness of any given marriage.
We believe that the decision to get married is a personal choice, an exercise of the free will that God has endowed to each individual. There are both blessings and challenges in the single or married life. In the end, it’s an individual’s relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ that matters the most.
1 Corinthians 7:32-
I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs -
“Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” -
We believe that divorce is sin. (Malachi 2:16)
We believe that there is no Biblical excuse for divorce. The commonly held views that divorce is permissible in cases that include adultery, abandonment or the non-
We believe that a husband and a wife are both held responsible for their marriage. The notion that divorce has an innocent and guilty party is not Biblically substantiated. Although a husband and a wife may contribute differently to a marriage’s failure, they are equally impacted and affected by it.
We believe that, despite its severity, divorce is not an “unpardonable” sin; however, there are some lifelong consequences of it. With marriage being a lifelong commitment, by default, divorcees do not have an option to remarry, except of course, back to their estranged un-
We believe that there is no marriage difficulty that cannot be overcome; God is the God of reconciliation. We believe that even after a divorce, reconciliation between a husband and wife is possible and desirable. (1 Corinthians 10:13) Believers who are divorced should recognize the sin of divorce, confess it and seek God’s forgiveness and help. (1 John 1:9)
Malachi 2:16
“I hate divorce,” says the Lord God of Israel, “and I hate a man's covering himself with violence as well as with his garment,” says the Lord Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.
Luke 16:18
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” -
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Timothy 3:2
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-
1 Timothy 3:12
A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.
Titus 1:6
An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” –Jesus (Luke 16:18)
We believe that marriage is a lifelong bond. The marriage bond is only separated by the death of a spouse. (Matthew 19:6; 1 Cori
nthians 7:39)
We believe that marriage is such a powerful and penetrating bond that it can accurately be described as a melding of two into one. (Matthew 19:5) The marriage bond has been liked to the gluing together of two pieces of wood; if they are pulled apart there is no clean separation, each has become a permanent part of the other. A couple’s first marriage binds them together for life; that’s simply the way humans are designed.
We believe that there is no Biblical validation for the remarriage of divorcees to another person. (Matthew 5:32, 19:3-
The commonly held belief that the “divorce exception clause” (Matthew 5:32, 19:9) is a reference to adultery is a misapplication of the original Greek text word: porneia. To summarize this matter, we believe that Jesus was stating: unless a particular marriage was “porneia” -
We believe that remarried persons should not divorce and return to their original spouses; two wrongs do not make a right. Additionally, divorcees who are widowed after a remarriage should not return to their previous spouse. (Deuteronomy 24:1-
We believe that in the scenario where a divorcee has been remarried to another person, the subsequent marriage is valid and binding, despite the fact that the second marriage should not have occurred. Believers in this circumstance should recognize the sin of divorce and remarriage, confess it and seek God’s forgiveness. (1 John 1:9)
Leviticus 18:6-
[6] “No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the Lord. [7] Do not dishonor your father by having sexual relations with your mother. She is your mother; do not have relations with her. [8] Do not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; that would dishonor your father. [9] Do not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother's daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere. [10] Do not have sexual relations with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter; that would dishonor you. [11] Do not have sexual relations with the daughter of your father’s wife, born to your father; she is your sister. [12] Do not have sexual relations with your father’s sister; she is your father’s close relative. [13] Do not have sexual relations with your mother’s sister, because she is your mother’s close relative. [14] Do not dishonor your father’s brother by approaching his wife to have sexual relations; she is your aunt. [15] Do not have sexual relations with your daughter-
Deuteronomy 24:1-
If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, [2] and if after she leaves his house she becomes the wife of another man, [3] and her second husband dislikes her and writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, or if he dies,
Matthew 5:32
“But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.” -
Matthew 19:5
“…and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?” -
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” -
Matthew 19:9
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.” -
Matthew 19:3-
Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” [4] “Haven't you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ [5] and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? [6] So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” [7] “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” [8] Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. [9] I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.” [10] The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.” [11] Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. [12] For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
Mark 10:2-
Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” [3] “What did Moses command you?” he replied. [4] They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” [5] “It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied. [6] “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ [7] ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, [8] and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one. [9] Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” [10] When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. [11] He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. [12] And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”
Luke 16:18
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” -
1 Corinthians 7:39
A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.