Once Saved, Always Saved”
“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.” -
We believe that the viewpoint that suggests that once an individual is saved they cannot lose their salvation is false. (John 15:1-
We believe that the relationship that is established between God and a saved individual is a voluntary and mutual relationship based upon love. (Deuteronomy 6:5; Luke 10:27; 1 Corinthians 16:22)
We believe that the relationship between God and a saved individual begins and is maintained by the exercise of one’s free will; people choose to accept and keep God’s gracious offer of salvation. (Romans 10:8, 9)
We believe that the viewpoint of “once saved, always saved” negatively impacts many believers. We believe it serves as a neutralizing agent to one’s sense of personal accountability towards God with regards to personal holiness.
We believe that one’s salvation can be lost by the same decision process that gains it; people choose to reject or ignore their salvation. (Hebrews 2:3)
We believe that it should be stated: believing that salvation can be lost does not imply that salvation is earned or worked for. (Hebrews 10:29)
We believe that it should be stated: nothing can separate us from the love of God; however, this statement does not exclude God’s will or our ability to accept or reject God’s love. (Romans 8:37-
We believe that Jesus Christ is the God of reconciliation; He desires for all people to be saved and remain saved. (2 Timothy 4:7) To those believers who have failed Him, if they repent, He will lovingly forgive and restore them. If they in their sin resist the Spirit of God to the end, they themselves reject the only salvation there is. (Revelation 3:21)
Deuteronomy 6:5
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Luke 8:4-
While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: [5] “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. [6] Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. [7] Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. [8] Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” [9] His disciples asked him what this parable meant. [10] He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,” ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’ [11] “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. [12] Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. [13] Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. [14] The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. [15] But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” –Jesus
Luke 10:27
He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
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 10:8, 9
But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: [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 8:37-
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [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.
1 Corinthians 16:22
If anyone does not love the Lord-
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
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.
“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.” –Joshua (Joshua 24:15)
We believe that the viewpoint that God predestines some people to be saved and others not to be saved is false. Moreover, we believe this viewpoint is absurd, calloused and sinful. It represents a warped, limited and selfish view of the love of God. (John 3:16)
We believe that Jesus died on the cross for all of humanity, from Adam & Eve to the last man or woman born. (Isaiah 53:6, 12)
We believe that each and every human is endowed with a free will to accept, ignore or reject God’s gracious offer of salvation from sin, death and hell. (Ignoring one’s need of salvation is equivalent to rejecting it.) (John 3:19-
We believe that the popular viewpoint that all things happen for a reason is false. We believe that human events throughout history are actions caused by a combination of man’s free will, God’s permissive will and God’s periodic intervention. We are not robots, pets or toys of God.
We believe that the Bible passage: “…in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” (Romans 8:28) has been misunderstood by many to infer that God causes all things to happen. (This incorrect understanding of this passage falls in line with the Islamic belief of fate known as “kismet”.)
We believe that the crown of humanity’s creation by God is its free will, which allows each individual to appreciate God’s love and in return, freely love Him back. (Genesis 2:16)
Genesis 2:16
And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden…”
Isaiah 53:6-
[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. [12] Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
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 3:19-
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. [20] Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. [21] But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” -
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
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. (2 Timothy 4:3)
We believe that the current displays of “healings” administered by so-
We believe that God still does provide physical healings but not through the direction of any one individual. We believe personal requests for bodily healing are handled through the body of believers in the local church setting. (James 5:14)
We believe that physical healings are received 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 requests for physical healings may or may not be fulfilled; any and all of God’s blessings are given from the kindness of His heart. God is not obligated to do anything for humanity; He chooses to love His creation. It should be understood that while upon this Earth, all of humanity is in the process of dying. This is a result of sin entering creation through the disobedience of Adam and Eve. A physical healing will only prolong the inevitable.
We believe that all requests for physical healings should be made with the heart and mind-
We believe that as believers, our eyes should be set on the new heaven and new earth to come, where there will be no more sadness, sickness, pain and death. (Revelation 21:1-
Job 13:15
“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him…”
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.
Philippians 1:23
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.
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 out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
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We believe that the claim by some individuals that they are receiving a “word of knowledge” from God is false.
We believe that furthermore, this display by some is inspired by Satan and the rest of the demonic realm. Their purpose for this deception is to distract people’s attention and inquiries away from God’s given source of truth, the Bible. We believe that those who claim to have a special revelation of knowledge from God are motivated by the temptation of grandiosity. (Colossians 2:18)
We believe that God desires that His knowledge and wisdom would be universally received and understood. His knowledge and wisdom illuminates; it is not handled through dark, secretive and mysterious methods. (2 Peter 1:20, 21)
We believe that God’s Spirit does provide real-
We believe that God’s revelation of information regarding the future was completed in Jesus Christ; He is the fulfillment of the prophets. (Revelation 22:18, 19)
Colossians 2:18
Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions.
2 Peter 1:20, 21
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. [21] For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Revelation 22:18, 19
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. [19] And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? (1 Corinthians 14:23)
We believe that the current practice of “speaking in tongues” as a “heavenly” language is a false practice.
We believe that furthermore, this phenomenon that occurs in some churches is inspired by Satan. His purpose for this deception is to create confusion, division and conflict within the Church. Additionally, from the perception of the unsaved, it simply makes the Christian faith look mysterious, out of control and just plain weird. (1 Corinthians 14:22)
We believe that those who claim to have a special gift whereby they speak in a “heavenly” language are motivated by the temptation of self grandiosity. (Colossians 2:18) Those falsely “speaking in tongues” may also be motivated by feelings of insecurity and desires to control others.
We believe that the spiritual gift of tongues mentioned in the Bible is actually a gift that enables believers to be able to communicate in other known human languages. We believe that this gift is for the obvious purpose of advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost. (Mark 16:17; Acts 2:3)
We believe that the Biblical gift of speaking in tongues (other known human languages) was greatly dispensed in the infancy of the Church age; however, this gift may still be applicable today in world evangelism.
Mark 16:17
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues…” -
Acts 2:3
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
1 Corinthians 14:22
Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.
Colossians 2:18
Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions.
“…and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22)
We believe that there are numerous pseudo-
We believe that pseudo-
“Love Only” pseudo-
In essence, “love only” gospels and all other pseudo-
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.” -
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
2 Timothy 3:1-
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [2] People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-
2 Timothy 4:3, 4
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. [4] They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
1 John 2:22
Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist -
1 John 4:3
…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.
2 John 1:7
Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.
Revelation 22:18, 19
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. [19] And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. [20] But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” -
We believe that there is a false-
We believe that while God does love all people (Matthew 5:44, 45), He does provide special attention to the needs and desires of those who are believers, born again through Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 15:29; Matthew 6:33) The desires of believers that God responds to are those that are motivated by a believer’s concern for others and, in God’s opinion, in the best interest of the believer. (James 4:2-
We believe that the essence of the Gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ is solely about saving the souls of men, women, boys and girls from temptation, sin, death and eternal damnation in hell.
Proverbs 15:29
The Lord is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
Matthew 5:44, 45
“But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” -
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” -
James 4:2-
“You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. [3] When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
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? (2 Corinthians 6:14, 15)
We believe that there is a human tendency to graft worldly philosophies and practices into the Christian faith. This natural tendency underscores the importance and necessity of basing one’s faith and knowledge upon God’s written word, the Bible.
We believe that many people tend to blend a sense of national patriotism into their belief in God. Many have a misguided understanding of Jesus’ words: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17) The United States is not the greatest nation on earth. It is not, nor was it ever, a Christian nation, not in the Biblical sense. Quoting the late Keith Green: “God’s not an American; He’s not even a Republican!” The United States and all other nations will come to an end soon; God’s new heaven and new earth will be eternal. We believe that believers are responsible to their nation’s needs; however, patriotism must be kept in a Biblical perspective.
We believe that many people today have erroneously attempted to “purify” worldly and even sinful practices. “Christian Rock” is a prime example of what we call Christianizing. Some have tried to Christianize Yoga (an eastern pagan religious practice), health diets and supplements, new age practices, the “tough guy” image, romance novels, etc. It’s been truthfully said: “Simply placing a cross, a dove or a fish on something doesn’t make it Christian.”
We believe that believers should understand that although we are in the world, we should not be a part of. (1 Peter 2:11) This planet will come to an end. (2 Peter 3:10-
Romans 16:17
I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.
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; [24] but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
1 Peter 2:11
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
2 Peter 3:10-
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. [11] Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives [12] as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.
Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. –David (Psalm 145:2)
We believe that believers should celebrate. For believers there is much to celebrate: coming to believe in God, getting to know Him personally through Jesus Christ, receiving salvation from temptation, sin, death and hell, the promise of eternal life in glory, being a co-
We believe that the purpose of celebration by believers should be to communicate thanks to God, to provide support and encouragement for each other and to share Jesus Christ and His offer of salvation with the lost. (Psalm 8:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Matthew 5:16)
We believe that it should be understood that most people naturally enjoy celebration; even atheists enjoy Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. For this reason all of a believer’s celebrations should be Christ-
We believe that believers should be cautious about Christian celebrations being contaminated by beliefs and practices of the unsaved world. Icons such as Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, etc. are all psuedo-
We believe that it should be understood that in this present Church age, there are no “holy days”. The Old Testament practice of designated “holy days” was came to completion in Jesus Christ. (Matthew 5:17) Although the Bible does not prohibit designating a particular day for a specific celebration, care should be exercised in such practices so as not to have one’s joy become repetitious and vain. (Isaiah 29:13) Even supposed “Christian” holidays and celebrations such as Lent, Easter and Christmas have no Biblical basis; in fact, many components within these celebrations are pagan in origin.
We believe that for those who are born again, every day of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour is in a sense, a “holy” day; every day is worth celebrating. The greatest expression of celebration is to share the love and salvation of Jesus Christ with someone who is lost. (Matthew 22:36-
Leviticus 26:1
“Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the Lord your God.”
Psalm 7:17
I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.
Psalm 8:2
From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
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.”
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” -
Matthew 5:17
“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.” -
Matthew 22:36-
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” [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.”
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 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Peter 2:12
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
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. (Colossians 3:17)
We believe that it should be understood that in this present Church age, there are no specific “holy days”. The Old Testament practice of designated “holy days” came to completion in Jesus Christ. (Matthew 5:17) Although the Bible does not prohibit designating a particular day for a specific celebration, care should be exercised so as not to have the celebration become repetitious, vain and spiritually corrupted. (Isaiah 29:13) The holidays of Christmas and Easter are the two most flagrant examples of Christian celebration becoming worldly.
Christmas
We believe that Christmas is an overemphasis of the manner in which God came to the Earth as Jesus Christ. Christmas was never celebrated in the early Church; it is never mentioned in the Bible. A great deal of the symbolism associated with Christmas today is not only not Biblical, but it is actually pagan and demonic. To most, the items of Christmas symbolism: trees, lights, snowmen, mistletoe, presents, etc., have become the event. Even items usually more associated with spirituality: church cantatas, candlelight church services, advent wreaths, Christmas carols, candles, bells, etc. have all become in essence, idols.
We believe the greatest demonic influence in Christmas celebrations is the person of Santa Claus. Without question, Santa Claus is the central figure of the worldly / cultural celebration of Christmas. Being an image that draws attention unto itself classifies Santa Claus as an idol and subsequently a false god (demon). Inseparable from the Santa Claus myth is the fact that children are directed and encouraged to believe in, revere and obey him. (To witness this, spend time at the mall’s Santa display during Christmas.)
We believe that unsaved people love to celebrate Christmas. (Isaiah 29:13) The person of Santa Claus is in effect a pseudo-
We believe that to far too many, Christmas portrays Jesus Christ simply as a human infant. The many so-
Easter
We believe that Easter, like Christmas, is more of a misrepresentation of Biblical truths than an accurate evangelistic portrayal of Jesus Christ and the Gospel. In most Easter portrayals, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is presented more as a human martyr’s death than the great spiritual event that it is. Christ’s real work of atonement for sinful humanity (Isaiah 53) is actually lost in the focusing upon Christ’s physical image upon the cross.
We believe that a great deal of the symbolism associated with Easter today (including Lent, Palm Sunday and Good Friday) is not only not Biblical, but it is actually pagan and demonic. The items of Easter symbolism: colored eggs, candy, baby chicks, bunny rabbits, parades, ham dinners, etc., have become the event. Even items usually more associated with spirituality: church pageants, sunrise services, lilies, palms, have become idols.
We believe the greatest demonic influence in Easter celebrations is the person of the Easter Bunny. Without question, the Easter Bunny is the central figure of the worldly / cultural celebration of Easter. Being an image that draws attention unto itself classifies the Easter Bunny as an idol and subsequently a false god (demon). Unsaved people love to celebrate Easter. (Isaiah 29:13) To countless unsaved children, the person of the Easter Bunny is in effect a pseudo-
Summary
We believe that believers should celebrate. For believers there is much to celebrate: coming to believe in God, getting to know Him personally through Jesus Christ, receiving salvation from temptation, sin, death and hell, the promise of eternal life in glory, being a co-
We believe that all of a believer’s celebration should be Christ-
We believe that for those who are born again, every day of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour is in a sense, a “holy” day; every day is worth celebrating. The greatest expression of celebration is to share the love and salvation of Jesus Christ with someone who is lost. (Matthew 22:36-
Exodus 20:3-
“You shall have no other gods before me. [4] You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. [5] You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, [6] but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”
Exodus 34:14
“Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
Psalm 7:17
I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.
Psalm 8:2
From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
2 Kings 17:36
But the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt with mighty power and outstretched arm, is the one you must worship. To him you shall bow down and to him offer sacrifices.
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 53:4-
[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.
[10] Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. [11] After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. [12] Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” -
Matthew 5:17
“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.” -
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.” -
Matthew 22:36-
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” [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.”
Luke 10:27
He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” -
John 14:27
“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.” -
2 Corinthians 11:14
“…for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
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 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Revelation 22:8, 9
“I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me.” [9] But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”
“The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.” (1 Samuel 2:6)
We believe that the practice of cremation is not in harmony with the Christian faith. Throughout the Bible, the physical resurrection of the body of a believer is a key element in the promise of salvation. The human body, although merely flesh and bones, is nonetheless a unique and special creation of God; in awe and reverence towards God, it should be respected as such. (John 11:25)
We believe that the intentional destruction of one’s body after death communicates an ignorance of and/or denial of the promised resurrection to those that obediently believe in Jesus Christ. Furthermore, cremation is a ceremony that is practiced by many false beliefs and religions.
We believe that God will resurrect the bodies of believers who have died, perfect them for life in the new Heaven and new Earth all the while uniting them with the believers’ spirits and souls. This will occur at the rapture of the Church from the earth. (1 Thessalonians 4:16) At the final judgment, the bodies of non-
John 5:29
“…those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” -
John 11:25
“…I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies…” -
1 Thessalonians 4:16
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.
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. [13] The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. [14] 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.
Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist -
We believe that the only way that people can have peace with God is through Jesus Christ. (John 3:3, 10:8, 14:6) All others beliefs are false. They are inspired by Satan for the purpose of leading people away from salvation in Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:14)
We believe that everyone believes in something; even atheists believe in something, namely themselves. A world / false religion is any religion, system, faith, philosophy or espoused truth that is contrary to the revealed truth of God. The list of world / false religions not only includes major beliefs such as Islam, Buddhism, Hindi, etc., but “godless” belief systems such as secular humanism, communism, various new age beliefs, Wicca, etc. (Proverbs 14:12
We believe that Christianity is unique from all other beliefs, particularly in a key dynamic. All world / false religions speak of methods for humans to reach up to God or to become self-
We believe that it should be stated that the Itty Bitty Nitty Gritty Bible Church’s views of other beliefs are not motivated by any hatred or even dislike of people of other persuasions; we despise falsehood, not the people caught up in it. We reject and condemn any and all sectarian hatred, aggression and violence.
We believe that believers should be knowledgeable of the false beliefs of others so that they can understand best how to lovingly win them to salvation in Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19, 20)
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
Matthew 28:19, 20
“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 3:3
In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
John 10:8
“All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers…” -
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
Sin separates us from God; all of our human attempts to avoid judgment and/or reach God are blocked by sin. Only God Himself can reach beyond our sin and restore us to fellowship with Him. Only through accepting God by F.A.I.T.H. (Forsaking All I Trust Him) can we be rescued from inevitable judgment and damnation.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
We believe that the worldly religion of Islam is demonic in its origin and empowerment. Satan’s purpose behind Islam is to deceive multitudes of people from belief and salvation in Jesus Christ.
We believe that Islam’s god “Allah” is not the God of the Bible, the words of the Koran are not inspired by God and Mohammed (Abu al-
We believe that Islam is not a religion of peace; conversely its core emotion is anger, brought about by the frustration of not having true peace with the true God. Islam, like all other worldly religions, is a belief system that propagates the deceptive idea that humans may achieve salvation through their behavior (good works).
We believe that Islam actually mirrors the troubled soul of Mohammed. So much of the Koran is ramblings from the troubled mind of Mohammed; a man gripped with sin. His writings were merely his attempt to justify and/or deflect his personal sense of the guilt of sin.
We believe that the notion that there are good “peace loving” Muslims and bad “fundamental”, “radical” or “extremist” Muslims is wrong; all Muslims are under the bondage of Islam’s demonic influence and are subsequently spiritually lost. Only through accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour can any person have peace with God. (John 14:6)
We believe that it should be stated that the Itty Bitty Nitty Gritty Bible Church’s views of Islam are not motivated by any hatred or even dislike of Muslim people; we despise Islam, not Muslim people. We reject and condemn any and all sectarian hatred, aggression and violence.
We believe that believers should recognize and understand the sin and deceptions of Islam and lovingly endeavor to rescue Muslims from its deceptive and evil clutches by winning them to salvation in Jesus Christ.
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist -
We believe that alongside genuine Biblical Christianity, there are numerous imitations known as cults. By definition a cult is a deviation from the true and main body of a belief.
We believe that cults are inspired and empowered by Satan for the purpose of deceiving the multitudes from salvation in Jesus Christ. (Matthew 7:15; 2 Corinthians 11:14; 1 John 4:1) By projecting various views of Christianity, Satan is able to create confusion and doubt in the minds of people seeking the truth.
We believe that those who are caught up in cults remain spiritually lost; they are not excused of accountability to God. If they are truly seeking salvation, God the Holy Spirit will lead them out of the bondage of a cult and into the fellowship of true believers. (1 Samuel 7:3; Jeremiah 29:13)
We believe that some of the more notable cults in the United States include: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
We believe that, although cults may outwardly appear to be a part of real Christianity, inwardly they are anything but Biblical. A key belief trait that sets cults apart from the truth is their belief regarding the person and work of Jesus Christ. Although they may say they believe in Jesus Christ, they do not recognize Him as God in the flesh. They do not see Him as the only way that people may be saved. (John 14:6; 1 John 2:22) There are several other key marks of a cult that expose their real satanic nature; a cult may have all or simply some of these characteristics:
1. Denying the doctrine of the Trinity: the triune nature of God revealed in the Bible.
2. Denying the duel nature of Jesus Christ: fully God and yet fully human.
3. Denying the physical death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
4. Denying the fact that salvation can only be obtained through Jesus Christ.
5. Denying the existence, person and deity of God the Holy Spirit.
6. Denying and/or skewing the existence of Satan.
7. Adding or subtracting from the Bible, literally and/or figuratively.
8. Having a supposed inspired or authoritative writing other than the Bible.
9. Having a human authority who claims to have special revelations from God.
10. Denying the eternal nature of the human soul.
11. Denying and/or skewing the existence of Hell.
12. Denying and/or skewing the existence of Heaven.
13. Teaching a doctrine of salvation by good works or earning one’s way to Heaven.
14. Not permitting and encouraging rational, independent and objective thinking.
15. Denying the free agency (free will) of individuals.
16. Using fear and ignorance as instruments of control, keeping people in the dark.
17. Praying, but not exclusively in the name of Jesus Christ.
18. Appearing outwardly as being very pious and humble. (In reality they’re neither.)
We believe that there are additional common traits and practices that cults share. Generally, their members are elitists regarding themselves compared to non-
We believe that it should be stated that the Itty Bitty Nitty Gritty Bible Church’s views of cults are not motivated by any hatred or even dislike of their members; we despise falsehood, not the people caught up in it. We reject and condemn any and all sectarian hatred, aggression and violence.
We believe that believers should be knowledgeable of the false beliefs of cults so that they can best win their members to Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19, 20)
1 Samuel 7:3
And Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”
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.” -
Matthew 28:19, 20
“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 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
1 John 2:22
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
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.
Freemasonry – Secret Societies
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean.”
–Jesus (Matthew 23:27)
We believe that Freemasonry, in all of its forms, and other brotherhoods, secret orders, secret societies, etc., are inspired and empowered by Satan for the purpose of deceiving multitudes regarding Jesus Christ. (Although this “What We Believe” item focuses on Freemasonry, its points apply to all other secret societies. Other organizations such as fraternities, sororities, clubs, etc. may exhibit some or all of these traits as well.)
We believe that although there are many different “societies” within the United States, Freemasonry is perhaps the most prominent and influential. Their boast of being “free” and “accepted” is a misnomer. (John 3:3, 8:24, 36) Conversely, Freemasons are in bondage to sin and the eternal damnation it brings; not wearing clothing washed in the blood of Jesus Christ, they are rejected. (Matthew 22:11-
We believe that Freemasonry is in essence a gang, asserting influence and control in government and business. Additionally, Satan uses its members to infiltrate and neutralize Christian ministries; some even claim to be born again but inwardly they are seething, full of sin and under demonic influence.
We believe that there are common traits and practices that “societies” share. Generally, they are elitists regarding themselves compared to non-
We believe that all groups who claim a special relationship with a generic “God” (deists) are in fact antichrists. (1 John 2:22) They, along with the false church are becoming the nucleus of the “Whore”, the global pseudo-
We believe that it should be stated that the Itty Bitty Nitty Gritty Bible Church’s views of Freemasonry, secret societies, etc., are not motivated by any hatred or even dislike of their members; we despise falsehood, not the people caught up in it. We reject and condemn any and all sectarian hatred, aggression and violence.
We believe that believers should be knowledgeable regarding Freemasonry and other groups of societal influence for the purpose of being better able to lovingly rescue their members by bringing them to salvation in Jesus Christ. Because gangs of people have a strong demonic influence and/or possession, much prayer is needed in rescuing people caught up in human webs. (Mark 9:29)
We believe that in reality, there are only two brotherhoods on earth: the brotherhood of the spiritually lost (of which we are all born into) and the brotherhood of believers in Jesus Christ (those who are born again, adopted into the family of God). (John 8:42-
Matthew 5:20
“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” -
Matthew 22:11-
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. [12] ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless.” [13] “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” [14] "For many are invited, but few are chosen." -
Mark 9:29
He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” -
John 3:3
In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is 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 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” -
John 8:42-
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. [43] Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. [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 15:15
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” -
1 John 2:22
Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist -
Revelation 13:15-
He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. [16] He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, [17] so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. [18] This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666.
Revelation 17:1
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters.”
“…for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)
We believe that Catholicism (Roman, Eastern, Orthodox, etc.) is not Christian. Biblically speaking, it never was nor is it presently. There is no salvation to be found in Catholicism; Catholics are spiritually lost, in danger of judgment and in desperate need of rescue. Throughout its history Catholicism has been filled with all kinds of evil including: deception, lies, sexual perversion, brutality and murder. Its rituals are satanic. In its essence, there is no difference between the Catholicism of antiquity and the present day Catholic “church”.
We believe that Catholicism is pseudo-
We believe that Catholicism, like all other false religions and cults, is a belief system of good works; essentially, people have to earn their way to heaven. We believe that Catholicism exercises psychological bondage over its participants with the control tool of fear; apart from the “church”, Catholics have no assurance of salvation. Catholics don’t think, the “church” thinks for them.
We believe that the Catholic belief that its leadership (not the Bible) has the final authority regarding matters of truth has been an enabling factor for Catholicism to be filled with a multitude of un-
We believe that the “Jesus Christ” that is a part of Catholicism is not the real Jesus Christ that is revealed in the Bible. The Catholic “Jesus Christ” is never directly approachable, his anger is never satisfied and he is crucified over and over again in the service known as the Mass.
We believe that the notion that there are born again Catholics is a misnomer. Catholics who do become saved are led by God’s Spirit out of the bondage and false practices of Catholicism and into the fellowship of true believers. (2 Corinthians 6:15)
We believe that the present Catholic “church” is the developing core of the antichrist system of the end-
We believe that it should be stated that the Itty Bitty Nitty Gritty Bible Church’s views of Catholicism are not motivated by any hatred or even dislike of Catholic people; we despise Catholicism, not Catholic people. We reject and condemn any and all sectarian hatred, aggression and violence.
We believe that believers should recognize and understand the sinfulness and deceptions of Catholicism and lovingly endeavor to rescue Catholics from its twisted evil clutches.
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!’” -
2 Corinthians 6:15
What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
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.
Revelation 17:15, 16
Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages. [16] The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire.”
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [2] People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-
(2 Timothy 3:1-
We believe that there is a current movement amongst various Protestant denominations and various branches of Catholicism to unify. (The protestant denominations involved in the Ecumenical movement are “Christian” only by appearance; in their core they are devoid of a spiritual relationship with God.) The National Council of Churches and The World Council of Churches have also played a roll in this movement. Together, the whole lot comprises the false church. (Matthew 7:15, 21; 2 Timothy 3:1-
We believe that the Ecumenical movement is inspired and empowered by Satan for the purpose of deceiving multitudes regarding Jesus Christ and His true Church. Additionally, we believe that the Ecumenical movement is the budding of the global pseudo-
We believe that the real Church, the global network of people who are born again in Jesus Christ, is by default unified through God the Holy Spirit; we are one in Christ. (John 17:22, 23; Romans 15:5; Ephesians 4:3)
Matthew 7:15
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” -
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.” -
John 17:22, 23
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” -
Romans 15:5
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,
Ephesians 4:3
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
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.
Revelation 13:1-
And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. [2] The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. [3] One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was astonished and followed the beast. [4] Men worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?”
Revelation 17:1
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters.”
Demonic Influence / Possession
With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. (Acts 8:7)
We believe that it is possible to be influenced and/or possessed by demons.
We believe that demonic influences are suggestions and prodding to commit sin communicated supernaturally to humans from the demonic realm. Demonic influence can be communicated in a range of media from perceptual sight and sound to the subtle means of thought, emotion or impulse.
We believe that all people are subject to demonic influence. While the unsaved are ultimately powerless in resisting demonic influence, those who are born again have the indwelling Holy Spirit to fend it off. (Matthew 4:1-
We believe that, while all humans are regularly bombarded with demonic influence, people can put themselves into even greater danger of its effects. We believe it is possible for humans to communicate with demons through numerous methods. Purposely using these methods or even simply toying with them greatly enables demonic influence. These methods include, but are not limited to: séances, Ouija boards, tarot cards, fortune telling, horoscopes, channeling, transcendental meditation, witchcraft, Wicca, Dungeons & Dragons, charms, potions, etc. We believe that demons are also the empowerment and voices behind false gods, religions, cults, “churches” and prophets. (Leviticus 19:31)
We believe that the use of alcoholic beverages and other mind altering drugs increases an individual’s susceptibility to demonic influence. The first mental attribute that is negatively impacted by alcoholic beverages and other drugs is ‘inhibition” or “self-
We believe that it is possible for demons to literally indwell within humans. This indwelling is much more than simply being influenced by the demonic realm, it is an outright possession of an individual by one or more demons. With demonic possession, one’s will is given over to the control of evil spirits. Those under the control of indwelling demons are used by them for the purpose of committing particularly destructive evil.
We believe that demonic possession is displayed in humans in various ways; it can vary from overtly wild behavior to subtle calculated activities. We believe that it should be noted: demonic possession is not one in the same as mental illness. One can be demonically possessed and exhibit some signs of mental illness or none at all. Those who suffer from mental afflictions are not necessarily demonically possessed.
We believe that whenever and wherever the Church and believers make a stand for Jesus Christ, demonic activity is present. All through Jesus’ earthy ministry He encountered people who were demonically influenced and/or possessed. We believe that today Satan uses people under his influence and/or possession to disrupt the Church. A surprising number of people within the social fabric of Christian fellowships are often demonically influenced and/or possessed; their mission: infiltrate and neutralize Christian ministry.
We believe that people can only overcome demonic influence and/or possession by completely acknowledging and surrendering to Jesus Christ. To escape from and fend off the wiles of Satan and the other demons, one must be born again. Once an individual has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, demons can no longer indwell within that person; however, the temptation of believers by demonic sources is still a dangerous reality. (Luke 11:24-
We believe that at the final judgment all of the demons, including Satan, will be cast into the Lake of Fire to be punished eternally. (Revelation 20:14)
Leviticus 19:31
“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.”
Luke 10:17
The seventy-
Luke 11:24-
“When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ [25] When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. [26] Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.” -
Matthew 4:1-
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. [2] After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. [3] The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” [4] Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” [5] Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. [6] “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” [7] Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” [8] Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. [9] “All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me.” [10] Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” [11] Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Romans 1:28-
[28] Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. [29] They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, [30] slanderers, God-
Ephesians 6:13
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Revelation 20:14
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. (Proverbs 16:25)
We believe that the term New Age refers to a movement of eclectic, but sometimes associated, spiritual beliefs; New Age is not a single organized religious group or creed.
We believe that the various New Age beliefs are inspired and empowered by Satan for the purpose of deceiving the multitudes regarding salvation in Jesus Christ. (Matthew 7:15; 2 Corinthians 11:14; 1 John 4:1)
We believe that, in a broad sense, the grouping of New Age beliefs includes: anthroposophical teachings (humanity as God -
We believe that the various beliefs that fall under the New Age umbrella are not actually new beliefs, but rather reintroduced old ones. (Ecclesiastes 1:1, 2, 10, 11) At the core of New Age beliefs is the view of pantheism: “God” is all and all is “God”, we are “God”.
We believe that the myriad of New Age beliefs are simply the manifestations of the human sinful nature that all of humanity is born with, inherited from Adam and Eve. Our sinful nature is rebellious towards God; it drives us to be our own master. (Read Romans chapter 1.)
We believe that it should be stated that the Itty Bitty Nitty Gritty Bible Church’s views of New Age beliefs and organizations are not motivated by any hatred or even dislike of their members; we despise falsehood, not the people caught up in it. We reject and condemn any and all sectarian hatred, aggression and violence.
We believe that believers in Jesus Christ should be knowledgeable of the various New Age beliefs so that they can understand best how lovingly win their followers to salvation in Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19, 20)
Psalm 14:1
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
Ecclesiastes 1:1, 2, 10, 11
The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: [2] “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” [10] Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. [11] There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow.
Matthew 7:15
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” -
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, [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.” -
Romans 1:18-
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, [19] since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. [20] For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
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.
Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. (2 John 1:7)
We believe that some paranormal events do actually occur. In addition to real paranormal events, there are illusionary paranormal events, existent only in the minds of those perceiving them. In either case, we believe these events, real or perceived, are produced and empowered by the multitudes of demons upon the earth. Additionally, there are illusionary paranormal events (legends, myths, superstitions etc.) that have their origin in the creative imaginations of humans. (Matthew 24:24; 2 Timothy 3:13)
We believe paranormal phenomena includes, but is not limited to: witchcraft, magic, clairvoyance, extrasensory perception, divination, apparitions, human auras, anomalous phenomenon, mythological beings, alchemy, psycho kinetics, mental telepathy, hauntings, out of body experiences, levitation, spontaneous combustion, time travel, ghosts, spirits, extraterrestrial aliens, etc. Obviously, not all of these paranormal phenomena are real events; however all are at the very least, perceived as real events within the human mind. (Are there really unidentified flying objects and aliens from other worlds? No. Do people wholeheartedly believe they exist? Yes.)
We believe Satan’s purpose behind paranormal phenomena is to attract and keep human followers. Satan is jealous of God and desires human followers of his own to revere him and carry out his aims. Satan delights in destroying the truth; ultimately, it’s people Satan desires to destroy. Jesus calls him “a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44). Through paranormal phenomena Satan can distract people and hinder them from becoming saved through Jesus Christ. Satan knows his ultimate doom and doesn’t want anyone to experience God’s love and salvation. (Revelation 13:14; 20:10)
Matthew 24:24
“For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect -
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.” -
2 Timothy 3:13
…evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
Revelation 13:14
Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth…
Revelation 20:10
“And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
“All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations-
tan and the rest of the demonic realm. Its purpose is to provide a false “prophetic” view to the unsaved world including a false sense of human control and great expectations regarding mankind’s future.
We believe that science fiction’s suggestions regarding God and the future are contrary to what the Bible reveals about God the future. Science fiction directly or indirectly propagates a number of untruths including: God is non-
We believe that at the core of science fiction is an ongoing reiteration of the words spoken to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden by Satan: “…Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” "You will not surely die…” (Genesis 3:1-
We believe that humans are endowed with a certain curiosity regarding the future; tomorrow and beyond. Science fiction is designed by Satan to fill this curiosity gap and thus thwart God’s revelations of the future to mankind that are recorded in the Bible. Recognizing the natural desire in people to know: “what’s going on now and what will happen tomorrow?”, believers should kindly, openly and frequently share the true vision of the future that is revealed in the Bible as a means to direct the unsaved to salvation in Jesus Christ. Try it; talk Bible prophecy and people will listen! Present the future with Christ! (Mark 16:15; 2 Peter 3:10-
Genesis 3:1-
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” [2] The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, [3] but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” [4] “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman.
Mark 16:15
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” -
2 Peter 3:10-
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. [11] Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives [12] as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. [13] But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. [14] So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
1 John 2:17
The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:7)
We believe that the popular practices of living out fantasies and playing “games” that involve role-
We believe that believers are to “redeem the time”; all of our resources and energies should be spent sharing Jesus Christ and His salvation with the lost. Time is short; every minute hundreds of people slip into a hopeless eternity without Christ! (Romans 13:11; Revelation 22:10)
Proverbs 12:11
“He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.”
Isaiah 65:2
All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations…
Romans 13:11
And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
Revelation 22:10
Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near.”
“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” (Psalm 33:6)
We believe that the concept of UFO’s (unidentified flying objects) and/or “alien beings” visiting our planet from “other worlds” is bogus. Furthermore, we believe that Satan and the rest of the demonic realm are behind the theme of life existing elsewhere in the universe. Their purpose is to keep people from God’s truth concerning creation and our unique existence, by presenting a godless “we’re not alone” universe. Being born as sinners and without a relationship with God, people are drawn to believe in anything. Science fiction, and in particular movies like “The Day the Earth Stood Still”, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, “E.T.”, etc. all feed a sinful passion to reject the reality of God’s and His truth. (See: “What We Believe About…" Science Fiction)
We believe that some testimonies by people concerning the sightings of unidentified fling objects are inspired by real encounters with natural unexplained phenomena that are embellished or imagined as “spaceships from another world”. All other UFO encounter testimonies, especially those involving encounters with “alien beings”, are either demonically influenced perceptions and/or human fabrications, deliberate or delusional. (Romans 1:2, 22, 30)
We believe that it should be stated: there never was, nor are there currently, nor will there ever be, “visitors” from other planets on the earth. Outside of this earth, life in any form does not exist. The earth is however, populated with “alien beings”: the multitude of demons who are awaiting their final deposition of being cast into the lake of fire. (Matthew 8:28, 29; Revelation 20:14) (See: “What We Believe About…” Demons) The earth is unique in all of God’s creation; the vast universe was merely created for mankind’s aesthetic enjoyment. (Genesis 1:16; Deuteronomy 4:19)
Genesis 1:16
God made two great lights -
Deuteronomy 4:19
And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars -
Matthew 8:28, 29
When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-
Romans 1:2, 22, 30
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. [22] Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools… [30] …they invent ways of doing evil…
Revelation 20:14
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” –Jesus (Luke 16:31)
We believe that testimonies by individuals who claim to have “died” and then return back to life are bogus. (Hebrews 9:27) We believe that these testimonies are inspired by Satan and the rest of the demonic realm. Satan’s purpose by presenting deceptions about the after-
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. (Psalm 3:5; Leviticus 17:14)
We believe that people physically die only once. 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) (See: “What We Believe About…” Death)
Leviticus 17:14
…because the life of every creature is its blood. That is why I have said to the Israelites, “You must not eat the blood of any creature, because the life of every creature is its blood; anyone who eats it must be cut off.”
Psalm 3:5
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
Luke 16:19-
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. [20] At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores [21] and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.” [22] “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. [23] In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. [24] So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’” [25] “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. [26] And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ [27] “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, [28] for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’” [29] “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ [30] “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’” [31] “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” -
Hebrews 9:27
“…man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…”
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.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13)
We believe that the belief that people are reincarnated from other previously deceased humans and/ or lower forms of life is false. Also, the related belief that people who die now return back from death in another human life and/or form of life is false. Moreover, these beliefs are inspired and empowered by Satan and the rest of the demonic realm. Their purpose is to present a false picture of creation, and more critically, a false view of what lies beyond physical death. (Genesis 1:21; Psalm 14:1; 1 Corinthians 15:12) The teachings of reincarnation ultimately communicate a non-
We believe that the Biblical account of creation clearly distinguishes humans as being created uniquely from all the rest of God’s creations. (Psalm 8:4-
In light of the expansion of human population throughout the world’s history and also the diminishing population of the world’s animals, if reincarnation were a reality many people who are walking on the planet today would be fake people! (Revelation 4:11)
Genesis 1:21
So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Psalm 8:4-
What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? [5] You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. [6] You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:
Psalm 14:1
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
1 Corinthians 15:12
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?
Revelation 4:11
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
“I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people.” -
We believe that it is impossible to talk or communicate in any fashion with the dead. We can not communicate with them; they can not communicate with us. The spirits of those who die on this planet go immediately upon death to be with God (the saved) or to await the final judgment (the unsaved).
We believe that the Bible clearly teaches that the spirits of the deceased are gone from us; they are not here. On this planet, we can not see them, nor are they “looking down” viewing us.
We believe that those deceivers who claim to make contact with the dead are actually deceived themselves. The voices and communications they do receive are from earth-
We believe that Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:27-
Leviticus 19:31
“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.”
Leviticus 20:6
“I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people.”
Luke 16:27-
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house, [28] for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ [29] “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ [30] “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ [31] “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” -
“‘And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’” –Jesus (Luke 16:26)
We believe that ghosts do not exist; they never did, they never will. The spirits of those who die on this planet go immediately upon death to be with God (the saved) or to await the final judgment (the unsaved).
We believe that the Bible clearly teaches that the spirits of the deceased are gone from us; they are not here. On this planet, we can not see them, nor are they “looking down” viewing us. (See “Talking With the Dead”.)
We believe that the concept of ghosts is Satanic in origin. Satan’s use of this superstitious belief serves as a distraction amongst humanity, diverting useful thinking regarding the real eternal destinations of those who die. (Luke 24:39)
We believe that the apparitions that do occur are the result of depraved minds and/or tricks from the earth-
Isaiah 19:3
The Egyptians will lose heart, and I will bring their plans to nothing; they will consult the idols and the spirits of the dead, the mediums and the spiritists.
Luke 24:39
“Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” -
“I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people.” -
We believe that astrology, horoscopes and all other human practices that endeavor to see into the future are sinful. They are inspired by the demonic realm for the purpose of distracting and misleading individuals with regards to the reality of their personal need of salvation from temptation, sin, death and hell. Those who practice these “magic arts”, unless they get saved and repent, will face judgment. (Revelation 21:8)
We believe that these practices include, but are not limited to: astrology, horoscopes, seers, bio-
We believe that attempts to see into the future actually do make a connection between an individual and the demonic realm. Answers that people receive are real; they are the folly of a demon or group of demons. (The demonic realm actually does not have any supernatural insight regarding the future. Only God is all-
We believe that God has provided a real window into the future; it is called the Bible. All that an individual needs to know regarding the future and how to arrive there safely is contained in the Bible. (Luke 16:29; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17)
Luke 16:29
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’” -
Acts 16:16-
Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-
2 Timothy 3:16, 17
All Scripture is God-
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 -
“…The righteous will live by faith.” (Galatians 3:11)
We believe that being superstitious and believing in luck are a sinful practices. It demonstrates a lack of faith and trust in God for His provisions. (Matthew 6:25-
We believe that believers are called to be people of faith and hope. We define the essence of faith using the word as an acronym: forsaking all things I trust Him. Hope is the expectation of receiving something with the knowledge that one’s desire can and will be met. Wishing is actually a desiring of something that is not practical or realistically obtainable. (Hebrews 11:6)
We believe that believers are directed not to live in fear but rather to trust in God for their safety. They are to communicate their needs of “daily bread” to God through prayer, trusting in His promise of meeting all of their needs. (Deuteronomy 4:31; Isaiah 49:16; Mark 11:24)
Deuteronomy 4:31
For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.
Isaiah 49:16
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.
Matthew 6:25-
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? [26] Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? [27] Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” [28] “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. [29] Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [30] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” -
Mark 11:24
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” -
Hebrews 11:6
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.
James 4:1-
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? [2] You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. [3] When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. [4] You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. [5] Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? [6] But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” [7] Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-
“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.” –Jesus (John 14:27)
We believe that modern psychology has very little if any real positive effects upon humanity as a whole or individually. (We define modern psychology as the various therapies designed to resolve human behavioral issues.) Although there are well meant intentions behind many who practice it, the core philosophies of modern psychology are contrary to Biblical principles. (Matthew 23:12; Colossians 2:8)
We believe that what little effects modern psychology does produce are topical and temporary; modern psychology does not cure, it is only a coping mechanism. Psychiatry, treating behavioral issues with medications, is particularly a topical treatment; the essence of drug therapies is either to stimulate or depress a person’s sense of awareness and behavior.
We believe that all of the psychological issues that affect the human race are a direct result of sin entering humanity through the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 2:17) Additionally, we believe that individual behavioral problems that people struggle with are brought on by: personal sin, being victimized, physical trauma, the use of mind altering drugs (particularly beverage alcohol) and influence from the demonic realm. Since all people are born as sinners, all suffer from some level of behavioral struggle. (Psalm 51:5; Titus 1:15)
We believe that only by becoming born again, surrendering to and fully accepting Jesus Christ as one’s personal Lord and Saviour, can an individual have real and lasting victory over behavioral difficulties and related sins. (1 Corinthians 2:16) The salvation that Christ brings is for the soul and the spirit (Psalm 51:12; Matthew 11:28; Romans 7:24); at the rapture, believers’ physical bodies will be perfected as well. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
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.”
Psalm 51:5
Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Psalm 51:12
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Matthew 23:12
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” –Jesus
Romans 7:24
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? [25] Thanks be to God -
Romans 8:5-
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. [6] The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; [7] the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. [8] Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. [9] You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:16
“For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:18
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-
Titus 1:15
To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. –David (2 Samuel 22: 35)
We believe that war is a direct consequence of sin entering the human race. We believe that wars of aggression are a group exercise of the sinful nature that all humans are born with. We believe that wars of aggression are wars that are inspired and empowered by Satan and the rest of the demonic realm.
We believe that God has allowed the various nations with civil governments to exist for the purpose of preventing and ending wars of aggression. We believe that without God allowing civil governments, humanity would have destroyed itself long ago. (Romans 13:1-
We believe that presently and throughout the course of world history, civil nations have been called to battle for the purpose of stopping aggression and punishing evil, much in the same way as law enforcement and the judicial system work domestically in a community. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-
We believe that anytime a civil nation is called to battle against an aggressive nation, the motivation must still be that of love with the goal of the restoration of civility and healing for all people. Victorious nations should not gloat over their fallen enemy, war should not be enjoyed or celebrated; in the end, nothing is really gained or won. (Proverbs 24:17, 18; Hosea 6:6; Matthew 5:43-
We believe that military intervention must be the last attempt in stopping an aggressive war, except in the case where there is violence and bloodshed against the innocent and defenseless. In such scenarios, people must act quickly and decisively. (Genesis 4:9; Deuteronomy 24:17; Luke 10:30-
We believe that it should be understood that the absence of war within the world is not peace. Real peace can only be obtained through a new relationship with Jesus Christ. (John 14:27) While Satan remains the “prince” of this world (John 12:31), wars will be inevitable. In the end, all wars will finally end when Jesus Christ returns to the earth at the height of the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). Upon the completion of the end-
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?”
Numbers 33:52
“…drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and their cast idols, and demolish all their high places” –God to Israel
Deuteronomy 24:17
Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.
Proverbs 24:17, 18
Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: [2] a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, [3] a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, [4] a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, [5] a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, [6] a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, [7] a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, [8] a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
Hosea 6:6
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Matthew 5:43-
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. [46] If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? [47] And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? [48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” -
Luke 10:30-
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. [31] A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. [32] So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. [33] But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. [34] He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. [35] The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’”
[36] “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” -
John 12:31
“Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.” -
John 14:27
“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.” -
Romans 13:1-
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [2] Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. [3] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. [4] For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. [6] This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.
Revelation 16:16
Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.
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.”
“You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13)
“Cursed is the man who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.” (Deuteronomy 27:25)
We believe that abortion on demand is murder.
We define “on demand” as any and all conditions except where the mother’s life would end as a result of an abnormal pregnancy (ectopic pregnancies, some placenta previa pregnancies, et al). These cases are extremely rare and we reiterate: the only abortions that are not “on demand” are those involving pregnancy scenarios where the mother will not survive the pregnancy. (Pregnancies that will cause a mother’s death as well as barrenness, still births, miscarriages and birth defects are all direct results of sin entering the human race by Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden.) (Genesis 2:17)
We believe that incest and rape, in spite of how appalling these sins are, are not conditions that vindicate taking a human life. Other social scenarios such as an unwed woman, a child or a behaviorally challenged individual becoming pregnant are also not conditions that vindicate taking a human life. Other excuses such as birth defects, multiple babies within the womb, various hardships, etc. are also vane rationalizations for taking a human life. These aforementioned scenarios are obviously extremely difficult and present many challenges; however, with God’s grace, victory in each scenario can be had! (1 Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 4:13)
We believe that human life begins at the moment of conception. From conception that which is in the womb is a child, not a zygote, embryo and fetus. We believe that the term “fetus” (Latin for baby) is used by modern culture to desensitize or trick the public’s conscience regarding the reality that that which is within the womb is fully human. Furthermore, we believe that the use of phrases like “a woman’s reproductive choice” is a deceptive game of semantics; “let’s not call abortion ‘abortion’, lets just call it something else, then its not abortion, right?” We believe that abortion not only destroys the unborn, but severely impacts the mother and father of the child.
The following Bible passages illustrate the true humanness of the unborn:
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. (Psalm 127:3 KJV)
[13] For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. [14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, [16] your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. –David (Psalm 139:13-
Isaiah said, “The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name … he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord and my God has been my strength…” –Isaiah (Isaiah 49:1, 5 KJV)
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” –Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5)
“As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby (John the Baptist) in my womb leaped for joy.” –Elizabeth to Mary (Luke 1:44)
We believe that it should be stated that while the Itty Bitty Nitty Gritty Bible Church and its members generally support the pro-
We believe that God will avenge someday the spilt blood of the millions of unborn children murdered under the laws, leadership and people of the United States, all in the name of “choice”. We believe that any government and/or people that allow abortion on demand are guilty of shedding innocent blood and will be judged accordingly by God. To those who have had an abortion or to those who have supported this sinful cause, forgiveness is available! The only way to be cleansed of one’s guilt is to become born again in Jesus Christ. Through Jesus Christ we can receive a new life now and life in the next world where we can finally embrace those who were lost in the womb.
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.”
Proverbs 6:16, 17
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him … hands that shed innocent blood…”
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.
Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him … hands that shed innocent blood…” (Proverbs 6:16, 17)
We believe that the practice of using human “embryos” for medical research is sinful. The very word “embryo” is a misnomer; a so called “embryo” is in fact a human being, albeit a very young and underdeveloped human being, but fully human nonetheless.
We believe that the claim by some that the use of human “embryos” (actually pre-
We believe that the essence of embryonic stem cell research is the cannibalistic use of tiny humans. Like abortion and euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research is a practice that adds to the social desensitization of the great worth of each and every human. We believe that no individual’s cause, no matter how dire, is justification for the taking of another human life.
Psalm 139:13-
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. [14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, [16] your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. –David
“[13] For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. [14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, [16] your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” –David (Psalm 139:13-
We believe that human reproduction is a process that involves both humans and God. God not only created the original two humans, Adam & Eve, He is still involved in the creative process of life on earth. Furthermore, God is the sustainer of life; without His sustainment, life would cease. Humans contribute to the body and spirit of their offspring, but God imparts the soul and knits the three components into one. (Genesis 1:28; Psalm 127:3-
We believe that God endowed humans with a freewill which extends into all areas of living. We believe that a married couple’s desire to have many children, a few children, one child or no children is discretionary.
We believe that human sexuality was endowed in humans not only for the multiplication of humanity, but also to be enjoyed as a bonding experience exclusively between a husband and a wife. We believe that there is no Biblical prohibition of influencing sexual activity (birth control) between a husband and a wife so as not to conceive a child. We believe life begins at conception, the moment an egg is fertilized by a sperm cell; what is conceived in the womb is fully human. Any and all attempts of “birth control” after conception are the taking of human life.
We believe that there is no Biblical prohibition in aiding a married couple who may experience difficulty in conceiving a child; however, the practice of creating, storing and/or destroying numerous babies in these endeavors is sinful. As stated previously, human life begins at conception; no matter how small and undeveloped a fertilized “egg” may be, he or she is fully human and must be respected as such.
We believe that aiding married couples to conceive children has limitations. God credits himself as being the designer of all things created. Any work beyond the assistance of bringing about fertilization such as: cloning, tampering with DNA, sperm and/or egg donation by parties other than the married couple involved, surrogacy, etc. is a perversion of our reproductive design by God.
Genesis 1:28
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
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.
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15)
We believe that the practice of purposely ending the life of an ill person or encouraging and/or assisting the suicide of an ill person is murder; this includes all methods including drugs and/or the deprivation of one’s needs. Although these practices may be well intended by some, we believe these practices contribute to the desensitization of humanity towards the value of human life; the value of human life becomes a common commodity.
We believe that no factor such as: age, physical and/or mental disabilities, a lack of an ability to live independently, illnesses and even pain should devalue a human’s life. We believe the term “vegetative state” is a misnomer when applied to humans. Humans are not vegetables, neither are they even animals. Moreover, each and every human is created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27) All humans, especially the aged, feeble and vulnerable, should be treated with dignity and valued. (Matthew 9:36)
We believe that all people are literally born dying; death is a consequence of sin entering our existence because of the disobedience of Adam & Eve. (Genesis 2:17) Given the fact that death is inevitable, life prolonging treatments do have their limitations. When it is clearly apparent that an individual’s passing is inevitable, care should be focused on the individual’s comfort and dignity. (Psalm 116:15) We believe that the decisions concerning the level and length of critical care belong to the individual involved. In scenarios where a stricken individual is unable to communicate, their desires and interests should be carried out by their family. In lieu of family, this responsibility should be met by those giving the care.
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 in the end determines the timing of its conclusion. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2)
Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
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.”
Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: [2] a time to be born and a time to die…
Matthew 9:36
When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
“Show him no pity. You must purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, so that it may go well with you.” -
We believe in the appropriate use of capital punishment. We recognize that capital punishment was a part of God’s discipline for the Israelite people. (Numbers 35:30) In a real sense, all humans are born under a sentence of death as a result of sin entering our race and because of our own sins. (Genesis 2:17)
We believe that the use of capital punishment should be limited to scenarios where an individual has willfully and purposely taken a life. Those who even assist with, plan or attempt to commit murder are also candidates for capital punishment. (Under the rule of law in pre-
We believe that capital punishment should not be administered as a punishment or for vengeance. (Deuteronomy 32:35) Capital punishment should be administered with the belief that the individual is being handed over to God for His judgment.
We believe that any and all individuals facing a sentence of death should be afforded any and all opportunities and abilities to state and defend their case. In any area of uncertainty, those accused of capital crimes should be given the benefit of a doubt. Executions should be solemn events. The act of execution should be swift. Individuals facing an execution should be given ample opportunity to make peace with God by accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.
We recognize that others within the Christian community may not agree with our positions regarding capital punishment. We lovingly and politely respect these opposing views and recognize that men in good faith may differ on non-
We believe that in the end, all people must individually stand before the judgment seat of Jesus Christ to face the capital charge of sin. Those who were born again here on this earth, by completely accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, will inherit the new Heaven and new Earth. (Matthew 25:23) Their death sentences were fully borne by Jesus Christ while He suffered on the cross. (Isaiah 53:4-
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.” -
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?”
Numbers 35:30
“‘Anyone who kills a person is to be put to death as a murderer only on the testimony of witnesses. But no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.’”
Deuteronomy 32:35
“It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.” -
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 25:23
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” -
Romans 8:1
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” –Paul
Revelation 20:10, 14
[10] And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. [14] Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.
Since he heard the sound of the trumpet but did not take warning, his blood will be on his own head. If he had taken warning, he would have saved himself. (Ezekiel 33:5)
We believe that suicide is the last rebellious act of an unsaved person. We believe that the act and thoughts of suicide are inspired and empowered by the demonic realm.
Although many may view suicide as an act of total loss of self-
We believe that, since we are all born as sinners (Psalm 14:1-
We believe that God desires for all people to be saved. His Spirit is ever impressing Himself upon the minds of the unsaved so that they would believe, accept Him, become born again and be saved. We believe that God’s prodding of the unsaved continues with every individual right up until the moment of one’s death; beyond that threshold, there is no opportunity of salvation. This persistence of God’s grace should not be abused; the road to hell is paved with good intentions. (Isaiah 55:6; 2 Corinthians 6:2)
Genesis 4:6-
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? [7] 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.”
Joshua 6:18
But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it.
Psalm 14:1-
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. [2] The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. [3] All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
Psalm 51:5
Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Psalm 58:3
Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward and speak lies.
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
Isaiah 55:6
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Ezekiel 33:11
Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?’
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” –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 Corinthians 6:2
For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
Hebrews 9:27
Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
2 Peter 3:9
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.
1 John 5:5
Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
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 -
The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-
We believe that racism in all of its forms, outright or subtle, is sinful.
We believe that any and all groups that espouse to be a supreme race of humanity (Aryans, Ku Klux Klan, skin heads, neo-
We believe that all stories, legends and even so-
We believe that all humans are descended from two individuals: Adam and Eve. Physically, we are all related! Physically, there is really only one race of human beings: the human race.
We believe that all of the perceived “racial” variations in humans are mere appearance differences. These variations in human appearances are an indirect result of the scattering of the human race after the Tower of Babel. (Genesis 11:1-
We believe that spiritually speaking, humanity is divided; we are separated into two distinct groups: the saved and the unsaved. All individuals are born into the unsaved human race, the physical family descendent from Adam and Eve. We are not born as “children of God”. (John 8:42-
We believe that when an individual becomes born again, completely accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, they are adopted into a new family, connected spiritually by God the Holy Spirit as “children of God”. (John 17:23;1 John 3:1, 2) Believers are descended from Jesus, the second Adam. (1 Corinthians 15:45-
We believe that the Church, the world network of those who are born again, is one body; spiritually there is no “White Church”, “Black Church”, “Hispanic Church”, etc. Those who segregate or see the Church this way merely show their ignorance of the spiritual unity of believers. (Galatians 3:28)
Genesis 9:24, 25
When Noah awoke from his wine and found out what his youngest son had done to him, [25] he said, “Cursed be Canaan! The lowest of slaves will he be to his brothers.”
Genesis 11:1-
Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. [2] As men moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. [3] They said to each other, “Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. [4] Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” [5] But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. [6] The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. [7] Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” [8] So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. [9] That is why it was called Babel -
John 8:42-
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. [43] Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. [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. [45] Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! [46] Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? [47] He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” -
John 17:23
“…May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” -
1 Corinthians 15:45-
So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-
Galatians 3:26
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus…
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” -
1 John 3:1, 2
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. [2] Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34)
We believe that alcohol and other drugs (illegal) are instruments of Satan.
We believe that aside from the issue of legality, there is no difference between beverage alcohol and other mind altering and/or mood altering drugs; in fact, for every one person who succumbs to an illegal substance, thirty-
We believe that Satan’s chief purpose with alcohol and other drugs is to distract people from reality, namely, the reality of their need of salvation in Jesus Christ. (“Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die!”) Additionally, alcohol and other drugs negatively impact an individual’s “behavioral check system” known as inhibitions (one’s self-
We believe that the chemicals of alcohol and other drugs produce a situation of spiritual bondage, better knows as chemical addiction. We believe that chemical addiction impacts all three aspects of an individual: the body, the sprit and the soul. In light of this, we believe that deliverance from the bondage of chemical addictions must include the rescue of all three of the human components. We believe that it is simply not enough to break only the physical and psychological addiction produced by alcohol and other drugs; no true victory can be won until an individual becomes born again in Jesus Christ, freeing the soul from temptation, sin, death and hell. (John 8:36, 14:27; 1 John 3:6)
We believe that believers should be knowledgeable regarding the many myths that Satan uses to soften people’s attitudes towards beverage alcohol. Some of Satan’s lies include: “beer and wine aren’t as bad as liquor”, “a little drink now and then doesn’t hurt” and “you have to drink a lot to become intoxicated and/or become alcoholic”. It should also be noted: Marijuana is not an “herb”; it delivers a complex carbon molecule (tetrahydrocannabinol a.k.a. THC) that negatively impacts people for life.
We believe that believers should be loving and empathetic with those who are in the bondage of chemical additions. Those in the throws of addiction need intervention, just as the victim did on the “Road to Jericho”. (Luke 10:30-
We believe that believers should totally abstain from the use of beverage alcohol and all other drugs that impact behavior, particularity the behavioral dynamic of inhibition. Additionally believers should strive not to directly or indirectly support the alcoholic beverage drug pushers, a.k.a beer brewers, wine makers, distilleries, bars, restaurants that serve alcohol, etc. (If you can’t be happy with the idea of no alcoholic beverages in your life, you’re under their influence.)
Luke 10:30-
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. [31] A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. [32] So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. [33] But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. [34] He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. [35] The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ ” [36] “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” [37] The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” -
John 14:27
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. -
Romans 14:17-
[17] For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, [18] because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. [19] Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. [20] Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. [21] It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.
Isaiah 5:22
“Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks.”
1 Peter 5:8 KJV
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
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.
Other Sexual Perversions
“Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.” -
We believe that it goes without saying that homosexuality and other sexual perversions are sin; moreover they are sexual sin. We define sexual sin as any and all human sexual behaviors (thoughts, fantasies, communications or actions) that are outside of the relationship of marriage. We believe that Satan uses human susceptibility to sexual sin as a way to keep people in the bondage of sin. (Romans 1:18-
We believe that, although in a sense “sin is sin”, the Bible states that there are some sins that are more reprehensible than others; being a sexual sin, homosexuality is an example of this status. Homosexuality degrades and damages its offenders and victims; the notion that homosexuality is “victimless” is wrong. (1 Corinthians 6:18) There are no truly happy “gay” people; their lust can never be satisfied. (Job 20:5; Proverbs 10:3; 2 Peter 2:14)
We believe that homosexuality does have an aggressive, and even violent, component; people caught up in it are demonically driven to share their sin with others and thus expand and perpetuate homosexuality. Parents should be especially aware of the vulnerability of children with regards to the predatory nature of homosexuality. Be mindful that those practicing homosexuality don’t reproduce; they must recruit and even draft new participants.
We believe that the ongoing argument regarding the beginning of homosexual behavior in an individual is immaterial (Are people born that way or do they learn it?) As the ongoing result of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, we are all born sinfully inclined; all people have the propensity to commit sin, any sin; God revealed this reality to David in the Bible. (Psalm 51:5) We believe that in the final analysis, there are no homosexual “people”; there are simply people who practice homosexual behavior, regardless of whether they were born with this inclination or whether they acquired it. (1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 John 1:8) For the sake of argument, if people are born with a gender identity problem, sexual attraction to the same gender or any other perverted sexual behavior, it still doesn’t make these behaviors right or non-
We believe that it should be clarified: simply being tempted is not committing sin; however, not handling temptation in the proper manner leads to sin. Those tempted with thoughts of homosexuality and other sexual perversions are not all of a sudden “different” or guilty. The following adage helps explain the differentiation between simply being tempted and allowing temptation to become sin: “I may not be able to stop a bird from flying over my head, but I can stop it from building a nest in my hair.”
We believe that the notion that one can be caught up in the influence and bondage of homosexuality and other sexual perversions and be “right” with God is false; in spiritual reality, there are no “homosexual Christians” or “gay churches”. The movements that promote such untruths are demonically inspired and empowered. (Revelation 21:8)
We believe that we are living in a culture that has become crazed with sexuality, and subsequently desensitized to the guilt and shame of sexual sin, particularly homosexuality. Because of this, we believe that believers should strive to model the natural distinctions between the genders; men should be men and women should be women. Accounting for cultural distinctives, the genders should still be distinguished from each other in appearances, communications and social behaviors; by example, men can where a kilt in Scotland but not a skirt in the United States, etc. The notion of gender blending flies in the face of the gender distinctions that God created in human beings. (Genesis 5:2)
We believe that when believers are exposed to the lewdness of homosexuality, God’s Biblical advice is simple: flee from sexual immorality. (1 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 5:3) For believers, the guidance of God’s indwelling Holy Spirit, the Bible, the spiritual fruit of self-
We believe that it should be understood, the Itty Bitty Nitty Gritty Bible Church does not hate homosexuals or those caught up in other sexual perversions; we despise homosexuality and sexual perversion. We are neither intolerant nor homophobic; in contrast, people who are caught up in sexual sins become intolerant and fearful of the truth. (Romans 1:18-
We believe that, for those who are caught up in the craving and bondage of homosexuality and other sexual perversions, there is hope! Although sexual sins carry a heavy penalty, they are not unforgivable sins. (John 8:36; 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 4:8) Like all other sin, freedom and victory can be obtained from homosexuality and other sexual perversions. Freedom and victory come only by becoming born again through accepting Jesus Christ as one’s personal Lord and Saviour. (Isaiah 1:18; John 8:36; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
Genesis 5:2
He created them male and female and blessed them. And when they were created, he called them “man.”
Job 20:5
…that the mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
Psalm 51:5
“Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” -
Proverbs 10:3
The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” -
Romans 1:18-
[18] The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, [19] since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. [20] For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -
[21] For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. [22] Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools [23] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
[24] Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. [25] They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator -
[26] Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. [27] In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
[28] Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. [29] They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, [30] slanderers, God-
1 Corinthians 6:15, 16
Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! [16] Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”
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.
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 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
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.”
James 4:8
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-
2 Peter 2:14
With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed -
1 John 1:8
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
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 -
We believe that it goes without saying, prostitution and/or pornography are sin; moreover they are sexual sin. We define sexual sin as any and all sexual behavior (thoughts, fantasies, communications or actions) that is conducted outside of the relationship of marriage. We believe that Satan uses human susceptibility to sexual sin as a way to keep people in bondage. (Romans 1:18-
We believe that, although in a sense “sin is sin”, the Bible states that there are some sins that are more reprehensible than others; sexual sins are an example of this status. Sexual sin degrades and damages its victims and offenders. The notion that prostitution is a “victimless crime” is a double-
We believe that sexual sin does have an aggressive, and even violent, component; people caught up in it are demonically driven to share their sin with others. Parents should be especially aware of the vulnerability of children with regards to the predatory nature of those in the bondage of sexual sin.
We believe that pornography is in fact prostitution; they are one in the same. Lusting after someone or presenting oneself to be lusted after is committing fornication or adultery. (Matthew 5:27, 28) The notions: “Look, but don’t touch.”, “I’m only window shopping.” and “It doesn’t hurt to look.” are mechanisms of neutralizing one’s conscience. Those caught up in making or viewing pornography are “prostituted”, used and abused continually.
We believe that pornography in any form is dangerous. The bondage of sexual sin often begins with exposure to what is considered “light” forms of pornography. Pornography is not always a matter of visual exposure or nudity; suggestive body poses, movements, dances and even “two-
We believe that it should be understood that sexuality (in and of itself) is not sinful; God Himself created humans with the romantic dynamic of sexuality. Although the beauty and distinction of gender is woven throughout our surroundings and culture, the awareness of gender does become a matter of sin when it advances to a thought, a fantasy, dialog, urges and actions of inappropriate sexual activity.
We believe that we are living in a culture that has become crazed with sexuality, and subsequently desensitized to the guilt and shame of sexual sin, particularly prostitution / pornography. Because of this, we believe that believers should not speak, dress nor behave in any fashion that might entice others to become sexually aroused; when in doubt about this matter, always err on the side of modesty. When believers are exposed to lewdness, God’s Biblical advice is simple: flee from sexual immorality. (1 Corinthians 6:18) God commands believers that there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality amongst them. (Ephesians 5:3)
We believe that it should be clarified: simply being tempted is not committing sin; however, not handling temptation in the proper manner leads to sin. The following adage helps explain the difference between simply being tempted and allowing temptation to become sin: “I may not be able to stop a bird from flying over my head, but I can stop it from building a nest in my hair.”
As mentioned previously, the idea that prostitution and pornography are “victimless” crimes is false. Al parties involved are victimized by the guilt, bondage and pain of sexual sin; Personal purity is destroyed, families are ruined and societies are corrupted. For believers, the guidance of God’s indwelling Spirit, Scripture, the spiritual fruit of self-
Matthew 5:27, 28
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ [28] But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” -
John 8:3-
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group [4] and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. [5] In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” [6] They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. [7] When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” [8] Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. [9] At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. [10] Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” [11] “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Romans 1:18-
[18] The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, [19] since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. [20] For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -
1 Corinthians 6:9-
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders [10] nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. [11] And that is what some of you were. 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 6:15, 16
Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! [16] Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”
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.
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.
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.”
James 4:8
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-
“So if the Son (Jesus) sets you free, you will be free indeed.” -
We believe that human slavery, in all of its forms, is sin. We define the essence of human slavery as forcing an individual to comply with a will that is not their own.
We believe that the economic/occupational system of indentured servants, albeit a difficult one, should not be confused with slavery. This system has existed historically (and still does) throughout the world; it is even mentioned in the Bible.
We believe that human slavery not only exists in its traditional physical forms but can be enforced on people psychologically. One does not need to wear chains to be ensnared as a slave. Sinful people as individuals or in organized groups continue to oppress the masses; in a sense: false churches, religion, corrupt governments and leaders, greedy businesses, the alcoholic beverage industry and other drug pushers, the prostitution/pornography industry, etc. are all slave owners.
We believe that humans were originally created to be free; all humans are still created with an endowed freewill. Although we believe that all people do possess freewill, they are actually born as slaves, slaves to sin. Until one becomes born again by accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, they are not free. (Romans 7:24, 25)
Exodus 21:2
“If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything.”
Jeremiah 34:8, 9
The word came to Jeremiah from the Lord after King Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people in Jerusalem to proclaim freedom for the slaves. [9] Everyone was to free his Hebrew slaves, both male and female; no one was to hold a fellow Jew in bondage.
Romans 7:24, 25
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? [25] Thanks be to God -
1 Corinthians 7:21
Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you -
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:9-
We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, [10] for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers -
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” –Jesus (Matthew 6:24)
We believe that gambling, in all its forms, is sinful. We define gambling as placing one’s resources into a common pool that pays out to “winners” from the losses of others, regardless if one “wins” by skill or chance. (Gambling is distinct from simply playing games and taking calculated risks.) We believe that gambling is inspired and empowered by the demonic realm. The belief in “luck”, which is closely associated with gambling, is a portal that opens a communicative channel with demons. (Luke 12:15)
We believe that gambling is an activity that stimulates want and greed. (Psalm 23:1) Additionally, gambling has showed itself to be highly addictive to many. Those in the bondage of gambling have lost their paychecks, cars, houses, and even more devastatingly, their marriages, families and even their own lives. There is a high incidence of suicide by those in debt because of addictive gambling.
We believe that lotteries, raffles and games of chance in the cause of benefiting a particular charity are no different than gambling; they feed the same sinful human impulses. (Proverbs 13:11; 28:19, 20) Charity drives that use games of chance to raise funds present their own cause as a justification to gamble; many people attempt to sooth their guilt with the idea: “It’s for a good cause.” Calling gambling “gaming” is merely a matter of semantics.
We believe that for a believer in Jesus Christ, gambling is especially sinful. In addition to stealing from others, a believer’s gambling contradicts one’s faithful dependence on God for all that one needs in life. It communicates to the unsaved world a personal lack of faith in God, negating one’s testimony for Jesus Christ. (Matthew 6:25-
We believe that the essence of gambling is profiteering off the failure and loss of others. Gambling is money gained without laboring for it. Gambling is stealing. (Exodus 20:15; Galatians 3:1; Hebrews 13:5)
Exodus 20:15
“You shall not steal.” -
Psalm 23:1
A psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
Proverbs 13:11
Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Proverbs 28:19, 20
He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. [20] A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
Matthew 6:25-
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? [26] Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? [27] Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? [28] “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. [29] Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [30] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. -
Luke 12:15
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” -
Galatians 3:11
“The righteous will live by faith.”
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:5)
We believe that violent activities propagate violence; in turn, violence, except in cases of self-
We believe that violent activities include: hunting for the sport of it and/or the thrill of killing, athletic activities that purposely cause bodily injury, activities that dare death (Russian roulette, snake handling, reckless stunts, etc.) and also any use of animals for entertainment that cause injury or death (cock fights, dog fights, bull fighting, rodeos, etc.).
We believe that the use of violence (and all other evil activities) depicted in entertainment media such as magazines, books, television shows, movies, music, video games, etc. also propagates real violence and consequently sinful activities. (Matthew 5:28)
We believe that people’s behavior (especially that of children) is affected by what they observe. We believe that feeding the mind with violence does cause a desensitization effect of the heart. This desensitization in turn neutralizes one’s inhibitions towards committing acts of violence upon others and themselves. (Matthew 6:22, 23)
We believe that people will be held accountable to God for what behaviors they display to others and for what imagery they allow to be fed into them. We believe that, as much as it is possible, believers are called to live peaceably. (Hosea 6:6; Matthew 12:36; Romans 12:8; Colossians 3:12)
Hosea 6:6
“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice…” –God
Matthew 5:29
“If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” –Jesus
Matthew 5:29
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. [23] But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! –Jesus
Matthew 26:52
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” -
Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:28)
We believe that practices that physically alter the human body for vanity are sinful.
We believe that these practices include piercing the body with jewelry and /or marking the body, such as with tattoos. Additional practices that alter the body such as: stretching the ears, neck, etc., binding feet, cosmetic surgery (for the sake of vanity), implants, etc. are also sinful. Extreme mutilation, such as the cutting off of limbs and other body parts, is reprehensible.
We believe that these practices are generally the result of an inner turmoil such as anger, loneliness and/or a lack of self-
1 Samuel 16:7
“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Ecclesiastes 12:8
“Vanity, vanity, saith the preacher; all is vanity.”
Matthew 6:28-
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. [29] Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [30] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” –Jesus
1 Peter 3:3-
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. [4] Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. [5] For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.”
A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, [25] for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? (Ecclesiastes 2:24, 25)
We believe that the endowed human ability to experience satisfaction, joy, happiness, humor and fun is a blessing from God. The Bible reveals that God Himself has a sense of humor.
We believe that, in spite of the urgent pace of the world, God does desire that we would experience entertainment in reasonable measure. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4)
We believe that the use of sinful activities depicted in entertainment media such as magazines, books, television shows, movies, plays, dance, music, video games, etc. propagates real sinful activities. (Matthew 5:28, 29) We believe that people will be held accountable to God for what behaviors they display to others and for what imagery they allow to be fed into them. (Matthew 12:36) The rational “I’m just looking” is self-
We believe that people’s behavior (especially that of children) is affected by what they observe. We believe that feeding the mind with imagery of sinful activities does cause a desensitization effect of the heart. This desensitization in turn neutralizes one’s inhibitions towards committing sinful acts. Focusing one’s attention on sinful behaviors naturally leads towards temptation; temptation leads to sin and finally to spiritual death. (Matthew 6:22, 23; James 1:13-
We believe that the greatest “entertainment” waits in the future for those who are born again. (1 Corinthians 2:9) We believe that the substance of all of our entertainment experiences should be reflective of God’s holiness. (Colossians 3:17; Ephesians 5:3-
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven … a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…”
Matthew 5:28, 29
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. [29] If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” -
Matthew 6:22, 23
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. [23] But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” –Jesus
Matthew 12:36
“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.” -
1 Corinthians 2:9
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
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 -
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.
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-
1 Peter 4:3, 4
For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do -
“I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” –Jesus (John 8:51)
We believe that there are a number of physical health trends that serve to distract people from their real need of becoming spiritually healthy. Although mostly human endeavors, we believe these trends are ultimately inspired and empowered by Satan and the rest of the demonic realm. These trends offer a variety of wishful “fountain of youth” solutions to the real human dilemma of the process of aging, decay and inevitable physical death.
We believe that the process of aging, decay and inevitable physical death is at work in each and every individual from conception. It began in the human race with the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden; all of us being their physical offspring are conceived and born defective, physically and spiritually. (Psalm 51:5) Had Adam & Eve not sinned, they would still be alive on the planet Earth today, healthy and not aged!
We believe that these health trends use a number of disciplines that lure people into a false sense of wellbeing including: specifically balanced diets and nutritional formulas, fabricated and organic medications, organic foods, herbs, certain combinations of vitamins and minerals, exercise programs, meditation, etc.
We believe that it is in the best interest of believers to practice good physical health, but healthiness does have its limitations; Euell Gibbons the famous naturalist (1911-
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. (Matthew 10:28; John 11:26; Revelation 20:12)
We believe that all who die will eventually be bodily resurrected: those who were saved when they died will receive perfected bodies; those who were not saved when they died will receive the same decrepit and diseased body that they died with. (Ecclesiastes 9:5; Luke 20:36; Philippians 3:10, 11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-
Psalm 51:5
“Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” -
Ecclesiastes 9:5
For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten.
Matthew 10:28
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” –Jesus
Luke 20:36
“…and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection.” -
John 11:26
“…and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” -
1 John 2:17
The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
Philippians 3:10, 11
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” –Paul
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.
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.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)
We believe that the use of tobacco, and any other substances that adversely affect the health of an individual and/or others around them, is contrary to the spirit of Christ. Jesus is about new life, which includes holiness and freedom; the use of tobacco brings on opposite conditions: pollution and bondage. Those who produce, promote or sell addictive and/or damaging consumables are sinning against others and God. (Daniel 12:10; Romans 14:20; 1 Corinthians 6:12, 13, 19, 20)
Daniel 12:10
Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.
Romans 14:20
Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.
1 Corinthians 6:12, 13, 19, 20
“Everything is permissible for me” -
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13)
We believe that the Earth was created for humans; humans did not “come from”, or “belong to”, the Earth. We believe that humans do have a limited responsibility towards the conditions of their surroundings. (Genesis 1:26; 2:15) As it is possible and practical, humans should extend the Biblical values of care, order and cleanliness to their immediate and global surroundings.
We believe that it should be understood that this current planet Earth is dying. Its current conditions of upheaval (storms, earthquakes volcanoes, etc.) and decay (disorder, wildness, disease, etc.) were not present when it was created by God. The sin committed by Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden brought death not only to humanity but also to the rest of God’s creation.
We believe that the current concern about the Earth’s conditions overshadow the real future of the planet that is revealed in the Bible. (2 Peter 3:11-
We believe that, yes, humans should be mindful of the treatment of our surroundings, especially how that treatment impacts other humans and living creatures. Much more importantly however, is having a concern for the eternal destiny of the human souls that reside on the planet. Are the people in our lives saved or unsaved, will they inherit the New Earth and Heaven or will they be lost eternally in the lake of fire? While there is time left to do so, until we’ve reached every soul for Christ, the physical condition of this dying planet is really immaterial. (1 John 2:17)
Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
Genesis 2:15
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
Isaiah 65:17
“Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.”
2 Peter 3:11-
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. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives [12] as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. [13] But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. [14] So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
1 John 2:17
The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
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.
Revelation 22:5
There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)
We believe the Bible clearly teaches that those who die leave the earth spiritually. Their bodies remain on the earth, decomposing and lifeless, awaiting to be resurrected in the end: the saved unto eternal life, the unsaved unto judgment and the second death. (Isaiah 26:14;1 Thessalonians 4:16)
We believe only God can dispense life. Satan and the demonic realm are not capable of this power, they are themselves created beings. Satan and the demonic realm are however, capable of great suggestive powers that have deceived multitudes into thinking the dead can and do return to this earth and occupy lifeless bodies. (Isaiah 26:14)
We believe the current sub-
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."
Job 7:9
As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so he who goes down to the grave does not return.
Isaiah 26:14
They are now dead, they live no more; those departed spirits do not rise. You punished them and brought them to ruin; you wiped out all memory of them.
Luke 16:26
“ ‘And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ ”
Hebrews 9:27
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)
1 Thessalonians 4:16
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.
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 -
Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son's name, If you know? (Proverbs 30:4)
We believe that the Earth’s “climate” has actually been in a constant state of “change”, almost from its creation. At the time of creation (Genesis 1:6-
After sin was introduced to the Earth, its climate began a pattern of instability, chaos and destruction. Storms of various varieties and magnitudes have ravaged the planet ever since. Extremes of temperature, hot and cold, extremes of precipitation, dry and wet, have plagued the Earth geographically and seasonally.
The second most important event that affected the Earth’s climate was the great Flood, the global judgment of human sin by God. That Flood was a cataclysmic event that greatly ravaged the Earth’s geography and thus negatively impacted the climate. (Genesis 6:17)
It is important to understand that the planet today is not as it was when originally created by God. It is not evolving as some would say, it is degenerating. Whether man is currently impacting the climate or not is immaterial. The Earth is moving though time to its conclusion; nothing we can do will slow or speed its doom. God alone has dominion over the climate. (Mark 4:41) (Luke21:33)
Genesis 1:6-
Then God said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters." [7] Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. [8] And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.
Genesis 2:16-
And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; [17] but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
Genesis 6:17
And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die.
Mark 1:41
And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"
Luke 21:33
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. -
