What We Believe

The Bible

We believe the Bible is the inerrant, infallible, and inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). The Word of God is the Church's foundation and final and absolute authority. The Holy Writ is the ultimate and sole guide for all matters concerning doctrine, instruction, correction, & reproof for life and godliness. It is the basis of our worldview. Furthermore, it is the sole lens through which prophecy, revelation, and any spiritual utterance or experience are weighed and judged. 

The One True God

We believe there is only one God (Duet 6:4). As our Lord stated, God is a Spirit (John 4:24). We believe God is eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, omnificent, perfect, and holy. He is the Most High God, who was, is, and is to come (Revelations 4:8). We believe that God is the creator of the universe (Genesis 1:1), making Him the Father of creation. We believe that God manifested Himself in the flesh to redeem man from their sins through His Son, the man, Jesus Christ (1 Tim 2:5). We believe that God shed abroad His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, to indwell, empower, and seal true believers (Acts 1:8). We believe the manifestations of God as the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19) are ONE (1 John 5) and are revealed in totality through Jesus Christ (Col 2:9). 

The Son of God

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is God Almighty (Rev 1:8). We believe the man Christ Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. He is the prophesied Messiah (anointed one) who came to save humanity from their sins. This figure was prophesied in Genesis 3:15: “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Furthermore, Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, as foretold in Scripture(Isaiah 7:14 KJV). Jesus Christ is fully man and fully God (Phil 2:6-8). We believe in His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to Heaven to sit on the right hand of the Father until He comes again (1 Cor 15:3-8). Jesus Christ is the anointed Son of Man, whom the prophets declared would institute God’s Kingdom on Earth and restore all things (Daniel 7:13-14). Jesus Christ is the head of the Church (Col 1:18), the mediator (1 Tim 2:5-6),  the Word of God incarnate (John 1:14), the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. We believe Jesus will return to catch away (rapture) the Church (1 Thes 4:16-17), execute final judgment, and institute His literal kingdom on Earth for 1000 years (Rev 20:4).

Creation of Man and His Fall 

In the beginning, God created humankind in his image and likeness in the Garden of Eden (Gen 1:26-27). Humanity was created wholly innocent and holy. Due to Satanic deception that led to disobedience, humanity fell into a sinful state (Romans 5:12). The sinful nature of man has condemned him to the wrath of God, which is death and hell. However, through Christ, provisions have been made  for reconciliation with God through the cross. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is the fulfillment of the protoevangelium “first gospel” (Gen 3:15) that foretells the seed of the woman (Jesus) crushing the head of the seed of the serpent (Satan). 

Salvation

We believe that the pathway to Salvation is through the Apostolic Declaration in Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said unto them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”  We believe that repentance is essential to salvation. Jesus declared, “…repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47). We believe every believer must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus declared, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:16). Baptism is a holy command instituted by Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) and the answer of a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:21). Water baptism is full immersion, is to be done after true repentance, and must be performed by an ordained minister or deacon. Lastly, we believe each believer must be filled with the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues. The Bible declares, “He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?” (Acts 19:2), and “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” (Acts 19:5-6).

The Grace of God

We believe, "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17). Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was how we received salvation. Believers who trust in him and his sacrifice receive the grace of God. Grace is God’s unmerited favor toward us that allows us to be saved by our faith and trust in Christ instead of our own futile works. Moreover, the grace of God is not a cloak for sin but rather God’s power that teaches you to overcome sin (Titus 2:12).

The Church

We believe the Church or Ecclesia is the body of Spirit-filled and “called out” believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Church is the body of Christ formed by Jesus Christ, its head, on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). The Church is Christ’s bride, His body, and assembly to advance the Kingdom of God on earth (Matthew 28:19). The Church’s mission is to shine the light of Christ in the world, be the salt of the earth, and show Christ’s love and wisdom to all. We believe that the Church universal is composed of local churches who all adhere to the truth of Scripture, are Spirit filled, and continue in the governmental model of the original Apostolic Church established in the New Testament. We believe the Church is ultimately headed by Christ. Under Christ’s lordship and apostolic leadership we believe all local churches should come together regularly, fellowship, break bread, and continue in the apostle’s doctrine (Acts 2:42).

Fellowship of the Saints

We firmly believe that all believers should fellowship and assemble as commanded in Scripture (Hebrews 10:25). Fellowship is a vital component of the Church, building strong community, edification and accountability, and the advancement of the original Church (Acts 2:42). While the Lord has blessed us to utilize the digital space to evangelize and spread the Gospel, it is not a replacement, nor should it be used to avoid in-person worship. All believers are encouraged to attend church and assemble faithfully as we are part of the Lord’s flock (Acts 40:11). 

Full Body Ministry

We believe in the full body ministry of Jesus Christ as revealed in the New Testament. As per the Lord’s ascension, He has released “grace” ministry gifts to the Body of Christ for its perfection, edification, & unification (Ephesians 4). We believe in the continued offices of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher (also known as the 5-fold ministry). Furthermore, we believe in the ministry of helps and governmental offices such as the Episcopacy (Bishopric), Presbytery (Elders & Ordained Ministers), and Diaconate (Deacons). Moreover, such officers must be adequately trained and equipped and meet the scriptural and ministerial requirements and qualifications to be licensed and ordained. 

Operation of the Gifts of the Spirit

We believe in exercising and the continuation of the supernatural gifts of the Spirit today (1 Corinthians 1:7 & 1 Cor 12:8-10). The manifestation of the charismatic gifts of the Spirit are for the profit (benefit) of the church (1 Cor. 12:7). We believe every believer filled with the Holy Ghost is endowed with unique gifts per the will of God (1 Cor. 12:11). 

Holiness

We believe every saint in the Body of Christ must live a life of holiness unto the Lord. Through God’s grace and the process of sanctification, the believer separates from the world in practice, draws closer to God, and exemplifies His character and behaviors in all aspects of their lives. Holiness is a clear and overt distinction from worldliness. The Bible says, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.” (Titus 2:11,12). Holiness is a commandment, not a suggestion. The Bible says, “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) 

The 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ is coming again in the same manner that he went away (Acts 1:11). We believe that Jesus will come, translate the church, and shortly after set up his millennial kingdom, where we (all true Spirit filled believers) shall rule and reign with him upon the earth in the city of Jerusalem (Rev 20:6). We believe that the Lord shall rule over all the earth as said in the scriptures. “And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one.” (Zechariah 14:9 KJV). 

The Eternal Kingdom

We believe the final judgment will occur after Christ and His church reign for 1000 years. The resurrection of all souls will take place and will appear before God at the “White Throne Judgement” (Rev 20:11-15). All those whose names are not written in the lamb's book of life will be damned and cast into the Lake of Fire with the Devil and his angels. After the final judgment, a New Heaven, Earth, and Jerusalem will emerge from God. The perfected saints shall dwell in the presence of God forever (Rev 21).