God and the Scriptures

* I believe that there is only one true and living God, eternally existing in three “persons”: the Father, the Son (Also called “The Word”) and the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1, Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30, John 1:1-2, 1 John 5:6-8).

* I believe in the deity of Jesus Christ (John 5:18, John 8:58, John 10:33); His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:34-35); His sinless life (Hebrews 4:15, 7:26); His miracles (John 2:11, John 5:1-9, John 11:38-44); His vicarious and atoning death (I Corinthians 15:3, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 2:9); His resurrection (John 11:25, John 20-21, I Corinthians 15:4); His ascension to the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19, Acts 1:9-11); His personal return to the earth in power and glory (Acts 1:11, Revelation 19:11-16).

* I believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by Whose indwelling the Christian is empowered to live a godly life, is given direction in life, is given spiritual gifts and is assured of eternal life. We believe that since the Day of Pentecost that each believer is filled with the Holy Spirit at the moment of conversion and that each is given gifts of the Spirit as the Spirit wills. There can be subsequent “fillings” after conversion, but we do not believe in a “second work of grace”, “entire santification” or the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” as many Wesleyan and Pentecostal Churches do (Acts 2:38, Romans 8:13-17, I Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 4:30; Ephesians 5:18).

* I believe the Bible to be the inspired, infallible, authoritative, and inerrant Word of God. We believe that the Scriptures were preserved by God through the Manuscripts contained in the Textus Receptus, which comes from the Majority/Byzantine Manuscript Family. This is the family of manuscripts that are behind the KJV and the NKJV of the Bible (II Timothy 3:15-17, II Peter 1:21-22).

* I believe in a literal 6 day creation and that the world is less than 6,000 years old. We believe that both the Scriptures and science back up this position. Science that comes to other conclusions either have a bias against God and the Scriptures or are using faulty dating methods (Genesis 1:1-31, Exodus 20:11).

Man and Salvation

* I don’t believe that babies are “born sinners” or that they are born with a “sinful nature”. We don’t believe that God holds us accountable for Adam’s sin or anyone else’s sin, for that matter. We don’t believe that anyone is punished for all eternity because of someone else’s sin either. We believe that babies are born innocent, not righteous or unrighteous. We believe that every man has free will and chooses to sin. We believe that man has chosen to corrupt himself and to go astray. Man is never forced to sin, but chooses to sin out of his own free will and that is why he will be held accountable for his sin. However, every man will sin at some point in time. We call this “universal rebellion”. Yet, this “universal rebellion” has nothing to do with the way they are born. We live in a sinful world where every man has been tempted to sin and every man has chosen to give into temptation. However, people are not held morally responsible for the “sinful” things they do until they come to the point where they understand good and evil. This is called the “age” or the “state of accountability”. It is only when people come to this “state of accountability” that they are held accountable by God for their moral choices. This is why the Bible says that people are sinners from their “youth” and not from “birth”. People are only accountable for their own moral choices. As a person chooses to sin and reject the light of nature, their conscience, the law of God written upon their hearts and the message of the Bible, they become more and more depraved. This results in them developing a “sinful nature” and becoming enslaved to sin. If someone dies before reaching the “state of accountability” (ie. a baby, a child or mentally handicapped person), they will be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven (Genesis 6:12,Exodus 32:7, Ecclesiastes 7:29, Isaiah 53:6, Luke 6:45, Romans 3:23, Matthew 18:3, Matthew 19:13-15, Genesis 8:21,Deuteronomy 1:39, Romans 9:11, John 9:39-41, James 4:17).

* I believe that men must be “born again” or “regenerated” by the Holy Spirit for salvation because of the exceeding sinfulness of man. We believe that sinners are justified when they choose to forsake their sins and put their faith in the shed blood of Christ, and that only by God’s grace through a repentant faith are we justified. At the moment that a person repents of their sins and trusts in Christ’s sacrifice, such a person is justified by God, given the Holy Spirit and is “born again/regenerated”. No amount of good works can save a sinner, forgive a sinner, make a sinner right before God, reconcile a sinner to a right relationship to God or wash away a sinner’s sins. It is only the blood of Jesus that can do these things. However, the sinner must respond properly to God’s offer of grace, mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation (John 3:3-5; 3:16-19;3:36; 5:24, Romans 3:23; 5:8-9, 2 Corinthians 5:17,Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:5).

* I believe that Christians don’t have to sin, have the power over sin and are commanded not to sin by a Holy God. A Christian can live a life of complete obedience to God, every moment of everyday, by the power of the Holy Spirit and the strength that Jesus provides. Christians still have the ability to sin, since they will always have free will, but it should be few and far between. It should never be a matter of “when” a Christian sins but “if” a Christian sins. A Christian definitely shouldn’t be sinning daily. Sin should be the exception in the Christian’s life, not the rule. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. If we walk according to the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. If we abide in Christ, we will not sin. If a Christian really loves God, they will obey Him. God’s commandments are NOT a burden to keep. When God commands us to do something, He gives us the ability to be obedient. IF a Christian sins, they have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One (Matthew 5:48, John 5:14; 8:11, John 14:21, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Philippians 4:13; 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:3-6, 1 John 5:3-4, Galatians 5:16, 1 John 3:6).

* I believe that Christ died for every sinner and that it is God’s desire for every sinner to be saved. God takes no delight in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn and live. However, even though Christ died for all and God wants all to be saved, the provisions and benefits of Christ’s atonement are applied conditionally upon the sinner’s genuine repentance and childlike, humble faith. And “final salvation” requires one to persevere in faith and holiness to the end. Without the shedding of Christ’s blood and His rising from the dead, there is no possibility for forgiveness of sins and justification before God, for the sinner (Ezekiel 18:23, Ezekiel 33:11, 1 Timothy 2:3-6, 2 Peter 3:9, Matthew 24:12-13, Hebrews 9:22).

* I believe that God is drawing all men near, that He commands all men, everywhere to repent and that the Holy Spirit is convicting the whole world of sin, righteousness and judgment. The problem isn’t whether God is drawing them or not. The problem is not that God offers His grace to all or not. The problem isn’t whether or not man has the ability to repent and believe. The problem is that men are resisting God’s drawing, God’s grace and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. They refuse to repent and believe. To be saved, a sinner must simply surrender his whole life to the conviction and drawing of the Holy Spirit and then begin to live a life of holiness unto God (Matthew 22:2-10, Matthew 23:37, John 1:9, John 12:32, John 16:7-11, Acts 7:51-54).

* I believe that while Baptism doesn’t “save” a person or make a person born again (baptismal regeneration), it is much more important than the modern American Church makes it. In the modern American Church, the altar call, praying a prayer and many other things have overtaken this Biblical mandate. NOWHERE in Scripture will you see a lost sinner commanded to “pray a prayer” to be saved. They are always told to repent, believe and be baptized. Every believer that is able, should be Baptized as soon as they are able (after being examined by Church leadership of course), not when it is convenient, when there is a “quarterly baptism” or when the Pastor is “ready” (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:26-39).

* I believe that true Christians have the ability to backslide, depart from the faith, be cut off and/or fall away (this is commonly called “losing your salvation”). Christians continue to have the same “free will” they had before becoming a Christian and that free will has been given to them by God. A Christian doesn’t have “eternal life” eternally until they step into eternity. Christians are on “probation” or a testing period while still on earth (Ezekiel 33:12-20,Matthew 24:48-51, Matthew 25:1-13, Romans 11:20-23, 1 Corinthians 10:5-13, Hebrews 3:6-4:1, James 5:19-20, 1 Timothy 4:1-2).

End Times

* I believe in the resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous; those who are righteous unto the resurrection of life, and those who are unrighteous unto the resurrection of damnation. Those who know God and obey the Gospel will reside in the Kingdom of God/Heaven for all eternity and those who do not know God and do not obey the Gospel will be punished with everlasting destruction, from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. They will go to the Lake of Fire, which is also called Hell. Obviously, we don’t believe in annihilationism or purgatory (John 5:28-29, John 11:25, Revelation 20:5-6, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

* I believe that “Judgment Day” comes at the very end, upon Jesus returns. This is when all of the rest of the dead will rise from Hades via the second resurrection. The ones who have their names written in the lamb’s book of life will spend eternity with Christ in His Kingdom. The rest will be cast into the Lake of Fire, where they will be punished forever and ever (Revelation 20:11-15).

* I believe that the Nation of Israel plays and integral part in End Times prophecy. It is obvious to me, from Scripture that natural Israel will be in the land promised to them by God, when Jesus returns. We acknowledge that the land that was promised to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants still belongs to natural Israel. God is not a liar and His promises towards them will not fail, whether they are sinners or not and whether they are Christians or not. God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants was an unconditional covenant that is based upon God and His character, alone. YET, this does not mean that we "support" Israel and everything that they do. This does not mean that Israel can be "saved" in any other way but through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. That does not mean that we even support the way in which Israel was brought back into the land. We just acknowledge that the land belongs to them and that they are the only ones that have a right to it, in God's eyes. (Genesis 12:1-7, Genesis 13:14-18, Genesis 15:1-21, Genesis 17:1-8, 18-21, Genesis 22:15-18, Genesis 26:2-5, Genesis 28:1-4, 12-14, Genesis 48:3-4, 21-22, Genesis 50:24-25, Acts 7:2-5).

The Local Church & Christian Conduct

* I am neither Roman Catholic, nor Protestant. We are not Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist or Pentecostal. We’re definitely not Mormons, Seventh-Day Adventists or Jehovah Witnesses. We don’t belong to a certain denomination, even a “non-denominational” one. We don’t cling to any manmade titles, movements or theologians. We cling to and are beholden to the Scriptures alone, when it comes to our beliefs and practices. This means you may find things that we believe that disagree with what “mainline denominations” teach. This isn’t because we are heretics or false teachers. In fact, many of us have come out of some of the denominations listed above. We must believe and share what the Bible actually teaches! We simply call ourselves Bible believing, Bible obeying, born again followers of Jesus Christ.

This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” Acts 16:17

* I believe in the local Church and not forsaking the fellowship of the brethren. This fellowship is for the betterment of all, for the edification of all. Many people are “forsaking the fellowship of the brethren” to their own detriment. They are saying to the eye or hand or foot, “I have no need of you”. They are also missing out on being taught the Scriptures by someone called to be a “Teacher”, someone who is called to be an "Elder" by God. For this reason, they are tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine. We also believe in the spiritual unity of all believers worldwide in our Lord Jesus Christ, who will be gathered together at His second coming (Romans 12:3-8, I Corinthians 12:12-31, Galatians 3:26-28, Ephesians 4:11-16).

* While I don’t believe that a mandatory/compulsory ten percent tithe is taught for the New Testament believer, we do believe that believers should give monetarily towards those who are sowing Biblical things into their lives. The Bible teaches that a leader who teaches the Word and doctrine is worthy of a double honor, that a man who preaches the gospel should live off the gospel and to not muzzle an ox while he treads out the grain. So, while it is error to mandate a ten percent tithe or more, it is equally an error to say we should give nothing. Each one should give as the Lord leads. We should all give sacrificially and generously. God loves a cheerful giver and you will reap what you sow. All Christians should also seek to support true brethren who are in need and missionaries bringing the Gospel to places that have not heard (Matthew 10:9-10, Romans 15:25-28, I Corinthians 9:1-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-9, Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 5:17-18, James 1:27).

* I believe it is the mandate of the whole Church (including women) to go into all the world and “preach” the Gospel to every creature, making disciples of all of those who repent of their sins, believe the Gospel and get baptized. Evangelizing the lost is done in many ways- Gospel Tract distribution, one to one conversations, small group conversations, open air preaching, charity ministry, etc. BUT, we must share the Gospel with our mouth. “Letting our light shine” will not tell a sinner how to have his sins forgiven or how to have eternal life. If we refuse to share the Gospel with sinners, we truly do NOT love them and their blood is on our hands. If we refuse to share the Gospel with sinners, we truly don’t love God, since only those who obey God truly love Him. He has given us a Great Commission and we must obey it (Romans 10:13-17, Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15).

* I believe that disciples of Jesus Christ should follow the path of non-resistance and seek to be at peace with all men. Christians are to forsake retaliation, self-defense, vengeance, war and physical fighting of any form. Christians are to love their enemies and, if necessary, sacrifice their lives for their enemies just as Christ did for his. Killing people for any reason, including loyalty to country, in defense of a country, in self-defense, etc. is NOT acceptable for the Christian and is NOT “loving your enemy” (Matthew 5:38-48,Romans 12:14-21, John 18:33-36).

* I believe that disciples of Jesus Christ should not swear oaths at all or pledge ultimate allegiance to any earthly kingdom. The believer’s true citizenship is in the Kingdom of Heaven and their word should be a simple “yes” or “no”. Believers should not say things such as “I swear” or “I promise”, for that is from the evil one and causes people to not trust their simple “yes” or “no”. We are aliens and strangers in this world (Matthew 5:33-37, Hebrews 11:13, James 5:12).

* I believe that every follower of Jesus Christ is a disciple of Jesus. Therefore, each disciple should be disciplined in reading, studying and memorizing God’s Word. Each disciple should make a practice of private prayer. Each disciple should regularly fast in order to draw near to God, hear from Him receive spiritual strength and have prayers answered (Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:11, 105, Matthew 6:5-18, Romans 12:12, Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 4:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:14-17, Philippians 4:8, James 1:5-8).

*I believe that Christian women should wear head coverings, besides their physical hair, while praying or prophesying. They should dress modestly at all times, lest they cause a man to stumble. They should always be in submission to their husbands in all things, unless he tells her to sin against God. They are not to teach or exercise any kind of authority over any man. They should be meek and quiet, keepers at home, be an example to the women who are younger in the faith than them, and the older women should teach the younger women how to be better Godly women (1 Corinthians 11:2-16, Ephesians 5:22-24, Colossians 3:18, I Timothy 2:9-15, Titus 2:3-5, 1 Peter 3:1-6).

* I believe that when it comes to Christian women "teaching" other women, it should be limited to the things that are mentioned in Titus 2:3-5. Women are not to be teaching other women the Scriptures or "doctrine". That is the responsibility of each woman’s head - whether that is their father, husband or the Elders of the Church. (Titus 2:3-5).

* I believe that Christian men are to lead their families properly, in the Word of God and prayer. They shouldn’t provoke their children, should lead by example and be patient with their wives, as the weaker vessel, loving her as Christ loved the Church. They should provide for their family, be an example to and teach the men who are younger in the faith, and be concerned with the things of the Lord, above and beyond the things of the world (work, sports, hobbies, etc.). They should also dress modestly (Ephesians 5:25-33, Colossians 3:19-21, 1 Timothy 5:8, Titus 2:6-8, 1 Peter 3:7).

* I believe that, according to Scripture, marriage is meant to only be between one man and one woman. There is no such thing, Biblically speaking, as homosexual marriage, polygamy or polygyny for the New Testament follower of Jesus Christ. We believe that while divorce is not ideal, that it is permitted under certain circumstances. And where divorce is permitted, remarriage is also permitted. Each situation should be dealt with individually, with its specific details and treated with compassion and understanding. The three specific exceptions that we see for divorce and remarriage in the Scriptures are - 1) Sexual Immorality of one or more of the spouses 2) An unbeliever departing from a believer 3) Two unbelievers getting divorced (they are obviously ignorant of Scriptural teaching on this issue). Another reason that someone can get remarried is if their spouse has died. We definitely DON'T believe that EVERY remarriage is adultery, although there can be situations where that is true (where one of the above exceptions isn't met) (Deuteronomy 24:1-4, Matthew 19:1-12, 1 Corinthians 7).

* I believe that there are only two Biblical “positions” in the local Church: Bishop/Elder/Shepherd/Overseer/Pastor/Teacher and Deacon. We see Bishop, Elder, Shepherd, Overseer, Pastor and Teacher as synonymous terms in the Scripture, since they are used interchangeably. The “Deacon” is not a leadership role, but a role of servanthood. They were originally chosen to help take tasks away from the leaders, so the leaders can focus on the ministry of the Word and prayer. If possible, there should be a plurality of Elders at each local Church. These “positions” are to be held by men alone and only by those men who are qualified for such “positions”. These men are to teach the Word of God, lead as servants of the Church and the Church is to follow them as they follow Christ. Women have no right to teach or to have authority over their own husbands, let alone other men. Women are to be quiet in the local assembly of believers, unless they are praying, singing, testifying or answering a question they were asked. If they have questions about what is being taught, they need to ask their husband at home (Acts 6:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 1 Timothy 3:1-13, I Timothy 2:9-15, Hebrews 13:7, 13, 1 Peter 5:1-4).

* I believe that all of the spiritual gifts are available for today. As stated in the first section on the Holy Spirit, we believe that the Holy Spirit gives these gifts as He wills. Not everyone will speak in tongues and if someone doesn't speak in tongues, it doesn't mean that they aren't filled with the Holy Spirit. The main sign of being "full of the Holy Spirit" is a holy life of complete devotion to God. If someone does have the gift of tongues, it must be exercised in an orderly fashion. If the Lord does lead someone to speak in tongues during a Church service, there must be an interpreter. Only three people, at the most, may speak in tongues during any one Church service and they must speak one at a time. The others (especially the Elders) are called to judge what is spoken and what is interpreted. If there is no interpreter, then the person(s) with the gift of tongues must keep quiet in the Church, for God is a God of order and peace, not of confusion. Furthermore, we believe that "speaking in tongues" is the same as speaking a REAL language. "Speaking in tongues" is not speaking in a “babble language” that has no order, structure or meaning to it (1 Corinthians 12-14, Acts 2:1-21).

* I believe that true, born again believers who are walking with Jesus in holiness cannot be possessed by demons. This idea is completely foreign to the Scriptures. The true believer has the Holy Spirit dwelling in them and the Holy Spirit will not be “roommates” with demons. (Matthew 12:22-30, Romans 6:16-18, 22, 1 Corinthians 6:11, 19-20, 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, Ephesians 1:13-14, Colossians 1:13-14, 1 John 5:18).

* I believe in taking the Lord’s Supper, on a monthly basis. In taking of the unleavened bread (cracker) and the fruit of the vine (grape juice), we are remembering the Lord's death and proclaiming His death till He comes. Partaking of communion is only for those who have repented of their sins, put their trust in Jesus' sacrifice, have been baptized and are walking in obedience to God. If someone claims to be "born again", but hasn't been baptized, then they are in direct disobedience to God and are therefore not fit to partake of communion. They would just be eating and drinking judgment upon themselves. Each believer should seriously examine their life, before they partake in communion. In the breaking of the bread that has marks on it and holes in it, the believer is reminded of Christ's death, where He was bruised, broken and pierced for our sins. In the pouring of the fruit of the vine in to an individual cup, the believer is reminded of Jesus who poured out His blood for the forgiveness of their sins (1 Corinthians 11:23-32, Matthew 26:26-29, Acts 2:40-47).

Miscellaneous

*I strongly believe that demonic beings are present in the physical as well as the spiritual realms. There are far to many accounts of unexplainable interactions with humans and animals that can not be denied.

*I strongly believe in angels who help protect and guide believers

* I am strongly against the use of vaccines, drugs and antidepressants. I believe that they are considered to be "pharmakeia" ("sorcery" in the NKJV) and that they open people up to demonic influence and possession.

* I am strongly against the idea of a "flat earth" or “old earth”. I believe such an idea has no source in the Scriptures, in science or in history. And while we don't believe that this is a salvational issue, I believe that it is a serious deception that has grown in Christianity in recent years. I believe the enemy is sowing it in order to bring confusion to believers and mockery from unbelievers. Oftentimes, people who believe in it become evangelists for it instead of the gospel. What a tragedy! This idea will not be allowed to be promoted at our fellowship.

* I strongly believe that parents are to homeschool their children. The public school system is completely antichrist for the most part, being against Christians, the Bible, prayer and evangelism. It promotes things such as LGBTQ, abortion, transgenderism, macro evolution, etc. We dare not throw our little sheep to the wolves for 8 hours a day, 9 months out of the year, for 12-13 years and expect them to come out the other side unscathed. The education of our children is our responsibility and we dare not turn that over to the ungodly government!