Statement of Faith

Solid Foundation on all scriptures

We believe the entire scripture, both Old and New Testaments are written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit – II Tim. 3:16-17. All of Christian teachings and ‘Christian attitude’ of the Children of God are such as are established in the Holy Bible – II Tim. 3:10-15; II Peter 1:21; John 17:17; Ps. 119:105. The Bible is God’s Word to all people. The message of the Bible is addressed to all men and women. For God’s revelation in Christ and in Scripture is unchangeable. Because it was inspired by God, the Bible is truth without any mixture of error and is completely relevant to our daily lives. Through it the Holy Spirit still speaks today and we are determined by His grace to obey Christ’s commission, to proclaim it to all mankind and to make disciples of every nation. We desire, therefore, to affirm our faith and our resolve, and to make public our covenant only on the divine purposes of God. (Isa. 40:28; Matt. 28:19; Eph. 1:11; Acts 15:14; John 17:6, 18; Eph 4:12; 1 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 12:2; II Cor. 4:7, II Tim. 3:16; II Pet. 1:21; John 10:35; Isa. 55:11; 1 Cor. 1:21; Rom. 1:16, Matt. 5:17,18; Jude 3; Eph. 1:17,18; 3:10,18)

ABOUT THE ETERNAL GOD OF THE BIBLE

As revealed unto us by the Bible, we believe that there is only one God, Who is the Creator of both visible and invisible creatures -Gen. 1:1; Ps. 86:9-10; Is. 43:10-11; John 1:1-3. God (Ps. 33: 6-9) will be in existence forever. Ez. 3:14; in God every creature receives life -John 5:26.

ABOUT THE UNIQUENESS OF JESUS CHRIST

We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God; Who took away our sins, and the only Savior of the world. We also believe that Jesus is God and was born by Mary the Virgin. He is God revealed in the flesh. Through Him all things were created. John 1:1-14; John 14:9; Matt. 1:18-25, Is 9:6; Is 53:5-6. We believe in His death on the Cross, and resurrection, by which He brought redemption to mankind – Is. 53:4-10; I Pet. 2:24; John 10:11; Gal. 3:13, Matt. 20:28; I Cor. 15:3; Rom. 4:25; II Cor. 5:14; Heb 2:9; Heb 9:26.

We reject as derogatory to Christ and the gospel, every kind of syncretism and dialogue which implies that Christ speaks equally through all religions and ideologies. Jesus Christ, being Himself the only God-man, who gave himself as the only ransom for sinners, is the only mediator between God and mankind. There is no other name by which we must be saved. All men and women are perishing because of sin, but God loves everyone, not wishing that any perish but that all come to repentance and grow in the experiential knowledge of Him. Jesus Christ has been exalted above every other name; we long for the day when every knee shall bow to him and every tongue shall confess him as Lord. (Gal. 1:6-9;Rom. 1:18-32; I Tim. 2:5,6; Acts 4:12; John 3:16-19; II Pet. 3:9; II Thess. 1:7-9; John 4:42; Matt. 11:28; Eph. 1:20,21; Phil. 2:9-11)

ABOUT THE UNIQUENESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus Christ, God’s begotten son (Rom 8: 9, 1 Pet. 1: 11). He is the one that raised Jesus Christ from the dead (Rom 8: 11). He manifests the same power and same glory with God the Father and God the Son – John 14:16-17; John 15:26; Matt. 3:16; Acts 13:24. He is one with the Father and the Son, who is to be worshiped and served. Three Persons that become one are the source of blessings to all the living creatures in Heaven and on earth – Matt. 28:19; II Cor. 13:14; I John 1:5-7. The Holy Spirit is performing a great work on the earth. Among which are, to teach, to speak and guide regenerated men, and to bear witness in us – Acts 16:6-7. He performs the work of Regeneration in man- John 3:5-6; He also performs the work of Sanctification in the born again souls until they are fully sanctified and conformed to the perfect image of the Son of God – John 16:8; Eph 1:17-19; II Thess. 2:13; I Cor. 6:11. This same Holy Spirit endows believers with gifts they can use – I Cor 12:7; He empowers us for fruitful witness. Acts 1:8.

ABOUT MAN

We believe that, God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul – Gen 2:7. Therefore man is of three parts, namely body, soul and spirit (1 Thess 5: 23-24.) Man is God’s ambassador on earth to take control over all other creatures on His behalf on earth. Gen. 1:26-28. All that is born of Adam have sinned by inheritance and have been cut short of the glory of God hence man’s need for salvation. (Rom3: 23, 6: 23). As a result, man cannot attain a right relationship with God through his own effort. Every human personality is uniquely created, possesses dignity, and is worthy of respect and Christian love. Gen 1: 26-30, 2: 7, 18-22, Psalm 8: 3-6, 32: 1-5, 51: 5, Isa. 6: 5, Jer. 17: 5, Acts 17: 26-31, Rom. 1: 19-32, 3: 10-18, 23, 5: 6, 6: 6, 7: 14-25, 1 Cor 1: 21-31, 15: 19, 21-22, Eph 2, Col 1: 21-22, 3: 9-11

REPENTANCE UNTO GOD

Repentance is the sorrow of a godly man for his sins with decision to abstain from them. We believe the Holy Spirit can enable man to confess his sins to God and forsake them and begin to live a righteous life   –  Pro. 28: 13, Acts 3:19; 20:21; II Cor. 7:10; Mark 1:15; Is. 55:7; II Chron. 7:14; Ezek. 18:21.

JUSTIFICATION OR NEW BIRTH

This is by the grace of God whereby we are cleansed from our sins by which we are able to stand before God, without sin and guilt. The blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the only way of salvation through the forgiveness of sin. Salvation occurs when people place their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as sufficient payment for their sin. Salvation is a gift from God, and it cannot be earned through our own efforts. Isa. 1: 18, 53: 5-6, Matt 1: 21, 27: 22-66, 28: 1-6, Luke 1: 68-69, 2: 28-32, John 1: 12, 3: 16, 36, 5: 24, Acts 2: 21, 4: 12, 16: 30-31, Rom 1: 16-18, 3: 23-25, 5: 8-10, Heb. 8: 12, 10: 17, Acts 13:39; Rom. 3:25-26; Rom 5:1; I Cor. 6:11; Gal. 3:24; John 1:12-13; 3:3; II Cor. 5:9; Titus 3:5; I Peter 1:23; Acts 10:43; John 3:3,5.

SANCTIFICATION

This is also by the grace of God. This involves the salvation of our soul by the engrafted Word of God. This is the second accomplishment of the grace which through our faith in the Blood of Jesus Christ is wrought in us, after we have been justified and free from our sins or regenerated – John 17:15-17; I Thess. 4:3; Heb. 2:11; 12:14; 13:12; I John 1:7; James 1: 21, Rom 12: 2, Luke 1:74, 75; II Cor. 7:1; I Peter 1:16; Eph. 5:25-27; I Thess. 5:23-24; II Thess. 2:13.

WATER BAPTISM

We believe in water baptism in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Matt. 28: 19,  (The Lord, Jesus Christ – Acts 11; 17, 15: 11, 26, 16: 31, 28: 31). This teaching is revealed in the New Testament, and exemplified by Jesus Christ (Matt. 3: 15) and all Christians must obey this rule of the Lord – Acts 2:24; Acts 16:15; Acts 18:8; Acts 19:4-5. Every saved soul automatically qualifies for Water Baptism – Acts 8:29-39; 16:18-23.

HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM

All born-again souls should ask for the Holy Spirit baptism from above, as the Apostles were ordered to wait in Jerusalem until they were filled from above. It is the promise of the Father. It is God’s gift which He gives to those who obey Him – Luke 24:49; John 4:14-26; Acts 1:4-5; Acts 5:32; Acts 8:14-17.

DUE HONOR TO PARENTS AND AUTHORITIES

All Christians are to obey the law of the country, obey the government and authority. They should honor their natural parents and elders. I Peter 2:13-14; Rom 13:1-5; Eph. 6:1-3.

REBELLION AGAINST CHURCH AUTHORITY FORBIDDEN

Rebellion against Church Ministers is against the Will of God. Those who rebelled against Moses did not escape unpunished – Num. 12:1-10; Num. 16:1-4,32. The Bible teaches that we should obey our Spiritual leaders and submit to them – Heb 13:17; Joshua 1:16-18.

HOLY COMMUNION OR THE LORD’S SUPPER

It is instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ shortly before His death. He commanded all Christians to gather together regularly to share the bread and wine till He comes back again – Luke 22:17-20; Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; I Cor. 10:18, 21; Acts 2:42; 20:7; I Cor. 11:23-30.

THE CHURCH OF GOD

The born-again souls are called the Church of God – Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:1-18; Eph 3:10; 5:24-29. The assembly of believers, the sanctified souls in Christ Jesus, Those who we call the Holy people of God – I Cor. 1:2; Acts 14:23; Phil. 4:15; Acts 13:28 or people of the way, Jesus being the way (John 14: 6, Acts 9: 2).  They are called to gather together in a place ‘locally’ by the Lord and unto the Lord and are fed with the undiluted and uncompromising Word of God – Acts 2:41-47; They accept Jesus Christ as the head of the Church. They gather from time to time to worship God in Spirit and in truth, to break the bread of life and eat. Their major assignment is to spread the Gospel of Christ to all nations and make Christ known through their life and character (fruit) – Matt. 7: 16, 20, 28:19. The Church is a local community of baptized believers unified through faith in Christ. It is committed to the teachings of Christ and obeying all of His commands, and it seeks to bring the Gospel to the world. The Church works together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ. Matt 16: 18-19, 18: 15-20, Acts 2: 41-47, 5: 11-14, 13: 1-3, 14: 23, 16: 5, 20: 28, 1 Cor. 7: 17, 9: 13-14, Eph. 1: 22-23, 2: 19-22, 3: 10-12, 5: 22-32, Col 1: 18, 3: 15, 1 Tim 4: 14, 1 Pet 5: 1-4, Rev. 21: 2-3

THE CHURCH AND MISSIONS

We believe that Christ sends his redeemed people into the world as the Father sent him, and that this calls for a similar sacrifice and dedication on our part. The most important task of the Church then is evangelism, soul winning and Church planting. World evangelization requires the whole Church to take the whole gospel to the whole world. The Church is at the very center of God’s central purpose and is His appointed means of spreading the gospel. John 17:18; 20:21; Matt. 28:19,20; Acts 1:8; 20:27; Eph. 1:9,10; 3:9-11; Gal. 6:14,17; II Cor. 6:3,4; II Tim. 2:19-21; Phil. 1:27)

EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS

We affirm that the Church’s visible unity in truth is God’s purpose. Evangelism also summons us to unity, because our oneness strengthens our witness (Ps. 133), just as our disunity undermines our gospel of reconciliation. We recognize, however, that organizational unity may take many forms and does not necessarily forward evangelism. Yet, we who share the same biblical faith should be closely united in fellowship, work and witness. We pledge ourselves to seek a deeper unity in truth, worship, holiness and mission. We are in support of the development of functional cooperation for the furtherance of the Church’s mission, for strategic planning, for mutual encouragement, and for the sharing of resources and experience. John 17:21,23; Eph. 4:3,4; John 13:35; Phil. 1:27; John 17:11-23

MISSIONS AND CULTURE

The development of strategies for world evangelization calls for imaginative pioneering methods. Under God, the result will be the rise of churches deeply rooted in Christ and closely related to their culture. Culture must always be tested and judged by the entirety of the Scriptures under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The gospel does not presuppose the superiority of any culture to another, but evaluates all cultures according to its own criteria of truth and righteousness, and insists on moral absolutes in every culture. Missions have all too frequently exported with the gospel an alien culture and churches have sometimes been in bondage to culture rather than to Scripture. Christ’s evangelists must humbly seek to empty themselves of all but their personal authenticity in order to become the servants of others, and churches must seek to transform and enrich culture, all for the glory of God. Mark 7:8,9,13; Gen. 4:21,22; I Cor. 9:19-23; Phil. 2:5-7; II Cor. 4:5

FREEDOM AND PERSECUTION

It is the God-appointed duty of every government to secure conditions of peace, justice and liberty in which the Church may obey God, serve the Lord Jesus Christ, and preach the gospel without interference. We therefore pray for the leaders of nations and call upon them to guarantee freedom of thought and conscience, and freedom to practice and propagate religion in accordance with the will of God and as set forth in The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We also express our deep concern for all who have been unjustly imprisoned, and especially for those who are suffering for their testimony to the Lord Jesus. God helping us, we too will seek to stand against injustice and to remain faithful to the gospel, whatever the cost. We do not forget the warnings of Jesus that persecution is inevitable. (I Tim. 1:1-4, Acts 4:19; 5:29; Col. 3:24; Heb. 13:1-3; Luke 4:18; Gal. 5:11; 6:12; Matt. 5:10-12; John 15:18-21)

ABOUT OUR ADVERSARY, THE DEVIL

We believe that God created the devil, who brought sin, sickness  and death into the world. Gen. 3:1-16. He seeks the destruction of those who exercise their faith in the Lord Jesus. Jn 10: 10, Matt. 4:1-11; James 4:7; I Peter 5:8. The devil has several unclean spirits, over whom he governs – Matt. 12:24. He shall be thrown into the pit and chained for one thousand years- Rev. 20:7-9. After which he will be put into the lake of fire, where he will remain together with all those who follow him for ever and ever. Rev. 20:10

THE RETURN OF CHRIST

We believe that Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly, in power and glory, to consummate his salvation and his judgment. This promise of his coming is a further spur to our evangelism, for we remember his words that the gospel must first be preached to all nations. We believe that the interim period between Christ’s ascension and return is to be filled by the people of God doing missions to the unreached without ceasing. We also remember his warning that false christs and false prophets will arise as precursors of the final Antichrist. Our Christian confidence is that God will perfect his kingdom, and we look forward with eager anticipation to that day, and to the new heaven and earth in which righteousness will dwell and God will reign forever. Meanwhile, we rededicate ourselves to Christ and his Great Commission in joyful submission to his authority over the whole of our lives. (Mark 14:62; Heb. 9:28; Mark 13:10; Acts 1:8-11; Matt. 28:20; Mark 13:21-23; 1 John 2:18; 4:1-3; Luke 12:32; Rev. 21:1-5; II Pet. 3:13; Matt. 28:18)