ARTICLES OF FAITH
THE BIBLE is the inspired Word of God, giving a true history of creation of the heavens and the earth, and of mankind, and containing a correct prophecy of the
ages to come regarding the heavens and the earth and the destiny of man. Furthermore, there is no salvation outside of that which is contained within its pages
(Acts 4:12). It is the final authority in all-scriptural matters.
THE ONE TRUE GOD
We believe in the one everlasting, eternal God: infinite in power, Holy in nature, attributes and purpose; and possessing absolute, indivisible deity. This one true
God has revealed himself as Father, through His Son, in redemption; and as the Holy Ghost, by emanation (I Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; II Corinthians 5:19;
Joel 2:28).
The Scripture does more than attempt to prove the existence of God; it asserts, assumes, and declares that the knowledge of God is Universal. (Romans 1:19,
21, 98, 32; 2:15). God is invisible, incorporeal, without parts, without body and therefore free from all limitations. He is Spirit (John 4:24), and “…a spirit hath not
flesh and bones…” (Luke 24:39).
“… The first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord” (Mark 12:29; Deuteronomy 6:4). “One God and Father of all, who is
above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:6).
This one true God manifested Himself in the Old Testament in divers ways: Jehovah-Rapha (Isaiah 53:5); Jehovah-Shammah (Matthew 18:19,20); Jehovah-Jireh
(Genesis 22:7-14); Jehovah-McKaddesh (Leviticus 11:44); Jehovah-Shalom (Judges 6:23,24); Jehovah-Tsidkenu (Jeremiah 33:16); Jehovah-Nissi (Exodus
14:13,14; Exodus 17:15); in the Son while he walked among men (II Corinthians 5:19); as the Holy Ghost after ascension (Acts 1:8).
THE SON OF GOD
The one true God, the Jehovah of the Old Testament, took upon Himself the form of man (John 1:14), and as the Son of Man, was born of the Virgin Mary
(Matthew 1:23; Luke 2:11). As Paul says “and without controversy great is the mystery of Godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit seen of
angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up unto glory” (I Timothy 3:16).
“He came unto his own, and His own received him not” (John 1:11). This one true God was manifest in the flesh, that is, in His Son Jesus Christ. “…God was IN
Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them…” (II Corinthians 5:19).
We believe that, “…in Him (Jesus) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9). “For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness
dwell” (I Colossians 1:19). Therefore, Jesus in his humanity was man; in his deity was and is God. His flesh was the lamb (John 1:29), or the sacrifice of God
(Hebrews 9:12,26). He is the only mediator between God and man. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus” (I
Timothy 2:5).
Jesus on His Father’s side was divine (Matthew 1:18), on His Mother’s side, HUMAN (Luke 1:30,31); Thus, He was known as the Son of God and also the Son
of man, or the God-man. “For He hath put all things under his feet. But when He saith all things are put under Him, it IS manifested that he IS excepted, which
did put all things under Him” (I Corinthians 15:27). “And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the son also himself be subject unto Him that put
all things under Him, that God may be all in all” (I Corinthians 15:28).
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Revelations 1:8).
THE NAME
God used different titles, such as “God Elohim”, “God Almighty”, “El Shaddai”, Jehovah”, and especially “Jehovah Lord”, the Redemptive name in the Old
Testament… “…unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:… and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled when the Son of God was named, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shall call His
name Jesus for he shall save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21).
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12; Colossians 2:9;
John 10:30; John 14:6; 1 John 5:20).
CREATION OF MAN AND HIS FALL
In the beginning God created man innocent, pure and holy; but through the sin of disobedience, Adam and Eve, the first of the human race, fell from the holy
state, and God banished them from Eden. Hence, by one man’s obedience, sin entered into the world. (Galatians 1:27; Romans 3:23, 5:12).
REPENTANCE AND CONVERSION
Pardon and forgiveness of sins is obtained by genuine repentance, a confessing and forsaking of sins. We are justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
(Romans 5:1). John the Baptist preached repentance, Jesus proclaimed it, and the Apostles emphasized it to both Jews and Gentiles. (Acts 2:38, 11:18, and
17:30).
The word “repentance” comes from several Greek words, which mean, change of views and purpose, change of heart, change of mind, change of life, to
transform, etc. Jesus said, “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Luke 24:47 says, “And that repentance and remissions of sins should be
preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
WATER BAPTISM
The scriptural way of baptism is immersion, and is only for those who have fully repented, having turned from their sins and a love of the world. It should be
administered by a duly authorized minister of the Gospel, in obedience to the Word of God. We believe that the correct formula for water baptism is in the name
of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the confession of faith. (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38, Acts 19:5, Colossians 2:12).
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST
John the Baptist, in Matthew 3:11, said, “…He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.”
Jesus, in Acts 1:5, said, “…Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”
Luke tells us in Acts 2:4 “…they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues” (languages as the spirit gave them utterance).
The terms “Baptized wit the Holy Ghost and fire”, “filled with the Holy Spirit”, and the “gift of the Holy Ghost” are synonymous terms used interchangeably in the
Bible.
It is scriptural to expect all who receive the gift, filling, or baptism of the Holy Ghost to receive the physical sign of speaking with other tongues.
The speaking with other tongues, as recorded in Acts 2:4, 10:46 and 19:6, and the gift of tongues, as explained in I Corinthians, chapter 12 and verse 12, are the
same in essence, but different in use and purpose.
The Lord, through the Prophet Joel, said, “…I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh…” (Joel 2:28).
Peter, in explaining this phenomenal experience, said, “…having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He (Jesus) hath shed forth this which you
now see and hear” (Acts 2:33).
Further, “…the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are far off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:39).
TONGUES
TONGUES (languages) have two classifications: (1) Speaking in OTHER TONGUES languages, as the SPIRIT OF GOD GIVES UTTERANCE. (2) The GIFT OF
TONGUES (languages) as mentioned in I Corinthians.
SPEAKING IN OTHER TONGUES as the SPIRIT OF GOD GIVES UTTERANCE is the manifestation God has given as a definite, indisputable supernatural
WITNESS or SIGN of the BAPTISM of the HOLY GHOST.
It was prophesied by the Prophet Isaiah as the “REST AND THE REFRESHING (Isaiah 28:11,12) foretold by Jesus as a SIGN that would follow every believer of
the Gospel (Mark 16:16,17); and poured first upon the Jews at Pentecost (Acts 2:4); then upon the Gentiles at Caesarea (Acts 10:44-46), thus fulfilling the
prophecy of Joel, that it should be poured out upon all flesh (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:15-18).
2. THE GIFT OF TONGUES, OR unknown languages, mentioned by Paul in I Corinthians 12:1,10 and concerning which gives regulations in I Corinthians
14:1-40 is that GIFT given by God to only some believers to be used for self edification (I Corinthians 14:27,28), except when there is an interpreter present (I
Corinthians 14) when it may be used to edify the church.
It is especially distinguished from speaking with other tongues the Spirit of God gives utterance in that this GIFT can be self operated; “For if I pray unto God in
an unknown tongue, MY SPIRIT PRAYETH, but my understanding is unfruitful.” (I Corinthians 14:13). It can be misused (I Corinthians 13:3) and therefore needs
proper regulations (I Corinthians 14:23-28).
This is entirely different and separate from that which God gives as a witness of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Paul said, “Forbid not to speak with tongues (I Corinthians 14:39), and “I THANK MY GOD I SPEAK WITH TONGUES MORE THAN YE ALL” (I Corinthians
14:18). Who dares to preach or teach to the contrary?
DIVINE HEALING
The first convenant that the Lord (Jehovah) made with the children of Israel after they were brought of out of Egypt was a covenant of healing. The Lord said”… if
thou will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord (Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord that healeth) thy God, and will do that which is right in his sight, and will give ear to
his commandments, and keep all his statues, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the Lord that
healeth thee” (Exodus 15:26).
Some translators reason: “For I am Jehovah thy physician”, He being our physician or doctor, we have the most capable in the whole world. Our Lord Jesus
Christ went about Galilee preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and healing all manners of sickness and disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23,24).
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
The vicarious suffering of the Lord Jesus Christ paid for the healing of our bodies, the same as for the salvation of our souls, for “…with his stripes, we are
healed.” (Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 8:17 reads: “…Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” (See also I Peter 2:24).
We see from this that divine healing for the body is in the atonement. That being true, then it is for all who believe. Jesus said of believers, “…they shall lay
hands on the sick and they shall recover.” Later, James wrote in his epistles to all the churches “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the
church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shalt save they shalt be forgiven him. Confess your
faults one to another and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:14-16).
All of these promises are for the church today.
SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION
On the night of our Lord’s betrayal, he ate the Passover supper with his Apostles, after which he instituted the sacrament. “And he took, bread, and gave thanks,
and broke it, and gave unto them”, saying, “this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” Likewise also the cup after supper saying,
this cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:19-20). “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the
Lord’s death till he come.” (I Corinthians 11:26).
FOOT WASHING
When the Passover supper was ended, we read in John 13:4-5, “He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel and girded himself. After
that He poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel where with He was girded.”
Jesus said, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should
do as I have done to you” (John 13:14-15).
This first example was given by our Lord, and it is a divine institution. It is well to follow his example and wash one another’s feet; thus manifesting the spirit of
humility.
HOLINESS
Godly living should characterize the life, of every child of the Lord, and we should live according to the pattern and the example given in the Word of God. “For
the grace of God that bringeth salvation bath 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). “For even hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow
his steps; who did no sin, neither was any guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but
committed himself to him that judgeth righteously (I Peter 2:21-23).
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be holy in all-manner of conversation; because it is written, be ye holy; for I am holy. And if you call on the Father
who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning herein fear; forasmuch ye know that ye were not
redeemed with corruptible things, as silver, mud, gold, from your vain conversations received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ,
as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (I Peter 1:15-19).
We wholeheartedly disapprove of our people indulging in any activities which are not conducted to good Christianity and Godly living, such as pornographic
movies or videos, dances, women cutting their hair, excessive makeup, any apparel that immodestly exposes the body, all worldly sports and amusements for
gain (gambling), and unwholesome or anti-Christian broadcasts via radio, computer networks, or any other medium. Furthermore, because of the display of all
these evils on television, we disapprove of any of our people operating video systems with programming in their homes that distracts from their spiritual well
being. (I Corinthians 11:2-14). “I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting”. In like manner also, that woman
adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women
professing godliness) with good works” (I Timothy 2:8-10).
THE GRACE OF GOD
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). A Christian, to keep saved, must walk with God and keep himself in
the love of God (Jude 21) and in the grace of God. The word “grace” means, “favor”. When a person transgresses and sins against God, he loses favor. If he
continues to commit sin and does not repent, he will eventually be lost and cast into the lake of fire. (Read John 15: 2,6; II Peter 2:20-21). Jude speaks of the
backslider of his day, and their reward. (Also, read Hebrews 4:4-6).
“For by grace are you saved by faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8).
RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS
We understand the scriptures to teach the restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of his Holy Prophets since, the world began. (Acts
3:21). However, the devil, his angels, and all sinners will be eternally damned…(See Revelations 20:10).
CONSCIENTIOUS SCRUPLES
We recognize the institution of human government in being of divine ordination, and in doing, affirm unswerving loyalty to our government; however, we take a
definite position regarding the bearing of arms or taking a human life.
As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we believe in implicit obedience to his commandments and precepts which instructs us as follows:
“…that ye resist not evil…” Matthew 5:39 “Follow peace with all men…” Hebrews 12:14. (See also Matthew 24:52; Romans 12:19; James 5:6; Revelation
13:10).
These we believe and interpret to mean Christians shall not shed blood or take a human life.
Therefore, we purpose to fulfill all obligations of loyal citizens, but we are constrained to declare ourselves against participating in combatant service in war,
armed insurrection, property destruction, aiding or abetting in or the destruction of human life.
Furthermore, we cannot conscientiously affiliate with any union, boycott, or organization, which will force or bind any of its members to belong to any
organization, perform any duties contrary to our conscience or receive any mark, without our right to affirm or reject same.
However, we regret the false impression created by some groups of so-called “conscientious objectors” that to obey the Bible is to have contempt for law or
magistrate, to be unwilling to sacrifice for the preservation of the commonwealth. This attitude would be as contemptible to us as to any patriot. The word of God
commands us to do no violence to any man. It also commands us that, first of all, we are to pray for the leader of our country. We, therefore, exhort our
members to freely and willingly respond to the call of the Government except in the matter of bearing arms. When we say service, we mean service-no matter
how hard or dangerous. The true church has no place for cowards than has the nation. First of all, however, let us earnestly pray that we will with honor be kept
out of war.
We believe that we can be consistent in serving our Government in certain non-combat capacities, but not in bearing arms.
SECRET SOCIETIES, ETC.
According to the word of God, we firmly believe and hold that the people of God should have not connection whatever with secret societies or any other
organization or body where in there is a fellowship with unbelievers, bound by an oath. (James 5:12; II Corinthians 6:14-18).
TRANSLATION OF SAINTS
We believe that the time is drawing near when our Lord shall appear; then the dead in Christ shall rise, and we who are alive and remain shall be caught up with
them to meet our Lord in the air. (I Thessalonians 4:13-17; I Corinthians 15:51-54; Philippians 3:20-21). We, therefore, observe the “Feast of Atonement” as we
see the day approaching (Hebrews 9:20-28).
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
“Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another committeth adultery:” (Matthew 19:9; Matthew 5:32). When this sin has been committed, the innocent party may be free to remarry only in the Lord. Our desire being to raise a higher standard for the ministry, we recommend that ministers do not marry again (I Corinthians 7).
TITHING
We believe tithing is God’s financial plan to provide for his work and has been since the days of Abraham. Tithing came with faith under Abraham.
Mosaic Law enjoined it, and Israel practiced it when she knew that it was right with God; Jesus endorsed it (Matthew 23:23); and Paul said to lay by in store as
God prospered you. Do not rob God of his portion, in tithes and offerings (Read Malachi 3). God’s plan for Christian prosperity is based upon His natural law
clued-time and harvest.
SECOND COMING OF JESUS
We believe that Jesus is coming again the second time in person, just as he went away, is clearly set forth by the Lord Jesus Himself, and was preached and
taught in the early Christian church by the Apostles; hence, the children of God today are earnestly, hopefully, looking forward to the glorious event. (Matthew
24; Acts 1:11; 3:19-21; I Corinthians 11:26; Philippians 3:20-21; I Thessalonians 4:14-17; Titus 2:13-14).
THE MILLENNIUM
Moreover, we believe that the present distress upon the earth is the beginning of sorrows and will become more intense until there “shall be a time of trouble
such there never was since there was a nation even to that same time.” (Matthew 24: 3-8; Daniel 12:1), and that period of tribulation will be followed by the dawn
of a better day on earth and that for a thousand years there shall be “peace on earth and good will toward men.” (Revelation 20:1-5; Isaiah 65:17-25; Matthew
5:5; Daniel 7:27; Micah 4:1-2; Hebrews 2:14). Jesus Christ shall be Lord and the Saints (King-Priests) shall rule with Him 1000 years.
FINAL JUDGMENT
When the thousand years are finished, there shall be a resurrection of all the dead, who will be summoned before the great white throne for their final judgement.
All whose names are not found written in the Book of Life shall be cast into the lake of fire, burning with brimstone, which God hath prepared for the Devil and his
angels, Satan himself being cast in first. (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:7, 15; 21:8).
…AND THIS WE BELIEVE!
…WATCH YE THEREFORE…!