Our Beliefs
Fundamental Doctrine
We affirm as our foundational doctrine the biblical plan of full salvation: genuine repentance from sin; water baptism by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, evidenced initially by speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
We believe the Bible to be inspired of God; the infallible word of God. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness".
(2 Timothy 3:16)
Repentance and Baptism
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.
Pardon and forgiveness of sins is obtained by genuine repentance, a confession and forsaking of sins. We are justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). John the Baptist preached repentance, Jesus Christ proclaimed it, and the Apostles emphasized it to both Jews and Gentiles. (Acts 2:38, 11:18, 17:30)
Jesus said, "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3)
Luke 24:47 says, "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."
WATER BAPTISM
The scriptural mode of baptism is immersion, and is only for those who have fully repented, having turned from their sins and from the love of the world. It should be administered by a duly authorized minister of the Gospel, in obedience to the Word of God, and in the name of Jesus Christ, according to Acts of the Apostles 2:38, 8:16, 10:48, 19:5; thus obeying and fulfilling Matthew 12:19.
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST
Luke tells us in Acts. 2:4, "they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
The terms "baptize with 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 same, initial 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 1 Corinthians 12 & 14, 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)
The One True God
The first of all commandments is, "hear, O Isreal; the Lord our God is one Lord" (Mark 12:29; Duet. 6:4). "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Eph.4:6)
We believe in the one true and living, 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, as Son, in redemption; and as the Holy Ghost, by emanation.
(1 Cor. 8:6; Eph. 4:6; 2 Cor. 5:19; Joel 2:28)
THE NAME
God used different titles, such as "God Elohim," "El Shaddai," "Jehovah," and especially "Jehovah Lord," the redemptive name in the Old Testament.
The prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled when the Son of God was named, "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt 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)