Statement of Faith

God has given us His Word, the Bible. All sixty-six Books are divinely inspired, and preserved by God. God used humans to pen the Bible under the control of the Holy Spirit. God has preserved His Word in the King James Bible for the English-speaking people. It is without error and was translated from the majority texts, which He has preserved. The Bible is the Authority for all doctrine and Christian living.

Genesis 1, 2; Colossians 1:16, 17; John 1:1-4

There is only one true God. He is the pre-existent, all-knowing and all-powerful One Who is present in all places. He is the Creator and Righteous Judge of all. He is Holy and without sin or fault. He has manifested Himself to us in three Persons—the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, which is the Godhead. The Godhead is in perfect unity and They are One, yet three distinct Persons.

Malachi 2:10; I Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; I Timothy 2:5; James 2:19; Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:15-19; I John 3:20; Revelation 1:8; Psalm 139:1-18; 19:9; James 1:13; Hebrews 4:15; I John 5:7

God created the heaven and the earth. I believe the Scriptures teach the creation account in Genesis chapters one and two to be a literal account of what God created and made in six literal days (twenty-four hour days). There is no evolution involved in creation. God is pre-existent, He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.

Genesis 1, 2; Colossians 1:16, 17; John 1:1-4

The Bible teaches that God created man in innocence, with only one command to obey. He chose to disobey God and fell from that innocence into sin. True to His Word, God brought death upon him with other curses (the curse of the ground, etc.). As a result, death passed upon all men after Adam. We are thus born void of God’s Spirit, in the flesh, resulting in a tendency to sin. All men are sinners, not by constraint, but by choice. The just punishment by God for sin is eternal separation from Him in the lake of fire.

Genesis 2:16, 17; 3:6-24; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-5, 12; Romans 8:9; Romans 3:10, 23; I John 3:4; James 1:13-15; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:13; 21:8

Mary miraculously conceived Jesus Christ by the Holy Ghost without a human father. He was 100% God and 100% man. Jesus had to be God to pay for the sins of the world. Jesus also had to come in the flesh to be able to die on the cross for our sins. In His glorified body, He would not have been able to give His life for us. God’s Word gives us the genealogy of Jesus through His parents Mary and Joseph, although Joseph was only the legal father, not His real father. Jesus is the Son of God. He is one with the Heavenly Father.

Matthew 1; Luke 3:23-38; I Timothy 3:16; John 1:1, 14; Colossians 1:13-19; 2:8-10; Luke 5:19-26; I John 4:2, 3; John 10:30-38; 14:8-11; Revelation 1:7-18; 22:12, 13; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 43:3

Salvation from sin is only possible through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Since no man has ever kept the whole Law without sin, our only hope was for Christ to die in our place. The Old Testament sacrifices all pointed to the eternal sacrifice, Jesus Christ who would give Himself for the sins of the world. Christ’s shed blood and death on the cross was sufficient to pay for all sin, past, present and future. The Bible does not teach a limited atonement or partial payment for sin. Christ died once for all.

I Corinthians 15:1-4, 12-22; Romans 3:23; Hebrews 7:27; 9:11-28; Romans 3:25; I John 1:7-9

The only thing required by man for salvation is to believe on Jesus. Man does not need salvation simply to avoid Hell. Hell is a just punishment and consequence for sin. All men need salvation from sin because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. The wage or punishment for sin is death. Those who die without Christ will be judged for their sin and sentenced to an eternity in the lake of fire. There they will be tormented forever and ever! You cannot work your way to Heaven. Salvation is a gift. Salvation is not in praying a prayer, although you may have come to fully trust in Christ while praying and asking Him to save you. Salvation is in the person and work of Christ alone. You must realize that you are a sinner and that Christ is the only way of salvation. You must then put your faith and trust in Christ alone for salvation. Although God offers salvation to all, each person has to accept Christ as Saviour. God knows who will be saved without violating man’s freewill. God’s desire is for all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. God does not predestinate some people for Heaven and others for Hell. Every person makes his or her own choice. Only those who repent of their sin, and believe on Jesus will be saved. When a sinner places their faith in Christ for salvation from sin, God imputes Christ’s righteousness to their account. God no longer sees the person’s sin but rather Christ’s righteousness. At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit comes in and indwells the believer and seals them until the day of redemption.

Acts 16:31; Romans 3:9, 10, 23; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 21:8; 20:10; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Romans 10:9-13; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:22; I Peter 1:2; I Timothy 2:4; II Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:13, 14; 4:30

True repentance toward God comes before or at the same time as saving faith in Jesus Christ. Repentance means a change of mind. Repentance that comes at salvation is a change in mind concerning our sin and our way to Heaven. We then agree with God about our just punishment, and the only way of forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Repentance is not simply a fire escape from Hell but a realization and agreement that we deserve Hell because of our sin, and we desire salvation from sin. Faith is then fully relying on Jesus Christ and His death, burial and resurrection for salvation. Repentance is not a work and neither is faith. Right thinking regarding repentance and faith leads one to making the right decision. If a sinner does not agree with God about his sin or who Jesus is as Lord and Saviour, he will not be saved.

Acts 20:21; Romans 2:4; II Timothy 2:25; II Peter 3:9; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 11:18; 26:20; Ephesians 1:15; 2:8, 9; Romans 5:1

All who believe in Christ for salvation are adopted into the family of God. We are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. This means that we inherit with Jesus Christ all spiritual blessings in heavenly places. We are God’s sons right now, and we will receive the fullness of our adoption in Heaven.

Romans 8:14-17, 23; Galatians 3:26; 4:5-7; Ephesians 1:5; I John 3:1, 2; Hebrews 12:5-11

Justification is God declaring us to be just, based on the righteousness of Christ imputed to our account. We are justified—not based on any of our own works or merits. God as the righteous Judge declares us righteous solely on the merit of Jesus Christ and His shed blood for our sins.

Romans 3:4, 20, 24-31; 4:2-5, 25; 5:1-18; 8:30-33; Galatians 2:16, 17; 3:8-11, 24; 5:4; Titus 3:7

Sanctification is growing in our relationship with Christ, and becoming more like Him. Sanctification is the practical working out of the perfection we have in Christ. God has a plan for each one of our lives, but He must first work in us, before He can work through us. Sanctification is a life long process of becoming perfect and entire in Christ. We will never be sinless until we are in the presence of Christ but we can sin less. God uses His Word, circumstances, people and other means to mold and make us into what He wants us to be. We must yield to the control of the Holy Spirit and seek to follow His will and not our own. He is then able to work in and through us. Simply put, sanctification means to be set apart. We are set apart from the world and its ways unto Christ and His ways.

Romans 8:29; James 1:4; Philippians 2:12-16; Ephesians 2:10; 3:20; Colossians 1:29; I Thessalonians 2:13; I Corinthians 6:14-20

God says that He gives us eternal life and that we will never perish if we are in Christ. The Holy Spirit seals us at the moment of salvation. “Eternal life” or “Everlasting life”, means that it has no end! God has made us joint heirs with Christ. We inherit eternal blessings with Christ. If we are God’s child, He will chasten us but we will always be His child. We cannot walk away from being a son, but we can walk in disobedience as a son. God will do whatever He can to correct us, but if we disregard it, there is a sin unto death. Ananias and Sapphira would be an example of committing a sin unto death. All who are born again children of God will continue in the faith.

John 10:28-30; Ephesians 4:30; John 3:16; Romans 8:17; Hebrews 12:5-11; I John 5:11-17; I Corinthians 3:11-15; 5:1-5; Acts 5:1-11; I Corinthians 11:30-32

A local church is a group of saved, scripturally baptized believers, united together to fulfill the great commission. There are two biblical church offices—pastors and deacons. A pastor is to lead and feed the church of God. Deacons are appointed to help in carrying out various business of the church and serve where needed. The local church is for believers to grow and encourage one another. It should help them to be more effective in reaching out to the lost. Being a part in fulfilling the great commission is the responsibility of each member. God gives the members of the church various gifts to compliment each other and work together. Each member is accountable to each other, the pastor and to Christ. If a member continues to live in known sin and is unwilling to get it right, it may result in church discipline. The goal of discipline is correction and restoration. The church is primarily for believers, but many unbelievers have come to church and received Christ. A scriptural church is to be independent and self-governing under Christ. An independent church means that it is not part of a group of churches or under a board or convention. Each church stands on its own under the leadership of the pastor who is under Christ. Self-governing means that the pastor leads the church and it does not need to follow the dictates of another pastor or organization. The pastor is to lead the church according to the pattern laid out in Scripture as the under shepherd.

Acts 2:40-42; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; I Timothy 3; I Peter 5:1-4; Acts 6:1-7; Romans 14:17-19; I Corinthians 5; 14:3; Romans 12:4-21; Acts 5:29

Local churches here on earth are to be visible representatives of Christ’s body. Christ said that He would build His Church, and we are members of His body. We are to function as a unified body of believers. The church is to be set apart from the world unto Christ. God want us to be holy as He is holy. God does not want the church to follow the world, or use the methods of the world to draw a crowd. A Church ought to preach the whole counsel of God, not just a “social gospel” or that which is none-offensive. Jesus said that His house is to be called a house of prayer. Prayer is vital part in the services of the church. Each church should be scriptural in faith and practice.

Romans 12:4-9; I Corinthians 12:12-27; Matthew 16:18; I Peter 1:13-22; Galatians 5:11; Jude 1:3; Mark 11:17; Acts 4:31; 13:1-3

Christ gave the local church two ordinances as an outward confession and remembrance. These are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism pictures Christ’s redemptive work and our position in Him at salvation. Water baptism is a picture of Spirit baptism which takes place when we are born into the body of Christ at salvation. Baptism pictures the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Immersion in water gives us this clear picture. Believing on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour is the only requirement for baptism. You are picturing to other believers and the world outwardly what has happened in your heart at salvation. Your old man died with Christ, was buried and you were raised a new man in Christ. The authority for baptizing lies in the local church. The authority for baptism is in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Romans 6:3-11; Ephesians 4:5; I Corinthians 12:13; I Peter 3:21; Acts 8:36-39; 2:38; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 10:48; 19:5

The Lord’s Supper originated with the Passover in Exodus when God brought Israel out of Egypt. Christ ate the Passover with His disciples and gave it a new and full meaning. He was the true Lamb of God Who was going to die to take away the sins of the world. As Jesus broke the bread, He said it pictured His body that would be broken for us. When He took the cup, He said it pictured the blood He would shed for us. As often as we eat the unleavened bread and drink of the unfermented wine (grape juice), we remember His death until He comes. The Lord’s Supper is for believers in the local church and they should partake of it in a worthy and respectful manner. The Lord’s Supper is for us to remember what Christ has done for us. We are also to examine ourselves and be right with God, and those around us.

Exodus 12; Luke 22:11-20; I Corinthians 11:23-34

Satan (Lucifer) fell from Heaven because he was proud and wanted to be like God. He tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden to sin. He is the father of all lies, and head of the powers of evil and darkness. He has many followers who are blinded to the light of the Gospel. Many are held by fear of the demonic realm, especially in places where witchcraft is practiced. Satan has real power, but we have power over him through Christ and His Word. Satan is already a defeated foe and is destined to eternal destruction in the lake of fire.

Isaiah 14:12-15; Genesis 3:1-5; John 8:44; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 8:27-39; Mark 9:17-29; Acts 26:18; Colossians 1:13; Ephesians 6:11-13; James 4:7; I Peter 5:8, 9; Revelation 20:10

At the rapture, the dead in Christ shall rise first, then all believers who are alive at that time will be caught up to meet the Lord Jesus in the air. At that moment we will be transformed and receive our glorified bodies and we will always be with the Lord. He will do this before the Tribulation and millennial kingdom. After the rapture of the church the Tribulation will begin and God will judge the world for seven years. After the Tribulation, Christ will return to earth to rule and reign for a thousand years. Christ will reward the righteous and judge the unbelievers according to their works. All of the unrighteous will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone which is the second death.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18; I Corinthians 15:12-58; Revelation 4:1; I Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9; Revelation 6-20

God has laid out the principle of giving right from the beginning with Abraham to the early church in the New Testament. We are to give according as God has prospered us. The tithe is a biblical principle seen throughout Scripture, and a starting point for giving. The early church gave to the needs of the church and pastor, missionaries and other Christians that were in need. People ought to give cheerfully according to what God has laid on their hearts.

Genesis 14:20; I Corinthians 16:2; II Corinthians 8:1-15; Philippians 4:10-19; I Timothy 5:18; I Corinthians 9:7-14

God has laid out the principle of giving right from the beginning with Abraham to the early church in the New Testament. We are to give according as God has prospered us. The tithe is a biblical principle seen throughout Scripture, and a starting point for giving. The early church gave to the needs of the church and pastor, missionaries and other Christians that were in need. People ought to give cheerfully according to what God has laid on their hearts.

Genesis 14:20; I Corinthians 16:2; II Corinthians 8:1-15; Philippians 4:10-19; I Timothy 5:18; I Corinthians 9:7-14

We are to reach out to the world, but we are not of the world. We are to separate ourselves from those who teach false doctrine and are living worldly lives. We are called to preach the true Gospel of Christ and not to compromise that Gospel. We are to separate ourselves from anyone who preaches another gospel. We can help those who are growing and seeking to move in the right direction. Everything we do should be pleasing and honouring to God, not just to please others or our flesh.

II Corinthians 6:14-18; Mark 16:15; Romans 16:17; Galatians 1:8, 9; I Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 5:10-18XX. Human Sexuality

God created one man and one woman to be united together in marriage for life. The only time the Scriptures permit remarriage is when the other partner has passed away in death.

Genesis 2:21-25; Romans 7:1-3; Matthew 5:31, 32; Romans 1:26-32

God designed music to glorify Him. Music can also lift our spirits and bring encouragement and inspiration. Music consists of the melody, harmony and rhythm and should be kept in that order. It relates with the make up of man, spirit, soul and body. The spirit should be in control, then the soul (mind, will, and emotions) and then the body. It is the same way in music. The melody should carry the song, followed by harmony and rhythm. The spiritual should be first and the physical should be under proper control. The words are also very important, but the music alone conveys a message as well. Music should lift up Christ and strengthen your spirit, not appeal to the flesh.

Exodus 15:1-21; Psalm 33:1-3; Psalm 147:1, 7; 150:1-6; I Samuel 16:23; I Thessalonians 5:23; I Corinthians 9:27; 10:31; Romans 8:5; Exodus 32:17-21

The life of a human being begins at conception. The purposeful taking of that life is murder. We should do whatever we can to save the life of the mother and unborn child. Many different situations can endanger the life of a mother and/or unborn child. The important part is to make every effort to save life and not to shed innocent blood.

Isaiah 44:2, 24; Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 106:38

God tells us to honour and obey the rulers of our land. He has set them up for the protection and just punishment of evil doers. We are to obey those who have rule over us, unless it is contrary to Scripture. The government is not to interfere with the church or religious matters. We are to pray for our leaders and understand that they often reflect the general attitude of the people in the land.

Romans 13:1-8; Acts 5:29; I Timothy 2:1, 2; Colossians 3:24; II Thessalonians 3:1-3

God does not want believers to take one another to court, to be judged by the world. Disputes between believers should be handled in a biblical way within the church. We are rather to take wrong than to sue our brethren. Jesus also gave us a principle to be willing to give more than required when sued by another person. The exception may be when there is an injury or loss involved and the other party has insurance for such situations. This should never be done out of revenge or anger.

I Corinthians 6:1-8; Matthew 5:25, 26; 38-42; Ephesians 4:31, 32