Tenets of Faith

Because it is recognized that it is important to openly state what we stand for in order that we might stand together, the following are stated. (Amos 3:3.) Also, no Biblical truth has any reason for being unless it is to “exalt Jesus”. These are some of the landmarks of our faith while Jesus will yet reveal more of Himself to us in His word (Matt. 13:52).

THE SCRIPTURES

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. The product of holy men of old who spoke and wrote as they were moved upon by the Holy Spirit and we accept it as our infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct and doctrine (2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21).

THE GODHEAD

Our God is one, manifested in three - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Phil. 2:6). God the Father is greater than all: the Source of the Word (Logos) and the Begetter (John 14:28; John 1:14). God the Son is the Word flesh-covered, the One Begotten, and has existed with the Father from the beginning (John 1:1; John 1:18; John 1:14). God the Holy Spirit proceeds forth from the Father and is eternal (John 15:26). In Jesus all the fullness of the Godhead-Deity lives in bodily form (Col. 2:9).

MAN, HIS FALL AND REDEMPTION

Man is a created being, made in the likeness and image of God, but through Adam’s transgression and fall, sin came into the world. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was manifested to undo the work of the devil and gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man back to God by rebirth (Rom.5:14; Rom. 3:10; Rom.3:23; 1 John 3:8). Salvation is the gift of God to man, separate from works and the law, and is made operative by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, producing works acceptable to God (Eph. 2:8; Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).

ETERNAL LIFE AND THE NEW BIRTH

Man's first step toward salvation is godly sorrow that worketh repentance. The New Birth is necessary to all men and, when fulfilled, produces eternal life (2 Cor. 7:10; 1 John 5:12; John 3:3-5).

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY GHOST

The Baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire is a gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to all believers and is received subsequent to the New Birth. Evidence of this experience is speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit Himself gives utterance (Matt. 3:11; John 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:38,39; Acts 19:1-7; Acts 2:4). We believe in the operation of the gifts of the Spirit in the body as enumerated in I Corinthians 12-14 as manifested in the early church.

SANCTIFICATION

The Bible teaches that without holiness no man can see the Lord. We believe in the Doctrine of Sanctification as a definite, yet progressive work of grace, commencing at the time of regeneration and continuing until the consummation of salvation (Heb. 12:14; 1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Peter 3:18; Phil. 3:12-14; 1 Cor. 1:30).

DIVINE HEALING

Healing is for the physical ills of the human body and is wrought by the power of God through the prayer of faith, and by the laying on of hands. It is provided for in the atonement of Christ, and is the privilege of every member of the Church today (Mark 16:18; James 5:25; 1 Peter 2:24; Matt. 8:17; Isa. 53:4,5).

RESURRECTION OF THE JUST AND THE RETURN OF THE LORD

The angels said “This same Jesus shall so come in like manner.” He is coming soon. When He comes, “...the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air and return with Him to the earth” according to Matt. 5:5 (Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:16,17).

HELL AND ETERNAL RETRIBUTION

The one who physically dies in his sins without Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the Lake of Fire and, therefore, has no further opportunity of hearing the Gospel or repenting. The Lake of Fire is real. The terms “eternal” and “everlasting,” used in describing the duration of punishment of the damned in the Lake of Fire, carry the same thought and meaning of endless existence as used in denoting the duration of joy and ecstasy of the saints. (Heb. 9:27; Rev. 19:20).

FAITH AND WORKS

We believe that faith without works is dead. We believe, as a matter of the fundamental beliefs and doctrines of this church, that nothing can be genuinely believed without there being an accompanying and corresponding action. Our faith is an active faith that requires the doing of deeds in the world. Our faith is not a passive or complacent system of intellectual belief or assent to doctrine, but is an active force in our lives that requires and results in actions being taken. A living, active faith will be manifested not only in belief and mental assent but in actions expressed and based upon that belief. If a belief is truly held, it will be acted upon. The act is as much a fundamental aspect of our faith as the belief upon which the act is based. James 2:14-16; Ephesians 2:8-10; Matt. 7:24-27; Matt. 5:16; 2 Cor. 5:10; Matt. 16:27; Rev. 2:23; Rev. 22:12).

CHURCH DISCIPLINE

We believe in church discipline administered in the church in a spirit of meekness. The Bible sets forth three grounds for discipline: unscriptural conduct that obscures the truth of God by false teaching or doctrine; unscriptural conduct that mars the holy character of God and His church by unholy, immoral living, action or lifestyle; and unscriptural conduct that hinders the work of God by bringing confusion or division to the body. The purpose of church discipline is the restoration of the one subject to the discipline and/or the purification of the church. Church discipline is body ministry. The steps of discipline are one-on-one private confrontation, private confrontation with witnesses, and, finally, exposure to the church for judgment leading to restoration or separation (Matt. 18:15-20; Gal.6:1; Rom. 16:17; 2 John 9-11; 1 Cor. 5; 2 Cor. 2:6-8; 1 Tim. 5:20).

THE CHURCH

We believe that the Church is the Body of Christ expressed as the church individual, the church local, and the church universal and invisible (all saints of all places and all times united together under one Lord). As such, we believe the church to be more than just a building or a gathering of people. It is a body living in relationship and harmony under the direction of the head, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:15; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Romans 16:5; 1 Peter 2:4-5; Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Romans 12:4-5; Ephesians 4:11-16). The local church is an expression of the community and fellowship of God. As the Body of Christ in the earth it is an intimate community of people that is devoted to apostolic teaching, to fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. The local body will meet together regularly as a whole and in smaller groups in the homes of the members of the congregation. We consider the fellowship of the saints together in the private homes of the members to be an essential expression of the life of faith of the church. Indeed to this end, the Word of God frequently refers to the church as a “household.” (Matt. 16:13-20; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-47; 1 Peter 4:17; 1 Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 2:19; 1 Peter 2:5; Acts 18:8; Rom. 16:5,10,11: 1 Cor. 1:11,16; 16:15,19; Phil. 4:22; Col.4:15; 2 Tim. 1:16,4:19).

AUTONOMY AND RELATIONSHIP

We believe that the local church, although autonomous, will be related to other local churches and ministries through fellowship and formed relationships. In particular, we believe that there are foundational ministries of apostles and prophets that transcend the local church and that the local church should be in a relationship with such a ministry or ministries for the purpose of advice, counsel, oversight, encouragement, and help. Such ministries are designed by God to provide connection and relationship in the universal Body of Christ between and among local fellowships and to provide spiritual covering, protection, accountability, identity, and checks and balances for local leadership by local elders. (Eph. 2:19-22; 1 Cor. 12:28; Acts 2:42; Gal. 2:7-9; 1 Cor. 12:12-13).

LEADERSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe that in all matters concerning the Body of Christ, in its direction, discipline, ministry and functioning, that specific guidance, instruction, revelation, and discernment of truth from falsehood is available by the leading of the Holy Spirit who enables us to know spiritual things by the Spirit (Acts 13:1-3; 1 Tim. 1:18; Rom. 8:14; 1 Tim. 5:22; John 16:13-15; 1 Cor. 5:3).

LAYING ON OF HANDS

Laying on of hands is a biblical practice. Jesus practiced it in Mark 10:13-16 as a blessing, and it is our grounds for baby dedication instead of baptism. We believe in the laying on of hands for healing (Mark 5:22, 23 and 41; Mark 5:28-31; Acts 28:8; Acts 19:11, 12); laying on of hands to confer office (Acts 6:2-6); laying on of hands to receive the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:18-19); laying on of hands to believe words spoken, to receive anointing, and to cultivate the anointing (1 Tim. 4:14); laying on of hands for appointment to eldership (I Tim. 4:14).

MEDIATION

We believe, as members of the same body of Christ, baptized by one spirit into one body, that we must endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and as such we are precluded from bringing a lawsuit in a civil court against another person who professes to be a Christian or against a Christian ministry. We believe that all such disputes must be resolved within the Body of Christ without taking them before unbelievers for judgment (1 Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:3-6).

THE ROLE OF THE PROPHETIC MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH

We believe that God speaks today. There are at least five channels of prophecy by which God speaks to His people today. They are: the office of the prophet, prophetic preaching, prophetic presbytery, the gift of prophecy and the spirit of prophecy. All five channels are received and encouraged in this church. We believe that hearing from God, both individually as members and corporately as a church, through prophecy or any other biblical means chosen by God to communicate, is essential to our faith and walk with God. Prophecy is only one method of discerning God's will and direction. It is recognized that none of the methods or channels of prophecy will always be 100 percent accurate and actions should not be taken on the basis of prophetic words alone without other confirmation. We believe the prophetic presbytery serves the purpose in the body of Christ in activating, establishing, releasing, commissioning, and ordaining gifts to their office, function, and place of relationship and/or leadership (1 Cor. 14:3; Eph. 4:11; Eph. 2:20; 1 Tim. 4:14; Acts 13:1-3; Titus 1:5; Rom. 12:6; 1 Peter 4:10; 1 Cor. 14:39; 1 Cor. 14:1; 1 Thess. 5:19-21; 1 Tim. 5:22; 2 Tim. 1:6).

THE ROLE OF THE APOSTOLIC MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH

We believe in the apostolic ministry for today as one which functions in one or more localities through foundational ministry as of a father laying the foundation which is Christ and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. We seek to relate to the apostles of Christ and to be apostolic ourselves (Eph. 4:11-16; Col. 1:25-29; Heb. 6:1-2).

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

We believe that scripture requires all members of the congregation to support the church through tithes and offerings in proportion as the Lord shall prosper them, thereby acknowledging that any institution can stand or be of full service only in proportion as all of the members of the congregation accept their responsibility of maintaining it. (Mal. 3:10, 1 Cor. 16:1,2; 2 Cor. 9:6-9; Heb. 7:1-8).

VISIONARY AND GOVERNMENT

We believe that there is always a person who is the presiding leader in any church government raised up by God. That person will be the first among equals. We believe that this person will be an ascension gift, not necessarily a pastor, although Senior Pastor is the title given to this person in this church. The Senior Pastor will be the person through whom the main vision of the church is received, articulated and developed. He will be the one with the final responsibility and decision making authority in all matters concerning the church because he is the one who will be ultimately accountable to God for the church. He will be recognized by the grace, anointing, ability and vision given to him by God (Num. 27:15-22; 1 Cor. 12:18; Eph. 4:l1; Acts 13:1). God will raise up elders and other ascension gifts to function with and in relationship to the Senior Pastor. We believe that there will be mutual submission and accountability within the government of the church. There will be submission and accountability of the Senior Pastor to the others in the governing leadership and there will be submission and accountability of the others to the Senior Pastor. We believe that they are to seek the mind of God together for the church in all areas of its affairs, spiritual and temporal.

ORDINANCES

a. We believe in two primary New Testament ordinances: Baptism by immersion and The Lord's Supper. However, we do not believe that the administration of such ordinances is limited to ordained or licensed ministers. We believe in the priesthood of believers.

b. Ordination and licensing in this church is a separation and recognition of a specific gifting of God. We believe that God calls men and women into specific ministries as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. God calls. Man can only recognize the call and acknowledge it. Ordination is on the basis of that recognition of God's gifting. Men called to a specific office by God and ordained or licensed by this church will have the right to participate in the traditional sacramental and ordinal functions of the church such as marriage, funerals, baptisms, and the like. They shall also he expected to function in the spiritual giftings of their office and to demonstrate the reality of their calling. This church is a non-sacramental Protestant church. We reject the efficacy of ritual and the concept of a separate priestly class. We recognize the priesthood of believers and the serving ministry of the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher with government by elders. As such, we recognize that those called to those offices will function in a manner to lead by example in prayer, worship, teaching, laying on of hands, and prophesying and that such actions on the part of those ordained and licensed by this church are equivalent to the sacramental function of the priesthood in traditional sacramental churches.

BENEVOLENCE

We believe that the Scriptures are clear concerning helping those in need. We are commanded to do good to all people as we have opportunity, with a special emphasis upon caring for those who profess to be fellow Christians, especially those of our own fellowship of believers. We are commanded to be generous and willing to share, laying up treasure for ourselves in the coming age by our kindness and generosity in this life. This is true for the church as an organization as well as for the individual members of the church. Therefore, in accordance with the biblical commands, as a fundamental aspect of the practice of our faith, we will share of our material goods with those in need and will minister to them to the best of our abilities, whatever the need. (Prov. 25:21; Is. 58:10; Gal. 6:10; 1 Tim. 6:18-19; Heb. 13:16.)

RELATIONS OF CHURCH AND STATE

God has entrusted the church the solemn Biblical responsibility of being the conscience of society, culture and government. As such the church has a duty before God to speak to the issues that arise from and relate to society, culture and government. Specifically, the church, in the tradition of the prophets, is required to call government to account before God for the actions taken by the government with the view toward keeping the government in its proper role and relationship as a steward under God of the resources of the nation. (1 Kings 18:18; 2 Chron. 15:1-4; Matt. 5:13-14; Acts 12:23; 1 Sam. 15:14-35). The church has a divine mandate to practice its religion as dictated by God. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. The church is the Blood-bought Bride of Christ of whom Jesus is the head, the Lord and the only master. As such we categorically reject any and all claims by the state to headship or sovereignty over the church. When earthly governments leave their God-ordained sphere of responsibility and seek to restrain, hamper or limit the church's obedience to Christ in all areas of life, then the church must and will obey God rather than man and must also confront the government with its error and call it back to its proper place under God. (Exodus 8, 9, 10; Daniel 3, 6; Acts 4:19; 5:29).

PERSONAL MINISTRY

We believe that the scriptures clearly define that members of a congregation can seek out personal ministry, spiritual advice, consultation, direction, purpose, resolution, and guidance from amongst the shepherds, elders, mature men and women, and Five-Fold Ministry Gifts within the Body of Christ. (1 Kings 1:12; Prov. 27:9; Prov. 11:14; Ps. 55:13-14). We further believe that consultation and instruction is applicable by the scriptures through sessions, a company of persons in close deliberation set together, to lay a foundation, set in place and give wise spiritual counsel. This also provides safety, defense, rescue and freedom from trouble. (Ps. 55:13-14; Prov. 1:11-14; Prov. 12:15). The personal care of the saints is the sanctification of the whole person, body, soul and spirit, (1 Thess. 3:13; 5:23), through the love that flows from faith, patience and hope, and the redemptive power of the Cross of Christ, (Rom. 3:25; Luke 9:23). The atoning Blood of Jesus, (Eph. 2:13-16; 1 Peter 1:18-19). The transformation of the soul through the word of God, (Rom. 12:1-2), the denying of the old nature, (Gal. 2:20, 5:24; 1 Peter 1:13-15), salvation through grace not works, (Eph. 2:1-8), and the promise of the resurrection, (John 3:16, 10:25-26), are the effective working mechanisms that characterize pastoral care ministry. Such ministry is foundational to the practice of our faith.

DELIVERANCE

The need for deliverance is manifested by an inability to be free from a bondage: e.g., mental (emotional), physical or spiritual normally associated with demon activity. It is God's desire to bring deliverance to his people. (Job 5:19, Psalms 91:3, 2 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 2:15; 2 Peter 2:9). We have been granted the authority in the name of Jesus to bring deliverance to others. (Mark 16:17, John 14:12; 1 Cor. 12:8-11). We must understand that our warfare is with the forces of evil (Eph. 6:12), our weapon is the Word of God, our authority and power is from Jesus himself (Mark 16:17, Acts 1:8) and that the battlefield is first of all in the spiritual realms. (Eph. 6:10-18, 2 Cor. 10:3-5, Rom. 8:9, Gal. 5:22-23).

HOMOSEXUALITY

We believe in the creation and God as the Creator. We believe that God created man and that He created them Male and Female. As such he created them different so as to complement and complete each other. God instituted monogamous marriage between male and female as the foundation of the family, the basic structure of human society. For this reason homosexuality is an abomination before God.

MEMBERSHIP

The Church, by its very composition, is a membership organization. The local church is the manifestation within our society of The Church. Each local church exists for an express purpose in God's plan. Individual members of the Body of Christ will wish to associate with our congregation as members. All believers are members of The Church. The Lord will set some of those members of The Church into this local congregation as members as it pleases Him. As members of this local congregation they are given into the care and oversight of the leadership which must give an account to God for their souls. The elders of this church shall have the right to determine who may attend church meetings and functions. This church is owned by the Lord Jesus Christ who has entrusted the care of the flock to the leadership He has raised up here. It is not a place of public accommodation, nor is it a public institution and its property is not a public place but is, rather, private property belonging to this church. (Acts 20:28-31; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 Tim. 1:20; 6:5; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; 2 John 9-11; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Titus 3: 10-11; Rom. 16:17).

REPENTANCE

Repentance is a gift from God. It is simply not true that a person can repent at any time. Repentance is dependent upon the convicting action of the Holy Spirit in the lives of sinners and believers. The conviction of the Holy Spirit, which often accompanies the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, will result in the revelation of the sinfulness of self which should lead to Godly sorrow. Remorse, or worldly sorrow, is a feeling of deep regret, hopelessness or even despair. It does not lead to constructive change. On the other hand Godly sorrow, which may at times be mistaken for worldly sorrow, produces repentance which causes us to turn away from sin and selfishness and to receive faith for change. Worldly sorrow is destructive but repentance is life giving. Repentance changes the way we feel and act about sin, self and God. Repentance is a total change of heart, mind, attitude, emotions, will, action and lifestyle flowing from the turmoil and sorrow of Holy Spirit conviction of sin. (2 Cor. 7:10; Psalms 51; Acts 11:18; 2 Tim. 2:25; Gen. 6:3; Rom. 1:18-32; Matt. 9:12-13).

Evangel Association of Churches and Ministries 29481 Utica Rd. Roseville, MI 48312
Phone:	(586) 773-6568
Fax:	(586) 773-1043

 

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