Doctrines of Higher Calling In Christ Ministries International, Inc.
Higher Calling In Christ Ministries International, Inc. embraces the following statements concerning the truth. The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice. This Statement of Fundamental Truths is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us (i.e., that we all speak the same thing; I Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42). No claim is made that it contains all biblical truth, only that it covers our need as to these fundamental doctrines. We do not presume to say the phraseology employed in this Statement of Fundamental Truths is inspired or that it is the final work on Bible truth. However, we are persuaded it is proper and consistent with the Holy Scriptures to “set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us” (Luke 1:1).
Higher Calling In Christ Ministries International, Inc. embraces the following statements concerning the truth. The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice. This Statement of Fundamental Truths is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us (i.e., that we all speak the same thing; I Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42). No claim is made that it contains all biblical truth, only that it covers our need as to these fundamental doctrines. We do not presume to say the phraseology employed in this Statement of Fundamental Truths is inspired or that it is the final work on Bible truth. However, we are persuaded it is proper and consistent with the Holy Scriptures to “set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us” (Luke 1:1).
The Bible (THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURES)
The Bible, translated from the Greek word “ta biblia” meaning “the books”, is a compilation of books that are believed to be holy and God-inspired. The Protestant canonization of the Bible consists of 66 books–divided into 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament.
The first book of the Bible is believed to have been written around 1450 B.C. and the last book was written around 95 A.D. The Bible as a whole was composed over a 1,500-year-period by more than 40 different authors from all over the world, including: kings, prophets, philosophical writers, fishermen, shepherds and prisoners. Most of the books of the Bible bear the name of the author whom wrote the book–For example, Isaiah wrote the book of Isaiah, Jeremiah wrote the book of Jeremiah, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John wrote the books that bear their names. The Bible’s original manuscripts were written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Koine Greek and was later translated into over 2,000 other languages.
The first five books of the Old Testament, (aka the TaNaKh or the Hebrew Bible to Jewish believers), are known as the TORAH (aka the Books of the Law, or the Books of Moses). These books are about the origins of life, the creation of Man, the fall of man into sin, the selection of the Jews to be God’s chosen people and the light to the world, and the laws of God given to his chosen people. These books were written by Moses and completed by Joshua, son of Jacob.
The next group of books in the Old Testament, known as the NEVI’IM, are the books of the prophets, which give an historical account of the nation of Israel and their conflicts with surrounding nations. The book of the prophets contained God’s blessings and promises for Israel, as well as lamentations and judgments for Israel and other nations. The book of the prophets also gave foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, who is in the person of Jesus Christ. This coming Messiah would bring salvation to the world.
The last set of books in the Old Testament, known as the KETUVIM, are writings of poetic and philosophical works by various authors, such as Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Songs of Solomon.
The first four books of the New Testament — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – known as the Synoptic Gospels, give an account of the deity, birth, life, death, bodily resurrection and acension of Jesus Christ and his ministry while on earth. The book of Acts gives an account of the outpour of God’s Holy Spirit, the establishment of the Christian church and the actions of the Apostles. The following 21 books are the epistles or letters that the Apostles wrote to different churches around the world. These letters addressed certain issues that those churches faced within their congregation, explained the doctrine of salvation, and advised the churches on how to live a proper Christian lifestyle. And Revelation, the last book of the Bible, is a book of end-time prophecy. It explains the chain of events that will occur before the end of the world.
The original manuscripts of the Bible is the unadulterated, infallible Word of God, verbally inspired by God and written down by men as they were led by the Spirit of God. The Bible is without error, deception, or contradiction. Despite the various translations (languages) or versions of the Bible, the theme of the Bible remains the same. The theme is God’s love for his people and his plan of redemption and reconciliation with them through the crucifixion, death, bloodshed and resurrection of his son, Christ Jesus. God’s character, purpose, instructions and truth is revealed to us in the Bible, and it is the supreme and final authority in all areas that it addresses, both directly and indirectly. The authority of Scripture cannot be separated from the authority of God. Whatever the Bible affirms, God also affirms because God is his Word (John 1:1). The teachings of Scripture are the supreme standard by which all human conduct, truths, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried.
(Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:11, 2 Tim. 3:15-17; 1 Pet. 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:20-21, Heb. 4:12, Romans 16:25-26 )
The first book of the Bible is believed to have been written around 1450 B.C. and the last book was written around 95 A.D. The Bible as a whole was composed over a 1,500-year-period by more than 40 different authors from all over the world, including: kings, prophets, philosophical writers, fishermen, shepherds and prisoners. Most of the books of the Bible bear the name of the author whom wrote the book–For example, Isaiah wrote the book of Isaiah, Jeremiah wrote the book of Jeremiah, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John wrote the books that bear their names. The Bible’s original manuscripts were written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Koine Greek and was later translated into over 2,000 other languages.
The first five books of the Old Testament, (aka the TaNaKh or the Hebrew Bible to Jewish believers), are known as the TORAH (aka the Books of the Law, or the Books of Moses). These books are about the origins of life, the creation of Man, the fall of man into sin, the selection of the Jews to be God’s chosen people and the light to the world, and the laws of God given to his chosen people. These books were written by Moses and completed by Joshua, son of Jacob.
The next group of books in the Old Testament, known as the NEVI’IM, are the books of the prophets, which give an historical account of the nation of Israel and their conflicts with surrounding nations. The book of the prophets contained God’s blessings and promises for Israel, as well as lamentations and judgments for Israel and other nations. The book of the prophets also gave foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, who is in the person of Jesus Christ. This coming Messiah would bring salvation to the world.
The last set of books in the Old Testament, known as the KETUVIM, are writings of poetic and philosophical works by various authors, such as Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Songs of Solomon.
The first four books of the New Testament — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – known as the Synoptic Gospels, give an account of the deity, birth, life, death, bodily resurrection and acension of Jesus Christ and his ministry while on earth. The book of Acts gives an account of the outpour of God’s Holy Spirit, the establishment of the Christian church and the actions of the Apostles. The following 21 books are the epistles or letters that the Apostles wrote to different churches around the world. These letters addressed certain issues that those churches faced within their congregation, explained the doctrine of salvation, and advised the churches on how to live a proper Christian lifestyle. And Revelation, the last book of the Bible, is a book of end-time prophecy. It explains the chain of events that will occur before the end of the world.
The original manuscripts of the Bible is the unadulterated, infallible Word of God, verbally inspired by God and written down by men as they were led by the Spirit of God. The Bible is without error, deception, or contradiction. Despite the various translations (languages) or versions of the Bible, the theme of the Bible remains the same. The theme is God’s love for his people and his plan of redemption and reconciliation with them through the crucifixion, death, bloodshed and resurrection of his son, Christ Jesus. God’s character, purpose, instructions and truth is revealed to us in the Bible, and it is the supreme and final authority in all areas that it addresses, both directly and indirectly. The authority of Scripture cannot be separated from the authority of God. Whatever the Bible affirms, God also affirms because God is his Word (John 1:1). The teachings of Scripture are the supreme standard by which all human conduct, truths, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried.
(Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:11, 2 Tim. 3:15-17; 1 Pet. 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:20-21, Heb. 4:12, Romans 16:25-26 )
The Godhead (Trinity)
The terms "trinity" and "persons", as related to the Godhead, while not found in the Scripture, are words in harmony with Scripture, whereby we may convey to others our immediate understanding of the doctrine of Christ respecting the Being of God. There is one God, who has revealed Himself to be eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These three are co-existent, co-equal, and co-eternal (Deut. 6:4, I John 5:7; Genesis 1:26; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 9:6).
GOD THE FATHER
God the Father is not the universe. God the Father is not the Cosmos. God the Father is not Mother Earth. God the Father is not nature. God the Father is not a genie in a lamp. God the Father is not impersonal. God the Father is not a created being. God the Father is not a man.
God the Father is the 1st person in the Godhead. God the Father is unbegotten. God the Father begot the Son. God the Father breathes the Holy Spirit. God the Father is the Supreme Being. God the Father is the Ruler of the universe. God the Father is Sovereign. God the Father is Protector. God the Father is the LORD of hosts. God the Father created the world through the Word. God the Father transcends the universe. God the Father is immanent in creation via the Son. God the Father is present and active in his creation. God the Father is worthy of honor, worship, & obedience. God the Father places his Word above his Name. God the Father is covenantal and a promise keeper. God the Father is Holy and Righteous. God the Father is vengeful & wrathful against his foes. God the Father is omnipresent, or all-present. God the Father is omnipotent, or all-powerful. God the Father is omniscient, or all-knowing. God the Father is omnibenevolent, or all-good. God the Father bestows revelation and wisdom. God the Father works out all things for his glory alone. God the Father loves the world. God the Father is jealous for us. God the Father created the plan for salvation. God the Father sent Jesus to carry out redemption. God the Father draws sinners to the Son. God the Father causes us to be born again. God the Father adopts us as his children. God the Father foreknew the called. God the Father predestines the called. God the Father justifies the called. God the Father glorifies the called. God the Father conforms believers to His image/likeness. God the Father blesses us in Christ Jesus. God the Father has a heavenly dwelling place for us. God the Father, only, knows the Day and Hour of the Second Coming of The Son of Man.
God the Father is the 1st person in the Godhead. God the Father is unbegotten. God the Father begot the Son. God the Father breathes the Holy Spirit. God the Father is the Supreme Being. God the Father is the Ruler of the universe. God the Father is Sovereign. God the Father is Protector. God the Father is the LORD of hosts. God the Father created the world through the Word. God the Father transcends the universe. God the Father is immanent in creation via the Son. God the Father is present and active in his creation. God the Father is worthy of honor, worship, & obedience. God the Father places his Word above his Name. God the Father is covenantal and a promise keeper. God the Father is Holy and Righteous. God the Father is vengeful & wrathful against his foes. God the Father is omnipresent, or all-present. God the Father is omnipotent, or all-powerful. God the Father is omniscient, or all-knowing. God the Father is omnibenevolent, or all-good. God the Father bestows revelation and wisdom. God the Father works out all things for his glory alone. God the Father loves the world. God the Father is jealous for us. God the Father created the plan for salvation. God the Father sent Jesus to carry out redemption. God the Father draws sinners to the Son. God the Father causes us to be born again. God the Father adopts us as his children. God the Father foreknew the called. God the Father predestines the called. God the Father justifies the called. God the Father glorifies the called. God the Father conforms believers to His image/likeness. God the Father blesses us in Christ Jesus. God the Father has a heavenly dwelling place for us. God the Father, only, knows the Day and Hour of the Second Coming of The Son of Man.
GOD THE SON
Jesus Christ is not a mythological figure. Jesus Christ is not a copycat from another religion. Jesus Christ is not the brother of Satan. Jesus Christ is not the archangel Michael incarnate. Jesus Christ is not God the Father. Jesus Christ is not God the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is not still in the grave. Jesus Christ body was not stolen by his disciples. Jesus Christ body was not destroyed & recreated. Jesus Christ was not married to Mary Magdalene. Jesus Christ was not Black or White but a Galilean Jew. Jesus Christ was not just a good person. Jesus Christ was not just a prophet. Jesus Christ is not “a god”. Jesus Christ is not a created being.
Jesus Christ is eternal and uncreated. Jesus Christ is divine. Jesus Christ is the 2nd person of the Godhead/Trinity. Jesus Christ is the Logos, or Word of God. Jesus Christ is the Creator of all things seen/unseen. Jesus Christ is God the Son. Jesus Christ is the only begotten of The Father. Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh. Jesus Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. Jesus Christ is foreshadowed in the Old Testament. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today & forever. Jesus Christ is the great I AM. Jesus Christ is YHWH the deliverer/savior. Jesus Christ is full of grace and truth. Jesus Christ was born of a virgin birth. Jesus Christ is the only one who lived a sinless life. Jesus Christ is fully man and fully God. Jesus Christ is the way, truth, and life. Jesus Christ is the only way back to The Father. Jesus Christ is Yeshua HaMashiach, the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the King of the Jews. Jesus Christ has grafted Gentiles into the faith. Jesus Christ has united the two as one new man. Jesus Christ is the Lord of all. Jesus Christ is the greatest rabbi, or teacher. Jesus Christ is the forgiver of sins. Jesus Christ is the perfect, spotless lamb. Jesus Christ is the scapegoat who took on our sins. Jesus Christ died on a cross not a torture stake. Jesus Christ was slain for our transgressions. Jesus Christ is the propitiation or atonement for our sins. Jesus Christ appeased the wrath of the Father. Jesus Christ is resurrected from the dead. Jesus Christ has the keys of death and hell. Jesus Christ has ascended into Heaven. Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Jesus Christ is our great high priest. Jesus Christ is making intercession for you and me. Jesus Christ is our groom preparing us as his bride. Jesus Christ is coming back with his angelic army. Jesus Christ is going to rapture his people. Jesus Christ is going to judge the world. Jesus Christ is going to restore Israel to their Land. Jesus Christ is going to have a millennial reign. Jesus Christ is going to defeat Satan at Armageddon. Jesus Christ is going to destroy this world by fire. Jesus Christ is going to create a new heaven/earth. Jesus Christ is going to establish New Jerusalem. Jesus Christ is going to be our portion forever. Jesus Christ is beckoning us all to “Come.”
Jesus Christ is eternal and uncreated. Jesus Christ is divine. Jesus Christ is the 2nd person of the Godhead/Trinity. Jesus Christ is the Logos, or Word of God. Jesus Christ is the Creator of all things seen/unseen. Jesus Christ is God the Son. Jesus Christ is the only begotten of The Father. Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh. Jesus Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. Jesus Christ is foreshadowed in the Old Testament. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today & forever. Jesus Christ is the great I AM. Jesus Christ is YHWH the deliverer/savior. Jesus Christ is full of grace and truth. Jesus Christ was born of a virgin birth. Jesus Christ is the only one who lived a sinless life. Jesus Christ is fully man and fully God. Jesus Christ is the way, truth, and life. Jesus Christ is the only way back to The Father. Jesus Christ is Yeshua HaMashiach, the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the King of the Jews. Jesus Christ has grafted Gentiles into the faith. Jesus Christ has united the two as one new man. Jesus Christ is the Lord of all. Jesus Christ is the greatest rabbi, or teacher. Jesus Christ is the forgiver of sins. Jesus Christ is the perfect, spotless lamb. Jesus Christ is the scapegoat who took on our sins. Jesus Christ died on a cross not a torture stake. Jesus Christ was slain for our transgressions. Jesus Christ is the propitiation or atonement for our sins. Jesus Christ appeased the wrath of the Father. Jesus Christ is resurrected from the dead. Jesus Christ has the keys of death and hell. Jesus Christ has ascended into Heaven. Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Jesus Christ is our great high priest. Jesus Christ is making intercession for you and me. Jesus Christ is our groom preparing us as his bride. Jesus Christ is coming back with his angelic army. Jesus Christ is going to rapture his people. Jesus Christ is going to judge the world. Jesus Christ is going to restore Israel to their Land. Jesus Christ is going to have a millennial reign. Jesus Christ is going to defeat Satan at Armageddon. Jesus Christ is going to destroy this world by fire. Jesus Christ is going to create a new heaven/earth. Jesus Christ is going to establish New Jerusalem. Jesus Christ is going to be our portion forever. Jesus Christ is beckoning us all to “Come.”
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is not an “active force”. The Holy Spirit is not an “it” or “something”. The Holy Spirit is not goosebumps on your arms. The Holy Spirit is not a feeling that comes & goes. The Holy Spirit is not something you conjure up. The Holy Spirit is not something you “catch”. The Holy Spirit is not the author of chaos or confusion. The Holy Spirit is not partial. The Holy Spirit is not silent in the Church today. The Holy Spirit does not give gnostic revelation. The Holy Spirit speaks, but not on his own accord.
The Holy Spirit is a living person. The Holy Spirit is the 3rd member of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit was sent to Earth after Jesus’ ascension. The Holy Spirit indwells the believer upon conversion. The Holy Spirit baptizes us by fire. The Holy Spirit washes, renews and regenerates us. The Holy Spirit adopts us into sonship. The Holy Spirit seals us unto the day of redemption. The Holy Spirit pours the love of God into our hearts. The Holy Spirit births the fruit/divine nature of God in us. The Holy Spirit fills us with gifts to edify the Body. The Holy Spirit gives these gifts as he determines fit. The Holy Spirit equips us for the work of ministry. The Holy Spirit gives us boldness to be a witness. The Holy Spirit speaks only what he hears from the Son. The Holy Spirit reminds us of the teachings of Jesus. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of righteousness. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of God’s judgment. The Holy Spirit reveals things to come in the future. The Holy Spirit is our advocate, defender, & helper. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter. The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. The Holy Spirit is a life giving Spirit. The Holy Spirit can be grieved when we sin. The Holy Spirit pours out on men and women. The Holy Spirit pours out on Jew and Gentile. The Holy Spirit gives dreams and visions. The Holy Spirit is a gift of promise. The Holy Spirit is for all whom the Lord our God calls.
The Holy Spirit is a living person. The Holy Spirit is the 3rd member of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit was sent to Earth after Jesus’ ascension. The Holy Spirit indwells the believer upon conversion. The Holy Spirit baptizes us by fire. The Holy Spirit washes, renews and regenerates us. The Holy Spirit adopts us into sonship. The Holy Spirit seals us unto the day of redemption. The Holy Spirit pours the love of God into our hearts. The Holy Spirit births the fruit/divine nature of God in us. The Holy Spirit fills us with gifts to edify the Body. The Holy Spirit gives these gifts as he determines fit. The Holy Spirit equips us for the work of ministry. The Holy Spirit gives us boldness to be a witness. The Holy Spirit speaks only what he hears from the Son. The Holy Spirit reminds us of the teachings of Jesus. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of righteousness. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of God’s judgment. The Holy Spirit reveals things to come in the future. The Holy Spirit is our advocate, defender, & helper. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter. The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. The Holy Spirit is a life giving Spirit. The Holy Spirit can be grieved when we sin. The Holy Spirit pours out on men and women. The Holy Spirit pours out on Jew and Gentile. The Holy Spirit gives dreams and visions. The Holy Spirit is a gift of promise. The Holy Spirit is for all whom the Lord our God calls.
THE FALL OF MAN INTO SIN
Sin, as defined in the original translations of the Bible means to “miss the mark.” The mark in this case is the high standard of perfection established by a holy, sinless and perfect God and evidenced by Jesus (Heb 4:15). Sin, then is a transgression of God’s standards whether intentional, non-intentional, by commission or omission, whether in thought, word or deed. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death. Lucifer was the first to sin, while in heaven. Once kicked out, he came to the Garden of Eden and tempted God’s first children, Adam and Eve, to sin. Once they fell into temptation and sinned against God, sin entered into the world, and all of mankind inherited a sin nature, for all of mankind came from Adam. Because of the fall of man, all have become slaves to sin and enemies of God. Sin is the cause of all the world problems: sickness, disease, wars, famine, death, hatred, sexual immorality, greed, pride, idolatry, fear and etc. Sin separates us from God.
THE PLAN FOR REDEMPTION
The cross is a symbol of ultimate deliverance which comes from the ultimate sacrifice, the blood of the perfect lamb–Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:22 says, “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Without the shedding of perfect blood, mankind would be eternally condemned without any means to make atonement, or pay off the debt for their sins. Without the bloodshed of Jesus Christ, all of mankind would experience eternal death and total separation from God the Father. The cross bridges the gap between man and God. It delivers us from the wrath of God and into the peace of God. It takes us from being enemies of God to being friends of God. It ushers us from self-righteous works and into an eternal rest. The cross provides ultimate forgiveness for our sins of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
THE SALVATION OF MAN (THE JUSTIFICATION PROCESS)
Conditions of Salvation
The Grace of God, which brings salvation, has appeared to all men, through the preaching of repentance toward God and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; man is saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, and being justified by grace, has become heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 2:11; 3:5-7; Ro. 10:13-15; Luke 24:47).
Evidences of Salvation
The inward evidence to the believer of his/her salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Ro. 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of holiness (1 Thess. 4:7, 2 Tim.1:9).
The Grace of God, which brings salvation, has appeared to all men, through the preaching of repentance toward God and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; man is saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, and being justified by grace, has become heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 2:11; 3:5-7; Ro. 10:13-15; Luke 24:47).
Evidences of Salvation
The inward evidence to the believer of his/her salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Ro. 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of holiness (1 Thess. 4:7, 2 Tim.1:9).
THE CHURCH
The Church consists of all those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, are redeemed through His blood, and are born again of the Holy Spirit. Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23), which has been commissioned by Him to go into all the world as a witness, preaching the gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20) . The local church is a body of believers in Christ who are joined together for the worship of God, for edification through the Word of God, for prayer, fellowship, the proclamation of the gospel, and observance of the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper (Acts 2:41-47). Each believer is an integral part of the church, and their names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. (I Thess. 2:4)
DIVINE HEALING
Provision is made in the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ for the healing of the mortal body (Matthew 8:16-17). Prayer for the sick and anointing with oil are taught in the Scriptures and are privileges for the Church in this present age (James 5:13-16).
(Isa. 53:4, 5; Matt. 8:16, 17; Mark 16:18; John 5:14)
(Isa. 53:4, 5; Matt. 8:16, 17; Mark 16:18; John 5:14)
ORDINANCES & SACRAMENTS
There are two ordinances, or ceremonial rites that Christ established for his Church: water baptism and communion.
Water Baptism
Matthew 28:18-20, “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Communion
1 Corinthians 11:23-26, “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Neither water baptism nor communion has the power to save us, but we do them symbolically in proclamation of our faith, and out of a clear conscious and our love for God.
Foot Washing
The ordinance of shall be observed as seen fit by all established places of worship, as enjoined in the Scriptures (John 13:1-17; Luke 7:36-50).
Water Baptism
Matthew 28:18-20, “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Communion
1 Corinthians 11:23-26, “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Neither water baptism nor communion has the power to save us, but we do them symbolically in proclamation of our faith, and out of a clear conscious and our love for God.
Foot Washing
The ordinance of shall be observed as seen fit by all established places of worship, as enjoined in the Scriptures (John 13:1-17; Luke 7:36-50).
CHRISTIAN CONDUCT (THE SANCTIFICATION PROCESS)
Holiness is a standard of living made possible only through right relationship with God. Without holiness no man shall see the Lord. God commands that we walk in love and live holy lives as an accurate spiritual reflection of himself. Christians should stand out from the ways of the world. They should be different in conduct and in speech. Always abounding in grace, peace and truth, Christians should let their light shine among the unbelievers so they may see their good deeds and glorify God who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Thessalonians 4:7, 1 Peter 1:15, Isaiah 35:8, 1 John 3:3, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Romans 12:1-2, Colossians 3:10-17, Ephesians 4:1-3)
THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD
The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and the blessed hope of the church (I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; I Corinthians 15:51).
THE PROMISED SECOND RETURN OF CHRIST
“So also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him (Hebrews 9:28).” “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:1-4).” Christ promised that he would return and take all those who believe in him to a place where he now resides. His return is imminent and like a thief in the night, it will be without warning. It should cause you to live your life in a state of perpetual readiness.
THE TRIBULATION
The Tribulation, also known as the Great Tribulation, will be an unprecedented period that will be experienced on the earth. The word “tribulation” means severe trial or suffering, and the Great Tribulation is a time of God’s judgment for man's rebellion. The tribulation period will last seven years.
During the first three and a half years of the tribulation, there will be a world leader who will arise, and he will be the most prominent leader on the earth during this time. We know the leader as the Antichrist. When he comes, he will seem to accomplish on the earth what no other leader has been able to do, bring peace. He will sign a peace treaty with Israel however that will only last three and a half years because he will break the treaty. During the second three and a half years of the tribulation, God will pour out his final judgement upon the unbelieving citizens of the world.
The tribulation is not just a period of judgment, it is also a period of redemption. During this time, God will redeem Israel and this will happen because God has never forgotten the covenant he made with Abraham. The gospel will be preached during the tribulation to give unbelievers a chance to repent and believe in Jesus as the Messiah.
A rapture of the universal Church will take place during time of the tribulation, but there are various opinions as to whether the rapture will happen pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation. No one knows for sure when it will happen, but it is certain that it will precede the second coming of Christ.
During the first three and a half years of the tribulation, there will be a world leader who will arise, and he will be the most prominent leader on the earth during this time. We know the leader as the Antichrist. When he comes, he will seem to accomplish on the earth what no other leader has been able to do, bring peace. He will sign a peace treaty with Israel however that will only last three and a half years because he will break the treaty. During the second three and a half years of the tribulation, God will pour out his final judgement upon the unbelieving citizens of the world.
The tribulation is not just a period of judgment, it is also a period of redemption. During this time, God will redeem Israel and this will happen because God has never forgotten the covenant he made with Abraham. The gospel will be preached during the tribulation to give unbelievers a chance to repent and believe in Jesus as the Messiah.
A rapture of the universal Church will take place during time of the tribulation, but there are various opinions as to whether the rapture will happen pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation. No one knows for sure when it will happen, but it is certain that it will precede the second coming of Christ.
The Millennial Reign of ChrisT
The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one thousand years (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27,30; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6). This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ezekiel 37:21,22; Zephaniah 3:19,20; Romans 11:26,27) and the establishment of universal peace (Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalm 72:3-8; Micah 4:3,4).
ARMAGEDDON
Armageddon is the place where the kings of the earth under demonic leadership will wage war on the forces of God at the end of history. The Palestinian city of Megiddo, located on a pass commanding a road connecting Egypt and Syria, is the predicted location of this battle.
The Final Judgment (THE LAKE OF FIRE)
There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:4348; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8).
The New Heavens and New EartH
We, as promised in the Scriptures, look for a new heaven and a new earth wherein righteousness dwells (2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21: l).
