Jesus Christ, The Son:
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who is co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. In His incarnation as God in the flesh, He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all mankind by dying on a cross. After three days, He arose from the dead to demonstrate His power over sin and death and to prove He is God.

He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lord's, (Matt. 1:22-23, Is. 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Heb. 4:14-15; I Cor. 15:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; I Tim. 6:14-15; Titus 2:13). Jesus was completely dependant upon the Holy Spirit for fulfilling the earthly ministry that the Father sent Him on, (Acts 10:38). Jesus' preaching, ministry, miracles, and deliverances were all done in the power of the Holy Spirit, (Lk, 4:18; Mk. 12:28). After Jesus' Resurrection having gone back to heaven, He promised to send the Spirit to comfort his followers and empower them for service, (John 14, Acts 1:8).

The Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit is equal with God the Father and God the Son. His main purpose is to exalt Jesus Christ. He convicts unbelievers of sin, of righteousness and of judgment to make people aware of the fact that they need God. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.

He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation to empower them for living, understanding of spiritual truths, and guidance in doing what is right. Christians should seek daily to live under the control of the Holy Spirit, (II Cor. 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; I Cor. 2:12, 3:16: Eph. 1:13; Gal. 5:25; Eph. 5:18).

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II. The Plan of Salvation: God's Part
The purpose for our existence is to give our creator glory, honor, and power, (Rev. 4:11). That purpose was polluted when mankind rebelled towards God and sin entered the world, (Rom. 5:12). Thus, all mankind has an inward spiritual attitude of rebellion (sin) Rom. 7:23 and fallen short of the glory of God, (Rom.3: 23)

Sin is as much an omission (mt.25); not doing an act of service when called on as well as it is a commission (mk.7); doing something that we ought not to do. Our condition is hopeless, (Rom.3:10-12)

Jesus Christ came to save us from our sins, (Rom 5:8). God the Father, put all our sins, past, present, and future, on Jesus. He died in our place, and rose again, that we might be forgiven, become righteous, and receive eternal life, (2 Cor.5: 21).

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III. God's Plan of Salvation: Our Part
God is not interested in us trying to get to Him through good works, religion, or self-improvement. (Ep.2: 8 and Rom.3: 20) He offers us salvation by putting personal faith in what Jesus did on the cross. We have to acknowledge our sinful state, repent, (turn away from our sinful life), believe, and receive by faith Jesus' death, resurrection, and publicly confess Him as our Lord. (I Jn. 1:9 and Rom. 10:9-10).

Proof of this conversion is demonstrated in a changed heart, victory over sinful choices, and bearing fruit in keeping with repentance, (Phil. 4:13).

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IV. God's Love Letters: The Bible
Although the Bible is a collection of Books written over 1500 years by 40 different authors in 3 different languages, it has one author and one theme; God redeeming fallen man through the sacrifice of His son Jesus. This "scarlet thread" of the blood of the over comer comes to us via men inspired by God's Holy Spirit to write exactly the truth as God gave it to them, (2Tim. 3:16-17). God speaks to us today through His word, (logos) as well as through the word He gives us when we abide in His presence, (rhema) (Rom. 10:17), which needs to line up with His written word. His word is profitable to cleanse and sanctify us. It builds us up and makes us partakers of God's own nature; to overcome the corruption of the world (2Peter 1:4).

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V. The Two Baptisms
A) The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is given to each follower who asks for Him (Lk. 11:13, Acts 2:17-18). This gift is received by the laying on of hands by mature believers, (Acts 8:17). The initial sign in the N.T. of this gift was the speaking out in an unknown language. This was to be a sign to unbelievers, to build up the Christians spiritual life, and to glorify God, (I Cor. 14:2,4; Jn. 4:23-24). Yet, the manifestation of this and other gifts given by the Holy Spirit need to go along with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, (I Cor.12: 8-10; Gal 5:22-23; I Cor. 12:31, 13:1, 14:1). As we say "no fruit, no root". The gifts and the fruit bear witness together. One is the evidence of the power; the other evidence of the character.

B) Water Baptism, He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, J.C. (Mk. 16:16). Belief in Christ is the inward sign that a heart is changed. Water Baptism is the outward act of obedience of that inward change. The physical act of baptism identifies us with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. After baptism we are required to lead a new life of righteousness by the power of the Holy Spirit, (Acts 8:37; Acts 10:44-48; Rom. 6:4; Gal. 2:12).

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VI. Witnessing
After receiving the Holy Spirit's power, Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples, (Acts 1:8). This was to start where they were and to go to all nations. Jesus is the focus of our witness, not some doctrine on denominational beliefs, (Jn. 12:32). Based on our God given talents, some will witness by preaching to large numbers, some by small group in neighborhood gatherings, but the pattern set forth in scripture was individual soul winning by developing relationships; one on one. Thus the pattern set by the apostles is available to all "won by one", (Jn. 1:35-42, 43-47). We are responsible for this generation of souls. We who are faithful to proclaim Christ will receive a reward from Jesus Himself, (2 Tim. 4:8).

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VII. Worship and Praise
Worship is an attitude of gratitude to a Heavenly Father who loves us. True worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth, (Jn.4: 23-24). Therefore, we will test all things done while worshiping via the truth of God's word. "If it isn't there, we are not going there". We need a right approach in worshiping God and doing His will, (Jn. 9:31). We can come boldly into the Holy presence of God by the blood of Jesus (accepting His sacrifice for our sin). The two ways that we enter into God's presence is thanksgiving and praise, (Ps. 100:4). As we mature, we learn that in all things to give thanks, and that praise shall continually be in mouths.

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VIII. Prayer
God the Father is willing and able to answer prayer, (Mt. 7:7-8). However, there are conditions in His word whereby we receive answers to our prayers. For, instance God delights in the prayers of the upright, (Pro.15:8). Prayers that produce results are fervent (hot) from a righteous person (James 5:16).

Right Relationship: We come to God through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ.
Right Approval: Heart of gratitude, Praise, and Thanksgiving.
Right Character: Abide in Christ, upright, obedience, seeking truth.
Right Motive: God's glory, which He will not share with anyone, (Is. 42:8).
Right Relationships: Unity and forgiveness of one another.
Right Will: God's will according to His word, "Thy will, not my will".
Right Results Produce: Joy, peace, faith, persistence, commitment, all with the Holy Spirit's help, (Rom.4: 26-27)

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IX. God's Plan for Blessing
Throughout scripture, God promises to bless those who trust and serve Him. Yet again, conditions are such that require Christians to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, (Mt. 6:33). It is then that material needs will be added to them when we give out of a cheerful heart, (2 Cor. 9:7). God will give back by the same measure to us, (Lk. 6:38). The standard is according to how God has prospered an individual, (I Cor. 16:2). God 's rule of faith is give, and it shall be given back to you, (Lk. 6:38). He starts with the first tenth of all that we receive, thus the "tithe" is set apart for kingdom work. This sliding scale based on our income makes it "equal" for all. Offerings are for special needs above and beyond the tithe for the expansion of the Lord's work. If each household would adhere to the tithe, there would be no needs for the Lord's work. We "rob God" when we hold back the tithe and the offering and bring a curse instead of a blessing, (Mal. 3:8-9). Truly, the Lord doesn't want us to lack any good thing and He takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant, (Ps. 34:10, 35:27)

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X. Healing of our Bodies
Man's disobedience removed God's blessing and protection (Gen. 3) and they came under the curse of sin and the power of the devil. All diseases, sickness, pain, and weakness can be attributed to our sinful state. When Jesus died on the cross, He bore our sins, and the results of those sins in His body. Thus by faith in His death, burial, and resurrection, we now may receive healing for body, soul, and spirit. Jesus' purpose statement was that He came to destroy the works of the Devil, (I Jn. 3:8) and to do good and heal all that were oppressed of the devil, (Acts 10:38) Jesus healed all kinds of sickness and diseases, (Mt. 4:23,24). The only reason Christ didn't heal many people was due the people's unbelief, (Mt.13: 58). Thus Christ bore in our place our infirmities, sicknesses, and sins. As with conversion, we must appropriate what He's already done, by remaining dead to sin, live unto righteousness, and be healed by His stripes on the cross, (I Pt. 2:24). We will offer healing and deliverance to others in the name of Jesus, by the laying on of hands in a public forum, anointing with oil those who ask for prayer, and dealing with any sin connection to sickness via repenting, renouncing and praying for removal of the roots of the particular ailment, (Jn. 5:14-15). We believe God will work and confirm His work in a submitted believer by miracles of healing and deliverance. Like Paul we pray that our whole being, body, soul, and spirit be yielded to God and be set apart; blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 5:23).

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XI. The Coming of Christ: The Sequel
Just as Jesus came to the earth the first time to redeem mankind as the gentle Lamb of God, we believe He will return as the conquering Lion of Judah to redeem His saints from a sin sick world. We believe in the literal fulfillment of all prophecies concerning this second coming in keeping with the already fulfilled prophecies of His first arrival. Again there are certain requirements that the Lord is looking for in those who are looking for Him:

We are to make ourselves ready, Rev. 19:7
We are to be dressed in clothes of purity, Rev. 19:8
We are to be pure as He is, I Jn. 3:3
We are to be expectant, Heb. 9:28
We are to pursue peace and holiness, Heb. 12:14
We are to watch and pray, Mk. 13:35-37; Lk. 21:36
We are to watch out not to be gluttonous, drunk, and entangled in the cares of this world, Lk. 21:34
We have purposed ourselves to be ready physically, emotionally as well as spiritually for no one knows the time or the hour of Christ's return, except the Father, Mk. 13:32

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XII. Our Relationship with Each Other: Discipleship
We are a "presence driven" fellowship, believing we attract the presence of God by the quality of our relationships, (Jn. 15:5; Acts 2:1). As a team ministry we are called to facilitate the development of every believer in Christ, (Ep. 4:12). We are to set an example of humility and accountability, being good team members who esteem others more highly than ourselves. Our friendship and flexibility with each other's uniqueness is of higher value than church structure. We will strive for openness and honesty, covenant with one another in times of adversity; our love for one another is non-negotiable in times of trouble. In summary we will stride to support the God-given potential of each believer to get involved with one another via:

Love one another, John 13:34-35
Be devoted to one another, Romans 12:10
Honor one another above yourselves, Romans 12:10
Stop passing judgment on one another, Romans 14:13
Edify one another, Romans 14:19
Instruct (admonish) one another, Romans 15:14
Accept one another, Romans 15:7
Have concern for one another, I Cor. 12:25
Carry one another's burdens, Galatians 6:2
Forgive one another, Eph. 4:32
Submit to one another, Eph. 5:21
Agree with one another, Phil. 4:2
Teach one another, Col. 3:16
Encourage one another, I Thess. 4:18
Build each other up, I Thess. 5:11
Live in peace with one another, I Thess. 5:13
Be kind to each other, I Thess. 5:15
Encourage one another, Hebrews 3:13
Spur one another toward good deeds, Hebrews 10:24
Confess sins to one another, James 5:16
Offer hospitality to one another, I Peter 4:9
Serve each other, I Peter 4:10
Show humility to one another, I Peter 5:5
Fellowship with one another, I John 1

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XII. Gift of Prophecy
The Bible is clear that we are to desire earnestly to prophesize and not to despise the gift (ICor.14:39, I Thess. 5:20). It is to be practiced within the confines of faith and the maturity of the speaker whom God uses (Rom.12: 6). Prophecy is divinely inspired and anointed utterance that may be possessed and operated by all who have the infilling of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 14:31). Although it is a manifestation of the Spirit of God, it is not devoid of one's intellect, faith and will (Icor.12: 7).

Prophecy is…
From the Spirit of God I Sam10: 6
Extortive, Edifying, and Comforting I Cor. 14: 3
Part of the fivefold ministry of the Church today Eph. 4: 12
A confirmation to the one addressed Acts 20: 22-24
Weighed according to the character of the "Word given" Acts 11: 28; 21:10
To be prayerfully considered, tested, then trusted Lk.2: 19; Acts 11: 27-30

Prophecy is not…

Untested, but all spirits are to be tested whether they are from God I Jn.4: 1
Always "positive" I Kings 22; Acts 21: 11
For personal gain or ones own inspiration Jn 23; Ek 13
New to persons addressed
To control another's free will Acts 21:12-14
Merely an accepted experience, 2Pet.1: 16-19; Ps 19:7-11
But conclusively by the word of God

The Logos (unwritten word) Jn. 1
always forms a unity with
The Rhema word (revealed) Rom.10: 17

Guidance for Prophetic Words
1) Exhortative
2) Revelatory

Exhortative: Public Proclamation
If you sense the Lord would like for you to share a word of exhortation, you may submit that word to an elder or ministry representative sitting in a designated chair at our public meetings. They will evaluate it and its appropriateness as part of the service. If it is appropriate, it will be tape recorded for later fulfillment/testing.

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