Denominations and Religious Institutions



Section 3 Denominations and InstitutionsDenominations and Religious Institutions12th Rock Ministries, Inc. | Middletown NY [[@Headword:C1]]Group idGroup name12th Rock Ministries, Inc. | Middletown NYTraditionWikipediaOriginGreg and Mark JaloszynskiLinks toWord of Life FellowshipMinistries which have agreed to 12th Rock’s Statement of FaithCOCC: Calvary Chapel | Goshen NYCircleville Church | Circleville NYGoodwill Church | Montgomery NYGCCW: Grace Communityweb | Washingtonville NYMiddletown Alliance Church | Middletown NYTrinity Lutheran Church | Walden NYTUMP: Trinity United Methodist Parish | Newburgh NYWebsite Source of creedal statement 4 January 2014Statement of FaithThis is 12th Rock's Statement of Faith XE "Topic:Bible" [[@Headword:Bible]]{{field-on:topic}}We believe the Bible to be the inspired and authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) {{field-off:topic}} XE "Topic:God" [[@Headword:God]]{{field-on:topic}}We believe in one God, who exists as three equal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19) (1 John 5:7) {{field-off:topic}} XE "Topic:Jesus" [[@Headword:Jesus]]{{field-on:topic}}We believe in the deity (John 10:30), virgin birth (Matthew 1:23), perfect humanity and sinless life (1 Peter 2:22), atoning death (1 Corinthians 15:3), bodily resurrection (Matthew 28:6), and the ascension (Acts 1:9) of the Lord Jesus Christ.We believe Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation from sin and the sole mediator between God and man (Acts 4:12) (1 Timothy 2:5) {{field-off:topic}} XE "Topic:Holy Spirit" [[@Headword:Holy Spirit]]{{field-on:topic}}We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, through whose ministry, believers today are empowered to live a godly life (1 Corinthians 2:10-13) {{field-off:topic}} XE "Topic:salvation"[[@Headword:salvation]]{{field-on:topic}}We believe that man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Salvation is a gift each person receives when they repent of their sins to God and put their faith in Jesus Christ. Sanctification initially occurs at salvation and is not only a declaration that a believer is holy, but also a progressive lifelong process of separating from evil as believers continually draw closer to God and become more Christlike (1 Corinthians 1:30-31) (Hebrews 10:9-10) {{field-off:topic}} XE "Topic:unity of believers" [[@Headword:unity of believers]]{{field-on:topic}}We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. Those who place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately placed by the Holy Spirit into one unified body, with Christ as the Head. The purpose of this unified body, the church, is to glorify God by: building itself up in faith, instruction of the Word, fellowship, and proclaiming the gospel to the entire world (Matthew 28:18-20) (1 Corinthians 12:13) {{field-off:topic}}2 Pillars Church | Lincoln NE[[@Headword:C2]]Group idGroup name2 Pillars Church | Lincoln NETraditionActs 29 NetworkWikipediaOriginLinks toActs 29 NetworkWebsite Source of creedal statement 4 January 2014Statement of Faith2 Pillars Church is privileged to be a part of a church planting network called Acts 29 () which has done an excellent job of applying orthodox, Reformation Christianity to the particular issues and questions of our day. The Acts 29 doctrinal statement XE "Creed:Acts 29 Doctrine (undated)" comprises the basic material for 2 Pillars Church’s Statement of Faith.First, we are Christians which distinguishes us from other world religions and cults. Therefore, we adhere to both the Apostles XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" and Nicene Creeds XE "Creed:Nicene Creed" (see below).Second, we are Evangelicals and in agreement with the doctrinal statement of the National Association of Evangelicals XE "Creed:Statement of Faith (National Association of Evangelicals) (undated)" ():? We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.? We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.? We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.? We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.? We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.? We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.? We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.Third, we are Missional:? We believe that our local churches must be faithful to the content of unchanging Biblical doctrine (Jude 3).? We believe that our local churches must be faithful to the continually changing context of the culture(s) in which they minister (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).? We believe that our mission is to bring people into church so that they can be trained to go out into their culture as effective missionaries.Fourth, we are Reformed:? We believe that God created the heavens and the earth.? We believe that God created man and woman in a state of sinless perfection with particular dignity as His image bearers on the earth.? We believe that our first parents sinned against God and that everyone since is a sinner by nature and choice. Sin has totally affected all of creation including marring human image and likeness so that all of our being is stained by sin (e.g. reasoning, desires, and emotions).? We believe that because all people have sinned and separated themselves from the Holy God that he is obligated to save no one from the just deserved punishments of hell. We also believe that God in His unparalleled love and mercyhas chosen to elect some people for salvation.? We believe that the salvation of the elect was predestined by God in eternity past.? We believe that the salvation of the elect was accomplished by the sinless life, substitutionary atoning death, and literal physical resurrection of Jesus Christ in place of His people for their sins.? We believe that the salvation of the elect, by God's grace alone, shows forth in the ongoing repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ that leads to good works.? We believe that God's saving grace is ultimately irresistible and that God does soften even the hardest heart and save the worst of sinners according to His will.? We believe that the gospel should be passionately and urgently proclaimed to all people so that all who believe may be saved through the preaching of God's Word by the power of God's Spirit.? We believe that true Christians, born again of God's Spirit, will be kept by God throughout their life, as evidenced by personal transformation that includes an ever-growing love of God the Father through God the Son by God the Spirit, love of brothers and sisters in the church, and love of lost neighbors in the culture.? We believe that God is Lord over all of life and that there is nothing in life that is to be separated from God.? We believe that the worship of God is the end for which people were created and that abiding joy is only to be found by delighting in God through all of life, including hardship and death which is gain.What 2 Pillars Church Does Not BelieveTo help clarify our beliefs it may also be helpful to declare what we do not believe. In stating what we are not, we do not seek to attack those who disagree with us, but rather distinguish ourselves for the sake of clarity regarding who we are, and who we are not.? We are not liberals who embrace culture without discernment and compromise the distinctives of the gospel, but rather Christians who believe the truths of the Bible are eternal and therefore fitting for every time, place, and people.? We are not fundamentalists who retreat from cultural involvement and transformation, but rather missionaries faithful both to the content of Scripture and context of ministry.? We are not isolationists and seek to partner with like-minded Christians from various churches, denominations and organizations in planting church-planting churches.? We are not hyper-Calvinists who get mired down in secondary matters, but rather pray, evangelize, and do good works because we believe that the sovereign plan of God is accomplished through us, His people.? We are not eschatological Theonomists or Classic Dispensationalists (e.g. Scofield) and believe that divisive and dogmatic certainty surrounding particular details of Jesus Second Coming are unprofitable speculation, because the timing and exact details of His return are unclear to us.? We are not egalitarians and do believe that men should head their homes and male elders/pastors should lead their churches with masculine love like Jesus Christ.? We are not Open Theists and believe in the sovereignty and foreknowledge of God in all things.? We are not religious relativists and do believe that there is no salvation apart from faith in Jesus Christ alone.? We are not nationalists seeking to simply improve one nation but instead ambassadors of the King of Kings commissioned to proclaim and demonstrate the coming of His kingdom to all nations of the earth.? We are not moralists seeking to help people live good lives, but instead evangelists laboring that people would become new creations in Christ.? We are not relativists and do gladly embrace Scripture as our highest authority above such things as culture, experience, philosophy, and other forms of revelation.? We are not Universalists and do believe that many people will spend eternity in the torments of hell as the Bible teaches.? We are not naturalists and do believe that Satan and demons are real enemies at work in this world and subject to God.? We are not rationalists and do believe that not everything can be known but that God calls us to live by faith with mystery and partial knowledge regarding many things.? We are not evangelical feminists and do believe that God reveals Himself as a Father and is to be honored by the names He reveals to us without apology.? We are not embarrassed by the bloody death of Jesus Christ and do believe He died as a substitute for the sins of His people in selfless love.? We are not ashamed and do proclaim a loving gospel of grace which sounds like foolishness and offensiveness to the unrepentant while also saving multitudes with ears to hear good news.? We are not polemicists who believe that it is our task to combat every false teaching but are passionate about preserving the integrity of the gospel of Jesus Christ.Apostles’ Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" text 10Nicene Creed XE "Creed:Nicene Creed" text 23 Strands Christian Church | Greenville SC[[@Headword:C3]]Group idGroup name3 Strands Christian Church | Greenville SCTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 28 December 2013 28 December 2013PurposeAt Three Strands our purpose is simple: We exist to help people tie into God, Community and Purpose.Tie Into God:At Three Strands we want to present an accurate picture of who God is, what He has done and the kind of relationship He wants to have with you. There are a lot of false assumptions about God out there and a lot of misinformation. At Three Strands we want to help you get to know who God really is, the love He has for you and the kind of life you can have living in Him.Tie into Community:Our priority at 3S is relationships. We want you to be in a real relationship with God and to develop real relationships with other people.At 3S, we want you to get tied into a group of people where you can develop meaningful, supportive relationships with people who are real. Whether you are a single adult, a child, a pre-teen, a teenager or a parent of one; whether you’ve gone to church your whole life or have never walked into one, Three Strands is a place for you…a place to belong…Tie into Purpose:And at Three Strands we want to help you figure out your mission. We believe that God has created us to do more than just eat, sleep, work, clip our finger nails and do the stuff society expects us to do. He has created each of us to do something meaningful with our lives. Finding that something is one of the greatest experiences in life and at 3S, we are dedicated to helping you find out what it is, and working together to make a real difference in our community and the world.Core ValuesGodWe are committed to honoring God in all that we say and do and to presenting an accurate picture of who He is and what He has done. To accomplish that we put a ton of emphasis on:Authentic Worship (We may not be flashy, but we’re real)Biblical Teaching (We’re all about teaching God’s Word in relevant ways that will make sense to you.)PrayerHelping people understand and experience the transforming love of Christ.PeopleEverybody matters to God. How do we know that? He sent Jesus to live, die and rise again so that we could know Him and be in a relationship with Him. Because of that we think everyone is valuable and we are sold out to:Meeting people wherever they are and sharing the love of Christ with them in relevant ways.Teaching people how to be in right relationships with other people at work, home, church and in the world.Helping people connect with God’s desire for their lives.Showing people just how cool it is to be tied into God, especially when life gets rough.Standing by people even when life is hard or they make mistakes.MissionWe are committed to helping people discover their gifts for ministry and helping them to find places to use those gifts in and around the church.3 Strands Community Church | Washington DC[[@Headword:C4]]Group idGroup name3 Strands Community Church | Washington DCTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite of creedal statement 28 December 2013Our Beliefs[[@Headword:God]]GOD {{field-on:topic}}We believe the one true God exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As the Bible attests, everything and every person is God’s creation. (Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Matthew 28:19; John 5:26; John 14:9-17; I Corinthians 8:6; I Corinthians 12:3-6) {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:Jesus]]JESUS{{field-on:topic}} We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s eternal Son, fully God and fully human, who lived, suffered, died and was raised from death to life as our advocate with the Father. Those who receive God’s gracious gift of salvation in Christ through repentance and faith find assurance of new life in Him. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23; John 1:1-14; John 11:29-34; Romans 1:1-4; Colossians 1:15-22; Hebrews 1:1-14) {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:Holy Spirit]]HOLY SPIRIT{{field-on:topic}} We believe in the transforming power of God the Holy Spirit who gives new life to all believers and conforms them to the likeness of Christ. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to the people of God and empowers them to use those gifts to bring glory and honor to God. (I Samuel 16:13; Psalm 51:11; Joel 2:28-29; John 14:26, 16:7-15; Romans 8:9, 14; I Corinthians 12:3-6; Galatians 5:22, 23) {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:Bible]]BIBLE{{field-on:topic}} We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Scripture is the true and authoritative rule of faith for all Christian belief and practice, and Jesus Christ is the interpretative principle. (Psalm 19:7-11, 119:11, 89, 105, 140; Acts 17:11; II Timothy 3:15-17; II Peter 1:20-21) {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:salvation]]SALVATION{{field-on:topic}} We believe that all people are created with dignity and value in the image of God, to live in a vital relationship with God. Through our sin (rebellion against God), we break our intended relationship with God and we experience the destructive consequences of that broken relationship, spiritually and socially, in this life and beyond. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to rescue us from these consequences and to restore our broken relationships with God and others, through Christ’s death on a cross, a perfect act of redemption for each of us. Salvation comes to people on the basis of God’s grace through their faith in Jesus alone. They receive the free gift of forgiveness and are spiritually reborn through repenting of their sin and belief in Jesus Christ. Good works and a holy life, although totally unable to save anyone, are the natural product of repentant, believing people. (Acts 3:19, 4:12; Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-10; II Corinthians 5:17-20; Ephesians 2:8-10;) {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:church]]CHURCH{{field-on:topic}} We believe that the Church is the gathered community of believers united in Jesus Christ throughout history and throughout the world who are led by the Holy Spirit to worship and serve God. (Matthew 4:10, 16:15-18; Acts 2:41-42, 47; Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:19-22; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 10:25) {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:ordinances]]ORDINANCES{{field-on:topic}} We believe that baptism and the Lord’s Supper are exemplified and commanded by Jesus. Through these, we are identified with and reminded of the love of God, the presence of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:13-17, 26:26-30, 28:19-20; Romans 6:3-4; I Corinthians 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12) {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:mission]]MISSION{{field-on:topic}} We believe that Christ-followers are called individually and collectively to serve, worship, pray, study the Bible and obey its commands. As agents of reconciliation, we are urged by the Spirit to go throughout the world sharing the mystery of Christ and encouraging all people to become devoted followers of Him. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8, 2:43-47, 13:1-3; Ephesians 4:11-16) {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:service]]SERVICE{{field-on:topic}} We believe that God, who is love, has concern for the poor and oppressed. We, as Christians, are called to respond to Gods mercy by acts of love and grace toward all people, by promoting justice, working for peace and reaching out to everyone in need. (Isaiah 56:1; Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:3-12, 25:31-46; James 1:27) {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:Kingdom of God]]KINGDOM OF GOD{{field-on:topic}} We believe the Kingdom of God is both here and now and will find ultimate completion when Jesus Christ returns to judge between those who are in Christ and those who have rejected Him. The Christian hope that sustains the believer is that Jesus Christ will usher in an everlasting reign of peace, justice and eternal joy. (Matthew 19:16, 25:41, 46; John 3:15, 16, 36, 10:27-30, 17:3; I Peter 1:3-9; I John 5:11, 13) {{field-off:topic}}365 Church | Martinsbrg WV[[@Headword:C5]]Group idGroup name365 Church | Martinsbrg WVTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toFinancial Peace University (Dave Ramsey) webWebsite Source of creedal statement 4 January 2014 4 January 2014Logos opportunityOne year reading planStatement of Faith 1. [[@Headword:Bible]]{{field-on:topic}}We teach that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are verbally inspired of God and inerrant in the original writing and that they are the supreme and final authority of faith and life. {{field-off:topic}}2. [[@Headword:God]]{{field-on:topic}}We teach one God eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. {{field-off:topic}}3. [[@Headword:Jesus]]{{field-on:topic}}We teach that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary and is true God and true man. {{field-off:topic}}4. [[@Headword:mankind]]{{field-on:topic}}We teach that man was created in the image of God, that he sinned and, thereby, incurred not only physical death, but spiritual death, which is separation from God. {{field-off:topic}}5. [[@Headword:justification]]{{field-on:topic}}We teach that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and that all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood. {{field-off:topic}}6. [[@Headword:Jesus]]{{field-on:topic}}We teach the resurrection of the crucified body of the Lord Jesus Christ, in His ascension into Heaven, and in His present life there where, on our behalf, He ministers as High Priest, Intercessor and Advocate. {{field-off:topic}}7. [[@Headword:second coming]]{{field-on:topic}}We teach the personal, bodily visible, imminent return of Jesus Christ. {{field-off:topic}}8. [[@Headword:Holy Spirit]]{{field-on:topic}}We teach that all who receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith are born again in the Holy Spirit, and, thereby, become children of God. {{field-off:topic}}9. [[@Headword:resurrection]]{{field-on:topic}}We teach the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved, and the conscious everlasting punishment of the lost. {{field-off:topic}} 10. [[@Headword:security]]{{field-on:topic}}We teach that a true believer is eternally secure, that he/she cannot lose his/her salvation, but that sin may interrupt the joy of his/her fellowship with God and bring the loving discipline of our Heavenly Father. {{field-off:topic}}11. [[@Headword:Holy Spirit]]{{field-on:topic}}We teach that the Holy Spirit is a person, is God, and possesses all divine attributes. He dwells in all believers, baptizes and seals all believers at the time of their salvation, and fills them in response to confession of sin and yieldedness. {{field-off:topic}}12. [[@Headword:believers’ goal]]{{field-on:topic}}We teach that it is the goal of every Christian to grow in spiritual maturity through obedience to the Word of God and the indwelling Spirit. {{field-off:topic}}Membership Covenant With 365 Church Having received Christ as my Lord and Savior, and having been baptized, and being in agreement with 365/WorshipLife Church’s vision, purpose, mission, and structure, I now feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with the 365/WorshipLife Church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the members of 365/WorshipLife Church to do the following: 1. I will protect the unity of my church… …by following and supporting the leaders of 365/WorshipLife Church (Hebrews 13:7, 17) …by acting in love towards other members (Proverbs 15:1, 18:19; Romans 14:19; I Peter 1:22) …by refusing to gossip or listen to gossip about another person (Proverbs 11:13, 16:24, 18:8, 20:19; Ephesians 4:29) 2. I will share in the responsibility of my church… …by praying for its health, protection and growth (Colossians 4:2; I Thessalonians 1:1-2) …by inviting the unchurched to attend services and activities (Colossians 4:3-6; Luke 14:23) …by warmly welcoming those who visit (Romans 15:7) 3. I will serve the ministry of my church… …by developing a servant’s heart (I Corinthians 12:25-27; Galatians 6:10; Philippians 2:3-4) …by discovering and/or developing my gifts and talents (I Corinthians 12:7-11; I Peter 4:10) …by being equipped to serve my pastors and leaders (Ephesians 4:11-16; Ephesians 4:11-12 4. I will support the testimony of my church… …by living as a Christ-follower (Ephesians 4:22-24; II Corinthians 5:9; Philippians 1:27) …by faithfully attending corporate worship and small group (Hebrews 10:25) …by giving the first fruits of what I earn and receive (Proverbs 22:9; I Corinthians 16:2; Leviticus 27:30)365 Promises [[@Headword:C6]]Group idGroup name365 PromisesTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toMinistry of Father Heart CommunicationsFather’s Love The Best Dad (in the Universe)Website Source of creedal statement 3 January 2014 Logos opportunityCalendar devotional of promisesOur Statement Of Faith[[@Headword:Father’s love]]{{field-on:topic}}We believe that the Father's love message in an inter-denominational message to promote unity with the Body of Christ. {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:God]]{{field-on:topic}}We believe that there is one God who lives forever in three persons; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Matt. 28:19) {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:Bible]]{{field-on:topic}}We believe that the Bible is God's word and is divinely inspired and infallible. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:Jesus]]{{field-on:topic}}We believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ the Son, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His death for us on the cross, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the Father, and His personal return in power and glory. (Jn. 1:14-18; 1Thess. 4:16-18) {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:mankind]]{{field-on:topic}}We believe that all mankind are lost in sin and need to turn from their sin and trust personally in the Saviour, Jesus Christ. All need to be born anew by the Holy Spirit's power into God's family. (Eph. 2:1-10; Jn. 3:5-7) {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:Holy Spirit]]{{field-on:topic}}We believe the Holy Spirit lives in us as believers and brings love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control into our lives. (Gal. 5:22-23) {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:Jesus]]{{field-on:topic}}We believe that Jesus Christ is God's own Son, who came to this earth to reveal His Father's heart for mankind and to bring all those who would receive Him into the glorious family of His Father. (John 1:12-13; John 17:6-7) {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:resurrection]]{{field-on:topic}}We believe in the resurrection of every person; to eternal life for the believer and eternal judgment for the lost (Matt. 25:31-46). {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:unity of believers]]{{field-on:topic}}We believe in unity for all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and seek community together: We want to become more like Him in every way, who is the head of His body, the Church. We are called to love Him and one another and are enabled to do this only as His life flows through us. (1 Cor. 12:12-13; Matt. 22:37-40) {{field-off:topic}}412 Church | San Jacinto, CA[[@Headword:C7]]Group idGroup name412 Church | San Jacinto, CA previously known as Calvary Chapel San JacintoTraditionCalvary ChapelWikipediaOriginLinks toCalvary ChapelWebsite Source of creedal statement 5 January 2014 5 January 2014Beliefs[[@Headword:Father]] {{field-on:topic}}The Father The Father Is GodThat the Father is God is an essential in the teaching of the Scriptures. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently called God “My Father” (see John 20:17) and taught His disciples to pray to God using the words “our Father” (see Matthew 6:9). Likewise, the Apostle Paul speaks of “God our Father” in his letters to the churches (see 1 Corinthians 1:3; Galatians 1:3; Philippians 4:20). Therefore, from the early Christians to present-day believers, Christians have held to the conviction that the Father is God.The Father in the Old TestamentIn the Old Testament the groundwork was laid for the revelation of the Trinity through the metaphor where God relates to His people as their father. In Deuteronomy, God is pictured as the Father who created His people (see Deuteronomy 32:6). The psalmist proclaimed that God is a Father to the fatherless (see Psalm 68:5). The LORD himself spoke of His fatherly relationship with His people in saying, “I am a Father to Israel…” (Jeremiah 31:9). Christians should be cautioned that these pictures of God as a father do not in any way imply that God is a man. Being Spirit, God is neither male nor female. The metaphor of gender represents God’s committed relationship with His people and His caring authority over them.Some might ask why the Old Testament’s teaching of God the Father was veiled. One answer is that God sought to embed the idea of His oneness in the minds of His people, as He said in Isaiah, “I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God besides Me” (45:5; see also Deuteronomy 6:4). This way God’s people were ready to properly understand the oneness of the Trinity. But the simplest answer is that God waited to reveal His triune nature at the proper time, namely at the incarnation of Jesus Christ, who came in the fullness of time.The Father in the New TestamentThe New Testament reveals that the Father is holy (see John 17:11), sovereign (see Matthew 11:25), all powerful (see Mark 14:34), full of love and wanting to forgive (see Luke 15:11-32), the source of all things (see Matthew 11:27; 1 Corinthians 8:6), and all knowing (see Matthew 6:4, 8). Jesus expressed the importance of having fellowship with the Father through His deep, personal relationship with Him. He was given to praying to the Father and always sought to accomplish His will. The New Testament, therefore, reveals that the Father is indeed God and is worthy of out worship (see John 4:23-24).The Father in the TrinityIn the New Testament, God revealed His triune nature to His people. The biblical authors attest to the divinity of the Father (see Matthew 11:25), the Son (see John 1:1), and the Holy Spirit (see 2 Peter 1:20-21). While the Son and the Spirit are distinct Persons from the Father, they are of the same substance as the Father. God, therefore, exists as one perfectly unified Being subsisting of three inseparable, distinct, and wholly equal Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.Scripture teaches that God the Father is the Father from eternity, from whom the Son is eternally begotten and from whom the Holy Spirit proceeds. The Father never existed without the Son or the Holy Spirit, nor did He exist before them (John 1:1-3; Genesis 1:1-2, 26). In their divinity, all three Persons of the Trinity are coequal and coeternal. Therefore, just as we can say that the Son and the Spirit are God, we can boldly proclaim that the Father is God!(Also see “What We Believe: the Trinity,” “What We Believe: Jesus Christ,” and “What We Believe: the Holy Spirit.”) {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:Jesus]] {{field-on:topic}}Jesus Christ Who Do You Say That He Is?Nearly two thousand years ago, Jesus asked the question, “What do you think of the Christ? Whose Son is He?” (Matthew 22:42). A person’s answer to that question can determine his or her eternal destiny.Jesus’ PreexistenceThe Apostle John declares Jesus’ preexistence in John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus says He is “the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 1:8). Jesus reigns eternally and exists before all things (see Hebrews 1:8, Colossians 1:17).Jesus’ DeityJesus did not become God-He always has been God (John 5:18) and is the second Person of the Trinity. (Also see: “What We Believe: the Trinity.”) Referring to His deity, Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). The preexistence of Jesus Christ and the deity of Jesus Christ are inseparable. You cannot accept one and deny the other.Jesus’ IncarnationThe word incarnation means “in flesh.” It denotes the act in which the Son of God took to Himself the nature of humanity through the Virgin Birth (see Matthew 1:23). John writes, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). In the Incarnation, God the Son became the God-man. Therefore, Christ was one person with two natures-divine and human (see John 1:1-18; 9:48-59). To put it another way, Jesus was fully God and fully man. He always was God and nothing less, but He expressed this truth within the time and frame of human structure.Jesus’ HumanityFor Jesus to represent sinful humanity, He had to become a man. His Virgin Birth, which was essential for Him to be sinless, was prophesied long before it occurred (see Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:18, 23; Luke 1:34-35; and Galatians 4:4). Jesus shared in the human experience even to the point of death. However, unlike us, Jesus was without sin (see Hebrew 4:15).Jesus’ DeathThe penalty for our sins is death (see Romans 6:23). Jesus died in our place and paid our penalty (see Matthew 20:28; John 10:17-18; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18). Jesus’ death on the cross laid the foundation for a righteous God to pardon guilty and sinful people without compromising His righteousness in any way.Jesus’ ResurrectionJesus’ resurrection assures us of our future resurrection. Because of His victory over death, we have victory as well. Without the Resurrection, there would be no gospel message. Christ’s resurrection is proven through the prophecies of the resurrection, His empty tomb, and the appearances of the risen Christ (see Matthew 28:5-8; Luke 24:39; John 20:27-28).Jesus’ Ascension and ExaltationAfter His resurrection, Jesus visibly departed from his disciples into heaven (see Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9). His ascension and exaltation were necessary to complete the redemptive work of God, because His work was not complete when He rose from the dead (see Mark 16:19; Philippians 2:9; Ephesians 1:20-21; Hebrews 1:3).Jesus’ Second ComingJesus Christ will return to this earth and receive His church, the body of Christ, to Himself (see John 14:1-4; Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7).[[@Headword:Holy Spirit]]The Holy Spirit Who Is the Holy Spirit?The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity. When Jesus ascended to the Father, He promised His disciples “another Helper,” the Holy Spirit (see John 14:16-17). In Greek, the word another means “another of the same kind.” Jesus promised a supernatural Helper just like Him.The Holy Spirit’s PreexistenceThe word for God is elohim, which indicates three or more (referring to the Trinity). The Holy Spirit was active at the time of creation (see Genesis 1:1-2). When God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness” (Genesis 1:26), He was addressing the other two Persons of the Trinity.The Person and Nature of the Holy SpiritSome have wrongly thought of the Holy Spirit as more of and “it” than a “He,” but Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as “He” (John 26:13). The Holy Spirit has distinct functions on the lives of believers and the church (see John 14:17; 1 Corinthians 2:10-12; Acts 5:3-4). In the original language, the Holy Spirit is called the paraclete, which literally means “One called alongside to help.”The Work of the Holy Spirit in the WorldIn John 16, Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin (vv. 8-9) and convinces the world of righteousness and judgment (vv. 10-11). The Holy Spirit also restrains the sweeping spread of evil (see 2 Thessalonians 2:7). Before we were Christians, the Holy Spirit spoke to our hearts, showing us out need for salvation. He drew us to Christ and convicted us of sin (see John 15:26).The Work of the Holy Spirit in the BelieverWhen we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit dwells within us. The Apostle Paul writes, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).The Holy Spirit regenerates us (see Titus 3:4-7; John 3:5; 6:63); indwells us (see 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19); seals us (see Ephesians 1:13-14); guides us (see John 16:13; Romans 8:14); teaches us (see John 14:26); helps us to pray (see Romans 8:26-27); and empowers us (see Acts 1:8).The Baptism of the Holy SpiritAs believers, we need the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon us. This is known as the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told His disciples, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8).When the Holy Spirit comes upon a believer, He fills his or her mind with a genuine understanding of truth, takes possession of the believer’s abilities, and imparts gifts that qualify him or her for service in the body of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12:4-10). The Holy Spirit imparts power for service and boldness in testimony and service (see Acts 4:29, 31).The Power of the Holy SpiritSomeone once referred to Niagara Falls as “the greatest unused power in the world.” Actually, the greatest unused power is the Holy Spirit of the Living God. Don’t neglect the power that God has given you-Himself-through the Holy Spirit. {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:Trinity]] {{field-on:topic}}The Trinity The Bible and the TrinityThe Bible clearly teaches that there is only one God (see Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:11; 44:6; Mark 12:29; 1 Corinthians 8:4; Ephesians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). At the same time, the Bible plainly indicates a plurality. Within God’s nature, existing in three eternal and coequal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, each the same in basic nature, but distinct in existence.Although the word Trinity does not appear in the Bible, the doctrine of the Trinity is a factual conclusion, reached by comparing and combining relevant scriptural truths. “We are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the (Holy) Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit]” (1 Corinthians 2:3 AMPLIFIED).One of the Bible’s Great MysteriesThe Trinity is one of the great mysteries of the Bible that cannot be fathomed by the finite mind. If God were small enough to figure out, He wouldn’t be big enough to worship. The Bible tells us that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are His ways our ways (see Isaiah 55:8-9). Though we will never fully understand the doctrine of the Trinity, there is no reasonable doubt that the Bible clearly teaches its truth.The Father Is GodThe biblical authors affirm the Father’s divinity by teaching He is holy (see John 17:11), sovereign (see Matthew 11:25), all powerful (see Mark 14:34), full of love and forgiveness (see Luke 15:11-32), the source of all things (see Matthew 11:27; 1 Corinthians 8:6), and is all knowing (see Matthew 6:4, 11). Jesus confirmed this truth to His disciples when He referred to God as “My Father” (see John 20:17) and taught them to pray to God using the words, “our Father” (see Matthew 6:9).(Also see: “What We Believe: the Father.”)The Son, Jesus Christ, Is GodThe Bible ascribes the same attributes of God to His Son, Jesus Christ (see Matthew 1:21-23; 28:18; Luke 5:20-24; John 1:1, 14; 8:58; 16:30; 17:5; Hebrews 13:8). Jesus Christ is worshipped (see Matthew 14:31-33; 28:9; Hebrews 1:6); He is called God (see Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:1, 14; 20:28); and He can forgive sins (see Luke 5:20-24; John 10:30-33). The Bible ascribes these attributes to God alone.(Also see: “What We Believe: Jesus Christ.”)The Father in the TrinityIn the New Testament, God revealed His triune nature to His people. The biblical authors attest to the divinity of the Father (see Matthew 11:25), the Son (see John 1:1), and the Holy Spirit (see 2 Peter 1:20-21). While the Son and the Spirit are distinct Persons from the Father, they are of the same substance as the Father. God, therefore, exists as one perfectly unified Being subsisting of three inseparable, distinct, and wholly equal Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.Scripture teaches that God the Father is the Father from eternity, from whom the Son is eternally begotten and from whom the Holy Spirit proceeds. The Father never existed without the Son or the Holy Spirit, nor did He exist before them (John 1:1-3; Genesis 1:1-2, 26). In their divinity, all three Persons of the Trinity are coequal and coeternal. Therefore, just as we can say that the Son and the Spirit are God, we can boldly proclaim that the Father is God!(Also see “What We Believe: the Trinity,” “What We Believe: Jesus Christ,” and “What We Believe: the Holy Spirit.”)[[@Headword:Church]]The Church The Value of ChurchIt is an absolute necessity to be involved in a church in order to walk with God and grow spiritually. The Bible instructs us to "consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together..." (Hebrews 10:24-25).What Is Church?In the New Testament, temple and synagogue are the only words that describe a building as a place of worship. Today's church is not a building, but an assembly of people who make up the body of Christ (see Colossians 1:24; Romans 16:5). The universal church consists of genuine Christian believers of all ages, both on earth and in heaven. There won't be any denomination in heaven, there will only be believers!Is It Necessary to Join a Local Church?Although we are all members of the universal church, the body of Christ, it's very important for a Christian to identify with a body of believers in a local church. We need each other in order to develop fully as Christians (see 1 Corinthians 12:4-27). We also are disciples who are commanded to make disciples (see Matthew 28:19). But to do so, we must spend time around other believers.What Makes a Church Effective?What makes a church effective today is no different from what made the early church effective. It's the Spirit of God working through the Word of God in the hearts of the people of God. Jesus told His disciples, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Only a spirit-filled church can be an effective church. We simply need to ask God to empower us. What Is the Purpose of the Church?Ultimately, the purpose of the church is to know God and make Him known. Through the Holy Spirit, the church accomplishes this in three ways. First, the church is to exalt God. He has called us to live "to the praise of His glory" (Ephesians 1:12). Second, the church is to edify the saints. Paul exhorts us to "present every man perfect in Christ Jesus" (Colossians 1:28). Third, the church is to evangelize the world. Jesus told his disciples. "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere" (Mark 16:15 NLT). We believe in adhering to these purposes, while keeping them in their proper balance.What Is the Practice of the Church?The practice of the church is fourfold. It is to be a learning church, a loving and united church, a worshipping church, and a praying church. (see Acts 2:42).What Are Ordinances of the Church?Ordinances of the church are outward rites or symbolic observances commanded by Jesus, which set forth essential Christian truths. We observe the ordinances of water baptism and communion. Who Is the Head of the Church?The Bible says that the head of the church is Jesus Christ Himself (see Ephesians 1:22; 5:23). As the Apostle Paul said, "Under His [Christ's] direction, the whole body [the church] is fitted together perfectly" (Ephesians 4:16). {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:worship]] {{field-on:topic}}Worship What Is Worship?God created humanity with a capacity to know, love, and worship Him. Worship is that place where the heart of God and the heart of His child meet. Oswald Chambers said, "Worship is giving God the best He has given you." Worship carries the idea of showing reverence to God. It's an active, adoring response whereby we declare His worth. To worship means to bow down and pay homage to God: "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker" (Psalm 95:6).Who Do We Worship?Jesus said, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve" (Matthew 4:10). People are not worthy of worship, and neither are the idols that people make. God alone deserves our worship.Why Do We Worship?We worship not to get something for ourselves, but because God is Lord and is worthy of our worship (see Psalm 45:11). The Bible declares, "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power" (Revelation 4:11). We worship God because of the splendor of His being. God always has sought after worshippers, and continues to do so. He doesn't need our worship, but He desires it-not for His benefit, but for ours.How Do We Worship?"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). Worshipping in spirit means giving God the homage of an enlightened mind and an affectionate heart. Worshipping in truth is to worship God according to the truth He has revealed in His Word, the Bible.Forms of WorshipWorship should not resemble a spectator sport where we sit and watch others play. Worship requires participation. We worship the Lord through our words of praise and exaltation of God, by giving thanks to God in all things, by blessing His name through living a godly life, and by sharing His love with others. Worship is a sacrifice. The Apostle Paul instructed believers, "offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship" (Romans 12:1 NIV). We can make every day a worship experience when we yield ourselves to the Lord. God has created each of us with a mind, heart, and spirit. He wants us to use them for His glory. True worship is not lip service, but life service. It is to be as much a part of our lives as breathing and eating. Worship should be demonstrated in every area of our lives, every day of our lives.Expressions of WorshipWe express our worship as we read the Bible (see Psalm 119), pray, give tithes and offerings, and offer praise through music. But the greatest demonstration of worship is through the lives we live.Results of WorshipTrue worship always magnifies God and our outlook toward Him. As God is magnified, everything else becomes insignificant. We begin to see beyond our circumstances and limitations, our fears diminish, and our spirits become refreshed.[[@Headword:Children in church]]Children in the Church Children Are the Ministers of the FutureAt 412 Church, we realize the future will one day be in our children's hands. We want to do all we can to encourage and equip the children in our congregation to walk with God, both now and throughout their adulthood. Children's MinistryAs a church that loves children, we place a high priority on providing a loving, relaxing, and clean environment for your children. The goal of 412 Church Children's Ministry is to minister to the needs of each child whom God brings us and to lead that child into a closer, more productive, and fruitful relationship with Jesus Christ. Our well-rounded curriculum and activities are geared to minister to the children's needs, with service opportunities to help them become a functional member of the body of Christ. With Vacation Bible School, Youth Discipleship Training, camps, and Hallelujah Night, the Children's Ministry offers a variety of activities and learning opportunities for children of all ages.Mother's RoomWe provide a soundproof, private room for nursing mothers who desire to hear and observe services in progress in the Main Sanctuary. Located at the back of the Main Sanctuary, accessed through the Kid Check Room 203, the Mother's Room is reserved for nursing mothers and their infants. Husbands and siblings are not permitted in the Mother's Room.Nursery CareWe provide nursery care for infants up to two years old, with a ratio of one worker caring for every five infants.Sunday SchoolFor children ages two and above, we offer Sunday school classes that include curriculum for children in the first through eighth grades.Guidelines for the Main SanctuaryTo provide an environment free from distractions, we have reserved family seating located in the back of the sanctuary. Our Sunday school and nursery care programs are designed to minister to the children at their level, and we encourage all parents to take advantage of these ministries. Our desire is to provide a quiet and distraction-free environment to enable everyone present to worship the Lord, hear God's message clearly, and to respond if an invitation is given. If an usher approaches you regarding your underaged child's presence in the Main Sanctuary, we greatly appreciate your cooperation with our guidelines for the benefit of those around you. {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:baby dedications]] {{field-on:topic}}Baby Dedications Children Are a HeritageThe Bible says that children are a heritage and a reward from the Lord (see Psalm 127:3). God has given Christian parents the tremendous responsibility of raising their children in the ways of the Lord (see Ephesians 6:4). He entrusts parents with the responsibility of establishing a foundation built upon Jesus Christ early in the lives of their children.Why Children Should Be DedicatedBaby dedications are actually family dedications. The entire family needs to be lifted up in prayer so that family members will be empowered to keep their responsibilities. The Bible gives us an example of dedicating a child to the Lord through the account of Hannah in Samuel 1:11, 26-28. Unable to have children, Hannah wept before the Lord because of her condition. As she was weeping, she made a vow to God and said, "O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a man child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life..." (1 Samuel 1:11). God honored Hannah's request and gave her a son, Samuel. Hannah kept her vow and dedicated (which means "to set apart") Samuel to the Lord.Requirements for DedicationTo dedicate a child to the Lord is to make a vow to submit your child completely to the will of God and raise that child in the ways of the Lord. Parents who have not placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will be unable to submit their children to God's will and His ways, because they themselves do not know the ways of the Lord. As a result, we must decline any requests to involve an unbelieving parent in the dedication of a child. We view this as an act of protection rather than rejection, as we cannot encourage someone to make a vow to God that we know he or she cannot keep. The Bible says, "It is a trap for man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vow" (Proverbs 20:25 NIV). The Bible records instances where God dealt severely with those who broke their vows to Him (for example, read Acts 5:1-11). A believing parent may dedicate a child independently of an unbelieving spouse. Single parents who dedicate their children may not have boyfriends or girlfriends present with them on the platform.Responsibilities of a Christian ParentChristian parents are to do all they can to "set apart" their child to God until that child can make his or her own choice regarding a relationship with Jesus Christ. By dedicating a child to the Lord, parents make a vow to raise their child in God's ways and not their own. They commit themselves to this promise and must do all they can to keep it. The responsibilities God has entrusted to Christian parents include continually praying for their children (see Job 1:5), instructing them in the way of the Lord (see Proverbs 22:6), setting a godly example (see Proverbs 20:7), and disciplining them as Scripture commands (see Proverbs 29:15, 17; 13:24). These responsibilities can only be fulfilled in Christ's strength (see Philippians 4:13). As a parent, your devotion to God will make a resounding impression on the next generation. May your legacy be a godly legacy. [[@Headword:giving, tithing and stewardship]]Giving, Tithing, and Stewardship What the Bible SaysThe Bible has much to say about Christians and their money. The Bible contains more than two thousand verses on the subject. Time and again, the Bible associates our money with our commitment and relationship to the Lord. What Is Giving?The word give has been defined as "to make a present of." One of the many ways we can give to others is to give financially. Through giving, the early church helped one another and invested in what God was accomplishing. Sadly, the concept of giving has become distorted today. Yet our giving is vitally connected to who we are.Giving Is an Act of WorshipGiving is a spiritual sacrifice and an expression of love and gratitude, because everything we have comes from God (see 1 Chronicles 29:14). Some people say, "I can't afford to give!" in reality, we can't afford not to give. David said that he will not give to the Lord that which cost him nothing (see 2 Samuel 24:24). No matter what we give to God, what is left will always sustain us better than if we hadn't given at all.Giving Is a Test of Our FaithfulnessThe way we give indicates a great deal about our spirituality. Our giving reveals our value system. Jesus said, "For where our treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). God does not ask us to give because He needs our resources. Rather He challenges us to make Him the focus of our lives instead of our money and possessions.Biblical Principles for GivingAlthough the Apostle Paul never overemphasized the subject of giving, he never neglected the importance of it, either in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, we find specific guidelines for giving: it is to be a universal practice for believers (v. 1); it is to be done regularly (v. 2); it is a personal act (v. 2); and it is something we should be prepared to do (v. 2). As we give, God will meet our needs and prosper us (see 2 Corinthians 9:6-10).Motives for GivingGod promises to bless us if we have the right attitude toward giving (see Luke 6:38; Proverbs 3:9-10). However, some people give with the wrong motives. They may give in an attempt to manipulate God, to relieve guilt, to increase self-worth, to achieve recognition, to obtain power, or to gain tax advantages. However, the Bible instructs us to "let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). The motives that God desires for our giving are to express our love to Him, please Him, lay up treasures in heaven, and help reach the world for Jesus Christ.The Principle for StewardshipA steward oversees the affairs and property of another person. Stewardship implies that everything we have belongs to God. Being a good steward means to manage our resources well and use them to glorify God.The Principle of TithingOld Testament law required God's people to give ten percent of their income, which could include flocks, herds, or crops. This ten percent was known as a tithe. In addition to the tithe, God's people were required to give offerings to the Lord for the care of the temple and the salaries of the priests. In the days of Israel, tithing was not voluntary giving. It was demanded as a form of taxation. Is tithing for today? Dr. J. B. Gabrell made this observation: "It is unthinkable from the standpoint of the cross that anyone would give less under grace than the Jews gave under law." God makes an incredible promise to those who give to His work. He will "open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10-11). {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:Bible]] {{field-on:topic}}The Bible What Is the Bible?The Bible is a book of history, science, poetry, and human behavior. Most importantly, it is a love story that reveals the heart of God through the person of His Son, Jesus Christ.The Bible Is UniqueThe Bible was written over a period of fifteen hundred years by more than forty authors in three languages on three continents. Rather than contradicting one another, the writers maintained complete historical, moral, prophetical, and theological accuracy. They wrote with harmony and continuity from Genesis to Revelation.The Bible Was Inspired by GodThe Bible was written by people under the inspiration of God (see 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16). In other words, God used the personalities and characteristics of each biblical author to bring forth His word.The Bible Is to Be Read and StudiedStudying the Bible is an absolute must for Christians. The Bible instructs, "Study to show thyself approved unto God..." (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). The systematic preaching of the Bible is impossible without the systematic study of the Bible. We are not to skim a few verses in our daily Bible reading, nor are we to study a passage only when we're about to share it. We need to immerse ourselves daily in God's Word, like the Bereans who searched the scriptures daily (see Acts 17:11).The Bible Teaches UsTo build a model airplane, we need to follow a set of instructions. Only then will the final product look like its counterpart on the box. In the same way, we need to follow God's instruction manual for life, the Bible. Only then will our life reflect Jesus Christ. The Bible says, "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).The Bible Gives Us HopeThe Bible was "written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4). We find hope through learning about God, His ways, and His plans for our lives. When we discover the promises of God, we recognize there is more to life than merely existing. We discover there is life beyond life. Through the Bible, we obtain hope, encouragement, comfort, strength, wisdom, and much more. Best of all, we gain an understanding of how to know God personally and how to live for him righteously.The Bible Gives DirectionTo find our way through the dark, we need a flashlight. Only then can we see clearly and avoid stumbling. The psalmist described God's Word as "a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). As we allow the Bible to direct our lives, we'll keep from stumbling and falling. If you want to be wise, read the Bible. If you want to be safe, believe the Bible. If you want to be right, obey the Bible. [[@Headword:salvation]]Salvation What Is Salvation?God knew that humanity would sin and need to be reconciled to Him. At the heart of God's plan to reconcile sinful humanity to Himself is the Mediator, Jesus Christ (see 1 Timothy 2:5-6). The word salvation is defined as "deliverance from the power and effects of sin." All have sinned (see Romans 3:23), but we cannot save ourselves, because only a sinless person can save a sinful person. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ died for sinners (see 1 Timothy 1:15; Romans 5:6-8). Provisions of SalvationCertain provisions were necessary for salvation to be available to humanity: the death of Jesus Christ; the burial of Christ; the resurrection of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 15:3-4); the ascension of Christ (see Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9); and the exaltation of Christ (see Acts 2:33; 5:31; 1 Peter 3:22; Hebrews 1:3). Process of Salvation: God's SideThrough the divine side of salvation, God sovereignty acts to secure salvation for sinners through: ElectionThrough grace, God chose salvation in Christ for those whom He knew would accept Him (see Ephesians 1:4-5). The Apostle Paul tells us, "For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the first born, with many brothers and sisters" (Romans 8:29 NLT).RegenerationGod makes us alive through Christ, enabling us to be born again, and to experience a new birth (see John 3:3). Without a new birth, we are "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1).JustificationWhen God justifies us, He declares us guiltless before Him and places all of the righteousness of Christ to our credit. Justification represents both God's forgiveness of our sins and the righteousness He has accounted to us (see Romans 3:28; 5:1). AdoptionAdoption means, "the placing of a son." God gives us the full rights of inheritance in His family as though we had been born into it (see Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:5). Because we are God's children, we can call Him Abba, or "Daddy" (Romans 8:15). As God's children, we can be confident that He understands us, takes care of us, and will bless us. SanctificationWhen we become Christians, God sanctifies us, or sets us apart, positionally, practically, and permanently for Himself (see 1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). Through sanctification, we become more and more like Jesus Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. Process of Salvation: Humanity's SideJust as there is a divine side of salvation, there is also a human side that shows itself through "free will":Faith and BeliefAcknowledging Jesus Christ not only in our heads, but also in our hearts (see John 3:18, 36; 5:24; 6:47; Romans 10:9). Faith is a confiding trust. It involves our intellect, emotions, and will (see Mark 4:16-17; Romans 10:9, 17; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 11:1, 6).AcceptanceTrue faith and belief in Christ will ultimately lead to an acceptance and confession of Jesus Christ as Lord (see Romans 10:9-10). The Apostle John confirms this when he wrote, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12 NKJV). RepentanceThis is a sincere and thorough change of mind and heart toward sin (see Psalm 51:3; 2 Peter 3:9). We must not only turn from our sins, but we must also turn to God (see Acts 3:19; 26:18; 1 Thessalonians 1:9).Product of SalvationGod created us, and Christ purchased us so that we might know Him, walk with Him, and glorify Him (see Ephesians 1:11-12). He also wants us to bear much fruit (see John 15:8; 13:34-35) as we invest our lives in service to Him (see Matthew 16:24-26; Galatians 6:10). We bear fruit by winning others to Christ by helping them grow spiritually (see Romans 1:13; Proverbs 11:30); by sharing our blessings with others (see Philippians 4:17); by giving praise and thanks to God (see Hebrews 13:15); and by living a changed life though our conduct and character (see Galatians 5:22). Some people think that because they have "prayed to receive Christ," they can live as they please. But salvation brings about a changed life (see 2 Corinthians 5:17) and motivates believers to follow God's purpose for their lives. {{field-off:topic}} [[@Headword:prayer]] {{field-on:topic}}Prayer What Is Prayer?The greatest privilege a Christian has is the privilege of prayer. Not only is it a privilege, but it is also the responsibility of every believer. Jesus said, "Men ought always to pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1). Prayer is simply talking to God, letting our concerns and requests be made known to Him. When we pray, we admit our need for God and our utter dependence on Him. only through a relationship with Jesus Christ do we have access to God (see 1 Timothy 2:5). We approach God in Jesus' name, not our own. Prayer is not a means of trying to get from God what we want, but rather a means by which we enable God to give us what he wants. Regarding prayer, Billy Graham said, "Prayer is the rope that pulls God and man together. But it doesn't pull God down to us; rather, it pulls us up to Him."Why Pray?We're to pray because God commands it (see 2 Chronicles 7:14; Luke 18:1). Through prayer we receive things (see James 4:2), experience fullness of joy (see John 16:24), and find help in times of trouble. Prayer is the cure for worry (see Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7) and also helps us resist temptation (see Matthew 26:41).When Are We to Pray?We are to pray always. The Bible instructs us to "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The Apostle Paul exhorted believers to pray "always with all prayer and supplication" (Ephesians 6:18). Types of PrayerPraise and AdorationThrough praise and adoration, we acknowledge God's goodness. We must recognize that when we pray, we enter God's presence (see Matthew 6:9). Prayer takes us into the very throne room of God. As we reverence the Lord by communing with Him in prayer, our relationship with Him becomes more intimate and our love more tender.Confession and RepentanceConfession and repentance are prerequisites for approaching God. The Bible assures us of forgiveness if we confess our sins to God. Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). ThanksgivingWe need always to remember what God has done for us, and give Him thanks for it. We're to thank Him during the good times, as well as the bad times, "giving thanks always for all things..." (Ephesians 5:20). We're also to make our requests to God "with thanksgiving" (Philippians 4:6).SupplicationBelievers are to pray for our own needs and ask God for help in our daily affairs. We must never think that our requests are too small or too big to bring before God. As Christians we are to pray about everything being confident that God hears us, cares about us, and acts on our behalf. IntercessionIntercession means to pray on behalf of-and for-other people (see 1 Timothy 2:1). People can stop us from telling them about Jesus but they can't stop us from praying for them. We're to pray for our family, friends, Christian leaders, our country, and whatever else God lays on our hearts. We are to pray for them as seriously as we pray for ourselves.What if I Don't Pray?Neglecting to pray is a sin. Samuel said, "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you" (1 Samuel 12:23). Jesus said, "Men ought always to pray and not lose heart" (Luke 18:1). D.L Moody summarized the necessity of prayer with this observation: "Jesus never taught his disciples how to preach, but only how to pray."[[@Headword:baptism of the Holy Spirit]]Baptism of the Holy Spirit Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for Everyone?To do God's work, we need God's power. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is for all who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, and who are children of God through Him (see Acts 2:38-39).What Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?The baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs when the Spirit of God comes upon a believer. The Holy Spirit fills the believer's mind with a genuine understanding of truth, takes possession of the believer's abilities, and imparts gifts that qualify the believer for service in the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit also speaks to the hearts of unbelievers, showing them their need for salvation (see John 16:7-11). When a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit dwells inside him or her (see John 14:15-17; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 12:13). But believers also need the baptism of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 1:5-8).Why We Need the Baptism of the Holy SpiritThe purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is to empower believers for service, to witness, for spiritual warfare, and for boldness in their testimonies (see Acts 1:8; 4:19-20, 29-31; 6:8-10; 1 Corinthians 2:4). Jesus commanded the disciples not to begin the work to which He called them until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit (see Luke 24:48-49; Acts 1:4, 8). When the apostles met other believers in Christ, they at once asked whether the believers had received the Holy Spirit. If not, they made sure they received Him (see Acts 8:14-16; 19:1-5). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an absolute necessity in every Christian's life for the service to which God has called us.How to Receive the Baptism of the Holy SpiritJesus said, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:13). God fulfills His promises in a variety of ways, and no two human beings are alike in how they receive spiritual things. The New Testament tells us that some believers received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the moment of their conversion, such as Cornelius and his family (see Acts 10). Others, such as the believers in Ephesus, received it at a later time (see Acts 19:1-5). We should never limit God by our own expectations. He is sovereign and will work in whatever way he chooses. {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:water baptism]] {{field-on:topic}}Water BaptismWhat Is Water Baptism?Water baptism is not a personal choice, but a command for believers. Jesus established water baptism as an ordinance when He gave the Great Commission (see Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16). Water baptism is a public, outward testimony that indicates a personal, inward faith. It gives evidence of the inner change that has already occurred in the believer's life when he or she was "born again" through faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism identifies the believer with the message of the gospel, the Person of Jesus Christ, and other believers. It associates the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and signifies the believer's death to the old life and his or her resurrection as a new creation in Christ (see Romans 6:1-8; Colossians 2:12).Why We Are to Be BaptizedWe are to be baptized because Jesus Christ commanded it (Matthew 28:19) and because we love the Lord. Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15). Throughout the book of Acts, we read how the early church gave importance to water baptism (see 2:41; 8:12, 38; 9:18; 10:47-48; 16:15, 33; 19:3-5).Who Should Be Baptized?All born-again believers in Jesus Christ, and only believers, should be baptized (see Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 16:31-33; 18:8).Are Infants and Children to Be Baptized?After Peter spoke at Pentecost, "those who gladly received his word were baptized" (Acts 2:41). In the New Testament, every instance in which a person was baptized and his or her identity was given, that person was an adult. In light of Scripture, infant baptism must be ruled out, because infants cannot receive the Word of God and understand it. However, infants are to be dedicated to the Lord (see 1 Samuel 1:26-28). Children may be baptized if they receive and understand God's Word.In Whose Name Are We to Be Baptized?As part of the Great Commission, Jesus instructed the disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).Is Water Baptism Necessary for Salvation?The Bible clearly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith and according to God’s mercy (see Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). The thief on the cross next to Jesus had no time to be baptized; yet Jesus promised that he would be with Him in Paradise that day (see Luke 23:43). The Bible contains no record of Jesus baptizing anyone-a strange omission if baptism was essential for salvation. The Apostle Paul declared, "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel..." (1 Corinthians 1:17). This clearly indicates that salvation is a response of faith to the gospel-not the act of baptism. Therefore, water baptism is not an act of salvation, but an act of obedience. {{field-off:topic}}[[@Headword:communion]] {{field-on:topic}}Communion What Is Communion?Communion, often called "The Lord’s Supper," is a memorial in which Christians identify with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:20). It's a time for believers to remember the Lord's broken body and His shed blood for all people (see Luke 22:19-20).Institution of CommunionJesus Christ instituted Communion on the eve of His death when He ate the Passover with His disciples (see Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25).Meaning and Symbolism of CommunionBread and wine were once served for the Lord's Supper. Today, many churches, including ours, use crackers and grape juice. The bread symbolizes Christ's body, which was beaten and broken for us as he died for the sins of humanity. The cup of wine symbolizes His blood, which was shed for us as He paid for our sins (see John 10:17-18; Ephesians 1:7; Romans 5:8-9).Essentials for Observing CommunionAnyone who participates in the Lord's Supper must first be a believer. Jesus commanded His disciples to observe Communion (see Matthew 26:26); therefore, a person must have placed his or her faith in Jesus Christ for salvation before taking part in Communion. In addition to being believers, we must prepare our hearts to participate in the Lord's Supper. Paul instructed believers not to "eat this bread or drink this cup in an unworthy manner..." (1 Corinthians 11:27). Last, we must examine our lives for any unconfessed sin. Paul reminds us, "Let a man examine himself" (1 Corinthians 11:28) to avoid bringing judgment upon ourselves. As we become right with God through confessing our sins (see 1 John 1:9), we may then participate in the Lord's Supper in a worthy manner.Past Significance of CommunionCommunion is a time to look back, remembering the Lord's death on the cross. His death was more that just an atoning death-it was a substitutional death. Christ died on our place so that we might live. He took our sins upon Himself so that we can receive His righteousness (see 2 Corinthians 5:21).Present Significance of CommunionCommunion is a time to look within, considering our lives in light of our profession of faith. As we enter into Communion, we are to thank Him for our salvation and the privilege of being His child.Future Significance of CommunionCommunion is a time to look ahead toward the second coming of Jesus Christ. Paul said we're to "proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26). The Lord's Supper foreshadows the great marriage supper of the Lamb (see Revelation 19). Today, we stand between the two most important events in human history: the first and the second coming of Jesus Christ. When we observe the Lord's Supper as Christians, we become connected to both. {{field-off:topic}}Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV), copyright ? 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.Statement of FaithA Statement of Faith is a written declaration of the church's position on matters that pertain to the essentials of historical Christianity. The following statements summerize what we believe at 412 Church, formerly Calvary Chapel San Jacinto.1. We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in power and glory; that this triune God created all, upholds all, and governs all things. (Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30; Hebrews 9:14) 2. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments (The Bible) are the Word of God, fully inspired without error in the original manuscripts, and the infallible rule of faith and practice. The Word of God is the foundation upon which this Church operates and is the basis for which this church is governed. We believe that the Word of God supersedes any earthly law that is contrary to the Holy Scriptures. (Isaiah 28:13; Nehemiah 8:8; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:21) 3. We believe in the person of God the Father, an infinite, personal Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love; that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men; that He hears and answers prayer; and that He saves from sin and death all those who come to Him through Jesus Christ. (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalms 90:2; Psalms 102:27; John 4:24; 1 Timothy 1:17; Titus 1:3) 4. We believe in the person of Jesus Christ, God's only Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings, his substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people and personal, visible return to earth. (Matthew 1:18, 20; 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 1:31-35, 3:22; John 1:1, 3:16-18, 34-36l; Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:23; Mark 16:19; Luke 1:34-35; John 1:1-2; John 8:58; John 11:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 1:2; Revelation 1:8) 5. We believe in the person of the Holy Spirit, Who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify and empower for ministry all who believe in Christ; (Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 3:18; John 16:8-11; Romans 15:13,16; Hebrews 9:14) 6. We believe the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Jesus Christ and that He is an abiding helper, teacher, and guide. (John 14:16-17, 16:8-11) 7. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and in the exercise of Biblical gifts of the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 14) 8. We believe that all people are sinners by nature and, therefore, are under condemnation; that God regenerates based upon faith by the Holy Spirit, those who repent of their sins and confess Jesus Christ as Lord. (Acts 8:15-17; Titus 3:5) 9. We believe in the universal Church, the living spiritual body, of which Christ is the head and all who are born again are members. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4:15-16)10. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ committed two ordinances to the Church: (a) Water Baptism by full immersion, and (b) the Lord's Supper. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26) 11. We believe also in the laying on of hands for the baptism/empowerment of the Holy Spirit; for the ordination of pastors, for the appointment of deacons, and for the perpetuity of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 6:6, 8:17; 1 Timothy 4:14) 12. We believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ which is His personal, visible return to earth and the establishment of His millennial kingdom; in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment and eternal blessing of the righteous and endless suffering of the wicked. (Matthew 16:27; Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11-16, 20: 11-15) 13. We believe in what is termed the apostles creed as embodying the fundamental facts of the Christian faith. 14. We believe in a literal Heaven and a literal Hell and that all those who place their faith, hope and trust in Jesus Christ will spend eternity in Heaven with the Lord, while those who reject Jesus free gift of salvation will spend eternity separated from the Lord in Hell. (Matthew 5:3, 25:31-34; Hebrews 12:23; 1 Peter 1:4; Psalm 9:17; Matthew 5:22, 18:9; Luke 12:5) 15. We believe that the human race was created as genetic male (man) and genetic female (woman) by a direct act of God; that marriage has been established by God; therefore, marriage is a sacred covenantal union between one man and one woman, for life. We also believe that legitimate Biblical sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage. Hence, sexual activities such as, but not limited to, adultery, fornication, incest, polygamy, homosexuality, transgender, bisexuality, cross-dressing, pedophilia and bestiality are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and the Church. Further, lascivious behavior, the creation, viewing and/or distribution of pornography and efforts to alter ones gender are incompatible with a true Biblical witness. (Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 5:11, 6:9, 6:18-20; 7:1-3, 7:8-9; Romans 1:18-32) 16. We believe that the solemnizing of a marriage is a sacred and profound event that shall be entered into only where the proposed covenantal union is in compliance with the Word of God; we also believe that the solemnizing of a marriage between men or women of the same gender is contrary to the Word of God, and is a sin before God.17. Every Senior Pastor, Assisting Pastor, Board Member, Officer, Chaplain, Missionary, Deacon, employee, student, congregate or volunteer of 412 Church, formerly Calvary Chapel San Jacinto (CCSJ or Church), shall be in good standing and affirm his or her unequivocal agreement with this Statement of Faith, Character, Belief and Ordinances as described in this Preamble. Any Senior Pastor, Assisting Pastor, Board Member, Officer, Chaplain, Missionary, Deacon, employee, student, congregate or volunteer whose confession of faith or behavior is in conflict with this Statement of Faith, Character, Belief and Ordinances will be subject to removal and termination from his or her position in the Church.7 Hills Church | Florence KY[[@Headword:C8]]Group idGroup name7 Hills Church | Florence KYTraditionNon-denominationalWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 5 January 2014What We Believe01. Only One Living and True God. There is only one living and true God. There are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is totally and completely Holy. (Genesis 1:2, 27; Matthew 28:19; I John 5:7).02. Inspired Word of God. We believe that the Bible is God’s Word. It is accurate, authoritative and applicable to our every day lives. (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20, 21).03. Jesus Christ. We believe Jesus Christ, conceived of the Virgin Mary, is the only begotten Son of the Father. Jesus was crucified, buried and rose from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is today at the right hand of the Father as our Intercessor. (Luke 1:26-33; Hebrews 7:25).04. Baptism of the Holy Spirit. With the Baptism in the Holy Spirit comes the power for life and service, the gifts given by the Holy Spirit are for ministry to the body of Christ. (Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6; I Corinthians 12:4-11).05. Salvation. We believe every person is disobedient to God’s desires and plans in varying degrees. Any disobedience to God, regardless of how large or small, is characterized as “sin”. “Sin” literally separates each person from God, which is spiritual death. Spiritual death is not God’s desire. People can be united with God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and through Him alone. Jesus died for sinners. Anyone who accepts and believes in Jesus’ death for his or her personal sins, and desires to have Him as King of their life, is forgiven for every sin. Upon this personal decision, God re-establishes a personal relationship with that person and promises eternal life. (Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6). 12:23).06. Baptism by Immersion. We believe in water baptism by immersion in water in the name of the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:11; Matthew 28:18-19; John 14:6).07. Healing. We believe that God wants to heal and transform us to that we can live healthy and prosperous lives in order to help others more effectively. (Acts 3:2-12; Acts 5:15-16; James 5:14-15).08. Second Coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back again as He promised. (Acts 1:10-11; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 1:7).09. Those Who Die Outside of Christ. We believe that our eternal destination of either Heaven or hell is determined by our response to the Lord Jesus Christ. (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:46, John 5:29; Jude 1:7).10. Sacredness of Marriage. We believe in the sacredness of marriage and family commitment. We promote strong family values. (Ephesians 5:31-33; Ephesians 6:1-4; Hebrews 13:4).7 Thunders | Kansas City MO[[@Headword:C9]]Group idGroup name7 Thunders | Kansas City MOTraditionWikipediaOrigin1999 personal ministry of Kirk and Dee Bennett (of International House of Prayer – Kansas City)Links toBethel Mission OutreachBound4LifewebBound4Life | ChicagowebExodus CrywebInternational House of Prayer – Kansas CityMike The Praying ChurchVoice MinistriesWebsite Source of creedal statement 28 December 2013 30 December 2013Foundation ScripturesOur NameRevelation 10:3 | "... and cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars. When he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices."Psalm 29:3-5, 7-9 (called the Psalm of the 7 Thunders) | "The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord is over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars, yes, the Lord splinters the cedars of Lebanon..... The voice of the Lord divides the flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth, and strips the forests bare; and in his temple everyone says, 'Glory!'"Zechariah 9:11-13 | "As for you also, because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope; even today I declare that I will restore double to you. I have bent Judah, my bow, fitted the bow with Ephraim, and raised up your sons, O Zion, against your sons, O Greece, and made you like the sword of a mighty man."Amos 9:11-12 | ""On that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David which has fallen down, and repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in days of old; that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the gentiles who are called by My name," says the Lord who does this thing."Foundation StonesPRAY HOURS A DAYPsalm 27:4| "One thing I desired of the Lord that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple."Psalms 27:8 | "When You said, 'Seek My face,' my heart said to You, 'Your face, Lord, I will seek.'"Colossians 4:2-4 | "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak."GO TO THE NATIONS & PREACH TO THE POORIsaiah 61:1-3, 6 | "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has send me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.... But you shall be named the priests of the Lord, they shall call you the servants of your God. You shall eat the riches of the gentiles, and in their glory you shall boast."Isaiah 66:2 | "'For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,' says the Lord. 'But on this one I will look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.'"REPRODUCE THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE NEW TESTAMENT BELIEVER2 Timothy 2:2 | "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."Revelation 5:9-10 | "And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; as we shall reign on he earth.""Hebrews 3:1 | "therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,"Isaiah 16:5 | "In mercy the throne will be established; and One will sit on it in truth, in the tabernacle of David, judging and seeking justice and hastening righteousness."Isaiah 66:21 | "'And I will also take some of them for priests and Levites,' says the Lord."Isaiah 62:4 | "You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land is Beulah; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married."Hebrews 5:10-14 | "... called by God as High Priest 'according to the order of Melchizedek,' of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."I Samuel 2:35-26 | "Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind. I will build him a secure house, and He shall walk before My anointed forever. And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left in your house will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and say, 'Please, put me in one of the priestly positions, that I may eat a piece of bread.'"Foundation Stones We have a set of core values and objectives which form the life and breath of our organization. Our foundation stones are simple yet deep in spirit.7Thunders is called to accomplish the following:Minister to the LordGo to the Nations & Preach to the PoorReproduce the Priesthood of the New Testament Believer Minister to the Lord | Psalm 27:4“One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.”Ministering to the Lord is clearly the single most important aspect in a believer’s life and fundamental to the tabernacle of David. It is, therefore the most important activity in the 7Thunders ministry. We are created to continuously praise and worship God from the heart.By ministering to the Lord we:Behold His Beauty In simplicity and devotion, we cast our gaze upon God in the scripture and through prayer & worship meditate on Him as we seek His face.Inquiring in His Temple We continually inquire after God, that He reveal His heart to the church.Go to the Nations & Preach to the Poor | Isaiah 61: 1-3“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; he has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”7Thunders makes this real as we minister to the poor in churches and houses of prayer, in cities, nations and regions through the earth.By going to the nations we:Preach in the Nations Our calling is to preach, teach and train for the raising up of houses of prayer worldwide.Minister to the Poor Our hearts move with the Father’s heart and His heart moves in extravagant love and compassion for the poor.Reproduce the Priesthood of the New Testament Believer | 2 Timothy 2:2“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”We at 7Thunders, actively impart, model and reproduce the priestly ministry that the Lord’s desired impact may be made manifest upon the earth.By reproducing the priesthood of the new testament believer we empower priestly ministers of the gospel to:Worship Beholding God and encountering Christ as a normal and daily activity and lifestyle.Pray Receive understanding from the Spirit of Christ through the scriptures, dreams and visions and then pray them back to God.Prophesy Training prophets that release “the testimony of Jesus” Revelation 19:10. Sharing Christ daily seeking to manifest Him and love as He loves.7th Day Oak Grove Community Church | Gadsden, AL[[@Headword:C10]]Group idGroup name7th Day Oak Grove Community ChurchTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 09-Jun-2009Doctrinal Statement of Belief1. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, God the Father is the supreme Deity, Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, and the Holy Spirit is the promised Comforter.2. In the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, that by Him were all things created; His pre-existence; His virgin birth; His sinless life; His miracles; His vicarious and atoning death; His bodily resurrection late on the Sabbath day; His ascension to the right hand of God in heaven; and His personal return to establish His kingdom and rule this earth in great power and glory. 3. The only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance and faith in the precious atoning blood of Jesus. Then in obedience to our Lord's command be baptized (immersed) in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.4. That by faith we may receive healing for our bodies.5. The scriptures enjoin the observance of the Ten Commandments, including the observance of the Seventh Day Sabbath (commonly called Saturday) to be observed from sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday.6. The Lord's Supper and foot washing should be observed once a year at the proper and appointed time.7. In the resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust, the just to eternal life and the unjust to eternal death.8. The dead are in a state of no consciousness.9. The true Chruch organization taught in the Bible is local autonomy.10. That the tests of Christian fellowship are the Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.9:38 | London UK[[@Headword:C11]]Group idGroup name9:38 | London UKTraditionWikipediaOriginMid-1990’s by Richard Coekin, Ian Garrett and Vaughan RobertsLinks toGood Book Company, The | London UKGospel Partners TrustwebiServe Africa | Nairobi KenyaMinistry Training Strategy | Hurstville NSW AustraliaProclamation Trust, The | London UKProject Timothy | SingaporeUCCF: The Christian UnionswebTheological training institutionsGeorge Whitefield College | Cape Town South AfricaHighland Theological College aka Colaiste Diadhaireachd na Gaidhealtach | Dingwall ScotlandLondon Theological Seminary | London UKMoore College aka Moore Theological College | Newtown New South Wales AustraliaOak Hill College | Southgate London UKWEST: Wales Evangelical School of Theology | Bridgend WalesWycliffe Hall | OxfordWebsite Source of creedal statement 5 January 2014What we believeThere is one God in three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.God is sovereign in creation, revelation, redemption and final judgement.The Bible, as originally given, is the inspired and infallible Word of God. It is the supreme authority in all matters of belief and behaviour. Since the fall, the whole of humankind is sinful and guilty, so that everyone is subject to God's wrath and condemnation.The Lord Jesus Christ, God's incarnate Son, is fully God; he was born of a virgin; his humanity is real and sinless; he died on the cross, was raised bodily from death and is now reigning over heaven and earth.Sinful human beings are redeemed from the guilt, penalty and power of sin only through the sacrificial death once and for all time of their representative and substitute, Jesus Christ, the only mediator between them and God.Those who believe in Christ are pardoned all their sins and accepted in God's sight only because of the righteousness of Christ credited to them; this justification is God's act of undeserved mercy, received solely by trust in him and not by their own efforts.The Holy Spirit alone makes the work of Christ effective to individual sinners, enabling them to turn to God from their sin and to trust in Jesus Christ.The Holy Spirit lives in all those he has regenerated. He makes them increasingly Christlike in character and behaviour and gives them power for their witness in the world.The one holy universal church is the Body of Christ, to which all true believers belong.The Lord Jesus Christ will return in person, to judge everyone, to execute God's just condemnation on those who have not repented and to receive the redeemed to eternal glory.AA Father to You | Taupo New Zealand[[@Headword:C12]]Group idGroup nameA Father to You | Taupo New ZealandTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks to365 PromisesFatherheart AsiaFatherheart AustraliaFatherheart IrelandFatherheart MediawebFatherheart Ministries | Taupo New ZealandFatherheart Ministries UKFatherheart NorwayFatherheart ScotlandFatherheart TVFatherheart UnlimitedwebFather's House FinlandFather's Love LetterHelping Hands in UgandawebJames and Denise JordanKingdom ClipsMto-Moyoni Simply His MinistrieswebThe Best Dad (in the Universe)The Perfect FatherTrevor and Linda GalpinWebsite Source of creedal statement 3 January 2014Church position papersTeaching notesGoing Deeper God has always been Father Redeeming the Orphan Heart Hindrances to knowing God as Father Forgiveness Journey to love I will be a Father to you Story of the lost sons Becoming a son Weakness Like a child We believe in....The one true God who lives eternally in three persons—the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.The love, grace and sovereignty of God in creating, sustaining, ruling, redeeming and judging the world.The divine inspiration and supreme authority of the Old and New Testament Scriptures, which are the written Word of God—fully trustworthy for faith and conduct.The dignity of all people, made male and female in God's image to love, be holy and care for creation, yet corrupted by sin, which incurs divine wrath and judgement.The incarnation of God’s eternal Son, the Lord Jesus Christ—born of the virgin Mary; truly divine and truly human, yet without sin.The atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross: dying in our place, paying the price of sin and defeating evil, so reconciling us with God.The bodily resurrection of Christ, the first fruits of our resurrection; his ascension to the Father, and his reign and mediation as the only Saviour of the world.The justification of sinners solely by the grace of God through faith in Christ.The ministry of God the Holy Spirit, who leads us to repentance, unites us with Christ through new birth, empowers our discipleship and enables our witness.The Church, the body of Christ both local and universal, the priesthood of all believers—given life by the Spirit and endowed with the Spirit's gifts to worship God and proclaim the gospel, promoting justice and love.The personal and visible return of Jesus Christ to fulfil the purposes of God, who will raise all people to judgement, bring eternal life to the redeemed and eternal condemnation to the lost, and establish a new heaven and new earth. Palavra Viva aka Igreja A Palavra Viva | Niterói Rio de Janeiro Brazil[[Headword:C157]]Group idGroup nameA Palavra Viva | Niterói Rio de Janeiro BrazilTraditionLiving Word FellowshipWikipediaOrigin1972 by John Robert Stevens as The Living Word in Brazil1995 properity in Niterói Rio de Janeiro BrazilLinks toChurch of His Kingdom | San Diego CAChurch of the Living Word | North Hills CAGary and Marilyn HargraveGrace Chapel of Honolulu | Honolulu HIGrace Chapel of Washington D.C. Rockville MDGrants Pass Community Church Grants Pass ORHale O Kāula | Maui HIJohn Robert StevensLiving Word Chapel | Palmer Lake COLiving Word FellowshipMonte Si?oShiloh | Kalona IAShiloh UniversityWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014 30 January 2014No que Cremos – Introdu??oAs igrejas da A Palavra Viva ensinam os mesmos princípios bíblicos e as mesmas doutrinas sobre os quais se apóiam outras igrejas crist?s convencionais, entre eles:A Bíblia Sagrada é a Palavra do Deus vivo verbalmente inspirada.Deus Se manifesta eternamente em três pessoas: Pai, Filho e Espírito Santo.Nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo é o senhor soberano sobre cada crente e sobre a igreja local e nós, crentes, nos submetemos t?o somente a Ele.O Espírito Santo produz fruto divino em nossas vidas.A ra?a humana está perdida e espiritualmente morta devido ao pecado de Ad?o, mas Deus enviou Seu Filho Jesus Cristo para nos redimir do pecado e das doen?as e para nos dar a vida eterna através do arrependimento e da fé em Cristo Jesus.Há um lugar destinado aos salvos e um lugar destinado aos perdidos após esta vida.Deus está buscando adoradores que O adorem em espírito e em verdade (Jo?o 4:23).A adora??o a Deus consiste no ato diário de nos curvarmos espiritualmente a Ele e de exaltá-Lo acima de todas as outras coisas na nossa vida.Nossos cultos de adora??o incluem adora??o coletiva e louvor, conforme o exemplo bíblico neo-testamentário. “… louvando a Deus com salmos e hinos e c?nticos espirituais, com gratid?o em vossos cora??es.” (Colossenses 3:16). Efésios 5:19-20.A sess?o de c?nticos conta com uma variedade de instrumentos musicais e é conduzida por líderes de adora??o ungidos (Salmos 68:25; 33:2-3; 81:1-3; I Cr?nicas 25:1-7).Adora??o é a nossa rea??o ao mandamento e ao amor Dele por nós.“Ouve, ó Israel: o Senhor nosso Deus é o único Senhor. Amarás o Senhor teu Deus de todo o teu cora??o, de toda a tua alma, e de toda a tua for?a.” (Deuteron?mio 6:4-5). Mateus 22:37; Marcos 12:29-30; Lucas 10:27.O único objetivo dos nossos cultos de adora??o é agradar e servir a Deus.Nós O adoramos e O amamos … porque Ele nos amou primeiro (I Jo?o 4:19).? responsabilidade dos renascidos em Cristo de todas as denomina??es lutarem em conjunto pela unidade de espírito que é produzida pela submiss?o ao senhorio de Cristo.Nós reconhecemos que o Corpo de Cristo é composto de muitos membros, os quais possuem fun??es diversas, e que há uma rela??o de interdependência entre eles, pois cada membro precisa dos outros membros.As igrejas da Palavra Viva est?o buscando o nível de unidade no Corpo de Cristo que Jesus mencionou em Jo?o 17:21, quando orou ao Pai: “a fim de que todos sejam um… para que o mundo creia que Tu Me enviaste”.Nossas igrejas promovem a edifica??o do Corpo de Cristo para que cheguemos à unidade da fé, ao pleno conhecimento do Filho de Deus e à maturidade associada à plenitude de Cristo (Efésios 4:12-13).Deus estabeleceu o princípio de se falar a verdade em amor? para que os membros da igreja possam viver e trabalhar juntos, em unidade, e crescer em todos os aspectos em Cristo (Efésios 4:15).O Corpo de Cristo cresce e edifica a si próprio em amor através da participa??o e do funcionamento específico de cada membro (Efésios 4:16).Nós demonstramos publicamente a nossa estima e o nosso reconhecimento de cada um como membro precioso da família de Deus, digno de honra e de respeito pela sua fidelidade ao chamado Dele (I Coríntios 16:15-18; Romanos 16:1-4). “Daí a cada um o que lhe é devido… a quem respeito, respeito; a quem honra, honra.” (Romanos 13:7)“Amai-vos cordialmente uns aos outros com amor fraternal, preferindo-vos em honra uns aos outros.” (Romanos 12:10)“Dando sempre gra?as por tudo… sujeitando-vos uns aos outros no temor de Cristo.” (Efésios 5:20-21).A? esperan?a da glória de Deus está na manifesta??o de Jesus Cristo em cada crente (Colossenses 1:27). Jesus Cristo está vindo… para ser glorificado nos Seus santos… e ser admirado em todos os que crêem…(II Tessalonicenses 1:10).Deus estabelece as pessoas no Seu Corpo e as sujeita à Sua autoridade conforme Lhe agrada.Cada crente precisa ter liberdade para seguir a dire??o de Deus para a sua vida. Desejamos que cada crente persevere na sua fé e cumpra seu destino onde quer que Deus escolher. “Assim como o corpo é um, e tem muitos membros, e todos os membros, sendo muitos, formam um só corpo, assim é Cristo também. Mas Deus colocou os membros no corpo, cada um deles como quis.” (I Coríntios 12:12, 18).O estabelecimento de uma pessoa numa igreja da Palavra Viva se dá mediante a concord?ncia das duas partes: do provável novo membro e da igreja em quest?o.Da mesma forma, os membros têm liberdade para sair das nossas igrejas sem nenhuma condena??o, e com a bên??o de Deus, para continuarem caminhando com Ele em outro lugar onde Ele os venha a colocar (I Coríntios 12:18).Nós incentivamos as nossas igrejas e os nossos membros? a exercerem uma influência positiva nas suas comunidades e vizinhan?as.“Assim resplande?a também a vossa luz diante dos homens, para que vejam as vossas boas obras e glorifiquem a vosso Pai que está nos céus.” (Mateus 5:16).Nosso compromisso é que as igrejas da Palavra Viva reflitam a un??o e o modelo da Igreja do primeiro século descrita no Novo Testamento.Nós aceitamos os ministérios de apóstolos, profetas, evangelistas, pastores, mestres, presbíteros, diáconos, socorros, governos, etc., conforme esbo?ado em Efésios 4:11; I Coríntios 12:27-31; Romanos 12:4-8; I Pedro 5:1-5; I Timóteo 3:8-10. Nos nossos cultos nós exercemos os dons espirituais que Deus concedeu, conforme descreve I Coríntios 12 e 14.Nós acreditamos que o livro de Atos e as epístolas do Novo Testamento comp?em o modelo de organiza??o e funcionamento da Igreja de Jesus Cristo.As igrejas da Palavra Viva crêem que é vital… batalharmos diligentemente pela fé que de uma vez por todas foi entregue aos santos (Judas 3).Nós nos esfor?amos por praticar diariamente um estilo de vida condizente com os princípios bíblicos nos quais cremos e os quais ensinamos.“Assim também a fé, se n?o tiver obras, é morta em si mesma.” (Tiago 2:17)“E perseveravam na doutrina dos apóstolos, na comunh?o, no partir do p?o e nas ora??es. Diariamente perseveravam un?nimes… partiam p?o de casa em casa, e tomavam as suas refei??es com alegria e singeleza de cora??o. Era um o cora??o e a alma da multid?o dos que criam…” (Atos 2:42, 46; 4:32).An Introduction to Our BeliefsThe Living Word Fellowship churches teach the same biblical principles and tenets that other conventional Christian churches hold sacred, including:The Holy Bible is the verbally inspired Word of the living God.God is eternally manifested in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.Jesus Christ our Lord is sovereign over the individual believer and the local church, and we as believers are ultimately submissive to Him and Him alone.The Holy Spirit produces godly fruit in our lives.Mankind is lost and spiritually dead through the sin of Adam, but God sent His Son Jesus Christ to redeem us from sin and sickness and to give us eternal life through repentance and faith in Christ Jesus.After this life there is a place prepared for those who are saved and a place for the lost.God is searching for worshipers who will worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23).Worship of God is a daily action of bowing ourselves down spiritually before Him and exalting Him above all else in our lives.Our worship services include congregational worship as well as praise following the New Testament scriptural expression of …psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:16). Ephesians 5:19-20.Our singing is typically accompanied by a variety of musical instruments, led by anointed leaders of worship (Psalms 68:25; 33:2-3; 81:1-3; I Chronicles 25:1-7).Worship is our response to His commandment and His love for us."Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:29-30; Luke 10:27.Our worship services are solely aimed at pleasing and serving God.We worship and love Him …because He first loved us (I John 4:19). It is the responsibility of born-again Christians of all denominations and fellowships to strive together for a oneness of spirit that is created by adhering to Christ's Lordship.We recognize that the Body of Christ is comprised of many diverse members, all of whom share an important need for, and an interdependent relationship with, each other.The Living Word Fellowship is contending for the level of oneness within the Body of Christ which Jesus identified in John 17:21 when He asked the Father, "that they may all be one…that the world may believe that You sent Me."Our churches promote the building up of the Body of Christ in order to attain to the unity of the faith, a true knowledge of the Son of God, and a maturity that belongs to the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:12-13).By speaking the truth in love, God has made provision for those in the church to live and work together in unity and to grow up in all aspects into Christ (Ephesians 4:15).By every member supplying and properly functioning in his or her part, the Body of Christ grows and builds itself up in love (Ephesians 4:16).We regard and esteem each other publicly as precious members of God's family, worthy of honor and respect for being faithful to His calling (I Corinthians 16:15-18; Romans 16:1-4).Pay to all what is due them…respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7; NRSV).Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor (Romans 12:10).Always giving thanks for all things…and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ (Ephesians 5:20-21).Jesus Christ coming forth in each believer is the hope of God's glory (Colossians 1:27).Jesus Christ is coming …to be glorified in His saints…and to be marveled at among all who have believed… (II Thessalonians 1:10).God sets individuals into His Body and under His authority as it pleases Him.Each believer must be free to follow God's leading for his or her life. Our desire is for every believer to continue in their Christian faith and to fulfill their individual destiny in whatever place God chooses.For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. …God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired (I Corinthians 12:12,18).People are set into a church in The Living Word Fellowship upon a common agreement between the prospective new member and the church.Likewise, members are free to leave our fellowship without any condemnation, and with God's blessing, to continue in their walk with Him elsewhere as He would place them (I Corinthians 12:18).The Living Word Fellowship encourages its churches and members to be a positive impact on their local communities and neighborhoods."Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).Our church members maintain an active role in various community services such as Neighborhood Watch, police and fire departments, community planning departments, local city boards and councils, and ministerial associations.Some of our members are active leaders and resources for youth organizations and community athletic leagues.Some of our facilities are made available as polling places for local and national elections, as well as community theatrical productions.Some of our churches operate educational programs that serve the community by providing solid academic training in a safe and intimate environment.It is our commitment that The Living Word Fellowship churches reflect the anointing and pattern of the first-century Church as identified in the New Testament Scriptures.We receive the ministries of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, elders, deacons, helps, administration, etc., as outlined in Ephesians 4:11; I Corinthians 12:27-31; Romans 12:4-8; I Peter 5:1-5; I Timothy 3:8-10. In our services, we exercise the spiritual gifts that God gave, as identified in I Corinthians 12 and 14.We believe the book of Acts and the New Testament epistles comprise the model for how the church of Jesus Christ is to be organized and operated.The Living Word Fellowship believes it is vital that we…contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints (Jude 3).We endeavor to practice a daily lifestyle that expresses the biblical principles we believe and teach.Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself (James 2:17).They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Day by day continuing with one mind…breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart. And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul… (Acts 2:42, 46; 4:32).A21 Campaign, The [[@Headword:C13]]Group idGroup nameThe A21 CampaignTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toBranches: Australia, Bulgaria, Greece, UK, Ukraine, USAWebsite Source of creedal statementChurch position papersTrafficking in Persons Report 2012CNN Freedom ProjectThe Face of Modern SlaveryLost BoysOur America: Interview with Ambassador CdeBacaUkraine Approaches International Anti-Corruption StandardsNotorious Albanian Human Smuggler Arrested in GreecePolice: Man Held At Least 8 Hostage in TexasNew Funding Announced to Fight Slavery and Trafficking …etc.Aaron Academy | Antioch TN[[@Headword:C14]]Group idGroup nameAaron Academy | Antioch TNTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toCrossroads Church Antioch | Antioch TNTennessee Association of Church-Related SchoolswebWebsite Source of creedal statement 10 January 2014Our statement of Faith: We believe …1) The Bible is the Word of God: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17) "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) 2) God's Word became flesh: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14) Jesus answered them... "I and my Father are one." (John 10:25a, and 30) "and Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God." (John 20:28) 3) Man has sinned against God: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10) 4) There's a price to pay for sin: "For the wages of sin is death;" (Romans 6:23a) 5) God will judge man: "And it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27) 6) Jesus came to save man: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) 7) Jesus paid the price for us: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from the wrath through him." (Romans 5:8-9) "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" (I Timothy 2:5) "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) 8) Man can be saved: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10) "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13) "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8) 9) God will forgive us: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1: 18) "As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12) 10) God will change us: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." (John 8:32) 11) God will come for us: "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and 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 so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:16) 12) God's word is true: "If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words on the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:18,19) Aaron House Christian Fellowship | Courtenay, BC[[@Headword:C15]]Group idGroup nameAaron House Christian Fellowship | Courtenay, BCTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 26 December 2013Church position papersApostolic / Prophetic CounselHealing CrusadeWhy Not Women?Statement of FaithWe believe that the BIBLE is the inspired Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:15-16 and Peter 2:21We believe in the unity of the one True and Living God, who is eternal, Self existent "I AM", who has revealed Himself as one Being in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Deuteronomy 6:4. Mark 12:29 and Matthew 28:19We believe in the virgin birth, sinless life, miraculous ministry, atoning death, bodily resurrection, triumphal ascension and abiding intercession of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in His second Advent as the blessed hope set before all believers.We believe in Salvation through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for our sins according to the Scriptures. He was buried and was raised from among the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures, and through His blood we have redemption.We believe that baptism by total immersion in water is enjoyed upon all who have really repented and have truly believed with all their hearts in Christ as Saviour and Lord. Matthew 28:19, Acts 10:47, Acts 2:38-39.We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and evidence of speaking in tongues. Acts 2:4We believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Offices have been set by God in the church, as recorded in the New Testament. 1Corinthians 12:4-11 & 28, Ephesians 4:7-16.We believe that the breaking of bread (communion) is enjoyed upon all believers until the Lord returns. Luke 22:14-20, 1 Corinthians 11:20-34.PracticesDedication of Children.Prayer for Baptism by the Holy Spirit.Prayer for the sickWe believe in receiving tithes and offerings as a means God uses to sustain His local church and should be given out of a love relationship with God.AMM: Aaron Maners Ministries | Orange Park FL[[@Headword:C111]]Group idAMMGroup nameAaron Maners Ministries | Orange Park FLTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toAssociation of Related ChurchesCANVAS Church | Jacksonville FLNew Life Christian Fellowship | Titusville FLShoreline Christian Center | Austin TXWebsite Source of creedal statement 28 January 2014What We BelieveSimply put, we exist to point people toward Jesus and create followers of Jesus who will one day point others toward Jesus.We believe that the Bible is God’s Word. It is accurate, authoritative, and applicable to our everyday lives. It alone is the final authority for determining all doctrinal truths. ?(2 Timothy 3:16, 17)We believe in one eternal God who is the Creator of all things. He exists in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He is totally loving and completely holy. ?(Deuteronomy 6:4, 5; Matthew 28:19)We believe that man was created in the image of God, but through voluntary disobedience he sinned. Sin has separated each of us from God and His purpose for our lives. The Lord Jesus Christ as both God and man is the only One who can reconcile us to God. He lived a sinless life and is our only example of how to live. ??(Genesis 1:27; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)We believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin and that He was crucified and died in order that we may be forgiven of all our sins and be able to be in right relationship with God. He was buried and rose again from the dead in three days to prove victory over death and to empower us in life. ??(Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23; Matthew 28:5, 6)We believe in the salvation of sinners through grace and faith. Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our good works or of any human effort. We receive forgiveness of our sins when we repent of our sins, believe in Jesus Christ, and confess that He is our Lord and Savior. To repent is to commit to turn away from our sins and follow Jesus Christ. ? (Ephesians 2:8, 9)We believe that Jesus commands each believer to be baptized in water. Water baptism is administered to those who are born again. When a believer is baptized in water, we believe that God fills the believer with the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to use spiritual gifts. ??(Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16-18)We believe the baptism of the Holy Spirit, given at Pentecost, is the promise of the Father to all believers. The Holy Spirit endows each believer with power to serve God wholeheartedly and to serve others. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, manifests Himself through the believer in spiritual gifts which are used in order to build and sanctify the Church. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are to be in operation according to biblical parameters. ??(John 15:26; 1 Corinthians 12-14)We believe that God has equipped each of us so that we can successfully achieve God’s purpose for our lives which is to worship God, find and fulfill our role in the Church, and serve the community in which we live. ? (Philippians 2:13; Ephesians 4:10-16)We believe that God desires to heal and transform us so that we can live healthy and victorious lives so that we may effectively help others. ? (3 John 2-4)We believe that our eternal destination of either Heaven or Hell is determined by our response to the Lord Jesus Christ. ? (John 3:1-21; 1 Peter 1:3, 4)We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back again as He promised. ??(John 14:1-3; Revelation 22:7, 20)AFCFC: Abba Father’s Christian Fellowship Church | Kodiak AK[[@Headword:C112]]Group idAFCFCGroup nameAbba Father’s Christian Fellowship Church | Kodiak AKTraditionWikipediaOrigin2011 by Rony Harden, Sr.Links toFaith Christian Fellowship Church Inc.Manhattan Christian Fellowship Church Inc | Manhattan KSWebsite Source of creedal statement 28 January 2014Statement of FaithAt Abba Father’s Christian Fellowship, I will be equipped with the tools for Holy living, inspiring me to strive for a higher level of spiritual maturity in Christ.? I will be taught the fundamental principles of walking in relationship with God.I will be taught and instructed in the things and ways of God.? I will come to understand the importance of serving God with my whole heart, and of the necessity to maintain Godly relationships.If I apply God’s word in my everyday life, my life will not be the same.? My home, my school, my work place and my community will be changed forever by Jesus Christ working in me and through me.? AmenAbba Fund | Plano TX[[@Headword:C113]]Group idGroup nameAbba Fund | Plano TXTraditionNon-denominational evangelicalWikipediaOrigin2004 by Eugene AllisonLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 28 January 2014What We BelieveABBA Fund is a nondenominational Christian ministry with evangelical roots. Our heart is grounded in helping orphans – often referred to as the “fatherless” in Scripture – to be cared for in a loving, nurturing Christian family environment where they will not only experience the love of Jesus Christ, but be introduced to the person of Jesus Christ … and hopefully trust in Him so that they will be adopted into Abba, Father’s family through salvation.We believe the best way to accomplish that calling is to help Christian families adopt — and not just adopting in or into the United States, but also helping international Christian families adopt orphans in their own culture and country. And in countries where adoption is not an option, we want to help Christian families provide as close to a loving, nurturing family environment as possible in culturally appropriate ways. Every child deserves a family.The heritage of our ministry name and a core value that drives our focus on adoption comes from what Scripture tells us about God’s desire to adopt each one of us into His family:For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.- Romans 8:14-16But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”- Galatians 4:4-6For he chose us?in him before the creation of the world?to be holy and blameless?in his sight. In love?he?predestined?us for adoption to sonship?through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure?and will—?to the praise of his glorious grace,?which he has freely given us in the One he loves.?In him we have redemption?through his blood,?the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches?of God’s grace …- Ephesians 1:4-8?Statement of FaithWe believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:15-17)We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.?(Matthew 28:19; Ephesians 4:4-6)We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.?(John 1:1-4; Matthew 1:23; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 1:1-4 & 4:15; Acts 1:11 & 2:22-24; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)We believe that, for the salvation of lost and sinful man, repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ results in regeneration by the Holy Spirit and that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation.?(Titus 3:4-7; Luke 24:46-47; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; Acts 4:12)We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit whose indwelling enables the Christian to live a godly life.?(Galatians 5:16-18; Romans 8:9)We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; the saved unto the resurrection of eternal life and the lost unto the resurrection of damnation and eternal punishment.?(Revelation 20:11-15; 2 Corinthians 15:51-57)We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and that all true believers are members of His body, the Church.?(Ephesians 1:22-23; 2 Corinthians 12:12, 27)Abba House | Cumming GA[[@Headword:C114]]Group idGroup nameAbba House | Cumming GATraditionWikipediaOrigin1992 by Jim and Chris Sharp in Okeechobee, FloridaMerged with The Women’s Ministry of Faith Farm2000 Abba House reestablished in GeorgiaLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 28 January 2014Statement of FaithWe believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.Abba Ministries of Canada | Halifax NS[[@Headword:C16]]Group idGroup nameAbba Ministries of Canada | Halifax NSTraditionWikipediaOrigin1998Links toJesus of Nazarethweb c/o Church of Saint Mary MagdalenewebWebsite Source of creedal statement 28 December 2013Our Guiding Values: Historic and Creedal: We honour, embrace, and remain rooted to the historic Christian creeds as reflected in both the Nicene and Apostle's creeds. Priestly and Prophetic: We value the role of the prophet who engages in a perpetual and creative struggle with social constructs that marginalize and exclude, and the priest who engages in liturgy, the ministry of sacraments, along with leadership and administration.Relevant and Mystical: We value the tension between the mystical work of the Spirit, the transcendent source of God's Word and the relevant, imminent implications of this work and this Word in our lives, personally, and in our world.Evangelical and Liberal: We value the tension created between Liberal and Evangelical Christianity. We accept and engage without denunciation all forms of knowledge and scholarship with gracious and humble spirits, while maintaining clear convictions regarding the deity of Christ, the authority of scripture, and God's redemptive plan for humankind.Grace and Truth: Accepting that we all are prone to both error and sin, we seek to look directly and unflinchingly upon the human condition with grace, art, humour and truthfulness.[Special thanks to Rev. Steve Yeo] Nicene Creed XE "Creed:Nicene Creed" Apostles’ Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" Abba Pregnancy Resource Center | Elk River MN[[@Headword:C115]]Group idGroup nameAbba Pregnancy Resource Center | Elk River MNTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 28 January 2014The Abba Crisis Pregnancy Center Statement of FaithWe believe in one God (Deut. 5:7; 6:6). We believe HE has revealed himself as triune, that is one God yet 3 persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Mt. 3:16, 17; Jn 14:26) He has spoken to us through the Scriptures, the inspired and infallible Word of God (II Tim 3:16)We believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He was fully human and fully God, that he is the express image of the invisible God. (Jn 3:16; Col 1:15)We believe that Jesus was sinless, though tempted, He never yielded to temptation. (Heb. 4:15)We believe that He overcame death and rose from the tomb on the third day and won the victory over death, hell and the grave.? No one can be saved by any other name that the name of Jesus.? ( Matt 28:1-7; Rev. 1:18; Acts 4:12)We believe that salvation is a free gift of God, a precious gift paid for by the blood of His Son (Jn 3:16). Works are a result of salvation, not a means to salvation.? (Eph 2:8-9)We believe that every believer is empowered and gifted by the Holy Spirit.? We believe in the gifts of the Spirit and the greatest evidence of all the gifts of the Spirit is love.? ( Eph. 5:18; I Cor. 13:12-13)We believe that though Jesus came to save us from hell, death, and sickness, he also saved us to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14): to be our brother’s keeper (Lk 10:30-37): to be the image of God’s love to a dying world.? (I Jn 4:7-8; Gal 6)We believe that Jesus Christ will physically return to earth. “Coming in the clouds of glory.” ?(Matt. 24:27-30; I Thess. 3:13)? This time He will come to judge the world and avenge the honor of His Father, and the blood of all who died for the testimony of God.? ( Rev. 6:9, Lk 10:19:11-16)We believe God has called us to be a voice for the voiceless, to stand in the gap for those oppressed by immoral law, the unborn.? (Isa. 58)We believe that God has called us to raise our voices against injustice, not to bow to immoral law, but to stand firm on the law of our God.? (Dan. 3:6)We believe that the unborn is a living human being from the moment of conception (Psalm 139:13-16; Isa. 49:15-16) a unique person known by God (Jer. 1:5)We believe in God’s commandment that says “Thou shall not murder.”? We believe that abortion is the wrongful taking of an innocent human life and is not an alternative to unwanted pregnancy. (Deut. 5:17)We believe all life is of great quality to God (Ex. 4:10-12) and that God assigns a time to be born and a time to die.? (Eccl 3:1-2).Abba Rain Ministries | Covington GA[[@Headword:C17]]Group idARMGroup nameAbba Rain Ministries | Covington GATraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toAbundant Life Center Church for Prosperous Living | Akron OHWebsite Source of creedal statement 2 January 2014Our Beliefs Abba Rain MinistriesWe believe in one God, Jesus Christ the son of God. The Holy Spirit, God’s teacher. We believe that these three are one. The one manifests itself in and through all creation. The manifest universe is the body of Christ; we believe the one spirit resides in man. We believe the soul of man is eternal and continuously evolving. We believe that the Kingdom of Heaven is within man and that we experience this Kingdom to the degree that we become conscious of its existence in us. We believe in the unity of all life, which flows through the Christ Spirit. We believe that God is personal to all who feel his indwelling presence. We believe in the direct revelation of truth through the awakening and spiritual maturity of man. We believe that any man may become a revealer of truth who lives in close contact and harmony with the indwelling God.We believe in salvation, that the blood of Jesus Christ was shed for our sins. And that his resurrection has given us access to our creator in a more personal way. We believe in water baptism as the burial of our past nature. We believe in communion the Lords supper as a symbol the partaking of his death. We believe in the filling of the Holy Spirit which is manifested through speaking in tongues. We believe in the fivefold ministry and that all scripture was given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.My husband and I have both been ordained on more than one occasion. We believe that every church must have a covering, or someone in which they give an account to. This church is under Abundant Life Center Church for Prosperous Living located in Akron, Oh. Dr. Ronnie Stephens is our Presiding Bishop as well as our spiritual father and mentor; he has his doctrine of divinity and walks in the office of a prophet. He presides over churches all around the United States.We believe in tithing. A lot of believers today have tried to silence their responsibility to God’s word by arguing that the tithe was abolished with the law. Tithing began with Abraham four hundred years before the law; he tithed to Melchizedek who was a priest. The scripture teaches us in the New Testament, Romans 4 vs. 12 that we are to walk in the footsteps of the faith of Abraham. Jesus taught in Matthew 23 vs. 23 that we are to practice the latter without neglecting the former things. The Apostle Paul also teaches the same principle of tithing in 1 Corinthians 9 vs. 13 – 14 = Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the alter share in what is offered on the alter? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. And Galatians 6 vs. 6 = Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. We believe that as Malachi 3 vs. 7 – 12, anyone who does not tithe brings a curse upon themselves and their families and stunts the growth of any ministry that they are affiliated with.We believe in truth, walking in truth and living in truth. We believe that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But we believe that all that are exposed to the truth are responsible for the truth that God reveals to them. We believe that everyone is being called to live in truth.Abba World Wide Ministries | Kissimmee FL[[@Headword:C18]]Group idABBA WWMGroup nameAbba World Wide Ministries | Kissimmee FL aka Abba Home Churches NetworkTraditionHome church; messianic JudaismWikipediaOrigin2005 Apostle Nebby Gomez and Prophet Dee GomezLinks to11 home churchesWebsite Source of creedal statement 28 December 2013What do we believe?We believe that the bible; made up of the Jewish Scriptures (Old Testament) and the Apostolic Scriptures of the New Testament, is the infallible, immutable and inspired Word of God. 2 Peter 1:19-21We believe that God is one self being (Echad) that exists forever and is composed of three different and distinct forms. 1 John 5:7We believe that Yeshua/Jesus is the promised Messiah for Israel and the Redeemer of Humanity. Because of his life, death and resurrection, he fulfilled the Messianic Prophecies of the Old Testament in regards to the first coming of the Messiah. The divine Messiah/Jesus; is the maximum revelation of God for men. Isaiah 53:1-12We believe that the second coming of Yeshua (Jesus Christ) is eminent. Acts 1:11We believe in the resurrection of the righteous. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) in which the believer can be equipped to live a life of holiness. John 14:15-17We believe that whoever dies physically without having accepted Jesus/Yeshua and does not have Him living inside of them is eternally condemned and lost to the lake of fire, without another opportunity to listen to the gospel in order to repent. Hebrews 9:27We believe that the Nation of Israel is chosen by God to be a channel of blessings to all the other nations of the earth. Romans 11:11-26Abba’s Arms International, Inc | State College PA[[@Headword:C19]]Group idGroup nameAbba’s Arms International, Inc | State College PATraditionWikipediaOriginInfluenced by Jack FrostLinks toA Father to You | Taupo New ZealandCatch the Fire | Toronto ONElijah HouseFatherheart MinistriesFatherheart TVFatherheart UnlimitedwebFather’s Love LetterFreedom Quest InternationalwebGraham Cooke MinistrieswebRestoring the Foundations MinistrywebShiloh Place MinistriesSimply His MinistrieswebThe Father Loves YouwebWebsite Source of creedal statement 3 January 2014 3 January 2014Statement of Faith1. WE BELIEVE there is only one eternal God represented to us in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 1 John 5:6-7 Matt. 28:192. WE BELIEVE that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and written by men for our correction, instruction in righteousness, and as a guide to salvation and living a holy life. 2 Tim. 3:16 2 Pet. 1:20-213. WE BELIEVE in Jesus, fully God and fully man, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, who suffered and died on the cross atoning for our sins and carrying our sicknesses and infirmities, who rose from the dead victorious over Satan, sin, and death, who shed His blood for the remission of our sins and established a New Covenant with us, and who now sits at the right hand of the Father until His triumphant return to the earth. Is. 53:5-4, Luke 1:30-35, Luke 22:20, Col. 2:15, Rev. 1:184. WE BELIEVE that all lost and sinful men must be born again through faith in the finished work of Jesus at Calvary and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as their Savior before they leave this earth. At the resurrection, those who are saved will live an eternal life with the Father, but those who have rejected Jesus will live in damnation and judgment separated from Him forever. Luke 16:19-26, Rom. 3:23, Rom. 10:9-10 5. WE BELIEVE that the Holy Spirit lives in the heart of every born again believer and enables every Christian to live a holy life and release the fruits of the Spirit to others. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate faith experience enabling the born again believer to flow in the gifts and manifestations of the Holy Spirit as He wills for the benefit of all. Acts 1:8, Rom. 8:9, 15-16, 1 Cor. 12:7-11, Gal. 5:22-236. WE BELIEVE in the unity of believers to become one new man in our Lord Jesus Christ where there is total equality across all boundaries of race, gender, class, and Christian or Jewish differences. We are created to receive His love and love one another as His life flows through us. John 13:34, Gal. 3:26-28, Eph. 2:14-177. WE BELIEVE in water baptism as symbolic of our death to the flesh and our cleansing through the power of God, and it testifies of our faith in Jesus Christ. Rom. 6:3-4, Col. 2:128. WE BELIEVE that God perfectly loves and accepts us just the way we are because He sees us through the finished work of the cross. Although He is almighty and all powerful, our heavenly Father is personally interested in our life and our every need and concern. He is our Abba (Daddy) and loves us as sons and daughters just as much as He loves Jesus. John 17:23, Eph. 1:4-6, 1 John 3:19. We BELIEVE that it is by grace that we are saved through faith. His grace and mercy follow us all the days of our lives and are sufficient to provide for all our needs, sustain health and healing in our bodies, and keep us from our adversaries. Through His grace we can expect His favor in all we do and everything we set our hand to do shall prosper. Deut. 8:18, Ps. 23:6, 2 Cor. 9:8, Eph. 2:8Why Am I Here?Have you ever asked yourself this question? Do you wonder what your real purpose in life is? Is it just to survive or make the best of life and then die? A Beautiful Plan!Our earthly fathers were meant to help us find our purpose in life and encourage us to identify and pursue the passion that is in our heart. We were created for adventure, to explore our world, to expand our territory, to reclaim what was stolen and lost in the Garden, and to build relationships with each other and our heavenly Father. We all have a longing in our heart to love and be loved. We were meant to receive love from our Father God and give it away to the next person we met. We were meant to live as sons and daughters of our heavenly Father and to exercise our "sonship" to establish the Kingdom of God here on earth.It Got Messed Up!Unfortunately, this beautiful plan got all messed up when Adam and Eve sinned against God in the Garden through disobedience. It put in motion a curse on the land and brought only pain and wounding to everyone on the earth. Through wars, famines, pestilence, poverty, natural disasters, and other calamities the pain and wounding has been passed on from generation to generation up to our present time. None of us has been completely immune from the effects of this wounding on our life, some less so than others. The pain and hurt in our lives have quenched the love, hope, and joy and our hearts have died. We have tried to medicate the pain through the false lovers of addictions, being sexual active, power, jobs, status, wealth, position, hyper activity, and religion that only leave us empty with no real purpose to life. We just try to survive to the next day.But Father's Love Made a Way!But our heavenly Father knew that we would find ourselves in this difficult state of being and provided a way out, a way back into His love, joy, and peace. He loved us too much to leave us in this despair and depression, uncertain of what our purpose in life is. He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place, to pay the price and buy us back from the penalty of sin. The work was finished over 2,000 years ago on the cross and all the heavenly Father is asking you to do is believe that Jesus did it for you! Jesus paid the price to set us free from all the bondage and false lovers, to deliver us from our sinful nature, to heal all the wounds, carry all the pains, and give us a hope and a future that is good. Father God has put before us a simple choice, life or death (eternal separation from Him). Father God is knocking on the door of your life right now. He is inviting you to come into a new relationship with Him and become part of His family. Just say this prayer out loud and believe in your heart that Jesus died and was raised from the dead just for you!Dear heavenly Father, I ask you to forgive me of my sins, cleanse me of all unrighteousness, adopt me as your (son/daughter), and be my Father from this day forward. I ask you to bring healing to all the wounded areas of my life, put together all the broken pieces, and restore me to wholeness through the finished work of the cross. As I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord of my life and believe in my heart that Christ was raised from the dead, by faith I am saved now. I make Jesus Savior and Lord of my life right now and I will walk with Him the rest of the days of my life. In Jesus Name, Amen. How to Begin a Relationship with Jesus ChristIf you just prayed this prayer, then there are some things that you can start doing to help you walk out the reality of your salvation in Christ Jesus.1. To help solidify your decision in your spirit, you need to tell somebody what you did. You can go to our contact us page and send us an e-mail and we will send you some additional information. Or you can tell a friend or family member.2. Start to get to know you heavenly Father by making it a daily habit to read the Bible, His Word to you. I would recommend starting with the four books of the New Testament to learn more about this Jesus that you just made Lord of your life. Read is slowly and ask Father to show you what He wants you to see and learn.3. Spend time each day in prayer, worship, and fellowship with your heavenly Father. Spend part of the time just being quiet and let Him speak to you and fill you with His love. Draw near to Him and He will become more real to you.4. Get involved in a local body of believers that focus on His Word and His unconditional love for us.5. Expect and look for opportunities to give His love away to others who you will come in contact with during the day.6. Be aware of His presence all day long and expect good things to happen to you with the favor of the Lord!!Abba’s Delight | Louisville KY[[@Headword:C116]]Group idGroup nameAbba’s Delight | Louisville KYTraditionInter-denominationalWikipediaOrigin2008 by Daniel MingoLinks toFocus On The FamilyHope for Wholeness NetworkROCK: Reclaim Our Culture KentuckianaWebsite Source of creedal statement 28 January 2014 28 January 2014What We Believe – Faith DoctrinesWe believe in the eternal and everlasting God, the Creator of all things, living and dead; who functions in the mystery of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; Three in One and One in Three.We believe the Bible is the inerrant written Word of God, containing the Old Testament and New Testament books, set forth by humans inspired by the power of the Holy Spirit. We look to these Scriptures as the final authority for truth, doctrine, instruction and correction for godly living.We believe mankind is created in the image of the Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to live life in relationship with Them to love, honor and serve Them for eternity.We believe sin entered into the world through man’s disobedience to God, and that this sin separated all mankind from God eternally.We believe God sent the Son, Jesus, miraculously born of a virgin, to earth as the ultimate expression of His love for mankind, to be the blood sacrifice for the sin of mankind, suffering torture and death, as payment for mankind’s sins.We believe that in life, Jesus was fully God and fully man, living a sinless existence, though tempted in every way as mankind is. We believe Jesus learned obedience through the things which He suffered, and He laid down His life to the point of death on a cross.We believe God’s power raised Jesus from the grave to ascend into heaven where He has taken His rightful place on His throne at the right hand of the Father for eternity, once and for all conquering Satan, sin, and death.We believe we are declared guiltless, and that by accepting into our lives personally Jesus’ work on the cross and His resurrection, we are saved and become born again spiritually, becoming adopted sons and daughters into the family of God by the power of the Holy Spirit.We believe the Holy Spirit is the active Agent of God indwelling our lives. He leads and guides His sons and daughters in all Truth, and does the work of transforming us as we live our lives in obedience to Him by His grace, the power to do His will.We believe Jesus is Savior, Lord and King and that He will return again to the earth to judge the living and the dead. We believe those who have rejected Jesus and his offer of eternal salvation will condemn themselves to hell for eternity, and those who have accepted Jesus’ offer of eternal salvation will spend eternity with Him as co-heirs of His Kingdom.What We Believe – Human Sexuality PlatformWe believe God created man and woman as separate and distinct beings, made in Their (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) image as part of His original design and intent. We acknowledge that our bodies belong to God, not ourselves.We believe sexuality is a gift from God, not a right. Like everything in life, that gift should be stewarded carefully for His glory and honor.As Biblically stated, we believe expressions of sexuality according to God’s plan are reserved for married couples; that is, one man married to one woman. Therefore, any other sexual expression, whether individually or with another person, is outside of God’s will, and constitutes sin, whether the other person is of the same sex or the opposite sex.We believe homosexual acts fall outside of God’s will for Biblical sexuality.We believe no one chooses to be same-sex attracted, just as no one chooses to be opposite-sex attracted. Attractions just are! However, we also believe that our God-given free will allows us to choose how we will use our gift of sexual expression either to follow His plan, or reject His plan. We believe one way leads to life, the other to death.We do not hold to a genetic link being a possible cause for homosexuality. Though scientific studies have been made, there has been no definitive proof to surface whatsoever. Therefore, we believe the claim “I was born this way,” to be a deception.We acknowledge that demonic activity over a Christian believer can influence one towards sinful behaviors, which can become addictive, especially in the area of sexuality. However, Abba’s Delight does not practice deliverance ministry or exorcisms.We believe gender development, whether homosexual or heterosexual (or other variances), occurs as a part of a child’s early development process, between healthy relating with one’s own gender, starting with his or her parents then further developing or further hindered in peer relationships.We believe that change is possible, and that there are many kinds and degrees of change as one journeys towards sexual purity. We acknowledge that often those looking for change are looking to be turned from homosexual to heterosexual with no lingering effects. Though I have personally never met anyone who fits this exact description, I certainly wouldn’t wish to put God in a box and make the claim that He could not bring it about. We believe the goal for our sexuality should be holiness and purity, regardless of our marital status or at what point we are along the journey.We do not seek to change an individual’s attractions or orientation, and we will not make promises that such will happen. But we also believe that finding sexual purity is available to those who submit their lives and wills to God’s leading for Him to begin His process of change however He sees fit, according to His plan and purpose for each individual. Practical steps such as confessing your sin; repentance; being open, transparent, honest and truthful, and accountable; seeking the Lord to find identity in Him; God will use all these things to bring maturity to the believer’s life, including the area of sexuality.Abba’s Heart Ministries | Kingsburg CA[[@Headword:C20]]Group idGroup nameAbba’s Heart Ministries | Kingsburg CATraditionWikipediaOriginFounded by Sandi QuerinLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 3 January 2014 3 January 2014Statement of Faith 1. WE BELIEVE the Scripture, both Old and New Testament, is the inspired, infallible and inerrant Word of God, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of humankind, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:21; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 19:7-8; Matthew 5:17-18) 2. WE BELIEVE that there is one living and true God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three Persons... the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Deut 6:4; Genesis 1:26; 3:22; Jeremiah 10:10; Psalm 33:6-9; Matt 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Timothy 1:17) 3. WE BELIEVE in God the Father, the infinite, sovereign, personal Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love; that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of humanity; that He hears and answers prayer; and that He saves from sin and death to all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. (John 3:16; 4:14; 1 John 4:8; Jeremiah 32:17-19; Romans 5:8; 11:33-36) 4. WE BELIEVE in God the Son... the Lord Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary; that He lived a sinless life and died on the cross, shedding His blood as the only acceptable sacrifice for our sins; that He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where at the right hand of God He now sits as our High Priest and Advocate; and that His literal and personal return to earth in power and glory is imminent. (John 1:1-3; 20:28-29; Hebrews 1:1-3; 1 Timothy 3:16; Phil 2:5-11; Matt 1:18-23; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:9-10, 17; 4:14-16; 10:10-12; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Rev 1:8; 5:8-145. WE BELIEVE in God the Holy Spirit, sent forth from the Father and the Son, whose ministry is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ; to convict humanity of their sin; to effect spiritual rebirth in the repentant sinner; and to indwell, sanctify, guide, instruct, overflow in the heavenly language of tongues and empower the believer for godly living and service. (John 14:16-17, 26; 16:7-15; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16; 3:16; Acts 1:8) 6. WE BELIEVE that humanity was created in the image of God but fell into sin, and are now sinners by nature and choice, under condemnation, separated from God and spiritually dead. (Genesis 1:26-27; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; 5:12, 18-19; John 3:17-18) 7. WE BELIEVE that salvation is a free gift from God; that a sinner is saved by grace through faith alone, wholly apart from any human merit; that all who believe in Jesus Christ and His atoning work on the cross, receiving Him through faith, in true repentance, confessing Him as both Savior and Lord will be saved. (Acts 4:12; John 1:12; Romans 1:16; 3:21-26; 6:23; 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7) 8. WE BELIEVE in the bodily resurrection of the dead... of the believer to a glorified, eternal life in heaven with the Lord, of the unbeliever to judgment and eternal punishment. (Acts 24:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22; 51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Hebrews 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:31-46; Rev 20:10-22:7) 9. WE BELIEVE in the one true Church consisting of born-again believers from all nations who have been regenerated by their faith in Christ and united together in the body of Christ of which He is the head; who assemble together in local fellowships for worship and edification and whose primary mission is to reach-out to the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 10:24-25; Romans 12:4-10; Ephesians 1:22-23)10. WE BELIEVE that water baptism by means of full immersion, baptism of the Holy Spirit, and the Lord's Supper are ordinances for believers, commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ, which are intended to be observed by the Church during this present age. (Matthew 26:26-28; 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)What We BelieveWe believe in the fullness of the Word of God and His Spirit. Our goal is to save the lost and empower the saved through the power of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ.Our MissionThe focus of this ministry is to empower the saints to walk in the authority of Jesus Christ; forsaking compromise and apathy while embracing all the gifts of the Spirit of God in full expectancy for the miraculous, with a tenderness toward the heart of God to win the lost by loving people, obeying God, and walking in repentance; seeking the Revival of God across the land.Abba’s House | Hixson TN[[@Headword:C21]]Group idGroup nameAbba’s House | Hixson TNTraditionSouthern BaptistWikipediaOrigin1950 fire destroyed Hixon First Baptist Church1951 rebuilt as Central Baptist Church of Hixson1980 on radio with Ron Phillips2005 rebranded as Abba’s House for TVLinks toRon Phillips MinistrieswebFresh Oil New WinewebWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 December 2013 30 December 2013Our BeliefsWe at Abba's House believe that Jesus is God's son, that He died on the cross for our sins, and that on the third day He rose again. We also believe that anyone who considers this to be true, asks for forgiveness from their sin, and surrenders their life to Him, will be saved. We believe in the Trinity, God as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in our lives today. Our beliefs are summed up in the Apostles Creed: XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" text 9How to Find a Relationship with GodEveryone has an opinion about what it takes to go to Heaven, but how does the Bible answer this question? The word FAITH can help define the answer.F is for FORGIVENESSOne cannot have eternal life without forgiveness. The Bible says, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Ephesians 1:7)A is for AVAILABLEForgiveness is Available for All! God’s Word states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)However, forgiveness is not automatic. Jesus said, “Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)I is for IMPOSSIBLEIt is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven. In the verse above, we learned God is Love, but God is also Just. James 2:13 says, “For judgment is without mercy.” It is clear that man is Sinful. The Bible states, “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)T is for TURNTurn means repent. If you find you are going the wrong way on a road, you must soon turn around and go the right way. God wants man to turn from something—from sin and from self, as he warns in Luke 13:3, “But unless you repent, you shall all likewise perish.” Where can you turn? Trust Christ only! “That Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” (I Corinthians 15:3-4) God promises, “If you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)H is for HEAVENComing to know Christ means Life! This life affects you here and now, for Jesus said, “I am come that you might have life, and that you may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10b) In addition, you can experience life in the hereafter, for He promised again, “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 14:3)Understanding these five points, wouldn’t you like to receive this forgiveness by trusting Christ as your personal Savior? This is accomplished through prayer. Simply speak these words to God as the desire of your heart.Dear God, I know that I’m a sinner. I want to be forgiven. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I repent of my sins. Please forgive me and come into my life to be my Savior and Lord. Amen.”If you prayed this prayer and meant it, you have just made the most important decision of your life! You have been welcomed into the family of God. You can be sure you are saved and have eternal life. Receiving Jesus into your life is only the beginning of a wonderful life-changing experience. Apostles Creed: XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" text 9Abba’s House | San Diego CA[[@Headword:C117]]Group idGroup nameAbba’s House | San Diego CATraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 28 January 2014Statement of BeliefsThe Bible—We affirm our confidence in God’s inerrant Word. We treasure its truths, and we respect its reproofs.The 66 books of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and written centuries ago by chosen men of God. The Bible is without error in its original manuscripts, is completely reliable as the final authority in all matters of doctrine and practice, and is centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Bible is fully true in all that it teaches or affirms. The entire text of Scripture, including the very words, are a product of the mind of God expressed in human terms and conditions and written through human instruments without negating their personality, culture and freedom. See 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15–17; and 2 Peter 1:20–21.God the Father—We acknowledge the Creator-God as our heavenly Father, infinitely perfect and intimately acquainted with all our ways.As the first person of the Trinity, the Father is the source and ruler of all things and is fatherly in His relationship with creation in general and believers in particular. And although there is one eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, holy, just, loving, true, and unchangeable God, in the unity of the one God there are three divine persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—equal in power but distinct in roles. See Psalm 103:19; Matthew 28:19; and 1 Peter 1:2.The Lord Jesus Christ—We claim Jesus Christ as our Lord—the one God who came in human flesh—the object of our worship and the subject of our praise.As the second person of the Trinity, the Son reveals the Father. According to the Father’s plan, the eternal Son humbled Himself and became incarnate, inseparably uniting undiminished deity with true humanity. As fully God and fully man, Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, died to pay in full the penalty for our sin, rose bodily and miraculously from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will come again in glory. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings; His substitutionary atoning death; bodily resurrection; ascension into heaven; perpetual intercession for His people; and personal, visible return to earth. See John 1:1–3, 14; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 1:1–3; and 1 John 5:11–12.The Holy Spirit—We recognize the Holy Spirit as the third member of the Godhead who is incessantly at work convicting, convincing, and comforting.As the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is the personal agent of the Father and Son for revelation and regeneration. We believe in the Holy Spirit, who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower in ministry all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Jesus Christ and that He is an abiding Helper, Teacher, and Guide. We believe that the seeking believer is filled with the Holy Spirit and power for service, either at the time of or subsequent to regeneration, which is a separate work from the indwelling Spirit for salvation. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and in the exercise of all biblical gifts of the Spirit as reflected through the fruit of that same Spirit. See John 14:26; Acts 1:5, 8; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; and Ephesians 1:13–14.The Trinity–Though the word “Trinity” is never used, nor is the doctrine of Trinitarianism ever explicitly taught in the Scriptures, the Biblical evidence of this reality is clearly revealed. God’s being is perfectly unified and simplex: of one essence. This essence of deity is held in common by Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The three Persons are consubstantial, coinherent, co-equal and co-eternal in the Godhead with regard to both the divine essence and function. See Deut. 6:4, 20:2-3, Psalm 2:7, Psalm 68:18, Isaiah 6:1-3, 9:6, Hebrews 1:1-13, 1 Tim. 1:17, 1 Cor. 8:4-6, 1 Peter 1:2, John 1:17, Phil. 2:11, Matt. 3:16-17, Acts 5:3-4, Rev. 1:8, 4:8.The Depravity of Humanity—We confess that Adam’s fall into sin left humanity without the hope of heaven apart from a new birth made possible by the Savior’s substitutionary death and miraculous, bodily resurrection.As a result of Adam’s rebellion, all people have fallen under the curse of death. Unable and unwilling to please God, all humans are undeserving of His blessings, blinded to His truth, and dead in their sins—spiritually and, ultimately, physically. This state of judgment before the just and holy God is a condition that permeates every facet of human life and cannot be cured apart from the grace of God through Jesus Christ. See Genesis 3; Jeremiah 17:9; and Romans 3:10–18, 23; 5:12.Salvation—We believe the offer of salvation is God’s love-gift to all. Those who accept it by faith, apart from works, become new creatures in Jesus Christ.Because fallen humans are unable to save themselves, God, according to His own sovereign mercy, acts to save those who come to Him by grace through faith and repentance. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer the penalty of death in place of condemned humanity. Simply through believing the good news that Jesus Christ died for his or her sins and then rose from the dead, a person can be forgiven of all sin, declared righteous by God, reborn into new life, and guaranteed eternal life with God. Salvation is by grace alone and involves faith and repentance according to the Scriptures. See John 3:16; Luke 7:44-50, 24:46-49; Acts 3:38-40, 15:11, 16:31; Romans 10:9–10; 1 Corinthians 15:1–5; and Ephesians 1:4–12, 2:8–9.The Return of Jesus Christ—We anticipate our Lord’s promised return, which could occur at any moment.According to the Father’s plan, Jesus Christ will one day return in power to bring completion of salvation and rewards to believers and judgment and wrath to unbelievers. The Bible teaches that the years leading up to the judgment will be marked by increasing evil, but the actual time of the end is unknown. It could begin at any moment. Though the details of Christ’s return are sometimes unclear, its reality is certain, and all believers are called to live holy lives in anticipation of His coming. See 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12; Hebrews 9:28; and Revelation 19:11–16.Resurrection of Humanity—We are convinced that all who have died will be brought back from beyond—believers to everlasting communion with God and unbelievers to everlasting separation from God.Though a believer’s spirit is ushered into the Lord’s presence immediately upon physical death, the fullness of salvation awaits Christ’s return, when He will resurrect believers in glorified bodies like His own immortal body that can never die. While all believers throughout history will enjoy eternal life in perfect paradise, unbelievers will be resurrected to suffer eternal conscious punishment for their sins. See John 11:23–27; 1 Corinthians 15:51–57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; and Revelation 20:4–21:5.The Body of Christ—We know the Lord is continuing to enlarge His family, the universal body of Christ, over which He rules as Head.The body of Christ is the ever-enlarging universal church consisting of true believers in heaven and on earth over whom Jesus Christ reigns as Lord. Regardless of denomination, all true believers are spiritually baptized by the Holy Spirit into Christ’s body and are therefore spiritually united with Him and with one another. See Romans 12:4–5; 1 Corinthians 12:12–14; Ephesians 4:11–16; and 1 Peter 2:9–10.The Family of God—We are grateful to be a part of the local church, which exists to proclaim God’s truth, to administer the ordinances, to stimulate growth toward maturity, and to bring glory to God.Believers are called to faithful membership in a visible, local congregation for the purpose of mutual encouragement and spiritual growth. As the family of God, a healthy local church is marked by God-glorifying worship, Scripture-centered teaching, intimate fellowship, and vivid expressions of the church’s faith, hope, and love through evangelism, disciple-making, financial support, and service. See Acts 2:41–47; Philippians 2:1–4; and Hebrews 10:24–25.Christian Ordinances–We believe the Lord Jesus Christ committed two ordinances to the Church: 1) baptism, and 2) the Lord’s Supper. We believe in baptism by immersion (when medically possible) and communion, both of which are open to all believers in Jesus Christ. We believe baptism as stated to the disciples by Jesus (baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit) in partial fulfillment of the great commission. The Great Commission instructs us to make disciples while we are going throughout the world and while we are going about our daily activities. As you are going, “baptizing,” and “teaching” are the means by which we fulfill the command to make disciples within the Matthew 28:19-20 Great Commission. We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a sacrament of our redemption by Christ’s death. To those who rightly, worthily, and with faith receive it, the bread and the cup is a partaking symbolically of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Though Jesus Christ is really present, no change is effected in the elements that are never to be considered objects of worship. The supper is also a symbol of the love and unity that Christians have among one another. See Mark 14:22-24; John 6:53-58; I Corinthians 5:7-8,10:16, 11:20, 23-29, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:41, Romans 6:1-4, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 4:4-6.[[@Headword:C22]]Group idGroup ? aka aka aka Abba-Father-God-Online-Intl-Christian-Gospel-Church- aka The Abba Father God & Abiding in Christ International Missionary ChurchesTraditionWikipediaOrigin1976Links toWebsite Source of creedal statement 28 December 2013Our Statements of FaithThe Scriptures: We believe that the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God, that it is complete and without error, and that it is the authoritative rule for Christian faith and practice.God: We believe that there is one God, Who is the maker of heaven and earth. That God is infinite, almighty, immutable, and perfect in holiness, truth, and love. That God is revealed in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are co-existent, co-equal, and co-eternal.Jesus Christ: We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God made flesh. That He is fully divine and fully human. That He was born of a virgin and led a sinless life. That He was crucified for the sins of the world, was dead and buried, and on the third day He rose again from the dead. That He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father where He ever lives to make intercession for His people.The Holy Spirit: We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. That He brings about the new birth, persuading men through the proclamation of the Gospel to repent and confess Jesus as Lord. That He is the counselor, guide, and sealer of our faith sent to indwell our lives. That He desires to fill each believer continually with power to witness, and imparts His supernatural gifts for the edification of the Church and the work of ministry in the world. That all the gifts of the Holy Spirit at work in the Church of the first-century are available today and are to be earnestly desired and practiced. That these gifts are essential in the mission of the Church in the world today.The Fall and Redemption of Man: We believe that man, in his natural state, is a sinner, lost, without hope, and without God. That man's only hope of redemption from sin is through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. That salvation is received as a gift of God's grace through repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That Biblical repentance is characterized by a changed life, and saving faith is evidenced by kingdom service.Sanctification of the Redeemed: We believe that the Holy Spirit is the active agent in our sanctification and seeks to produce His fruit in us as our minds are renewed and we are conformed to the image of Christ. That as we are led by the Spirit, we grow in the knowledge of the Lord, freely keeping His commandments and endeavoring to so live in the world that all people may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven.The Church: We believe that God by His Word and Spirit creates the Church, calling sinful men out of the whole human race into the fellowship of Christ's Body. That by the same Word and Spirit, He guides and preserves that new redeemed humanity. That the Church exists to worship and glorify God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That the ultimate mission of the Church is the making of disciples through the preaching of the Gospel. That upon conversion, newly redeemed men and women are added to a local church in which they devote themselves to teaching, fellowship, the Lord’s Supper and prayer.The Sacraments of the Church: We believe that water baptism, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual reality. That in baptism, we are identified with Christ and His Church, demonstrating that we have been buried with Christ, and raised with Him to walk in newness of life.We believe that the Lord's Supper is for those who have come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That it shows the giving of His body and the shedding of His blood on our behalf, and is to be observed throughout the Christian life as a sign of continued participation in the atoning benefits of His death. That as we partake of the Lord’s Supper with an attitude of faith and self-examination, we remember and proclaim the death of Christ, receive spiritual nourishment, and signify our unity with other members of His body, the Church.The Second Coming: We believe in the visible, personal and glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead and the translation of those alive in Christ, the judgment of the just and the unjust, and the fulfillment of Christ's kingdom in the new heavens and the new earth. Jesus Christ will come again to the earth, personally, visibly and bodily, to consummate history and the eternal plan of God.The Lord Jesus Christ commanded all believers to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world and to disciple men of every nation. The fulfillment of that Great Commission requires that all worldly and personal ambitions be subordinated to a total commitment to "Him who loved us and gave Himself for us." The Apostles' Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" text 8The Nicene Creed XE "Creed:Nicene Creed" text 1Statement of Faith XE "Creed:EFCA Statement of Faith (1950)" Appears twice in sourceStatement of Faith XE "Creed:Campus Crusade for Christ Statement of Faith" (Campus Crusade for Christ)The Christadelphian Statement of Faith XE "Creed:Birmingham Amended Statement of Faith (1898)" Abbey Baptist Church | Checker Walk Abingdon Oxfordshire[[@Headword:C23]]Group idGroup nameAbbey Baptist Church | Checker Walk Abingdon OxfordshireTraditionGrace BaptistWikipediaOrigin1829 with the secession of William Tiptaft and J. C. Philpot from the Church of England to lead the local Strict Baptist churches.1932 Abbey Baptist Chapel builtLinks toAGBCSE: Association of Grace Baptist ChurchesGBM: Grace Baptist Mission | Abingdon OxfordshireHanney Chapel | East Hanney OxfordshireWebsite Source of creedal statement 3 January 2014Original Articles of Faith by William Tiptaft XE "Creed:text needed:Tiptaft Articles of Fait" Abbey Baptist Church, What We Believe The following paragraphs provide a convenient summary of the truths upheld and taught in this church. They are in no way equal to the infallible authority of the Word of God. They are, however, a useful guide to those joining or visiting the church and they help to safeguard the doctrinal orthodoxy of the church for future generations.Abbey Baptist Church was formed by William Tiptaft in 1843 and he drew up Articles of Faith which served the church for over a century. The present Articles express similar truths, but are set in more contemporary language and they form part of the Trust Deed of the chapel, approved by the Charity Commission in February 1989.1. The Being of GodWe believe that there is one true and living God, glorious, sovereign and whose very nature is love. In the one essence of God are three distinct persons, co-equal and co-eternal, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.We believe that God is our Creator. He alone is the source of life. All creation derives its being from him. The supreme act of creation was God's forming of man and woman in his own image. We believe that God is our Sustainer. He has not abandoned the world to the powers of chance or to the dictates of the ungodly. God is sovereign over angels, people and events, and is guiding history towards its predestined end. We believe that God is our Redeemer. The salvation of sinners in its origin, provision and application is entirely the work of God. In the unfolding of his redemptive purposes God's triune nature is most clearly revealed.2. The Holy ScripturesWe believe that God's glory revealed in creation is not sufficient to give mankind a saving knowledge of him. For this reason God has graciously given in the Scriptures that complete and reliable unfolding of his character and will necessary for salvation. The Scriptures are, therefore, of divine origin. In communicating his revelation God used human authors without employing them mechanically or disregarding their personalities. The Holy Spirit so prepared and guided the writers that the original Scriptures were preserved from all error. We, therefore, accept the divine authority of the whole Bible - that is, the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments. We acknowledge the validity of true biblical scholarship and encourage those who seek to establish a correct interpretation of God's revealed truth. Diligent and careful study of God's Word is to be welcomed if done in dependence on the Holy Spirit and in submission to the authority of the Scriptures. We believe that God never guides his people in a way that is inconsistent with his written Word and, therefore, the Bible is to be decisive in all matters of belief and behaviour.3. Mankind in SinWe believe that Adam and Eve were created holy and happy, but that, tempted by Satan, the leader of the fallen angels, they rebelled against God. By this fall Adam, as the representative of the human race, forfeited his high privilege and brought about the condemnation of all mankind. We believe that, although all people are alienated from God by their sin, they are still accountable to him. In view of their fallen state, however, they cannot save themselves and are unwilling and unable to please God or to choose Christ.4. The Plan of SalvationWe believe that salvation is entirely the result of divine grace. God in eternity graciously predestinated to salvation a great multitude of sinners for whom the eternal Son God willingly became the Mediator. In the fullness of time the Son of God took a real and sinless human nature in the womb of the virgin Mary and lived a perfect life, yielding full obedience to the holy law of God. He bled and died at Calvary, giving himself as a substitute for his elect, bearing the full penalty of their sin, and rose from the dead on the third day. He ascended into heaven, where he lives and reigns, interceding for his church and governing all things until the end of time.5. The Application of SalvationWe believe that the salvation secured by the work of Jesus Christ is communicated to the elect by the Holy Spirit. By his powerful and mysterious work those dead in sin are quickened into spiritual life. They hear the call of God through his Word and are given the desire and ability to repent of sin and believe in Christ as their Saviour and Lord. Awakened by the Spirit, repenting sinners are justified by faith alone, having their sins pardoned and Christ's righteousness imputed to them. Those whom God justifies will finally persevere and enter into the joys of heaven.6. The Christian LifeWe believe that the Christian experiences the twin blessings of the new covenant, namely, forgiveness of sins and the creation of an inward desire to glorify God by a sanctified life which conforms to his laws. Good works and practical holiness are, therefore, indispensable evidences of a genuine experience of divine grace.7. The ChurchWe believe that the universal church is the innumerable company of God's elect in every age, while the local church is made up of those who have joined together in a visible fellowship. We believe that it is the duty of all believers to unite with a local church in commitment to the Lord, to the truth and to other members. Such commitment is necessary for their spiritual growth and their corporate testimony to the world. We believe that it is the responsibility of God's people to preach the gospel in their locality and among all nations. We believe that the sole head of the church is Jesus Christ who communicates his will through his Word and guides the church by his Spirit. As the ascended Lord he also bestows gifts for the maintenance of his work on earth. The local church is served by elders and deacons. We believe that the local church is responsible to Christ for its own administration and in this respect is independent of every other form of control.8. OrdinancesWe believe that Baptism and the Lord's Supper (communion) were instituted by Christ and that both ordinances belong in the local church and are to be observed until Christ returns. We believe that Baptism is only for those who have made a credible profession of repentance and of faith in Christ and that the symbolism of this ordinance is only adequately portrayed by immersion in water. While Baptism is initiatory, the Lord's Supper is a continuing means of grace to the believer. The very nature of these ordinances, therefore, indicates that before converts share in the Supper they should identify with the Lord Jesus and his people in Baptism and church membership.9. The Last ThingsWe believe that, at a time known only to God, the Lord Jesus Christ will return to this earth with power and glory to raise the dead, both believers and unbelievers, and to judge all mankind. Unbelievers will hear the dreadful sentence of the righteous judge and go away to eternal punishment. Believers will be presented before God's presence without fault through the merits of Christ and will enjoy the eternal bliss of the new heavens and new earth.RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERSHIP The love of fellow members expressed by prayer and a caring spirit. John 13:34-35. James 5:16; 1 Peter 4:8-9; 1 John 3: 17-18 The constant endeavour to maintain harmony in the church. 1 Corinthians 1: 10; Ephesians 4: 1-3; Philippians 2: 1-5 The regular attendance with the gathered church for worship, teaching, prayer or discussion. Matthew 18:20; Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:25 The recognition of the spiritual authority of the elders. 1 Thessalonians 5: 10-12; Hebrews 13: 17 The faithful performance of any task entrusted to you in the church. Romans 12: 1-8; 1 Peter 4: 10-11 The regular financial support of the church. 1 Corinthians 16: 1-2; 2 Corinthians 9: 6-7. Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5: 17-18 The growth in understanding of God's Word. Colossians 3: 16; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 2 Timothy 3; 16-17. 2 Peter 3: 17-18; Jude 3 The attempt to live a consistent Christian life before the world. Matthew 5: 16; Colossians 4: 5; 1 Peter 3:15. Abbey Baptist Church | Reading Berkshire[[@Headword:C24]]Group idGroup nameAbbey Baptist Church | Reading BerkshireTraditionBaptistWikipediaOriginFounded 1643-1652 by soldiersLinks toAnderson Baptist Church | Reading BerkshirewebBaptist Union of Great BritainBMS World MissionwebChristian AidwebChurches TogetherwebChurches Together in EnglandCTBI: Churches Together in Britain and IrelandCylun (Churches Together in Wales)Regent’s Park CollegewebREinspiredwebSouthern Counties Baptist Associationweb The Baptist TimeswebThe Children’s Society | London UKTradecraftwebXn MagazinewebWebsite Source of creedal statement 4 January 2014What we believeOn the first or second Sunday of the year, the church renews its Covenant with the Lord and with each other. The Covenant is an affirmation of what we believe.The Words of the CovenantWe, who desire to walk together in the fear of the Lord,do, through the assistance of His Holy Spirit,desire wholeheartedlyto profess our deep and serious repentance for all our sins,humbly to implore the free and full forgiveness of them allthrough the blood of His dear Son, our only Saviour, Jesus Christ,and sincerely to give up ourselves to the Lord and to each otherby the Will of God,that He may be our God and we His peoplethrough the everlasting Covenant of His Free Grace.In this we hope to be accepted through His Son, Jesus Christ,whom we take to be our High Priest to justify us,our Prophet to teach us,and our King to rule over us,that we may serve Him in our day and generation.Being fully satisfied that a gathered company of believers,who by Divine Grace give up themselves to the Lord and to each other,to walk together as Saintsin Love,in Peace,and in Constant Worship of Christis a Gospel Church of Divine Institution,we do therefore in the Name and by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ,solemnly join ourselves together in a holy union and fellowship,and, professing his strength,humbly submit to the Discipline of the Gospeltogether with all Holy Dutiesrequired of a people in such a Spiritual Relation.We resolve:-1. To walk in holiness, godliness and mutual love,so that our fellowship will be honouring to God,lovely to others of the Lord’s people,comforting to ourselves,and convincing to the World.2. To provoke one another to love and good works,to pray for one another,for the glory and increase of this Churchand for the presence of God within it.3. To bear one another’s burdens,to bear with one another’s failings with much tenderness,and to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bonds of Peace.4. To meet together on the Lord’s dayand at all other times, seasons and placesas the Lord shall give us opportunity and ability,only to serve and glorify Himand to edify and build up one another in our most Holy Faith.5. To endeavour always to promote and encouragea holy, regular and gifted ministryto go in and out before us as the Shepherd before the flock,together with such other officesas are by Christ appointed in His church.To these and all other Gospel Duties we humbly submit,purposing to perform them not in our own strength,but in the power and strength of our ever Blessed God,through His Son, Christ Jesuswhose we are and whom we desire for ever to serve.This revised form of the Covenant was authorised by the Church on December 15th, 1949 XE "Document:text needed" , to take the place of revised form dated January 27th, 1938, and is to be interpreted and understood in the terms of the full Covenant, drawn up by the Church, then meeting in Hosier's Lane in 1779 XE "Document:text needed" . An amendment to paragraph 3 was authorised by the Church on October 23rd, 1979. XE "Document:text needed" Abbey Chapel | Tavistock Devon[[@Headword:C25]]Group idGroup nameAbbey Chapel | Tavistock DevonTraditionIndependent evangelicalWikipediaOrigin1539 existed for 650 years prior to Dissolution of Monasteries under King Henry VIII1794 from Presbyterian to Unitarian1959 sold to Bannawell Street Chapel (evangelical)Links toFoundation Matters | Barrow on Trent DerbyHeatree Activity CentrewebPartnership | Chichester UKTACT: Tavistock Area Christians Togetherweb | Tavistock DevonBere Alston United ChurchChosen Peoples MinistrywebMissionary Aviation FellowshipShekina MissionwebSt Andrews Parish ChurchwebSt Eustachius Parish ChurchwebStreet and School PastorswebTavistock Methodist Churchweb | Tavistock DevonTavistock Roman Catholic Churchweb | Tavistock DevonTavistock United Reformed Church | Tavistock DevonThe Good Book CompanyWebsite Source of creedal statement 9 January 2014What we BelieveBelow you will find our statement of belief and doctrine. This was put together when we first moved to the Abbey Chapel in 1962 XE "Document:text needed" revised in 2012. STATEMENT OF DOCTRINE AND PRACTICE. The Divine inspiration authority and sufficiency of the Holy Bible which teach among other things: 1. The Unity of the Godhead with the distinction of persons in that unity namely the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit to whom equal honour is due.2. That(a) the Son of God truly became man being begotten of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.(b) His death was a sacrifice to God and a full payment for the pardon of sin.(c) He was raised from the dead.(d) He ascended to the right hand of God and is now the all-sufficient High Priest of His people.(e) He will come again to receive them to Himself and to set up His Kingdom.3. That in consequence of the fall of Adam man became “lost”, “without strength” and at “enmity against God”.4. The need of the Holy Spirit’s work in regeneration and being made holy.5. That(a) the sinner is made just before God, by faith alone.(b) every justified one is also born of God.(c) such new birth results in holiness of life and good works. 6. That(a) at death the spirit of man does not cease to exist or become unconscious.(b) the dead will be raised either to life or to condemnation and that the blessing of the righteous and the punishment of the unrighteous will be eternal. 7. The preservation of spiritual liberty by means of the autonomy of the local Church, which is to be governed under Christ its Head by its own elders free from the authority of any other Church, federation of churches, or any body or union whatsoever. 8. The observances of believers baptism by immersion on personal confession of faith, and the commemoration of the Lord’s death in the breaking of bread normally taking place on a Sunday. 9. The reception at the Lord’s Table of all believers sound in faith and godly in life. 10. The conducting of meetings for worship under the guidance of the Holy Spirit with opportunity for the exercise in the assembly of all true gifts for edification subject to the Lordship of Christ.Abbey West | Irvine CA[[@Headword:C26]]Group idGroup nameAbbey West | Irvine CATraditionLutheran Church, Missouri SynodWikipediaOriginCampus ministry at Concordia University | Irvine CALinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 9 January 2014what we believeabbey west is a Bible-based, Christian discipleship movement. We serve our community from the campus of Concordia University in Irvine, CA, and are affiliated with the Lutheran Church, Missouri-Synod (LCMS). These are the basic tenets of our Christian belief:We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.We believe in the one true God, who has revealed himself as Father, Son, and Spirit.We believe that humankind, created perfectly, went against God's will and brought sin into the world. Since then, all people have inherited that sin and are born sinful.We believe that people cannot save themselves by their good works. We believe that in order to save us, God sent his Son into the world. Jesus is both true God and true man. He lived to fulfill God's law for us, died on the cross to pay the penalty our sins deserved, and rose from the dead so that we might have eternal life. He ascended into heaven, and will come again to take all believers to Himself.We believe that because of Jesus' death, God declares a person righteous and forgiven. All those who believe in Jesus, as Savior, will be saved.We believe that this faith in Jesus is a gift of God, given by the power of the Holy Spirit.We believe that God uniquely uses his Word, and the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, to apply his grace and forgiveness to us. Our worship, therefore, centers around these things.Abbeygreen | Lesmahagow Scotland[[@Headword:C27]]Group idGroup nameAbbeygreen | Lesmahagow ScotlandTraditionReformed evangelical Church of ScotlandWikipedia OriginDisruption of 1843 formation of Free Church of Scotland1900 United Free Church of Scotland formed by merger of Free Church and United Presbyterian Church1929 United Free Church of Scotland reunited with Church of ScotlandLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 9 January 2014What We BelieveConsequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.Ephesians 2:19,20We adhere to the Westminster Confession of Faith XE "Creed:Westminster Confession of Faith" , which is the subordinate standard of faith of our denomination and, a summary of the truths of Scripture.In particular, what we believe about:Jesus ChristJesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me” – John 14:6.It is only possible to know God through His Son, Jesus Christ. We live in a sinful world, and consequently are sinful people. We can only know forgiveness for sin and reconciliation with God through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. (cf. Westminster Confession, Ch. 8.)The ChurchWe believe in our denomination as a part of the Church of which Christ is the head and all believers in Christ are a part. We believe in cooperation with ALL who accept Jesus as Christ and Lord. (cf. Westminster Confession, Ch. 25.)ScriptureWe accept the Bible as the only infallible rule of faith and practice. We believe that the Holy Scriptures comprise the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, and that the best rule of interpretation of Scripture is the comparison of Scripture. This means we do not depend upon a particular verse as literal proof of all beliefs and practices, but we do seek the whole spirit of the Bible as our guide. (cf. Westminster Confession, Ch. 1.)SalvationWe believe that every person needs regeneration and must make a personal commitment of their lives to Christ in order to be saved. (cf. Westminster Confession, Ch. 14, 15.)SacramentsWe believe that there are just two sacraments of the Church.The first is Baptism by water – a symbol of baptism by the Holy Spirit and a seal of Covenant Grace. We believe that infant children of Christians should be given the seal of the Covenant just as Hebrew children were in the Old Testament days. Infant baptism (via sprinkling of water) is now that seal and represents an act of faith on the part of the parents and Church as the child is dedicated to the Lord. Those who have been baptised in infancy must make a personal acceptance of Christ.The second Sacrement is the Lord’s Supper. The symbols to be used are bread and wine. Since it is the Lord’s Supper and not an ordinance of a particular church, all who acknowledge Jesus as Christ and who have faith to understand the significance of this sacrament are invited to partake of it with us, regardless of their denominational affiliation. (cf. Westminster Confession, Ch. 27, 28, 29.)The TrinityWe believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as well as in God the Father; the three persons making up the trinity. (cf. Westminster Confession, Ch. 2.)Things to ComeWe believe that the bodies of men after death must return to dust, but their spirits return to God who gave them. The spirits of the righteous are received into Heaven, and the spirits of the unrepentant are cast into hell. The scriptures speak of no other place for departed spirits. We believe that God has appointed a time for the resurrection of the just and the unjust when he will judge the world in righteousness by Christ. (cf. Westminster Confession, Ch. 32, 33.)Westminster Confession of Faith XE "Creed:Westminster Confession of Faith:unlinked" Abbeyhill Baptist Church | Edinburgh Scotland[[@Headword:C28]]Group idGroup nameAbbeyhill Baptist Church | Edinburgh ScotlandTraditionBaptistWikipediaOrigin1895 group of friends founded the congregationLinks toPolskoj?zyczny Ko?ció? w EdynburguTry PrayingwebThe Exile BandwebBaptist Union of ScotlandAIM (Africa Inland Mission) InternationalOMF (Overseas Missionary Fellowship)BMS (Baptist Missionary Society) World MissionwebECMI (European Christian Mission International)Bethany Christian TrustwebCalton Welfare ServicesWebsite Source of creedal statement 18 December 2013 26 December 2013Statement of FaithWe believe in one God who exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit - the Creator and Sustainer of the world.We believe in Jesus Christ, wholly God and wholly man, who by His death and resurrection is the Saviour of the world.We believe in the Holy Spirit who brings human beings to repentance and lives in, guides and empowers believers.We believe in the Bible as God’s revelation of himself; the word of God without error and the sole authority for life and faith.We believe that human beings are a special creation of God, made in His image. We believe that sin is disobeying God and choosing to go our way not God’s. Sin separates us from God and we have all sinned.We believe that God passionately loves every person.We believe that Jesus Christ has died for the sins of the world and through Him we can have forgiveness for our sins.We believe that salvation is a gift received through repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ and brings reconciliation with God.We believe that Jesus Christ commanded those who had repented and had faith in Him to be baptised in water. Baptism is normally by immersion but is not essential for salvation. We believe that God desires all who are reconciled with Him to know Him and live in a loving, obedient relationship with Him, empowered by the Holy Spirit.We believe that the church is a worshipping community where every person should be encouraged, challenged and taught as part of the family of God. Every believer has a role to play in the life and witness of the church. We believe that every believer has direct access to God in prayer through Jesus Christ with the direction of the Holy Spirit. We believe in the personal and visible return of Jesus Christ to fulfill the purposes of God. Those who believe in Jesus, He will raise to eternal life in Heaven and those who do not believe will be condemned to eternal separation from God in Hell. We believe that God does not want anyone to perish but that all would come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.Church Family CovenantAt Abbeyhill Baptist Church we love each other like a family as we are all brothers and sisters in Christ! With God’s help, I will serve the Lord at Abbeyhill:By discovering my gifts and talents and then by using them By seeking to equip myself to serve By developing a servant’s heart"Serve one another with the particular gifts God has given each of you…" 1 Peter 4:10 (Ph)"God gave…some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of ministry, so that the body of Christ may be built up…" Eph. 4:11-12"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ…who took on the very nature of a servant…" Phil. 2:3-4, 7With God’s help, I will be a faithful family member:By attending consistently By living a Godly life By giving regularly (of my time, talents, and finances)"Let us not give up the habit of meeting together…but let us encourage one another." Heb. 10:25"But whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ." Phil. 1:27 (Ph)"Each one of you, on the first day of each week, should set aside a specific sum of money in proportion to what you have earned and use it for the offering." 1 Cor. 16:2"A tenth of all your produce is the Lord’s, and it is holy." Lev. 27:30With God’s help, I will be a responsible family member:By acting in love toward other members (encouraging, supporting and strengthening) By refusing to gossip By respecting the leadership By praying for the church By jointly seeking the will of God for the Church"So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship together." Rom. 15:19 (Ph)"Have a sincere love for your fellow believers, love one another earnestly with all your hearts." 1 Peter 1:22 (TEV)"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs…" Eph. 4:29"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be no advantage to you." Heb. 13:17"To the church … we always thank God for you and pray for you constantly." 1 Thess. 1:2With God’s help, I will be a outwardly reaching family member:By praying for the churches growth By seeking to invite the unchurched to attend By sharing the love of Christ with my neighbours By warmly welcoming those who visit"The Master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes, and urge the people there to come so my house will be full.’" Luke 14:23 (NCV)"So, warmly welcome each other into the church, just as Christ has warmly welcomed you; then God will be glorified." Rom. 15:7 (LB)Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Philemon 1:5-7By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35Abbot Hall | Dunfermline Fife UK[[@Headword:C29]]Group idGroup nameAbbot Hall | Dunfermline KYTraditionevangelicalWikipediaOrigin1914 Links toWebsite Source of creedal statement 9 January 2014What we believeWe believe that the Bible is the Word of God, God’s complete revelation of Himself, His holiness and His love and purpose for mankind; that the Bible was written by men inspired by the Holy Spirit; that the Bible is our final authority for faith and practice.We believe that the Bible tells us about:Jesus Christ the Son of God – His deity, pre-existence and work in creation; His virgin birth, sinless life, sacrificial death, resurrection and present glory; His personal return to this earth for His church and His future reign as King of Kings.God the Holy Spirit – the third person of the trinity – that He is at work in the world convincing mankind of sin, righteousness and judgement and that He witnesses to the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ; that He also indwells, empowers and guides all those who believe in the Lord Jesus.Men and Women – that we are sinners by birth and by practice, are accountable to God for our own lives and are incapable of meeting God’s holy standards.Salvation – through Jesus Christ’s death for us on the cross where He bore our sins. Those who repent and believe God’s word about Him have their sins forgiven and cleansed, and are given a new nature, eternal life and become members of God’s family.Fellowship with God – believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have through Him direct access to God the Father at all times through prayer, and so comfort, help and guidance in time of need together with assurance, peace and joy.Abbots Cross Presbyterian Church | Newtownabbey Northern Ireland [[@Headword:C30]]Group idGroup nameAbbots Cross Presbyterian Church | Newtownabbey Northern Ireland TraditionPresbyterian Church in IrelandWikipediaOriginLinks toPresbyterian Church in IrelandHow do I become a Christian?Christianity Explored Ministries | London UK and Greenville SCTwo ways to live (MatthiasMedia) | Sydney NSW AustraliaStudying the webThe Gospel CoalitionGoing deeperCRTA: Centre for Reformed Theology and ApologeticswebChristian Apologetics and Research MinistryEvangelical Alliance of the United New City CatechismwebThe Jubilee CentrewebTruth for LifeYoung PeopleGirls Brigade in Northern IrelandwebIrish Christian EndeavourwebScripture Union (NI)Tearfund YouthwebThink I KnowwebYouth AlphawebYouth and Children's Board, Presbyterian Church in IrelandwebYouth for ChristwebUniversity StudentsIFES IrelandQueen's University Christian UnionUniversity of Ulster at Jordanstown Christian UnionFamiliesCare for the FamilyFor those in the workplaceChristians In SportLondon Institute of Contemporary Christianity (LICC)The Presbyterian Church in IrelandThe Presbyterian Church in IrelandMission OrganisationsChristian AidEuropean Christian MissionMission AfricaOverseas Missionary FellowshipTearfundThe Bible Society (NI)United Christian BroadcastersCommunity MattersChild Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP)Think U KnowWebsite Source of creedal statement 9 January 2014ABOUT US: What we believeChristianity is not about religion, it’s about having a personal relationship with Jesus. Within that relationship, there are a number of ways that our worship, beliefs and methods can be expressed. At Abbots Cross we are part of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, so we organise ourselves and our practices in agreement with the Presbyterian model. ‘Presbyterian’ simply means that our church is governed by a group of Elders (called a Kirk Session for historical reasons). The Elders are drawn from the church community and are people blessed with a strong faith and spiritual gifts who oversee all spiritual maters in the church.Each Presbyterian church is then a member of a local grouping called a Presbytery (we are a member of the North Belfast Presbytery). Each Presbytery is represented on the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. In this way, the local churches can unite and agree on various matters and therefore present a united viewpoint.Presbyterian churches are part of a wider grouping of Churches, collectively know as Protestant. There are other groupings such as Roman Catholic and Orthodox. The Protestant Churches began from the protests of Martin Luther in 1517. Martin Luther opposed the corrupt practices that he saw within the Church Establishment at that time. The major parts of the system of beliefs that Protestants adhere to (known as Doctrine) were defined and refined by Luther and others such as John Calvin at this time, and for about a century afterwards. The core tenets of the Doctrine are summarised in a short document called The Apostles Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" . For a more in-depth study, the full Westminster Confession of Faith XE "Creed:Westminster Confession of Faith" document is available online with a useful cross reference to the applicable verses of the Bible that support each statement. Finally, we encourage everyone that is part of Abbots Cross to spend time reading, digesting, and pondering the Bible, God’s Word. It is essential for growing in your walk with God. We have tried therefore to provide access to specific websites that will help you to study the Bible and to find out more about the incredible work that God is doing, through His Son, Jesus, across the world. You can also access videos of some of the sermons that are taught on Sunday mornings.Abbots Langley Baptist Church | Abbots Langley Herts [[@Headword:C31]]Group idGroup nameAbbots Langley Baptist Church | Abbots Langley HertsTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toAbbots Langley Parish CouncilwebAbbots Langley Transition Town Associationweb Alpha CoursewebBMS: Baptist Missionary SocietywebBaptist Union of Great Britain | Didcot Oxfordshire UKCentral Baptist Association, The Christian Gateway Watford LICC: The London Institute for Contemporary ChristianitySamaritans PurseWebsite Source of creedal statement 9 January 2014What we believeThere are many reasons why believers choose to be baptized: Jesus set an example: Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22). Therefore, to be baptised is to be obedient to the path set out by Jesus. Jesus commands us: In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) Jesus says, ‘All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’The early church practised it: On the Day of Pentecost Peter tells the people to ‘Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’ (Acts 2:37-38). There are other examples of baptism throughout the book of Acts which suggests believers’ baptism was an integral part of early church life.To be baptised is a way of opening ourselves to God's blessing and of expressing our commitment to lives as disciples of Christ.More answers at the Baptist Union’s website . . .Abbott Loop Community Church | Anchorage AK[[@Headword:C32]]Group idALCCGroup nameAbbott Loop Community Church | Anchorage AKTraditionPentecostalWikipediaOrigin1959 by Dick Benjamin trained in Bethel Temple (Seattle)Links toWebsite Source of creedal statement 13 December 2013ALCC Statement of Beliefs . . .We believe:1 In the inspiration of all Scripture, each and every word; that the Old and New Testaments are the infallible word of God, inerrant in the original writings, and are the supreme authority for faith and life.2 That there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.3 That Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We believe in his virgin birth, in his sinless life, in his miracles, in his atoning death for us, in his bodily resurrection, in his ascension to the right hand of God the Father, and in his personal return to this earth in power and glory.4 That all have sinned and that the only means of being cleansed from sin is through the blood of Christ.5 That regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential for personal salvation.6 That a person is justified by faith in Jesus Christ, not by works.7 That the redemptive work of Christ provides healing for the whole person: body, soul, and spirit.8 In the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling presence the believer is enabled to live a godly life which manifests the fruit of the Spirit.9 That a person baptized with the Holy Spirit is enabled to speak with new tongues.10 That the gifts of the Holy Spirit as listed in 1 Corinthians 12-14, are for the edification of the church today.11 In water baptism by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus Christ.12 That we remember the Lord’s death in the ordinance of the Lord’s supper. His blood purchased salvation for us. His broken body purchased healing for us.13 In the reality and personality of our enemy, Satan. And as believers in Jesus we have authority over him.14 That the ministries of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher, elder, and deacon are for the equipping and edification of the church today. 15 That God is building a glorious church that will fulfill the Great Commission.16 In the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, the saved to eternal life and the lost to eternal judgment.ACA: Abbotsford Christian Assembly | Abbotsford B.C. [[@Headword:C33]]Group idACAGroup nameAbbotsford Christian Assembly | Abbotsford B.C.TraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toMFI: Ministers Fellowship International | Portland ORACLN: Abbotsford Christian Leadership NetworkwebWebsite Source of creedal statement 9 January 2014Doctrinal StatementWe Believe1. There is one God, who is infinitely perfect, existing eternally in three persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.2. That Jesus Christ was and is the Son of God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died upon the cross the just for the unjust, as a substitutionary sacrifice, and all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood. He arose from the dead according to the scriptures. He is now at the right hand of the Majesty on High as our Great High Priest and will personally return to earth in power and glory.3. That the Bible is the infallible Word of God, given to men by the inspiration of God.4. Man was originally created in the image and likeness of God; he fell through disobedience, incurring thereby both physical and spiritual death. All men are born with a sinful nature, are separated from the life of God, and can be saved only through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The portion of the impenitent and unbelieving is existence forever in conscious torment; and that of the believer, in everlasting joy and bliss.5. That all have sinned and that the only means of being cleansed from sin is through the blood of Jesus Christ and that regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential for personal salvation.6. Salvation has been provided through Jesus Christ for all men; and those who repent and believe in Him are born again of the Holy Spirit, receive the gift of eternal life, and become the children of God.7. That the redemptive work of Christ provides healing for the whole man, body, soul and Spirit.8. In water baptism, by immersion, in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus Christ.9. It is the will of God that each believer, through the Holy Spirit, be sanctified wholly, being separated from sin and fully dedicated to the will of God. This is both instant and a progressive experience wrought in the life of the believer subsequent to conversion.10. That a person baptized with the Holy Spirit will speak with new tongues.11. That the Holy Spirit enables the believer to live a godly life, which manifests the fruit of the Spirit.12. That the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as enumerated in I Corinthians 12-14 should be practiced and manifested in the church today.13. In the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, the saved to everlasting life and the lost to eternal judgment.14. The Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ will be personal, visible, and pre-millennial. This is the believers blessed hope and is a vital truth, which is an incentive to holy living and faithful service. 15. The church which is the body of Christ, consists of all those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and are redeemed through His blood.16. In the reality and personality of our enemy, Satan.17. In remembering the Lord's death in the ordinance of the Lord's supper. His blood purchased salvation for us. His broken body purchased healing for us..uk | Clydebank Scotland [[@Headword:C34]]Group idGroup .uk (Abbotsford Parish / Dalmuir Barclay Parish) | Clydebank ScotlandTraditionChurch of ScotlandWikipediaOriginLinks toChurch of Scotland | Edinburgh ScotlandWebsite Source of creedal statement 9 January 2014A statement of faith in the unknownBased on the idea of The Unknown God, this statement celebrate a faith in what is yet unknown. A statement of expectation and... well, faith!I believe in lovea love that embodies Goda love yet unknown in it’s power to transformthat which is dark into that which is lightall that hurtsinto what healsa crossinto a means of resurrectionI believe in lovea love yet unknown in it’s power to transformI believe in gracea grace that celebrates Goda grace yet unknown in its power to hang onto embrace that which needs to be redeemedwaiting all eternityfor the time of redemptionwhen all people are gathered into the love of GodI believe in gracea grace yet unknown in it’s power to hang onI believe in lifea life that glorifies Goda life yet unknown in its fullnessa fullness of life that shapes our humanitybeyond our prejudices todaythat brings us nearerto being the community God calls us to beI believe in lifea life yet unknown in its fullnessI believe in Goda god as yet unknownwho has been calling us from the ancient time of creationinto relationship with each other and with Godunknown as yetbecause with God nothing is ever finishedI believe in Godwho is yet not fully knownAbby Free Church | Abbotsford BC [[@Headword:C35]]Group idGroup nameAbby Free Church | Abbotsford BCTraditionEvangelical Free Church of CanadaWikipediaOriginLinks toEvangelical Free Church of CanadaWebsite Source of creedal statement 9 January 2014Statement of FaithAbbyFree Church BelievesAbbyFree is united with the Evangelical Free Church of Canada in sharing a common commitment to God’s evangel–the gospel of Jesus Christ, who died and rose again to give us eternal life. To God’s glory, the gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. Our essential theological convictions are vitally connected to this gospel.God’s gospel originates in and expresses the wondrous perfections of the eternal, triune God. 1. We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory.God’s gospel is authoritatively revealed in the Scriptures.2. We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavour should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.God’s gospel alone addresses our deepest need. 3. We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed.God’s gospel is made known supremely in the Person of Jesus Christ.4. We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. Jesus—Israel’s promised Messiah—was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.God’s gospel is accomplished through the work of Christ. 5. We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation.God’s gospel is applied by the power of the Holy Spirit.6. We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.God’s gospel is now embodied in the new community called the church.7. We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer.God’s gospel compels us to Christ-like living and witness to the world.8. We believe that God’s justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God’s Word, the Spirit’s power, and fervent prayer in Christ’s name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ’s commission, we are to make disciples among all people, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed.God’s gospel will be brought to fulfillment by the Lord Himself at the end of this age.9. We believe in the personal, bodily and glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ with His holy angels when He will bring His kingdom to fulfillment and exercise His role as Judge of all. This coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission.God’s gospel requires a response that has eternal consequences.10. We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace. Amen.Abby House Church | Abbotsford BC [[@Headword:C36]]Group idGroup nameAbby House Church | Abbotsford BCTraditionHouse church movementWikipediaOriginEarly 1990’s with Fred and Sheila Tomlinson taking a pastoral roleLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 9 January 2014Statement of FaithWe believe the Old and New Testament to be the Holy and inspired word of God and the first authority in all matters pertaining to Christian faith and conduct.We believe there is one God, eternally existing in three persons, in a three-fold fellowship, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.We believe that Jesus Christ was God manifested in the flesh, born of the Virgin Mary. We believe He lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and died a vicarious and atoning death, was bodily resurrected, and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father.We believe that all men are lost, sinful, and before God, spiritually dead, Their only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son.We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Sprit by whom man is convicted of sin, is brought to a personal knowledge of salvation, and enabled to live a Godly life.We believe in the personal and imminent return of the Lord Jesus for all who receive Him as their Lord and Savior.We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust; eternal blessedness for the saved and everlasting punishment for the unsaved.Abecedarians[[@Headword:C37]]Group idGroup nameAbecedariansTraditionAnabaptistWikipedia Origin16th century Anabaptists led by Nicholas StorchLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementAAC: Aberdeen Alliance Church | Aberdeen SD [[@Headword:C38]]Group idAACGroup nameAberdeen Alliance Church | Aberdeen SDTraditionChristian and Missionary Alliance aka The Alliance aka C&MAWikipediaOrigin1919Links toThe AllianceWebsite of creedal statement 9 January 2014The Alliance Our Statement of Faith XE "Document:The Alliance Our Statement of Faith (undated)" Aberdeen Baptist Church | Aberdeen OH [[@Headword:C39]]Group idGroup nameAberdeen Baptist Church | Aberdeen OHTraditionSouthern BaptistWikipediaOriginLinks toHow to Become a ChristianSouthern Baptist ConventionKentucky Baptist ConventionBracken Association of BaptistsLifeway: Biblical Solutions for lifeInternational Mission BoardNorth American Mission BoardWomen's Missionary UnionAnnie ArmstrongEliza BroadusLottie MoonBaptist MenOn Mission MagazineWrite Your TestimonyWebsite Source of creedal statement 10 January 2014Our Beliefs Southern Baptists have prepared a statement of generally held convictions called The Baptist Faith and Message XE "Creed:text needed:The Baptist Faith and Message" . It serves as a guide to understanding who we are. The topics here provide only a brief, partial summary. The full text is also available through the Southern Baptist Convention website.The ScripturesThe Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter.GodThere is one and only one living and true God. …The eternal God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.God the FatherGod as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. …God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ.God the SonChrist is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ, He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. …He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His death on the cross, He made provision for the redemption of men from sin.God the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. …He exalts Christ. He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. …He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.ManMan was created by the special act of God, in His own image, and is the crowning work of His creation. …By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. … The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore every man possesses dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.SalvationSalvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, sanctification, and glorification.God's Purpose of GraceElection is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. …All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end.The ChurchA New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel…and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. …This church is an autonomous body. …The New Testament speaks also of the church as the body of Christ, which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages.Baptism & the Lord's SupperChristian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water. …It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus.The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members … memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.The Lord's DayThe first day of the week is the Lord's Day. …It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion.Last ThingsGod, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. …Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly…the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell. …The righteous… will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.Evangelism & MissionsIt is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations … to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal effort.EducationThe cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence … there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. …The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.StewardshipGod is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions.CooperationChrist\'s people should … organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. …Cooperation is desirable between the various Christian denominations.The Christian & the Social OrderEvery Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in his own life and in human society. ... The Christian should oppose in the spirit of Christ every form of greed, selfishness, and vice.Religious LibertyChurch and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. …A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal.FamilyGod has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. …Marriage is the unity of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. …The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. …Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord.Aberdeen Christian Fellowship | Aberdeen Scotland[[@Headword:C40]]Group idACFGroup nameAberdeen Christian Fellowship | Aberdeen ScotlandTraditionBaptistWikipediaOriginLinks toBaptist Union of ScotlandBarnabas fundWycliffe Bible TranslatorsTearfundThe A21 CampaignThe Tumaini FundwebWebsite Source of creedal statement 18 December 2013Statement of Faith1. We believe the Holy Bible (all 66 books of the Old and New Testaments) to be divinely inspired. It is the only fully trustworthy authority for faith and conduct.2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit and that these three are co-eternal and of equal dignity and power and that this Triune God is the Creator, Sustainer, Ruler, Redeemer and Judge of the World.3. We believe in the full deity and humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ; in His virgin birth; in His sinless life; in His miracles; in His atoning sacrifice on the cross: dying in our place, paying the price of sin, becoming an example for us and defeating evil; in His bodily resurrection; in His ascension to the right hand of the Father and in His personal and visible return in power and glory to establish a new heaven and new earth.4. We believe in the dignity of all people, male and female, created by and for God; that by human disobedience to God, every person incurred spiritual death, which is separation from God, and physical death as a consequence; that all humans are sinners by nature and practice and that all who believe in Jesus Christ alone appropriate by the grace of God his atoning work and are declared righteous and brought into right relationship with God.5. We believe in the present and active ministry of the Holy Spirit who leads people to repentance, unites them with Christ through new birth, enables them to live godly lives and empowers them for witness and ministry.6. We believe in the bodily resurrection of everyone who has lived, the everlasting blessedness of those in right relationship with God, and the everlasting punishment of those who have rejected GodAberdeen Christian Fellowship | Aberdeen South Dakota[[@Headword:C41]]Group idGroup nameAberdeen Christian Fellowship | Aberdeen South DakotaTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 26 December 2013Our Statement of Beliefs:The Bible as the Word of God: We accept the Bible as the inspired and God-breathed Word of God to mankind. We believe the Bible Should be the source of all teaching, doctrine, faith, and practice. The Gospel of Jesus Christ: We believe that there is one God, who has created all things, and that He has revealed Himself to mankind as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that mankind has become separated from God Because of disobedience, or sin. We believe God has freely given forgiveness and new life to mankind through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, and His resurrection from the dead. We believe mankind is given the opportunity to personally acknowledge his/her own sinfulness, and to personally receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We believe that apart from Christ’s suffering and death and resurrection, mankind is destined for eternal judgment, separation from God, and perishing in hell. We believe in the imminent and actual return of Jesus Christ to earth and the establishing of His eternal Kingdom. We believe it is the church’s responsibility to proclaim, teach and demonstrate the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world around us.Baptism: We believe that according to Jesus’ command, every believer in Jesus Christ should be baptized in water; through the process of immersion, submersion, and emergence; which acknowledges the suffering, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The Holy Spirit: We believe that according to Jesus’ own words, the Holy Spirit of God is given to all believers; and that every believer can be filled with the Holy Spirit, or as Jesus spoke, “You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit…” We believe that the Holy Spirit is given by God to empower, equip, teach, and lead believers; and the Holy Spirit gives specific gifts to individual believers. Worship & Service: We believe that our first responsibility before God is to love God and glorify Him through offering our lives, our resources, our prayer and praise to Him. We believe that every believer is given the individual opportunity to worship and serve God and others. The Church: We believe that every believer in Jesus Christ becomes a member of the Church of Jesus Christ and is placed by God in a local church family to help him or her grow spiritually, become more Godly in character, and find a place of serving. We believe it is God’s priority for a local church to assemble together regularly for the purpose of worship, ministry of the Word of God, sharing Communion (the Lord’s Supper) together, and to love and serve one another. We believe that God gives the Church of Jesus Christ leadership through Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers; and that God gives a local church leadership through a Pastor and Elders. The Family: We believe that God places high value on the family, and that the family is the primary building block of the church and of our society. We believe the family begins with a marriage between one man and one woman; and that God gave the family as the setting for raising children.Aberdeen Primitive Baptist Church | Aberdeen MS[[@Headword:C42]]Group idGroup nameAberdeen Primitive Baptist ChurchTraditionPrimitive BaptistWikipediaOriginLinks toPrimitive Baptist ChurchesMount Zion Primitive Baptist ChurchGadsden Primitive Baptist ChurchCincinnati Primitive Baptist ChurchHeritage Primitive Baptist ChurchCovenant Primitive Baptist ChurchPrimitive Baptist WebsitesBaptist Bible HourGrace Chapel Primitive Baptist ChurchPrimitive Baptist Web StationThe Old School Baptist Web SiteBaptist ConfessionsNew Hampshire Confession 1833 XE "Creed:New Hampshire Baptist Confession (1833)" New Hampshire Confession 1853 XE "Creed:New Hampshire Baptist Confession (1853)" revision1644 London Confession XE "Creed:London Baptist Confession of Faith (1644)" 1646 London Confession 2nd edition XE "Creed:London Baptist Confession of Faith (1646)" 1689 London Confession XE "Creed:London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689)" Website Source of creedal statement 17 December 2013Church position papersThe Case Against the Universal Invisible Church by Milburn CockrellChurches of God By A. W. Pink (from Studies in the Scriptures, Dec. 1927, pp. 277-281)Circular Letter: The Great Commission by Elder R.H. HaleFive Golden Links in God's Chain of Salvation by Elder Herb HatfieldThe Importance of Scriptural Baptism by Elder Herb HatfieldIs God The Author Of Sin? by Elder Herb HatfieldMan's Utter Inability to Rescue Himself by Thomas BostonWashing of the Saints Feet: A New Testament Ordinance - John Chapter 13 by Elder Herb HatfieldDoctrine & PracticeWe Believe: 1. That the Bible, being composed of both the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God and is our sole authority for doctrine and practice. We believe that the King James translation is the most accurate translation we have today. II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21 2. That the God of Heaven is the creator and sustainer of the universe and that He works all things according to the good pleasure of His sovereign will. Isaiah 14:25; Ephesians 1:11 3. That all mankind are dead in trespasses and sins and are worthy of eternal punishment in Hell except for the sovereign grace of God. Romans 3:10-23 and Ephesians 2:6-10 4. That by God’s sovereign grace and mercy, elect sinners are predestined to eternal life and are redeemed and justified by the blood of Christ alone. John 3:16; Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:4-7; and Colossians 1:13-14 5. That Jesus Christ died for the sins of His people alone and they shall all be regenerated in time by the Holy Spirit, enabled to hear the Gospel of their salvation and caused to have faith in Christ as their Savior. John 3:3 & 5; John 5:25; John 6:37 & 44; John 10:26-28; John 17:2 6. That all who are saved should be baptized, unite with a New Testament Baptist church, strive to live godly lives and witness to the world that we live in until Christ Jesus our Lord comes again. Acts 2:37-47; I Thessalonians 1:2-10 7. That there is to be a resurrection of the bodies both of the saved and the unsaved at which time the saved shall receive glorified bodies that shall enable them to enjoy eternal Glory with their Savior, while the unsaved are resurrected in their old bodies and shall be punished with everlasting destruction. Matthew 25:32-46; John 5:28-29; I Corinthians 15:12-58: II Thessalonians 1:7-10Our doctrines and our practices, we believe, are well grounded in the Word of God which is our final authority for our Faith and Practice. No human document is perfect, yet we are in basic agreement with both the London Confession of Faith of 1644 and of 1689. New Hampshire Confession 1833 XE "Creed:New Hampshire Baptist Confession (1833)" New Hampshire Confession 1853 XE "Creed:New Hampshire Baptist Confession (1853)" revisionLondon Baptist Confession of Faith (1644) XE "Creed:London Baptist Confession of Faith (1644)" London Baptist Confession of Faith (1646) XE "Creed:London Baptist Confession of Faith (1646)" London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) XE "Creed:London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689)" Aberdeen Reformed Church | Grand Rapids MI [[@Headword:C43]]Group idGroup nameAberdeen Reformed Church | Grand Rapids MITraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 10 January 2014What We BelieveGod - God is proclaimed and seen in all that is good in creation because God has created all things that are good and is reflected in it, but God is most fully revealed in the Holy Bible, with the guidence of the Holy Spirit and the faithful tradition of God's Church. The God of the Holy Bible is the one and only God of all that exists and salvation is found in this God alone. While God is one, God is found in the three persons of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) who are all equal in divinity, three distinct persons, yet united together. God is always working to redeem, restore, and save all of creation through God's covenantal love. The Holy Bible - The Holy Scriptures were written and edited by people who were inspired and led by God to write. The words in the Holy Bible are from God and the Holy Spirit guides its readers to understand the text and to comprehend and accept the salvation that is proclaimed in it. It is also very helpful and important to understand the culture, mindset, and language of the original writers so that the text is properly interpreted in the context it comes from rather than a person's bias or current circumstances. There are 66 books in the Old and New Testaments that are inspired by God, but the texts of the Apocrypha, the writings of the early Rabbis, the early Church Fathers, faithful tradition, and the history of the Church can also be helpful in learning about God, God's ways, God's people, God's Word, and God's Holy Church. But above all the Holy Bible is our highest authority! Creation - We believe that God created all things in Heaven and on Earth and with the rest of all creation we praise God. With that said, while we believe God created all things we do not know exactly how God did it. There are many theories and we encourage people to explore and learn more about God's creation, but no matter how much we find out, there will always be a point where human understanding reaches its limits. God put humanity in charge of creation and expects us to tend and care for all creation, so we believe that all of humanity but especially Christians should be good, creative, responsible, and resourceful stewards of what God has loaned to us since everything that God created is owned by God. God's Church - God calls people to be part of the community of faith within the Christian Church, which is a community of believers in Jesus Christ and not the buildings in which they meet. In this way we are able to support each other in our needs, be accountable to each other, encourage each other to live in ways that God intends, help each other grow in the faith, and inspire each other to correctly love within the parameters of God's covenantal love as we seek to be closer to the heart of God. The Church is called to be a blessing to the greater community and not just those who attend church. We are to reach out in love, as God has, to the poor, oppressed, and those who do not know God. God's community is called to love its enemies and even be a blessing to them by praying and providing for them. Most importantly though, the Church is called to proclaim the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ by using the gifts that God has given us and proclaiming this good news in word and deed. All are welcome! Nicene Creed XE "Creed:Nicene Creed:text" We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. AMEN!Aberdeen Wesleyan Church | Aberdeen SD [[@Headword:C44]]Group idGroup nameAberdeen Wesleyan Church | Aberdeen SDTraditionWesleyan ChurchWikipediaOriginLinks toThe Wesleyan Church | Fisher INWebsite Source of creedal statement 10 January 2014Our BeliefsThe Wesleyan Church is an evangelical, Protestant denomination. We offer the good news that faith in Jesus Christ makes possible a wonderful personal relationship with God, a holy life empowered by His Spirit for witness and service, and assurance of eternal life in heaven. Our name is in honor of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, whose emphasis on a life of faith, self-discipline, and perfect love is our example. There are nearly 5,000 Wesleyan churches and missions in over 70 nations worldwide. In the United States and Canada alone, there are approximately 1,700 local congregations. ( ? 2004)About the BibleWe believe that the Bible (Old and New Testaments) is the God-breathed Word of God, perfect in the original writings, and totally reliable in everything it addresses. It is the final authority for life, giving all the information necessary to know and love God, and to live a life pleasing to Him.About People We believe that people are the highest creation of God on earth, and that He loves them above all else. We carry His image (moral will), and are equipped above all creation to do the will of God. We believe that all people are born with a sinful nature inherited from Adam, and that all people sin and fall short of the perfection required for entrance to heaven. Because of this, we deserve eternal punishment for our sins. We are incapable of getting to heaven through any effort on our own.About Jesus Christ We believe that Jesus was the actual Son of God, who took human form in the form of a baby born of a virgin. He lived a perfectly sinless life. He was crucified, died, and was buried. He rose physically from the grave, and now sits at the right hand of God the Father. He is the only valid path to salvation, and no one can find forgiveness of sins and eternal life outside of Him.About Getting to HeavenWe believe that heaven is a physical place where the children of God will spend eternity. This heaven (and the forgiveness of sins that accompanies it) is available to all who call on Jesus, trusting in His work on the cross. Heaven cannot be earned either by good deeds or by the lack of evil deeds. It can only be obtained by faith in Christ.About the Family of GodWe believe that all who call on Jesus are part of the family of God, and that each member is responsible to God and each other. Therefore, we should each seek the good of the other, helping and encouraging one another in their living for God until we meet him face to face.Articles of Religion XE "Creed:text needed:Articles of Religion (Wesleyan Church)" Abilene Baptist Church | Martinez GA[[@Headword:C45]]Group idGroup nameAbilene Baptist Church | Abilene GATraditionSouthern BaptistWikipediaOrigin1774 by Daniel Marshal as Red’s Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Loveless Savage as first pastorLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 December 2013 31 December 2013The Baptist Faith & Message 2000 XE "Creed:Baptist Faith & Message (2000):text" The Gospel“Gos·pel noun \?g?s-p?l\ 1. Good news 2. the message concerning Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation”Do you know for certain that you have eternal life and that you will go to heaven when you die?God wants you to be sure. The Bible, says in 1 John 5:13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”Another question to consider is:Suppose you were standing before God right now and He asked you, “Why should I let you into MY heaven?” What do you think you would say?You may not know what you would say, but you can know because God loves you and has a purpose for your life. The Bible states it this way, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).God’s Purpose:God’s purpose is that we have eternal life! Notice these three important facts about eternal life:We receive eternal life as a free gift. – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)We can live a full and meaningful life right now. – “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)We will spend eternity with Jesus in heaven. – “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 14:3)Eternal life gives meaning to life. BUT, our sinful nature keeps us from fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.Our Problem:Before we can realize God’s purpose, we must first understand our problem.We are all sinners by nature and by choice. – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)We cannot save ourselves. – “Not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:9)We deserve death and hell. – “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)It is true that God is a loving God, but He is also holy and just and must punish sin. Yet, because He loves us He has provided forgiveness for our sin. He has given us a provision, His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) The good news is that God has provided for the forgiveness of our sins.Jesus’ Provision:Jesus Christ is all that we need to provide us with an eternal heavenly membership. Accepting God’s provision, Jesus Christ, is the only way we can have eternal life. Nothing more, nothing less.Notice what God’s Word states about our provision, Jesus Christ:Jesus is God and became man. – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1, 14)Jesus died for us on the cross. – “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,” (1 Peter 3:18)Jesus was resurrected from the dead. – “(Jesus) who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification..” (Romans 4:25)That is good news, but the only way Jesus can affect our lives is for us to receive Him. The Bible Says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” (John 1 : 12) The choice is ours.Salvation’s Plan:To accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you must…….#1 – REPENTYou must repent of your sin. -“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19)Repentance is not just feeling sorry for our sin. -“Repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.” (Acts 26:20)Repentance is turning to God through Jesus and away from our sin. It’s like making a U-turn.#2 – FAITH IN JESUSYou must place your faith in Jesus.“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)Faith is not just believing facts about Jesus. -“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe–and tremble!” (James 2:19)Faith is trusting in Jesus. It’s like taking a trip on an airplane. You will never make the trip until you trust the plane enough to board it.#3 – SURRENDERYou must surrender you life to Jesus as Lord.“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For . . . with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)Surrendering to Jesus as Lord is not just saying we give our lives to Jesus.“”Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7 : 21)Surrendering to Jesus as Lord means giving Jesus control of your life. That is, you must give all that you know of yourself to all that you know of God.To give Jesus control of your life is like driving down the highway with another person. As long as you are driving, you are in control. If you realize you don’t know the way, but the other person does, you might say. “You take the wheel and drive.” Then the other person is in control and the two of you take the route he chooses.THREE IMPORTANT QUESTIONSDoes what you have been reading make sense?Is there any reason you would not be willing to receive God’s gift of eternal life?Are you willing to turn from your sin and place your faith in Jesus right now?If you’ve answered yes to these questions listen to what the Bible says,For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)All you have to do is ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, place your faith in Him and surrender to Him as Lord of your life. If you would like to do this, read this prayer and see if it says what you want to say to God.“Dear God, I know that you love me. I know that you sent Jesus to die on the cross and to rise from the dead for my sins. God I acknowledge that I’m a sinner. I realize that I’ve done things that Jesus wouldn’t do. I repent of my sin. I turn from my sin and I turn to Jesus. Jesus, please come into my heart, forgive me of my sin and save me. I accept you as Lord of my life. Thank you Jesus for saving me. Amen.”If this is what you want to say to God, then call on the Lord in repentance, faith, and surrender by praying these words or similar words of you own; and Jesus will become your Savior and Lord.If you’ve prayed this prayer or one similar, WELCOME TO THE FAMILY OF GOD. If you sincerely prayed this prayer, you have just made the most important decision of your life. You can be sure you are saved and have eternal life.As evidence of giving Jesus control, you will want to identify with Him. The New Testament way of identification is to confess Jesus publicly (Matthew 10:32-33) and to follow Him in Baptism and church membership (Acts 2:38).Abilene Bible Baptist Church | Abilene KS[[@Headword:C46]]Group idABBCGroup nameAbilene Bible Baptist Church | Abilene KSTraditionIndependent fundamentalWikipediaOriginLinks toAbilene Baptist AcademyWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 December 2013God's Simple Plan of SalvationRomans 3:23- "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."Romans 6:23- "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."Romans 5:8- "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."Romans 10:13- "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."About Our Church We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the gift of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood, His righteousness is imputed unto us.Abilene church of Christ | Statesville NC[[@Headword:C47]]Group idGroup nameAbilene church of Christ | Statesville NCTraditionIndependent church of ChristWikipediaOriginLinks toApologetics PressAudio EvangelismBanner of Truth webBrown Trail church of Christ | Bedford TXwebChristian Courier webDuluth church of Christ | Duluth, GADurham church of Christ | Durham, NCwebEast End church of Christ | McMinnville, TNwebGetwell church of Christ | Memphis, TN webHighland Acres church of Christ | Statesville NC webHighway 9 church of Christ | Piedmont AL House to House/Heart to Heart | Jacksonville ALInternational Gospel HourwebLiledoun Road church of Christ | Taylorsville NC Mountain Island church of Christ | Charlotte NCNCSBS: North Carolina School of Biblical Studiesweb | Clemmons NCSearching the Scriptures Magazineweb Train UpWarners Chapel church of Christ | Clemmons NCWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 December 2013About UsWe are just Christians. The Abilene church of Christ is free, independent, and self-governing, under Christ. We have no denominational affiliation or headquarters. Our organization, worship, and work are all according to the New Testament pattern. The Bible alone is our guide. God’s Word is truth, and Jesus has authority in all things (John 17:17; Matthew 28:18). Thus we have no sectarian doctrine or creed.Our plea is for all people to return to the principles and practices of New Testament Christianity so that we might find unity in Christ, the kind of unity that Jesus prayed for (John 17:20-21). At the Abilene church of Christ, we have rejected all doctrines and creeds originating with man, and are drawn together by a common faith in and obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We hold to a commitment of serving the God faithfully according to His Word (Romans 10:17).Our worship is simple, unpretentious, reverent, and joyous. Our sincere desire is to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24) while encouraging one another to walk more closely with God (Hebrews 10:23-25). We hope you will accept this invitation to visit with us soon (Romans 16:16). It is always our interest to share with others the pure gospel of Jesus Christ as set forth in the New Testament. …Who are the churches of Christ?We are the non-denominational church of the Bible that Christ founded on the Day of Pentecost in the first century in the city of Jerusalem. (Matthew 16:18; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 2:1-47; Ephesians 1:20-23)How is the church governed?Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 1:20-23). Under Christ, individual congregations have a plurality of elders who must meet the qualifications found in the Scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5. Under the elders serve deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13), evangelists (ministers) and teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12). The only law governing the church is the Bible (Colossians 3:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).How does the church worship?Prayer through Christ (John 14:13; Acts 2:42)Non-instrumental music (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16)Preaching of the Word of God (Acts 2:42)The Lord’s Supper every week (Acts 20:7)Freewill giving as one has prospered each Sunday (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)How does one become a member of the church so as to be saved?Believe in Jesus (John 8:24; Acts 16:31)Repent of sins (Acts 3:19; 17:30)Confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:10)Be baptized (immersion into water) for remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38)Christ then adds one to his church (Acts 2:47)Live a faithful Christian life (not once saved, always saved) (2 Peter 2:20-22; Revelation 2:10)Abilene Seventh-day Adventist Church | Abilene TX[[@Headword:C48]]Group idGroup nameAbilene Seventh-day Adventist Church | Abilene TXTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 12 January 2014 12 January 2014 12 January 2014About Seventh-day AdventistsAdventists believe a Trinity of three persons--the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit--make up one God. They made salvation possible when Jesus, the Son, came to earth as a baby in Bethlehem and lived a sinless life in accordance with the Father's will. When Jesus was crucified for the sins of the people of the world and arose from the dead on the third day, victory was won for everyone. When He returned to heaven following the resurrection, Jesus left the Holy Spirit to serve as our Comforter and Counselor. He promised to return to earth a second time to complete His plan of salvation and take His people to heaven. Adventists are among the believers who look forward to that day. Adventists believe that God is concerned with the quality of human life, and that everything--the way we live, eat, speak, think, treat each other, and care for the world around us--is a part of His plan. Our families, our children, our jobs, our talents, our money, and our time are all important to Him.What Seventh-day Adventists BelieveAs a Christian church, Seventh-day Adventists are a faith community rooted in the beliefs described by the Holy Scriptures. Adventists describe these beliefs in the following ways: God wants you to know HimGod's greatest desire is for you to see a clear picture of His character. When you see Him clearly, you will find His love irresistible.For many, "seeing God clearly" requires that they see God's face. However, how He looks is not the issue. Seeing and understanding His character is what's most important. The more clearly we understand Him, the more we will find His love irresistible. As we begin to experience His love, our own lives will begin to make more sense.God most clearly reveals His character in three great events. The first is His creation of man and woman--and His giving them the freedom of choice. He created humans with the ability to choose to love Him or to hate Him! The death of Jesus Christ, God's only Son, on the cross as our substitute is the second great event. In that act He paid the penalty we deserve for our hateful choices toward God and His ways. Jesus' death guarantees forgiveness for those choices and allows us to spend eternity with Him. The third event confirms the first two and fills every heart with hope: Christ's tomb is empty! He is alive, living to fill us with His love!Jesus' disciple John wrote that if everyone wrote all the stories they knew about Jesus, the whole world could not contain them. Our knowledge of God helps us understand His love, character, and grace. Experiencing that love begins a lifelong adventure in growth and service. This knowledge and experience powers our mission to tell the world about His love and His offer of salvation.Scripture directs how we liveScripture is a road map. The Bible is God's voice, speaking His love personally to you today.The Bible speaks the Creator's directions to us, like a detailed road map that clearly shows the exit ramp directly into heaven. It is also much like an owner's manual for a life ready to be lived on the cutting edge of liberty.Sometimes His voice speaks through stories, such as those of David and Goliath, Ruth and Boaz, Naaman's little servant girl, Christ on the cross, and fisherman Peter learning how to tend sheep. Some of these stories teach us how to handle the troubles we face each day. Others fill us with hope and peace. Each of them is like a personal letter from God to you.Portions of Scripture are direct instructions and laws from God such as the Ten Commandments, recorded in Exodus 20. These tell us more about God and His expectations for us. When people asked Jesus to summarize these commands, He focused on the way God's love affects the way we live. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul," He said. "And love your neighbor as you love yourself."On other pages the Bible gives God's practical advice and encouragement through parables, lists, promises, and warnings. Amazingly, though many different writers throughout thousands of years wrote the Bible, each page describes the same God in ways we can understand and apply in our lives today. This book is always His voice talking personally to anyone who is willing to read and hear.God loves us even when we choose to reject His love. In those times He allows us to walk away into the life of our own choices. Yet He is still there, always ready to redeem us from the results of our decisions.Jesus never changesJesus is the one who never changes in a universe that always does. Jesus is Creator, Sustainer, Saviour, Friend, God's Son, and God Himself!Everything in this world is always changing, even our desires, interests, skills, and body shapes. But Jesus? He's consistent. He's always the same. Sure, He's always surprising us and touching our lives in thousands of new and different ways, but His character is unchanging. He's God's Son, the Creator, our Saviour, and Friend. Jesus has promised to be all of that, and more, for each of us. We can trust His promises because He is God. When the words of Colossians say "in Him all things hold together" (1:17, NIV) that includes everything in our lives. He keeps us whole when the enemy is trying to make us fall apart.Seventh-day Adventists believe that Jesus is one of the three persons, called the Trinity, who make up our one God. The Bible describes Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit as each being committed to our growth as Christians and to our salvation as their children. They made this salvation possible when Jesus came to Bethlehem as a human baby. He lived a life perfectly in accord with God's will and then died innocently for all of our sins. He was placed in a borrowed tomb, but He came back to life three days later. Now he is in heaven interceding with the Father for us, preparing for our deliverance from sin and death.When everything may be falling apart, when you feel totally alone in the universe, Jesus is right there in the center of it all, offering personal peace and hope. Allow Him into your life. He immediately begins "remodeling" who you are and how you live. Jesus, in fact, is busily transforming His followers into accurate representatives of God's character.Look to Jesus, and you'll be looking into the understanding and loving face of God.What God wants for youGod's vision for you is life as He lives it! God loves you, and wants to give you the highest quality of life imaginable.No, not a second-rate existence somewhere on earth, but the highest quality of life imaginable, here and in eternity with Him! That's what God wants us to have. The best!This is why He provides church families where we can belong. This is why He gives each of us special gifts and talents, so we can live life fully. Amazingly, this is why He's concerned about what you're doing, when you're doing it, and how you relate to Him. God doesn't want anything to get in the way of our friendship. He especially doesn't want us to get involved in anything damaging or hurtful. He's like a loving father or a good big brother. He's someone who loves you so much that He's always looking out for you.When God designed you, He included special talents and skills that will help you become a uniquely valuable individual. These may be your ability to teach, your love for others, or your leadership skills. Still, whatever special gifts you have received, God has also provided all of the energy and wisdom necessary for you to use them well.By the way, how God feels about death is part of the quality life He offers. For followers of Christ, death holds no fear. Remember, Jesus defeated death on Calvary and has given us freedom from death. Cemeteries, then, are filled with followers of God who are in the "peaceful pause before the resurrection." Yes, they are dead, but that death holds no power over their future. Jesus is coming to take them (and those of us who are still living) HOME! Death is almost like a wintery promise of spring.The Seventh-day Adventist faith in today and in the future comes from seeing this life "overflowing" with hope!Because love is the key aspect of His character, God is also deeply into gratitude. Before we even finish saying thank you, He's already busy sending more blessings.God loves youIn the heart of God is a place you can experience as home. God loves you, and wants to spend time with you personally, one on one, as two close friends.Because you and God are friends, you will spend time together as friends do. Each morning you'll share a hello and a hug and discuss how you can face the day's events together. Throughout the day you'll talk with Him about how you feel. You'll laugh with Him at funny things and ache with Him over sadness and hurts. It's pleasant being God's friend, able to snuggle comfortably into the safety of your relationship. You can always trust Him to treat you well, because He loves you.The seventh day (Saturday) is an extra-special part of the relationship. The Bible, from Genesis through Revelation, describes the seventh day as the one day God has set aside for focused fellowship with His people. God has named that day "Sabbath" and asked us to spend it with Him. "Remember the sabbath day," He says, "to keep it holy." The Sabbath is a whole day to deepen our friendship with the Creator of the universe! A day when we're together, Jesus with us and us with Jesus.There's another great truth about friendship with God. It doesn't end in a cemetery, for God is planning a homecoming better than anything we can dream. A homecoming filled with angels, trumpets, Jesus, and resurrections! He's promised to being His followers, those who have accepted the offer of His life-changing love, from this earth to His home, a place He calls heaven. A place where our friendship can go on growing forever, endlessly, joyfully!God keeps a family album and your picture is in it. God loves you and has a plan for your life. God's love is about you. Personally.God made you and has a very special plan for your life. It's a plan that will fill you with hope, love, peace, and activity. In fact, when Christ paid the penalty for sin on the cross, that gave Him the right to claim you as His own. As a result, you can experience His love and priceless salvation freely and fully without limit.By the way, pictures of everyone fill that album: Nepalese, Brazilians, Nigerians, Yupiks, Germans, people of every nation, culture, background, gender, hair color, and foot size. In God's eyes all are equally "children of the King"!Salvation? God cleans away all our sins and replaces them with His goodness. We don't have to be "good" for Him to accept us. Nevertheless, we must accept His promise and allow Him to clean out everything the enemy has left in us. Then we begin to experience the transforming power of His love. It's like a giant war: one side pulling us toward empty pleasure and destruction, and God urging us to accept His offer of peace and purpose.Remember, Jesus has already won the war. He is victorious! We celebrate His victory in our lives when we participate in the Lord's Supper. This meal includes three symbols:Foot washing (which symbolizes our commitment to love others as Jesus loves us), bread ("This bread is my flesh," Jesus said, "which I will give for the life of the world," John 6:51, NIV), and wine or grape juice ("Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life." John 6:54, NIV) To help us understand how God can transform us into His children, Jesus modeled the process of baptism for us. Baptism symbolized dying to self and coming alive in Jesus. Seventh-day Adventists practice full immersion baptism because by being fully buried beneath the water we symbolize that God's grace fully fills us with His new life for the future. Through baptism we are truly born again in Jesus.Eternal life, peace, purpose, forgiveness, transforming grace, hope: Everything He promises is ours, because He's offering it and He's shown we can trust Him to do exactly as He promises. Accept His gifts, and you immediately become an active part of His family, and He joyfully becomes part of yours.Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist ChurchSeventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of the Holy Scriptures. The fundamental beliefs listed below constitute our church's understanding and expression of the teaching of Scripture.The Holy Scriptures The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration through holy men of God who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to man the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the authoritative revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God's acts in history. (2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Ps. 119:105; Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 4:12.)The Trinity There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation. (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 14:7.)The Father God the eternal Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and the Holy Spirit are also revelations of the Father. (Gen. 1:1; Rev. 4:11; 1 Cor. 15:28; John 3:16; 1 John 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:17; Ex. 34:6, 7; John 14:9.)The Son God the eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created, the character of God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. Forever truly God, He became also truly man, Jesus the Christ. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested God's power and was attested as God's promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins and in our place, was raised from the dead, and ascended to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of His people and the restoration of all things. (John 1:1-3, 14; Col. 1:15-19; John 10:30; 14:9; Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:17-19; John 5:22; Luke 1:35; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 2:9-18; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; Heb. 8:1, 2; John 14:1-3.)The Holy Spirit God the eternal Spirit was active with the Father and the Son in Creation, incarnation, and redemption. He inspired the writers of Scripture. He filled Christ's life with power. He draws and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father and the Son to be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures leads it into all truth. (Gen. 1:1, 2; Luke 1:35; 4:18; Acts 10:38; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 4:11, 12; Acts 1:8; John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-13.)Creation God is Creator of all things, and has revealed in Scripture the authentic account of His creative activity. In six days the Lord made "the heaven and the earth" and all living things upon the earth, and rested on the seventh day of that first week. Thus He established the Sabbath as a perpetual memorial of His completed creative work. The first man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of Creation, given dominion over the world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world was finished it was "very good", declaring the glory of God. (Gen. 1; 2; Ex. 20:8-11; Ps. 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Heb. 11:3.)The Nature of Man Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for life and breath and all else. When our first parents disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their high position under God. The image of God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker. Created for the glory of God, they are called to love Him and one another, and to care for their environment. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7; Ps. 8:4-8; Acts 17:24-28; Gen. 3; Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12-17; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; Ps. 51:10; 1 John 4:7, 8, 11, 20; Gen. 2:15.)The Great Controversy All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God's adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the worldwide flood. Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated. To assist His people in this controversy, Christ sends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them in the way of salvation. (Rev. 12:4-9; Isa. 14:12-14; Eze. 28:12-18; Gen. 3; Rom. 1:19-32; 5:12-21; 8:19-22; Gen. 6-8; 2 Peter 3:6; 1 Cor. 4:9; Heb. 1:14.)The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ In Christ's life of perfect obedience to God's will, His suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the only means of atonement for human sin, so that those who by faith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness of God's law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. The resurrection of Christ proclaims God's triumph over the forces of evil, and for those who accept the atonement assures their final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow. (John 3:16; Isa. 53; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, 20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Rom. 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; 1 John 2:2; 4:10; Col. 2:15; Phil. 2:6-11.)The Experience of Salvation In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, as Substitute and Example. This faith which receives salvation comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God's grace. Through Christ we are justified, adopted as God's sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes God's law of love in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life. Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment. (2 Cor. 5:17-21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4; 4:4-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 16:8; Gal. 3:13, 14; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; Rom. 10:17; Luke 17:5; Mark 9:23, 24; Eph. 2:5-10; Rom. 3:21-26; Col. 1:13, 14; Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 3:26; John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23; Rom. 12:2; Heb. 8:7-12; Eze. 36:25-27; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Rom. 8:1-4; 5:6-10.)Growing in Christ By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits during His earthly ministry has broken their power and made certain their ultimate doom. Jesus' victory gives us victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now the Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we are set free from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaninglessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the Church. As we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in witnessing to His salvation, His constant presence with us through the Spirit transforms every moment and every task into a spiritual experience. (Ps 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11, 12; Col 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; Luke 10:17-20; Eph 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Phil 3:7-14; 1 Thess 5:16-18; Matt 20:25-28; John 20:21; Gal 5:22-25; Rom 8:38, 39; 1 John 4:4; Heb 10:25.)The Church The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we are called out from the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Lord's Supper, for service to all mankind, and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word, and from the Scriptures, which are the written Word. The church is God's family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. (Gen. 12:3; Acts 7:38; Eph. 4:11-15; 3:8-11; Matt. 28:19, 20; 16:13-20; 18:18; Eph. 2:19-22; 1:22, 23; 5:23-27; Col. 1:17, 18.)The Remnant and Its Mission The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time of widespread apostasy, a remnant has been called out to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His second advent. This proclamation is symbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with the work of judgment in heaven and results in a work of repentance and reform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personal part in this worldwide witness. (Rev. 12:17; 14:6-12; 18:1-4; 2 Cor. 5:10; Jude 3, 14; 1 Peter 1:16-19; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Rev. 21:1-14.)Unity in the Body of Christ The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality, and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation. Through the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures we share the same faith and hope, and reach out in one witness to all. This unity has its source in the oneness of the triune God, who has adopted us as His children. (Rom. 12:4, 5; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; Matt. 28:19, 20; Ps. 133:1; 2 Cor. 5:16, 17; Acts 17:26, 27; Gal. 3:27, 29; Col. 3:10-15; Eph. 4:14-16; 4:1-6; John 17:20-23.)Baptism By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings. (Rom. 6:1-6; Col. 2:12, 13; Acts 16:30-33; 22:16; 2:38; Matt. 28:19, 20.)The Lord's Supper The Lord's Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him, our Lord and Saviour. In this experience of communion Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. As we partake, we joyfully proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination, repentance, and confession. The Master ordained the service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our hearts in love. The communion service is open to all believing Christians. (1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 11:23-30; Matt. 26:17-30; Rev. 3:20; John 6:48-63; 13:1-17.)Spiritual Gifts and Ministries God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts which each member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for the help and encouragement of people. Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic, and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God's varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love. (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:9-11, 27, 28; Eph. 4:8, 11-16; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter 4:10, 11.)The Gift of Prophecy One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen. G. White . As the Lord's messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10.)The Law of God The great principles of God's law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and exemplified in the life of Christ. They express God's love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct and relationships and are binding upon all people in every age. These precepts are the basis of God's covenant with His people and the standard in God's judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is all of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is an evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow men. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christian witness. (Ex. 20:1-17; Ps. 40:7, 8; Matt. 22:36-40; Deut. 28:1-14; Matt. 5:17-20; Heb. 8:8-10; John 15:7-10; Eph. 2:8-10; 1 John 5:3; Rom. 8:3, 4; Ps. 19:7-14.)The Sabbath The beneficent Creator, after the six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandment of God's unchangeable law requires the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another. It is a symbol of our redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in God's kingdom. The Sabbath is God's perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, is a celebration of God's creative and redemptive acts. (Gen. 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-11; Luke 4:16; Isa. 56:5, 6; 58:13, 14; Matt. 12:1-12; Ex. 31:13-17; Eze. 20:12, 20; Deut. 5:12-15; Heb. 4:1-11; Lev. 23:32; Mark 1:32.)Stewardship We are God's stewards, entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for their proper use. We acknowledge God's ownership by faithful service to Him and our fellow men, and by returning tithes and giving offerings for the proclamation of His gospel and the support and growth of His church. Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. The steward rejoices in the blessings that come to others as a result of his faithfulness. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15; 1 Chron. 29:14; Haggai 1:3-11; Mal. 3:8-12; 1 Cor. 9:9-14; Matt. 23:23; 2 Cor. 8:1-15; Rom. 15:26, 27.)Christian Behavior We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with the principles of heaven. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things which will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness. (Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 John 2:6; Eph. 5:1-21; Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 10:5; 6:14-7:1; 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31; Lev. 11:1-47; 3 John 2.)Marriage and the Family Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship. For the Christian a marriage commitment is to God as well as to the spouse, and should be entered into only between partners who share a common faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relationship between Christ and His church. Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who divorces a spouse, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. Although some family relationships may fall short of the ideal, marriage partners who fully commit themselves to each other in Christ may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. God blesses the family and intends that its members shall assist each other toward complete maturity. Parents are to bring up their children to love and obey the Lord. By their example and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a loving disciplinarian, ever tender and caring, who wants them to become members of His body, the family of God. Increasing family closeness is one of the earmarks of the final gospel message. (Gen. 2:18-25; Matt. 19:3-9; John 2:1-11; 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:21-33; Matt. 5:31, 32; Mark 10:11, 12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:10, 11; Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:1-4; Deut. 6:5-9; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 4:5, 6.)Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle which the Lord set up and not man. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and began His intercessory ministry at the time of His ascension. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry. It is a work of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical service the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting kingdom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent. (Heb. 8:1-5; 4:14-16; 9:11-28; 10:19-22; 1:3; 2:16, 17; Dan. 7:9-27; 8:13, 14; 9:24-27; Num. 14:34; Eze. 4:6; Lev. 16; Rev. 14:6, 7; 20:12; 14:12; 22:12.)The Second Coming of Christ The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour's coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ's coming is imminent. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times. (Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; Matt. 24:14; Rev. 1:7; Matt. 24:43, 44; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; Rev. 14:14-20; 19:11-21; Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 Thess. 5:1-6.)Death and Resurrection The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ, who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their Lord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a thousand years later. (Rom. 6:23; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; Eccl. 9:5, 6; Ps. 146:3, 4; John 11:11-14; Col. 3:4; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; John 5:28, 29; Rev. 20:1-10.)The Millennium and the End of Sin The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven between the first and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate, without living human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its close Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever. (Rev. 20; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Jer. 4:23-26; Rev. 21:1-5; Mal. 4:1; Eze. 28:18, 19.)The New Earth On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence. For here God Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering and death will have passed away. The great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more. All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God is love; and He shall reign forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:13; Isa. 35; 65:17-25; Matt. 5:5; Rev. 21:1-7; 22:1-5; 11:15.) ABC: Abingdon Bible Church | Abington VA[[@Headword:C118]]Group idABCGroup nameAbingdon Bible Church | Abington VATraditionNon-denominationalWikipediaOrigin1952 by group dissenting to the drift towards liberalism with revival by evangelist Dan GrahamLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 28 January 2014What We BelieveOur Mission:Abingdon Bible Church seeks to be a world-conscious Bible-teaching church that leads the Abingdon community to worship and serve the living God through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.Core ValuesCore Value 1: Biblical Teaching.The inspired Scriptures teach us the knowledge of God and the way of salvation. They are the authority for correct doctrine and holy living and the standard by which God judges us. They provide an anchor in a rapidly changing world. Thus, expository preaching and biblical teaching are a priority in our ministry.Core Value 2:?Corporate Worship.We assemble regularly for corporate worship to acknowledge God’s greatness and to express our love for Him. All aspects of our public services seek to express our worship including prayer, music, giving, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, testimonies, and hearing and responding to God’s Word.Core Value 3: Worldwide Outreach.In obedience to the Great Commission, we seek to proclaim the gospel personally and corporately in our community, and we send and support Christian workers around the world. Our compassion for the lost further compels us to rescue them from eternal judgment and to bring them into God’s family.Core Value 4: Spiritual Maturity.Discipleship seeks to develop godly relationships, to foster accountability and to achieve spiritual maturity. It prepares every believer for godly living through obedience to the Scripture and equips them for ministry. It equips leaders for our families and church through mentoring and developing ministry skills. Trained leaders enable our congregation to grow, become potential missionaries, free the pastors to serve in their areas of strength, lay the foundation for the next generation, and serve our community.Core Value 5:?Compassionate Care.God’s people are commanded to show His compassion by caring for the many needs of people. We seek to integrate each member of the congregation into a small group setting to enable our people to minister to one another. Pastoral care provides spiritual guidance to individuals.Our Doctrinal StatementEach and every person, in order to become or remain a member of this church should subscribe to the following articles of faith, (when any member feels he cans no longer so subscribe, he should, for honesty and conscience sake, withdraw).1. We believe that the completed Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are verbally inspired by God and are inerrant in the original writings and that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and practice.2. We believe in the triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each person being equal, yet there being not three Gods but one.3. We believe God created everything and upholds His creation by the word of His power. God is eternal and all knowing, all powerful and unchanging. He is holy in character and just in His dealing with us. God is love and truth. He is the sovereign Lord of all.4. We believe in the virgin birth, the sinless life, and the eternal deity of Jesus Christ the Lord.5. We believe that men are justified on the single ground of faith in the shed blood of the Lord Jesus. Salvation is entirely by the grace of God and not by any works so that all boasting is excluded.6. We believe in the bodily resurrection and Lordship of Jesus, His ascension into Heaven, and His present intercession and high priesthood in the presence of God for us.7. We believe in that “Blessed Hope” – the personal, imminent, and pre-millennial coming of the Lord Jesus Christ for His saints, then to establish His millennial kingdom.8. We believe that the Holy Spirit is a person, who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and that He regenerates, indwells, enlightens, and empowers the saved. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is received by every believer at salvation.9. We believe that Satan is a real person who was created perfect, but fell through pride. He was the tempter at the fall of man, and is the archenemy of God and the souls of men.10. We believe all human beings, born or unborn, are made in the image of God and are descendants of Adam. Everyone, regardless of skin color, ethnicity, religion, class, sex or age, has an intrinsic dignity and is worthy of our love and service. Our salvation in Christ will transform all of our personal and social responsibilities. Faith must be reflected in our lives.11. We believe in the fall of man through the sin of Adam, resulting in the necessity of the New Birth through Jesus Christ.12. We believe in eternal security for the believer on earth and the eternal blessedness of the righteous in Heaven.13. We believe that those who are born again possess two natures, and that believers may be victorious over the old nature through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, but eradication of the old nature is unscriptural.14. We believe that every believer has received spiritual gifts to minister to others in the body of Christ. A primary role of leadership is enabling individual members to discover and use their gifts. God is sovereign in all matters, and does hear and answer the prayer of faith according to His will for the sick and afflicted15. We believe that all the true believers in Jesus Christ are members of the body of Christ, the true Church; therefore, we have fellowship with all who are believers.16. We believe that the saved are called to a life of separation from all worldly and sinful practices and are admonished by Scripture to grant a degree of Christian liberty to others.17. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men; the eternal blessedness of the saved, and the eternal conscious punishment of the unsaved.18. We believe that in view of the total depravity and the lost condition of all the unsaved, the obligation of the saved is to witness by life and word to the whole world of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.Abingdon Church of God of Prophecy | Abington VA[[@Headword:C119]]Group idGroup nameAbingdon Church of God of Prophecy | Abington VATraditionCOGOP: Church of God of ProphecyWikipediaOriginLinks toVirginia COGOPWebsiteSource of creedal statement 28 January 2014Our Beliefs: The Beliefs of the Church of God of Prophecy??From its beginning, the Church of God of Prophecy has based its beliefs on the "whole Bible rightly divided." We accept the Bible as God's Holy Word, inspired, inerrant, and infallible. We believe the Bible to be God's written revelation of Himself to mankind and our guide in all matters of faith; therefore, we look to the Bible as our highest authority for doctrine, practice, organization, and discipline.It was a strong desire to rely solely on the Bible that led the early pioneers of the church to declare their willingness to be free from all man-made creeds and traditions, to take the New Testament as their only rule of faith and practice, and to give each other equal rights and privileges to read and interpret the Bible as their consciences might dictate. These basic tenets remain intact today; however, as the church grew and spread throughout the world, it was seen that there was safety in a "multitude of counselors" when making doctrinal decisions. Thus, today, all doctrinal matters are agreed upon in one accord by the General Assembly.The Church of God of Prophecy is firm in its commitment to orthodox Christian belief. We affirm that there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in the deity of Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in the physical miracles He performed, in His atoning death on the cross, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory at His Second Coming. We profess that regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential for the salvation of sinful man. We believe that sanctification by the blood of Christ makes possible personal holiness. We affirm the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling we are able to live godly lives and have power for service. We believe in the ultimate unity of believers, as prayed for by our Lord Jesus Christ in John 17. We believe in the sanctity of human life; we are also committed to the sanctity of the marriage bond and the importance of strong, loving Christian families.Furthermore, the church makes prominent other biblical doctrines that have clear New Testament support but may not always be espoused by modern Christianity. These "Important Bible Truths" constitute some of the doctrinal beliefs and practices that enable the Church of God of Prophecy to be named among those organizations that preach the fundamental principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These truths are an indication of our continuing commitment to walk in the light of God's Holy Word to the best of our knowledge and ability.Abingdon Community Church | Abingdon Oxfordshire United Kingdom[[@Headword:C120]]Group idGroup nameAbingdon Community Church | Abingdon Oxfordshire United KingdomTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toAlphaChurch in AbindgonEvangelical AllianceHelping Hands’ UKKing’s School, TheKingdom EducationLight and SaltOCC: Oxfordshire Community ChurchesWebsite Source of creedal statement 28 January 2014Logos opportunity:Breathe prayer and reading program Core values - are you with us?When we looked again at our core values, we took the opportunity to give a few questions that challenge each of us in the church as to whether these are values we are really living by together! ?If you attend elsewhere (or nowhere), you may also find these questions helpful. We are certainly not the perfect Church but we would like you to grow more into these things, so either come along or be fully committed into a church near you - receiving all that God has for you there, but also?giving back what God has put in you.1) Called to...? live in the presence of God.? Are you with us?Are you hungry for more of God's presence - do you think about it often?Are you feeding on God's word regularly - are you communing with Him?Do you meet regularly with others to pray and/or study the Word?Do you give yourself fully in worship both on your own and with the Church?Do you come expecting to encounter God & ready to share what He's given you?Do you make the most of opportunities to be in His presence together in a special way e.g. meetings, days away, conferences, soaking sessions?Are there areas of your life that you are hesitant to let God touch & direct?Are there past hurts or present sins that you need God to set you free from?Do you step out in Spiritual gifts regularly - expecting the supernatural?2) Called to... be the family of God.? Are you with us?Do you see yourself as part of this church because you attend its meetings or do you feel ‘part of the family’ – treating others as your brothers & sisters?Do you regularly get together with others outside meetings, especially to eat?Are you regularly part of a small group – the best connection to family?Where does your tithe go? (Whether you tithe is about you and God but where it goes is a good indication of your ‘home’, your family!)Do you regularly pray with others in the church?Are you willing to receive fatherhood/motherhood from others in church?Do you prioritise important family gatherings (OCC celebrations, summer camps, men’s/ladies’ days, other Salt & Light events)?Do you take your part of the responsibility to care for/support others in the family?Do you seek to be inclusive, relating to everyone in the family and welcoming new people whenever you can?3) Called to... continual growth in God.? Are you with us?Are you committed to the ongoing transformation that comes with being a disciple?Do you constantly look to the Spirit to challenge and change your thinking, attitudes and actions?Do you have a personal mentor?who knows what’s going on at and under the surface in your life, to whom you are accountable and from whom you accept challenge and provocation?Are you aware of your God-given SHAPE (Skills, Heart, Abilities, Personality and Experiences), and seeking ways to use this to serve God both in the church and more widely for His kingdom? (as a starter think about 'motivational' gifts in Rom 12:3-8)Do you make the most of opportunities for training in character, content (theology!) and conduct (ministry, using your God-given talents)?Are there things holding you back in your walk with God that you need to walk free of, by the Spirit's power?Do you look for opportunities ('eagerly desire') to step out in new ways as the Spirit leads (e.g. what about new gifts like those in 1 Cor 12:7-11)?Do you look for practical ways to apply the Word God speaks to you - whether from the Bible, through church talks, in small groups or coming through other individuals?? Do you ask/allow those around you to hold you to account for these?4) Called to... reach the lost.? Are you with us?Do you believe you are called to be a ‘fisher of men’?Are you ready to give the reason for the hope that you have? (1 Pet 3:15)Are you a joyful witness to what God has done in your life?Do you know the gospel, and are you convinced it has power to change lives?Do you need to deal with unbelief in yourself with regard to seeing people you know come to saving faith in Christ, get baptised and become disciples?Do you have good relationships with not yet Christians?? Do you prioritise making friends with and loving them as best you can?Do you go out of your way to make contact with lost and needy people?Do you regularly offer to pray with those you meet who are in need of a touch from God – for healing, for deliverance, for provision, for peace etc?How often to you invite people to find out more at Alpha, Journeys, in your home or by coming to church / Sunday cafes / other events?Have you ‘popped the question’ to anyone recently? Are you ready to?5) Called to... transform our community.? Are you with us?Are you passionate about seeing God change Abingdon and its surrounding area?Has God given you vision for a particular area/ group / part of the community?Are you praying for our town, community, society and government (at every level)?Are you active in making a difference in our community?Do you get involved in petitioning for righteousness & justice at various levels?Could you get involved with one of these projects running already or hoping to start up?STREET PASTORS,?TOWN CENTRE CHAPLAINCY,?GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME, CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY, FOODBANK, SCHOOLS & YOUTH WORK, HANDS OF FRIENDSHIP, ARCHWAY, MARKET STALLAbingdon Presbyterian Church, PCA | Abington VA[[@Headword:C121]]Group idGroup nameAbingdon Presbyterian Church, PCA | Abington VATraditionPresbyterian Church in AmericaWikipediaOriginLinks toPresbyterian Church in AmericaWestminster PresbyteryWebsite Source of creedal statement 28 January 2014Our BeliefsThe Bible: The Bible is authoritative and relevant because it is the Word of GodGod: There is only one true God, and He has revealed Himself to us in three persons; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, the only Savior of sinners, and the Lord of the entire universe.Man: Man was created in the image of God and for the purpose of fellowship with God.Sin: Sin, which is basically rebellion against God, broke that fellowship, and affects every part of every person. God loves His creation, and sent Jesus to live and die and rise again in order to reconcile sinful people to Himself.Forgiveness: Forgiveness of sin is a gift of grace alone, received by faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.Grace: The grace of God is the undeserved love that He has for a sinful and broken world. There is a distinction between common grace which is extended to everyone and saving grace which is only extended to those whom God planned to save from before the foundation of the worldFaith: Faith is the gift of God, and consists of a whole-being response to the exposure of our sin, along with the revelation that Jesus Christ alone can rescue us from genuine guilt and reconcile us with a holy God.Repentance: Repentance is a turning away from sin with sorrow and turning to Jesus with hope. It is joined to faith and shows the reality of a new heart, not only at the first expression of trust in Jesus, but throughout the entirety of the Christian life.The Gospel: The Gospel is both complex and simple. It includes the whole message of the Bible, but it can be summarized in three powerful words; God saves sinners. The full weight of this statement can only be understood over time, as the individual follower of Jesus realizes he is far more sinful than he ever realized, but also far more loved than he ever dared to hope.Church: The church is the people of God, and all of His people are called to participate in the work of ministry. There are many parts, but all are equally important.Worship: Worship is the response of sinful people to a God who reveals Himself as holy and forgiving. It is characterized by seriousness and joy, reverence and awe, conviction and comfort, silence and sound.Discipleship: A disciple is a learner, and Jesus’ stipulation is that whoever wants to be His disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. Jesus’ words demand total allegiance, and His life and sacrifice compel us to gladly offer what He requires.Our Doctrinal Standards:Our doctrinal standards are the Westminster Confession of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechism. With the 16th Century Reformers, we believe that:The Scripture Alone is our authority in faith and lifeSalvation is not earned but comes by God’s Grace AloneOur justification before God comes not by works but by Faith AloneWe are saved by the person and work of Christ AloneAnd because of our salvation we desire that God Alone be GlorifiedWestminster Confession of FaithWestminster Larger CatechismWestminster Shorter Catechism5 solasAbington Press | Nashville TN[[@Headword:C122]]Group idGroup nameAbington Press | Nashville TNTraditionUnited MethodistWikipedia to 1789 as The United Methodist Publishing HouseLinks toCokesbury (retail division)Website Source of creedal statementAbraham Project | Villas de Ayarco | Costa Rica[[@Headword:C48]]Group idGroup nameAbraham Project | Villas de Ayarco | Costa RicaTraditionevangelicalWikipediaOrigin1998 spearheaded by Pastors Jorge & Elizabeth GomezLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 10 January 2014Statement of FaithThe Abraham Project is an evangelical organization with the following core beliefs which are defined as follows:We believe that the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God and is the sole basis for our faith and conduct. In its original form it is infallible and without error. The Bible is more than just an intellectually stimulating book; it is the manual and guide for our spiritual life. The Word of God is relevant in our everyday life and in the teachings of our church. (Neh. 8:5-6; Luke 4:14-17; 1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 3:14-17)We believe that the Gospel is the good news of Christ and His love for all the people of the world (Jn 3:16). The gospel is the power of God for salvation (Rom. 1:16); it is the revelation of the ministry of Jesus Christ (Rom. 16:25); and it is the ministry of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 3:8).The Gospel is the love of the Father, incarnate in His Son who came to the earth to save us by an undeserved death on a cross. It is the saving presence of God in Christ Jesus that should be received and lived out by way of the work of the Holy Spirit. The definition of the word gospel is ‘good news’. It is the divine response to the human situation.We believe that salvation is a gift from God for every human being and is put into effect when a person turns from their sin, receiving forgiveness from God and putting their faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is given by grace and not by way of any Works done by the recipient because the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is sufficient for our forgiveness. Christ paid one price for all people in all times. (Jn. 3:16; Ef. 2:8-9; Ro. 1:16; He. 10:12).We believe in the current manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit in every believer (1 Cor. 12). The essential purpose for the gifts is to express to God, the Body of Christ, and the world our love, the divine power of God, and our Christian testimony in a manner that is edifying to everyone (1 Cor. 12:7).We believe that God purposed the church to be visibly united in truth given that all Christians come from the same reconciliation by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Our unity is given depth by our diversity and should not be confused with conformity. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, and each is a member of the family of God. We share one God and Father and one mind which is the mind of Christ and we are guided by the Holy Spirit. (Ef. 4:13; Gá. 3:16; Ef. 2:16; 1 Co. 12:4-31; Ef. 4:4; Phil. 2:5; Ef. 2:22).We believe that it is the responsibility of all believers to make the gospel known to all men, announcing what Christ has done through both words and actions (1 Cor. 15:1-8). When we evangelize, we preach the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ as factual events in human history. We take our example in evangelization from Christ who was first sent to the world to proclaim and live out the Gospel.Abraham’s Descendants International | Kirklin IN[[@Headword:C123]]Group idGroup nameAbraham’s Descendants International | Kirklin INTraditionNatsari JudaismWikipediaOrigin2000 by Rabbi Yehudah as concept; concretely 2010Links toNazarene, Netzarim, Natsarim, Torah Observant Messianic:Natsarim Apologetics:Messianic Apologetics:Messianic/Natsari Yeshiva: Bibles:isr-Books: - Civil Calendar:: of Gad - Igbos.ng Lost Tribes of Israel Source of creedal statement 28 January 2014 28 January 2014Logos opportunityMessianic lectionaryStatement of Faith?The Holy ScripturesI believe the Bible, the Tanak, (Old Testament) and the Renewed Covenant (New Testament) is the divinely inspired, infallible Word of YHWH in the original texts and manuscripts, and they are true.I believe the Scriptures must be our final authority for faith, doctrine and practice and must be correctly studied, and interpreted holistically, in a historical, cultural, lingual, Hebraic, Eastern context and mindsetOral TorahI believe in holding to, but not being bound by, Jewish Traditions and customs that uphold and help fulfill Torah Commands, and enhance the meaning and significance of YHWH’s Word.??I believe all extra Biblical Documents, (which give us some of the “How To’s’” in fulfilling the Torahs commandments,) such as the Book of Jasher, the Books of Enoch, the Talmud, Shulchan Aruch, Pirkei Avot, Zohar, etc. need to be filtered through the whole of Scripture.??I reject all that which annuls, or contradicts YHWH’s Word.??One has three choices in regards to Traditions:If it lines up with Torah,??Keep it!If it is neutral, neither enhancing nor detracting from Torah one may choose or choose not to keep it.If it nullifies Torah then we MUST NOT keep it!Noachide Laws / Laws of Acts:I do not believe that the Noachide laws are the only laws Gentiles are required to keep, nor do we believe that the four laws in Acts 15 are the only ones Gentiles must keep. I believe that the Torah, all “613 commandments” was given to all mankind because of the mixed multitude, a representative of all 70 nations was there and accepted the Torah when it was given at Mount Sinai although the Jews are the primary caretakers and recipients (Ex. 12:38, 19:8). I also believe the four laws in Acts 15 were starter laws to enable Jew and Gentile to be able to sit and fellowship at the dinner table with the knowledge of the facts that the Gentiles would eventually learn and keep all the commandments (Acts 15:21).The Sacred NamesI believe it is uncertain, but possible that we may know the pronunciation of the true Sacred Names. Seeing as uncertainty abounds with out solid conclusive evidence I believe everyone should pronounce the Name as they are convinced by their personal convictions and investigative studies.I believe it is possible that we will not know conclusively with any finality the Sacred Names until Messiah returns.?I see no problem with others referring to YHWH by His Hebraic titles and designations out of the respect for the uncertainty of how to pronounce the Sacred Name.The Gifts of the SpiritI believe in the “Baptism” of the Ruach Ha Kodesh, and in all the gifts of the Spirit and in the Sheliachim (Apostles), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Roim (Pastors), Morim (Teachers), M’vasrim (Evangelist) according to I Cor. 12-14. A Rabbi must manifest and operate in all the above gifts. We believe that this five fold ministry is the job description of a Rabbi.The “Trinity”Concerning what most of Christianity refers to as the “Trinity”, (I refer to it as a Tri-unity) I believe that Elohim reveals Himself in many ways, characteristics and Sefirot, including,?but not limited to, Abba (the Father), the Word / the Ben (Son), and the Ruach Ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit).??And, I believe that these emanations from Elohim are coeternal, coequal, and coexisting in one (echad) Divine essence.?“God's unity vis-a-vis the Ten?Sefirot?may be likened to a ray of sun passing through a prism. On one side, we have a single ray of light, while, on the other side, we perceive a radiation of seven colors. The person sitting on the other side perceives this as if it were many lamps radiating many hues, while in reality it is one lamp. The multi-hued rainbow is a "distortion" created by the prism that the light passed through.” -- Kabbala Series 3 of 24The Seforitic Tree consists of many charts and formulas, and lists many of HaShem’s attributes, so I will not get into that.?That is not the purpose of this work.??However, I will say that there is a concept referred to as the “Three Pillars”, which consist of Binah: Understanding, Keter: Crown (Will), and Hokhmah: Wisdom.??The Sages refer to them as Binah as the Father/Abba, Hokhmah as the Mother/Imma, and Keter as their Son/Ben.??And these in turn would coincide with the concept of the Tri-unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.??It is interesting to note that the word for Holy Spirit in the Hebrew is Feminine, which would lend credence to the “Three Pillars” of the Seforitic Tree of Binah being Mother/Imma.??In another place of Kabbalistic literature, there are references to the Lesser YHWH, which describes Yeshua Messiah uncannily.?I DO NOT adhere to nor believe in tritheism or modalism, these beliefs are INACURATE and HERETICAL!???“It is entirely tolerable to the Hebraic mind to accept a paradox.??To the non-Hebraic mind, the paradox is seen as blatant contradiction, and is summarily dismissed as nonsense.” – Bikurei Tziyon, issue 71, pg.29The Gifts of the SpiritI believe in the “Baptism” of the Ruach Ha Kodesh, and in all the gifts of the Spirit and in the Sheliachim (Apostles), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Roim (Pastors), Morim (Teachers), M’vasrim (Evangelist) according to I Cor. 12-14. A Rabbi must manifest and operate in all the above gifts. We believe that this five fold ministry is the job description of a Rabbi.Predestination and Free WillI believe free will and predestination go hand in hand and work together much like Law and Grace. Two seemingly diametrically opposed views, yet they work in conjunction with each other, that for the most part both issues (Law and Grace – Predestination and Free Will) Many cannot seem to grasp that both existing and working together in unity. I think part of the problem is that many are looking at these issues from a Western Philosophical standpoint and not from a Hebraic Theological stand point. It is absurd to believe sin, which a Holy G-d abhors and cannot be near, is in His will. Yes, YHWH knew mankind was going to fall, yet it wasn't His perfect will. It was His permissive will. He allowed this thing to happened, because even though HE knows all, He allows us to choose. I will not pretend I know everything on this matter, for something’s we will truly never know until we reach the World to Come. Because how can finite creation pretend to understand certain aspects of an Infinite G-d?CircumcisionI believe that circumcision is a commandment of YHWH that is still in effect and has not been done away with. I do not believe that it is necessary or obligatory for salvation and entry in to the World to Come, but we believe it is necessary for conversion to Judaism, but not necessary for one who desires to keep the commandments. Those who choose not to undergo circumcision or the Hatafat Dam Brit for what ever reason is considered a Goy Tzadakim, a Righteous Gentile, or as they were called in the Brit Chadasha, a G-d Fearer (Acts 10:2). Circumcision is of the Abrahamic Covenant given specifically to the physical linage of Abraham. This command has been absorbed into the Mosaic (Torah) Covenant and thus obligatory for Israel and optional for Gentile believers unless they desire to become apart of Abraham’s physical seed via conversion through Circumcision or Hatafat Dam Brit.??To accept the Mosaic Covenant is to be grafted in spiritually and to accept and take upon oneself the Abrahamic Covenant of??conversion is to be grafted in physically.HeavenHeaven is a World. We Jews call it, “The World to Come.” Revelation says that we will spend eternity living on a “New Earth (Rev. 21)”. The Brit Chadasha (New Testament) says this present Earth will melt with a fervent heat (II Pet. 3). The first Earth was purged by water of the Noahtic flood, a baptism, a mikvah (Gen. 7). Yet this time around it will be purged by fire, which the Torah requires if something cannot be cleansed by water it must be cleansed by fire (Lev.13).?Granted, until the New Earth comes we go to “Abraham’s Bosom” a temporal spiritual realm that is a waiting room of sorts, in which we can call “Heaven”, but that place is not our final, eternal destination.?I will live forever on this renewed, cleansed by fire Earth in the Land of Promise, Israel, just as G-d promised me and my people.Hebrew CalendarI believe in celebrating the Feasts of the YHWH within the framework of the calculated Hebrew calendar set up by the Sanhedrin just before they were forced to disband, so that Jews through out the Diaspora could observe the Feasts of the YHWH together in unity.??If Yeshua had a problem with the decisions concerning the calendar and the celebration of the Feasts, He had ample opportunity to do so.I agree that the Hebrew year is wrong and not correct, as we do not celebrate the feasts days on the exact days because there is no standing Temple, active Levitical Priesthood or authoritative Sanhedrin that can set the Calendar by the Aviv, the Barley.So as to not separate ourselves from Judaism by as much as we already are by being Natsari Jews, I will agree with my Orthodox brothers and admit the shortfalls of the current calendar yet wait for the 3rd?Temple and for the Moshiach to return and set the calendar right.The Land: Eretz YisraelI believe the Promised Land of Israel and all its borders described in the Scriptures belong forever and always, by YHWH given right, to the people Israel.??When Messiah reigns during the Millennium and in eternity in the World to Come, on the New Earth (Rev.21:1-4), Israel will finally have and occupy the entire Land of Promise (Gen.15:18, Psa. 105:8-11).Diaspora/Exile: Laws of the LandI believe Israel, Judah and Messianic Believers scattered in the Diaspora should obeying the laws of the land of their respective exile as long as they do not conflict with G-d’s Laws we call the Torah (Rom. 13:1-7).The Natsari CommunityI believe in being a first century Natsarim Community here in the modern day.??To live as close a possible within a modern context as the first century Natsarim did in faith and practice.?To be such a place, that if Yeshua and His Talmidim (disciples) were to walk in, they’d feel right at home. I believe the Natsarim Community, and the leadership through Torah, has the right when necessity arises, to discipline one of their own, by the appointed elders, through a Beyt Din (House of Judgment).??And to make decisions concerning and establishing Halakah (the way one lives out Torah) in the same fashion.?I believe in communal sharing, edification and assistance all the while maintaining personal and private possessions.Messianic UnityI believe when and if necessary when we as believers do not see eye to eye, that we must agree to disagree, agreeably in Messiah’s love and strive for understanding in our differences, all the while staying unified on our commonalities.DietI believe included in Torah Obedience is the maintaining of a kosher diet. I believe in keeping Scripturally kosher.Unclean animals are not and never will be Scripturally permissible for consumption due to the fact Kefa (Peter’s) vision was interpreted by Kefa himself as dealing with Gentiles and not food (Acts 10-11).Fitness of Ones Whole BeingI believe in spiritual fitness through Torah obedience.I believe in healthy manual labor and physical activity but not at the expense of neglecting the spirit (I Tim. 4:7-8).I believe proper balance of spiritual and physical fitness will result in a healthy mentality and emotional wellbeing.I do not believe in abusing ones body or whole being with abusive substances such as drugs, processed foods and alcohol.Interfaith Friendships and RelationshipsI believe the Torah clearly prohibits interfaith marriages unless the spouse converts.I believe one can be friends with others of different faith without being ecumenical; learning and gaining mutual understanding, respect and appreciation. I believe in being a living example of my faith and respecting their free will. Only sharing my faith evangelistically when the Ruach HaKodesh clearly creates and opportunity to so.??I do not believe forcing my faith upon anyone.ChildrearingI believe in training up a child in Torah and in the Natsari Jewish Faith that Yeshua Messiah lived and taught so as to be spiritually successful, all the while equipping the child with skills to be a productive member of the world (Prov. 22:6).I believe in correcting a child with verbal reasoning, positive and negative reinforcement and punishment and only using corporal punishment in a loving way as a last recourse (Prov. 13:24; Prov. 22:15; Prov. 23:13-14; Prov. 29:15, 17-18; Heb. 12:6-11).?FinancesI believe in supporting spiritual leaders and communities with voluntary giving of time, resources and monies.I believe the tithe is not for the synagogue or “church” but in the strictest sense of Scriptural correctness, context and meaning is tied undoubtedly to the Temple and the Levitical Priesthood and thus tithe is not and will not be required and restored until the Third Temple is rebuilt and we reside in Land of Promise.TorahI believe the Written Torah, and all the Commandments are the foundation for the rest of Scripture, and are YHWH’s standard for holy living with YHWH and mankind.I believe Yeshua Ha Moshiach came to show us how to live out the Torah daily in our lives, and not to abolish or do away with it (Matt. 5).I believe in the living a Torah observant lifestyle as Yeshua Moshieynu did.??I believe this will not save you, but backs up ones faith and express our love, devotion, and obedience to YHWH.I believe that the rejection and disobedience to the Torah is sin (I Jn.3:4).I believe YHWH rewards those who obey Torah and punishes those who disobey Torah. (Deut. 27-28)I believe the Torah has not been done away with, nor will it be exchanged for another. (Mt. 5:17-20)I believe the Torah we have now is the same one given to MosheThe CovenantsI believe all the Covenants:The Adamic CovenantThe EdenicThe Noadic CovenantThe Abrahamic CovenantThe Mosaic Covenant (Torah)The Davidic CovenantThe Renewed CovenantAll still exist and are in full effect, each one confirms and build upon the other.??None of them have been nullified, or cancelled out on account of Yeshua Messiah’s death, and resurrection.??On the contrary, they are reaffirmed, and brought, and will be brought into their fullnessELOHIM / G-D / YHWHI believe YHWH was not created and has always existed and is eternal.I believe YHWH created everything.I believe YHWH is One (Echad: One in plurality.??Not Yichad: As in One singularity.)I believe YHWH is a Spirit and cannot be affected by natural phenomenon.I believe HE is the First and the Last (The Aleph and the Tav, the Alpha and Omega).I believe we should only pray to YHWH and no one else.I believe YHWH knows, sees, and has power over all.MESSIAHI believe Yeshua Ha Moshiach of the Branch is the prophesied Messiah of Israel.??That He was FULLY YHWH to be able to redeem us from our sins, and FULLY man to have the right to redeem us from our sins, to be our Kinsmen Redeemer (Ruth, Jer.17:5-7, Jn.1).??Yeshua is the perfect, holy, sinless Messiah, the figurative Son of YHWH, who is the Word that became flesh dwelt among us (Jn.1:14) who came to dwell in a mortal body that never saw corruption (Ps.14:10), a pure deity manifest in the flesh.???He was not an incarnation, which would denote that 100% of YHWH came in the flesh.??Yeshua was FULLY YHWH in the flesh, but not 100% YHWH.??YHWH is so infinite that He is everywhere and fills everything, so it would be impossible for ALL of YHWH to be limited to a mortal body.??In the words of Dr. Friedman, “If we were to go to the Mediterranean Sea and fill a glass with sea water, we can say that all the water in the glass is truly sea water.??However we cannot call the glass, “The Mediterranean Sea.”??There is much more to the Mediterranean Sea than the glass.??Yet nonetheless, the water in that glass is truly Mediterranean Sea water through and through.”??I believe that Yeshua is the Kohen Ha Gadol (High priest) who became the ultimate, once and for all atoning sacrifice Himself, for all mankind (Heb.4:14-5:10; 6:19-8:2).??I believe salvation is only available through Him.??I believe Yeshua came first as Messiah ben Yosef (Joseph) the Suffering Servant, and will be returning as Messiah ben David the Kingly Messiah.??I believe that these two pictures of the Messiah, given in Scripture are one and the same.I believe in Yeshua Messiah’s prophesied virgin birth, holy, sinless life, Torah observant lifestyle, His miracles, redemptive sacrificial death, victorious resurrection, ascension, and future return and reign.I believe The Messiah will come again.Ruach Ha Kodesh?(The Holy Spirit)I believe that the Ruach Ha Kodesh is an inseparable part of YHWH.I believe that through the Ruach Ha Kodesh one can properly worship, pray to YHWH, and have power of discernment to interpret Scripture, and live a Torah obedient life.SalvationI believe Salvation is a gift from YHWH to all who will accept Yeshua the Messiah, the Living Torah, confesses, repents, and turns away from their sins.??This is Faith Righteousness.???This will result in becoming spiritually alive and indwelt with the Ruach Ha Kodesh of YHWH.??This in turn will cause one to desire to love, obey, and please YHWH.??One shows this by keeping the Written Torah.??This is Works Righteousness.??In other words, one will walk in the footsteps of Yeshua Moshieynu (our Messiah) by walking in the Torah.??Salvation comes by grace through faith alone.??Salvation is not earned by Torah observance.I believe a person who does this will spend eternity with Him, in Heaven if one dies prior to the final resurrection, or on the New Earth in the World to Come.Missions and EvangelismUNIVERSAL MISSIONS STATEMENT: I believe I must fear God, and keep his commandments (Ecc. 12:13) to do justly, and to love?mercy, and to walk?humbly?with my God (Micah 6:8) and to walk in the footsteps of Messiah Yeshua by walking and following Him in the Torah (Matt. 5:16-20).I believe to the Jew first and then to the Gentile (Rom. 1:16).I believe to ones home, neighborhood, community, city, state or province, country and the world (Acts 1:8).Blindness of the Jews and GentilesI believe that due to mans fallen free will this ultimately results in the Jews being blinded to the fact of Yeshua Messiah being the Living manifestation of the Written Torah and the Gentiles being blinded to the relevance and binding nature of the Written Torah on believers today.Eternal PunishmentI believe those who reject Yeshua Ha Moshiach, the Living Torah will spend eternity separated from YHWH in Hell, and ultimately the Lake of Fire with all senses in tact (Rev. 20:14-15).Biblical AppointmentsI believe the Feasts of the YHWH in summed up in Leviticus 23 are not “Jewish” Holidays, but are to be celebrated by?all of YHWH’s people, Jew and Gentile.??These Feasts have a past, present, and future prophetic fulfillment.The “Moedim”, the Biblical Appointments are, just that, Appointments.??HaShem has set aside specific times and dates on the calendar to meet, and commune with us.?He has also set up “unofficial” voluntary meetings, for us to meet with Him daily.??These are the Shacharit (Morning), Mincha (Afternoon), and Ma’ariv (Evening) prayers.I believe in celebrating the Feasts of the YHWH within the framework of the calculated Hebrew calendar set up by the Sanhedrin just before they were forced to disband, so that Jews through out the Diaspora could observe the Feasts of the YHWH together in unity.?I believe in the celebration of Jewish Holidays such as Chanukah, Tish B’av, Lag B’omer, Purim, etc.??They may not be commanded to be celebrated as in Lev.23, but I feel commemorates important events in the history of YHWH’s people. Yeshua celebrated Hanukkah. (Jn. 10:22-23).??Yeshua being a Torah observant Jew celebrated Purim (see book of Esther).?I DO NOT recognize Sunday as the Sabbath, or Christmas, Easter, and other Western holidays as acceptable expressions of true Biblical faith, excluding Thanksgiving, which was modeled after Sukkot, and some National and Civil celebrations.??All these Western holidays have their roots in Paganism.End Times / EschatologyI DO NOT believe, nor adhere to in any way the Pre-Tribulationalist or Dispensationalist view of the End Times, this view is so young (little over 100 years old), it in no way could be the view of Natsarim Judaism of the first century.??It has NO roots in Judaism, and did not even exist in Christianity till the 19th?century.??Its main views are totally contrary to Judaism period.??Here is a general view of the chronology of the End Times:Immediately AFTER the Tribulation (Mt.24:29; Mk.13:24) the Messiah will appear in the sky (Dan.7:13-14; Mt.24:29-31; I Thes.4:16-17) there will be a final trumpet (Rev.8:2; 11:15; Mt.24:31; Is.27:13; I Thes. 4:16-17; I Cor. 15:52) and there will be a resurrection (I Cor. 15:50-55; I Thes.4:16; Rev.20:4-6; Is.25:8; Hos.13:14; Ezk.37:1-14) and a gathering together to Messiah in the sky (Mt.24:29-31; Mk.13:24-27; 2 Thes.2:1; I Thes.4:17).??This is followed by the Messiah coming with His set apart ones. In other words the “rapture, and the “Battle of Armageddon” happens all in one shot. (Jude1:14-15= I Enoch 1:9; I Thes.3:13; Rev.19:11-16; Zech.14:4-5).??After this, the 1,000 year reign of Messiah is established (Rev.20:1-3, 7).The “rapture” is the regathering of Israel to the Land of Israel at the return of Messiah, and not a pretrib rapture of the “Church.””Two House TheoryI believe the House of Judah consisting of the tribes of Judah, Levi and a small contingency of Benjamin was taken into Babylonian Captivity and the majority of them were able to return and they are the ones we consider and calls the Jews today. The House of Israel consisting of the other 10 tribes was taken into Assyrian Captivity, very few of them returned and the majority were lost and assimilated into the various places they were dispersed and taken captive.??So in essence there are people walking the earth today are Hebrews and do not even know it.??Some of these people just happen to be Christians.??I DO NOT believe that all of Christianity is the House of Israel. I believe there is still pure Gentile stock in the world many of which profess Christianity.CreationI believe in a literal 24 hour, 6 day creation.??I believe the Biblical records indicate an approximately 6000 year old earth.???Failing recognize this compromises the whole foundation and integrity of YHWH, and the Scriptures.??It opens the door for evolution, which in turn is used to give justification for moral relativism and the like as seen in our society today.EnvironmentI believe being a good steward of the earth G-d has entrusted to mankind (Gen. 2:5-9, 15). Cultivating food and protecting the earth from manmade harm.Treatment of AnimalI believe in only hunting and or killing animals for food and for sacrifice when the 3rd?Temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem, or in order to protect humans or animals in my care. I believe in utilizing every part of a kosherly slaughtered and or sacrificial animal that can permissibly be used according to the Scriptures (Gen. 3:21; Lev. 11; Ex. 23:19; 34:26; Deut. 14:21; 12:23; Lev. 22:28; Num. 22:22-31; I Sam. 17:34-37; Matt. 12:11-12).Marriage and PolygamyI believe in the sanctity and command of marriage between a man and a woman. I do not believe in divorce save physical or mental abuse and or adultery and fornication.I believe the Torah clearly prohibits interfaith marriages unless the spouse converts.I believe though the Torah does not prohibit or condemn polygamy I choose not to practice or promote it today seeing as we are in exile, including the state of Israel, on account Moshiach does not yet reign from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and therefore The Scriptural conditions are not met to practice polygamy according to the Torah as well as the majority of the places of our exile, even Israel prohibit such institutional unions.Homosexuality and LesbianismI believe the Torah is clear that homosexuality and thus by default, lesbianism is prohibited and unacceptable as a lifestyle.I believe one can humanly and spiritually love others they do not agree with, and still not approve and actually hate what they do. Therefore I do not believe others should harm those of whose actions and lifestyles that they do not agree with or Scripturally approve of.Culture, Custom and TraditionI believe G-d is a G-d who takes pleasure in diversity and therefore I see no problem with observing ones ethic culture or practicing ones ethnic customs and traditions as long as they do not go against the Divine Commands of Torah.Goals and Objectives?To educate all peoples of the Hebraic Roots of the Faith.To expose all false religions and doctrines.To showing Christendom, Catholic and Protestant, its sects, denominations and cults that they have rejected the Written Torah.To showing Judaism they have rejected the Living Torah (Yeshua the Messiah).To show Islam that Allah is not the One True G-D, and that the Koran is neither Holy Scriptures nor the words of the One True G-D, and that they have rejected the Written and Living Torah.To make reconciliation between all people groups and to bring them in unity though faith in Messiah Yeshua and Torah obedience through Natsarim Judaism.To establish Natsarim congregations, educational and resource facilities, humanitarian aid and relief world wide.To find, identify, and reunite the Lost Tribes of Israel.Abraham’s House | Bremerton WA[[@Headword:C49]]Group idGroup nameAbraham’s House | Bremerton WATraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toChico Alliance Church | Bremerton WAWebsite Source of creedal statement 10 January 2014Abraham’s House Statement of FaithWe believe the Bible to be the infallible and inerrant Word of God, that it is God’s Holy and inspired Word, and that it is the supreme and final authority for both faith and practice.We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.We believe that man was created in the image of God but as a result of deliberate sin is lost and powerless to save himself. Sin is now in the “DNA” of every single human being. We believe everyone will face the judgment of God. The believer in Jesus Christ will be rewarded at the judgment seat of Christ and the unbeliever in Jesus Christ will face God’s judgment at the Great White Throne. We believe that the only hope for man is to believe on Jesus Christ, the virgin-born Son of God, Who died to take upon Himself the punishment for the sin of mankind, and Who rose from the dead so that by receiving Him as Savior and Lord, man is redeemed by His shed blood on the cross.We believe that Jesus Christ led a sinless life and that once He rose from the dead He ascended back to heaven and now sits at the right hand of God the Father as our mediator and advocate.We believe that there is a heaven where God dwells and the saints and angels with Him and that there is place reserved for the devil and his angels at the end time judgment-the Lake of Fire and Brimstone. Unbelievers dwell in torment currently in Hades where “their worm never dies and the fire is not quenched.” The day will come, however, when Hades will be cast into the Lake of Fire. All evil will then be banished and all unbelievers will be judged according to their deeds.We believe that Christ is coming again soon to earth in power and glory and we, His children, will rule and reign with Him forever and ever.We believe we must have a concern for the hurts and social needs of our fellowman. We must do what we can to aid and assist those that are poor and suffering, especially the widows and orphans.We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells those who have received Christ, regenerating the spirit and enabling them to live righteous and godly lives and gifting them to serve the body of Christ.We believe that the Church is the living Body of Christ, and is composed of all those who through belief in Jesus Christ have been spiritually regenerated by the indwelling Holy Spirit. We believe that the mission of the church is worldwide evangelization on the one hand and the nurture and discipling of Christians on the other.We believe that water baptism as commanded by Christ should be observed as an outward demonstration of an inward commitment to Jesus Christ.We believe that God will make all things new and that there will be a new heaven and a new earth where there is no sorrow or crying, death or pain. This is our blessed hope-to live with Jesus Christ forever and ever and ever.AFPI: Abrahamic Faiths Peacemaking Initiative | Pasadena CA[[@Headword:C50]]Group idAFPIGroup nameAbrahamic Faiths Peacemaking Initiative (All Saints Church) | Pasadena CATraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toAll Saints Church | Pasadena CABeth Shir Shalom Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice Council on American-Islamic Relations Crescenta Valley United Methodist Church Hollywood 7th Day Adventist Church Islamic Center of Southern California Jews on First Muslim Public Affairs Council New Vision Partners Pasadena Jewish Temple Prepare the FutureProgressive Christians Uniting Progressive Jewish AllianceRabbi Steven B. Jacobs Progressive Faith Foundation Website Source of creedal statement 10 January 2014Church position papersInterfaith Curriculum for PeacemakingAbrahamic Faiths Covenant for PeacemakingAs Jewish, Christian and Muslim people we find common ground in our common origin. We are followers of Abraham, committed to the human family and therefore adhere to a common core of ethical standards. We shall pursue friendship, peace and justice. We will speak out against all forms of prejudice, hatred, and discrimination. We shall stand for the religious pluralism and mutual understanding that undergird the resilience of America. As people of faith we enter into sacred covenant with a pledge to:1. Pursue courageous friendships that bridge cultural divides.2. Weave our lives and institutions into the fabric of safety and security, protecting all from intimidation, threats or war within community and country.3. Speak and participate in public life, guided by prayer, reflection and experience. We bring our faithfulness to the public square to preserve religious pluralism, engendering peace in the 21st Century.4. Shun passivity for creative and responsible imagination for the future and wellbeing of all people.May these humble efforts be transformative in a world that cries out for peace and dignity.Absolute Maori Established Church of Aotearoa[[@Headword:C51]]Group idGroup nameAbsolute Maori Established Church of AotearoaTraditionRātana Church which has Methodist rootsWikipediaOrigin1941 split from Rātana ChurchLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementAFFC: Abundant Faith Christian Center | Springfield IL[[@Headword:C52]]Group idAFCCGroup nameAbundant Faith Christian Center | Springfield ILTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 13 January 2014Church position papersBaptismFastingFirst StepsSalvationOur BeliefsThat the Bible in its entirety is the inspired Word of God and it is authoritative and inerrant in its teaching in all manners.In the divinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit who are eternally present as one God in three persons.That Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of the Father. That he was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. That he was crucified, died and buried. That He rose on the third day according to the Scriptures and is now seated in the heavenly realms at the right hand of the Father where He lives to make intercession for the Saints.That all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and thereby deserve death and hell. That God commands all people everywhere to repent and be converted for the forgiveness of sin.That eternal life is a gift from God to all who receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.That Holiness is God’s standard of living for His people; for without holiness no man will see God.In the baptism with the Holy Spirit to empower Saints for the work of ministry.That divine healing is provided for all in the atonement.That as an act of obedience all believers be water baptized by immersion in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit in the Name of Jesus.In bodily resurrection: eternal life for the righteous and eternal punishment for the wicked.In the Priesthood of the New Testament believer.Abundant Faith Church of Integrity | Milwaukee WI[[@Headword:C53]]Group idGroup nameAbundant Faith Church of Integrity | Milwaukee WITraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 22 January 2014What We BelieveOnly one reference...The BibleWe believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. We hold the Word of God to be the only authority in all matters. No doctrine can be truth or essential, if it does not find a place in God's Word, for nothing can be added or removed from the Word of God. It is complete within itself. We believe in one God, revealed in three persons: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost. Matt 3:15-17, II Tim. 3:15, Heb 4:12Salvation...Jesus ChristWe believe that because of Adam and Eve's sin, man by nature is sinful. Man has fallen from the glorious and righteous state from which he was created, and has become unrighteous and unholy. Therefore, he must be restored to his state of holiness by being born again through Belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. John 3:7Abundant Faith Family Church | East Bridgewater MA[[@Headword:C54]]Group idGroup nameAbundant Faith Family Church | East Bridgewater MATraditionNon-denominational evangelicalWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 22 January 2014BeliefsAbundant Faith Family Church is evangelical and non-denominational. We hold to the absolute, infallible authority of the sixty-six canonical books of God's Holy Word. Therefore we believe that Jesus Christ is the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life and that no one comes to the Father except through faith in him. We look forward to his second coming! We also believe that both the supernatural gifts and power of the Holy Spirit are still very much active in the world today, though we in no way see those who employ such gifts and power as especially favored by God, or even necessarily in right-standing with him. Abundant Faith holds to no specific English translation of the Scriptures, believing that there is no perfect English translation. We believe that every translation has its own positives and negatives. That said, the translations employed most are the King James Version, the Holman Christian Standard Bible (2009/10), the New Living Translation (Second Edition, 2007), the New American Standard Bible (Updated Edition, 1995), and the New King James Version. Abundant Faith International Christian Center aka Jason Martin Ministries | Marysville WA[[@Headword:C55]]Group idAFICCGroup nameAbundant Faith International Christian Center aka Jason Martin Ministries | Marysville WATraditionLTMA: Leroy Thompson Ministerial AssociationWikipediaOrigin1991 Bishop Martin founds Jesus is Lord Life Tabernacle; 2009 Abundant Life International Christian Center founded on prophetic word of Dr. Leroy Thompson Sr.Links toChristians United for Israelweb | San Antonio TXLarry Huchs Ministriesweb | Dallas TXLTMA: Leroy Thompson Ministerial Associationweb Trinity Broadcasting Network Seattle Praise the LordwebWebsiteSource of creedal statementAbundant Faith UPC | Evansville, IN[[@Headword:C56]]Group idAFCGroup nameAbundant Faith UPC | Evansville, INTraditionPentecostalWikipediaOriginLinks toUnited Pentecostal ChurchWebsite Source of creedal statement 22 January 2014What We Believe AFC is a church striving to become a 21st Century Apostolic Church. We are founded upon the belief that the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God.We believe in the great commission and are endeavoring to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with love, mercy and compassion.We believe there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). He is the creator of heaven and earth, and of all living beings. He has revealed Himself to humanity as the Father (Creator), as the Son (Savior), and as the Holy Ghost (indwelling Spirit).We believe in water baptism by immersion in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin. Through baptism we identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:3-6; Colossians 2:11-14; Acts 2:38)We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial sign of speaking in other tongues. (Acts 2:4)We believe in the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He ministers to His people through tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy; words of knowledge and wisdom, discerning of spirits, faith, working of miracles, healing, helps and government. (Mark 16:15-18; Acts 5:16; 2 Corinthians 12:1-11)Abundant Faith Word Church | Kalamazoo MI[[@Headword:C57]]Group idGroup nameAbundant Faith Word Church | Kalamazoo MITraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statementAbundant Grace Christian Center | San Diego CA[[@Headword:C58]]Group idGroup nameAbundant Grace Christian Center | San Diego CATraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 23 January 2014Statement of Faith This church accepts the Holy Scripture, in its entirety, as the revealed will of God, the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice; and for the purpose of maintaining general unity adopts the following Declaration of Faith, and statement of Fundamental Truths: WE BELIEVE:1. The Bible in its entirety to be the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God; It is without mistakes, errors, contradictions or corruptions.2. In the One God eternally existing in Three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost;3. That Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, conceived of the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary, His crucifixion, burial, and bodily resurrection on the third day, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, making intercession for us; the blessed hope of His personal visible future return to this earth to receive to Himself, His blood bought church, that she may be with Him forever.4. That all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, that the only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance and faith in the precious blood of Christ.5. That the redemptive work of Christ on the cross provided healing for the human body to whosoever believes6. That justification, regeneration, and the new birth are wrought by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ7. In sanctification subsequent to the new birth, through faith in the blood of Christ; through the Word, and by the Holy Ghost.8. That Holiness is God’s standard of living for His people.9. In the Baptism of the Holy Ghost subsequent to new birth in Christ. As the indwelling of the Holy Spirit gives the believer the enablement to live a Holy Life.10. In the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, the one to everlasting life and the other to everlasting damnation.11. In the premillenial second coming of Jesus Christ, First, to resurrect the righteous dead and to catch away the living saints to Him in the air. Secondly, to reign on the earth a thousand years.12. We believe in tithing, offerings and special offerings according to Proverbs 3:9-10; Malachi 3:8-12; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; and II Cor. 9:6-8).AGCC: Abundant Grace Christian Church | Rutherford NJ[[@Headword:C59]]Group idAGCCGroup nameAbundant Grace Christian Church | Rutherford NJTraditionChrist Covenant Coalition non-denominationalWikipediaOriginLinks toAntioch School of MinistryBILD InternationalBreath of Life MinistriesChrist Covenant CoalitionGeorge Bakalov MinistriesHouse on the RockJesus Reigns InternationalJesus to MuslimsJoseph Mattera MinistriesLisa Buldo InternationalLiving Water MinistriesLove Out LoudPinnacle ForumRock City ChurchWe See Jesus MinistriesWitness Network InternationalYes Lord MinistriesWebsite Source of creedal statement 23 January 2014What We BelieveWe Believe There Is One God…We believe there is only one living and true God, eternal, with unlimited power, creator of all things and that in the one God are three distinct Persons: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.We Believe the Whole Bible Is Truth…We believe the Bible is the perfect and infallible Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit.We Believe That Jesus Christ Is The Only Way To Heaven…We believe that mankind's only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.We Believe We Are Saved by Grace Through Faith…We believe in salvation by grace through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ.We Believe Miracles Still Happen Today…We believe divine healing has been provided for all believers through the work of the cross, for by His stripes we are healed.?We Believe God Changes Lives…We believe that each person becomes a new creature in Christ when receiving the gift of salvation, and that all are called to have their minds renewed and walk in the newness of life empowered by Jesus Christ.We Believe in Water Baptism…We believe in water baptism by immersion, in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and that it is a public witness and profession of faith?in obedience to Christ.We Believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit...We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit and that all the gifts of the Spirit are active today. We believe this baptism empowers the believer for life-service and enables them to become a true witness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.We Believe “The Lord’s Supper” Should Be Observed…We believe that communion is to celebrated to commemorate the Lord's death until He returns.We Believe the Church Is The Body Of Christ…We believe the church is the body of Christ made up of people who have received the atoning sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins.We Believe Every Child Of God Has A Purpose & Destiny…We believe every follower of Christ has been called to glorify God, and is called to use their giftings toward this purpose.We Believe Hell Is Real…We believe that hell is the place where Satan, his demons, and all those who do not receive the forgiveness of their sins by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will spend eternity.We Believe Jesus Christ Is Coming To The Earth Again…We believe that the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven and gather all born-again believers to Himself, and that there will also be a day of judgment when the unrighteous will go into everlasting punishment and the righteous into life eternal with God.AGC: Abundant Grace Church | Toms River NJ[[@Headword:C60]]Group idAGCGroup nameAbundant Grace Church | Toms River NJTraditionRhema Bible ChurchWikipediaOrigin1984 by Anthony Storino who trained at RHEMA Bible Training CenterLinks toRhema Ministerial AssociationWebsite Source of creedal statement 25 January 2014Believe It Or Not?What We Believe In Simple Terms:God is bigger, better, and closer than we can imagine.The Bible is God’s perfect guidebook for living.Jesus is God showing Himself to us.Through?the Holy Spirit, God lives in and through us now.Nothing in Creation just happened. God made it all.Grace is the only way to have a relationship with God.Faith is the only way to grow in our relationship?with God.God can bring good even out of evil events.God promises victory over evil to those who choose Him.Heaven and Hell are real places.Death is a beginning, not the end.The Church is to serve people, like Jesus served people.Jesus is coming again.What We Believe In Amplified Terms:WE BELIEVE…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 by the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant, as recorded in the New Testament, we accept as our infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct and doctrine.?(2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21)WE BELIEVE…The Godhead:Our God is one, but manifested in three persons?the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, being co-equal.?(Phil 2:6)God the Father is greater than all; the sender of the Word?(Logos)?and the Begetter.?(John 14:28; John 16:28; John 1:14)The Son is the Word flesh-covered, the One Begotten, and has existed with the Father from the beginning.(John 1:14; John 1:18, John 1:1)The Holy Spirit proceeds forth from both the Father and the Son and is eternal.?(John 15:26)WE BELIEVE…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.?(Rom 5:12; Rom 3:23;Rom 3:10 ;1 John 3:8)?WE BELIEVE…The Salvation of Man: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).WE BELIEVE…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 experienced produces eternal life.?(2 Cor 7:10; John 3:3-5; 1 John 5:12)?WE BELIEVE…Water Baptism:Baptism in water by immersion, is a direct commandment of our Lord, and is for believers only. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.?(Matt 28:19; Rom 6:4;?Col2:12; Acts 8:36-39)WE BELIEVE…Baptism in the Holy Ghost:The Baptism in the Holy Ghost is a gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to all believers in this dispensation and is received subsequent to the New Birth. This experience is accompanied by the initial evidence of 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…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 at Christs return.?(Heb. 12:14; 1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil 3:12-14; 1 Cor. 1:30).WE BELIEVE…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.?(James 5:14-15; Mark 16:18; Isa. 53:4,5;Matt. 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24).WE BELIEVE…Resurrection of the Just and the Return of Our Lord:The angels said to Jesus’ disciples, “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” His coming is imminent. 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?(Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:16,17)Following the Tribulation, He shall return to earth as King of kings, and Lord of lords, and together with His saints, who shall be kings and priests. He shall reign a thousand years.?(Rev. 20:6).WE BELIEVE…Hell And Eternal Retribution:?The one who physically dies in his sins without accepting Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the?Lake?ofFire?and therefore, has no further opportunity of hearing the Gospel or repenting. The?Lake?of?Fire?is literal. The terms eternal and everlasting, used in describing the duration of the 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 saints in the Presence of God.?(Heb. 9:27; Rev. 19:20).AGCC: Abundant Grace Community Church | Edinburgh TX[[@Headword:C61]]Group idAGCCGroup nameAbundant Grace Community Church | Edinburgh TXTraditionWikipediaOrigin1980’s by Jim and Joyce Vinita missionariesLinks toThe Daniel Fast | Ellensburg WAKingsway Missionary Institute | McAllen TXVictoria Bible Institute | Reynosa, Tamp. MexicoWebsite of creedal statementAGCC: Abundant Grace Community Church | Gainesville FL[[@Headword:C62]]Group idAGCCGroup nameAbundant Grace Community Church | Gainesville FLTraditionWikipediaOrigin1997 planted by PhIl Courson from Metro Life Church | Orlando FLLinks toAGCC Food PantryAthletes in ActionNavigatorsProjects for HaitiWomen’s Resource and Medical Clinic | Gainesville FLWebsite Source of creedal statement 25 January 2014Our TheologyThe ScripturesWe accept the Bible, including the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament, as the written Word of God. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure. It leads us to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Being given by God the Scriptures are both fully and verbally inspired by God. Therefore, as originally given, the Bible is free of error in all it teaches. Each book is to be interpreted according to its context and purpose and in reverent obedience to the Lord who speaks through it in living power. All believers are exhorted to study the Scriptures and diligently apply them to their lives. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. Every doctrinal formulation, whether of creed, confession, or theology must be put to the test of the full counsel of God in Holy Scripture.God Is TriuneThere is one God: infinite, eternal, almighty, and perfect in holiness, truth, and love. In the unity of the godhead there are three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, co-existent, co-equal, co-eternal. The Father is not the Son and the Son is not the Holy Spirit, yet each is truly Deity. One God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is the foundation of Christian faith and life.God the FatherGod the Father is the Creator of heaven and earth. By his word and for his glory, he freely and supernaturally created the world of nothing. Through the same Word he daily sustains all his creatures. He rules over all and is the only Sovereign. His plans and purposes cannot be thwarted. He is faithful to every promise, works all things together for good to those who love him, and in his unfathomable grace gave his Son Jesus Christ for mankind’s redemption. He made man for fellowship with himself, and intended that all creation should live to the praise of his glory.Jesus ChristJesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was the eternal Word made flesh, supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. He was perfect in nature, teaching and obedience. He is fully God and fully man. He was always with God and is God. Through him all things came into being and were created. He was before all things and in him all things hold together by the word of his power. He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation and in him dwells the fullness of the godhead bodily. He is the only Savior for the sins of the world, having shed his blood and died a vicarious death on Calvary’s cross. By his death in our place, he revealed the divine love and upheld divine justice, removing our guilt and reconciling us to God. Having redeemed us from sin, the third day he rose bodily from the grave, victorious over death and the powers of darkness and for a period of forty days appeared to over five hundred witnesses, performing many convincing proofs of his resurrection. He ascended into heaven where, at God’s right hand, he intercedes for his people and rules as Lord over all. He is the Head of his body, the Church, and should be adored, loved, served, and obeyed by all.The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. Through the proclamation of the gospel he persuades men to repent of their sins and confess Jesus as Lord. By the same Spirit a person is led to trust in divine mercy. The Holy Spirit unites believers to Jesus Christ in faith, brings about the new birth, and dwells within the regenerate. The Holy Spirit has come to glorify the Son who in turn came to glorify the Father. He will lead the Church into a right understanding and rich application of the truth of God’s Word. He is to be respected, honored, and worshipped as God the Third Person of the Trinity.ManGod made man – male and female – in his own image, as the crown of creation, that man might have fellowship with him. Tempted by Satan, man rebelled against God. Being estranged from his Maker, yet responsible to him, he became subject to divine wrath, inwardly depraved and, apart from a special work of grace, utterly incapable of returning to God. This depravity is radical and pervasive. It extends to his mind, will and affections. Unregenerate man lives under the dominion of sin and Satan. He is at enmity with God, hostile toward God, and hateful of God. Fallen, sinful people, whatever their character or attainments, are lost and without hope apart from salvation in Christ.The GospelJesus Christ is the gospel. The good news is revealed in his birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension. Christ’s crucifixion is the heart of the gospel, his resurrection is the power of the gospel, and his ascension is the glory of the gospel. Christ’s death is a substitutionary and propitiatory sacrifice to God for our sins. It satisfies the demands of God’s holy justice and appeases his holy wrath. It also demonstrates his mysterious love and reveals his amazing grace. Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man. There is no other name by which men must be saved. At the heart of all sound doctrine is the cross of Jesus Christ and the infinite privilege that redeemed sinners have of glorifying God because of what he has accomplished. Therefore, we want all that takes place in our hearts, churches and ministries to proceed from and be related to the cross.Man’s Response to the GospelMan’s response to the gospel is rooted and grounded in the free and unconditional election of God for his own pleasure and glory. It is also true that the message of the gospel is only effectual to those who genuinely repent of their sins and, by God’s grace, put saving faith in Christ. This gospel of grace is to be sincerely preached to all men in all nations. Biblical repentance is characterized by a changed life, and saving faith is evidenced by kingdom service or works. While neither repentance nor works save, unless a person is willing to deny himself, pick up his cross, and follow Christ, he cannot become his disciple.Man’s Inheritance Through the GospelSalvation, the free gift of God, is provided by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. Anyone turning from sin in repentance and looking to Christ and his substitutionary death receives the gift of eternal life and is declared righteous by God as a free gift. The righteousness of Christ is imputed to him. He is justified and fully accepted by God. Through Christ’s atonement for sin an individual is reconciled to God as Father and becomes his child. The believer is forgiven the debt of his sin and, via the miracle of regeneration, liberated from the law of sin and death into the freedom of God’s Spirit.SanctificationThe Holy Spirit is the active agent in our sanctification and seeks to produce his fruit in us as our minds are renewed and we are conformed to the image of Christ. Though indwelling sin remains a reality, as we are led by the Spirit, we grow in the knowledge of the Lord, freely keeping his commandments and endeavoring to so live in the world that all people may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven. All believers are exhorted to persevere in the faith knowing they will have to give an account to God for their every thought, word and deed. The spiritual disciplines, especially Bible study, prayer, worship and confession, are a vital means of grace in this regard. Nevertheless, the believer’s ultimate confidence to persevere is based in the sure promise of God to preserve his people until the end which is most certain.Empowered by the SpiritIn addition to effecting regeneration and sanctification, the Holy Spirit also empowers believers for Christian witness and service. While all genuine believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit at conversion, the New Testament indicates the importance of an ongoing, empowering work of the Spirit subsequent to conversion as well. Being indwelt by the Spirit and being filled with the Spirit are theologically distinct experiences. The Holy Spirit desires to fill each believer continually with increased power for Christian life and witness, and imparts his supernatural gifts for the edification of the Body and for various works of ministry in the world. All the gifts of the Holy Spirit at work in the church of the first-century are available today, are vital for the mission of the church, and are to be earnestly desired and practiced.The ChurchGod by his Word and Spirit creates the Church, calling sinful men out of the whole human race into the fellowship of Christ’s Body. By the same Word and Spirit, he guides and preserves that new redeemed humanity. The Church is not a religious institution or denomination. Rather, the Church universal is made up of those who have become genuine followers of Jesus Christ and have personally appropriated the gospel. The Church exists to worship and glorify God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It also exists to serve him by faithfully doing his will in the earth. This involves a commitment to see the gospel preached and churches planted in all the world for a testimony. The ultimate mission of the Church is the making of disciples through the preaching of the gospel. When God transforms human nature, this then becomes the chief means of society’s transformation. Upon conversion, newly redeemed men and women are added to a local church in which they devote themselves to teaching, fellowship, the Lord’s Supper and prayer.All members of the Church universal are to be a vital and committed part of a local church. In this context they are called to walk out the New Covenant as the people of God and demonstrate the reality of the kingdom of God. The ascended Christ has given gift ministries to the church (including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) for the equipping of Christ’s body that it might mature and grow. Through the gift ministries all members of the Church are to be nurtured and equipped for the work of ministry. There are two church offices listed in the New Testament (Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:1-13): elder and deacon. Abundant Grace Community Church polity has established both the office of elder and the office of deacon. Women play a vital role in the life of the church but in keeping with God’s created design, they are not permitted “to teach or to have authority over a man” (1 Tim. 2:11). Eldership in the church is male. In the local church, God’s people receive pastoral care, leadership and the opportunity to employ their God-given gifts in his service in relation to one another and to the world.Sacraments of the ChurchWater baptism is only intended for the individual who has received the saving benefits of Christ’s atoning work and become his disciple. Therefore, in obedience to Christ’s command and as a testimony to God, the Church, oneself and the world, a believer should be immersed in water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Water baptism is a visual demonstration of a person’s union with Christ in the likeness of his death and resurrection. It signifies that his former way of life has been put to death and vividly depicts a person’s release from the mastery of sin.As with water baptism, the Lord’s Supper is to be observed only by those who have become genuine followers of Christ. This ordinance symbolizes the breaking of Christ’s body and the shedding of his blood on our behalf, and is to be observed repeatedly throughout the Christian life as a sign of continued participation in the atoning benefits of Christ’s death. As we partake of the Lord’s Supper with an attitude of faith and self-examination, we remember and proclaim the death of Christ, receive spiritual nourishment for our souls, and signify our unity with other members of Christ’s body.MarriageWe believe that Scripture teaches the creation of man and woman and their one-flesh union as husband and wife is the crowning achievement of God’s creation (Genesis 1:31). Marriage is to be a reflection of Jesus Christ love for His Bride, the church and the Bride’s love, submission and respect to Her Husband (Eph. 5:25-35).Marriage is the first institution of human society—it is the institution on which all other human institutions have their foundation. Christian tradition refers to marriage as “holy matrimony” to declare the fact that marriage is an institution ordained by God, and blessed by Christ in his participation at a wedding in Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-12). According to Scripture, God Himself blesses and holds marriage in the highest esteem.We believe that God’s original creative design, as set forth in Scripture, is for complete fidelity (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) within heterosexual and monogamous marriage. Regardless of one’s marital status, we believe the Christian should pursue purity and abstain from sexually immoral practices such as adultery, homosexuality, premarital sex, and pornography (Matthew 19:4-6; Romans 1:18-32; 13:13-14; 1 Corinthians 6:9-20; 10:8).The ConsummationThe Consummation of all things includes the visible, personal and glorious return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead and the translation of those alive in Christ, the judgment of the just and the unjust, and the fulfillment of Christ’s kingdom in the new heavens and the new earth. In the Consummation, Satan with his hosts and all those outside Christ are finally separated from the benevolent presence of God, enduring eternal punishment, but the righteous, in glorious bodies, shall live and reign with him forever. Married to Christ as his Bride, the Church will be in the presence of God forever, serving him and giving him unending praise and glory. Then shall the eager expectation of creation be fulfilled and the whole earth shall proclaim the glory of God who makes all things new.Abundant Grace Evangelical Free Church | Oberlin OH[[@Headword:C63]]Group idGroup nameAbundant Grace Evangelical Free Church | Oberlin OHTraditionEvangelical Free ChurchWikipediaOriginLinks toAllegheny District EFCA Church PlantingChristina Kwok (Intervarsity Christian Fellowship)Cross City Church – Columbus, OhioEvangelical Free Church of AmericaGoodseed USAikon church – Wadsworth, OhioOberlin Pastor’s Prayer FellowshipSam and Jill Tabiendo (EFCA ReachGlobal)Sam Berger (Intervarsity Christian Fellowship)Voice of the MartyrsWebsite Source of creedal statement We BelieveBiblical AffirmationsRelational CommitmentsConstitutionAbundant Grace Fellowship | El Paso TX[[@Headword:C64]]Group idGroup nameAbundant Grace Fellowship | El Paso TXTraditionNew CovenantWikipediaOrigin2007 as house church by small group including Pastor BrettLinks toInferred from reading list:Classic Christianity by Bob George, founder of People to People MinistriesThe Naked Gospel by Andrew Farley, pastor of Ecclesia church in Lubbock, Texas (Grace/New Covenant)Grace Walk by Steve McVey, founder of Grace Walk MinistriesOrganic Church by Neil Cole, Executive Director of Church Multiplication AssociatesPagan Christianity by Frank Viola and George BarnaBo's Cafe by John Lynch, Bill Thrall and Bruce McNicolGrace Rules by Steve McVeyGrowing in Grace by Bob GeorgeWaking the Dead by John Eldredge, founder of Ransomed Heart MinistriesThe Saving Life of Christ?by Major W. Ian Thomas, founder?of the TorchbearersRevolution Within by Dwight Edwards, former pastor of Grace Bible Church in College Station, TexasMy Father's Face by James RobisonThe Heavenly Man by Brother YunThe Blessing by Gary Smalley and John TrentThe Silence of Adam by Larry CrabbRevolution in World Missions by K.P. YohannanWebsite Source of creedal statement 26 January 2014Statement of FaithAbundant Grace Fellowship is a non-traditional and informal fellowship of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.? AGF provides a place where we can meet together in a relaxed atmosphere and learn of the wonderful grace and freedom which Jesus has provided for us through His death and resurrected life. We have no denominational affiliation, and welcome people from many backgrounds. We believe the Bible is the written Word of God, and is inspired fully by the Holy Spirit. We believe in Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, His finished work on the Cross, and that salvation is by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.Abundant Grace Fellowship Church | Blanco TX[[@Headword:C65]]Group idGroup nameAbundant Grace Fellowship Church | Blanco TXTraditionWikipediaOriginPlanted by J. D. Links graduate of Charis Bible College and former employee of Andrew Wommack MinistriesLinks toCharis Bible College | Colorado Springs COWebsite Source of creedal statement 26 January 2014Logos opportunityDaily Bible study reading planAbundant Grace Fellowship is a Spirit-filled, Bible reading, Bible believing, Bible teaching, family church. We have no other creed or doctrine (though we do accept the fundamentals of the faith contained in the Apostle's Creed). We believe all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness (2Tim 3:16).Our MissionIt’s our desire to worship and glorify The Lord our God (Ps 34:1-3, 134:2, Jn 4:24); build up and edify each other (Prov 27:17, 1Cor 14:3); to build strong Christian families (Josh 24:15, Dt 11:18-21); to equip people for the work of the ministry (Eph 4:11-12, 2Tim 2:2); to preach the Gospel (Mt 28:18-20, Mk 16:15-20); To support world missions, especially the persecuted church (Heb. 13:3, Gal 6:10); and to live our lives as true disciples of Jesus Christ (Jn 8:31-32, Lk 14:25-35, 1Cor 13). We give thanks to our Father in Heaven for pouring out on us His abundant grace, mercy, goodness, and love through Jesus; and for His Holy Spirit living inside of us. God is good, all the time! (Mal 3:6, Mk 10:18)Statement Of Faith1. The Bible is the inspired Word of God and the revealed will of God (II Tim. 3:15-17; I Peter 1:23-25; Heb. 4:12). 2. There is one true Godhead comprised of the God The Father, God The Son, and God The Holy Spirit. All are co-equal and co-eternal (Mt. 28:19, Jn. 1:1, 14). 3. Man was created by God, in God's image. By voluntary transgression he fell and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Who by the power of The Holy Spirit was born of the virgin Mary, and became man. (Gen. 1:26-31, 3:1-7; Rom. 5:12-21). 4. Salvation of man. a. Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. On the cross Jesus Christ became sin and sickness providing both salvation and healing for all mankind (Ps. 103:3). This salvation comes by believing in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and confessing with your mouth, Jesus as Lord (Rom. 3:24, 10:8-10; Eph. 2:8).b. The inward evidence, to the believer, is the direct witness of the Spirit (Rom. 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of true holiness and love (I Jn. 3:23; Jn. 13:35).c. Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and not by human works; however our works are evidence of our faith and will determine our rewards in eternity (Rom. 10:9-10, 14:10-12; II Cor. 5:10; Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7; James 2:18). ?5. Baptism in water is a declaration to the world that a believer has died with Christ and that they have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. It is not a suggestion of Jesus, but a command; and by Biblical example, should be done upon conversion (Mt. 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Rom. 6:4). 6. The celebration of the Lord's Supper by eating of the bread and drinking of the cup is a remembrance of Jesus, our covenant with God, and an expectation of His return (I Cor. 11:24-30). 7. All believers are entitled to, and should ardently expect and earnestly seek, the promise of the Father, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, according to the command of Jesus Christ. With this comes the endowment of power for life and service, the bestowal of gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry: This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth (Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:4-8, 2:38-39, 10:44-46, 11:14-16, 15:7-9; I Cor. 12:1-31). 8. The evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit: The full consummation of the Baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is evidenced by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance and by the subsequent manifestation of spiritual power in public testimony and service (Acts 1:8, 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:2,6). 9. We believe in and practice the Biblical example of Divine healing (laying on of hands, anointing with oil, praying the prayer of faith, rebuking sickness). God is The Healer. However, we are not opposed to doctors or their?supporting role?in?the healing?process.10. The Church is the Body of Christ. Each believer is an integral part (Eph. 1:22, 2:19-22; Heb. 12:23). 11. Total Prosperity. a. Spiritual (Jn. 3:3, 11; II Cor. 5:17-21;Rom. 10:9-10).b. Mental (II Tim. 1:7; Rom. 12:2; Is. 26:3).c. Physical (Is. 53:4-5; Mt. 8:17).d. Financial (III Jn. 2; Lk. 6:38; II Cor. 9:6-10; Phil. 4:19).e. Social (Pr. 3:4). 12. Blessed Hope: Jesus is coming to gather all His saints to Heaven (I Cor. 15:51-52; I Thess. 4:16-17; II Thess. 2:1). 13. Those who have not accepted the redemptive work of Jesus Christ will suffer eternal separation from the Godhead. They will burn in the Lake of Fire (Rev. 19:20, 20:10-15). 14. The Millennial Reign of Jesus: The return of our Lord Jesus Christ with His saints from Heaven to rule and reign for one thousand years on earth as the Scripture promised (Rom. 11:25, 27; II Thess. 1:7; Rev. 19:11-16, 20:1-7). After this, there will be a new earth (Rev. 21).AGIF: Abundant Grace International Fellowship | Shanghai China[[@Headword:C66]]Group idAGIFGroup nameAbundant Grace International Fellowship | Shanghai ChinaTraditioninterdenominationalWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 26 January 2014What We BelieveAbundant Grace welcomes everyone to worship and fellowship with us. Being a part of the congregation involves acknowledging Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and committing to support the congregation with prayers, presence, gifts and service.We are an international, interdenominational church. We focus on what unites us rather than what could divide us.Baptism.?Abundant Grace celebrates baptism on a regular basis in accordance with the scriptures, to give a public testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. (Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 2:38, 8:34-38; Romans 6:3-4.)Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion).?Abundant Grace celebrates the Lord’s Supper (Communion) on a regular basis in accordance with the scriptures and in obedience to our Lord’s command. (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-29.) This celebration is open to all who profess Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.Marriage. Abundant Grace honors marriage, defined as the life-long matrimonial union between one man and one woman, as a sacred, vital institution ordained by God. (Gen. 2:18, 22-24; Eph. 5:22-33.)We join with Christians in all places and times by confessing our faith in the Apostles' CreedI believe in God, the Father Almighty,Creator of heaven and earth,and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,born of the Virgin Mary,suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died, and was buried.He descended into hell.The third day He arose again from the dead.He ascended into heavenand sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,from where He will come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church,the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the resurrection of the body,and life everlasting.Amen.ALC: Abundant Life Center | Jefferson OR[[@Headword:C67]]Group idALCGroup nameAbundant Life Center | Jefferson ORTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 26 January 2014AboutWe have a vision to be the church to our community – a community that needs hope, help and healing – by loving, training and empowering them to be who God says they are.We believe the Bible is crystal clear about our purpose – to love God, love others and go to the world with the Good News. As a church we flesh this out in our mission: Experience God. Encourage Others. Engage the World.We are a community of Christ followers committed to living out the gospel in the Mid-Willamette Valley. We are ever moving and transforming into the church that Jesus said would be the light of the world, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden.ALC has a laid-back environment focused on people, not programs. Whoever you are and wherever you are on your journey, we invite you to come experience love.More About What We BelieveThe Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice. The following statement of truth is not intended to be exhaustive, but to be simply a common expression of faith:We believe in one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Creator of all things.We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, was crucified, dead, buried, resurrected; that He ascended into Heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father and is true God and true man.We believe the Bible, in its entirety, to be the inspired Word of God and the only infallible rule of faith and conduct.We believe in the resurrection of the dead, the eternal joy of the saved and the eternal punishment of the lost.We believe in personal salvation of believers through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.We believe in sanctification through the Word of God by the Holy Spirit, expressed in personal holiness of heart and life.We believe in divine healing, through faith in the name of Jesus Christ, and that healing is included in the atonement.We believe in water baptism by immersion as an immediate declaration of the Lordship of Jesus Christ.We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, in speaking with tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance (Acts 2:4), in the gifts of the Spirit, and the evidence of the fruit of the Spirit. We believe that all are available to believers.We believe in the soon-coming, personal, visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ.We believe in intensive world evangelization and missionary work in accordance with the Great Commission, with signs following. (Matthew 28:19)We believe in the Church as the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with each born-again believer as an integral functioning member.Abundant Life Center | Vancouver WA[[@Headword:C68]]Group idALCGroup nameAbundant Life CenterTraditionNew ThoughtWikipediaOrigin1993 by Jenna and Barbara Watkin with Dwile Heggem as Vancouver New Thought Community ChurchLinks toAssociation for Global New ThoughtInternational New Thought AllianceWebsite Source of creedal statement 03-May-2009 (no longer on site)ALC's Sacred CovenantOur Beliefs:We believe in One Power, One Presence for Good: God.We believe God is all there is.We believe we are each unique Divine expressions of God with free will.We honor all spiritual paths of Love.We believe we are transformed by practice of prayer and meditation, service and unconditional Love.We believe that direct experience of God is available to ALL.We believe we co-create our world and our personal experience through our consciousness. Our Intentions: To recognize and honor the Beauty of God in everyone and everything.To experience the Ancient Wisdom of Universal Truth through spiritual practice and celebration.To joyfully embrace the wholeness of community.To live fully in the abundance of life.To offer a sacred space welcoming all to love, learn, play and commune. To be a beacon of light in service to the world.Abundant Life Christian Center | East Syracuse NY[[@Headword:C69]]Group idGroup nameAbundant Life Christian Center | East Syracuse NYTraditionNon-denominational Christian ChurchWikipediaOrigin1990 by John and Lisa CarterLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement ff 12 December 2013Apostles’ Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" What We BelieveAbundant Life Christian Center is a non-denominational Christian Church that holds a charismatic-evangelical theology. Our beliefs are firmly rooted in the theology of the Reformation, while fully embracing contemporary ministry of the Holy Spirit and all His gifts. We accept all Christians --regardless of denomination-- who embrace the Apostle’s Creed, have confessed personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and believe that His atoning work is the sole basis for their eternal salvation.Members of our church and associated ministries accept the following Statement of Faith as essential for general unity and full communion within our spiritual community.1.0 The Nature of GodWe believe that God is One, eternally expressed in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is the creator of everything that exists but was Himself not created by anyone. He is the source of all that is good, the master of all creation, and the perfect, holy, and righteous judge of all the free creatures He has made. Besides Him there is no other god in heaven or earth (John 14:9-16, Matt. 28:19, Acts 2:33, 1 John 5:6-8, 24, Rom. 1:20, Col. 2:9).2.0 The Deity of JesusWe believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Christ is the visible image of the invisible God, and the exact imprint of his nature, in human form. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation - (Heb.1:3, Col 1:15, Isa. 9:6, 7; John 1:1), Jesus is Himself God and shares equally all the qualities of the Father and the Holy Spirit (Phil. 2:6). Although He existed as God from all eternity, He willfully chose to assume a human nature and was born in time and space of the virgin Mary. He did this so that by full identification with the human race He could save us from our sins, and restore our fellowship with God. (Heb. 2:14).3.0 The Person of the Holy SpiritWe believe in the deity and personhood of the Holy Spirit. He proceeds from the Father and the Son and works actively as God’s agent on the earth today. His mission is to convict the world of sin, create and secure believers in Christ, and empower God’s Church to grow in grace and manifest God’s Kingdom in the earth. We believe all the gifts and miraculous works of the Holy Spirit are available to God’s people and that each believer has been given at least one spiritual gift for ministry to others in the local church. (John 14: 16-26; Luke 1:35, Rom. 12:4-13, 1 Cor. 12:4-11, 1 Peter 4:11-12).4.0 The ScripturesWe believe that the Holy Bible (39 books of the O.T. and 27 books of the N.T.) is the only inspired, unfailing and complete written Word of God. It is the revelation of God’s plan for man. People are born again through hearing and believing the message of the Bible. God’s Word is the primary sacrament God has provided for the perfecting and maturing of His children. (2 Peter 1:21, 1 Peter 1:23-2:2, John 17:17).5.0 The Nature and Fall of ManWe believe that all people were made in the image of God, but through sin have been separated from God and fallen into moral darkness and the dominion of God’s adversary, the devil. Our sin has rendered humanity a race of spiritual rebels deserving nothing but God’s everlasting wrath. Fallen people, left to themselves and without God’s help, would not seek for God, die in sin, and perish eternally (Rom. 3:9-12, Eph. 2:1-3).6.0 The Election and Redemption of ManWe believe that God, who is rich in mercy, has chosen from eternity to restore fallen humanity to Himself by providing salvation for all through faith in the sacrifice of His own Son. God gave Jesus to die for our sins and shed His blood as full payment for the sins of the human race. God calls people to Himself through the preaching of the Gospel, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the gift of His Grace. No one can take credit in any way for his own salvation. It is truly, from first to last, the gift of God (Eph. 2:4-10, 1 Tim. 4:10, Rom. 1:12, John 6:37-40).We believe that a person is saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone, and not by his own works or efforts.7.0 The New BirthWe believe that every person must be born again, spiritually, in order to be saved and enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:3). This means all genuine Christians are born again, and no other “kind” of Christian exists. We believe that the new birth powerfully and permanently changes the human heart, giving believers an eternal right-standing before God, by grace. All who are born again receive the gift of eternal life, and they shall never perish. All those who are in Christ are new creations, their old spiritual nature passes away, and all things become new.(2 Cor. 5:17, John 3:3-6, John 10:28).8.0 The Believer’s Security and ApostasyWe believe that those who are saved by God’s grace are sealed by the Holy Spirit, and will be kept by His divine power until the Day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6). Our confidence rests not our own efforts or goodness, but in the promise of Jesus; “…of all that the Father has given to me I shall lose none, but raise them up at the Last Day” (John 6:35-40). While the Bible warns believers against sin and apostasy (Heb. 6:9), we believe that God has provided Divine Grace and discipline along with salvation to prevent (John 6:39) the loss of His children from the grip of His Hand. John 10:28-29.: I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.9.0 The Gift of the Holy SpiritWe believe God has promised all believers a special gift called the “gift” or “baptism” of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:7, 8). This experience is a special work of God, following salvation and is received by faith (Acts 19:2). The initial physical sign that one has received this gift is the release of heavenly language for prayer and worship, known as speaking in other tongues. (Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:6). God gives this gift to enable His children to communicate spirit to spirit with God in prayer and worship and for personal ministry to others (1 Cor: 14:4, 16; Mark 16:15).10.0 SanctificationWe believe that all God’s children are called to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, and disciplining their bodies to put away sin and walk in God’s righteousness. This is a process called sanctification. By regularly feeding on the Word of God, fellowship with God in prayer, receiving the ministry of the local church, and by making daily choices to discipline the behavior and desires of the flesh (Rom. 12:1, 2). At the coming of Christ, the Lord Himself will bring to completion that good work He began in us. (1 Thess. 5:23).11.0 Divine HealingWe believe that the redemptive work of Christ provides supernatural healing for our physical bodies. “Himself took our infirmities and bare our sickness...” (Matt. 8:17). Healing and wholeness is a promise available to His children who live in obedience to His Word and believe His covenant promises. Faith in God’s power and the use of natural and medical remedies are mutual companions in the effort to bring healing. We acknowledge that there are mysteries surrounding the life, health and death of every believer and is a matter that is ultimately between the believer and God. However Divine Healing is the children’s bread (Matt. 15:21- 28)!12.0 The Sacred Institutions of GodWe believe that God has set the following institutions in the earth for the blessing of man and the orderly operation of human society. We under- stand these institutions to be God’s provision for the benefit of the world. A believer must honor these institutions to achieve a successful and abundant life before God.12.1 The Institution of WorkWe believe that God, having Himself set the pattern by creating the earth in six days and resting the seventh, has given to man the commandment to subdue the earth by the work of his hands (Gen. 1:26, 2:15, Deut. 28:1-10). This institution was given to as as the primary method of obtaining material prosperity. It is based upon a covenant between man and the earth. Under normal circumstances, each person is responsible to provide for their own need, their own home, and their own families. The institution of work is to be joyfully received as a gift from the Father, and each person should engage in their work with a spirit of excellence. Failure to do so is sin before God and places an undue burden upon society and the church. God has given to each man and woman special gifts and abilities that, when properly nurtured, will enable them to find success in life. We further believe it is the sacred duty of every believer to offer unto God the tithes of their labors in faithful giving to their local church (1 Thess. 4:11, 2 Thess. 3:10-12, Mal. 3:10-12). The local church exists to benefit the believer through sound Bible teaching, corporate worship and prayer, service to one another and the community, the administration of God’s sacraments and ordinances, and the exercise of spiritual gifts. God’s Word directs every believer to commit to the ministry of a local church and joyfully submit to its leadership. Active participation in the body life of the local church is essential to fulfilling the will of God for each individual. We further believe that Christians are commanded to support the local church by faithful attendance, regular fellowship, consistent giving, and active service in her ministry and outreaches (Matt. 16:18, Heb. 13:7, 17, 10:25, Mal. 3:10).12.2 The Institution of Marriage and Family.We believe that God, in recognition of man’s need for companionship and the expression of love, has given to humanity the gracious institution of covenant marriage. This institution is founded upon a covenant between a man and a woman, made before the eyes of God and the believing community, under the administration of the local church. Heterosexual marriage is the unique environment through which men and women may express their sexuality. Marriage is to be joyously received and honored by all, including those who are called to remain single and celibate in life.We also acknowledge that it is the highest will of God for children to be brought up by a loving father and mother who are joined by the church in covenant marriage, God will bless and enable single parents to raise their children, providing His grace to do so. Christians are to help one another to raise children in all homes, and to care for the widow, unmarried, and fatherless. (Gen. 2, 5:1-5; Eph. 5:21-6:4).12.3 The Institution of Civil GovernmentWe believe that God has provided the institution of civil government for the general benefit of human society. Government was established by God for the organization of humanity under the rule of law, to protect the innocent from the sin of others, for the punishment of evil, and for the just administration of civil welfare. At the core of this institution is a covenant between man and his community, seeking to strike a balance between individual liberty and the general welfare of the society in which he lives. God commands the believer to submit to the governing authority of civil government (Gen. 6-9; Rom. 13:1-10).12.4 The Institution of the Local ChurchWe believe that God provided the local church as the spiritual family of every Christian. This institution is based upon a covenant between the believer and the body of Christ to which the Holy Spirit has joined him. We believe it is impossible to fulfill God’s plan for a believer’s life without a commitment to the local church.13.0 Sacraments and Ordinances of the ChurchWe believe that God has set in the church sacraments and ordinances for the benefit of His Family.13.1 SacramentsWe believe in the following sacraments for the growth and nourishment of every believer;I. The Word of GodWe believe that it is only by receiving the “daily bread” of God’s Word that a believer may mature in Christ. Jesus taught that man lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4). The sacrament of God’s Word is received by the hearing the anointed teaching and preaching of God’s ministers in the local church, and through personal study of the Bible (Rom. 10:17). II. PrayerWe believe Grace is profoundly imparted to the believer in prayer (James 5:14-18) and is powerfully conveyed through the believer’s prayer to others (Col. 1:9). There are two important kinds of prayer that God has designed; personal prayer, and united prayer. The second is performed when two or more believers are gathered in Jesus Name or in the assembly of the local church. United prayer releases a unique and multiplied force of God’s power to carry out His will and plan upon the earth. (1 Timothy 2:1-3, Luke 18:1).13.2 OrdinancesOrdinances are particular practices commanded by God to be administered by the local church as signs of personal faith and sources of special gifts and blessings.I. Water Baptism of BelieversWe believe water baptism is an ordinance of initiation into the body of Christ. We believe that all those who have received the Lord Jesus Christ should immediately be baptized in water by immersion. We further believe that there is a mighty anointing of God present in water baptism to bring about deliverance from sinful habits and personal bondages (Acts 2:38, 8:38, Mark 16:16, Acts 22:16, Rom. 6:3).II. Holy CommunionWe believe the Lord’s Table is an ordinance of communion with Christ and His Body. We believe that all Christians are to participate in Holy Communion. We believe that Jesus is really and spiritually present with the believer in Holy Communion to minister to benefits purchased by the body and blood of Christ. The covenant bread and wine are not to be icons of worship or adoration but powerful conduits by which believers may access the benefits of forgiveness, deliverance, and healing, and celebrate their redemption through the completed work of Christ on the Cross. (Matt. 26:26, 1 Cor. 11:24).III. The Laying On Of HandsWe believe the laying on of hands is an ordinance of impartation for the body of Christ. Through this ordinance spiritual gifts, blessings, prophesies, healing, dedications, and offices are conferred upon individual believers by the ministers of the church. Hebrews 6:12 calls the laying on of hands a fundamental doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ.Blessing and dedication of children (Matt. 19:13-15, Mark 10:16). Ministering healing, prophecy, deliverance and blessing to others. (Mark 5:23, 6:1-5, 8:23, Luke 4:40, 13:13, Mark 16:18, Acts 5:12, 28:8, James 4:14). Confirming of church offices (Acts 6:6, 13:1-5, 1 Tim. 4:14, 1 Tim. 5:22). Impartation of Spiritual gifts (Acts 8:17-19, 9:17, 19:6-11, 1 Tim. 4:14, 2 Tim. 1:6). 14.0 Support of the ChurchWe believe that each believer is to give of their time, talent and treasury in support of the local church and its witness to the world. We recognize the giving of tithes, offerings, and alms as a commandment to be regularly practiced by every believer. The Church has been given special authority to collect offerings for the purposes of preaching the Gospel, supporting ministers, funding ministries, building houses of worship and service, and charitable works on behalf of the poor and needy (Heb. 7:5-9, Matt. 23:23, 2 Cor. 8, 9, Matt. 5:42, Luke 6:38, Acts 4:32-36).15.0 The Church and the KingdomWe believe that the Kingdom of God has both a present and future manifestation. The body of Christ operating through the organized local church is the present manifestation of God’s Kingdom in the earth today. God’s Kingdom is made visible through the active ministry of God’s people through the agency of the local church, the establishing of strong families, and by living lives of personal excellence as productive members of society (Luke 17:21, Mark 4:26-32, Acts 1:8).16.0 The Abundant LifeWe believe the promise of the abundant life is to be sought by all believers through living disciplined, focused and spiritually passionate lives. This promise includes the provision of grace to prosper spiritually, physically, mentally, socially, and materially. The abundant life can be realized by every believer who believe the promises of God, give faithfully to the local church, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and commit to achieve personal excellence in every area of life. We further believe that Christians are morally obligated to achieve their highest potential in body, mind and spirit, for the purpose of gaining spiritual and natural influence in the world and imparting the life character of Jesus Christ. The primary purpose of material prosperity is to enable the believer to enjoy life on earth, provide for their families, and generously give to the work of the church to bring the Gospel to the world.17.0 Serving the Poor and OppressedWe believe that God has commanded the Church to be an agent of His grace in this world by performing charitable works on behalf of the poor, meeting the spiritual and practical needs of the community. We desire to establish a visible witness to Christ by providing care for the suffering and developing creative solutions to enable the spiritually and socially oppressed to achieve their potential. “Let your light so shine among men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5, James 1:27).18.0 Resurrection and Eternal JudgmentWe believe in the imminent, physical return of Jesus Christ to the earth. Jesus is coming first to rapture and reward His Church, bring judgment upon the wicked, deliver Israel from destruction, and establish His Throne.Jesus will return physically to the Mount of Olives, and establishing an earthly rule in the city of Jerusalem, fulfilling His promises to the Jewish people. At His coming, the dead shall be physically raised, the believer will be resurrected unto everlasting life, and the unbeliever will be resurrected unto everlasting death (Dan. 12:2; John 5:29, 6:40; Acts 24:15; Rev. 20:13).Then God shall create a new heaven and a new earth where there shall be no more tears, no more pain, and nothing that will hurt or destroy. Then the dwelling place of God shall be with men, and we who have received God’s free gift of salvation shall enjoy eternity in the presence of our triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (2 Peter 3:10; Dan. 12:3; Rev. 21-22).In light of these sacred truths, we invite men everywhere to repent of their sins, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be saved into the Abundant Life that God has promised to all who cling in faith to Him.Our MissionTo Preach the Gospel, make Disciples, Baptize, and Teach the Word -to all the Nations.Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Abundant Life Christian Fellowship is a nondenominational church located in Bay Shore, New York. We are a gathering of people who have found God's love and forgiveness. As we worship together we learn to become fruitful followers of Jesus and grow in relationship with each other. Our great desire is to live in the Love of God and then give it away. THE DETAILS OF OUR MISSION The mission of ALCF is all about people: ReachingRestoringReleasingReaching, Restoring, and Releasing people into the Purpose and Destiny that God has for their lives. REACHMatthew 28:19-20 Disciple-making is not intended to be life-long process. It is limited in scope to: Going (to the lost and winning them to Christ) Baptizing (the converts and enfolding them into the fellowship) Teaching (them to follow and obey Him always). Disciple-improvement is a life-long process! RESTOREIsaiah 58; 61:1-3We are to help meet the needs of those who are hurting and in distress, to those in and outside of the church. As agents of Jesus Himself, we are to heal the hurting, liberate the captives, and proclaim freedom by the power of the Holy Spirit. Gal 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of Christians. Heb 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. RELEASEExodus 18:13-26; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 4:10; Acts 1:8We are called to build a church that will reach the World ? through our community! In order to reach and disciple the World, God's people must be: Empowered (Acts 1:8) Equipped (Ephesians 4:11-12; 1Peter 4:10) Released (Exodus 18:13-26) to "minister" to thousands of people. All Christians have gifts that God has given for them to use. It is the responsibility of the leadership of the church to help them discover, develop and be deployed in their gifting and calling in God. When they are, Christians will find joy in life-giving ministry.Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.To Preach the Gospel, make Disciples, Baptize, and Teach the Word -to all the NationsAbundant Life Christian Centre | Margate FL[[@Headword:C70]]Group idGroup nameAbundant Life Christian Centre | Margate FLTraditioncharismaticWikipediaOriginFounded by W. W. ThomasLinks toInternational Congress of Charismatic ChurchesWebsite Source of creedal statement 12 December 2013BeliefsAbundant Life thrives on one basic principle that God is good, He loves us, and He wants to bless us. In John 10:10, Jesus says, “The thief does not come except to steal, andto kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” God desires His people to participate in the abundant life He offers— spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially and financially prosperous—witnesses to His goodness. It is our mandate to take this message of freedom to those in South Florida and around the world. THE BIBLE.We believe the entire Bible is inspired by God, without error and that it is the authority on which we base our faith, conduct and doctrine. THE TRINITY.We believe in one God who exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to this earth as Savior of the world. SALVATION.Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood for our sins. We believe that salvation is found by placing our faith in what Jesus did for us on the cross. We believe that a person must confess with their mouth and believe in their heart that Jesus is Lord. We believe Jesus rose from the dead and is coming again. BAPTISM.We believe water baptism is a symbol of the cleansing power of the blood of Christ and a testimony to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. COMMUNION.We believe in the regular taking of Communion as an act of remembering what the Lord Jesus did for us on the cross. THE CHURCH. We believe the church is a local community of baptized believers unified through faith in Christ. Every believer should be in a growing relationship with Jesus by obeying God’s Word, yielding to the Holy Spirit and by being conformed to the image of Christ. The Church works together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ. PRAYER LANGUAGE.We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues.Abundant Life Christian Fellowship |Bay Shore NY[[@Headword:C71]]Group idALCFGroup nameAbundant Life Christian Fellowship | Bay Shore NYTraditionnondenominationalWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 12 December 2013 12 December 2013Statement of FaithWE BELIEVE the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible and authoritative WORD OF GOD. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17WE BELIEVE that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19, Mark 12:29WE BELIEVE in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, John 20:28, in His virgin birth Luke 1:27, in His sinless life Hebrews 4:15, in His miracles John 20:30,31, in His vicarious and atoning death Colossians 2:13,14, in His bodily resurrection Acts 1:3, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father Acts 1:9, and in His personal future return to this Earth in power and glory to rule a thousand years. Revelation 20:6WE BELIEVE that for the salvation of lost sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. Titus 3:5 WE BELIEVE that the only means of being cleansed from sin is by the grace of God, leading to repentance toward God, effecting faith in Jesus Christ, being justified by His blood. Ephesians 2:8, 9, Acts 20:21, Romans 5:9 WE BELIEVE in the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a holy life. 1 Corinthians 1:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 2 Thessalonians 2:13 WE BELIEVE that the baptism of the Holy Spirit, according to Acts 2:4, is given to believers who ask for it. Luke 3:16, Luke 11:13, Acts 1:5-8, Acts 10:44-48 WE BELIEVE that there is provision for physical healing of the human body as God wills in answer to believing prayer. James 5:14, 15 WE BELIEVE in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, the one to a resurrection of life and the other to eternal punishment. Acts 24:15, John 5:28-29, Matthew 25:46Abundant Life Christian Fellowship | Crystal River FL[[@Headword:C72]]Group idGroup nameAbundant Life Christian Fellowship | Crystal River FLTraditionFull Gospel Church (pentecostal/charismatic)WikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 12 December 2013What We Believe The Scriptures are the inspired, infallible, revealed Word of God. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12)The one true God is a Triune Being, The Father, The Son and the Holy Ghost. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29)Man, his fall and his redemption- Man, who is triune, has a spirit, soul and body, was created good, upright and in the image of God. Man voluntarily transgressed and fell. Redemption for man is found only in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus Christ was manifested to undo the work of the devil and gave His life and shed blood to redeem and restore man back to proper relationship with God. We believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and by confessing with the mouth “Jesus is Lord” will result in man’s salvation. (Romans 3:24; 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8; 1 John 3:8)Water baptism- Baptism in water by immersion is a commandment of our Lord. Water baptism symbolizes to the world that one has died with Jesus and has been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48)The Lord’s Supper- This ordinance of the Church symbolizes the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ which establishes the New Covenant between God and man.Baptism of The Holy Ghost- The baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire is a gift from God as promised by Jesus Christ. The initial physical sign of speaking in tongues accompanies the experience of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost as the Spirit gives utterance. It gives us spiritual power for public testimony and service after the new birth in Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:4; Acts 1:8; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 2:38)The Church- The Home of God is the body of Christ. Each believer, born of God’s Spirit, is an intrigal part of the general assembly and the church of the First Born, which is written in heaven. We believe that Christ gave to the Church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 1:22; 2:19-22: 4:11-13).Total prosperity- Spiritual (John 3:3, 11; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21); Mental (2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 12:2); Physical (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:17) Financial ( 3 John 1:2; Malachi 3:10-11) Social (Proverbs 3:4)Divine Healing- Healing is for the physical body and is brought by God’s power through the prayer of faith and laying on of hands. It is the privilege of every member of the body of Christ. We believe that healing is just as available today as it was in Biblical times.The Blessed Hope- “Awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the great God and Savior Jesus Christ…”. “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and 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 so shall we ever be with Him. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Titus 2:13)The Lake of Fire- when someone dies without accepting Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, he is eternally lost in the Lake of Fire with no opportunity of repenting. The Lake of Fire is literal. (Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 19:20; 20:10-15) Marriage - We believe that marriage is constituted of one man and one woman only. We do not recognize any other relational unions other than one man and one woman only, including but not limited to same-sex unions and/or relationships.The church facilities will not be used in contrast to this belief by any person or entity. No minister of Abundant LIfe is permitted to participate in any way with the officiating, conducting, arranging or assisting in any way with a marriage union that is in contrast to our beliefs. Abundant Life Christian Fellowship | Lubbock TX[[@Headword:C73]]Group idGroup nameAbundant Life Christian Fellowship | Lubbock TXTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 12 December 2013Abundant Life Creed We believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe that all three are one, creating The Trinity. We believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, lived as a man, died for the sins of the world, and rose again three days later. We believe that Jesus is coming back again to rapture His church someday. We believe that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. We believe we must be saved by the confessing and repenting of our sins. We believe in baptism by immersion in water. And also believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. We are the Church of God. We will live our lives to build His Church. We will preach the gospel and share the love of Christ with mankind, regardless of race, creed, or color.Abundant Life Christian Fellowship | Mountain View CA[[@Headword:C74]]Group idALCFGroup nameAbundant Life Christian Fellowship | Mountain View CATraditionNon-denominational evangelicalWikipediaOriginLinks toALCFWebsite Source of creedal statement 12 December 2013 12 December 2013 12 December 2013Logos opportunityHas Bible reading plan/study methodStatement of FaithThe Authority of Scripture2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Pet. 1:20-21The Holy Bible is God’s inspired, infallible and inerrant word.The Holy Trinity1 John 5:7, Matt. 28:18God exists in three distinct persons: God the Father - 1 Corinthians. 8:6, Galatians 1:1, Philippians 2:11 God the Son - Hebrews 1:8, John 1:1, Colossians 2:9 God the Holy Spirit - Acts 5:3-4, Ephesians 4:30, 1 Corinthians 2:11 Deity of ChristColossians 2:8-10, John 14:6-10, 1 John 5:20Through Jesus Christ God became incarnate. Fully human and fully divine. Salvation by GraceEphesians 2:8, 9, Romans 3:20,28, Galatians 2:16We are not saved by works but by grace through faith alone in Christ alone.Second Coming of Christ1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Hebrews 9:28, John 5:28-29We believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His return to this earth to gather the elect and to usher in the resurrection of all things.Core ValuesWhat gives a successful church its unique identity is not its core beliefs but its core values. While most Bible-based churches share the same beliefs regarding the essential doctrines of historic Christianity, they differ significantly in worship styles, target audiences, teaching emphases/styles, program offerings, forms of government, visitor care, member care, marketing/advertising strategies, etc., depending on the philosophy of each congregation.There are several core values that undergird the plans and practices of ALCF:Accommodating the unchurched1 Corinthians 9:22-23Unity rather than uniformity1 Corinthians 1:10Winning the lostActs 1:8Teaching God’s Word in a plain and practical wayActs 20:20Letting the Holy Spirit leadJohn 16:13Consideration of all racial, generational, and socio-economic groupsRev. 7:9 Who We AreAbundant Life Christian Fellowship is a caring, diverse, and authentic community where God's love through Jesus Christ moves us to:Worship GodGrow in ChristServe one AnotherReach out to AllWe are a non-denominational church that encourages fellowship and unity among all believers regardless of denominational affiliation. (Ephesians 4:4-6)We are an evangelistic church that spreads the good news of Jesus Christ by every means at our disposal. (Matthew 28:18-20)We are a Spirit-filled church that relies on the Holy Spirit to make us effective in our ministry and witness for Christ. (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:18)We are a Spirit-led church that welcomes the orderly exercise of all spiritual gifts which exalt Christ and edify the church. (1 Corinthians 14:26; 1 Peter 4:10)We are a consecrated church that yields to the Holy Spirit as He works in us to cultivate godliness and disciplined living. (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 7:1)We are a loving church that recognizes love as an essential ingredient in the life of every believer. (1 Corinthians 13)We are a giving church that acknowledges Christ's lordship over all that we have including our money, time, and talents. (Proverbs 3:9; Matthew 25:14-27)We are a praising church that joyfully exalts the Lord through singing and other expressions of worship and praise. (Psalm 100:4-5)Abundant Life Christian Fellowship | Orange VA[[@Headword:C75]]Group idGroup nameAbundant Life Christian Fellowship | Orange VATraditionNon-denominational community churchWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 12 December 2013What We BelieveWe believe in the divine inspiration of the Word of God, both Old and New Testaments for the purpose of God revealing Himself and His will to all creation. It alone is the eternal standard by which all things will be judged.We believe in the Triune God, eternal, infinite, sovereign creator of all things, inexpressible in holiness, perfect in love, He exists in the oneness of three persons, equal in each expression of His distinctions as God the Father (Jehovah), God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.We believe that Jesus Christ is God come in the flesh, perfectly human while continuing to be perfectly God. He alone is the sacrifice for the sin of mankind that brings salvation through virtue of His sinless life, substitutionary death and bodily resurrection from the dead. We believe and look for His bodily return to accomplish the many promises concerning the end times as recorded in both the Old and New Testaments.We believe in the personage of the Holy Spirit. He indwells all true believers in order to baptize them into the body of Christ, teach them the "rama" of the Word of God, guide in the personal application of that Word, empower the believer to minister the spiritual gifts given to him by God, empowers the believer to exercise his victory in Christ to restrain all demonic forces, and convicts of sin.We believe God created mankind in His image, without sin, in order to know and enjoy God through serving Him. However, through Adam's voluntary choice to disobey God, sinfulness became a part of mankind's inbred nature, thus separating him from a righteous and holy God. He is under the just condemnation of God and in his own efforts to remove his sinfulness is hopelessly lost. Only through repentance (including rejection of sinfulness) to God and receiving by faith God's only solution for sin (the person and work of Jesus Christ) can man receive forgiveness of sins, the righteousness of Christ as his new nature, and in time, a new sinless body fit for eternal life with God as His child.Abundant Life Christian Fellowship (Pete Samra Ministries) aka The Church of the Champions[[@Headword:C76]]Group idGroup nameAbundant Life Christian Fellowship aka Pete Samra Ministries aka The Church of the ChampionsTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toDirect relationshipAbundant Life Christian Fellowship (Barberton, South Africa)Abundant life Christian Fellowship (Malawi, Africa)Recommended links:Emmanuel Gospel Church God Mobile Online see Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship InternationalLisnadill Full Gospel Church Miracle Life Worship Center Oxford Bible Church Skyway ChurchWebsite Source of creedal statement 12 December 2013What We Believe:?We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.?We believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God.?We believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.?We believe that Jesus Christ died for the remission of sins and that all who call on His name will be saved.?We believe that Jesus heals; our church operates in the Gift of healing, with the laying on of hands.Abundant Life Church of Christ | Richmond VA[[@Headword:C81]]Group idGroup nameAbundant Life Church of Christ | Richmond VATraditionWikipediaOrigin1950’s with merger of The Church of the Lord Jesus Chist and The Church of God and True Holiness1956 adopted the name The Church of God and True Holiness1965 adopted name Abundant Life Church of ChristLinks toALTBC: Abundant Life Teamwork Bible CollegeWebsite Source of creedal statement Statement of FaithWe BelieveThe Bible is the inspired Word of God; the product of holy men of God who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.? The New Covenant, as recorded in the New Testament, we accept as our infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct and doctrine.? II Timothy 3:16; I Corinthians 2:13We BelieveOur God is one and name is one.? He has three attributes of His person:? The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; distinguishable, but indivisible.? Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14; John 1: 1, 8We BelieveMan is a created being made in the likeness and image of God, but through Adam’s transgression and fall, sin came into the world.? 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.? Romans 5:14; 3:10; Ephesians 2:8We BelieveThe Salvation of sinners by grace through repentance and faith in the perfect and sufficient work of the cross of Calvary.? By this, we obtain remission of sins.? The new birth is necessary to all men. Ephesians 2:8, 9;? Romans 5:11;? John 3:3-5;? I John 5:12We BelieveThe necessity of Water Baptism by immersion in the name of the eternal Godhead in order to fulfill the command of Christ.? The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian’s identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.? Matthew 28:19;?Acts1:8;?2:38, 39;? 19:1-7We BelieveThe baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to all believers and is received subsequent to the New Birth.? This experience is accomplished by the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit himself gives the utterance.? Matthew 3:11;?John 14:16-17;? Acts 1:8; 2:4We BelieveThe operation of the gifts of the Spirit enumerated in I Corinthians, chapters 12-14 as manifested in the early church.We BelieveThe Bible teaches that without holiness, no man can see the Lord.? We believe in the Spirit-filled life; a life of separation from the world and perfecting of holiness in the fear of God as an expression of Christian faith.? We believe this commences at the time of regeneration and continues until the consummation of salvation.? Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:18; II Corinthians 6:14We BelieveHealing 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 the privilege of every member of the church today.? Mark 16:18; James 5:14-25; I Peter 2:24We BelieveIn the table of the Lord, commonly known as “Communion” or “The Lord’s Supper” for believers.? I Corinthians 11:23-32; Matthew 26:26We BelieveIn the reality and personality of satan and the eternal judgment of satan and his angels.? Matthew 25:41; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 19:20; 20:10-15We BelieveThe marriage institution is a divine blessing ordained by God.? It was ordained not only for replenishing the earth, but to establish social order and human happiness; to prevent irregular affection, and to transmit truth, purity, and holiness from generation to generation.? When this trust is violated, it corrupts the purity and harmony of an otherwise holy union.? We believe in the teaching of Jesus Christ that is found in the scriptures.? Matthew 5:31, 32; 19:3-12; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18We BelieveUnder certain conditions and circumstances, divorce and re-marriage may occur.? It is our belief that divorce should be discouraged and restoration of marriage should be the focus.? 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, Matthew 5:32, Malachi 2:14-16We BelieveAbortion is against the will of God and only permitted when the mother’s life is threatened.We BelieveSex outside of covenant marriage is, according to the Word of God, “sinning against God and His Word”.? I Corinthians 6:9, 10, 18; Acts 15:20; I Thessalonians 4:3; Ephesians 5:3We BelieveHomosexuality is a clear violation of the Word of God.? Romans 1:26-32; Leviticus 18: 22-24; Jude 1:7;? Genesis 19: 4-13.? Therefore, we recommend persons who are inclined to homosexuality to seek help and deliverance through the Holy Spirit and counseling.ALFC: Abundant Life Faith Church | Newnan GA[[@Headword:C82]]Group idALFCGroup nameAbundant Life Faith Church | Newnan GATraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toRhema Bible Training CollegeWebsite Source of creedal statement 26 January 2014Our BeliefsThe ScripturesThe Bible is the inspired Word of God, the product of holy men of old who spoke and wrote as they were moved on by the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant, as recorded in the New Testament, we accept as our infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct and doctrine. (2 Tim. 3:16,1 Thess. 2:13, 2 Peter 1:21)The GodheadOur God is one, but manifested in three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, being co-equal. (Phil.2:6) God the father is greater than all; the Sender of the Word (Logos) and the Begetter (John 14:28, 16:28, 1:14) The Son is the Word flesh-covered, the One Begotten, and has existed with the Father from the beginning. (John 1:18, 1:14) The Holy Spirit proceeds both from the Father and the Son and is eternal. (John 15:26)Man, His Fall and RedemptionMan 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. (Romans 5:14, 3:10, 3:23, 1 John 3:3-5) 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)Eternal Life and the New BirthMan’s first step towards salvation is Godly sorrow that worketh repentance. The New Birth is necessary to all men, and when experienced, produces eternal life. (2 Cor. 7:10, 1 John 5:12, John 3:3-5)Water BaptismBaptism in water by immersion, is a direct commandment of our Lord, and is for believers only. The ordinances, a symbol of the Christian’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. (Matt. 28:19, Rom. 6:4, Col 2:12, Acts 8:36-39)Baptism In The Holy GhostThe Baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire is a gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to all believers in this dispensation and is received subsequent to the New Birth. This experience is accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit gives utterance. (Matt. 3:11, John 14:16,17, Acts 1:8, 2:38,39, 19:1-7, Acts 2:4)SanctificationThe 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 at Christ’s return. (Heb. 12:14, 1 Thess. 5:23, 2 Peter 3:18, 2 Cor. 3:18, Phil. 3:12-14)Divine HealingHealing is for the physical 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 5:14, 15, 1 Peter 2:24, Matt. 8:17, Isa. 53:4,5)Resurrection of the Just and Return of the LordThe angels said to Jesus’ disciples ”…this same Jesus…shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” His coming is imminent. 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….” (Acts 1:11, 1 Thess. 4:16, 17)Following the TribulationHe shall return to the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and together with His saints, who shall be kings and priests, He shall reign a thousand years. (Rev. 20:6)Hell and Eternal RetributionThe one who physically dies in his sins without accepting Christ is hopelessly lost in the Lake of Fire, and, has no further opportunity to hear the Gospel or repenting. The Lake of Fire is literal. The terms “eternal” and “everlasting” used in describing the duration of the 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 in the presence of God. (Heb. 9:27, Rev. 19:20)Abundant Life Fellowship | Brunswick GA [[@Headword:C77]]Group idGroup nameAbundant Life Fellowship | Brunswick GATraditionPentecostalWikipediaOriginLinks toChurch of God, Cleveland, TNWebsite Source of creedal statement 12 December 2013Our BeliefsSource: Church of God, Cleveland, TN with Biblical references addedIn the simplest terms, we believe the Bible (the whole Bible). What we teach, preach, and promote is straight from the Word of God. We believe that the Bible contains the life-changing truth that we all need, and that it should not be changed or distorted to fit any religious doctrines. Following are some specifics about our beliefs, based on what we know from the Word:1. We believe in the verbal inspiration of the Bible (2 Peter 1:20, 21). We believe that the Word of God is literally the word of God. The Bible wasn't manufactured by humans; it is a gift directly from the Spirit of God. 2. We believe in one God, eternally existing in three Persons: namely, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14). God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended to heaven, sending to us the Holy Spirit as our Comforter. We believe in and respect every Person of God shown to us in the Bible as the one true God. 3. We believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of the Father (John 3:16), conceived of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:18). We believe that Jesus was crucified (Mark 15:24), buried (John 19:41, 42), and raised from the dead (Matthew 28:6). We believe that He ascended to heaven and is today at the right hand of the Father as the Intercessor (Romans 8:34). 4. We believe that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and that repentance is commanded of God for all and necessary for forgiveness of sins (Luke 13:5). 5. We believe that justification, regeneration, and the new birth are wrought by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24-26). 6. We believe in sanctification subsequent to the new birth, through faith in the blood of Christ; through the Word and by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). 7. We believe holiness to be God's standard of living for His people (Hebrews 12:14). 8. We believe in the baptism with the Holy Spirit subsequent to a clean heart (Matthew 3:11). 9. We believe in speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance and that it is the initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). 10. We believe in water baptism by immersion and that all who repent should be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). 11. We believe that divine healing is provided for all in the Atonement (1 Peter 2:24). 12. We believe in the Lord's Supper (Luke 22:17-20) and washing of the saints' feet (John 13:4-17). 13. We believe in the pre-millennial second coming of Jesus; first, to resurrect the righteous dead and to catch away the living saints to Him in the air (1 Corinthians 15:52) and, second, to reign on the earth for a thousand years (Revelation 20:6). 14. We believe in the bodily resurrection (John 5:28, 29); eternal life for the righteous (John 10:27, 28) and eternal punishment for the wicked (2 Thessalonians 1:8, 9). ALF: Abundant Life Fellowship | Roseville CA [[@Headword:C78]]Group idALFGroup nameAbundant Life Fellowship | Roseville CATraditioncharismaticWikipediaOrigin1986 planted by Doug and Janice Bird (Assemblies of God Bible College and Rhema Bible Training Center)Links toWebsite Source of creedal statement 12 December 2013Our Beliefs We value the lost as God values the lost. God valued the lost enough to give His only begotten Son to die for their sins. Jesus laid down His life for the lost. We believe we should do the same. Accordingly, everything we do at ALF is focused on bringing "just one more" person to a living faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord, even if that bringing requires extreme sacrifice on our part. We value a crusade posture toward the harvest fields. Our church is in Roseville to make "no small stir." We believe that we are a Spirit-trained army on a God-given crusade to take our city and our world for Jesus Christ. We will spare neither energy nor expense to let our community know the reality of God's love in Jesus Christ. We value uncompromising lifestyles. We believe that we witness to the truths of God not only with our words, but also with our lives. We will live in such a way as to model forth biblical truths and principles. In doing so, we seek to honor God's name in the earth, to draw lost people to the life-changing realities of new life in Christ, and to provide a preserving influence on our surrounding society. We value positive affirmation and nurture of each believer. We believe that we are a community of grace and that we exist to help one another progressively mature in the things of God without condemnation, gossip, or undue censure. Our goal is to see the God-given potential in each individual and then to help that potential become reality. We value the training and mobilization of each believer. We are all members in particular of one body, the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Each of us has been uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit to fill a God-chosen place of ministry in the overall redemptive effort of the Body. Because each person is a unique combination of spiritual gifts, passion, personality, and experience, we endeavor to help each person find a place of service that is consistent with their divine design. We value authentic, life-impacting worship. We believe nothing positively impacts a person's life more than quality time spent in the revelatory presence of God. We endeavor to worship in such a way in both our church services and our daily lives so as to consistently dwell in that revelatory presence. If we will draw nigh to God, He will draw nigh to us. If we will take time to humbly and devoutly enter His presence, He will speak through His Word and act through His Spirit in such a way as to save, heal, and deliver by His divine power. Not only will His presence change us, but also it will help us change those around us for the better. We value teamwork. We believe that the task that God has assigned us in this city and beyond is only accomplishable by a great team of people working together in unity of mind and spirit. As we rally around the central vision of the church, we actively endeavor to link arms and march to the same trumpet call. As such we covenant not to tear down other fellow laborers, but to encourage them in their call as often as possible. We value a servant's heart. How do we spell revival? WORK! Everything worth building is worth working for. We value and honor those among us who tirelessly and without complaint labor to help see God's vision and purpose for our local church realized. We value strong servant leadership. We believe that Jesus is ultimately the only head of the church, but that He has chosen to function through human leaders to accomplish His purpose in the church. We believe those leaders must meet the biblical qualifications of leadership. They must have godly character, biblical vision, and influence. We believe leadership must be team leadership if it is to be biblical and effective in our culture. But we also realize that, as with all biblical teams, this team leadership must be led by a visionary leader of leaders. All leaders must model the leadership attitude and methodology of Christ that demonstrates both strong leadership and servant leadership. A true leader serves by leading and leads by serving. We value commitment to the cause of Christ. We are a single-minded people with a single-minded passion. We esteem and honor those among us who are willing to lay down their lives for the sake of Christ's Gospel, who cheerfully invest their time, talents, and treasures so that Christ may be made known. We desire to avoid any evidence of mediocrity or compromise in our lives that could possibly quench the fire of God within and reduce us to a state of lukewarm ineffectiveness. We value integrity. We believe we should speak the truth to one another and that if we give our pledge to something, we will do everything in our power to fulfill that pledge. We value a spirit of excellence. We believe that anything worth doing for God is worth doing with an absolute passion for excellence. God didn't make any junk. Neither should we. As witnesses of Christ, all that we do reflects upon His person. We should do everything as unto the Lord. What We Believe: Abundant Life Fellowship accepts the Scriptures as the revealed will of God and accordingly adopts these following statements of fundamental truths and doctrines: 1. The Bible is the inspired Word of God and the revealed Will of God "…and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:15-17). "…having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because 'All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever.' Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you" (1 Peter 1:23 -25). "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). 2. There is one true Godhead comprised of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All are coequal and co-eternal. Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, is the second member of the Godhead"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…" (Matthew 28:19). "For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one" (1 John 5:7). "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). 3. Man was created in God's image. By voluntary transgression man fell and his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.' And God said, 'See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food'; and it was so. Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day" (Genesis 1:26 -31). "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned-- (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 5:12-21). 4. Salvation of man Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. On the cross Jesus Christ became sin and sickness providing both salvation and healing for all mankind. This salvation is appropriated by believing in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and confessing with your mouth Jesus as Lord .The inward evidence, to the believer, is the direct evidence of the Holy Spirit The outward evidence to all men is a life of true holiness and love Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and not by human works; however, our works are our evidence of our faith and will determine our rewards in eternity. "Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases…" (Psalm 103:3). "…being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…" (Romans 3:24). "But what does it say? 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:8-10). "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8). "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" (Romans 8:16). "And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment" (1 John 3:23). "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." "So they said, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household'" (Acts 16:31) "…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:9-10). "But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.' So then each of us shall give account of himself to God." (Romans 14:10-12). "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10). "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). "…not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:5-7). "But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works" (James 2:18). 5. Baptism in water is a declaration to the world that a believer has died with Christ and that they have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). "'Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?' And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days" (Acts 10:47 -48). "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). 6. The celebration of the Lord's Supper by eating of the bread and drinking of the cup is a remembrance of Jesus "…and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me. ' In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep'" (1 Corinthians 11:24 -30). 7. All believers are entitled to, and should ardently expect and earnestly seek, the promise of the Father—the Baptism of the Holy Spirit—according to the command of Jesus Christ. With this comes the endowment of power for life and service, the bestowment of gifts and their use in the work of the ministry. This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49). "And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, 'which,' He said, 'you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.' Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, 'Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' And He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria , and to the end of the earth'" (Acts 1:4-8). "Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call'" (Acts 2:38 -39). "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God" (Acts 10:44 -46). "And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: 'Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith'" (Acts 15:7-9). "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-- whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free-- and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,' is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,' is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you'; nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.' No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:1-31). 8. The evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: the full consummation of the Baptism of believers in the Holy spirit is evidenced by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance and by the subsequent manifestation of spiritual power in public testimony and service"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria , and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:4). "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God" (Acts 10:44 -46). "…he said to them, 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' So they said to him, 'We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit….' And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied" (Acts 19:2-6). 9. The Church is the Body of Christ. Each believer is an integral part "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church…" (Ephesians 1:22). "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:19-22). "…to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect" (Hebrews 12:23). 10. That God grants the obedient believer a life that is prosperous and successful in every arena of life: Spiritual Mental Physical Financial Social "Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' Nicodemus said to Him, 'How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?' Jesus answered, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, "You must be born again." The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.' Nicodemus answered and said to Him, 'How can these things be?' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness'" (John 3:3-11). "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:17 -21). "…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:9-10). "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2). "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You" (Isaiah 26:3). "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:4-5). "…that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: 'He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses'" (Matthew 8:17). "…who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness-- by whose stripes you were healed" (1 Peter 2:24). "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 1:2). "'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,' says the LORD of hosts, 'If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,' says the LORD of hosts" (Malachi 3:10-11). "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you" (Luke 6:38). "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: 'He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.' Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness" (2 Corinthians 9:6-10). "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you. The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you. And the LORD will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give you. The LORD will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them" (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). "And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man" (Proverbs 3:4). 11. Blessed hope: Jesus is coming again to gather all His saints to Heaven "Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed--in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" (1 Corinthians 15:51 -52). "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:16 -17). "Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him…" (2 Thessalonians 2:1). 12. Those who have not accepted the redemptive work of Jesus Christ will suffer eternal separation from the Godhead. They will burn in the lake of fire "Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone" (Revelation 19:20). "The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:10 -15). 13. The Millennial Reign of Jesus: the return of our Lord Jesus Christ with His saints from heaven to rule and reign for one thousand years on earth as the Scripture promised. "For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: 'The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins'" (Romans 11:25 -27). "…and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels…" (2 Thessalonians 1:7). "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" (Revelation 19:11 -16). "Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison" (Revelation 20:1-7). After this, there will be a new heaven and new earth "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.' Then He who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.' And He said to me, 'Write, for these words are true and faithful.' And He said to me. 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.' Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, 'Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife.' And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life" (Revelation 21:1-27). ALT: Abundant Life Tabernacle | Worthington MN [[@Headword:C83]]Group idALTGroup nameAbundant Life Tabernacle | Worthington MNTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 26 January 2014Logos opportunityMemorize 90What We BelieveThe BibleWe believe the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God, and that it is the only authority for establishing doctrine, faith, hope and instruction for Christian living (II Timothy 3:15-17).GodThe first and greatest commandment is this: "Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord" (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29). We believe this one true God has revealed Himself as our Father in creation, through His Son Jesus Christ in redemption, and as the Holy Spirit in regeneration. (I Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:4-6; Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16).Sin and SalvationEveryone has sinned and needs salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-25; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9).The GospelThe gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. Our response to the Gospel is to identify with His death, burial and resurrection through repentance (death to sin), water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (burial), and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (resurrection) (I Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 2:4, 37-39; Romans 6:3-4).Christian LivingThe prophet Micah declared, "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8). We believe that Christian living consists of doing what is right, compassionately serving others, and pursuing a relationship with God.The ChurchWe believe in covenanting with a community of believers through a local church assembly. It is through the ministry of the Church that believers are strengthened in their faith and find opportunity to serve others. When believers gather together for worship, they can expect the presence of the Lord to be there and for the supernatural gifts of the Spirit to minister (Matthew 18:20; Mark 12:28-31; II Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14; I Corinthians 12:8-10).ALFC: Abundant Living Faith Center | El Paso TX [[@Headword:C79]]Group idALFCGroup nameAbundant Living Faith Center | El Paso TXTraditionWord of Faith movementWikipedia Origin1977 by Charles and Rochelle NiemanLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 12 December 2013What We BelieveThe Bible is God’s Word to all men.God is the Creator & Ruler of the universe. He exists in three personalities–Father, Son & Holy Spirit.The Unseen World is made up of two kingdoms – the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness.Mankind is created in the image and likeness of God but has been separated from God by sin.Acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior is God’s only plan of Salvation.Jesus is our Substitute.He became…Sin so that we could be made righteous. (II Cor 5:21)A curse so that we could be redeemed. (Gal 3:13-14)Sick so that we could be healed. (Isaiah 53:3-4)Poor so that we could be made rich. (II Cor 8:9)Water Baptism is an outward profession of a person’s inward commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior.Believers should be baptized in the Holy Spirit, speak with other tongues and experience the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their munion is received in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice for us.God is good. He is for us – not against us. He does not use tragedy, illness or acts of nature to teach us.It is God’s will that believers prosper and be in health.God answers prayer & cares about every area of our lives.God heals through believers “laying hands on the sick in prayer” according to Mark 16.The Christian lifestyle should agree with God’s Word.Church attendance & involvement is necessary for developing a well-balanced Christian life.Tithing should be a part of every Christian’s life.The Great Commission compels us to share Jesus Christ with others!Jesus Christ will return to the earth, and believers will reign together with Him!Abundant Living Family Church | Rancho Cucamonga CA [[@Headword:C80]]Group idALFCGroup nameAbundant Living Family Church | Rancho Cucamonga CATraditionWikipediaOrigin1994 by Diego MesaLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 12 December 2013Doctrinal StatementWe believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as verbally inspired by God and inerrant in the original writings, embracing all matters which the Biblical authors address, and believe that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and life. II Timothy 3:16, 17; II Peter 1:19-21.We believe in one God-eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, existing as three Persons-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one in nature, attributes, power, and glory. Genesis 1:1, 26; Proverbs 30:4; Mark 12:29; Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14; John 1:1-4, 14, 18; Acts 5:3,4.We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and that He is both true God and true man. Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-35; Philippians 2:6-11; Isaiah 7:14; John 1:14.We believe in the literal 6-day account of creation, that the creation of man lies in the special, immediate, and formative acts of God and not from previously existing forms of life. Genesis 1:26, 27; 2:7-9, 16, 17; 3:1-19.We believe that man was created perfect in the image of God, that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death but also that spiritual and eternal death which is separation from God, and that all human beings are born with a sinful nature, and we are sinners in thought, word, and deed. Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 1:18, 32; 3:10-19; 5:12, 19.We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice and rose again for our justification; and that all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His shed blood and are saved by grace through faith wholly apart from human merit and works. Acts 13:39; 16:31; Romans 3:21-28; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:3-8.We believe that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus are born again by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God and thereby become the children of God forever. John 1:12, 13; 3:3-16; 5:24; 10:28, 29; I Peter 1:23; II Peter 1:4-11.We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine Person, equal with God the Father and God the Son; that He was active in creation; that He convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment; that He is the Agent in the new birth; that He baptizes all believers into the body of Christ at conversion; that He indwells, seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies, and helps the believer. Psalm 139:7-12; John 14:16, 17; 16:13, 14; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 6:19.We Believe The Holy Spirit desires to continually fill each believer with power to witness and imparts His supernatural gifts for the edification of the body and the work of ministry in the world. All the gifts of the Holy Spirit at work in the church of the first century are available today and are to be earnestly desired and practiced in an orderly manner. The gifts are essential to the mission of the Church in the world today. Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:1-16; 1 Peter 4:10-11.We believe that the gift of tongues as a prayer language is available to all Christians. The gift of tongues is a prayer language unknown by the speaker who utters mysteries in the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 14We believe in the imminent “Blessed Hope,” the Rapture of the church before the tribulation, when the “Lord shall descend from heaven” to catch up His bride to meet Him in the air and “so shall we ever be with the Lord.” John 14:1-3; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; I Corinthians 15:15-58.We believe in the literal, bodily resurrection of the crucified Lord, His ascension into Heaven, His present life there as our High Priest and Advocate, and His personal, bodily, visible return to the earth at the end of the tribulation to establish His millennial Kingdom on earth, and to reign as the only Potentate, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Luke 24:36-43; John 20:24-29; Acts 1:9-11; I Corinthians 15:25; Revelation 1:5-7; 19:11-16; 20:6.We believe in the bodily resurrection of all the dead: the saved to a life of eternal glory and bliss in Heaven with God; the unsaved to eternal judgment of conscious suffering and woe in the lake of fire. John 5:28, 29; Revelation 20:6, 11-15; 21:1-8; Matthew 10:28; 18:8,9; 25:41,46; Mark 9:43-49; II Thessalonians 1:6-9.We believe that it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to be a personal soul winner and to do his utmost to give the gospel of Christ to the whole world. Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; John 17:18; 20:21; II Corinthians 5:20.We believe that the local Church is an organized congregation of believers, associated by covenant, observing the ordinances of Christ, having the offices of pastor and deacon, exercising the gifts, rights, privileges, and responsibilities given them by His Word, and that it has the absolute right of self-government. We believe that the Church which is His Body includes all New Testament believers. Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians 1:2; 7:17; 11:16; I Timothy 3:1-15; I Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 1:22,23; 2:14,15; 5:23-32.ABC: Abundantly Blessed Church | Houston TX[[@Headword:C84]]Group idABCGroup nameAbundantly Blessed Church | Houston TXTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 26 January 2014Our belief ?Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour; and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge and holiness; to give it a place in our affections, prayers and services above every organization of human origin; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has prospered us, toward its expenses, for the support of a faithful and evangelical ministry among us, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. In case of difference of opinion in the church, we will strive to avoid a contentious spirit, and if we cannot unanimously agree, we will cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern. We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to study diligently the word of God; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance ; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and just to those in our employ , and faithful in the service we promise others; endeavoring in the purity of heart and good will towards all men to exemplify and commend our holy faith. We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to exhort and stir up each other unto every good word and work; to guard each other's reputation, not needlessly exposing the infirmities of others; to participate in each other's joys, and with tender sympathy bear one another's burdens and sorrows; to cultivate Christian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Saviour in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew, to secure it without delay; and through life, amid evil report, and good report, to seek to live to the glory of God, who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. When we remove from this place, we engage as soon as possible to unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word." ABWE International aka Association of Baptists for World Evangelism | Harrisburg PA[[@Headword:C85]]Group idABWEGroup nameABWE International aka Association of Baptists for World Evangelism | Harrisburg PATraditionIndependent BaptistWikipediaOrigin1927 on behalf of Dr. Raphael Thomas as the ABEO: Association of Baptists for the Evangelism in the Orient1935 renamed ABWE: Association of Baptists for World EvangelismLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 26 January 2014Our CommitmentsWe are committed to scriptural integrity and to doctrinal purity as expressed in the ABWE Statement of Faith.We are committed to obeying the Great Commission and assuming all the responsibilities connected with this command.We are committed to exercising the spirit of Christ in our dealings with churches, missionaries, donors, and critics.We are committed to the priority of the local New Testament church and its leadership, pastors and deacons.We are committed to providing faithful service for the local churches as they send out their missionaries.We are committed to the principle of accountability between the mission, missionaries, and supporting churches.We are committed in concert with our sending churches to maintaining high standards for all ABWE personnel.We are committed to the New Testament principle and practice of evangelism, discipling, and planting reproductive Baptist churches.We are committed to a program of church planting that has national leadership, ownership, and stewardship in view from the inception.We are committed to a fiscal responsibility in serving our supporting churches and missionaries.We pledge ourselves to do all we can to bring people to Christ throughout the world, maintaining a biblical perspective and balance regarding our involvement in church planting and ministries of compassion.Our Doctrine1. Concerning the ScripturesWe believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as originally written were God-breathed, both verbally and in every part. We believe God communicated through Spirit-controlled men so that the Scriptures are without error, authoritative, and complete. We believe the Bible is the supreme revelation of God’s will for mankind and constitutes the only infallible guide for faith and life.Psalm 119:128; Matthew 5:18; 2 Peter 1:19-21; John 17:17; Revelation 22:18, 19; John 10:34, 35; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:122. Concerning the True GodWe believe in the one eternal God, the Creator of all things; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, identical in essence and equal in power and glory.Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 46:9; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Exodus 20:2, 3; Matthew 3:16, 17; Deuteronomy 4:35, 6:4; John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:83. Concerning God the FatherWe believe that God the Father is holy and loving. Unlimited in time, space, knowledge, and power, the Father has planned for His glory all that comes to pass and purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself. In His sovereignty, He is neither author nor approver of sin, nor does He negate the accountability of moral, intelligent creatures. Although distinct from His creation, He is immanently at work in it, intervening as He chooses.Psalm 103:19; Ephesians 1:4; James 1:13; Habakkuk 1:12, 13; John 8:38, 47; 1 Peter 1:17; Psalm 139: 1-16; 1 Corinthians 8:6; John 5:174. Concerning the Lord Jesus ChristWe believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, He became “God manifest in the flesh.” As fully God and fully man He lived an absolutely sinless life. He voluntarily died to make a full and vicarious atonement for our sins. He arose from the dead on the third day and ascended bodily into heaven.Isaiah 7:14; 1 Peter 2:22; 3:18; Matthew 1:18-25; 28:6; John 1:15. Concerning the Holy SpiritWe believe that the Holy Spirit is the promised Comforter sent by the Father and the Son, possessing full personality and deity. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He is the agent of the new birth, at which time He baptizes believers into the body of Christ, and His work among believers is that He seals, indwells, fills, guides, and teaches. The sign gifts of prophecy, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, miracles and healing, were powerful indicators in New Testament times whereby the authenticity of the gospel was established on earth but these gifts are not for today.John 7:39; 14:16-17, 26; 16:7-11; 1 Corinthians 12:8-13, 28-31; 13:8-12; Hebrews 2:1-4, 9:14; Acts 1:4,5; Revelation 22:18-19; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:7-116. Concerning MankindWe believe the Scriptures teach that men and women are created in God’s image. Adam was created by a direct act of God as described in Genesis 1 and not from any previously existing form of life. By voluntary transgression he fell from his state of innocence, in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners by nature and by choice, and therefore under just condemnation to everlasting, conscious punishment, separated from God.Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23, 5:12-19; Isaiah 53:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-97. Concerning SalvationWe believe the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is initiated by a loving God, wholly of grace, and accomplished only through the mediating work of the Son of God. It is upon the sole condition of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The sinner must be born again, being regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit thereby receiving a new nature. The believer who has exercised personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is justified and in possession of a salvation which is eternally secure. An evidence of salvation is a life of obedience to God producing good works.John 3:3-6, 16; 10:28, 29; 2 Corinthians 7:9, 10; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:8; Acts 13:39, Ephesians 2:8-10, 1 Peter 1:18-23, Romans 5:1,9; Romans 2:4 I Timothy 2:5, 6; 2 Peter 1:48. Concerning the ChurchWe believe the Scriptures teach that the Church of Jesus Christ, distinct from Israel in the Old Testament, was inaugurated at Pentecost and must be considered in two aspects: the local church and “the church which is His body.” This “body” is the entire company of believers in Christ. A local church is an organized assembly of baptized believers, associated by a commitment to the faith, fellowship, and proclamation of the gospel, and observing the ordinances of believer’s baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper. The Scripture identifies two offices in local churches. The terms overseer, elder, and pastor or shepherd all refer to the same office. The other is the office of deacon. The New Testament specifically assigns headship and authority in the local church to men.Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Titus 1:5-9; Philippians 1:1; Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 10:44, 45; 11:15, 16; Ephesians 1:22, 23; Hebrews 12:23; 1 Timothy 2:11-14; 3:1-139. Concerning Baptism and the Lord’s SupperWe believe the Scriptures teach that baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, representing the believer’s death to sin and his resurrection to a new life. We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a commemoration of Christ’s death to be observed by believers until His return and should be preceded by honest self-examination.Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 2:41-47; 8:36-39; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 11:23-2810. Concerning AngelsWe believe that God created sinless, spirit beings called angels to worship and serve Him. Satan and some of the angels became proud and rebelled and were judged by God. Satan now rules these fallen angels, also called demons. They seek continually to frustrate the purposes of God and to ensnare the sons of men. These were conquered by Christ on the cross and condemned to an everlasting punishment yet to be executed.2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2 Revelation 12:9; Hebrews 1:14; 2:14; 12:22; Ezekiel 28:11-19; 2 Kings 6:16,17; Isaiah 14:12-17; Colossians 2:1511. Concerning Future EventsWe believe in the coming of Christ in the air to take His saints to be with Him. This imminent event will be followed by the seven-year tribulation which will conclude with His second coming to the earth to establish His millennial reign. Satan, after leading a final rebellion, will be cast into the lake of fire, along with death, hell, and the unrighteous dead.1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Zechariah 14:4-11; Revelation 20:1-15; 21:112. Concerning the Eternal StateWe believe the Scriptures teach the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust. The just, those who have been redeemed, will spend eternity in full enjoyment of God’s presence. The unjust, those who through impenitence and unbelief refuse to accept God’s offer of mercy, will spend eternity in everlasting, conscious punishment.Psalm 16:11, Daniel 12:2, 3; 1 Corinthians 15:50-56; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; John 5:28, 29; Revelation 20:14, 15; Matthew 25:46ACS: Acadia Christian School | Trenton ME[[@Headword:C141]] Group idACSGroup nameAcadia Christian School | Trenton METraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toGood News FellowshipJohn LinnehanWebsite Source of creedal statement 29 January 2014Acadia Divinity College | Wolfville NS Canada[[@Headword:C142]]Group idGroup nameAcadia Divinity College | Wolfville NS CanadaTraditionBaptistWikipedia Origin1830 as department in Horton Academy | Wolfville NS1838 with what became Acadia University1923 as School of Theology in Acadia1966 Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches took over administrationLinks toArrow Leadership MinistriesAssociation of Theological Schools in the United States and CanadaCASC: Canadian Association for Spiritual CareCBM: Canadian Baptist Ministries Convention of Atlantic Baptist ChurchesPerspectives CanadaWCA: Willow Creek AssociationBethel Bible Seminary: Hong KongCINDICO: Christ International Divinity CollegeFaculté de Théologie ?vangélique | Montréal QuebécUNIDICO: Universal Gospel Divinity CollegeWebsite Source of creedal statementABC: Acadian Baptist Center | Eunice LA[[@Headword:C143]]Group idABCGroup nameAcadian Baptist Center | Eunice LATraditionSouthern BaptistWikipediaOrigin1975Links toChristian Camp and Conference AssociationSouthern Baptist Camping AssociationWebsite Source of creedal statement 29 January 2014Doctrinal StatementWe believe in the Scriptures of the Old & New Testaments as verbally inspired by God and inerrant in the original writing, and that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and life.We believe in one God, eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and is true God and true man.We believe that man was created in the image of God; that man sinned, and thereby incurred, not only physical death but spiritual death, which is separation from God; that, as a result of this sin first committed by Adam, all human beings are born with a sinful nature, and, in the case of those who reach moral responsibility, are accountable as sinners in thought, word and deed.We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice; and that all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood.We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into Heaven, and in His present life there for us, as High Priest and Advocate.We believe in “that blessed hope,” the personal and imminent return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.We believe that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit, and only thereby become children of God. We further believe that the Christian life is exemplary of the teachings found in the New Testament as the Holy Spirit reproduces the life of Jesus Christ in and through each obedient believer.We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved, and the everlasting punishment of the lost.We believe salvation is a gift of God through faith in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.Ac??o Bíblica[[@Headword:C86]]Group idGroup nameAc??o BíblicaTraditionReformed WikipediaOrigin1919 Hugh E. Alexander, Scottish minister influenced by 1904-5 Welsh Revival who served as missionary in Switzerland ()Links toA??o Bíblica do BrazilA??o Bíblica em PortugalA??o Bíblica em RomaA??o Bíblica na Fran?aA??o Bíblica na Sui?aAction Biblique SuisseBiblie OuverteEglise Evangélique Action Biblique de Meinier Institut Biblique de GenèveLa Maison de la Bible - Sui?aLivrarias "Maison de la Bible"Website (Brasil) (Portugal) (international) Source of creedal statement 13 December 2013Declara??o de Fé (Texto completo no Manual de Membros da A??o Bíblica e detalhamento doutrinário no Programa de Ensino "CREIA")1. A B?BLIA(2Tm 3:16; 2Pe 1:19-21; 1Jo 2:20, 27) Cremos que Bíblia é a palavra de Deus e a revela??o de Deus, a nossa única e infalível autoridade. A compreens?o e a interpreta??o das Escrituras requerem o socorro do Espírito Santo que inspirou os escritores sagrados e pode abrir o nosso entendimento.2. DEUS(Is 43:10-13; Mt 28:19; 1Co 8:6)Cremos na existência de um só Deus Criador dos céus e da terra, manifestado em três pessoas: Pai, Filho e Espírito Santo.3. JESUS CRISTO(Cl 1:13-20; 1Tm 6:13-16; Hb 1:5-13)Cremos na plena divindade e humanidade de Jesus Cristo, o Filho Eterno de Deus, na sua morte expiatória, na sua ressurrei??o corporal, na sua ascens?o e presen?a à destra do Pai, e no seu sacerdócio perfeito e permanente a favor dos seus na terra. Cremos na sua volta para ressuscitar os mortos, arrebatar a igreja, julgar a humanidade e estabelecer o seu reino de glória.4. O ESP?RITO SANTO(Jo 7:37-39; At 2:33; Rm 8:9)Cremos na personalidade e divindade do Espírito Santo que, desde o dia de Pentecostes, veio à terra habitar nos crist?os.5. A PERDI??O DOS HOMENS(Jr 17:9; Rm 3:9-23; 6:23)Cremos na universalidade do pecado e na culpabilidade do pecador.6. A SALVA??O(Is 53; Rm 5:8, 9; 8:1; 1Pe 1:3-5)Cremos na salva??o pela única gra?a de Deus, por meio da fé, e que a alma regenerada é salva para a eternidade.7. A IGREJA(Mt 16:18; 18:17; 1Co 4:17; 1Pe 1:23; 2:9, 10)Cremos na unidade da igreja universal, formada pelas pessoas regeneradas, da qual a igreja local é a fra??o visível.8. SATAN?S(Jo 14:30; Ef 2:1-3; Ap 12:10-12)Cremos que Satanás existe e que é uma personalidade poderosa.9. OS ?LTIMOS TEMPOS E O ANTICRISTO(2Ts 2:1-12; 2Pe 3:8-10; Is 61:2).Cremos que estamos nos últimos tempos, cujas características preparam a manifesta??o do anticristo.10. O REINO DE JESUS CRISTO(Is 11:1-10; 65:17-25; Jr 23:5-8; 2Ts 1:6-10)Cremos no futuro reino de justi?a e paz de nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo junto com os seus.11. A ETERNIDADE(Mt 25:46; Ap 20:10-15; 21:8; 22:5)Cremos em um céu de eterna e perfeita felicidade para os regenerados, na imediata presen?a de Deus, e num lugar de eterno e consciente castigo para os ímpios.Academia da Fé | Tijuca Rio de Janeiro Brazil[[Headword:C157]]Group idGroup nameAcademia da Fé | Tijuca Rio de Janeiro BrazilTraditionWikipediaOrigin2004Links toWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014No que cremosDeusCremos que só há um Deus, onipotente,??? onisciente e onipresente, criador e sustentador de todas as coisas visíveis e invisíveis, revelando-se na pessoa do Pai, do Filho (Jesus) e do Espírito Santo.Senhorio De CristoCremos no Senhor Jesus Cristo e em sua divindade. Nascido de uma virgem,? morreu e ressuscitou ao terceiro dia, está assentado à direita de Deus Pai e vive e reina para sempre. E n?o há outro nome pelo qual o homem seja salvo.? O Espírito SantoCremos no Espírito Santo como a terceira pessoa da Trindade, como agente no processo de salva??o (nova criatura) das pessoas e no batismo com o Espírito Santo evidenciado pelo Dom de Línguas.A BíbliaCremos na Bíblia como o livro da revela??o de Deus aos homens, como única fonte das Palavras verdadeiras de Deus para o homem, totalmente inspirada por Ele em cada palavra e dividida em Velho Testamento e Novo Testamento. A IgrejaCremos na Igreja do nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo, composta por todos aqueles que O receberam como Senhor e Salvador de suas vidas, crendo, pela fé, na obra redentora da cruz do calvário.Justifica??o Por FéCremos que fomos salvos em Cristo Jesus por fé, n?o por obras ou méritos próprios; cremos na gra?a de Jesus que nos resgatou das trevas, de uma natureza pecadora e nos transformou em novas criaturas em Cristo Jesus.Os Dons Do Espírito SantoCremos na manifesta??o dos Dons do Espírito, descritos em 1 Coríntios 12.7-11 como parte do processo de edifica??o e fortalecimento da Igreja do Senhor.A Cura DivinaCremos que fomos resgatados da maldi??o da Lei, segundo Gálatas 3.13,14, e isto inclui as enfermidades, bem como no que está declarado em Isaías 53.4, que diz que “Certamente Ele tomou sobre si as nossas enfermidades e as nossas dores levou sobre si...” Cremos que Deus cura as doen?as e quer que seu povo (a Igreja) viva com a saúde que recebeu por heran?a em Cristo Jesus. A Segunda Vinda De CristoCremos que, da mesma forma como Jesus ressuscitou dentre os mortos e está assentado à direita do trono de Deus, Ele voltará para resgatar aqueles que lhe pertencem (a Igreja). Cremos que Ele irá julgar todos os povos em todas as na??es no dia do juízo final.O Diabo (Satanás)Cremos que o diabo, como inimigo de Deus e da humanidade, foi completamente derrotado pela obra de Jesus na Cruz do calvário, n?o exercendo mais autoridade e nem domínio sobre os que est?o em Cristo Jesus (a Igreja). Cremos que ele cega o entendimento das pessoas para que n?o lhes resplande?a a luz do Evangelho libertador. Act Beyond | Plano TX[[@Headword:C91]]Group idGroup nameAct Beyond | Plano TXTraditionWikipediaOrigin1981 in Seattle as joint effort between traditional Christian missions and Christian relief and developmentLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 26 January 2014Statement of FaithWe believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious death and atonement through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to ‘the right hand of God the Father,’ and in His personal return in power and glory.We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are essential.We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.We believe all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).We believe in the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life eternal.We believe in the spiritual unity of the Church, which is the body of Christ, composed of all who are regenerated through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.L'Action Apostolique Africaine[[@Headword:C87]]Group idAMF or AAAGroup nameL’Action Apostolique AfricaineTraditionPentecostalWikipediaOrigin1970’s by Albert BurkhardtLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 17 December 2013Confession de foiNOUS CROYONSla Bible inspirée et seule autorité infaillible comme Parole de Dieu (2Timothée 3:16)NOUS CROYONSqu'il y a un seul Dieu dont le nom est Dieu qui existe éternellement en trois personnes : le Père, le Fils et le Saint-Esprit.NOUS CROYONSen la divinité de notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ, en sa naissance virginale, en sa vie sans péché, en ses miracles, en sa mort rédemptrice, en sa résurrection corporelle, en son ascension à la droite du Père, en son retour personnel sur la Terre en puissance et en gloire pour gouverner les nations.NOUS CROYONSque le seul moyen d'être purifié du péché est de se repentir en ayant foi dans le précieux sang du Christ. La manifestation en est le baptême d'eau.NOUS CROYONSque la nouvelle naissance par le Saint-Esprit est absolument nécessaire pour le salut personnel (Jean 3:3).NOUS CROYONSque l'?uvre rédemptrice du Christ sur la croix nous offre la guérison pour le corps humain en réponse à la prière de la foi (Matthieu 8:17).NOUS CROYONSque le baptême dans le Saint-Esprit, selon Actes 2:4, est donné aux croyants qui le demandent.NOUS CROYONSdans le ministère actuel du Saint-Esprit, par lequel le chrétien est rendu capable de vivre une vie sainte, et dans l'exercice des dons spirituels selon 1Corinthiens 12.NOUS CROYONSen la résurrection des sauvés et des perdus, les uns pour la vie éternelle, les autres pour la condamnation éternelle.NOUS CROYONSà l'enlèvement de l'Eglise, Corps de Christ composé de tous les croyants (1Thessaloniciens 4:17).DISCIPLINEMatthieu 18:15-17Action Church | Winter Springs FL[[@Headword:C92]]Group idGroup nameAction Church | Winter Springs FLTraditionARC Association of Related ChurchesWikipediaOriginRoots in Church of the Highlands | Birmingham AL and Bayside Community Church | Bradenton FLLinks toARC Association of Related Churches | Birmingham ALWebsite Source of creedal statement 26 January 2014Statement of FaithHoly BibleThe Holy Bible, and only the Bible, is the authoritative Word of God. It alone is the final authority in determining all doctrinal truths. In its original writing, it is inspired, infallible and inerrant (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21; Proverbs 30:5; Romans 16:25-26).TrinityThere is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and co-eternal (I John 5:7; Genesis 1:26; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 3:7-11).Jesus ChristJesus Christ is God the Son, the second person of the Trinity. On earth, Jesus was 100% God and 100% man. He is the only man ever to have lived a sinless life. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died on the cross for mankind and thus, atoned for our sins through the shedding of His blood. He rose from the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures, ascended to the right hand of the Father, and will return again in power and glory. (John 1:1,14, 20:28; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 2:5-6; I Timothy 2:5).Virgin BirthJesus Christ was conceived by God the Father, through the Holy Spirit (the third person of the Trinity) in the virgin Mary's womb; therefore, He is the Son of God (Matthew 1:18, 25; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:27-35).RedemptionMan was created good and upright, but by voluntary transgression he fell; his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Gen. 1:26-31, 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-21).RegenerationFor anyone to know God, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential (John 6:44, 65; Matthew 19:28; Titus 3:5).SalvationWe are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ; His death, burial, and resurrection. Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our good works or of any human efforts (Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 2:16, 3:8; Titus 3:5; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 16:31; Hebrews 9:22).RepentanceRepentance is the commitment to turn away from sin in every area of our lives and to follow Christ, which allows us to receive His redemption and to be regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Thus, through repentance we receive forgiveness of sins and appropriate salvation (Acts 2:21, 3:19; I John 1:9).SanctificationSanctification is the ongoing process of yielding to God’s Word and His Spirit in order to complete the development of Christ's character in us. It is through the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God that the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life (I Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23; II Corinthians 3:18, 6:14-18, II Thessalonians 2:1-3, Romans 8:29, 12:1-2, Hebrews 2:11).Jesus' BloodThe Blood that Jesus Christ shed on the Cross of Calvary was sinless and is 100% sufficient to cleanse mankind of all sin. Jesus allowed Himself to be punished for both our sinfulness and our sins, enabling all those who believe to be free from the penalty of sin, which is death (I John 1:7; Revelation 1:5, 5:9; Colossians 1:20; Romans 3:10-12, 23, 5:9; John 1:29).Jesus Christ Indwells All BelieversChristians are people who have invited the Lord Jesus Christ to come and live inside them by His Holy Spirit. They relinquish the authority of their lives over to him thus making Jesus the Lord of their life as well as Savior. They put their trust in what Jesus accomplished for them when He died, was buried, and rose again from the dead (John 1:12; John 14:17, 23; John 15:4; Romans 8:11; Revelation 3:20).Filled with the Holy SpiritGiven at Pentecost, it is the promise of the Father, sent by Jesus after His Ascension, to empower the Church to preach the Gospel throughout the whole earth (Joel 2:28-29; Matthew 3:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 1:5,2:1-4, 17, 38-39, 8:14-17, 10:38, 44-47, 11:15-17, 19:1-6).The Gifts of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is manifested through a variety of spiritual gifts to build and sanctify the church, demonstrate the validity of the resurrection, and confirm the power of the Gospel. The Bible lists of these gifts are not necessarily exhaustive, and the gifts may occur in various combinations. All believers are commanded to earnestly desire the manifestation of the gifts in their lives. These gifts always operate in harmony with the Scriptures and should never be used in violation of Biblical parameters. (Hebrews 2:4; Romans 1:11, 12 :4-8; Ephesians 4:16; I Timothy 4:14; II Timothy 1:6-7; I Corinthians 12:1-31, 14:1-40; I Peter 4:10).The ChurchThe church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of Jesus' Great Commission. Every person who is born of the Spirit is an integral part of the church as a member of the body of believers. There is a spiritual unity of all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:22, 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23; John 17:11, 20-23).Two SacramentsWater Baptism: Following faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the new convert is commanded by the Word of God to be baptized in water in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 10:47-48).The Lord's Supper: A unique time of communion in the presence of God when the elements of bread and grape juice (the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ) are taken in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross (Matthew 26:26-29; I Corinthians 10:16, 11:23-25).Healing of the SickHealing of the sick is illustrated in the life and ministry of Jesus, and included in the commission of Jesus to His disciples. It is given as a sign, which is to follow believers. It is also a part of Jesus' work on the Cross and one of the gifts of the Spirit. (Psalm 103:2-3; Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 16:17-18; Acts 8:6-7; James 5:14-16; I Corinthians 12:9, 28; Romans 11:29).God's Will for ProvisionIt is the Father's will for believers to become whole, healthy and successful in all areas of life. But because of the fall, many may not receive the full benefits of God’s will while on Earth. That fact, though, should never prevent all believers from seeking the full benefits of Christ’s provision in order to better serve others.Spiritual(John 3:3-11; II Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 10:9-10) Mental and Emotional(II Timothy 1:7, 2:11; Philippians 4:7-8; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 26:3). Physical(Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:17; I Peter 2:24). Financial(Joshua 1:8; Malachi 3:10-11; Luke 6:38; II Corinthians 9:6-10; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Psalm 34:10, 84:11; Philippians 4:19). ResurrectionJesus Christ was physically resurrected from the dead in a glorified body three days after His death on the cross. In addition, both the saved and the lost will be resurrected; they that are saved to the resurrection of life and they that are lost to the resurrection of eternal damnation (Luke 24:16, 36, 39; John 2:19-21, 20:26-28, 21:4; Acts 24:15; I Corinthians 15:42, 44; Philippians 1:21-23, 3:21).HeavenHeaven is the eternal dwelling place for all believers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:3, 12, 20, 6:20, 19:21, 25:34; John 17:24; II Corinthians 5:1; Hebrews 11:16; I Peter 1:4).HellAfter living one life on earth, the unbelievers will be judged by God and sent to Hell where they will be eternally tormented with the Devil and the Fallen Angels (Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:43-48; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 14:9-11, 20:12-15, 21:8).Second ComingJesus Christ will physically and visibly return to earth for the second time to establish His Kingdom. This will occur at a date undisclosed by the Scriptures (Matthew 24:30, 26:63-64; Acts 1:9-11; I Thessalonians 4:15-17; II Thessalonians 1:7-8; Revelation 1:7)ACC: Action Community Church | Fresno CA [[@Headword:C93]]Group idACCGroup nameAction Community Church | Fresno CATraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 26 January 2014What We BelieveIn essential beliefs, we have unity.There is one body and one spirit…One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV)The Bible to be the inspired and only infallible and authoritative Word of God.That there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in his virgin birth, in his sinless life, in his miracles, in his vicarious and atoning death, in his bodily resurrection, in his ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in his personal, future return to this earth in power and glory to rule over the nations.That the only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance and faith in the precious blood of Christ.That regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for personal salvation.That the redemptive work of Christ on the cross provides healing of the human body in answer to believing prayer.That the baptism in the Holy Spirit, according to Acts 2:4, is given to believers who ask for it.In the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a holy life.In the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, the one to everlasting life and the other to eternal separation from God.In non-essential beliefs, we have liberty.Accept (others in their faith), without passing judgment on disputable matters…Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. Romans 14:1,4 (NIV)In all our beliefs, we show love.If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3ACTION Philippines | Manila Philippines[[@Headword:C94]]Group idGroup nameACTION Philippines | Manila Philippines TraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toACTION InternationalWebsite Source of creedal statement 27 January 2014What We BelieveAmong other equally biblical truths, we believe the following:ACTION Philippine’s Doctrinal Position1.? The Bible, the Word of God; in its divine verbal, plenary inspiration; and in its inerrancy and infallibility in the original languages; and in its supreme and final authority in faith and life (II Tim. 3:16; II Pet.1:20-21).2.? One God, eternally existing in three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; II Cor.13:14).3.? The Lord Jesus Christ:His essential, absolute and eternal deity (Phil. 2:6; John 1:4, 14; Heb. 1:8);His true and sinless humanity (I Pet. 2:22; I John 3:5);His virgin birth (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:20);His substitutionary, propitiatory death (Matt. 20:28; Mark 1:45; I Tim.2:6);His bodily resurrection (John 20:19, 20);His ascension to the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51); andHis personal, visible and bodily coming again with power and great glory (Titus 2:13; John14:2, 3; Rev. 19:11-16).4.? The Holy Spirit, who shows the redeeming purpose of God to the world by convicting the world of sin, of righteousness and judgment (John 16:7-11), and regenerating (Titus 3:5), uniting to Christ (I Cor. 12:13), indwelling (Eph. 1:13; 5:18), sanctifying (Gal. 5:16; I Cor. 6:11), illuminating (John 16:13) and empowering for service (I Cor. 12:4-11), all who place complete faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Gal. 5:5).5.? The total depravity of man because of the fall (Gen. 3:10-24).6.? Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ apart from works (Eph. 2:8).7.? The everlasting bliss of the saved and the eternal suffering of the lost (Dan. 12:2; Luke 16:24-26; John 5:28; Rev. 20:14).8.? The real spiritual unity in Christ of all redeemed by His precious blood (I Cor.12:13; Eph 1:4-6; 4:11-15; 5:25, 26)9.? The necessity of maintaining, according to the Word of God, the purity of the church in doctrine and life (I Cor. 6:19, 20; I Thess.4:3).ACT: Active Christians Today | The University of Toledo Toledo OH[[@Headword:C95]]Group idACTGroup nameActive Christians Today | The University of Toledo Toledo OHTraditionNon-denominationalWikipediaOriginLinks Bible Revelant Website Source of creedal statement 27 January 2014What We BelieveWe believe in one God, the creator of the universe, the only Being worthy of our worship and praise. We believe that God is “triune,” three distinct persons, but one God. We believe in God the Father, the almighty King of heaven and earth. We believe in God the Son, Jesus the Messiah (Christ), the fully divine and fully human, unique Son of God the Father. We believe in God the Holy Spirit, God’s presence in the world.We believe that Jesus of Nazareth was born miraculously of a virgin, lived a perfect human life before God the Father, and died by crucifixion as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. We believe that on the third day after His death Jesus was physically resurrected from the grave to a new and glorious life and appeared to many of His disciples. We believe that Jesus ascended to heaven, to the right hand of God the Father, and poured out His Holy Spirit to indwell all His disciples. We believe that complete forgiveness of sins, complete reconciliation to God as His adopted child is graciously offered to all through the good news about Jesus. We believe that if anyone puts their faith in Jesus, turning to Him to be set right in God’s sight, confessing Him publicly as their Lord, such a one is saved from the guilt and power of their sins, having eternal life. We believe God has called all of Jesus’ disciples to be immersed (baptized) in water as a confession of their faith in Jesus, for the forgiveness of their sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. We believe in the divine inspiration of the Christian Scriptures, the Bible, and we use it as the final authority for all teaching and truth. We believe it is the call of all disciples of Jesus to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus by striving to love Him more deeply and follow Him in holiness more and more throughout the their lives. We believe that the church, the body of Christ, the family of Jesus’ followers, is God’s embassy on the earth, called to bring the good news about Jesus to every corner of the world. We believe in Christian unity, holding to our common faith as Jesus Christ as Lord and in the authority of the Bible. We believe in our common purpose of the growth of the kingdom of God in our hearts and in the world despite denominational differences and backgrounds. We believe that Jesus Christ will return again in glory at the end of this age to glorify all who follow Him and have followed Him, to judge everyone according to their works, and to recreate the world anew. Acts 11 Project | [[@Headword:C96]]Group idGroup nameActs 11 ProjectTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toBethlehem Baptist Church Heartcry Missionary SocietyWebsite Source of creedal statement 27 January 2014 Statement of FaithI. The Word of GodWe believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20, 21; Mark 13:31; John 8:31,32; John 20:31; Acts 20:32II. The TrinityWe believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three person; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence and redemption.Genesis 1:1,26; John 1:1,3; Matthew 28:19; John 4:24; Romans 1:19,20; Ephesians 4:5,6III. God the FatherWe believe in God the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom,?power?and love. We believe that He infallibly foreknows all that shall come to pass, that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.Luke 10:21,22; Matthew 23:9; John 3:16; 6:27; Romans 1:7; I Timothy 1:1,2; 2:5,6; I Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:6IV. Jesus ChristWe believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible?return?to earth.Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; John 1:1; 20:28; Romans 9:5; 8:46; II Corinthians 5:21; I Peter 2:21-23; John 20:30, 31; Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 1:4; Acts 1:11; Romans 5:6-8; 6:9,10; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:28; I Timothy 3:16V. The Holy SpiritWe believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper,?teacher?and guide.John 14:16,17,26; 15:26,27; John 16:9-14; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Galatians 5:22-26VI. RegenerationWe believe that man was created by God in His own image; that he sinned and thereby incurred physical, spiritual and eternal death, which is separation from God; that as a consequence, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and are sinners by choice and therefore under condemnation. We believe that those who repent and forsake sin and trust Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and become new creatures, delivered from condemnation and receive eternal life.Genesis. 1:26; 5:2; Genesis 3; Genesis 2:17; 3:19; Eccl. 2:11; John 3:14; 5:24; John 5:30; 7:13; 8:12; 10:26; Romans 9:22; II Thessalonians 1:9; Rev. 19:3,20; 20:10;14,15; 21:18; Psalm 51:7; Jeremiah 17:9; James 1:14; Romans 3:19; 5:19; Proverbs 28:13; I John 1:9; John 3:16; John 1:13; II Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:1VII. The ChurchWe believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work, and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world.Ephesians 2:19-22; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:19-21; Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:23-25VIII. Christian ConductWe believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellow men; that his conduct should be blameless before the world; that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions; and that he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ.I Corinthians 10:31; Romans 12:1-3; Hebrews 12:1-2; John 14:15,23-24; I John 2:3-6; II Corinthians 9:6-9; I Corinthians 4:2; Col. 1:9-10IX. The OrdinancesWe believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church, baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:3-5; I Corinthians 11:23-26X. Religious LibertyWe believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other.I Timothy 2:5; Romans 14:7-9,12XI. Church CooperationWe believe that local churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether a regional or district conference, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time.Acts 15:36,41; 16:5; I Corinthians 16:1; Galatians 1:1-3; Revelations 1:4,10,11This church is affiliated with Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide.XII. The Last ThingsWe believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgement, the eternal felicity of the righteous and the endless suffering of the wicked.Matthew 16:27; Mark 14:62; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; Phil. 3:20; I Thessalonians 4:15; II Timothy 4:1; Titus 2:13; I Corinthians 4:5; I Corinthians 15; II Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 20:4-6,11-15.We have adapted our statement of faith from Bethlehem Baptist ChurchWhat is the GospelThe Character of GodThe Holiness of GodYour eyes are too pure to approve evil, and You cannot look on wickedness with favor.?Habakkuk 1:13But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.?Isaiah 59:2The Justice of GodFor the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright will behold His face.?Psalm 11:7But the LORD of hosts will be exalted in judgment, and the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness.?Isaiah 5:16God is a righteous judge, and a God who has indignation every day. If a man does not repent, He will sharpen His sword; He has bent His bow and made it ready.?Psalm 7:11-12The Depravity & Condemnation of ManFor all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.?Romans 3:23For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garmentIsaiah 64:6For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ACCURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM. Galatians 3:10The Great DilemmaHe who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.?Proverbs 17:15Far be it from You to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly??Genesis 18:25God’s ActionWhile maintaining His holiness and justice, the Bible also affirms that God is love, and that in love He has responded to the plight of man.Motivated by LoveGod is love. By this the love of God is manifested in us, that God sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.?1 John 4:8-10The Cross of ChristFor all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.?Romans 3:23-26The ResurrectionHe who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.Romans 4:25Man’s ResponseRepentance?begins with a recognition and confession that what God says about us is true that we have sinned.For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge.?Psalm 51:3-4A genuine recognition of our sinfulness and guilt will also lead to genuine sorrow, shame and even hatred for what we have done.For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.?Romans 7:15Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from this body of death??Romans 7:24Apparent sincerity of confession alone is never definite evidence of genuine repentance. It must be accompanied by a turning away from sin.Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil.Isaiah 1:16therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.?Matthew 3:10Faith DefinedNow faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.?Hebrews 11:1and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.?Romans 4:21Faith Based on The Promises of GodFor God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.?John 3:16?Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved?Acts 16:31Example of a Believerworship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh Philippians 3:3The Basis of Genuine AssuranceTrue conversion: A true Christian is a new creation and will live a life that reflects God’s radical work of re-creation in his/her life. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.?2 Corinthians 5:17?You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they??Matthew 7:16?Assurance is based upon self-examination in the light of Scripture. Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you unless indeed you fail the test??2 Corinthians 13:5?These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.?1 John 5:13Test of Biblical Assurance1 John 1:5-7?(Walking in the Light),?1 John 1:8-10?(Confession of Sin),?1 John 2:3-4?(Obedience),?1 John 2:9-11?(Love for the Brethren),?1 John 2:15-17?(Hatred for the World),?1 John 2:24-25?(Perseverance in Doctrine),?1 John 3:10?(Righteousness),?1 John 4:13?(Spirit’s Testimony),?Hebrews 12:5-8?(Discipline)Used?with Permission.?? Heartcry Missionary SocietyActs 13 Christian Ministries | Glendale CA [[@Headword:C97]]Group idGroup nameActs 13 Christian Ministries | Glendale CA TraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 27 January 2014Statement of faithThe Holy Bible is Acts 13 Christian Ministries’ all-sufficient rule for faith and practice. The following Statement of Faith that Acts 13 Christian Ministries subscribes to, is intended simply to clarify our beliefs to those involved in the Ministries, and to those with whom we interact; so that we all speak the same thing (1Cor 1:10, Acts 2:42). The phraseology employed in this statement is not inspired or contended for, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a living faith. No claim is made that it contains all biblical truth, only that it covers our need as to these fundamental doctrines.I) We believe that the whole Bible of sixty-six books contained in the Old and New Testaments is the Word of God: that it is inspired of God the Holy Spirit; that the inspiration is not the concept only, but that the very words of the original writings were inspired; that they are a sufficient and complete revelation from God to man. We therefore build upon the Holy Scriptures as our rule of doctrine, faith, and practice; they are our final court of appeal.II) We believe in the unity of the Godhead and the Trinity of the persons therein; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.III) We believe that Jesus Christ was God manifest in the flesh, born of a virgin by the operation of the Holy Spirit.IV) We believe that when the Lord Jesus went to the Cross and died, while His crucifixion was by man (and that “according to the predetermined counsel of God”) His death was of a deeper character – the laying down of His life deliberately and voluntarily, and that it had a threefold significance, viz.:1. It was Substitutionary. That is, He who knew no sin was made sin in our place and bore all the judgment and penalty of sin that man might be justified and acquitted through faith in that atoning death. The rejection of this atoning death involves the eternal loss of the sinner.2. It was Representative. That is, that when Christ died, in the sight and mind of God, the whole race in Adam as fallen man died in Him. We thus judge that if one died in the place of all, then all died (in Him). Hence the only ground upon which there can be any relationship to God is that of a new birth from above by the operation of the Holy Sprit.3. It was Victorious. As victorious over sin and the flesh, so over all the powers of Satan. The Cross of Calvary registered the final overthrow of the entire Satanic hierarchy: securing victory in life of the believer now; authority for the Church; and ultimately the destruction of that hierarchy at the time appointed.V) We believe in the personal physical resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and that He, in bodily presence, showed Himself alive after His resurrection by many infallible proofs.VI) We believe that in the same bodily form He will come again in like manner as He was received up. This coming, we believe, will be pre-millennial.VII) We believe that the Church, according to the word of God, is composed of those who upon a basis of identification with Christ in death, burial, and resurrection by faith, have been truly born anew of the Spirit, baptized by (that) One Spirit into One Body.This Church is not an earthly organization, but a spiritual organism, super-national, super-denominational. We therefore feel that the pursuit or propagation of anything of an earthly sectarian character is contrary to the teaching and spirit of the Word of God, therefore contrary to the Divine mind.Nevertheless, we would strongly disfavor the propagation of this latter view as such, believing, as we do, that any course of action must be taken by all concerned individually upon a basis of the revelation and conviction of the Holy Spirit.VIII) We believe that what are commonly called ordinances are really testimonies to spiritual realities, and that these are four in number; viz.:1. Baptism of believers by immersion: the testimony to identification with Christ in death, burial and resurrection. Romans 6:3-11; Col. 2:12, etc.2. The laying on of hands. The act of representative members of the Body of Christ, by which a testimony is borne to the oneness of the Body in all its members under one anointing, which is upon the Sovereign Head for all His members. Upon this ground not made by the laying on of hands but testified to believers are sharers in that anointing and are equipped for whatever may have been the foreknown purpose of God in, and through them. The principle also applies to the oneness of the ministry in the Body of Christ or House of God (the same thing). Psalm 133:2; Matt. 3:16; Heb. 6:2; Acts 8:17, Acts 9:17; 2 Tim. 1:6, 14; 1 Tim. 1: 18; 2 Tim. 4: 14; Acts 19: 5, 6, etc.3. ?The Lord’s Table. In this testimony all the other testimonies are gathered together, and while the others have to be borne as occasion requires, the Lord’s Table has to be regular and continuous. It sets forth, or proclaims the substitutionary and the representative work of Calvary; His death for us, our death in Him. It declares the corporate nature of the Church His Body One Loaf (1 Cor. 10: 16, 17; 1 Cor. 11: 23-30).4. It postulates the One life Divine Life life triumphant over death shared by all believers, for the life is in the Blood and the blood is the life. Lev. 17:14; John 6:53, etc.5. The anointing of the sick. James 5:14. This we believe to be a testimony to the indwelling Christ as the life of His members. He is anointed from eternity to be the life of His people, and to give them life. The anointing with oil testifies to this fact. He, as the Anointed of God by the Sprit has conquered death. As within His members He is, by the Sprit, the Earnest of a full and final deliverance from the bondage of (physical) corruption. This Earnest is manifested either by the healing of sickness, or by a quickening and energizing to transcend infirmity to do the will of God. Which of these two takes place in each individual case is in His sovereign choice, both are seen in the Word of God. This is no mechanical application of a static ordinance but a testimony which can only be virtuous in the power of the Holy Sprit.NOTEWith reference to the above testimonies we do not feel that it is required of us that we should seek to propagate them as a system of teaching, or as to be blindly obeyed by all; but to give them their place and carry them out as the Lord’s people are enlightened and led by the Holy Spirit in connection with them. The Spirit must lead in every case: and it is ours to expound the Word as led by Him.Acts 13 Project | North Salt Lake UT [[@Headword:C98]]Group idGroup nameActs 13 Project | North Salt Lake UTTraditionBaptistWikipediaOriginIn progress of forming new congregationLinks toBMW: Biblical Ministries WorldwideWebsite Source of creedal statement 27 January 2014See: Our Beliefs and Statement of Faith of Biblical Ministries WorldwideActs 2 Faith Church | Northcote Victoria Australia[[@Headword:C99]]Group idGroup nameActs 2 Faith Church | Northcote Victoria AustraliaTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toLong Beach USA: ? ? ?? Beach USA: ? ? ? Taiwan: ? ? ? ? ? ?Durbon So Africa: ? ? ?deogloria.co.zaSo. Africa: ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Inclusive & Affirming MinistriesLong Beach USA: ? ? ??Website Source of creedal statement 27 January 2014What We BelieveGodThere is one God, eternally existent in three persons God our Parent-Creator, Jesus Christ the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.Genesis 1:1-1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14HumankindHumankind is made in the spiritual image of God. We are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although we have potential for good, we carry an attitude of disobedience toward God call “sin” which separates us from God.Genesis 1:27 Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2EternityHumanity was created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God (hell) by sin or in union with God (Heaven) through forgiveness and salvation.John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; 1 John 5:11-12; Matthew 25:31-46Jesus ChristJesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with God the Creator. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered up his life as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days conquering sin and death. He ascended to heaven and will return again to reign as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.Mathew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14; 1 Corinthians 3, 4; Romans 1:3, 4; Acts 1:9- 11; 1 Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13SalvationSalvation is a gift from God to all people. We can never make up for our sinful nature by trying harder or good works. The only way to be saved from sins penalty is by trusting in Jesus Christ and receiving forgiveness of our sins. Eternal “life” begins at the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by faith.Romans 6:23; ?Ephesians 2:8, 9; John 14:6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1Holy SpiritHoly Spirit is equal with God the Creator and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. As Christians we seek to live under the control of the Spirit daily.2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13;? 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1The BibleThe Bible is God’s word to all people. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without mixture of error when interrupted correctly.2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; Psalm 119:105, 160; 12:6; Proverbs 30:5BaptismBaptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and is our public declaration that we have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. Baptism does not save us, but rather shows the world that we have already been saved. While baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates our love and obedience to Christ.Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:41; Matthew 28:19-20CommunionCommunion, or the Lords Supper, is an ordinance given to all believers by Jesus Christ to remember his sacrifice for us and to symbolize the new covenant. The elements of bread and wine or juice are symbols of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. Communion is not a means of salvation; rather it is a testament of a believer’s faith in the atoning work of the cross.Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29Acts 20/20 Ministries | Colorado Springs CO [[@Headword:C100]]Group idGroup nameActs 20/20 Ministries | Colorado Springs CO TraditionAssembly of GodWikipediaOriginFounded by Terry K. Pickle who has an Assembly of God backgroundLinks toBible Believers Call2all Network of Ministries Enfoque en la Familia Focus on the Family Glory of God Bible College Website Source of creedal statement 27 January 2014Statement of Faith1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God. II Peter 1:20-21.2. We believe there is one God eternally existent in three persons, Godthe Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. I John 5:7 and Matthew 28:19.3. We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Luke 1:27-35.4. We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God. John 3:16.5. We believe that the sinless life of the Lord Jesus Christ and His death on the cross were both necessary in the divine plan of atonement for the sin of mankind. Hebrews 9:14-15.6. We believe in the necessity of the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of man. Hebrews 9:22.7. We believe that for one to be saved and receive eternal life, he must be born again, through faith in the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ.? I Peter 1:238. We believe that water baptism is to be fulfilled by baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19.9. We believe that immersion is the scriptural mode of water baptism. Romans 6:4.10. We believe in all the supernatural manifestations recorded in the Old and New Testaments. Hebrews 2:3-4.11. We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:4.12. We believe the Baptism of believers in the Holy Ghost is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the spirit of God gives them utterance. Acts 2:4.13. We believe that healing for the body is included in the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 8:16-17.14. We believe in living a sanctified life. Hebrews 12:14.15. We believe in, teach and practice tithing. Malachi 3:10.16. We believe that the Lord's Supper is a perpetual ordinance to be observed frequently by Christians. I Corinthians 11:26.17. We believe in hell (hades) as in the examples Jesus gave in Luke 16:19-31 which includes eternal punishment for the people that refuse to come to God through Jesus His Son.18. We believe in the resurrection of both the righteous and the unsaved. The righteous to life everlasting and the wicked to eternal damnation. John 5:28-29 and Revelation 20:5-15.19. We believe in the death, burial and physical resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ on the third day. I Corinthians 15:3-8.20. We believe that 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 blessed hope of the church.??? I Thessalonians 4:16-17.21. We believe that there will be a Great Tribulation. Revelation 7:14.22. We believe in the personal, bodily return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth. Acts 1:10-11. There is more than 300 second return prophecies in the Old and New Testaments.23. We believe in the millennial (1000 years) reign of the Lord Jesus and His church on earth after the seven years of tribulation. Revelation 20:6.24. In regard to whether you can loose your salvation are not, there are two theological view points.The first is referred to as the Calvinistic viewpoint. That position states that you cannot loose your salvation. However, if you knowingly practice sin in your life, that would mean that you were not born again in the first place.The second position is the Armenian, which states that once you have become born again you can turn back to a life of sin. This means that you have not lost your salvation but, you threw it away through your rebellion.The end result of both positions is the same. You would not go to Heaven.We have had great men of God argue back and forth on this issue with resulting church splits and so on.We suggest that you live your life in a manner that if you died right now, there would be no question that we would see you in Heaven. Amen;Acts 26:18 Ministries (Len and Angie Paxton) | Traverse City MI [[@Headword:C101]]Group idGroup nameActs 26:18 Ministries (Len and Angie Paxton) | Traverse City MI TraditionChurch of GodWikipediaOriginLinks toThe Missionary Church International | Columbia SCPraying the Word Ministries (24/7 Prayer) | Augusta GATimes Square Church | New York, NYWorld Challenge | Lindale TXWebsite of creedal statement 27 January 2014Statement of FaithWe Believe...The Bible, both Old & New Testaments is the inerrant, verbally inspired Word of God (II Timothy 3:16; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Peter 1:21). In One God, Eternally self-existent in Three Persons, The Father, The Son, & The Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:6; Matthew 3:16-17).In the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe in His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His substitutionary work on the Cross, His bodily resurrection from the dead, and His exaltation to the right hand of The Father. (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31,35; Hebrews 7:26; I Peter 2:22; Acts 2:22; Acts 10:38; I Corinthians 15:3,4; II Corinthians 5:21; Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; Acts 1:9.11; Acts 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:1-3)The Fall & Redemption of Man. Man is a created being, made in the Image & Likeness of God. However, man by voluntary transgression fell. Sin came into the world. Man incurred physical and also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:6; Romans 5:12-19). Mans only hope for salvation and redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, The Son of God. Mans first step toward salvation is Godly sorrow that worketh repentance toward God, then faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11, 3:5-7)The inward evidences of salvation is the witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The outward evidence is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Titus. 2:12) In the two ordinances of the Churcha) Water Baptismb) The Lord’s SupperIn the Baptism in the Holy Ghost, according to Acts 2:4 for all believers who will believe and receive it. It is a gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to those who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:5; Acts 2:4)In the Sanctification process for believers. Sanctification is definite, yet progressive work of Grace that continues though out the life of the believer. (Hebrews 12:14; Thessalonians 5:23; II Peter 3:18; II Corinthians 3:18; Phil 3:12-14; I Corinthians 1:30)Sanctification in the Believer's heart and life is accomplished as the Believer puts His/Her faith in the finished work of Christ upon the Cross which gives the Holy Spirit opportunity to perform His work in the heart and life of the Believer. Colossians 2:6 bears this out. "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him:"That Divine Healing is provided in the atonement to believers in answer to believing prayer. (Isaiah 53:4-5)In the laying on of hands. In obedience to the example and words of the Bible.We believe in laying on of hands for blessing, for healing the sick, to confer office, to receive the Holy Ghost, to receive anointing and for ordination to consecrate and receive the necessary ministry tools. (Mark 5:22; Acts 8:16-18; I Timothy 4:14)In the Pre-Tribulation rapture of the Church. (I Thessalonians 4:16-18; I Thessalonians 5:9)The Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ at the conclusion of the Great Tribulation. (Revelation. 20:6)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 for repentance. The lake of fire is literal. 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 noting the duration of joy and ecstasy of the saints in the presence of God (Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 19:20; Hebrews 6:1-2)The New Heavens and the New Earth. "We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelt righteousness: (II Peter 3:13; see also Revelation 21 and 22).Acts 29 Network[[@Headword:C88]]Group idGroup nameActs 29 NetworkTraditionEmerging churchWikipedia Origin1998 Mark Driscoll (Mars Hill) and David Nicholas (Spanish River Church)Links toCanada: Axe21 (Focus21 Church); Grace Fellowship; Initiative 22; PAXnorth Church; The Compass Church; Urban Grace ChurchWebsite Source of creedal statement 26 December 2013 20-Jun-2009 12:28 PM via Bootcamp Manual 0e1509813_chicago-2008-boot-camp-manual.pdf 6 January 2014The Doctrinal Distinctives of Acts 29Acts 29 is a network of church-planting churches that stands in the tradition of historic evangelical confessionalism. While we believe it is vital that the Elders of each of our local churches determine where they stand on doctrines of second importance, we do wish to make known our convictions on the following five distinctive theological foundations.1. We are passionate about Gospel centrality.We believe the gospel is the good news of what God has graciously accomplished for sinners through the sinless life, sacrificial death, and bodily resurrection of his Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, namely our forgiveness from sin and complete justification before God; this gospel is also the foundation for our confidence in the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom, and the consummation of his purpose for all creation in the new heavens and new earth.This gospel is centered in Christ, is the foundation for the life of the Church, and is our only hope for eternal life; this gospel is not proclaimed if Christ’s penal substitutionary death and bodily resurrection are not central to our message.This Gospel is not only the means by which people are saved, but also the truth and power by which people are sanctified; it is the truth of the Gospel that enables us to genuinely and joyfully do what is pleasing to God and to grow in progressive conformity to the image of Christ.The salvation offered in this gospel message is received by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone; no ordinance, ritual, work, or any other activity on the part of man is required in order to be saved.(Mark 1:1; Luke 24:46-47; John 3:16-18; Romans 1:16-17; Romans 1:18-25; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; 2:2; 15:1-4; 2 Corinthians 4:1-6; 9:13; Galatians 1:6-9; Ephesians 1: 7-10; Colossians 1: 19-20; 2 Timothy 1:8-14; 2 Peter 3: 11-13 Jude 3-4; Revelation 21-22) 2. We enthusiastically embrace the sovereignty of God’s grace in saving sinners.We affirm that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, not on the basis of foreseen faith but unconditionally, according to his sovereign good pleasure and will.We believe that through the work of the Holy Spirit, God will draw the elect to faith in his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, graciously and effectually overcoming their stubborn resistance to the gospel so that they will most assuredly and willingly believe.We also believe that these, the elect of God whom he gave to the Son, will persevere in belief and godly behavior and be kept secure in their salvation by grace through faith.We believe that God’s sovereignty in this salvation neither diminishes the responsibility of people to believe in Christ nor marginalizes the necessity and power of prayer and evangelism, but rather reinforces and establishes them as the ordained means by which God accomplishes his ordained ends.(John 1:12-13; 6:37-44; 10:25-30; Acts 13:48; 16:30-31; Romans 3-4; 8:1-17,31-39; 9:1-23; 10:8-10; Ephesians 1:4-5; 2:8-10; Philippians 2:12-13; Titus 3:3-7; 1 John 1:7,9)3. We recognize and rest upon the necessity of the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit for all of life and ministry.The Holy Spirit is fully God, equal with the Father and Son, whose primary ministry is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ; he also convicts unbelievers of their need for Christ and imparts spiritual life through regeneration (the new birth).The Spirit permanently indwells, graciously sanctifies, lovingly leads, and empowers all who are brought to faith in Christ so that they might live in obedience to the inerrant Scriptures.The model for our reliance upon the Spirit and our experience of his indwelling and empowering presence is the Lord Jesus Christ himself who was filled with the Spirit and entirely dependent upon his power for the performance of miracles, the preaching of the kingdom of God, and all other dimensions of his earthly ministry.The Holy Spirit who indwelt and empowered Christ in like manner indwells and empowers us through spiritual gifts he has bestowed for the work of ministry and the building up of the body of Christ. Although there are different understandings in our network of the nature and function of these gifts, we all recognize that they are divine provisions central to spiritual growth and effective ministry and are to be eagerly desired, faithfully developed, and lovingly exercised according to biblical guidelines.(Matthew 3:11; 12:28; Luke 4:1, 14; 5:17; 10:21; John 1:12-13; 3:1-15, 34; 14:12; 15:26-27; 16:7-15; Acts 2:14-21; 4:29-30; 10:38; Romans 8:9; 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-13; 12:28-31; 14:1-33; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Galatians 3:1-5; Ephesians 1:13-14; 5:18)4. We are deeply committed both to the fundamental spiritual and moral equality of male and female as well as the principle of male headship in the church and home.Both men and women are together created in the divine image and are therefore equal before God as persons, possessing the same moral dignity and value, and have equal access to God through faith in Christ.Men and women are together the recipients of spiritual gifts designed to empower them for ministry in the local church and beyond. Therefore, women are to be encouraged, equipped, and empowered to utilize their gifting in ministry, in service to the body of Christ, and through teaching in ways that are consistent with the Word of God.Both husbands and wives are responsible to God for spiritual nurture and vitality in the home, but God has given to the man primary responsibility to lead his wife and family in accordance with the servant leadership and sacrificial love modeled by Jesus Christ.The Elders/Pastors of each local church have been granted authority under the headship of Jesus Christ to provide oversight and to teach/preach the Word of God in corporate assembly for the building up of the body. The office of Elder/Pastor is restricted to men.(Genesis 1:26-27; 2:18; Acts 18:24-26; 1 Corinthians 11:2-16; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Timothy 2:11-15; 3:1-7; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 3:1-7)5. Acts 29 embraces a missionary understanding of the local church and its role as the primary means by which God chooses to establish his kingdom on earth.The church has a clear biblical mandate to look beyond its own community to the neighborhood, the nation, and the world as a whole; thus mission is not an optional program in the church but an essential element in the identity of the church.We are called to make Christ known through the gospel and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to bring his lordship to bear on every dimension of life.The primary way we fulfill this mission is through the planting of churches that plant churches and the training of their leaders. Our aim is that Jesus Christ would be more fully formed in each person through the ministry of those churches God enables us to plant around the world.We also believe we are responsible neither to retreat from our culture nor to conform to it, but with humility, through the Spirit and the truth of the gospel, to engage it boldly as we seek its transformation and submission to the lordship of Christ.(Isaiah 52:7; Matthew 10:5-25; 28:18-20; Luke 4:18-19; 24:46-47; Acts 28:31; Romans 10:14-15; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Galatians 2:10; Ephesians 3:10; 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Hebrews 10:23-25; 1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10)Additionally, we hold to the The Lausanne Covenant Statement of Faith.The Lausanne Covenant XE "Creed:Lausanne Covenant (1974)" HYPERLINK \l "_Acts_29_Doctrine" Acts 29 Doctrine XE "Creed:Acts 29 Doctrine (undated)" Apostles’ Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" Nicene Creed XE "Creed:Nicene Creed" The Acts 29 Membership Covenant XE "Covenant:Acts 29 Membership Covenant:text" As a network, Acts 29 is entering into a covenant with our church to help us plant churches through their recruitment, assessment, training and support processes.As a member of the Acts 29 Network, our church is entering into a covenant to plant new churches locally and globally. The leadership of Acts 29 is committed to providing:CLEAR DIRECTION Organizational alignment across every region and network That provides hope as we work together CONSISTENT PERFORMANCE Disciplined action across every region and network That provides stability as we work together DEMONSTRATED CONCERN Intentional engagement across every region and network That provides compassion as we work together MODELED PRACTICE Personal accountability across every region and network That provides trust as we work together As a member of the Acts 29 Network, the elders of our church are committed to investing in the Network through: THEOLOGICAL ALIGNMENT We agree with the theological beliefs of Acts 29 that include: The Lausanne Covenant Statement of Faith The Five Doctrinal Distinctives of the Acts 29 Network We agree to provide intentional communication of any change in theological conviction to our Network WORK PARTICIPATION We agree to participate in network and regional events.We agree to assist the work of the network and region, as need and opportunity arise.FINANCIAL COMMITMENT We agree to allocate at least 10% of church receipts (general offerings)1 to church planting.2We agree to invest 1% of church receipts3 to the Acts 29 Foundation Fund.4RELATIONAL UNITY We adopt the conviction that the Acts 29 Network is a brotherhood of churches that plant churches.We will serve other Acts 29 pastors through the gifts of presence and prayer.We will resolve differences by assuming the best of each other and asking clarifying questions before drawing conclusions. 1 Church receipts’ do not include monies received from outside financial support.2 Each local church determines the allocation of monies for church planting, including denominational agreements and affiliations.3 Exception may be granted to churches needing time to comply with the commitment to give 1%. Churches can request an exception in writing from their Network Director.4 Acts 29 Quarterly Financial Reports will be provided to each Acts 29 church. The Quarterly Report will indicate how the Foundation Fund is used.ACC: ACTS Christian Center | Maricopa AZ[[@Headword:C102]]Group idACCGroup nameACTS Christian Center | Maricopa AZTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toFruit of the HarvestWebsite Source of creedal statement 27 January 2014Statement of Faith We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible, authoritative Word of God. (II Timothy 3:16-17) We believe that there is one God; eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (I John 5:6-8) We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory. (I Corinthians 15:3-4; I Peter 2:18-24; & John 3:16) We believe that salvation is a gift from God to mankind. We can never make up for our sin by good works or self-improvement. It has been provided through Jesus Christ for all mankind. ?Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by our confession of faith in Him. (Ephesians 2:8; Romans 10:9-10) We believe in baptism in water by immersion is a direct commandment of Jesus and is a symbol of the Christian’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. (Matthew 28:19, Romans 6:43; Colossians 2:12; Acts 8:36-39 )We believe in baptism with the Holy Spirit, with the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues, is given to Believers who ask for it. ( Acts 2:4 )We believe healing is provided in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and is available to every believer.? (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17, Mark 16:18, John 5:6-14 I Peter 2:24) We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; that they are saved unto the resurrection of life; and that they are lost unto the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:24, 28 and 29) We partake of the Lord’s Supper (Communion) for the purpose of remembering Christ until His return.(I Corinthians 11: 23-31)Acts Eighteen | [[@Headword:C103]]Group idGroup nameActs EighteenTraditionUnited Pentecostal ChurchWikipediaOriginLinks toChristian Challenge International?Christian-KoinoniaHebraic-FoundationsIn Christ Alone!Spiritual AbuseWebsite Source of creedal statement 27 January 2014Statement of FaithGodThere is only one God and he is a living, intelligent, interactive and personal Being. His wisdom, knowledge, holiness and power are infinite and indivisible. He is the Creator, Ruler and Redeemer of the Universe. God has complete and total sovereignty over all things. He has revealed himself to humanity as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes but without any division in being.The FatherGod as Father reigns with righteous providential care over his universe. He is eternal, omnipotent and omnipresent. He is the Father of all and is full of wisdom, righteousness and love. He is fatherly in all his attributes towards humanityThe SonChrist is the only begotten Son of God. In God’s incarnation as Jesus Christ, he was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary and was fully God and fully man. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of the Father, taking upon himself the demands and necessities of human nature and identifying himself completely with mankind but without sin. In his death on the cross, he made provision for the redemption of mankind. He was raised from the dead on the third day with a glorified body and appeared to his disciples. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where he is one mediator reconciling God to man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate his redemptive mission. He now dwells in all Christians as the living and ever present Lord. The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is the spirit of God. He enables persons to understand truth. He draws sinners to God and convicts them of sin, righteousness and judgment. He calls persons to Jesus Christ, effects the new birth and indwells all born again believers. He bestows the spiritual gifts by which persons serve God through his church, cultivates Christian character, and comforts believers. His presence in the Christian serves to bring the believer into the fullness and the stature of Christ and assures us of our salvation. He enlightens our minds and empowers the believer in worship, evangelism and service. The Word of GodThe Bible is the word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. RegenerationMan was created by God in his own image; man sinned and thereby incurred physical, spiritual and eternal death, which is separation from God; as a consequence, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and are sinners by choice and therefore under condemnation. Those who repent and forsake sin and trust Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and become new creatures, delivered from condemnation and receive eternal life. The ChurchThe universal church is the living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. The local church consists of a company of believers associated together for worship, work, and fellowship. God has laid upon the members of the local church the tasks of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world.The OrdinancesThe Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church, baptism and the Lord's Supper. The ideal form of baptism is the immersion of the believer in water. The Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of his death. These two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Last ThingsThere will be personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of his kingdom. There will be a resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous and the endless suffering of the wicked. Christian ConductThe Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellow men; his conduct should be blameless before the world; he should be a faithful steward of his possessions; and he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ. Acts Full Gospel C.O.G.I.C. | Oakland CA[[@Headword:C104]]Group idGroup nameActs Full Gospel C.O.G.I.C. | Oakland CATraditionChurch of God in ChristWikipediaOrigin1984 by Robert Jackson educated at International Seminary | Plymouth FL; honorary degree from Sacramento Theological Seminary and Bible Institute | Sacramento CALinks toActs Anointed AcresActs Chistian AcademyMen of Valor AcademyWebsite Source of creedal statement 27 January 2014What We BelieveThis church accepts the Holy Scriptures as the revealed will of God, the all-sufficient rule for faith and practice, and for the purpose of maintaining general unity, adopts the following statement of fundamental truths:We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible written Word of God.We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in Godhead; God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost.We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in the blessed hope of His personal visible future return to receive unto Himself His blood bought church that it may be with Him forever.We believe that the only means of being cleansed from sin is through the blood of Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit – and this is absolutely essential for personal salvation.We believe that the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross provides healing of the human body in answer to believing prayer.We believe in the baptism in water as a public demonstration of a clear conscience with God.We believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit, according to Acts 2:4, is given to believers who ask for it.We believe in the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a holy life.We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; the one to everlasting life and the other to everlasting damnation.Acts International | San Clemente CA[[@Headword:C105]]Group idGroup nameActs International aka A Christian Teaching Service Interational | San Clemente CA TraditionWikipediaOriginFounded by Richard InnesLinks toNarramore Christian FoundationWebsite Source of creedal statementARCI: Acts Revival Church International | The Hague Netherlands[[@Headword:C106]]Group idARCIGroup nameActs Revival Church International | The Hague NetherlandsTraditionNon-denominationalWikipediaOriginFounded by E. Y. Bempong as a full-fledhed church in 1993Links toActs Revival Church International – USAActs Revival Church International – EnschedeActs Revival Church International – GermanyActs Revival Church International – GhanaWebsite Source of creedal statement 27 January 2014What we believeWe believe…… in the plenary-verbal inspiration of the Word of God, that both Old and New Testaments are inerrant in the original writings and are supreme and final authority for faith and the details of life.…in the Holy Trinity of the Godhead, existing as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.? These three are distinct yet having precisely the same nature, attributes and perfection.…the eternal existence of Jesus Christ as God.? His incarnation and virgin birth.? His death on the cross as substitutional atonement for all mankind’s sin; His literal bodily resurrection from the dead; His present ministry of intercession in Heaven; His future return to the earth.…the Holy Spirit as the third Person of the Godhead; He convicts men of sin, regenerates, baptizes, indwells, seals, sets apart believers daily; He is a teacher of the Word of God and the Guide for daily living.…that all men descended from Adam whom God created (not evolved)? innocent and pure; Adam fell through the sin of disobedience. Therefore, all men are corrupt in body, soul and spirit and in need of redemption.… that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus alone, it is the gift of God apart from works.? Salvation requires repentance towards God apart and turning aways from one’s own way; salvation is through personal faith in the Lord Jesus and His finished work; the Holy Spirit regenerates all who receive Jesus and makes them the children of God; that true salvatoin is an inward gift that manifests outward by? a changed life.…the infilling with the Holy Spirit as en empowerment of believers for effective service for God. We believe in the manifestation of all spiritual gifts; As signs of the infilling of the Spirit, these gifts are still valid in the Church today.…that Jesus will catch up or rapture all true believers one day. We believe in the personal, visible and bodily return of Jesus to this earth; bodily resurrection of all unbelievers to judgement and everlasting punishment in the lake of fire prepared for Satan and all his followers.Adam’s Road Ministry | Winter Garden FL[[@Headword:C107]]Group idGroup nameAdam’s Road Ministry | Winter Garden FLTraditionWikipediaOriginChristian music group made up primarily of former MormonsLinks toPartners:A Shield and Refuge MinistryAlathea MinistriesConcerned ChristiansECUJ: Ex-Mormon Christians United For JesusH.I.S. (He Is Savior) Ministries InternationalIRR: Institute for Religious ResearchMain Street Church of Brigham CityMRM: Mormonism Research MinistrySacred Groves: Encounters with the Living JesusTransitions: the Mormon migration from religion to relationship Tri-Grace MinistriesTILM: Truth In Love MinistryUPFC: Utah Partnerships For Christ?UTLM: Utah Lighthouse MinistryChristian Gospel and Bilical Sites:Bible Gateway?Bible Resources?Blue Letter Biblee-SwordEternal Productions?Global Christians E-books??Just Stop and Think?The Good News?The Jesus Film?The Way of the Master?Watchman Fellowship?What About Jesus??Mormon Outreach:Challenge Ministries International?Courageous Christians United?Equipping Christians?Ex-mormon Christians United For JesusEx-Mormons Testify?Good News for LDS?His Healing Now?LDS Transitions?Mormon Missions Midwest Outreach??Polygamy: What Love Is This??Share the Son Ministries?Sourceflix?Witnesses For Jesus?Word for the Weary?Christian Apologetics:Alpha and Omega Ministries?Apologetics Index ?Berean Christian Minsitries?Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry?Christian Research Institute?Faith and Reason ForumWebsite Source of creedal statement 27 January 2014What We BelieveGod: We believe that there is one eternal God (Isaiah 43:10-11; Mark 12:29) made up of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, distinct yet perfectly one with each other (2 Cor. 13:14). God the Father is spirit (John 4:24), invisible (1 Tim. 1:17), and no one can see Him and live (John 1:18; 1 Tim. 6:16). God the Son is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), having had all things created through Him (John 1:1-3) and having the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in Him bodily (Col. 1:19, 2:9). God the Holy Spirit is God’s Spirit (1 Cor. 2:11) who teaches us (John 14:26), guides us (Rom. 8:14), comforts us, and convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-11).Jesus: We believe that Jesus Christ, the Only Son of God (1 John 4:9) was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:35). He is the Word who was with God and was God in the beginning (John 1:1). He was made flesh to dwell among us (John 1:14) and is called Immanuel which means “God with us” (Matt. 1:23). He lived a perfect, sinless life (1 Peter 2:22) and then became sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21) bearing our sins in His body on the cross; by His wounds we have been healed (1 Peter 2:24). This one act of righteousness that Jesus did on the cross leads to justification and life for all who believe in Him (John 6:47; Rom. 5:18). He died for the sins of the world (1 Peter 3:18), was buried, rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures (1 Cor. 15:3-4), and lives forever as our interceder (1 Tim. 2:5) and Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14, 7:24-25).Bible: We believe that the Bible is God’s infallible Word breathed out by Him for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16). It is the ultimate authority on God’s will for us and was preserved through the ages. Jesus Himself said that His words would not pass away (Matt. 24:35; 1 Peter 1:24-25; Isaiah 40:8).Man: We believe that man is sinful from conception (Psalm 51:5) and that we have all fallen short of God’s glory because of our sin (Rom. 3:23). By the first man, Adam, came sin and death into the world (Rom. 5:12) making us all enemies of God (Rom. 5:10) and vessels of wrath prepared for destruction (Rom.9:22).Salvation: We believe that God showed His love for us in that while we were still sinners and His enemies, He sent His only Son to die for us (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8). We are justified and saved by grace alone as a free gift because God was rich in mercy toward us (Eph. 2:4) and not by works of righteousness that we’ve done (Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 3:24; Titus 3:5). We believe that salvation means to be saved from physical death and sin, and be granted eternal life with God (John 5:24, 28-29, 10:27-28; Rom. 6:23; 1 John 5:13). Church: We believe that the true Church is the spiritual house built by believers in Christ as living stones (1 Peter 2:5) because where two or more are gathered in Jesus’ name He is there also (Matt. 18:20). Its purpose is to provide a place for Christians to fellowship with each other (Acts 2:42), to teach one another, to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Col. 3:16), and to reason the Scriptures together (Isaiah 1:18; Acts 17:2).Adamites aka Adamians[[@Headword:C89]]Group idGroup nameAdamitesTraditionWikipedia Origin2nd-4th century North Africa sectLinks todoctrinal relationship to:2th-3rd century: Adamiani (gnostic)13th century: Brethren of the Free Spirit (Netherlands), Taborites (Bohemia)14th century: Beghards (Germany), Picards (Bohemia); Turlupins (France)17th century: English Adamites20th century: Children of God aka Family International (David Berg)WebsiteSource of creedal statementAdamites (English dissenters) [[@Headword:C90]]Group idGroup nameAdamites (English dissenters)TraditionNeo-AdamiteWikipedia OriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementAdat HaTikvah Messianic Synagogue | Deerfield IL[[@Headword:C124]]Group idGroup nameAdat HaTikvah Messianic Synagogue | Deerfield ILTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toBeth Yeshua Messianic Congregation | Sacramento, CaChosen People MinistriesJews For JesusMessianic ChicagoMJAA: The Messianic Jewish Alliance of AmericaThe Messianic TimesUMJC: The Union of Messianic Jewish CongregationsWebsite Source of creedal statement 27 January 2014What We BelieveThe ScripturesWe believe the Scriptures (Torah, Nevi’im, Ketuvim, and Brit Chadashah) are inspired by G-d and are inerrant in the original manuscripts.? The Scriptures are our full and final authority concerning all issues of life and faith.? The inerrancy of Scripture was accomplished not by dictation, but by G-d superintending the human authors, using their individual personalities and backgrounds, to compose and record without error,? G-d’s intended revelation to mankind.G-dWe believe in one G-d, creator of all things, infinitely perfect, all knowing, all powerful, ever present, eternally existant in three persons, Abba (Father), Ben (Son), and Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit).The FatherWe believe G-d the Father is sovereign ruler over all creation, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations. (Ex. 34:6-7)The MessiahWe believe G-d the Son became flesh in the person of Yeshua, who was and is the promised Messiah of Israel.? He was conceived by the Spirit of G-d and born to the Jewish “almah” (virgin) whose name was Miriam.? He is both fully G-d and fully man, forever.Messiah Yeshua died as the substitutionary atoning sacrifice for mankind’s sin.? Yeshua’s death purchased our redemption from the judgment and the condemnation of sin.After His death, Yeshua rose from the dead bodily and ascended into the heavens.? He is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will one day return to rule the world from the throne of David in Jerusalem.? Presently He is our “Cohen HaGadol” (High Priest) after the order of the priesthood of Melki-Tzedek (the King of Righteousness).? As such He is our intercessor and advocate before the Father.The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit)The Ruach HaKodesh possesses all the distinctive attributes of deity and is Himself one with the Father and the Son.? He does not call attention to Himself, but rather seeks to glorify and testify of the Messiah Yeshua.He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.? He regenerates, seals and sets the believer apart to a holy life.? He teaches the truth and enables believers in prayer, worship, and service.? At the moment of salvation, each believer is immersed by the Spirit of G-d into the Body of Messiah, and is permanently indwelt by the Spirit of? G-d.? As a result, every believer is complete in Messiah and is the possessor of every spiritual blessing.? However, it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to be continuously filled by the Spirit of G-d.ManWe believe that man was created in the image of G-d but through Adam fell into sin and is therefore separated from G-d.? Only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life through Messiah Yeshua be obtained.SalvationThe salvation of mankind is wholly the work of G-d’s grace through faith in the redemptive work of Messiah Yeshua.? By His sacrificial death He became our substitute, making full atonement for our sins.? Salvation is not connected in any way with human efforts or mitzvot (good deeds).? It can?only?be appropriated by personal faith in Yeshua’s death and atonement.? Through this substitutionary work His righteousness is imparted to us.Salvation cannot be forfeited because of sin or anything else that we do or say.? It is wholly dependent upon G-d’s grace.? Therefore, G-d gives assurance in His word and through His Spirit that what He began He will continue to perform until the day of its completion.SanctificationAll believers, though forgiven, still have the capacity to sin.? In spite of this fact, G-d has made full provision for believers to live in obedience to Him through identification with Messiah Yeshua, and reliance upon the Ruach HaKodesh’s power and our knowledge of the scriptures.? Our relationship with G-d, established by faith in Messiah Yeshua alone, is an irreversible bond in which all believers are eternally secure.The Body of MessiahThe universal Body of Messiah is made up of all people, both Jews and Gentiles, who have been saved through faith in Yeshua, and who have been regenerated by the Spirit of G-d.? Membership in the universal Body is not based on membership or affiliation with any earthly organization.At Salvation the Spirit of G-d sovereignly imparts at least one spiritual gift to every believer for the purpose of edifying and equipping the Body of Messiah.? While these gifts are important they are not the focus of our life or faith.? Rather we are to seek to become spiritually mature men and women in order to serve G-d properly.? The Body of Messiah recognizes two ordinances; Immersion (Baptism) and Yiskor (Communion).IsraelG-d called a people to Himself who are the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.? This special people, Israel, was chosen by G-d to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests.? The election of Israel is irrevocable despite the rejection of Yeshua the Messiah by her national and religious leaders.? G-d will purge Israel of it’s unbelief during the “great tribulation,” which is also called “the time of Jacob’s trouble.”? This will ultimately result in her national acceptance of Yeshua as her true Messiah.? We further believe that the land of Israel has been given by G-d to the physical descendants of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob forever.Jewish believers, however, have a unique identity as the spiritual remnant of physical Israel, a part of the universal Body of the Messiah.? Gentile believers also have an identity with Israel in the fact that they are engrafted into the root of Israel.? Through this engrafting they partake in the promises and covenants that were given to Israel, but this does not make them part of the physical people called Jews.G-d has made unconditional covenants with Israel, including that of the New Covenant.? This covenant was given first to the nation of Israel (Jeremiah 31), and then it went to the uttermost parts of the world.? As a result, we believe that it is the believer’s duty and privilege to communicate the Good News of Yeshua the Messiah, to the Jewish people, in a bold yet sensitive manner.TorahWe believe that G-d gave the Torah (the five books of Moses) for moral instruction and as a body of cultural/national practices which would act as a tutor looking forward to Messiah’s work.? The Torah is valid as a reflection of G-d’s righteous standard and as a means of preserving a distinct national Israel.Fulfillment by the work of Yeshua the Messiah does not imply the abrogation of the Torah; therefore, within the Body of Messiah, Jewish people can properly maintain their distinctive biblical and cultural identity.? These observances are not, nor ever were, means for justification or sanctification which are by faith alone.The Last ThingsWe believe in the personal, premillenial and imminent return of Messiah Yeshua, and that this “blessed hope” has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer.Adelaide Christian Centre | Adelaide, SA Australia[[@Headword:C144]]Group idGroup nameAdelaide Christian Centre | Adelaide, SA AustraliaTraditionCRC Churches InternationalWikipediaOrigin1945 by Leo Harris founder of CRC Churches International, a Pentecostal denominationLinks toCRC Churches InternationalWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014What we believeAdelaide Christian Centre believes in and presents the following basic truths. Note: This statement of faith is the CRC Churches International statement of faith of which this local church is a member. CRC Churches International is commonly known as a group of churches who are Pentecostal or Charismatic in belief and practice. ACM: Adelaide College of Ministries | Klemzig SA Australia [[@Headword:C145]]Group idACMGroup nameAdelaide College of Ministries | Klemzig SA AustraliaTraditionevangelicalWikipedia Origin1980 by two Adelaide pastorsLinks toDallas Theological SeminaryInsight For LivingSouth Pacific Association of Bible CollegesWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014What We BelieveA. The ScripturesWe believe that the Old and New Testaments, being the completed canon of 66 books, are God's revelation given through men and directed by the Holy Spirit. These Scriptures as originally given are verbally and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit and stand free from error in any and all parts. They are the final and supreme authority. B. The Doctrine of GodWe believe that God is spirit, eternally existing in three persons - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit - and these three are of one essence and equal in power and glory, therefore to be honoured and worshipped equally as true God. God is above and separate from His creation yet active in it. (i) The FatherWe believe that God the Father is the author of one eternal plan that includes all things and He is directing this plan to glorify Himself. Although God is the creator of the universe and the human race, He is the spiritual Father only of those who receive Jesus Christ by faith. (ii) The Son: Jesus ChristWe believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is eternal and was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born a man by the virgin birth, sinless in nature and action. He voluntarily gave His life in substitutionary death on the cross for our sins and in the same body was raised from the dead. He appeared in His glorified body then ascended to the Father as our Mediator to continue forever as true God and true man. He will come again, first to receive from the earth His own and then to establish His righteous kingdom upon the earth. (iii) The Holy SpiritWe believe that the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, is eternal and infinite. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment; regenerates all believers; indwells all who are saved; baptises all believers into the body of Christ; seals believers until the day of redemption; bestows spiritual gifts upon the members of Christ's body according to His own will; and controls for guidance power and sanctification those among the saved who are yielded to Him and subject to His will. C. CreationWe believe that supernaturally God created the world in six successive 24-hour days through the mediation of Jesus Christ and the operation of the Holy Spirit. Man is the direct creation of God, not in any sense the product of evolution, but made in the divine image. The Genesis account is the trustworthy, historical record of creation. D. ManWe believe that man was originally sinless and in perfect fellowship with God, but when tempted by Satan he sinned by disobeying God's revealed will. This act of rebellion resulted in separation from God and in physical death. All members of the human race are born in sin and are sinners by nature and practice. E. SalvationWe believe that salvation is a free gift of God's grace, offered to us on the basis of Christ's substitutionary death for sin on the cross. It is received personally by repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and is in no way obtained or increased by human effort. This salvation contains within itself deliverance from the guilt and penalty of sin, a perfectly righteous standing before God, the provisions for victory over the power of sin, and the promise of future glorification in God's presence. F. The ChurchWe believe that the Church is composed of all those who by faith have been united to the risen and ascended Son of God. The Church, which is distinct from Israel, began at Pentecost and will be completed at the coming of Christ for His own at the rapture. All believers in this age, whether Jews or Gentiles, are baptised by the Holy Spirit into Christ at conversion and so become one spiritual body of which Christ is the Head. The members of this Church are commanded to assemble in local churches for worship, instruction in the Word, fellowship, prayer and observance of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper. The commission of Christ to His Church is to communicate the gospel to both Jew and Gentile. G. Christian ResponsibilityWe believe that the Christian is to glorify God in personal conduct in relation to his family, his vocation, his local church, his neighbour and his government. He fulfils this responsibility as he submits to the Lordship of Christ and obeys the Scriptures by the power of the Holy Spirit. H. Spiritual GiftsWe believe that spiritual gifts are divinely given and sovereignly distributed by the Holy Spirit to every member of the body of Christ. The purpose of these gifts is to glorify God and to edify the church to fulfil its divinely appointed task. There are gifts given to enable every believer to share in the ministry of edification and growth of the church. Revelation is not ongoing, tongues are neither the sign of the baptism of the Spirit nor of spirituality, and Christ's atonement does not demand physical healing. The exercise of spiritual gifts must always be consistent with Scripture. I. SatanWe believe that Satan was originally a creature of God of the highest order, but through pride fell and became the archenemy of God, and the deceiver of humanity. As the ruler of this world, Satan holds unbelievers in bondage through the oppressive anti-God system he has created and wars against the saints. Though his powers are supernatural, they are strictly limited under the rule of a sovereign God. He was judged at the cross and therefore his final doom is certain. J. The Future Plans of GodWe believe that the next event in the prophetic plan of God is the coming of Jesus Christ to rapture the Church. During the following seven-year tribulation period God will pour out judgments on the unbelieving world. The climax of this period of judgment will be the physical return of Jesus Christ to the earth in great power and glory to establish His literal kingdom over all nations for one thousand years. During the millennium, Israel will occupy a place of honour and blessing in fulfillment of the covenant promise made to her in the Old Testament. Then the wicked dead will be raised bodily, judged at the great white throne, and cast into the lake of fire where they will consciously suffer forever. All believers, however, will enjoy the presence of God forever in a new heaven and new earth. Adelaide Hills Presbyterian Church | Mt Barker, SA Australia [[@Headword:C146]]Group idGroup nameAdelaide Hills Presbyterian Church | Mt Barker, SA AustraliaTraditionPresbyterianWikipediaOriginLinks toPCA: Presbyterian Church of AustraliaWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014Our Church FamilyWe are a reformed, evangelical, Christian congregation whose denominational affiliation is with the Presbyterian Church of Australia. The PCA as a growing denomination is committed to the Word of God and the theology of the Protestant Reformation.That theology is summed up in this way:1. Scripture Alone - We believe the Scripture alone is the supreme standard and ultimate authority for all matters of religion.2. For Glory Alone - We believe all of life is to be lived to the glory of God and affirm the sovereignty of God in all of life.3. Christ Alone - We believe that Christ is the sole mediator between God and mankind for salvation. There are no other person or agents by whom we can be saved.4. Grace Alone - We believe that we don't contribute in any way to the work of salvation. We believe it is a gift and nothing is contributed by a person to being saved.5. Faith Alone - We believe that a person must have faith and continue to live life by faith in God's promises seen and completed in Christ. The righteous live by faith."Presbyterian" refers to the representative form of church government that we practice. Spiritually qualified men, called elders (presbyters) are elected by the congregation to rule and direct the church under Christ, its Head. For more information about the PCA, please visit our denomination's national website.Advance Church aka Advance United Methodist Church | Flatwoods KY [[@Headword:C147]]Group idGroup nameAdvance Church aka Advance United Methodist Church aka Advance Memorial United Methodist Church | Flatwoods KYTraditionUnited MethodistWikipediaOriginLinks toUnited Methodist ChurchWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014 30 January 2014 30 January 2014What we believeAdvance Church is a member of the United Methodist Church and believes in the following:Triune God: God is one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost).Scripture: The Old Testament and New Testament are the inspired work of God.Sin: While human beings were intended to bear the image of God, all humans are sinners for whom that image is distorted. Sin estranges us from God and corrupts human nature such that we cannot heal or save ourselves.Salvation: God’s redeeming love is active to save sinners through Jesus’ incarnate life and teachings, through his atoning death, his resurrection, his sovereign presence through history, and his promised return.Sacraments: UMC recognizes two sacraments. Holy Communion and Holy Baptism.Free Will: People, while corrupted by sin, are free to make their own choices due to the Lord’s divine grace.Grace: We believe that God freely and lovingly gives unmerited favor to everyone, though we may, through free will, resist His Grace and Mercy. GraceIf there’s one word or term that essentially sums up our Methodist theology, or Wesleyan theology…the word would have to be GRACE! Grace pervades our understanding of Christian faith and life. Grace is often defined as “the undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of God in human existence through the ever-present Holy Spirit.John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, defined grace as God’s “bounty or favor: His free, undeserved favor…man having no claim to the least of His mercies. It was free grace that ‘formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into him a living soul,’ and stamped on that soul the image of God, and ‘put all things under his feet’…For there is nothing we are, or have, or do, which can deserve the least thing at God’s hand.”As United Methodists, we believe that all human beings are born sinners…we all come into this world with a sinful nature we inherited from our first parents, Adam and Eve, and this sinful nature we are born with is rooted in Pride and the Exaltation of Self…which results in our rebellion against GOD, and the violation and trespassing of His Righteous Standards for holy living! The New Testament affirms this truth: Romans 3:23 tells us: “ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and, I John 1:8 also says: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” In short, Sin is to miss the mark. Sin is to fall short of God’s best intention for us…Sin has power over us, much like drugs have hold on an addict. We are addicted to sin—to pride, self-promotion, and the refusal to accept our limited, finite, humanity! But, as Methodists, we celebrate the fact that sin is not, and does not have the last word! We believe that GOD’S GRACE IS GREATER THAN OUR SIN! For ex., in the very beginning, the final word to Adam/Eve was not punishment, for it says that the “Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins, and clothed them” (Gen. 3:21).In short, despite our sin and our broken-ness as human beings, we remain creatures brought into being by a Just and Merciful God, who offers His Grace to ALL PERSONS!The restoration of God’s image in our lives requires God’s Grace to renew our fallen nature… and to that end, we as Methodists understand that Jesus Christ was and is the embodiment of God’s Grace. We also affirm that the forgiveness of our sins, the gift of eternal life, and a right standing before a Holy God, is made possible only by faith in Jesus’ Christ’s Saving Work on the Cross! Ephesians 2:4-8 offers a summary of the New Testament’s proclamation of humanity’s Salvation through God’s Grace: “God who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ…For by GRACE you have been saved through FAITH; and that is not your own doing, it is the gift of God.”John Wesley, our founder, taught and emphasized the three-fold nature of God’s Grace:PREVENIENT GRACE: What is Prevenient Grace? Prevenient Grace is the love and favor of God that’s active in our hearts and lives, long before we’re even aware of it! It is God’s influencing Presence that comes or goes before us and woos us, and ultimately draws us into a love relationship with God Himself! Prevenient Grace is a work of the Holy Spirit, not forcing us to love and accept God’s offer for a relationship, but calling us and courting us, so that we might turn from our sins and our self-centeredness, and turn to God and receive His free gift of forgiveness and eternal life through accepting God’s Son, Jesus Christ! Amazingly, God Himself is the One who takes the initiative to seek out a relationship with us!JUSTIFYING GRACE: What is Justifying Grace? First of all, Prevenient Grace is what “prepares” us for Justifying Grace. ‘Justification,’ said Wesley, “is another word for Pardon. It is the forgiveness of all our sins, and…our Acceptance with God!” Justifying Grace is the Assurance of our Forgiveness that comes from repentance, or turning away from our old way of sinful living and turning to God and His Gift of New Life in Christ! Justifying Grace is what makes us “right with God,” and it is based on our belief and acceptance of God’s Plan of Salvation through Jesus Christ’s Death and Resurrection! SANCTIFYING GRACE: What is Sanctifying Grace? Sanctifying Grace is the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer between conversion and death. Sanctifying Grace is the equipping process of our maturing into mature disciples of Christ, and/or becoming more Christ-like in our character! It is growing in God’s Grace. Without the process of Sanctification in our lives, Grace would likely degenerate into what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called, “cheap grace,” which is forgiveness without repentance, and grace without any demand on our lives!Sanctifying Grace moves us beyond acknowledging Jesus Christ simply as our Savior, and it moves us to a place of surrender to Christ’s Lordship! Jesus is now understood as the Master and Ruler of our lives. As someone once said: “Jesus is either Lord of All… or, He is not Lord at all! Sanctifying Grace is the process of restoring us to wholeness in Christ. In other words, the image of God that we once shared in perfection prior to the “Fall of Man:” that image is now being perfected in our lives, and will continue to be perfected throughout our lifetime! John Wesley affirmed that God’s Grace seeks nothing less than a new creation in the likeness of Jesus Christ. As the Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future expectation, personal salvation has both the dimensions of “already” and “not yet.” Apostles’ CreedI believe in God the Father Almighty,maker of heaven and earth;And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord:who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,born of the Virgin Mary,suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, dead, and buried;the third day he rose from the dead;he ascended into heaven,and sitteth at the right hand of Godthe Father Almighty;from thence he shall come to judgethe quick and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit;the holy catholic church,the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the resurrection of the body,and the life everlasting. Amen.Advance Church | Las Vegas NV [[@Headword:C148]]Group idGroup nameAdvance Church | Las Vegas NVTraditionEvangelical CovenantWikipediaOrigin2011 by Ryan LuncefordLinks toCrossing Church, The | Las Vegas NVCrossroads Church | Woodbury MNEvangelical Covenant Church | Chicago ILHope Covenant Church | Chandler AZRock Harbor Church | Rocklin CAWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014What We BelieveGodGod is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22, Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, I Peter 1:2, II Corinthians 13:14)Jesus ChristJesus Christ is the Son of God; co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Matthew 1:22-23, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1-5; 14:10-30, Hebrews 4:14-15, I Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 1:3-4, Acts 1:9-11, I Timothy 6:14-15, Titus 2:13)The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make the world aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every believer from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily. (II Corinthians 3:17, John 16:7-13; 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, I Corinthians 2:12; 3:16, Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 5:18)HumanityEvery human being is made in the image of God. They are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although God designed humans to have fellowship with him, they became alienated from God through disobedience. As a result, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and choose to sin against God. We are incapable of regaining a right relationship with God through our own efforts–only through faith in Jesus Christ. (Genesis 1:27, Psalm 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6a, Romans 3:23, Colossians 1:21, Isaiah 59:1-2)EternityHumans were created to exist forever. They will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God, through forgiveness and salvation. When a person dies, they will either spend eternity in Heaven or Hell. Eternal separation from God happens in Hell. Eternal union with God occurs in Heaven. (John 3:16, I John 2:25; 5:11-13, Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:15)SalvationSalvation is a gift from God to humanity. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can we be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6; 1:12, Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26, Romans 5:1)Eternal SecurityBecause God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, a believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives this security. (John 10:29, II Timothy 1:12, Hebrews 7:25; 10:10-14, I Peter 1:3-5)The BibleThe Bible is God’s Word to everyone. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. (II Timothy 3:16-17, II Peter 1:20-21, II Timothy 1:13, Psalm 119:105,160, Psalm 12:6, Proverbs 30:5)The ChurchThe Church is a fellowship of believers, called out of the world to participate in worship, fellowship, discipleship, evangelism, and service. The Church is called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and God’s reconciling grace in the power of the Holy Spirit, inviting persons to receive salvation and follow Christ as His disciples. As disciples, we seek justice for all persons and the reform of society. (Matthew 16:15-19; 28:18-20 Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 1:8; 16:30-33; Acts 2:42-48 ; I Corinthians 6:19; 11:23-26; Galatians 3:26-28; Eph. 1:22-23; Hebrews 10:23-25; James 1:27; 2:8; I Peter 2:9)Advance Church | Silver Spring MD [[@Headword:C149]]Group idGroup nameAdvance Church | Silver Spring MD TraditionNon-denominational, multi-ethnicWikipediaOrigin2004Links toMars Hill Project, TheWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014what we believeYou are infinitely loved by a generous Almighty God who revealed Himself in the person of Jesus Christ and wants to be in relationship with you.? When we receive this love, by receiving Jesus, we become the children of God.The Bible The Holy Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the verbally inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God. We accept the Bible as our guide in all matters of faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12) The Trinity The one true God, is revealed in the Bible as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:1; Galatians 4:4-5; 1 Peter 1:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 John 5:6-8) Man's Sin Man was created good, but fell from his original state into sin; he has no power to redeem himself. (Genesis 1:26-31, 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-21) Jesus Saves The all-sufficient atonement by the blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, cleanses anyone who believes on Him from all sin, and salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. (Romans 3:24, 10:8-10; Ephesians 2:8) Baptism Water baptism by immersion, as taught in the Bible, identifies the believer with the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4) Holy Living Holy living, separation from sin, and dependence upon God are mandated by God and are for the natural and spiritual benefit of the Christian. (Romans 12:1, Colossians 1:22; I Corinthians 3:16-17) Holy Spirit Baptism The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate, distinct experience, subsequent to salvation, providing imbuement of power for life and service, accompanied by speaking in tongues. (Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:2, 6:18) The Church The church is the Body of Christ, chosen to reveal God's plan and purpose in the earth, and the local expression of this church must function according to New Testament order and organization. (Ephesians 1:22, 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23) Spiritual Gifts The manifestation of all gifts of the Holy Spirit in the local assembly is an act of God dividing the gifts amongst the believers severally as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:1-31; Romans 12:3-6; Acts 1:4-8; Luke 24:49) Praise & WorshipAll expressions of praise/worship recorded in the Old and New Testaments are to be exercised in the local church and in private life. (Psalm 102:18, 81:1-5, 33:1, 135:3, 54:6, 18:3; John 4:20-26; Philippians 3:3; John 8:32; 1 Corinthians 14:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:19-20; 1 Peter 2:9) Jesus' Return The return of Jesus Christ for His Church is imminent and He will establish His Kingdom on the earth. (2 Peter 3:13; Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21: 1-2; Matthew 5:17) Eternal Life The promise of eternal life is for all those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and receive Him as their Savior, and eternal damnation is for those who reject Him and die in their sins. (Matthew 19:16, 25:46; John 3:15, 5:39; Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:11, 13, 20) Holy Communion The Eucharist '(thanksgiving) or the Lord's Supper is a memorial of our covenant made with God through the blood of Christ and His Body. (Matthew 26:26-29; Hebrews 9:18-29) Marriage The marriage rite is a sacred covenant made between a man and woman, and God. (Genesis 2:18-25;1 Corinthians 7:33-34; Hebrews 13:4) Excellence Excellence is the way of the Kingdom of God. (Job 37:23; Psalm 8:1,9; Psalm 16:3; Isaiah 35:2) Advance International | Plano TX [[@Headword:C150]]Group idGroup nameAdvance International | Plano TXTraditionSouthern BaptistWikipediaOriginLinks toAdvance International ChileAdvance International East AsiaAdvance International IndonesiaAdvance International PeruGRASP International (God Reaching All of Southern Peru)International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist ConventionLeavell College of New Orleans Baptist Theological SeminaryLiberty Baptist Church | Fayette GAParamount Baptist Church | Amarillo TXRidgecrest Baptist ChurchWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014Our Beliefs I. The ScripturesThe Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.II. GodThere is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being.A. God the FatherGod as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.B. God the SonChrist is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord.C. God the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism and service.III. ManMan is the special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them male and female as the crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is thus part of the goodness of God's creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God and fell from his original innocence whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image and in that Christ died for man; therefore, every person of every race possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.IV. SalvationSalvation involves the redemption of the whole man and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.B. Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God.C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.V. God's Purpose of GraceElection is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God's sovereign goodness and is infinitely wise, holy and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ and sanctified by His Spirit will never fall away from the state of grace but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.VI. The ChurchA New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel: observing the two ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His Word; and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.VII. Baptism and the Lord's SupperChristian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.VIII. The Lord's DayThe first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Activities on the Lord's Day should be commensurate with the Christian's conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.IX. The KingdomThe Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.X. Last ThingsGod, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.XI. Evangelism and MissionsIt is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.XII. EducationChristianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage. The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. Moreover, the cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is coordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian education is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ's people.In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.XIII. StewardshipGod is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the Gospel and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents and material possessions and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth.XIV. CooperationChrist's people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ's Kingdom. Christian unity in the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by various groups of Christ's people. Cooperation is desirable between the various Christian denominations when the end to be attained is itself justified and when such cooperation involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New Testament.XV. The Christian and the Social OrderAll Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness and vice and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.XVI. Peace and WarIt is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war.The true remedy for the war spirit is the Gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace.XVII. Religious LibertyGod alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.XVIII. The FamilyGod has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood or adoption.Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God's unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards and the means for procreation of the human race.The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation.Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God's pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents.Advance Missions | Annet sur Marne France [[@Headword:C151]]Group idGroup nameAdvance Missions | Annet sur Marne FranceTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toLeeston New Life Church | Leeston New ZealandNew Life Churches International | New ZealandWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014Statement of FaithWe believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy GhostWe believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, His atoning death on the cross, His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal future and soon return to this earthWe believe The Bible is the Word Of GodWe believe the only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance and faith in the precious blood of Jesus Christ?We believe that regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for personal salvationWe believe in the miracle working power of God to heal todayWe believe in and practise water baptism by emersion, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Holy SpiritWe believe in the importance of Local church with its appointed Leadership and government.We believe the church the Body of Christ is mandated to finish the task of reaching the world with a clear and understood message of the Gospel, otherwise known as the Great commission of Mathew 28:19, 20Advance PBC | Nampa ID [[@Headword:C152]]Group idGroup nameAdvance PBC | Nampa IDTraditionFamilyurch Life ChurchWikipediaOriginLinks toCity Bible ChurchDefine Youth ConferenceGeneration Unleashed Youth ConferenceNxt Ministries, ThePortland Bible CollegeWebsiteSource of creedal statement 30 January 2014Statement of FaithWe believe in the plenary-verbal inspiration of the accepted canon of the Scriptures as originally given and that they are infallibly and uniquely authoritative and free from error of any sort in all matters with which they deal, including scientific and historical as well as moral and theological. (2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:13)We believe in the Eternal Godhead who has revealed Himself as ONE God existing in THREE persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; distinguished but indivisible. (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14)We believe in the literal, special creation of the existing space-time universe and all of its basic systems as indicated in Genesis. (Genesis 1:1-25)We believe in the full historicity and perspicuity of the Biblical record of primeval history, including the literal existence of Adam and Eve as the progenitors of all people, the literal fall and resultant divine curse on the creation, the worldwide cataclysmic deluge, and the origin of nations and languages at the tower of Babel. (Genesis 1-11)We believe in the creation, test and fall of man as recorded in Genesis; his total spiritual depravity and inability to attain to divine righteousness. (Romans 5:12, 5:18; Genesis 3:1-24)We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of men, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, very God and very man. (Luke 1:26-35; John 1:18; Isaiah 7:14, 9:6)We believe Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day, and personally appeared to His disciples. (1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Romans 4:25)We believe in the bodily ascension of Jesus to heaven, His exaltation and personal, literal, and bodily coming again the second time for the Church. (John 14:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)We believe in the salvation of sinners by grace, through repentance and faith in the perfect and sufficient work of the cross of Calvary by which we obtain remission of sins. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:12, 9:22; Romans 5:11)We believe in the necessity of water baptism by immersion in the name of the Eternal Godhead in order to fulfill the command of Christ. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38-39, 19:1-6)We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit as an experience subsequent to salvation and a distinct aspect of the Christian foundational experience. (Acts 2:1-4, 8:14-17, 19:6)We believe in the operation of the gifts of the Spirit as enumerated in 1 Corinthians 12-14, as manifested in the Early Church.We believe in the Spirit-filled life, a life of separation from the world and perfecting of holiness in the fear of the God as an expression of Christian Faith. (Ephesians 5:18; 2 Corinthians 6:14, 7:1)We believe in the healing of the body by Divine power, or Divine healing in its varied aspects as practiced in the Early Church. (Acts 4:30; Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 12:9; James 5:14)We believe in the Table of the Lord, commonly called Communion or the Lord’s Supper. (1 Corinthians 11:23-32)We believe in eternal life for believers?and eternal punishment for unbelievers. (John 3:16;5:24) |?(Mark 9:43-48; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 20:10-15).We believe in the reality and personality of Satan and eternal judgment of Satan and his angels. (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10-15)ATI: Advanced Training Institute International | Oak Brook IL [[@Headword:C153]]Group idATIGroup nameAdvanced Training Institute International | Oak Brook ILTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toInstitute in Basic Life PrinciplesWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014Statement of Faithwhat we believeThe Institute in Basic Life Principles affirms the cardinal doctrines of Scripture that have been defended by historic statements of faith. These include the divine inspiration of Scripture, the deity of Christ, the original sin nature of man, the atonement for sin by Christ's shed blood, and the justification by faith in Jesus as the Christ.We also believe that a complete and inspired statement of faith was given by Jesus Christ when He taught precise commands on how to love God and others, and that these commands transcend all cultures, nationalities, religions, and political systems.ANM: Advancing Native Missions | Charlottesville VA[[@Headword:C108]]Group idANMGroup nameAdvancing Native Missions | Charlottesville VATraditionevangelicalWikipediaOrigin1992 by Carl Gordon and Benjamin (Bo) BarredoLinks toCarrollton Baptist Church | Carrollton VACM ConnectGleaning for the WorldLeader Source SGAMessiah’s KingdomRuth Graham MinistriesWebsite Source of creedal statement 13 January 2014We Believethat the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired word of God, inerrant in the original documents and of final authority in all matters of faith and practice;that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit;in the full deity and perfect humanity of our Lord, His representative and substitutionary sacrifice, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the Father’s right hand, His present high priestly ministry, and His personal return in power and glory;in the regeneration by the Holy Spirit, which is absolutely necessary for the salvation of fallen, sinful, and lost mankind and which is a free gift of God’s grace received by personal faith through Christ Jesus;in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life;in the bodily resurrection of the just and unjust: those who are saved to everlasting blessedness, and those who are lost unto the resurrection of damnation;and that the universal church is composed of all true believers in Christ Jesus who are united in Him and to one another by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The chief functions of the church are to worship God and witness for the Lord Jesus Christ until He returns. The local church is composed of a group of believers in a specific locality who gather in Christ’s name for the breaking of bread, prayers, fellowship and teaching.Advent Christian Church aka Advent Christian General Conference | Charlotte NC[[@Headword:C109]]Group idGroup nameAdvent Christian ChurchTraditionMilleriteWikipedia Origin1860 by Jonathan Cummings Links toallWebsiteUSA: Source of creedal statement 6 December 2013Who We AreOur Vision is to love God and love others by making followers of Jesus.In our pursuit of this vision we will be:Biblical - Our message and practice will not be governed by creeds or confessions, but by careful study of God's Word alone. Our purpose, principles and practice will be directed by orthodox biblical Christianity as defined in the Scriptures.Relational - Our ministries will be delivered through the establishment of meaningful relationships with those who believe and those who don't. We will commit to establishing trust and mutual accountability with our partners in ministry and those we seek to serve.Missional - Driven by the biblical mandate to bring the gospel to the ends of earth, we will encourage other believers to live as missionaries in their own spheres of influence because we understand that all believers have been sent by Jesus Christ with the message of the cross to their own unique culture and community in order to glorify God and build his kingdom.ACCoNZ: Advent Christian Conference of New Zealand | Takanini Auckland New Zealand[[@Headword:C110]]Group idACCoNZ Group nameAdvent Christian Conference of New ZealandTraditionMilleriteWikipedia Originroots 1860 by Jonathan Cummings via missionaries from the USA in 1995Links toAdvent Christian ChurchWebsiteNew Zealand: Source of creedal statement 17 December 2013 17 December 2013Church position papersGood News for TodayJesus Is Coming!What is an Advent Christian?What is Baptism?What is Conditional ImmortalityWhy Plant Churches?The Declaration of Principles 1. We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, being in its entirety a revelation given to man under divine inspiration and providence; that its historic statements are correct, and that it is the only divine and infallible standard of faith and practice. 2. We believe, as revealed in the Bible: a. In one God, our Father, eternal, and infinite in his wisdom, love and power, the Creator of all things, "in whom we live, and move, and have our being." b. And in Jesus Christ, our Lord, the only begotten Son of God, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; who came into our world to seek and to save that which was lost; who died for our sins; who was raised bodily from the dead for our justification; who ascended in heaven as our High Priest and Mediator, and who will come again in the end of this age, to judge the living and the dead, and to reign forever and ever. c. And in the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, sent from God to convince the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment, whereby we are sanctified and sealed unto the day of redemption. 3. We believe that man was created for immortality, but that through sin he forfeited his divine birthright; that because of sin, death entered into the world, and passed upon all men; and that only through faith in Jesus Christ, the divinely ordained Life-giver, can men become "partakers of the divine nature," and live forever. 4. We believe that death is a condition of unconsciousness to all persons, righteous and wicked; a condition which will remain unchanged until the resurrection at Christ's Second Coming, at which time the righteous will receive everlasting life while the wicked will be "punished with everlasting destruction;" suffering complete extinction of being. 5. We believe that salvation is free to all those who, in this life and in this age, accept it on the conditions imposed, which conditions are simple and inflexible, namely, turning from sin, repentance toward God, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and a life of consecration to the service of God; thus excluding all hope of a future probation, or of universal salvation 6. We believe that Jesus Christ, according to his promise, will come again to this earth, even "in like manner" as he went into heaven - personally, visibly and gloriously - to reign here forever; and that this coming is the hope of the church, inasmuch as upon that coming depend the resurrection and reward of the righteous, the abolition of sin and its consequences, and the renewal of the earth - now marred by sin - to become the eternal home of the redeemed, after which event the earth will be forever free from sin and death. 7. We believe that Bible prophecy has indicated the approximate time of Christ's return; and comparing its testimony with the signs of our times, we are confident the he is near, "even at the doors," and we believe that the great duty of the hour is the proclamation of this soon-coming redemption, the defense of Bible authority, inspiration and truth, and the salvation of lost men. 8. We believe the church of Christ is an institution of divine origin, which includes all true Christians, of whatever name; but that local church organizations should be independent of outside control, congregational in government, and subject to no dictation of priest, bishop or pope - although true fellowship and unity of action should exist between all such organizations. 9. We believe that the only ordinances of the church of Christ are Baptism and the Lord's Supper; immersion being the only true baptism. 10. We believe that the first day of the week, as the day set apart by the early church in commemoration of Christ's resurrection, should be observed as the Christian Sabbath, and used as a day of rest and religious worship. 11. We believe that war is contrary to the spirit and teachings of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ; that it is contrary to the spirit of true brotherhood; and that our influence should be used against it. We believe the Bible also teaches that properly constituted government is ordained of God and is a divine instrument for man's welfare and protection. When an Advent Christian decides on the basis of Scripture and conscience, either to bear arms or to submit to penalties imposed for his refusal to do so, local Advent Christian congregations should extend continued fellowship and nurture. Scripture Confessions ACCONZ affirms the following Scriptural confessions: The Shema XE "Creed:Shema:text" "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." (Deuteronomy 6:4) The Confession of Nathaniel XE "Creed:Confession of Nathaniel:text" (Bartholomew) "You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."(John 1:49) The Confessions of Peter XE "Creed:Confessions of Peter:text" "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16) "We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." (John 6:69) The Confession of Thomas XE "Creed:Confession of Thomas:text" "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28) The Baptismal Confession XE "Creed:Baptismal Formula:text" "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19) The Confessions of Paul XE "Creed:Confessions of Paul:text" "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." (Acts 16:31) Confession of the Jailer XE "Creed:Confession of the jailer:text" "That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) "There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live." (1 Corinthians 8:6) XE "Creed:One God and One Lord:text" "Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory." (1 Timothy 3:16) XE "Creed:Mystery of Godliness:text" Advent Christian Prayer Ministry and Book Shop | Tywyn Gwynedd Wales [[@Headword:C154]]Group idGroup nameAdvent Christian Prayer Ministry and Book Shop | Tywyn Gwynedd WalesTraditionWikipediaOrigin1995Links toEllel Ministries | Ellel Grange UKFfald-y-BreninICEJ: International Christian Embassy JerusalemWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014Statement of FaithWe believe that God the father loves all people and has sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. Jesus Christ is the Son of God and proved that He is fully man and fully God through His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. On His ascension to Heaven, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to indwell all believers and bring conviction of sin, righteousness and judgement. Believers are gifted by Him to further the Gospel. Jesus Christ will visibly and bodily return to earth to gather those who believe in Him. The Bible is the infallible Word of God and is without error. Advent Episcopal Church | Westlake OH [[@Headword:C155]]Group idGroup nameAdvent Episcopal Church | Westlake OHTraditionEpiscopalWikipediaOriginLinks toAlpha programWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014What We Believe:The core statement of our faith is outlined in the Nicene Creed.We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain all things necessary to salvation and are the rule and ultimate standard of faith. No one is required to accept as an article of faith anything that is not plainly taught in Holy Scripture. We can have a right relationship with God only through the merit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and not through our own works or merits. Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zionsville | Zionsville IN[[@Headword:C156]]Group idGroup nameAdvent Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zionsville | Zionsville INTraditionLCMSWikipediaOriginLinks toLutheran Church Missouri SynodWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014 AICC: Advent International Catholic Church | Louisville KY[[@Headword:C125]]Group idAICCGroup nameAdvent International Catholic ChurchTraditionOld CatholicWikipediaOrigin2004 by Bishop Bill Wathen as Advent Old Catholic Church (a parish)2009 became a national church2012 renamed Advent International Catholic ChurchLinks toSt. Mary Magdalen Independent Catholic Church (Louisville)St. Michael Independent Catholic Church (Charleston)The Old Catholic Communion Of North AmericaWebsite Source of creedal statement 4 December 2013Church position papersAICC apostolic successionAICC canon lawOur BeliefsWe believe that Jesus is the Christ and our personal savior. We believe in The Holy Trinity. We believe in the three historic creeds: Nicene XE "Creed:Nicene Creed" , Apostles’ XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" , and Athanasian XE "Creed:Athanasian Creed" . We believe in the inerrancy and divine inspiration of Holy Scriptures. We believe in the seven sacraments of the Church: Baptist, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Anointing and Prayers for the Sick, Confession and Reconciliation, Marriage, and Holy Orders. We believe that Holy Orders are open to both men and women, married or single. We believe that celibacy of those in Holy Orders is a personal decision. We believe and hold apostolic succession. We appreciate the wisdom and guidance of the doctrines of the Seven Early Church Ecumenical Councils. We appreciate the wisdom and guidance of the Early Church Fathers. We believe that abortion and euthanasia is the taking of human life. We believe in the responsible stewardship of our planet. We believe in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. We believe in the sanctity of marriage, however we believe that Jesus is merciful and those who have been divorced and/or remarried are offered the sacraments of the church. We believe marriage is a sacrament and between a man and a woman, and thus we do not perform same-sex marriages.We believe contraception is a personal decision. We do not ordain gays or lesbians. We believe and follow scripture in all matters and thus reject reincarnation. We believe in the scriptural teaching of Jesus and thus reject New Age Theology. We believe Holy Communion is open to all Christian believers.We believe that the Bread and Wine become the real presence of Jesus in the EucharistNicene Creed XE "Creed:Nicene Creed" Apostles’ Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" Creed of St. Athanasius XE "Creed:Athanasian Creed" Advent Lutheran Church | Boca Raton FL [[Headword:C158]]Group idGroup nameAdvent Lutheran Church | Boca Raton FLTraditionELCAWikipediaOrigin1960 founded1987 became member of Evagelical Lutheran Church in AmericaLinks toEvangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaStephen MinistryWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014 30 January 2014Our Statement of FaithAdvent is a Christian congregation that shares the same basic beliefs as the majority of other Christian churches. Every week at worship we join together saying the words of the Apostles' Creed, which is an ancient summary of the Christian faith:I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.? I believe in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.? He will come again to judge the living and the dead.?I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. AMEN.?*this means the universal church of all believers.Advent is a Lutheran congregation that emphasizes the unconditional love of God for his children as shown through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lutheran Christians believe that the Bible is the authority for faith and living, that God blesses us in a very special way through Holy Communion and Holy Baptism, and that we are to make our faith active in love by serving our community. For more information about our denomination see the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America .Advent Lutheran Church Statement of FaithAdvent Lutheran Church exists for God and the people God loves -- those already here and those with whom God will bring us into contact. We celebrate vital worship, value Bible-based teaching, and share in vibrant programs and events. But most of all we seek to live in and for Jesus. We pray for hearts rekindled with Holy Spirit fire for evangelism. And we strive to connect with the communities and cultures in which God has placed us.What We BelieveGod, the TrinityWe believe in God revealed in the Bible, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is holy, allknowing, all-powerful, and loving. (Genesis 1:1-3; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 3:16-17; John 10:30)God the FatherWe believe that God the Father created the universe from nothing. In love, He sustains His creation and desires an intimate relationship with all people. (Genesis 1:1; John 3:16-17)Jesus the SonWe believe that because of His love for us, God became a human being, Jesus Christ. Being fully divine and fully human, He lived the life of a servant, and in His death on the cross, Jesus suffered the punishment we deserve for our sin. In His death and resurrection, Jesus won for us victory over death and the power of the devil. Only through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ can we experience forgiveness, be made acceptable to our Holy Maker, and enjoy a close relationship with Him. (Romans 5:8-9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 Peter 1:18; 2:24)Holy SpiritWe believe that God the Holy Spirit works in people’s lives and brings them to faith in Jesus Christ. He desires to be so fully active in believers that they are filled to overflowing with His presence and are empowered with His gifts to witness to Jesus and to do the work of the Church. (Acts 1:8; 2:1-42; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11)The BibleWe believe and have experienced that the Bible is the living Word of God. In the pages of these 66 books, God reveals His character and will, we see our own sinful reflection, and we learn of God’s offer of eternal life in Jesus Christ. The entire Bible is inspired by God and is the final authority in faith and life. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)How We Read the BibleWe believe Christians should read the Bible in the light of Jesus Christ, through the lens of both Law and Gospel, and by interpreting Scripture with Scripture. God’s Holy Spirit can lead Christians through His written Word to eternal truths which transcend cultural contexts. Living under the whole counsel of God in the Bible, Christians can know God’s will and be led in truth.SinWe believe that sin separates us from God. Sin is our rebellion against His will and our brokenness in relationships—with God, others, and ourselves. We sin in thought, word, and deed because we are born sinful and are naturally self-centered. (Isaiah 59:2; Luke 24:46- 47; Romans 6:23)GraceWe believe that we enter into a relationship with God not by anything we do, but solely by what God has done for us through Jesus. Knowing that we are sinners, we trust completely in God’s amazing grace (unearned merit and favor) to save us from condemnation and to give us an eternal home with Him. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 2:16)Jesus' ReturnWe believe that, as He has promised, Jesus is coming back to earth. Although we don’t know when, we do know why. Jesus is coming to judge the living and the dead and to fulfill His promise to give all believers eternal life. We desire to share this hope we have in Jesus with all people. (Acts 1:11; Mark 13:32-37)Faith at WorkWe believe that our primary call from God is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by baptizing and teaching others what He has commanded us. We engage in actions of love and mercy as a demonstration of God’s love, not to earn God’s approval, but because we are thankful for eternal life received in Jesus. (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 John 3:16-18; Ephesians 2:8-10)The Christian in the WorldWe believe that as disciples of Jesus Christ we are called to interact with others in the world as salt and light. This means we are to relate in such a way as to induce a thirst for God through lives of love and integrity. As light, we are to bring clarity to issues by speaking the truth in love. We do not relate to the world by means of intimidation or manipulation, rather by persistent, loving witness to Jesus Christ. (Matthew 5:13-16; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Ephesians 4:15)Human SexualityWe believe that our sexuality is a good gift from God. Sexual intimacy is blessed by Him when expressed according to God’s design, within the context of monogamous heterosexual marriage. Outside of that context, sexual intimacy, whether heterosexual or homosexual, is sin. All who desire to turn from sin, sexual or otherwise, can be forgiven and renewed by the grace of God in Jesus. (Genesis 2:24; Exodus 20:14; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 1:26-32)ChurchWe believe that those who honestly rely on Jesus are the Church, Christ’s body. Calling us together in local communities, God empowers believers with differing gifts for the purpose of service together. We cherish our unity with all believers, locally and around the world, who preach, teach, and live the Good News of Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:11-16; Romans 12:3-8)BaptismWe believe and have experienced that through the sacrament of Baptism, which is commanded by Jesus, God adopts us as His children. Because being part of God’s eternal family is entirely His doing and not our own, and because all humans are born with a sinful nature, we affirm the practice of baptizing infants as well as adults. (Romans 6:4-6; Matthew 18:1-6; Acts 2:39; Acts 16:30-33)CommunionWe believe that in the sacrament of Holy Communion, God comes to love and forgive us. Through this meal, He brings us His love in a tangible way and renews us in our relationship with Him. As He promised, Jesus is truly present in the bread and wine. Jesus has instructed that we remember Him when we celebrate this meal. As we come to communion, we bring to Jesus our sin with a sincere desire to be forgiven and to be changed to be more like Him. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 6:53-56)PrayerWe believe that the Lord is powerful and desires to be active in our lives. Because Jesus died for our sins, we have the privilege to pray directly to God. He desires that we speak with Him often as part of a growing relationship with Him. More than just speaking, prayer involves listening to God because prayer is two-way communication. Since one way God speaks is through His written Word, regular reading of the Bible is an integral part of daily prayer. (Luke 11:1-13; Matthew 6:33Advent Lutheran Church | Mill Creek WA [[Headword:C159]]Group idGroup nameAdvent Lutheran Church | Mill Creek WATraditionELCAWikipediaOriginLinks toEvangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014What We BelieveWe believe…God is present in our worship, and in our daily lives. God loves every one of us.We have new life because of Jesus’ live, death and resurrection.We are a forgiven people. We always have a second chance. God’s love changes us.The bible is the live-giving word of God.God’s word gives us a glimpse into God’s plan of love for us and all creationWe serve those in need. Faith is not just a private matter is it also a public act.Advent Lutheran Church | Morgan Hill CA [[Headword:C160]]Group idGroup nameAdvent Lutheran Church | Morgan Hill CATraditionELCAWikipediaOrigin1973Links toELCA Division for Church in Society ELCA: Evangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaGHM: Global Health Ministries GTU: Graduate Theological Union | Berkeley CAHolden Village | Chelan WALutheran Services in America Lutheran World Relief Lutheran, The Monterey Bay Conference NELM: The Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission | Rock Point AZPacific Lutheran Theological Seminary | Berkeley CAProject WittenbergSierra Pacific SynodWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014What We Believe and Statements of FaithWhat do we believe at Advent Lutheran Church? We are glad you asked! A concise statement of our beliefs follows, excerpted from our congregation's Constitution.Chapter 2 – CONFESSION OF FAITHC2.01.?? This congregation confesses the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.C2.02.?? This congregation confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe.Jesus Christ is the Word of God incarnate, through whom everything was made and through whose life, death, and resurrection God fashions a new creation.The proclamation of God's message to us as both Law and Gospel is the Word of God, revealing judgment and mercy through word and deed, beginning with the Word in creation, continuing in the history of Israel, and centering in all its fullness in the person and work of Jesus Christ.The canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the written Word of God. Inspired by God's Spirit speaking through their authors, they record and announce God's revelation centering in Jesus Christ. Through them, God's Spirit speaks to us to create and sustain Christian faith and fellowship for service in the world.C2.03.?? This congregation accepts the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith, and life.C2.04.?? This congregation accepts the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed as true declarations of the faith of this congregation.C2.05.?? This congregation accepts the Unaltered Augsburg Confession as a true witness to the Gospel, acknowledging as one with it in faith and doctrine all churches that likewise accept the teachings of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession.C2.06.?? This congregation accepts the other confessional writings in the Book of Concord, namely, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles and the Treatise, the Small Catechism, the Large Catechism, and the Formula of Concord, as further valid interpretations of the faith of the Church.C2.07.?? This congregation confesses the Gospel, recorded in the Holy Scriptures and confessed in the ecumenical creeds and Lutheran confessional writings, as the power of God to create and sustain the Church for God's mission in the world.Chapter 3 – Nature of the ChurchC3.01.?? All power in the Church belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ, its head. All actions of this congregation are to be carried out under his rule and authority.C3.02.?? The Church exists both as an inclusive fellowship and as local congregations gathered for worship and Christian service. Congregations find their fulfillment in the universal community of the Church, and the universal Church exists in and through congregations. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, therefore, derives its character and powers both from the sanction and representation of its congregations and from its inherent nature as an expression of the broader fellowship of the faithful. In length, it acknowledges itself to be in the historic continuity of the communion of saints; in breadth, it expresses the fellowship of believers and congregations in our day.Chapter 4 – Statement of PurposeC4.01.?? The Church is a people created by God in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, called and sent to bear witness to God's creative, redeeming, and sanctifying activity in the world.C4.02.?? To participate in God's mission, this congregation as a part of the Church shall:Worship God in proclamation of the Word and administration of the sacraments and through lives of prayer, praise, thanksgiving, witness, and service.Proclaim God's saving Gospel of justification by grace for Christ's sake through faith alone, according to the apostolic witness in the Holy Scripture, preserving and transmitting the Gospel faithfully to future generations.Carry out Christ's Great Commission by reaching out to all people to bring them to faith in Christ and by doing all ministry with a global awareness consistent with the understanding of God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier of all.Serve in response to God's love to meet human needs, caring for the sick and the aged, advocating dignity and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, and standing with the poor and powerless, and committing itself to their needs.Nurture its members in the Word of God so as to grow in faith and hope and love, to see daily life as the primary setting for the exercise of their Christian calling, and to use the gifts of the Spirit for their life together and for their calling in the world.Manifest the unity given to the people of God by living together in the love of Christ and by joining with other Christians in prayer and action to express and preserve the unity which the Spirit gives.For more information about our beliefs, go to spiritual.html. Advent Lutheran Church | Solon OH [[Headword:C161]]Group idGroup nameAdvent Lutheran Church | Solon OHTraditionELCAWikipediaOrigin1966Links toEpiscopal ChurchELCA: Evangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaMoravian Church.NEOS: Northeast Ohio SynodPresbyterian Church (USA)Reformed Church in AmericaUnited Church of ChristUnited Methodist ChurchWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014Our BeliefsWe believe in theTriune God, Father, Son, and Holy SpiritWe are justified (saved) by our faith - not works or merit. It is the grace of God which makes this possible.We accept the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith, and life.We accept the Apostles',Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds as true declarations of the faith of this church.We confess the Gospel, recorded in Holy Scripture and confessed in ecumenical creeds and Lutheran confessional writings, as the power of God to create and sustain the Church for God's mission in the world.We recognize two sacraments:Baptism and Holy Communion.Baptism is God's action. In baptism, God accepts us. Therefore we baptize infants as well as adults.* Christ is truly and fully present in, with, and under the forms of the bread and wine of communion. Bread and wine are not mere symbols. We commune weekly.* We are a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).We (the ELCA) are in full communion with the United Methodist Church, the Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Church of Christ, the Reformed Church in America, and the Moravian Church.Advent Lutheran Church | Sylvania OH [[Headword:C162]]Group idGroup nameAdvent Lutheran Church | Sylvania OHTraditionELCAWikipediaOriginLinks toAugsburg Fortress Boy Scouts of America--Troop 2 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio Lutheran World Relief The Book of Faith Initiative The Northwestern Ohio Synod of the ELCATOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Website Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014What We BelieveFor by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God — not the result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 NRSV) We believe that God is a relational God as expressed in the Trinity--God the Father, God the Son, Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit. God created us and has loved us from the beginning of time. What we know of God is most clearly seen through his Son Jesus, who while on earth came to love, save and give us an everlasting hope. Upon Jesus' rising from the grave and returning to glory, the Holy Spirit came to dwell with us to strengthen and remind us of the love of God through Christ Jesus.God is meant to be embraced through faith. By faith, we cling to God’s unconditional love, most especially when human events and natural disasters call us to search for meaning and ponder life’s deeper questions. We can never be good enough to earn our salvation and we never are so sinful that God's hand is too short to save us. We come to God just as we are but God loves too much let stay that way. We trust that nothing can separate us from this love which has its full expression in the work and person of Jesus Christ who reconciled the each one of us to himself, one another and the entire world. Advent Lutheran Church is more than a location. Our lovely edifice and spacious grounds “houses” the church—the gathered community of believers whose sole purpose is to worship God. In other words, we just don't "go" to church, we "are" the church. Each time we gather for worship, God strengthens us so that we be agents of grace and mercy in the world through acts of love, sharing our resources and service to the broader community and ultimately the world. We believe that the Holy Scriptures both the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and the Christian Scriptures (New Testament) compose the Bible. They record and announce God’s revelation centering in Jesus Christ. Through them God’s Holy Spirit speaks to us to create and sustain Christian fellowship for service in the world. We listen deeply for the voice of God in the preached Word, in the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Lord’s Supper; in Bible study and Christian education, and learning to love one another.Advent Lutheran Church | Winchester VA [[Headword:C163]]Group idGroup nameAdvent Lutheran Church | Winchester VATraditionNorth American Lutheran ChurchWikipediaOrigin2010 in split that created the NALCLinks toNALC: North American Lutheran ChurchLutheran CoreWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014Our?BeliefsGod’s Invitation/Advent’s Invitation and What We Believe –God’s Invitation for all to hear His Word –“O earth, earth, earth, hear the Word of the Lord” – Jeremiah 22:29“If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”? John 8:31-32“Blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it.”? Luke 11:28“All Scripture (God’s Word) is given by inspiration of God .”? 2 Timothy 3:16“He that is of God heareth God’s Word.”? John 8:47“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”? John 1:1“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.”? John 1:14“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book.? If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:? And if any man shall take away from the Words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away His part out of the book of life, and out of the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this book.”? Revelation 22:18-19God’s Invitation to hear His Word is Advent’s invitation to you to hear a Christ-centered sermon from the Book of Eternity.??We promise that God’s Word will always be honored as His authority for our life, as the Body of Christ, miraculously sustained by the Word and sacraments.?We hold true to God’s inerrant Word – neither adding, nor taking away, nor changing God’s Word to please the desires of man and the world.?We believe, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”? John 3:16We believe in God’s Great Commission, as Jesus spoke to His disciples, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:? Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:? and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.? Amen”? Matthew 28:19-20We believe, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”? Acts 2:38We believe, as Jesus taught, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.? By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”? John 13:34-35God’s Word is to be upheld, and not for man to change.?? God has given us His Word.? Have we given God our word that we will follow His Words, Commands, and Love?? In all times mankind has challenged God’s Word, but it was God’s Word and Love that sustained them in all their days; and sustains us in our days; and will be sufficient for all the days to come.? Who are we to say, “Wait a minute God, let me change a few of Your Words, so I can fit in a bit of my selfishness, disobedience, lustfulness,? covetousness, and whatever else that pleases me, then all will be okay.”? Whose word do we trust – ours or God’s?? God has entrusted us with His Word and His Awesome Love which is given to us by His Son, Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit!? Scripture is the Holy Word of God.? The Bible says it is “God-breathed”.? “Lord, thank you for helping me to read your word.? Continue to help me to understand your Word and continue to build up my faith so I will follow your word and apply it to my life.” Amen.Advent Presbyterian Church | Arlington TN [[Headword:C164]]Group idGroup nameAdvent Presbyterian Church | Arlington TNTraditionEvangelical Presbyterian ChurchWikipediaOriginLinks toEPA: Evangelical Presbyterian ChurchWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 2014What We BelieveJesus is the Way, the Truth, and the LifeJesus is the Way, and Christianity is a way of life. Yet, Christianity is also a way of thinking about God and the world. Jesus speaks of himself as the "Truth." Christians confess that the truth about God was visible in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus was and is full of meaning. Presbyterians have always been a people who want to know what they believe and why they believe what they believe. Here is a short outline of what we believe as a church in critical areas:GodWe believe in God whom we worship as the Creator of heaven and earth, the Sovereign Lord of creation and of all life. We believe that God is revealed to us in three persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This threefold revelation of God (the doctrine of the Trinity) is important, for it means that God is personal, and we must know God in a personal relationship.God the SonWe believe the character of God is revealed to us by the Son, in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ, as the God/man, can make reconciliation between God and the human race. Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of the hopes of Israel for a Messiah, so we believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is both our savior, whom we trust, and our Lord, whom we follow as the perfect example of human perfection.God the Holy SpiritWe believe the Christ is present in the person of the Holy Spirit, who leads us to conviction of sin, to repentance and faith, and to a new life. We believe that the Holy Spirit is God with us. The Holy Spirit brings us new birth, enabling us to live in fellowship with God and with others.GraceWe believe salvation is a gift. Paul's says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no-one can boast" (Eph. 2:8-9). God's grace is his love that comes to us in our weakness and at the time of our estrangement as a free and undeserved gift.FaithWe believe God's grace is available to us through faith in Jesus Christ. We believe faith consists in absolute, humble commitment of our selves to God: mind, body and soul. Faith is "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1).The ChurchWe believe the church is intended by God as a gathering of his people so that we might worship God, spread the Christian faith, and love and care for one another.The SacramentsWe believe the Lord Jesus Christ began two sacraments (mysteries), by which our faith is nourished by the Holy Spirit. These are: (i) Baptism, a symbol of spiritual renewal which is to be experienced by all who believe in Christ and to their children as members of the household of God and (ii) the Lord's Supper, a remembrance of Christ's life, death and coming again in which he is truly present by the power of the Holy Spirit to his people and nurtures their faith.SanctificationWe believe that God gives a new heart and new spirit to those who find salvation and wholeness in the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that, as the Word dwells in us, sin looses its hold on believers and we grow in Grace and Christlikeness.Sovereignty of GodWe believe that God is sovereign over his creation and over human history.?Yet, God's power is mysterious, for he created us as free beings and he respects our freedom. As the Apostle Paul puts it, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength" (1 Cor. 1:25). God is sovereign, but he is no dictator.?He created us for love and fellowship with him. So, even as he exercises his control over human history, he loves us and respects our freedom even when it causes us and others to suffer.Christian HopeWe believe we can experience the divine life of God, first in this world imperfectly as the people of God, then perfectly in heaven when we are present with Christ. We believe in the second coming of Christ as human history comes to a close and the effects of sin are once and for all removed.?For more about what Advent believes you may consult the?Westminster Confession of Faith of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC), to which we fully subscribe.Adventist Church of Promise aka Igreja Adventista da Promessa[[@Headword:C127]]Group idIAPGroup nameAdventist Church of Promise aka Igreja Adventista da Promessa aka Iglesia Adventista de la PromesaTraditionWikipedia Origin1932 split by Jo?o Augusto da Silveira from the Seventh-day Adventist ChurchLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 10 December 2013No que cremosOs pontos de fé da Igreja Adventista da Promessa s?o:1) A Bíblia SagradaCremos na Bíblia Sagrada; cremos que é a palavra de Deus, inteiramente inspirada pelo Espírito Santo, sendo, por isso, inteiramente confiável e suficiente para nos encaminhar à salva??o e nos conduzir ao crescimento na santifica??o e no conhecimento de Deus e de sua vontade.Referências bíblicas: Sl 19:7-8, 119:142, 160; Dn 4:2; Mt 5:17-20; 2 Tm 3:16; 2 Pe 1:12a.2) A triunidade divinaCremos e adoramos um único Deus, que existe em três pessoas distintas entre si: o Pai, o Filho e o Espírito Santo.Referências bíblicas ao Pai: Dt 32:6; 2 Sm 7:14; Sl 68:8, 89:26; Is 63:16, 64:8; Jr 3:4, 19; Ml 1:6, 2:10; Mt 5:16, 6:9, 26:53; Jo 6:27; At 1:4; Rm 1:7; 2 Co 1:2; Gl 1:3; Ef 4:6, 6:23; 1 Pd 1:2-3, etc.Referências bíblicas ao Filho: Jo?o 1:1, 8:58, 17:5, 20:28; Rm 9:5; Fp 2:5-6; Cl 1:17; Tt 2:13; Hb 13:8; 2 Pd 1:1; 1 Jo 1:1, etc.Referências bíblicas ao Espírito Santo: Gn 1:2; Mt 1:20; Lc 12:12; Jo 3:5-7, 16:8; At 1:8, 5:3-4, 8:29, 13:2; 1 Co 2:10-11, 3:16, 12:11; Ef 4:30.3) A cria??o do mundoCremos que Deus criou o mundo pela sua palavra e para a sua glória. Cremos que, além de criador, ele é o sustentador do universo e se revela através da cria??o, sem se confundir com ela, bem como se revela através da Palavra e do Filho.Referências bíblicas: Gn 1-2; Sl 19:1-4, 146-150; Jó 38-39; Rm 1:20; Cl 1:17; Hb 1:1, 11:3.4) Origem, queda e restaura??o do ser humano Cremos que Deus criou o ser humano, tal como narrado em Gn 1:26-27, 2:6-7, 18-23. e que este herdou de seu criador n?o primariamente a aparência física, mas as facetas de sua personalidade: pensamentos, emo??es e arbítrio, bem como a natureza espiritual, para conhecê-lo e adorá-lo. Entendemos que a cria??o do ser humano difere de todo o restante da cria??o, pois este é obra das m?os de Deus e possui capacidade para relacionar-se com o criador.Entendemos também que a queda do ser humano é decorrente de uma escolha mal feita: a de desobedecer à ordem divina de n?o comer da árvore do conhecimento do bem e do mal (Gn 2:17), o que teve como resultado o pecado universal (comum a todos os descendentes de Ad?o e Eva) e sua consequência final: a morte.Cremos que, apesar da ofensa humana ao Criador, este proveu um meio de redimir a humanidade: o sacrifício de Jesus Cristo em favor dos pecadores, a fim de reconciliá-los com Deus e devolver-lhes o direito à vida eterna.Referências bíblicas: Gn 1:26-27, 2:6-7, 17-25, 3; Sl 8:5-8, 95:6; Os 6:3; Rm 5, 8:1-17,38-39; 1 Co 15; 1 Jo 1:7.5) Jesus Cristo: salvador e mediador da humanidadeCremos que Jesus Cristo, plenamente divino e plenamente humano, foi o único capaz de quitar a dívida dos seres humanos para com Deus, reconciliá-los com este e livrar da morte eterna todos que crerem em seu nome e o confessarem como Senhor e Salvador. Cremos que só através do sacrifício de Cristo, na cruz do Calvário, o ser humano alcan?a a reden??o: é declarado livre de toda culpa e é feito filho de Deus. Jesus Cristo é o único Salvador, porque, sendo inocente, morreu em lugar dos pecadores condenados à morte, para dar-lhes o direito à vida; é também o único mediador, porque reconciliou a humanidade e toda cria??o com Deus, e intercede pelos pecadores junto ao Pai.Referências bíblicas: At 4:12; Rm 3:10-18, 5:8-10, 6:23; 2 Co 5:18-21; Fp 2:5-11; Cl 2:7-11; 1 Tm 2:5-6.6) Regenera??o e convers?oCremos que, por um ato de misericórdia, Deus dá nova vida àqueles que est?o mortos espiritualmente. Isso é o que chamamos de regenera??o ou novo nascimento. Cremos também que, uma vez regenerado, o ser humano capacitado pelo Espírito Santo a responder positivamente ao chamado do evangelho de Cristo, ou seja, a render-se à proposta divina de abandonar o pecado em arrependimento e voltar-se para Cristo em fé. Isso é o que chamamos de convers?o.Referências bíblicas: Mt 18:3; Mc 1:14; Jo 3:1-21, 16:8-11; Rm 10:17; 2 Co 5:17, 7:9-10, 12:3; Ef 2:1; 1 Pe 1:23.7) Justifica??o e ado??o Nós cremos na justifica??o, o ato unilateral de Deus declarar que, aos seus olhos, os pecadores s?o justos, por causa do sacrifício de Jesus. Quando o recebemos como Senhor e Salvador da nossa vida, Deus nos perdoa e somos declarados justos. Cremos também que, além de nos justificar, Deus nos adota como seus filhos, membros de sua família. Isso se chama ado??o.Referências bíblicas: Jo 1:12; 2 Co 5:21; Rm 6:23, 8:13-16; Ef 1:5, 2:1,3, 2:19; Hb 9:22.8) Santifica??o e perseveran?aNós cremos na santifica??o. Entendemos, com base na Epístola aos Hebreus, que, sem ela, ninguém verá o Senhor (Hb 12:14). Cremos que somos santos, n?o porque adquirimos uma posi??o elevada de espiritualidade, mas porque, ao recebermos Cristo como Senhor, fomos “separados” do nosso antigo modo de viver para um novo estilo de vida orientado por padr?es estabelecidos por Deus.Nós também cremos na perseveran?a. Entendemos que a salva??o pode ser perdida, e, por isso, deve ser preservada. Entendemos que o livre arbítrio n?o é destruído, no momento em que uma pessoa aceita a Jesus, e que, portanto, o risco da apostasia é real, se o crente n?o perseverar.Referências bíblicas: Mt 24:13, 10:22; Mc 13:13; Jo 8:31-32; 1 Co 1:2,30, 3:16, 6:19 ; 2 Co 1:1, 7:1; Rm 6:18, 8:14; Gl 5:16-18,22; Ef 4:13; Fp 1:1,6, 2:12, 3:13-16; Cl 1:1,22-23; 2 Ts 2:13; 2 Tm 4:8; Hb 2:1, 6:4-11, 10:26, 12:1-2,14; 1 Pd 1:15, 2:9; 2 Pd 1:21, 3:2; 1 Jo 3:2,6; Ap 2:10, 3:11.9) O batismo no Espírito Santo Nós cremos no batismo no Espírito Santo. Entendemos que esta obra n?o é a regenera??o, pois os discípulos já eram nascidos de novo quando o receberam. Também n?o é a santifica??o, que, como vimos, está ligada à separa??o do crente para Deus e é um processo diário. Ela n?o é, do mesmo modo, uma recompensa por servi?os prestados a Deus. Quem a recebeu n?o é superior a quem n?o a recebeu.Cremos que as línguas que servem de evidência para o batismo no Espírito n?o s?o humanas, das na??es, mas celestiais. A experiência de ser batizado no Espírito Santo é uma das mais importantes e maravilhosas que um crist?o pode vivenciar; todavia, n?o acreditamos que alguém possa ser batizado sem propósito. O objetivo do batismo no Espírito Santo é a capacita??o do discípulo de Cristo para a proclama??o do evangelho (At 1:8).Referências bíblicas: Is 32:15, 44:3; Ez 36:27, 39:29; Jl 2:28-29; Mt 3:11; Mc 1:8; Lc 3:16, 11:10, 24:49; Jo 1:33; At 1:5,8, 2:4,16,33,39; 1 Co 6:19, 14:2.10) Os dons espirituaisNós cremos nos dons espirituais, cuja origem é o Espírito Santo. Os dons s?o úteis à igreja de Cristo. S?o diversificados, presenteados pelo Espírito e indispensáveis no processo da nossa edifica??o e servi?o espiritual.Referências bíblicas: Rm 12:6-8; 1 Co 12 e 14; Ef 4:11-12.11) Evangeliza??o e discipulado Cremos que é miss?o da igreja evangelizar e discipular. N?o basta levar o pecador à fé salvífica inicial; é preciso ensinar a cada um com toda a sabedoria, para que apresentemos todo homem perfeito (maduro) em Cristo (Cl 1:28). Muito mais do que conversos, admiradores ou defensores, Jesus deseja que aqueles que o seguem sejam seus discípulos.Referências bíblicas: Mt 4:23, 10:25; Mc 16:14, 15; At 1:2,8, 5:42; Cl 1:28.12) Ordenan?as instituídas por CristoNós cremos nas ordenan?as instituídas por Cristo e as praticamos. S?o elas: O batismo por imers?o, o lava-pés e a ceia do Senhor. 12.1) O batismo por imers?o:Cremos que o batismo bíblico é sempre por imers?o em água. Essa maneira de realizá-lo representa três fatos espirituais: a morte, o sepultamento e a ressurrei??o. O crente morre para o mundo, é sepultado e ressuscitado para uma nova vida com Deus e para Deus. O batismo é o símbolo da mudan?a ocorrida na vida do pecador. Nele, o crist?o torna pública sua fé em Cristo e reconhece o senhorio de Jesus em todas as áreas de seu viver. Esse ato tem a ver com a uni?o do crente com seu Senhor ressurreto. ? demonstra??o da disposi??o de viver submisso a Jesus e à sua santa palavra.Referências bíblicas: Mt 3:2,7-17, 28:18-19; Mc 16:16; Lc 3:7-14; Jo 1:23, 3:22, 4:22; At 2:38-41, 8:12,13,36-38, 9:18, 10:48, 16:15,33, 18:8, 19:5, 22:16; Rm 6:1-4; 1 Pe 3:21. 12.2) O lava-pés:Cremos que o lava-pés é uma ordenan?a de Cristo a sua igreja e deve ser praticado por todos os crist?os, pois, após lavar os pés de seus seguidores, Jesus explicou-lhes a grande li??o desse ato, que é a prática da humildade, e ordenou-lhes que também lavassem os pés uns dos outros, acrescentando: … eu vos dei o exemplo para que, assim como eu vos fiz, fa?ais vós também (Jo 13:14-15).Referências bíblicas: Lc 22:24-27; Jo 13:14-15. 12.3) A ceia do Senhor:Entendemos que a ceia do Senhor é outra valiosíssima ordenan?a de Cristo a sua igreja. ? composta por dois elementos extremamente simples, porém, profundamente simbólicos: o p?o e o vinho, e tem dois importantes propósitos: a recorda??o (1 Co 11:24,25) e a comunh?o (cf. 1 Co 10:16-17).A Bíblia recomenda que, antes de participar da mesa do Senhor, o crente precisa fazer um autoexame: Examine-se, pois, o homem a si mesmo (1 Co 11:28). O objetivo deste exame n?o é que o crente se exclua dessa celebra??o, mas, sim, que coma do p?o, e beba do cálice (cf. 1 Co 11:28). O exame é necessário para que o crist?o n?o participe da ceia do Senhor indignamente. O crente precisa esquadrinhar seu cora??o, num exame minucioso, e confessar os pecados a Deus. Precisa também refletir sobre o significado da morte de Cristo e, com essa compreens?o, sentar-se à mesa para desfrutar dela com reverência e seriedade.Referências bíblicas: Mt 26:26-30; Mc 14:22-26; Lc 22:14-23; 1 Co 10:16-17, 11:20,24-25,28.13) A s? doutrina Nós cremos na s? doutrina, que é um conjunto bem definido de ensinamentos, inteiramente sadios e limpos, que têm por base única as s?s palavras de nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo (1 Tm 6:3). A doutrina de Deus é de valor inestimável e nos foi entregue para ser guardada íntegra, mediante a assistência do Espírito Santo que em nós habita (2 Tm 1:14). Esta s? doutrina deve ser transmitida e guardada, n?o aprisionada. Transmiti-la sem distor??es é obrigatório.Referências bíblicas: At 13:12; 1 Tm 1:10, 4:1,6,13,16, 5:17, 6:1,3; 2 Tm 1:13-14, 2:2, 3:10,16, 4:3; Tt 1:9,13, 2:1-2,10.14) Abstinência e temperan?a Nós cremos na abstinência. Entendemos, pela Bíblia, que o Deus Santo soberanamente classificou, caracterizou e denominou os animais que poderiam ser usados como alimento pelo seu povo. Entendemos, ainda, que a doutrina bíblica da abstinência, também associada à santidade, continua válida para nós, que vivemos neste século, e para todos que viver?o nos séculos seguintes.Também cremos que devemos demonstrar temperan?a, isto é, modera??o no consumo dos alimentos. Mas entendemos também que, no sentido espiritual, ser temperante ou ter domínio próprio significa conduzir-se com modera??o e exercer o autocontrole em todos os aspectos da vida, n?o apenas em quest?es ligadas ao consumo de alimentos. Temperan?a ou domínio próprio é um dos nove aspectos do fruto que o Espírito Santo produz em nós, quando andamos debaixo da sua dire??o (Gl 5:16, 22-23a).Referências bíblicas: Gn 1:20-29, 2:16-17, 3:1-6, 6:5-7,18-20, 7:2-7, 9:3; Lv 11; Dt 14:1-3; Pv 23:1-2, 25:16; Mt 13:48; At 10:14, 11:8, 24:25; Gl 5:22; 1 Tm 4:3; 1 Pd 1:5; 2 Pd 1:1,6, 5-8 ; Ap 18:2.15) A ora??o e sua eficácia Cremos que a ora??o é um aspecto fundamental no exercício da vida crist?. A eficácia da ora??o nos é garantida por Jesus: Por isso vos digo que tudo o que pedirdes, orando, crede que o recebereis, e tê-lo-eis (Mc 11:24). Todavia, entendemos que a ora??o n?o tem poder em si mesma: sua eficiência depende, exclusivamente, do poder divino. ? Deus quem efetua, por sua vontade, tanto o querer como o realizar (Fp 2:13).Referências bíblicas: 1 Rs 8:30; 2 Cr 7:14; Jó 22:27; Sl 66:18; Is 12:1; Jr 29:12; Mt 6:9-13, 19:26; Mc 11:24; At 8:15, 14:8-11; Fp 2:13, 4:6-7; Tg 4:3.16) A cura divina Nós cremos que Deus pode curar todos os tipos de enfermidades. Contudo, cremos que, ao curar alguém, Deus sempre tem um propósito. A cura pode ser efetuada para a manifesta??o das obras de Deus (Jo 9:3), o cumprimento da palavra e da vontade dele (Mt 8:16,17; Mc 3:1-5) e o testemunho do poder do Senhor (Mc 5:19).Referências bíblicas: Nm 12:12-15; 2 Sm 24:25; 2 Rs 5:1-15 20:1-11; Jó 42:10-13; Sl 103:3; Mt 8:3,16-17, 9:35; Mc 1:31, 3:1-5, 5:19; Lc 7:21; Jo 9:3; At 3:7, 5:16, 9:34, 14:10.17) A lei dos dez mandamentos e sua vigênciaCremos que a validade dos dez mandamentos é contínua e a sua aplica??o é universal. Eles valem para todos os tempos e devem ser pessoalmente obedecidos por todos que s?o justificados gratuitamente, mediante a fé em nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo. Entendemos que os salvos s?o capacitados por Deus para a obediência e que, portanto, esta é o fruto da salva??o efetuada por Deus naqueles que creem em Jesus.Referências bíblicas: ?x 20, 31:18, 34:28; Dt 4:1,13, 5:33, 8:1, 10:4; Mt 19:16; Jo 12:50; Rm 1:5, 7:10.18) O verdadeiro dia de descanso Cremos que Deus santificou o sétimo dia, o sábado, estabelecendo com ele uma rela??o especial. Por ter sido instituído no ?den e entregue, primeiramente, a Ad?o e Eva, o verdadeiro dia de descanso foi entregue por Deus a toda a humanidade e continua válido, uma vez que n?o foi revogado por Cristo. Nesse dia santo, n?o devemos cuidar dos nossos próprios negócios e interesses, mas, sim, aprofundar nossa comunh?o com Deus e com nossos irm?os.Referências bíblicas: Gn 2:1-3; ?x 20:8-10; Dt 5:12; Ne 9:14; Is 58:13-14; Mc 2:27-28.19) A distin??o das leis Além das leis morais, reveladas nos dez mandamentos, duas outras foram formalmente instituídas por Deus, no monte Sinai: as leis rituais e as civis. As leis rituais ou cerimoniais diziam como as cerim?nias e os sacrifícios deveriam ser preparados e apresentados ao Senhor; as civis, por sua vez, diziam quais eram os direitos e os deveres dos israelitas. Estas duas leis também provêm de Deus, mas se distinguem das morais, principalmente, no que diz respeito ao período de vigência e ao público a que se destinam: foram suspensas por Cristo e destinavam-se apenas ao povo de Israel. Cremos, portanto, que a lei que permanece vigente para a nossa e para todas as épocas é a lei moral de Deus.Referências bíblicas: ?x 21:14-19; Hb 9:1-10, 10:1-14.20) A manuten??o da obra: dízimos e ofertas Cremos que existem duas práticas bíblicas estabelecidas por Deus como meio de manuten??o de sua obra aqui na terra: os dízimos e as ofertas. S?o esses subsídios que têm permitido à igreja cumprir sua miss?o no mundo. Entretanto, dízimos e ofertas n?o s?o compromissos que temos com a igreja, mas, sim, com o Senhor.O dízimo n?o deve ser encarado como uma doa??o à igreja, mas como um ato de adora??o e gratid?o por tudo que Deus nos concede.N?o é opcional: é um dever de todo crente. As ofertas, por sua vez, s?o sempre voluntárias. No Novo Testamento, o ato de contribuir é considerado um privilégio que Deus nos concede. Os dízimos e as ofertas s?o, igualmente, atos de gratid?o ao Senhor.Referências bíblicas: Gn 14:20, 28:20-22; Dt 16:17; Ne 12:44; Pv 3:9-10; Lv 27:31; Ml 3:8-12; Mt 23:23; 2 Co 8:4-11, 9:5-7; Hb 7:8.21) Submiss?o às autoridades e liberdade de consciência Com base na palavra de Deus, acreditamos que todo crist?o deve obedecer e se submeter às autoridades governamentais e às leis do país em que vive; deve orar pelos líderes da na??o e pelo bem-estar do povo; ser bom cidad?o que exerce seus direitos e cumpre seus deveres na sociedade em que vive. Esse mesmo princípio bíblico de submiss?o e obediência aplica-se também às autoridades eclesiásticas: os líderes e consagrados da igreja de Cristo, especialmente os pastores.Contudo, nenhuma dessas autoridades é absoluta e inquestionável. Se as autoridades deixam de cumprir o que Deus lhes designou, exigindo o que Deus proíbe ou proibindo o que Deus ordena, ent?o, nosso dever é resistir e n?o nos sujeitar. A isso, damos o nome de “liberdade de consciência”.Referências bíblicas: Dn 4 e 6; Mt 22:21; At 5:29; Rm 13:1,6-7; 1 Ts 5:12-13; 1 Tm 2:1-2; Tt 3:1; Hb 13:17; 1 Pd 2:17.22) O casamento, o lar e a família Nós cremos na import?ncia da família. Entendemos que é impossível existir sociedade justa e igrejas fortes sem famílias estruturadas. Segundo a Bíblia, o casamento foi ideia de Deus (Gn 2:18-24). Por isso, é o único meio legítimo de se construir um lar. No conceito bíblico, casamento é a uni?o de duas pessoas de sexos diferentes, que se comprometem, diante da lei, a viverem juntas, uma para a outra, na condi??o de marido e mulher, até que a morte os separe. Em Gênesis 2: 24, descobrimos que o casamento idealizado por Deus é heterossexual, monog?mico, exclusivo, indissolúvel, público e físico.Referências bíblicas: Gn 2:18-24; 1 Co 7:1-6,10-17; Ef 5:22-32, 6:1-4. 23) A igreja de Cristo Nós cremos na igreja. As Escrituras a chamam de corpo de Cristo (1 Co 11:3; Ef 5:23), lavoura (1 Co 3:6-9), edifício (1 Co 3:10-13), noiva (Ap 19:7-8), família (Ef 3:14-15), templo (2 Co 6:16). A igreja é a comunidade dos santos, a reuni?o do povo de Deus e o próprio povo de Deus. ? o conjunto dos verdadeiros crist?os de todos os tempos; os que se arrependeram e foram perdoados, justificados e adotados mediante a fé em Jesus. Reúne pessoas de todas as ra?as, de todas as dist?ncias, de todas as nacionalidades, de todas as culturas, de todos os gostos e propens?es, de todas as camadas da sociedade, de todos os temperamentos.Cremos que Jesus é o proprietário da igreja e que, portanto, n?o podemos associá-la ao nome de uma pessoa humana, por mais célebre que seja esta pessoa. Jesus é a cabe?a da igreja. Somente ele deve ser honrado pelo que fez e continua a fazer por ela e através dela. Além de ser o proprietário, Jesus também é o protetor da igreja. Por isso, ela é forte, n?o em si mesma, mas em Cristo.Referências bíblicas: Mt 16:18; 1 Co 3:6-13, 11:3; 2 Co 6:16; Ef 3:14-15, 5:23; Fp 3:20; Hb 13:14; Ap 19:7-8.24) A mortalidade da alma Nós cremos na mortalidade da alma. Entendemos que é claro o ensino bíblico de que o ser humano n?o tem uma alma, mas é uma alma. A Bíblia enxerga o ser humano em sua totalidade, sendo que, quando ele morre, vai à sepultura em sua totalidade (Jó 33:14, 18; Ec 9:5, 10; Sl 146:4). Isso significa que n?o existe vida humana extracorpórea. Jesus disse que é dos sepulcros que os mortos ressurgir?o (Jo 5:28). Sendo assim, depois da morte, n?o existe segunda chance: ou iremos ressuscitar para vida eterna, ou iremos ressuscitar para a morte eterna (Dn 12:2).Referências bíblicas: Gn 2:7,16-17, 3:19; Jó 33:14,18; Sl 104:29, 146:4; Pv 19:16; Ec 9:5,10, 12:7; Ez 18:4,20, 33:9; Dn 12:2; Jo 5:28; 1 Co 15:51-52; Tg 2:26.25) Os dias da crucifica??o e da ressurrei??o de Jesus Nós cremos que Jesus foi crucificado no dia 14 de abibe, numa quarta-feira, sepultado ao p?r-do-sol deste mesmo dia e ressuscitado no dia 17 de abibe, no sábado, momentos antes do p?r-do-sol. ? muito claro pela leitura dos evangelhos que Jesus foi traído e preso na mesma noite em que ceou com seus discípulos. O evangelho de Jo?o diz sobre essa noite: Faltava somente um dia para a Festa da Páscoa (13:1 – NTLH). Nessa noite, Jesus foi traído, preso e julgado pelo Sinédrio (cf. Mt 26:47-75; Mc 14:43-72; Lc 22:47-71; Jo 18:1-27), e, ao amanhecer, levado diante de Pilatos para também ser julgado (cf. Mc 15:1-15; Lc 23:1-25; Jo 18:28-19:16).Cristo esteve morto por três dias e três noites inteiras. No final do sábado, quando as mulheres foram ao sepulcro de Jesus, ele já havia ressuscitado (Mt 28:1,6). E, se ele ressuscitou no sábado, momentos antes do p?r-do-sol, para ter ficado três dias e três noites no cora??o da terra, temos de concordar que ele foi colocado no túmulo em uma quarta-feira, momentos antes do p?r-do-sol.Referências bíblicas: Mt 26:47-75, 28:1, 6; Mc 14:43-72, 15:1-15; Lc 22:47-71, 23:1-25; Jo 13:1, 18:1-28, 19:16.26) A segunda vinda de Cristo Nós cremos na segunda vinda de Cristo. Cremos que esse evento será literal (At 1:10, 11), pessoal (Jo 14:3; 1Ts 4:16a), visível (Mt 24:30a; Ap 1:7), glorioso (Mt 16:27; 24:30b; Cl 3:4) e súbito (Mt 24:44). Entendemos que a data da volta de Cristo já está certa, mas Deus n?o a revelou em sua palavra. Jesus deixou claro que apenas o Pai sabe o tempo exato desse evento. Disse, ainda, que n?o nos compete saber esta data, que o Pai reservou pela sua exclusiva autoridade (At 1:7).Referências bíblicas: Is 25:9; Dn 7:13; Zc 14:5; Ml 3:2-3; Mt 16:27, 24:3,17,30,37,39,42,44; Mc 13:26; Lc 21:27; Jo 14:3; At 1:10-11; 1 Co 1:7; Cl 3:4; 1 Ts 2:19, 4:15,16; 2 Ts 1:7, 10; Tt 2:13; Tg 5:7-8; 1 Pd 1:7; 2 Pd 1:16, 3:4, 12; 1 Jo 2:28; Jd 14; Ap 1:7.27) As ressurrei??es dos mortos Nós cremos em duas ressurrei??es: a dos justos e a dos injustos (Dn 12:2; Jo 5:28-29). Essas duas ressurrei??es distinguem-se também quanto ao tempo e aos propósitos. Cada uma ocorrerá no seu próprio tempo. A primeira marcará o início da bem-aventuran?a para os salvos. A segunda, por sua vez, marcará o início da desventura para os n?o-salvos. A Escritura afirma que há uma ordem: os que s?o de Cristo, ressuscitar?o por ocasi?o da sua segunda vinda (1 Co 15:33; 1 Ts 4:16), e os que n?o s?o de Cristo, mil anos depois da ressurrei??o dos justos (Ap 20:5).Referências bíblicas: Jó 19:25-27; Sl 16:8-11, 49:14-15, 73:24; Is 26:19; Dn 12:2; Mt 16:21; Mc 10:34; Lc 9:22; Jo 5:28-29, 6:39-40; At 2:24,32; 1 Co 15:3-4,20-24,33-50; 2 Co 5:1-4; 1 Ts 4:13-16; Ap 20:5.28) O milênio Nós cremos que o milênio terá início com a segunda vinda de Cristo e n?o será na terra, mas no céu. Foi para o céu, o lugar onde Deus está (Mt 6:9), que Jesus prometeu levar seus seguidores. ? só a partir da volta de Cristo que os salvos come?ar?o a reinar com ele (Ap 20:6). Primeiramente, durante o milênio, no céu; depois disto, na terra (Ap 21:1-2), onde o próprio Deus morará com os salvos (Ap 21:3).Cremos que, no início do milênio, Satanás será aprisionado e assim ficará, durante todo esse tempo (Ap 20:1-2). Ele estará circunstancialmente impedido de executar seus maldosos planos, porque, depois da volta do Senhor, a terra estará desolada e completamente vazia (Is 24:1). Após o retorno de Cristo, os salvos estar?o com o Senhor, no céu; os n?o-salvos mortos n?o ressuscitar?o (Ap 20:5), e os n?o-salvos vivos morrer?o (Jr 25:33). Mil anos no céu é o tempo de paz e de descanso que Deus reservou para aqueles que aceitaram a Jesus Cristo como Senhor e Salvador e a ele permaneceram leais até ao fim. E este é apenas o come?o da eternidade.Referências bíblicas: Is 24:1; Jr 25:33; Mt 6:9; Jo 14:1-3; 1 Co 15:33; 1 Ts 4:17; Ap 20:4-6, 21:1-3.29) O juízo final Cremos que, de acordo com a Bíblia, o juízo ocorre logo depois da morte física da pessoa: E, assim como aos homens está ordenado morrerem uma só vez, vindo, depois disto, o juízo (Hb 9:27). T?o logo morre, a pessoa já é, de imediato, julgada inocente ou culpada pelo justo Juiz. Se morreu com Cristo, a coroa da justi?a lhe está guardada, a qual o Senhor, reto juiz, lhe dará naquele dia (2 Tm 4:8a). Se ela morreu sem Cristo, está condenada, porque n?o creu no nome do único Filho de Deus (Jo 3:18).Todos conhecer?o o resultado concreto desse julgamento permanente e irrevogável, em momentos diferentes: os justos ressuscitados e os transformados, antes do início do milênio, e os ímpios, logo depois do final deste. Após o fim dos mil anos, todos os ímpios ser?o ressuscitados e postos em pé diante do grande trono branco (Ap 20:12a). Cristo, o Juiz, usará a sua própria palavra para julgá-los (Jo 12:49).Vale a pena frisar que, desse juízo final, far?o parte apenas os ímpios, pois, para os que est?o em Cristo, n?o há nenhuma senten?a de condena??o (Rm 8:1). Além disso, nessa época, estes já ter?o tomado parte da primeira ressurrei??o (Jo 5:24) e passado mil anos com o Senhor, nos céus (Ap 20:5b), quando também receber?o autoridade de julgar (Ap 20:4).Referências bíblicas: Ec 12:14; Mt 7:24-25; Jo 3:18, 5:24, 12:48-49; Rm 8:1; 2 Tm 4:1,8; Hb 9:27; Ap 20:4-5,12.30) A origem e a extin??o da maldade As Escrituras d?o como origem do mal a rebeli?o de um anjo que ocorreu no céu, numa época anterior ao pecado de Ad?o. Rebelando-se contra Deus, este anjo acabou por influenciar a ter?a parte dos anjos, com os quais foi expulso do céu por Deus (2 Pd 2:4; Jd 6; Ap 12:7-9), vindo para a terra. Aqui, já no ?den, Satanás enganou o primeiro casal, que também se tornou pecador, bem como toda a sua descendência (Rm 5:12). Estabeleceu-se, assim, o conflito entre o bem e o mal (Gn 3:15).Cremos que, de acordo com a Bíblia, para punir aqueles que pecam, Deus utiliza n?o a tortura, mas a morte (Lv 10:1-2; At 5:1-10). E isso é assim desde que ocorreu o primeiro pecado. A tortura n?o combina com a justi?a de Deus, um dos seus atributos. Sendo assim, Deus n?o os atormentará eternamente, mas os aniquilará, isto é, os destruirá totalmente. Isso significa que o mal n?o é eterno, porque teve princípio; e tudo que tem princípio tem fim.Referências bíblicas: Gn 3; Jó 1:1; Is 14:11-19; Ez 28; Mt 4:1-11, 12:29; Rm 5:12; Ef 6:10-17; 2 Pd 2:4; Jd 6; Ap 12:7-9, 20:2.31) A nova terra, o lar dos remidosCremos que, após serem aniquilados os que se op?em a Deus, haverá um novo céu e uma nova terra, pois o primeiro céu e a primeira terra passar?o (Ap 21:1). Ent?o, a muito antiga promessa divina de renova??o do presente sistema de coisas se cumprirá plenamente (2 Pd 3:1-13). Esta terra, que fora amaldi?oada por Deus e sujeita por ele à vaidade (Rm 8:20), no princípio, em raz?o do pecado do ser humano, agora será renovada e purificada de toda impureza e totalmente redimida do cativeiro da corrup??o (Rm 8:21).Os salvos viver?o na nova terra, n?o por algum tempo, mas para sempre, porque esta se tornará a sua eterna morada. Ter?o perfeita e profunda comunh?o com Deus, que vai habitar e comungar com eles continuamente. Por esse tempo, a cidade santa, a nova Jerusalém, já terá descido do céu, da parte de Deus, para se tornar a sede do perfeito governo de Deus, aqui na terra (Ap 21:9-10).Referências bíblicas: Is 59:2; Jo 14:1-3; Rm 8:20-21; 2 Pd 3:1-13; Ap 21, 22:3.Adventist Connections | Hampton VA[[@Headword:C126]]Group idGroup nameAdventist ConnectionsTraditionSeventh-day AdventistWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 10 December 2013What we believeWe believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and is profitable for correction, reproof, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16) and that it reveals the almighty God.We believe in the relevance of the prophetic books of Daniel and Revelation which provides an outline of end time events, culminating in the glorious second coming of Jesus Christ. Matthew 24:32-51We believe that Jesus is the eternal, self-existent God and is not a created being. Even though He is fully God, He took upon Himself the form of a man to live and die for our sins. We believe that He is ministering in heaven on our behalf.We believe that the penalty for man's sin was paid on the cross of Calvary in Jesus' death. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23. By believing on Jesus Christ and accepting the grace of His shed blood applied on our behalf, we receive the gift of eternal life.We believe that God created our world in six literal days and rested on the seventh day, the Sabbath (Saturday). God has asked us to remember to keep this day holy, as expressed in the fourth commandment. We love Jesus for His sacrificial death; therefore we want to obey Him as He commands in John 14:15. We are not saved by our works; but, because we are in a saving relationship with Christ, we choose to keep His commandments as the guide for successful living. Matthew 24:32-51AIM: Adventist Information Ministry | Berrien Springs, MI[[@Headword:C165]]Group idAIMGroup nameAdventist Information Ministry | Berrien Springs, MITraditionSeventh-day AdventistsWikipediaOrigin1982Links toNorth American Division of Seventh-day AdventistsAndrews UniversityWebsite Source of creedal statement 30 January 201428 Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist? ChurchBeliefs of the Seventh day Adventist ChurchAetherius Society, The | Los Angeles LA[[@Headword:C128]]Group idGroup nameThe Aetherius SocietyTraditionUFOWikipedia Origin1954 by George King after he was contacted by Aetherius, an extraterrestrial beingLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 15 December 2013Key beliefsThe Society’s beliefs cover a very wide spectrum of philosophy, religion, metaphysics and the spiritual sciences, including the following key concepts:Selfless service to othersService to others, also known as “karma yoga”, is the greatest spiritual practice anyone can perform. This is the most important aspect of The Aetherius Society’s work and teachings.YogaFar from just being a way to stay fit and healthy, or even a relaxation technique, yoga is in fact a profound and ancient spiritual philosophy with enlightenment and selflessness at its core.Spiritual energy, prayer and healingSpiritual energy is no less real than electricity and operates according to natural laws. It can help to heal, inspire, guide, bless and protect whoever it is directed to.We can all learn to invoke and transmit this light energy – this love energy – to help ourselves, individuals in need, and most importantly, the world as a whole.Dynamic prayer is not about requesting a favor from a whimsical deity, but about attracting spiritual energy to oneself and directing it to a focal point to bring about positive change. Mantra – the recitation of holy sounds – is also a great way to invoke and transmit this mystical power.Spiritual healing works in a similar way and can be learnt by anyone.The Divine withinThe essence of us all, and of everything in creation, is Divine – a spark of God.We all come from the Divine source – and we will all eventually return to this source. It is known by many names – God, Brahma, Jehovah etc, and is described differently by different faiths. It is eternal, all-powerful and all-knowing. It exists everywhere – and it is everything. In fact, it is more even than that.By correctly navigating our own personal journey through experience, we evolve and become increasingly aware of our Divine nature. As a result we gain greater and greater enlightenment, and also greater and greater spiritual powers which can be used in selfless service to others.Intuition and psychic powersIt is possible for all of us to develop our intuition and innate psychic ability through service and yogic self-development techniques.The Mother EarthThe Mother Earth is a living Goddess who is sacrificing her own evolution to provide a home for humankind – a backward and often barbaric race. The Aetherius Society works in various ways to help her in this self-appointed task – a task of unimaginable self-sacrifice.Extraterrestrial lifeAdvanced extraterrestrial civilizations exist on other planets in this solar system. Science as we know it has not detected this life because it exists at higher frequencies of vibration on these planets. In The Aetherius Society these beings are sometimes termed “Cosmic Masters”, or even “Gods”, in deference to their high state of spiritual evolution.In great compassion and self-sacrifice, they help humankind on Earth in countless ways. Without them we would have long since perished.Certain Cosmic Masters have in the past chosen to be born among us in Earth bodies in order to give teaching and other forms of essential assistance. The Master Jesus, the Lord Buddha, Sri Patanjali, Sri Krishna, Confucius and Lao Zi were such beings.The Aetherius Society cooperates directly with the Cosmic Masters in the performance of five Cosmic Missions, including Operation Prayer Power.Intelligent life also exists beyond this solar system – some worlds being more advanced than our own, some less advanced – some extraterrestrial intelligences being benevolent, and others hostile.UFOsSome so-called “unidentified flying objects” have in fact been identified as extraterrestrial spacecraft. These have been visiting Earth for millennia; in the Bible they are described in various ways including “cloud”, “star” and “flying scroll”, and in the Hindu scripts there is a specific term for them: vimana.Karma and reincarnationKarma is not about punishment, but about learning. Karma is the great cosmic teacher which gives us the lessons we need in order to advance in our journey through spiritual evolution.Between incarnations we spend a period of time on another “plane” ( also referred to as another “realm”). This is part of Earth but exists at a different frequency of vibration. When, after many lives, we have learnt all the lessons provided by reincarnation, we are allowed to leave this “wheel of rebirth” and start a higher experience cycle on another planet as a Cosmic Master. Some people choose to sacrifice this opportunity to remain on Earth as an Ascended Master.Due to the wrong thought and action of humankind for millennia, the balance of world karma at present is not good. This prevents more direct intervention from the Cosmic Masters, such as an open landing in a major city.Much of The Aetherius Society’s work is done specifically in order to improve world karma, especially through the Cosmic Missions it is instrumental in performing.APCI: Affirming Pentecostal Church International | Carpentersville IL[[@Headword:C129]]Group idAPCIGroup nameAffirming Pentecostal Church International | Carpentersville ILTraditionApostolic PentecostalWikipedia Origin2010 as a LGBTS-affirming Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal groupLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 10 December 2013Our Doctrine There is only one GOD, who has manifested himself as Father in creation, the Son in Redemption, and the Holy Ghost in Regeneration…We affirm the original Apostolic teaching that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine, and is the fullness of the Godhead manifested in the flesh. Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, had a miraculous ministry, died on the cross for the sins of all, rose from the dead, and will come again. (Deut. 6:4; Is 43:10-11, 45:21; Hosea 13:4; Mark 12:29; 1 Cor. 8:4-6; 1 Tim. 2:5; James 2:19; Is. 7:14; Matt. 1:23; Acts 10:38; 2 Cor. 5:21; Acts 2:31-32; John 1:1-5,14; John 10:30; Col. 1:19, 2-9; 2 Cor. 4:6; 1 Tim. 4:10; Titus 2:13)THE BIBLE is the divinely inspired Word of GOD. It was written by men of old as the Holy Ghost moved on them. No contention is made for a perfect translation, and care should be given to understanding God’s Word as it was intended to be understood, by the original recipients, maintaining historical and cultural context. (2 Tim. 3:16; Matt. 24:35)All HUMANITY has inherited a sinful nature resulting from the fall of Adam and Eve. In addition to this, every person has sinned of their own volition and is in need of a Savior. (Ps. 51:5; Rom. 3:23)REDEMPTION is a gift of God purchased by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is available to all, and is obtained through faith, grace, and obedience to the Word of God.The original Apostolic message calls for: Belief in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Water Baptism by full immersion in the name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the Baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues. (Jn. 3:3, 5; Mark 16:16-17, 38, 39; Acts 2:4, 38, 39; Acts 8:16; Acts 10:46, 48; Acts 19:5-6; Acts 22:16; 1 Cor. 14:5, 18; Rom. 8:9, 11, 15-16; Gal. 3:13; 5:4, 18; 1 Jn. 5:8; 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Heb. 9:22; Rom. 6:4, 6; Titus 3:5)HOLINESS is an ongoing process of separation from sin and growing closer to God and His will. We encourage every believer to live a life of modesty, moderation, honesty and morality. We are to flee sin in pursuit of God’s righteousness in our lives. (Heb. 12:1; Rom. 8:5-14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Thess. 5:22; 2 Cor. 6:17; 1 Jn. 2:15; Gal. 2:20)Those who have responded to the Word of God, not only as believers, but as doers, make up the CHURCH of Jesus Christ. The church is also known as the Bride of Christ and bears His Name in covenant relationship. Jesus, not any other individual or entity, shall determine who is His bride. (1 Tim. 3:15; Eph. 5:27; 1 Peter 2:9; Jn 3:3, 5; Rev. 21:2; Acts 15:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Thess. 5:22; 2 Cor. 6:17; 1 Jn. 2:15; Rom. 8:7; Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5; 22:16)We believe each believer should seek to excel in the GIFTS & FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. The fruit of the Spirit is God’s work in the believer’s life. The Gifts of the Spirit are entrusted to the church for the duration of the church age. These gifts are governed by the parameters laid down in Scripture. (Rom. 12:3-8; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 4:11-16; Luke 10:9; Mark 16:18; James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24)We believe that GENDER & ORIENTATION (gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation) are irrelevant to our relationship with God. In God’s eyes, both in Christ’s body and in Heaven, there is neither male nor female. We believe that God is no respecter of persons in the forming of marriages. We believe God’s ideal for sexual expression is that it be between only two people, both of lawful age, both fully consenting, unrelated, and united by love in marriage. (Gal. 3:28; Mark 12:25)In regard to LAST THINGS, scripture teaches that Jesus will return for His church. We also believe that there will be a seven-year tribulation during which time the anti-Christ will be revealed. Following the Great tribulation, the Battle of Armageddon will be fought, which will culminate in Christ’s victory over Satan. Thus begins Christ’s one-thousand year Earthly reign of peace. This millennial reign will end with the judgment of the human race and the assignment of all people to their eternal reward or punishment. (Rom. 2:4-8; 14:12; 1 Cor. 3:13-15; Matt. 24; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; Rev. 7:14; 16:16; 1 Jn. 2:18; 2 Thess. 2:3-4; Rev. 19:1 ? 22:7)Africa Evangelical Church[[@Headword:C130]]Group idGroup nameAfrica Evangelical ChurchTraditionWikipediaOrigin1889 independent interdenominational missionLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 16 December 2013 16 December 2013Our vision statement"By faith we see the church in Southern Africa working in unity in diversity of language, race, culture and gender, with an agreed evangelical doctrine of salvation whose body life is experienced by all members so that it disciples and reproduces itself in holiness of living."Our ObjectivesTo plan specific activities and projects where we are working together, in mission and outreach programmes both locally and abroad. This would also include regular sharing of specific prayer requests among our different churches.To conduct periodic reviews (written or verbal) of the membership in order to find their understanding of the evangelical doctrine of salvation. Where there is lack of knowledge or understanding, the leadership in the church will address it.To conduct seminars for our church leaders on the biblical teaching of body life and how it should be operating in our churches.To conduct a course on evangelism and discipleship (verbal or written for all our members) and that each one be given or should find a disciple to minister to (2 Timothy 2:2).To hold seminars on holiness of life and that a system in our churches be adopted to help the membership to be accountable to each other with relevant programmes, i.e. brother/brother, sister/sister programme.Statement of Faith of the Africa Evangelical Church 1. THE SCRIPTURES We believe that the Old and New Testament Scriptures as originally written, were given by verbal and plenary inspiration of God, and are supreme and final authority in Christian faith and practice. 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Pet. 1:19-21; Heb. 1:1-2. 2. THE TRINITY OF GOD We believe there is only one living and true God, Who exists eternally in three Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Deut. 6:4-5; Gen. 1:26; 1 John 5:7; 2 Cor. 13:14. 3. THE VIRGIN BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST We believe that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, was begotten of the Holy Spirit and was born of the virgin Mary, that He might come into the world to save man from sin by His death upon the cross, making atonement through His shed blood. John 1:1, 2, 14; Luke 1:28-34; John 1:29; 1 Pet. 2:24; 3:18; Heb. 9:12,14,22. 4. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST We believe that Jesus Christ rose bodily from the grave and ascended into Heaven where He lives to make intercession for us, and is the One and only Mediator between God and man, and that He shall come again to receive unto Himself all who have been cleansed from sin by personal faith in His shed blood. Matt. 28; Acts 1:10-11; 1 Tim. 2:5, 6; 1 John 2:1, 2. 5. THE HOLY SPIRIT We believe in the personality of the Holy Spirit who is the Third Person of the Trinity. He is the One Who convicts man of sin, regenerates those that believe in Jesus Christ, baptizing them into the Body of Christ at their conversion. He seals, indwells, sanctifies and fills believers, producing in them the fruit of the Spirit, and giving them power for service. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to believers as He wills. No gift is given to a believer as an indispensable sign of the fullness of the Spirit. John 16:7-11; 3:5-7; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Eph.1: 13-14; 4:30; John 14:16-17; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; 2 Cor. 3:18; Acts 4:8,31; Eph. 5:18; John 15:5; Gal. 5:22-23; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11; Eph. 4:11,12; 1 Cor. 12:28-30. 6. SATAN We believe in the personality of Satan, that he is the perpetrator and sustainer of evil, who with all his servants will suffer eternal death in the lake of fire. Matt. 4:1-3; 2 Cor. 4:4; Rev. 20:1-15. 7. MAN We believe that man was created by God and in His image. He rebelled in Adam, and is therefore a sinner by nature, which is expressed in sinful thoughts and deeds, and is of himself not able to please God. Unless He is saved by the grace of God he stands condemned. The believer will be raised in a spiritual body to live in eternal fellowship with God, while the unbeliever will be raised to eternal punishment. Gen. 1:27-31; Rom. 5:12; Ps. 51:5; Is. 64:6; Jer. 17:9; Mark 17:21-23; Rom. 3:10-18; Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 8:7-8; John 3:18; Heb. 9:27-28; 1 Cor. 15:12,44; Rom. 5:18; Heb. 9:11-12;1 Thess. 4:13-17; John 5:29; Matt. 25:46; Rev. 20:15. 8. THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH We believe that the Church universally consists of all those, and only those, who have been redeemed by personal faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ without any reference to their denominational affiliation. John 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Acts 2:47; Eph. 1:22, 23; 2:22; 5:2. 9. CHRIST'S RETURN We believe in the return of Christ to receive the Church, His Bride, unto Himself; and that the Church possesses all prerogatives of self-government, having only One Head, Jesus Christ our Lord, and is free from interference from any super imposed authority. 1 Thess. 4:16-17; Titus 2:12-15; 1 John 3:2. 10. ORDINANCES We believe that the only ordinances of the Church are baptism and the Lord's Supper as taught in the Word of God, and that one is not eligible for Church membership unless he accepts and believes in practising these ordinances. Matt. 3:16-17; 26:26-30; Acts 8:36-39; Rom. 6:3, 4; 1 Cor. 11:23-32. 11. CIVIL GOVERNMENT We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, and is for the good of human society; that magistrates, rulers and all in authority are to be prayed for, honoured and obeyed, except in things contrary to the clear teachings of the Word of God. Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:17; 1 Tim. 2:2. 12. ETERNAL BLESSEDNESS AND PUNISHMENT We believe in the eternal blessedness of believers in God's eternal kingdom and the eternal punishment of nonbelievers with Satan and his angels in complete separation from God. Matt. 25:41-46; Mark 9:42-48; John 3:16, 36; Rev. 21:8. 13. THE GREAT COMMISSION We believe that commission to preach the gospel to every creature is directed to every believer in Jesus Christ. Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8. 14. SECOND ADVENT We believe in the triumphant second advent of Jesus Christ to establish His kingdom on earth. Rev. 20:1-3, 11-15. Africa Evangelical Presbyterian Church[[@Headword:C131]]Group idAEPCGroup nameAfrica Evangelical Presbyterian ChurchTraditionPresbyterianWikipedia OriginLinks toOrthodox Presbyterian ChurchPresbyterian Church in KoreaPresbyterian Church in AmericaWorld Reformed FellowshipWebsiteSource of creedal statement 11 December 2013Apostles’ Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) XE "Creed:Westminster Confession of Faith (1646)"Westminster Shorter Catechism (1646-7) XE "Catechism:Westminster Shorter Catechism (1646-7)"Westminster Larger Catechism (1647) XE "Catechism:Westminster Larger Catechism (1647)"Africa Inland Church Kenya[[@Headword:C132]]Group idAICGroup nameAfrica Inland ChurchTraditionevangelicalWikipediaOrigin1895 Africa Inland Mission (Pennsylvania Bible Institute) missionaries1940 became autonously1943 nationalized under the name Africa Inland Church, Kenya1952 completed constitution1971 AIM became a department of AICLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statementAfrica Inland Church Sudan[[@Headword:C133]]Group idAICGroup nameAfrica Inland ChurchTraditionevangelicalWikipedia Origin1949 Africa Inland Mission missionaries1972 became autonomousLinks toSudan Council of ChurchesWorld Council of ChurchesWorld Council of Reformed ChurchesWebsiteSource of creedal statementAfrica Inland Mission International [[@Headword:C134]]lefttopGroup idAIMGroup nameAfrica Inland Mission International (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Korea, New Zealand, South Africa, United States of America)TraditionWikipedia Origin1895 by Peter Cameron Scott (Presbyterian) as Philadelphia Missionary CouncilLinks toBranch offices:Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Korea, New Zealand, South Africa, United States of AmericaWebsite (serves as portal to branch offices)Source of creedal statement 30 December 2013 30 December 2013Statement of FaithThe members of this Mission declare their belief in:The unity and trinity of God, eternally existing in three co-equal Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God the Creator and Preserver of all things, who created man, male and female, in his own image, and gave them dominion over the earthly creation. The deity and humanity of God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being very God, also became man, being begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, dead and buried, was raised bodily from the dead, and ascended to the right hand of the Father; whose two natures continue eternally and inseparably joined together in one Person. The deity and personality of God the Holy Spirit, and the necessity of his work to make the death of Christ effective to the individual sinner, leading him to repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; and in his ministry, dwelling permanently within and working through the believer for godly life and service. The divine, verbal inspiration and infallibility and inerrancy of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as originally given, and their absolute and final authority in all matters of faith and conduct.The universal sinfulness and guilt of human nature since the fall, rendering man subject to God's wrath and condemnation.The sacrificial death of our Representative and Substitute, the Lord Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, by the shedding of whose blood atonement was made for the sins of the whole world and whereby alone men are redeemed from the guilt, penalty and power of sin.The necessity of the new birth as the work of God the Holy Spirit, to be obtained only by receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour; that men are saved by grace through faith, not by works.The eternal blessedness of the saved, and the eternal punishment of the lost.The security of the believer, based entirely on the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ, whereby, as a born-again child of God, he has assurance of salvation and has the right to all the privileges of the sons of God. The responsibility of the believer to maintain good works, and to obey the revealed will of God in life and service, through which eternal rewards shall be received.The True Church, whose Head is the Lord Jesus Christ, and whose members are all regenerate persons united to Christ and to one another by the Holy Spirit. The observance of the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper as appointed by the Lord Jesus Christ. The supreme mission of the Church as being to glorify God and to preach the gospel to every creature. The personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ. The resurrection of the body.Core ValuesWe Are God-Centered:We acknowledge the absolute and final authority of God and his Word in all thingsWe believe that our highest calling is to bring God the glory and worship He so richly deservesWe are committed to being disciples of our Lord Jesus ChristWe embrace the essential role of individual and corporate prayerWe depend upon God as the ultimate provider for our spiritual and material needsWe recognize the centrality of the local church in the plan of GodWe Are Ministry Focused:We are committed to making disciples of our Lord Jesus ChristWe are committed to establishing maturing churches among unreached peoplesWe are committed to developing Christ-like leadersWe believe that ministries are enhanced through a lifestyle consistent with the ministry contextWe are committed to learning local languages as an essential tool for effective ministryWe express the life of Christ through teaching and practical demonstrations of His compassionWe enter into partnerships with churches as an autonomous, nondenominational, mission organizationWe hold that integrity is essential in all that we do both as a mission and as individualsWe look to the Lord in faith to supply all our needs while sharing information appropriatelyWe cooperate with like-minded organizations to enhance accomplishing our purposeWe Are Member Oriented:We are an organization governed by and accountable to its members whose opinions regarding ministry direction are valued by those in leadershipWe acknowledge that decisions are generally best made by those closest to the ministryWe respect God’s personal guidance in the life of individualsWe respect the role of mission leadership and seek to identify, equip and empower servant leadersWe value our families and commit ourselves to maintaining and enhancing the well being of our marriages and our childrenWe are committed to help each member grow as they are transformed into the image of ChristThe African Church[[@Headword:C135]]Group idGroup nameThe African ChurchTraditionAnglicanWikipedia Origin1901 in Nigeria as a split from the Anglican churchLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statementThe Alliance aka The Christian and Missionary Alliance | Colorado Springs CO[[@Headword:C136]]Group idC&MAGroup nameThe Alliance (The Christian and Missionary Alliance)TraditionWikipedia Origin1887 by Rev. Albert Benjamin Simpson as two parachurch organizations:Christian AllianceEvangelical Missionary Alliance1897 organizations merged; mid-20th century became a denominationLinks toAberdeen Christian Fellowship | Aberdeen SDChico Alliance Church | Bremerton WAWebsite Source of creedal statement 4 December 2013The Alliance Our Statement of Faith XE "Creed:Alliance Our Statement of Faith, The (undated)" Amahoro Africa[[@Headword:C137]]Group idGroup nameAmahoro AfricaTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 13 January 2014An African creedWe reject the imported, colonial narrative.We reject the media as sole arbiters of truth.We reject celebrity and the living of second hand dreams though false images of success.We reject boredom in a world brimming with potential.We seek authentic unmediated relationships with the world, with the earth, one another and with the Divine.We look to Christ as our mediator, who will liberate us and lead us into all truth.This creed ended a liturgy called “Mediated” from the first South African gathering of the Amahoro Institute in Cape Town in July 2008. Thanks to Nic Paton for the text.The American Association of Lutheran Churches | Fort Wayne IN[[@Headword:C138]]Group idTAALC or AALCGroup nameThe American Association of Lutheran Churches | Fort Wayne INTraditionLutheranWikipedia Origin1987 as a continuation of ALC: American Lutheran Church when the majority of the congregations merged with the LCA: Lutheran Church in America and the AELC: Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches to form the ELCA: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America1995 suffered splitter forming Lutheran Ministerium and Synod | Indianapolic INLinks toALTS: American Lutheran Theological Seminary | Fort Wayne INAssociation of Free Lutheran CongregationsConservative Lutheran AssociationEvangelical Lutheran SynodILC: International Lutheran CouncilLAMPLBI: Lutheran Bible InstituteLCMS: Lutheran Church – Missouri SynodLutheran Evangelistic MovementLIRS: Lutheran Immigration and Refugee ServiceLutheran World ReliefWorld Confessional Lutheran AssociationWorld Mission Prayer League~70 congregationsWebsite Source of creedal statement 3 January 2014Church position papersLutheran DistinctionsAbout GodThe ChurchThe WordThe Holy SpiritScripture and ConfessionsRegarding MarriageSanctity of LifeAbout HomosexualityDeclaration of Faith and Policy and Position Statements of The American Association of Lutheran Churches (1987) XE "Creed:Declaration of Faith and Policy and Position Statements of The American Association of Lutheran Churches (1987):text" (All policies in this manual were approved and accepted at the National AALC Constituting Convention, November 7, 1987)I. A DECLARATION OF FAITH AND INTENTION of Biblical and Evangelical Lutheran Who Covenant Together to Form The American Association of Lutheran ChurchesWe covenant together in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in order to form an association of Biblical and evangelical Lutheran congregations. As laity and pastors it is our desire to make clear testimony of our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior as revealed in the Bible – the divinely inspired, inerrant Word of God and the only infallible authority for Christian faith and life. (II Peter 1:19-21, II Timothy 3:14-17) ALC Constitution 3.10)Furthermore, we declare that we desire to be guided in our interpretation of the Word of God by the ecumenical creeds and the confessions of the Lutheran Church.We also declare our intention to form the American Association of Lutheran Churches in which the authority of the congregation in all matters pertaining to its life and mission is not abrogated or diminished by any hierarchical church structure.It is our intent to make a clear testimony to the Biblical emphasis that the new life in Christ is the life lived in thankful response to the grace of God in keeping with the moral imperatives which God declares in His Word (e.g. Galatians 5, Ephesians 5).Our intention is to utilize the 1960 Constitution of the ALC as the format for the constitution of this American Association of Lutheran Churches.It is, furthermore, our intention that this American Association of Lutheran Churches rejects the modernist practice of placing the method of science as an authority above Scripture. Furthermore, we acknowledge that there are “open questions” in theology and church practice.Inasmuch, as it is the primary mission of the church to win and hold people in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, as mandated in the “Great Commission,” the emphasis of this Association shall be to enable congregations in their evangelism, home and world mission outreach.II. CONFESSION OF FAITHThe American Association of Lutheran Churches accepts all the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as a whole and in all their parts as the divinely inspired, revealed, and inerrant Word of God, and submits to this as the only infallible authority in all matters of faith and life.As brief and true statements of the doctrines of the Word of God, this Church accepts and confesses the following Symbols, subscription to which shall be required of all its members, both congregations and individuals:a. The ancient ecumenical Creeds: the Apostolic, the Nicene, and the Athanasian.b. The unaltered Augsburg Confession and Luther’s Small Catechism.As further elaboration of and in accord with these Lutheran Symbols, this Church also receives the other documents in the Book of Concord of 1580: the Apology, Luther’s Large Catechism, the Smalcald Articles, and the Formula of Concord; and recognizes them as normative for its theology.The American Association of Lutheran Churches accepts without reservation the symbolical books of the evangelical Lutheran church, not insofar as but because they are the presentation and explanation of the pure doctrine of the Word of God and a summary of the faith of the evangelical Lutheran Church.III. THE MISSION OF THE CHURCHThe primary mission of the Church is Christ’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:19)…to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them to observe all that God has commanded…This task is a never ending one, not only in terms of reaching the unevangelized peoples of the world with the Gospel, but also in terms of evangelizing every generation. Until such time as the Association sends out missionaries, every congregation is encouraged to investigate possibilities of supporting missionaries through a variety of groups such as LAMP, World Mission Prayer League, World Confessional Lutheran Association, etc.IV. EVANGELISMWe are called to be witnesses (Acts 1:8). This implies encouragement of and training for the members of each congregation in evangelism. This is not an option for Christians, but is part and parcel of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). There are several good training programs available. To be witnesses also implies starting new congregations in our own country. To this end we encourage congregations to be aware of possibilities in their own areas and with other congregations jointly to explore possible ways of starting mission congregations. Every congregation is encouraged to give prayer, personnel and monetary support for thestarting of new congregations.We are also concerned with renewal in our congregations. To this end we need to take seriously passages such as Ephesians 4:7-16 and Article VII of the Augsburg Confession. The goal of the word of God (taught and preached) is to bring people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and to nurture that relationship that it may grow and bear fruit to God’s glory. Care must be exercised that local and national structures truly reflect this goal, for when this takes place then witnessing, evangelism and world mission will flourish.V. RESOLUTION CONCERNING ORDINATIONWHEREAS the American Association of Lutheran Churches submits to Scriptures as the only infallible authority in all matters of faith and life, andWHEREAS both who favor and those who oppose the ordination of women base their positions on theirinterpretation of Scripture, andWHEREAS the position of those who oppose the ordination of women also find support in history, tradition, and majority opinion, andWHEREAS Scripture indicates that God calls and uses both men and women in different areas of ministry; therefore,BE IT RESOLVED that the American Association of Lutheran Churches ordain men into the ministry of Word and Sacrament and encourage women to seek and consider God’s call into all other areas of ministry;BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the American Association of Lutheran Churches continue to study the role of men and women in the Church in the light of the Scriptures and with the enlightening of the Holy Spirit.VI. STATEMENT ON CHRISTIAN / PARISH EDUCATIONOne of the primary ministries of the Church is nurturing or Christian/Parish education. The Apostle Paul included the gift of teaching in his listing of the gifts of the Spirit (I Corinthians 12). Luther says this is an urgent task and hence wrote his large and small catechisms (see also his introductions to these two documents in the Book of Concord). A number of Jesus’ parables dealt with the need for growth (e.g. Matt. 13, Mark 4 and Luke 13) which implies nurturing and feeding the Christian life.In thinking of Christian education, we want to affirm that the Bible is to remain the primary textbook at all levels-nursery school, Sunday School, confirmation and adult classes. Our goal should always be that every Christian will have a growing and working knowledge of the Bible (see Ephesians 4:8-16). All literature used for any study group should be judged on the basis of its use of and faithfulness to the Bible as set out in our Statement of Faith. We do not push any particular supply source, but will be responsible as a Church to share concerns and warnings about literature we know about that is not faithful to the Word of God.Our Lutheran Confessions (as found in the Book of Concord) also need to receive attention in our Christian Education programs. These, along with the Word of God, are to be seen as a benchmark in evaluating all our teaching materials. We would encourage every congregation to have an overall Christian education plan; to emphasize adult education; and to share information with other congregations as to good Biblical materials that are faithful to our Lutheran heritage.In our Christian/Parish education programs we need to remember and to teach accordingly, that education is not only “head knowledge,” or in educational terms, must include the cognitive (knowledge) area, the affective (beliefs, attitudes, values, feelings) area, and the doing or skill (application to life) area. The Scriptures note favorably that Jesus “increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). James emphasizes the idea that true faith (as opposed to simply claimed faith) expresses itself in action. Further, we need to recognize levels of growth in these areas. The saying is applicable here, that when we stop growing, we start dying. If our spiritual life is not growing in these three areas all of our life, then our spiritual life is in danger of dying.VII. STATEMENT ON GIFTS OF THE SPIRITWe recognize that Scripturally and historically every congregation will have unique aspects of ministry within the larger body of Christ, as the Holly Spirit wills and gives, just as individuals receive and manifest various gifts of ministry and service within the congregation, as the Holy Spirit wills and gives.The AALC receives with joy this diversity of individuals and congregations. We urge upon congregations and their leadership (both clergy and lay) to also rejoice in this diversity and be diligent in exercising faithful and sound teaching (as we confess in our Statement of Faith), guidance and correction as needed in all areas, always subject to the Scriptures, letting all things be done decently and in order, alwaysgoverned by love.We will attempt to provide study materials, guides and bibliographies to cover the Scriptures and various perspectives. As a beginning we suggest the following Scriptures:Mark 16:14-17; Romans 12:4-13; I Corinthians 12:13-14; Ephesians 4:11-16; I Peter 4:10-11VIII. BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIPWe encourage Biblical Stewardship as an undergirding for the primary mission of the church (see such passages as I Peter 4:9-11, Luke 12:35-48 and II Corinthians 9). We need to refrain from constant haranguing about money and concentrate on solid teaching. When true and real Biblical needs are there, God’s people will respond with their stewardship of time, talent and money. To this end The AALC will recommend solid Biblical teaching approaches and material, incorporated into the church’s teaching ministry.IX. POLICY STATEMENT REGARDING THE SANCTITY OF LIFE AND ABORTIONIn dependence upon God, with love for those who are fearful of bearing children and with charity toward those who hold differing opinions, regarding the sanctity of life and abortion, we of AALC:1. Affirm that human life from conception is created in the image of God and is always sacred. Galatians 1:15, Jeremiah 1:5.2. Understand that an induced abortion is a sin before God against mankind because it ends a unique human life for which God has a plan that would bring glory to Him and benefit to fellow humans beings. Psalm 139:1, 7, 13.3. Advocate the exercise of sexual and procreative acts only within the framework of marriage in accordance with the teaching of God’s Word so as to diminish the temptation to turn to abortion.4. Deplore the legal permissiveness that denies protection to the weakest and most defenseless of the human family, the unborn. We view this as an irresponsible and morally reprehensible neglect of God’s gift of human life.5. Reject the practice of induced abortion.6. Acknowledge that there may be rare cases in which the mother’s physical life is clearly and directly threatened and where all other possible alternatives to saving the lives of both mother and child have been exhausted, that abortion may be a tragic option.7. Recognize that civil law is a significant factor in shaping the judgment of citizens concerning that which is right and wrong. The current legal climate of total permissiveness regarding abortion teaches that human life has diminished significance or value.8. Urge that pastors, counselors and others dealing with the “other victim,” the mother herself, as well as fathers and others responsible for and involved in the practice of abortion, be knowledgeable and sensitive about the profound guilt, remorse and shame that accompanies abortion and be diligent in ministering the Gospel of forgiveness and new life through Christ Jesus to them.9. Urge pastors to lovingly counsel women with problem pregnancies to avail themselves of options in dealing with the child other than abortion and that we strive to provide loving care, guidance and means to facilitate such options for the mother.10. Urge Christians everywhere to patiently strive through prayer, proclamation of God’s Word regarding the sanctity of human life and all Christian and legal means to effect the changes in law necessary to provide full protection for all unborn and born children.X. AALC POSITION ON HOMOSEXUALITYThe AALC regards homosexual desires and behavior as sinful and contrary to God’s intent for His children. It rejects the contention that homosexual desires, behavior and/or lifestyle are simply another form of sexuality equally valid with the God-given male-female pattern. We urge Pastors and Congregations to initiate Scriptural teaching in appropriate situations so as to counter the growing social/cultural approval of homosexual attitudes and mindset.X. STATEMENT ON DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGEDivorced pastors who apply for membership on The AALC clergy roster may be received who have expressed and demonstrated a sincere repentance over the sin of divorce and this repentance has been as publicly declared as is appropriate.The Clergy Commission and the Board of Trustees may exercise gracious judgment to uphold the integrity of the Gospel and The AALC.XII. INTER-CHURCH COOPERATIONL.C.U.S.A.That The AALC seeks cooperation with Lutheran Council U.S.A. wherever it feels it is not compromising its stand.A. Military Chaplaincy which already includes Lutheran Church Missouri SynodB. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS)C. Lutheran world ReliefALTAR FELLOWSHIPWe have officially inquired into pulpit and altar fellowship with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, Wisconsin, Association of Free Lutheran Congregations, Conservative Lutheran Association and theEvangelical Lutheran Synod.National Council of Churches and World Council of ChurchesThis association will not become a member of the above organizations and will not support by representation, money, or service, the above organizations.LUTHERAN INDEPENDENT MINISTRIESThe AALC acknowledges and is supportive of the L.B.I. (Lutheran Bible Institute) movement.The AALC acknowledges and is supportive of the World Mission Prayer League.The AALC acknowledges and is supportive of the Lutheran Evangelistic MovementThe AALC acknowledges and is supportive of other conservative-Evangelical Lutheran independent organizations.INTER-CHURCH COOPERATIONWe do affirm the Lutheran position of “Lutheran pulpits for Lutheran Pastors.” We also recognize that while we use sound judgment with regard to Scriptural and doctrinal integrity, it will be appropriate at times to allow the witness of others in our pulpits.We will cooperate with reformed Pastors in community events such as ministerial meetings, graduations and other celebrations.Apostolic CreedNicene CreedAthanasian Creedunaltered Augsburg ConfessionLuther’s Small Catechism.Book of Concord of 1580: the Apology, Luther’s Large Catechism, the Smalcald Articles, and the Formula of Concord;American Baptist Association [[@Headword:C139]]Group idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementAmerican Baptist Churches USA [[@Headword:C140]]Group idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementAmerican Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the U.S.A. Group idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementAmerican Catholic Church in the United StatesGroup idACCUSGroup nameAmerican Catholic Church in the United StatesTraditionOld CatholicWikipedia Origin1999 by The Most Reverend Lawrence J. Harms, D.D.Links toWebsite Source of creedal statementChurch position papersACCUS canon law, official statementsAmerican Heritage GirlsGroup idGroup nameAmerican Heritage GirlsTraditionWikipedia Origin1995 split from Girl ScoutsLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 7 December 2013Statement of Faith applies to all American Heritage Girls’ Charter Organizations, Adult Members and Adult Leaders. "We believe that there is One Triune God – Father, Jesus Christ, His one and only Son; and the Holy Spirit – Creator of the universe and eternally existent. We believe the Holy Scriptures (Old and New Testaments) to be the inspired and authoritative Word of God. We believe each person is created in His image for the purpose of communing with and worshipping God. We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit, Who enables us to live godly lives. We believe that each individual is called to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength; and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We believe God calls us to lives of purity, service, stewardship and integrity." Clarity is further provided to the following terms: Purity- God calls us to lives of holiness, being pure of heart, mind, word and deed. We are to reserve sexual activity to the sanctity of marriage; a lifelong commitment before God between a man and a woman. Service- God calls us to become responsible members of our community and the world through selfless acts that contribute to the welfare of others. Stewardship- God calls us to use our God given time, talents and money wisely. Integrity- God calls us to live moral lives that demonstrate an inward motivation to do what is right, regardless of the cost. American National Catholic ChurchGroup idANCCGroup nameAmerican National Catholic ChurchTraditionWikipediaOrigin2009Links toLineage of Roman Catholic Bishop Carlos Duarte-Costa of BrazilWebsite Source of creedal statement 4 December 2013BeliefsNicene Creed XE "Document:Nicene Creed:text" We believe in one God,the Father, the Almighty,maker of heaven and earth,of all that is seen and unseen.We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,the only Son of God,eternally begotten of the Father,God from God, Light from Light,true God from true God,begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father.Through him all things were made.For us and for our salvationhe came down from heaven:by the power of the Holy Spirithe was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,he suffered, died, and was buried.On the third day he rose againin fulfillment of the Scriptures;he ascended into heavenand is seated at the right hand of the Father.He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,and his kingdom will have no end.We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,who proceeds from the Father and the Son.With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.He has spoken through the Prophets.We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.We look for the resurrection of the deadand the life of the world to come. Amen.Ordained MinistryThe ANCC embraces the traditional threefold ministry of bishops, priests and deacons. While the church firmly believes that church governance and ministry is the responsibility of all the faithful, it is also recognized that some within the church are called to sacramental ministry through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. These individuals are not superior in any way, they are called by God to be examples of holiness and have a special role in the sacramental life of the church.Clerical CelibacyThe clergy of the ANCC are not required to take a vow of celibacy. Like the apostles and the early church, our clergy are permitted to marry and have families of their own. For this reason our clergy understand firsthand the joys and struggles that come with the Sacrament of Matrimony.Women PriestsA vocation is a calling by God. The ANCC believes that the call to ordained ministry is not limited by gender. Women may be ordained to the priesthood and episcopal office of bishop within the ANCC.Gay and Lesbian InclusivenessAll respected contemporary understanding of homosexuality tells us that sexual orientation is an inherent aspect of personal identity. We believe that some of God’s children are gay and lesbian because God has seen it fit to create them as such. All of God’s creation is good and as such we welcome our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters in the fullness of the life of the church. Sacramental limitations on marriage and ordination are rejected. As such, we joyfully unite same sex couples in the Sacrament of Matrimony and ordain qualified gays and lesbians called by God.PapacyThe pope, as bishop of Rome, holds a special historical office and has the distinction of being “first among equals” of the world’s bishops. Because of this status, we have great respect for the bishop of Rome and the church prays for him. This is why we adhere to the belief of the early undivided church. Like the early church, we do not believe that the pope is infallible or holds universal jurisdiction over the Church.Congregational ModelThe ANCC embraces a “congregational model” of governance. Local parish communities maintain autonomy in their governance and function. A common set of standards for acceptance into ordained ministry for clergy is maintained across the church. Parish communities adhere to a core set of basic policies. The presiding bishop of the church is elected by the ordained and lay representatives at the General Convention. S/he does not serve for life and must be reelected to continue to hold office. The presiding bishop serves in an important teaching capacity and serves as the voice of church. The presiding bishop also exercises the important sacramental functions of the Office of Bishop and is entrusted with the responsibility of ordaining qualified candidates to the diaconate and priesthood. American Rescue WorkersGroup idARWGroup nameAmerican Rescue WorkersTraditionSalvation ArmyWikipedia Origin1882 split from The Salvation Army by Thomas E. MooreLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 6 December 2013American Rescue Workers Articles of ReligionWe believe in one Supreme God, who is "from everlasting to everlasting," who is infinitely perfect, benevolent and wise, who is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omnicient, and who is the Creator and Ruler of heaven and earth. We believe in a Triune God-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe these three Persons are one, and while separate in office, are undivided in essence, co-equal in power and glory, and that all men everywhere ought to worship and serve this Triune God.We believe the contents of the Bible to have been given by inspiration of God, and the Scriptures form the divine rule of all true, godly faith and Christian practice.We believe that our first parents were created without sin, but by listening to the tempter and obeying his voice fell from grace and lost their purity and peace and that in consequences of their disobedience and fall all men have become sinful by propensity and are consequently exposed to the wrath of God.We believe that Jesus Christ , the only begotten Son of God, by the sacrifice of His life, made an atonement for all men, and that whosoever will call upon Him and accept His overtures of grace may be saved.We believe that in order to be saved that it is necessary (a) to repent toward God, (b) to believe with the heart in Jesus Christ, and (c) to become regenerated through the operation of the Holy Spirit.We believe that the Holy Spirit gives to each person thus saved the inward witness of acceptance by God. We believe that the Scriptures teach and urge all Christians to be cleansed in heart from inbred sin, so that they may walk uprightly and "serve Him without fear in holiness, and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives."We believe the soul shall never die: and that we shall be raised again; that the world shall be judged by God, and that the punishment of the wicked will be eternal and the joy and reward of the righteousness will be everlasting before the throne of God.American Unitarian ConferenceGroup idAUCGroup nameAmerican Unitarian ConferenceTraditionUnitarianWikipedia Origin2000 split by Unitarian Universalists from the Unitarian Universalist AssociationLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 5 December 2013Church position papersyesPrinciplesReligious Principles1. God’s presence is made known in a myriad of ways. Religion should promote a free and responsible search for truth, meaning, communion and love.2. Reason is a gift from God. Religion should embrace reason and its progeny, including the scientific enterprise which explores God’s creation.3. Free will is a gift from God. Religion should assist in the effort to find a path that exercises that gift in a responsible, constructive and ethical manner.4. Conscious of the complexity of creation, of the limits of human understanding and of humanity’s capacity for evil in the name of religion, we hold that humility, religious tolerance and freedom of conscience should be a central part of any religious experience.5. Religious experience is most fulfilling in the context of a tradition. Our religious tradition is the Unitarian tradition, which emphasizes the importance of reason in religion, tolerance and the unity of God.6. Revelation is ongoing. Religion should draw inspiration not only from its own tradition but from other religious traditions, philosophy and the arts. Although paying due regard for the hard lessons learned in the past and to the importance of religious tradition, religion should not be stagnant but should employ reason and religious experience to evolve in a constructive, enlightened and fulfilling way.7. Conscious of the spiritual and material needs of our fellow men and women, the evil they may be subjected to and the tragedies they may endure, works of mercy and compassion should be a part of any religious experience. Governance Principles1. All persons were created equal before God. The AUC shall not discriminate against anyone except on the basis of character, qualifications or merit.2. The AUC believes that separation of church and state is an important principle. Thus the AUC will not engage in political, policy or lobbying activity and make no political, policy or lobbying declarations except in narrow instances where government is directly affecting religious practice.3. Being an association of free churches, each member church shall have the right to call or ordain any person it so chooses to the ministry based on its own criteria. The duties and responsibilities of the clergy shall be determined by each member church. The AUC shall maintain a list of associated ordained clergy.4. Ministers shall have the right to associate with the American Unitarian Conference by using the AUC name as part of his or her title or otherwise once called or ordained unless that right is specifically revoked by the Board of the AUC. The only grounds for revoking this right of association are actions or statements inconsistent with the statement of religious principles of the AUC or actions or statements inconsistent with the AUC governance principles.5. A member congregation shall have the right to use the name of the American Unitarian Conference as part of its name or otherwise once chartered by the AUC unless that right is specifically revoked by the Board of the AUC. The only grounds for revoking this right of association are actions or statements inconsistent with the statement of religious principles of the AUC or actions or statements inconsistent with the AUC governance principles.6. Whether or not a congregation employs clergy shall not affect the standing of a congregation within the AUC.Ancient Church of the East aka Ancient Holy Apostolic Catholic Church of the EastGroup idGroup nameAncient Church of the EastTraditionPatriarchate of Seleucia-Ctesiphon – Church of the EastWikipedia Origin1964 split from Assyrian Church of the EastLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 6 December 2013Nicene Creed XE "Document:Nicene Creed" Anglican Catholic ChurchGroup idACCGroup nameAnglican Catholic Church previously known as Anglican Church in North AmericaTraditionAnglo-CatholicWikipedia Origin1977 split from Anglican Church of Canada and Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of AmericaLinks toAnglican Province of Christ the KingUnited Episcopal Church of North AmericaWebsiteSource of creedal statement 6 December 2013The Affirmation of St. Louis (1977) XE "Creed:Affirmation of St. Louis (1977):text" )IntroductionThe Continuation of AnglicismWe affirm that the Church of our fathers, sustained by the most Holy Trinity, lives yet, and that we, being moved by the Holy Spirit to walk only in that way, are determined to continue in the Catholic Faith, Apostolic Order, Orthodox Worship and Evangelical Witness of the traditional Anglican Church, doing all things necessary for the continuance of the same. We are upheld and strengthened in this determination by the knowledge that many provinces and dioceses of the Anglican Communion have continued steadfast in the same Faith, Order, Worship and Witness, and that they continue to confine ordination to the priesthood and the episcopate to males. We rejoice in these facts and we affirm our solidarity with these provinces and dioceses. The Dissolution of Anglican and Episcopal Church StructureWe affirm that the Anglican Church of Canada and the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, by their unlawful attempts to alter Faith, Order and Morality (especially in their General Synod of 1975 and General Convention of 1976), have departed from Christ's One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.The Need to Continue Order in the ChurchWe affirm that all former ecclesiastical governments, being fundamentally impaired by the schismatic acts of lawless Councils, are of no effect among us, and that we must now reorder such godly discipline as may strengthen us in the continuation of our common life and witness. The Invalidity of Schismatic Authority We affirm that the claim of any such schismatic person or body to act against any Church member, clerical or lay, for his witness to the whole Faith is with no authority of Christ's true Church, and any such inhibition, deposition or discipline is without effect and is absolutely null and void. The Need for Principles and a Constitution We affirm that fundamental principles (doctrinal, moral, and constitutional) are necessary for the present, and that a Constitution (redressing the defects and abuses of our former governments) should be adopted, whereby the Church may be soundly continued. The Continuation of Communion with Canterbury We affirm our continued relations of communion with the See of Canterbury and all faithful parts of the Anglican Communion. WHEREFORE, with a firm trust in Divine Providence, and before Almighty God and all the company of heaven, we solemnly affirm, covenant and declare that we, lawful and faithful members of the Anglican and Episcopal Churches, shall now and hereafter continue and be the unified continuing Anglican Church in North America, in true and valid succession thereto.Fundamental PrinciplesIn order to carry out these declarations, we set forth these fundamental Principles for our continued life and witness. PrefaceIn the firm conviction that "we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ," and that "there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved," and acknowledging our duty to proclaim Christ's saving Truth to all peoples, nations and tongues, we declare our intention to hold fast the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Faith of God.We acknowledge that rule of faith laid down by St. Vincent of Lerins: "Let us hold that which has been believed everywhere, always and by all, for that is truly and properly Catholic." I. Principles of DoctrineNature of the ChurchWe gather as people called by God to be faithful and obedient to Him. As the Royal Priestly People of God, the Church is called to be, in fact, the manifestation of Christ in and to the world. True religion is revealed to man by God. We cannot decide what is truth, but rather (in obedience) ought to receive, accept, cherish, defend and teach what God has given us. The Church is created by God, and is beyond the ultimate control of man. The Church is the Body of Christ at work in the world. She is the society of the baptized called out from the world: In it, but not of it. As Christ's faithful Bride, she is different from the world and must not be influenced by it. The Essentials of Truth and OrderWe repudiate all deviation of departure from the Faith, in whole or in part, and bear witness to these essential principles of evangelical Truth and apostolic Order: Holy ScripturesThe Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the authentic record of God's revelation of Himself, His saving activity, and moral demands - a revelation valid for all men and all time. The CreedsThe Nicene Creed XE "Creed:Nicene Creed" as the authoritative summary of the chief articles of the Christian Faith, together with the "Apostles' Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" , and that known as the Creed of St. Athanasius XE "Creed:Athanasian Creed" to be "thoroughly received and believed" in the sense they have had always in the Catholic Church. TraditionThe received Tradition of the Church and its teachings as set forth by "the ancient catholic bishops and doctors," and especially as defined by the Seven Ecumenical Councils of the undivided Church, to the exclusion of all errors, ancient and modern. SacramentsThe Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, the Holy Eucharist, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders, Penance and Unction of the Sick, as objective and effective signs of the continued presence and saving activity of Christ our Lord among His people and as His covenanted means for conveying His grace. In particular, we affirm the necessity of Baptism and the Holy Eucharist (where they may be had) -- Baptism as incorporating us into Christ (with its completion in Confirmation as the "seal of the Holy Spirit"), and the Eucharist as the sacrifice which unites us to the all-sufficient Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross and the Sacrament in which He feeds us with His Body and Blood. Holy OrdersThe Holy Orders of bishops, priests and deacons as the perpetuation of Christ's gift of apostolic ministry to His Church, asserting the necessity of a bishop of apostolic succession (or priest ordained by such) as the celebrant of the Eucharist - these Orders consisting exclusively of men in accordance with Christ's Will and institution (as evidenced by the Scriptures), and the universal practice of the Catholic Church. DeaconessesThe ancient office and ministry of Deaconesses as a lay vocation for women, affirming the need for proper encouragement of that office. Duty of BishopsBishops as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds and Teachers, as well as their duty (together with other clergy and the laity) to guard and defend the purity and integrity of the Church's Faith and Moral Teaching. The Use of Other FormulaeIn affirming these principles, we recognize that all Anglican statements of faith and liturgical formulae must be interpreted in accordance with them. Incompetence of Church Bodies to Alter TruthWe disclaim any right or competence to suppress, alter or amend any of the ancient Ecumenical Creeds and definitions of Faith, to set aside or depart from Holy Scripture, or to alter or deviate from the essential pre-requisites of any Sacrament. Unity with Other BelieversWe declare our firm intention to seek and achieve full sacramental communion and visible unity with other Christians who "worship the Trinity in Unity, and Unity in Trinity," and who hold the Catholic and Apostolic Faith in accordance with the foregoing principles. II. Principles of MoralityThe conscience, as the inherent knowledge of right and wrong, cannot stand alone as a sovereign arbiter of morals. Every Christian is obligated to form his conscience by the Divine Moral Law and the Mind of Christ as revealed in Holy Scriptures, and by the teaching and Tradition of the Church. We hold that when the Christian conscience is thus properly informed and ruled, it must affirm the following moral principles: Individual ResponsibilityAll people, individually and collectively, are responsible to their Creator for their acts, motives, thoughts and words, since "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ . . ." Sanctity of Human LifeEvery human being, from the time of his conception, is a creature and child of God, made in His image and likeness, an infinitely precious soul; and that the unjustifiable or inexcusable taking of life is always sinful. Man's Duty to GodAll people are bound by the dictates of the Natural Law and by the revealed Will of God, insofar as they can discern them. Family LifeThe God-given sacramental bond in marriage between one man and one woman is God's loving provision for procreation and family life, and sexual activity is to be practiced only within the bonds of Holy Matrimony. Man as SinnerWe recognize that man, as inheritor of original sin, is "very far gone from original righteousness," and as a rebel against God's authority is liable to His righteous judgment. Man and God's GraceWe recognize, too, that God loves His children and particularly has shown it forth in the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that man cannot be saved by any effort of his own, but by the Grace of God, through repentance and acceptance of God's forgiveness. Christian's Duty to be MoralWe believe, therefore, it is the duty of the Church and her members to bear witness to Christian Morality, to follow it in their lives, and to reject the false standards of the world. III. Constitutional PrinciplesIn the constitutional revision which must be undertaken, we recommend, for the consideration of continuing Anglicans, the following: Retain the Best of Both ProvincesThat the traditional and tested features of the Canadian and American ecclesiastical systems be retained and used in the administration of the continuing Church. Selection of BishopsThat a non-political means for selection of bishops be devised.Tripartite SynodThat the Church be generally governed by a Holy Synod of three branches (episcopal, clerical and lay), under the presidency of the Primate of the Church.Scriptural Standards for the MinistryThat the apostolic and scriptural standards for the sacred Ministry be used for all orders of Ministers.Concurrence of all Orders for DecisionsThat the Constitution acknowledge the necessity of the concurrence of all branches of the Synod for decisions in all matters, and that extraordinary majorities be required for the favorable consideration of all matters of importance. Re-establishment of DisciplineThat the Church re-establish an effective permanent system of ecclesiastical courts for the defense of the Faith and the maintenance of discipline over all her members. Constitutional Assembly to be CalledThat our bishops shall call a Constitutional Assembly of lay and clerical representatives of dioceses and parishes to convene at the earliest appropriate time to draft a Constitution and Canons by which we may be unified and governed, with special reference to this Affirmation, and with due consideration to ancient Custom and the General Canon Law, and to the former law of our provinces. Interim ActionIn the meantime, trusting in the everlasting strength of God to carry us through all our trials, we commend all questions for decision to the proper authorities in each case: Episcopal, diocesan, and parochial, encouraging all the faithful to support our witness as subscribers to this Affirmation, and inviting all so doing to share our fellowship and the work of the Church.IV. PRINCIPLES OF WORSHIPPrayer Book - The Standard of WorshipIn the continuing Anglican Church, the Book of Common Prayer is (and remains) one work in two editions: The Canadian Book of 1962 and the American Book of 1928. Each is fully and equally authoritative. No other standard for worship exists. Certain Variances PermittedFor liturgical use, only the Book of Common Prayer and service books conforming to and incorporating it shall be used.V. PRINCIPLES OF ACTIONIntercommunion with other Apostolic ChurchesThe continuing Anglicans remain in full communion with the See of Canterbury and with all other faithful parts of the Anglican Communion, and should actively seek similar relations with all other Apostolic and Catholic Churches, provided that agreement in the essentials of Faith and Order first be reached. Non-Involvement with Non-Apostolic GroupsWe recognize that the World Council of Churches, and many national and other Councils adhering to the World Council, are non-Apostolic, humanist and secular in purpose and practice, and that under such circumstances, we cannot be members of any of them. We also recognize that the Consultation of Church Union (COCU) and all other such schemes, being non-Apostolic and non-Catholic in their present concept and form, are unacceptable to us, and that we cannot be associated with any of them. Need for Sound Theological TrainingRe-establishment of spiritual, orthodox and scholarly theological education under episcopal supervision is imperative, and should be encouraged and promoted by all in authority; and learned and godly bishops, other clergy and lay people should undertake and carry on that work without delay. Financial AffairsThe right of congregations to control of their temporalities should be firmly and constitutionally recognized and protected. Administrative MattersAdministration should, we believe, be limited to the most simple and necessary acts, so that emphasis may be centered on worship, pastoral care, spiritual and moral soundness, personal good works, and missionary outreach, in response to God's love for us. The Church as Witness to TruthWe recognize also that, as keepers of God's will and truth for man, we can and ought to witness to that will and truth against all manifest evils, remembering that we are as servants in the world, but God's servants first. Pensions and InsuranceWe recognize our immediate responsibility to provide for the establishment of sound pension and insurance programs for the protection of the stipendiary clergy and other Church Workers. Legal DefenseWe recognize the immediate need to coordinate legal resources, financial and professional, for the defense of congregations imperiled by their stand for the Faith, and commend this need most earnestly to the diocesan and parochial authorities. Continuation, Not InnovationIn this gathering witness of Anglicans and Episcopalians, we continue to be what we are. We do nothing new. We form no new body, but continue as Anglicans and Episcopalians. NOW, THEREFORE, deeply aware of our duty to all who love and believe the Faith our Fathers, of our duty to God, who alone shall judge what we do, we make this Affirmation. Before God, we claim our Anglican/Episcopal inheritance, and proclaim the same to the whole Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.Nicene Creed XE Creed:Nicene Creed" Apostles’ Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" Creed of St. Athanasius XE "Creed:Athanasian Creed" Anglican Church in AmericaGroup idACAGroup nameAnglican Church in AmericaTraditionContinuing AnWikipedia Origin1991 after negotiations between ACC Anglican Catholic Church and AEC American Episcopal Church failed to overcome disunity in the Continuing Anglican movementLinks toTAC Traditional Anglican CommunionWebsite Source of creedal statement 6 December 2013Church position papersYesThe Affirmation of St. Louis (1977) XE "Creed:Affirmation of St. Louis (1977)" )Nicene Creed XE "Creed:Nicene Creed" Apostles’ Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" Creed of St. Athanasius XE "Creed:Athanasian Creed" Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia Group idGroup nameAnglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand andTraditionAnglicanWikipedia Origin1814 arrival of Anglican missionariesLinks toAnglican CommunionWebsite Source of creedal statementNicene Creed XE "Creed:Nicene Creed" Apostles’ Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" Anglican Church in Central America aka Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de AmericaGroup idIARCAGroup nameIglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America aka Anglican Church in Central AmericaTraditionAnglicanWikipedia OriginPrimary US Episcopal influence; English Anglican influence more limitedLinks toAnglican CommunionWebsiteSource of creedal statementNicene Creed XE "Creed:Nicene Creed" Apostles’ Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" Anglican Church in North AmericaGroup idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAnglican Church of Australia Group idGroup nameAnglican Church of AustraliaTraditionAnglicanWikipedia Origin1787 settlement included chaplaincyKnown as Church of England in Australia and Tasmania1981 renamed Anglican Church of AustraliaLinks toAnglican CommunionWebsite Source of creedal statementChurch position papersNicene Creed XE "Creed:Nicene Creed" Apostles’ Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" Anglican Church of Burundi Group idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAnglican Church of Canada Group idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAnglican Church of IndiaGroup idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAnglican Church of Kenya Group idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAnglican Church of Korea Group idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAnglican Church of Mexico Group idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAnglican Church of Papua New Guinea Group idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAnglican Church of Southern Africa Group idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAnglican Church of Tanzania Group idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAnglican Church of the Southern Cone of America Group idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAnglican CommunionGroup idGroup nameAnglican CommunionTraditionCatholic AnglicanWikipedia OriginBetween 156 AD and 314 AD British Isles Christianized1538 separated from Latin Catholic Church;1555 reunited with Latin Catholic Church1570 separated from Latin Catholic ChurchLinks toAnglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia Anglican Church of Australia Anglican Church of Bermuda (extraprovincial)Anglican Church of Burundi Anglican Church of Canada Anglican Church of Kenya Anglican Church of Korea Anglican Church of MexicoAnglican Church of Papua New Guinea Anglican Church of Southern Africa Anglican Church of Tanzania Anglican Church of the Southern Cone of America Church in the Province of the West IndiesChurch in Wales Church of Bangladesh Church of Ceylon (extraprovincial)Church of England Church of Ireland Church of Nigeria Church of North India Church of Pakistan Church of South India Church of the Province of Central Africa Church of the Province of MelanesiaChurch of the Province of Myanmar Church of the Province of Rwanda Church of the Province of South East Asia Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean Church of the Province of West Africa Church of Uganda Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East Episcopal Church in the Philippines Episcopal Church of the Sudan Episcopal Church of the United States of America Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (Hong Kong Anglican Church (Episcopal)) Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central America (Anglican Church in the Central Region of America) Iglesia Episcopal de Cuba (Episcopal Church of Cuba) (under a metropolitan council)Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil (Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil) Lusitanian Catholic Apostolic Evangelical Church (extraprovincial)Malabar Independent Syrian ChurchMalankara Mar Thoma Syrian ChurchNippon Sei Ko Kai (Japan) Old Catholic Churches of the Union of UtrechtParish of the Falkland Islands (extraprovincial)Philippine Independent Church aka Aglipayan ChurchProvince de L'Eglise Anglicane Du Congo (Province of the Anglican Church of Congo) Scandinavian Lutheran Churches of the Porvoo CommunionScottish Episcopal Church Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church (extraprovincial)Website Source of creedal statement 6 December 2013Church position papersyesThe Anglican Communion Covenant XE "Creed:Anglican Communion Covenant (2009)" Nicene Creed XE "Creed:Nicene Creed" Apostles’ Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" Anglican Episcopal Church (USA)Group idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAnglican Episcopal Church of BrazilGroup idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAMiA: Anglican Mission in the AmericasGroup idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAnglican Orthodox ChurchGroup idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAnglican Province of AmericaGroup idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAnglican Province of Christ the KingGroup idGroup nameTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statementChurch position papersAnglo-Lutheran Catholic Church aka The Augustana Catholic ChurchGroup idALCCGroup nameAnglo-Lutheran Catholic Churchpreviously ECCL Evangelical Community Church- Lutherannow The Augustana Catholic ChurchTraditionLutheranWikipedia Origin1997 out of Lutheran Church – Missouri SynodLinks toPolicy of reunion with Catholic ChurchWebsite Source of creedal statement 4 December 2013What We Believe We believe in the One, Holy, Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. We believe that there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved, and that most holy name is Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth. We believe that only through Him is the full revelation of God given to man.We believe in the virginity of the Blessed Mary.We believe in the intercession the the Saints.We believe that the Holy Scriptures are the authentic record of God's revelation to man and is a revelation valid for all men and all time. In the Bible we have God's revelation of Himself, His saving activity, and moral demands. We believe that all scripture is given by inspiration of God.We affirm the Christian Faith as set forth in the Apostles' Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" .We believe in the Holy Tradition of the Church as passed down by the early church fathers.We believe in the seven holy Sacraments; Baptism and Holy Eucharist are the two major sacraments. We believe them to be objective signs of Christ's continued presence and saving activity among us. We believe in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ.We believe in God's gift of the apostolic ministry to His Church, asserting the necessity of a bishop in apostolic succession (or a priest ordained by such) as the celebrant of the Eucharist.Furthermore, we hold that the Holy Orders of Bishops, Priests and Deacons consist of ministers in accordance with Christ's Will and institution.We believe in the sanctity of human life, that life begins at the moment of conception. God gives life, it is not a matter of human choice.We believe it is the duty of the Church and it's members to bear witness to Christ's example, to follow it in their lives, and to reject the false standards of the world.In all matters of faith, we affirm Tradition and the Holy Bible as interpreted by the Holy Father, the Magisterium, and their appointed bishops to be our guides. Apostles’ Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" Answers in GenesisGroup idAiGGroup nameAnswers in GenesisTraditionyoung earth creationismWikipedia OriginLate 1970’s founding of Creation Science Educational Media Services;1980 merged with Carl Wieland's Creation Science Association forming Creation Science Foundation (CSF);1987 name changed to Answers in GenesisLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement 7 December 2013Church position papersyesThe AiG Statement of FaithIn order to preserve the function and integrity of the ministry in its mission to proclaim the absolute truth and authority of Scripture and to provide a biblical role model to our employees, and to the Church, the community, and society at large, it is imperative that all persons employed by the ministry in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, should abide by and agree to our Statement of Faith, to include the statement on marriage and sexuality, and conduct themselves accordingly.Section 1: PrioritiesThe scientific aspects of creation are important but are secondary in importance to the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ as Sovereign, Creator, Redeemer, and Judge.The doctrines of Creator and Creation cannot ultimately be divorced from the gospel of Jesus Christ.Section 2: BasicsThe 66 books of the Bible are the written Word of God. The Bible is divinely inspired and inerrant throughout. Its assertions are factually true in all the original autographs. It is the supreme authority in everything it teaches. Its authority is not limited to spiritual, religious, or redemptive themes but includes its assertions in such fields as history and science.The final guide to the interpretation of Scripture is Scripture itself.The account of origins presented in Genesis is a simple but factual presentation of actual events and therefore provides a reliable framework for scientific research into the question of the origin and history of life, mankind, the earth, and the universe.The various original life forms (kinds), including mankind, were made by direct creative acts of God. The living descendants of any of the original kinds (apart from man) may represent more than one species today, reflecting the genetic potential within the original kind. Only limited biological changes (including mutational deterioration) have occurred naturally within each kind since creation.The great Flood of Genesis was an actual historic event, worldwide (global) in its extent and effect.The special creation of Adam (the first man) and Eve (the first woman), and their subsequent fall into sin, is the basis for the necessity of salvation for mankind.Death (both physical and spiritual) and bloodshed entered into this world subsequent to and as a direct consequence of man’s sin.Section 3: TheologyThe Godhead is triune: one God, three Persons—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.All mankind are sinners, inherently from Adam and individually (by choice), and are therefore subject to God’s wrath and condemnation.Freedom from the penalty and power of sin is available to man only through the sacrificial death and shed blood of Jesus Christ and His complete and bodily resurrection from the dead.The Holy Spirit enables the sinner to repent and believe in Jesus Christ.The Holy Spirit lives and works in each believer to produce the fruits of righteousness.Salvation is a gift received by faith alone in Christ alone and expressed in the individual’s repentance, recognition of the death of Christ as full payment for sin, and acceptance of the risen Christ as Savior, Lord, and God.All things necessary for our salvation are expressly set down in Scripture.Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.Jesus Christ rose bodily from the dead, ascended to heaven, and is currently seated at the right hand of God the Father, and shall return in person to this earth as Judge of the living and the dead.Satan is the personal spiritual adversary of both God and mankind.Those who do not believe in Christ are subject to everlasting conscious punishment, but believers enjoy eternal life with God.The only legitimate marriage sanctioned by God is the joining of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other, and has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. Any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography, or any attempt to change one’s gender, or disagreement with one’s biological gender, is sinful and offensive to God.It is the duty of Christians to attend a local Bible believing church, as portrayed in the New Testament.All human life is sacred and begins at conception (defined as the moment of fertilization). The unborn child is a living human being, created in the image of God, and must be respected and protected both before and after birth. The abortion of an unborn child or the active taking of human life through euthanasia constitutes a violation of the sanctity of human life, and is a crime against God and man.Section 4: GeneralThe following are held by members of the Board of Answers in Genesis to be either consistent with Scripture or implied by Scripture:Scripture teaches a recent origin for man and the whole creation, spanning approximately 4,000 years from creation to Christ.The days in Genesis do not correspond to geologic ages, but are six [6] consecutive twenty-four [24] hour days of creation.The Noachian Flood was a significant geological event and much (but not all) fossiliferous sediment originated at that time.The gap theory has no basis in Scripture.The view, commonly used to evade the implications or the authority of biblical teaching, that knowledge and/or truth may be divided into secular and religious, is rejected.By definition, no apparent, perceived or claimed evidence in any field, including history and chronology, can be valid if it contradicts the scriptural record. Of primary importance is the fact that evidence is always subject to interpretation by fallible people who do not possess all information.Antiochian Catholic Church in AmericaGroup idACCAGroup nameAntiochian Catholic Church in AmericaTraditionWikipedia toWebsiteSource of creedal statement 4 December 2013Statement of Faith: the Creed XE "Creed:Nicene Creed:text" We believe in one God, the Father Almighty,Maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,Eternally born of the Father:God of God, Light of Light, true God of true God;Generated, not made, of one Being with the Father;By Whom all things were made.Who, for us humans and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and, by the Holy Spirit, took flesh of the Virgin Mary and became human.For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate: He suffered, died and was buried.On the third day He rose again in accordance with the Scriptures.He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His Kingdom will have no end.We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life,Who proceeds from the Father,Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified,Who has spoken through the Prophets.We believe in One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.We confess one baptism for the remission of sins.We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come.Amen.The Apostolic Catholic ChurchGroup idACCGroup nameApostolic Catholic ChurchTraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toThe Ecumenical Catholic CommunionChurch World ServiceICCC: International Council of Community ChurchesNational Council of the Churches of Christ in the USAWebsite Source of creedal statement 4 December 2013Church position papersThe Deification of AmericanismThe Foreclosure CrisisMaintaining the Status QuoThe Role of the Media in My ArrestBy Intimidation, Not EvidenceA Social Creed for the 21st Century XE "Creed:Social Creed for the 21st Century:text" Approved November 7, 2007 by the General AssemblyNational Council of Church USA and Church World ServiceSupported by The Apostolic Catholic ChurchWE CHURCHES OF THE UNITED STATES have a message of hope for a fearful time. Just as the churches responded to the harshness of early 20th Century industrialization with a prophetic “Social Creed” in 1908, so in our era of globalization we offer a vision of a society that shares more and consumes less, seeks compassion over suspicion and equality over domination, and finds security in joined hands rather than massed arms. Inspired by Isaiah’s vision of a “peaceable kingdom,” we honor the dignity of every person and the intrinsic value of every creature, and pray and work for the day when none “labor in vain or bear children for calamity” (Isaiah 65:23). We do so as disciples of the One who came “that all may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10), and stand in solidarity with Christians and with all who strive for justice around the globe. In faith, responding to our Creator, we celebrate the full humanity of each woman, man, and child, all created in the divine image as individuals of infinite worth, by working for: Full civil, political and economic rights for women and men of all races. Abolition of forced labor, human trafficking, and the exploitation of children. Employment for all, at a family-sustaining living wage, with equal pay for comparable work. The rights of workers to organize, and to share in workplace decisions and productivity growth. Protection from dangerous working conditions, with time and benefits to enable full family life. A system of criminal rehabilitation, based on restorative justice and an end to the death penalty. In the love incarnate in Jesus, despite the world’s sufferings and evils, we honor the deep connections within our human family and seek to awaken a new spirit of community, by working for: Abatement of hunger and poverty, and enactment of policies benefiting the most vulnerable. High quality public education for all and universal, affordable and accessible healthcare. An effective program of social security during sickness, disability and old age. Tax and budget policies that reduce disparities between rich and poor, strengthen democracy, and provide greater opportunity for everyone within the common good. Just immigration policies that protect family unity, safeguard workers’ rights, require employer accountability, and foster international cooperation. Sustainable communities marked by affordable housing, access to good jobs, and public safety. Public service as a high vocation, with real limits on the power of private interests in politics. In hope sustained by the Holy Spirit, we pledge to be peacemakers in the world and stewards of God’s good creation, by working for: Adoption of simpler lifestyles for those who have enough; grace over greed in economic life. Access for all to clean air and water and healthy food, through wise care of land and technology. Sustainable use of earth’s resources, promoting alternative energy sources and public transportation with binding covenants to reduce global warming and protect populations most affected. Equitable global trade and aid that protects local economies, cultures and livelihoods. Peacemaking through multilateral diplomacy rather than unilateral force, the abolition of torture, and a strengthening of the United Nations and the rule of international law. Nuclear disarmament and redirection of military spending to more peaceful and productive uses. Cooperation and dialogue for peace and environmental justice among the world’s religions. We—individual Christians and churches—commit ourselves to a culture of peace and freedom that embraces non-violence, nurtures character, treasures the environment, and builds community, rooted in a spirituality of inner growth with outward action. We make this commitment together—as members of Christ’s body, led by the one Spirit—trusting in the God who makes all things new.Apostolic Catholic Church (Phillippines)Group idACCGroup nameApostolic Catholic ChurchTraditionWikipedia Origin1992 John Florentine L. Teruel and Maria Virginia Pe?aflor Leonzon from Roman Catholic ChurchLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statementApostolic Catholic Orthodox ChurchGroup idACOCGroup nameApostolic Catholic Orthodox ChurchTraditionOld CatholicWikipediaOrigin1990Links toautonomous Old Catholic churches in North AmericaWebsite Source of creedal statementTo obtain text rather than images: 5 December 2013Apostles’ Creed XE "Creed:Apostles’ Creed" Nicene Creed XE "Creed:Nicene Creed" The Fourteen Theses of the Old Catholic Union Conference at Bonn 1874 XE "Creed:Fourteen Theses of the Old Catholic Union Conference at Bonn (1874)"The Old Catholic Agreement on the Filioque Controversy (1875) XE "Creed:text needed:Old Catholic Agreement on the Filioque Controversy" Declaration of the Bishops of the Old Catholic Church XE "Creed:Declaration of Utrecht (1889)" Statement of Union (1911) XE "Creed:text needed:Statement of Union (1911)" Assemblies of GodGroup idAG or A/GGroup nameAssemblies of God aka World Assemblies of God FellowshipTraditionPentecostalWikipedia Origin1988 various Assemblies of God national assemblies form international organization at initiative of J. Philip Hogan.Links toAssemblies of God in Great BritainAssemblies of God in IndiaAssemblies of God in ItalyAssemblies of God in New ZealandAssemblies of God in VietnamAssemblies of God IrelandAssemblies of God of KoreaAssemblies of God of Korea Yoido General CouncilAssemblies of God USAAustralian Christian ChurchesCanadian Assemblies of God (formerly the Italian Pentecostal Church of Canada)Federation of Pentecostal Churches (Germany)General Convention of the Assemblies of God of BrazilGeneral Council of the Assemblies of God NigeriaGeneral Council of the Korea Assemblies of GodJama'at-e Rabbani (Assemblies of God in Iran)Japan Assemblies of GodPentecostal Assemblies of CanadaPentecostal Assemblies of Newfoundland and LabradorPentecostal Church in PolandPhilippines General Council of the Assemblies of GodSamoan Assemblies of GodSamoan Assemblies of God in New ZealandSwiss Pentecostal MissionTaiwan Assemblies of GodUnited Pentecostal and Evangelical Churches (Netherlands) …Website Source of creedal statement 13 December 2013Church position papersRevised Pentecostal Theology of CompassionStatement of FaithThis Statement of Faith is intended simply as a basis for belief, fellowship, and cooperation among us. The phraseology employed in this statement is not inspired, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a truly Pentecostal ministry. No claim is made that it contains all biblical truth, only that it covers our need for these essential doctrines. 1. The Inspiration of the Scriptures We believe that the Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct. Divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts of the original writings, insuring their entire trustworthiness (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:21). 2. The Eternal Godhead We believe in the unity of the one true and living God who is the eternal, self-existent One, and has revealed Himself as one being in three persons: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19). a. God the Father We believe in God the Father, the first person of the triune Godhead, who exists eternally as the Creator of heaven and earth, the Giver of the Law, to whom all things will be subjected, so that He may be all in all (Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 15:28). b. The Lord Jesus Christ We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the second person of the triune Godhead, who was and is the eternal Son of God; that He became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and was born of the virgin Mary. We believe in His sinless life, miraculous ministry, substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, triumphant ascension, and abiding intercession (Isaiah 7:14; Hebrews 7:25-26; 1 Peter 2:22; Acts 1:9; 2:22; 10:38; 1 Corinthians 15:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21). c. The Holy Spirit We believe in the Holy Spirit, the third person of the triune Godhead, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, and is ever present and active in the work of convicting and regenerating the sinner, sanctifying the believer, leading into all truth and empowering for ministry. (John 14:26; 16:8-11; 1 Peter 1:2; Romans 8:14-16). 3. The Fall of Man We believe that humankind was created good and upright. However, voluntary transgression resulted in their alienation from God, thereby incurring not only physical death but spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 1:16-27; 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19). 4. The Salvation of Man We believe in salvation through faith in Christ, who died for our sins, was buried, and was raised from the dead on the third day. By His atoning blood, salvation has been provided for all humanity through the sacrifice of Christ upon the cross. This experience is also known as the new birth, and is an instantaneous and complete operation of the Holy Spirit whereupon the believing sinner is regenerated, justified, and adopted into the family of God, becomes a new creation in Christ Jesus, and heir of eternal life (John 3:5-6; Romans 10:8-15; Titus 2:11, 3:4-7; 1 John 5:1). 5. Divine Healing We believe that deliverance from sickness is provided in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16). 6. The Church and its Mission We believe that the church is the body of Christ and the habitation of God through the Spirit, witnesses to the presence of the kingdom of God in the present world, and universally includes all who are born again (Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:22; Romans 14:17-18; 1 Corinthians 4:20). We believe that the mission of the church is to (1) proclaim the good news of salvation to all humankind, (2) build up and train believers for spiritual ministry, (3) praise the Lord through worship, (4) demonstrate Christian compassion to all who suffer, and (5) exhibit unity as the body of Christ. (Matthew 28:19-20; 10:42; Ephesians 4:11-13). 7. The Ordinances of the Church We believe that baptism in water by immersion is expected of all who have repented and believed. In so doing they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and been raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4). We believe that the Lord's Supper is a proclamation of the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, to be shared by all believers until the Lord returns (Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:20-34). 8. Sanctification We believe that sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God. In experience, it is both instantaneous and progressive. It is produced in the life of the believer by his appropriation of the power of Christ's blood and risen life through the person of the Holy Spirit. He draws the believer's attention to Christ, teaches him through the Word and produces the character of Christ within him (Romans 6:1-11; 8:1-2,13; 12:1-2; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 10:10, 14). 9. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit We believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is the bestowing of the believer with power for life and service for Christ. This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the new birth, is received by faith, and is accompanied by the manifestation of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance as the initial evidence (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4; 8:15-19; 11:14-17; 19:1-7). 10. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit We believe in the present day operation of the nine supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12) and the ministry gifts of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13) for the edification and expansion of the church. 11. The End of Time We believe in the premillenial, imminent, and personal return of our Lord Jesus Christ to gather His people unto Himself. Having this blessed hope and earnest expectation, we purify ourselves, even as He is pure, so that we may be ready to meet Him when He comes (John 14:1-3; Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 1 John 3:2-3; Revelation 20:1-6). We believe in the bodily resurrection of all humanity, the everlasting conscious bliss of all who truly believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, and that everlasting conscious punishment is the portion of all whose names are not written in the Book of Life (John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:22-24; Revelation 20:10-15).Assemblies of God, USAGroup idGroup nameAssemblies of God, USATraditionWikipediaOriginLinks toWebsite Source of creedal statement Association for Global New Thought | Santa Barbara CAGroup idGroup nameAssociation for Global New ThoughtTraditionNew ThoughtWikipedia Origin1996 split from INTA International New Thought AllianceLinks toHistorical relationship:Christian ScienceLinks to:Agape International Spiritual CenterInternational Centers for Spiritual Living (previously Religious Science International)Universal Foundation for Better LivingAffiliated New Thought NetworkUnity Worldwide MinistriesUnited Centers for Spiritual LivingHillside International Truth CenterWebsite Source of creedal statement 29 December 2013Synthesizing a New Thought WorldviewVISIONThere is an inherent perfection and sacred worth in the universe, all of creation, and every individual.The community of all life is interconnected and interdependent.Consciousness is infinitely creative; we create our experience through our thoughts and feelings.Human consciousness is ever evolving into higher states of awareness.MISSIONWe honor the diversity of cultures and faiths while aiming to articulate, practice, and embody universal spiritual principles.We encourage personal transformation and collective awakening.We practice the gift of active compassion and kindness through our service to all life.We foster a world that works for the highest good of all.PRINCIPLESGod is the Creative Process in action: in everything, everywhere, always, at once.God is Love and Intelligence in relationship, expressing as the universe and all life.God is Being each one of us.CORE VALUESCompassion, Service, Integrity, Creativity, Community, Education,Unconditional Love, Abundance, Spirituality AGBCSE: Association of Grace Baptist Churches South East | London UKGroup idAGBCSEGroup nameAssociation of Grace Baptist Churches South East | London UKTraditionGrace BaptistWikipediaOrigin1871 as MASBC: Metropolitan Association of Strict BaptLinks to59 congregationsAbbey Baptist Church | Checker Walk Abingdon OxfordshireAngel .ukAylesbury Basildon .ukBelvedere free-.ukBermondsey mrbc.co.ukBethersden unionchapel.co.ukBexleyheath gracebaptistchurch-bexleyheath.co.ukBorough Green .ukBrentford rogerlindie@Brighton Montpelier Place peterhowell11@Brighton Ebenezer ebenezer-brighton.co.ukBromley Chesham .ukChingford Clapham courlandgrovebaptistchurch.typepad.co.ukColchester .ukDorking .ukDowne East Ham .ukHanney Chapel | East Hanney OxfordshireEpsom .ukErith Feltham calvary-.ukFinchley dowling@robcab.freeserve.co.ukGravesend .ukGrays grace2grays@ Greenwich gravil@hotmail.co.ukGuildford .ukGuildford Park .ukHH Bennetts E HH Gadebridge pastorgadebridgepaul@yahoo.co.ukHyde Heath woodley545@H Wycombe hwebc.co.ukHighbury Homerton Horsham .ukKensington .ukKew King's Langley .ukKnaphill pbc-.ukLewisham collegepark@Leyton hainaultroad.co.ukMargate rehobothbaptist.co.ukMeopham david.norley@New Cross murile_squires@St John's Wood Southend .ukStaines Stratford Streatham Thamesmead .ukTottenham gracechapel.co.ukTring Tunbridge Wells .ukTwickenham Colin@Walthamstow .ukWandsworth .ukWatford .ukWatford North .ukWest End West Ham .ukWood Green .ukYateley AffinityGrace – East AngiaGrace – West AngliaSaved 2 serveGrace Baptist Trst CorporationGrace Baptist MissionGrace Baptist PartnershipWebsite Source of creedal statement 3 January 2014The churches that belong to the Association of Grace Baptist Churches (South East) hold to:An orthodox view of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and affirm the two natures of Christ (being fully God and fully man).A Calvinistic view about how people are saved - The Doctrines of Grace.A Baptist view of the church - the churches recognise a pattern in the Bible whereby believers are baptised by immersion, added to the membership of the local church and then enjoy the privileges of the church including the Lord’s Supper.A congregational order of church government. Each local church is governed by its own members and not by an outside body.A Conservative Evangelical view of the Bible – that it is verbally God given and without error or fault in all of its teaching.A Conservative Evangelical view of Judgment - the return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the eternal happiness of the righteous and eternal punishment of the wicked.Pastors and messengers of Particular Baptist Churches in and around London, holding Strict Communion principles, met in Soho chapel, Oxford Street, on 10th March 1871 XE "Document:text needed" and adopted a doctrinal basis for the purpose of forming this Association. As amended and agreed in the Annual General meeting held at Walthamstow on 5th October 1985, it reads as follows:The Scriptures reveal that there is but one God; that there are Three Persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost; and that these Three Persons are equal in Eternity, Substance, Power and Glory.In the fullness of time God sent forth His Son, ever subsisting in Essential Deity; Who was conceived of the Holy Ghost, and was born of the Virgin Mary; so that our Lord Jesus Christ is very God and very man in one Complex Person.Eternal and personal election unto salvation.The fall of mankind in Adam - their guilt and condemnation - together with their entire and universal depravity, by which they were utterly alienated from God, and are unable in and of themselves to turn to him.Particular redemption by the vicarious sacrifice of Christ.Justification by grace, through faith, by the imputed righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ.Regeneration and sanctification by the direct agency of the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of Divine Truth; and that saving faith is the sovereign and gracious gift of God.The absolute necessity for a holy life, as the result of true faith and the evidence of regeneration.The final perseverance of true believers.The inerrancy of the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Scriptures, as originally given, their full verbal inspiration by God and their supreme authority as the only rule of faith and practice.The resurrection of the dead, and the universal judgment.The everlasting punishment of the wicked, and the everlasting happiness of the righteous.The duty of preaching the Gospel to every creature of the fallen race of Adam.The necessity of baptism by immersion, on a profession of repentance and faith, in order to receive Church fellowship and admission to the Lord’s Table.The congregational order of the churches.The personal and bodily return of our Lord Jesus ChristA fuller statement of these doctrines with their scriptural support is to be found in the historic 17th century Particular Baptist Confessions XE "Document:text needed" , and also in ‘We Believe’ - The Baptist Affirmation of Faith 1966 and A Guide to Church Fellowship. XE "Document:text needed" (Published by Grace Publications Trust, ISBN 0946462 00 3.)ABM: Australian Baptist Ministries previously BUA: Baptist Union of Australia Group idABM formerly BUAGroup nameAustralian Baptist Ministries formerly Baptist Union of AutraliaTraditionBaptistWikipedia Origin1926 by existing state unionsLinks toState unions:Baptist Union of New South Wales & ACT Northern Territory (not on web)Queensland BaptistsBaptist Churches of South Australia Baptist Churches of Tasmania Victoria Western Australia Theological colleges:Malyon CollegeMorling CollegeVose SeminaryWhitley CollegeBaptist History AustraliaInternational Baptist groups:Asia Pacific Baptist FederationBaptist Union of Great BritainBaptist Union of New ZealandBaptist World AllianceWebsite Source of creedal statement 18 January 2014What We BelieveAt Australian Baptist Ministries we do not have a statement of belief but rather support each of the State Associations statements. Please refer to the relevant state's statement of belief.NSW Australia Australia Territory(no website)Azusa Pacific UniversityGroup idGroup nameAzusa Pacific UniversityTraditionWesleyan-ArminianWikipedia Origin1899 as Training School for Christian Workers1939 became Pacific Bible College1956 became Azusa College1965 merged with Los Angeles Pacific College (Free Methodist)1968 merged with Arlington College (Church of God, Anderson, Indiana)1981 became Azusa Pacific UniversityLinks toWebsiteSource of creedal statement 7 December 2013Statement of Faith (1900) text needed XE "Document:text needed" Statement of Faith (1956) with Daily Living ExpectationsStatement of FaithWe believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative word of God.We believe that there is one God, creator of heaven and earth, eternally existent in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, and in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return to power and glory.We believe in the fall and consequent total moral depravity of humanity, resulting in our exceeding sinfulness and lost estate, and necessitating our regeneration by the Holy Spirit.We believe in the present and continuing ministry of sanctification by the Holy Spirit by whose infilling the believing Christian is cleansed and empowered for a life of holiness and service.We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; those who are saved to the resurrection of life and those who are lost to the resurrection of damnation.We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. Daily Living ExpectationsThe following are fundamentals held to be essential, and the university expects faculty and staff not only to believe in them, but to practice them in daily living:a caring, effective love both of God and humanitya Christ-like unity and acceptance between believersa lifestyle dedicated to God’s will in society a growing, victorious state of mind because of the indwelling Christa daily affirmation of Christ as Lorda willingness to serve the Lord, even when it means sacrificea desire to be sensitive to the personal work of the Holy Spirita working faith in God’s promises for all needs and daily life situationsa witness for Christ without hypocrisya firm, committed desire to be God’s person ................
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