Chris Phillips - Clover Sites



centertop1000 37th StreetNiceville, FL 32578850-678-5879STATEMENT OF FAITHThe Word of GodThe Bible is the word of the one true God and therefore stands in full authority over all mankind. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that all Scripture is inspired by God. This means that both the OT and NT did not originate with man but with God. All sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments were penned under the direct supervision of God the Holy Spirit (1 Pet 1:10-11; 2 Pet 1:20-21) by certain men, chosen of God, who wrote down what the Lord intended for them to say. Because the Bible is inspired by God it is without error (Ps 19:7-9; 119:160), fully trustworthy (Ps 19:7-9), and fully sufficient for all matters of life, faith, and practice (Matt 4:4; 2 Pet 1:3).The Trinity of GodAlthough the Bible does not use the word “Trinity” in reference to God, Scripture reveals this essential doctrine of Christianity. For instance, Christ has commanded the Church to baptize disciples in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Mt 28:19). The singular use of name signifies the unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. There is only one God, who is one in essence, yet eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person is fully God, equal in being and attributes. Yet each differs in their relationships. The Son and the Holy Spirit are subordinate in their roles. This can be seen from the standpoint of creation (Gen 1:1-2; John 1:1-3; Col 1:15-18; Heb 1:2) and redemption (Eph 1:3-14). The FatherAll things are from God the Father (Rom 11:36; 1 Cor 8:6). He created all things and by His will all things exist (Gen 1:1; Rev 4:11). He reveals Himself to man by general revelation (Ps 19:1-6; Rom 1:18-25), special revelation (Ps 19:7-11), and His Son (John 1:18; 10:30; 14:7-11). According to His will, He sent the Son into the world to be the sacrifice for our sins so that He might rescue us from His wrath and from this present evil age (John 3:16; Gal 1:4). The Father chose us in the Son before the foundation of the world, predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, and freely bestowed on us His grace in Christ (Eph 1:3-6).The SonJesus Christ is the eternal Son of God (Mic 5:2; John 1:1, 2; 8:58; Heb 13:8); the second person of the Godhead. The Son was sent by the Father into the world in order to die for sinners (Mark 10:45; John 1:29; 3:16). In fulfillment of God’s promise (Is 7:14; 9:6, 7) the Lord Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary (Mt 1:18-25; Lk 1:26-38). He was tempted in all things like us, but did not sin (2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 7:26). He is fully God (Mark 1:1-12; John 1:1; Col 1:15-20; 2:9; Titus 2:13; Heb 1:3, 8-13) and fully man (John 1:14; Rom 1:3; 1 Tim 2:5). The Son is one in essence with the Father (John 10:30). His death was a sacrifice unto God the Father on behalf of sinners (Is 53:1-12; Rom 4:25; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 9:14) and it secures the salvation of His people (Matt 1:21; Mk 10:45; Rom 5:8-11; 2 Cor 5:18-21; Eph 1:7; Col 1:19-20). He was buried in a tomb, but on the third day He rose from the dead (Matt 27:62-28:10; Acts 10:40-41; 1 Cor 15:1-8). By His bodily resurrection, Christ abolished death and brought life and immortality to light (2 Tim 1:10). Exalted to the right hand of the Father, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matt 28:18; Eph 1:20-23; 1 Pet 3:22). He is head of the church (Eph 1:22; Col 1:18); Lord and Judge of both the living and the dead (Acts 10:42; Rom 14:9). In great power and glory, Christ will come again for His church (1 Thess 4:13-18) and reward believers and punish unbelievers (Matt 25:31-46; Acts 17:30-31; Rev 20:11-15). The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or divine power but the third person of the Godhead. Proof of His personhood is seen in the fact that He speaks, reveals, convicts, helps, guides; and, He can be lied to and is grieved by the sins of God’s people (John 15:26; 16:8, 13; Acts 5:3-4; 13:1-4; Eph 4:30). He is fully God (Is 48:16; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Cor 13:14). The Holy Spirit imparts life (Ps 104:30; John 3:1-8; 6:63; Titus 3:5), sanctifies (2 Thess 2:13; 1 Pet 1:2), dwells within believers (John 14:17; 1 Cor 3:16; 6:19), gives assurance (Rom 8:16; 1 John 3:24), guides and directs (Acts 13:2-4; 16:6-7; Rom 8:14), and appoints leaders in the church (Acts 20:28). He superintended the writing of the Scriptures (1 Pet 1:10-11; 2 Pet 1:20-21) and imparts understanding so they may be comprehended (1 Cor 2:10-16).CreationGod created the heavens and the earth and all that is within, both visible and invisible, in six twenty-four hour days (Gen 1:1-31; Ex 20:11; Col 1:16). Not by evolution, but by His awesome power and wisdom, He created everything out of nothing (Ps 33:6-9; Jer 10:12; Rom 1:20). AngelsAngels were created perfect with untested innocence and were included in God’s description of “very good” (Gen 1:31; cf. Col 1:16). God created angels with greater power than man (2 Pt 2:11) and in a temporary position over man (Heb 2:7). Yet men who have been saved by God will judge angels (1 Cor 6:3). Scripture seems to indicate differing ranks within the angelic realm such as archangels (Jude 9), seraphim and cherubim (Isa 6:2-7; Ezek 10:1-19), and other rankings (Eph 3:10; Col 1:16; 1 Pt 3:22).Holy AngelsHoly angels were created and chosen by God (Mark 8:38; Col 1:16; 1 Tim 5:21) to worship and glorify God (Heb 1:6), as well as to minister to God’s children (Heb 1:14). They serve as His representatives to proclaim messages to select individuals (Gen 18-19; Lk 1:11-20, 26-38; 2:8-15). Both Old and New Testaments reveal that God uses angels to deliver judgment (2 Sam 24:15-17; Rev 6-18) and to oppose the forces of Satan and his demons (Dan 10:13; Rev 12:7-9).Fallen AngelsAlthough fallen angels were created “very good”, they rebelled against God in pride (1 Tim 3:6; 2 Pt 2:4). The leader of these fallen angels is Satan (Rev 12:7-9). Some of the fallen angels are bound (Jude 6; 2 Pt 2:4) while others serve Satan as demons (Mt 25:41). Satan, as the serpent (Rev 12:9), tempted mankind to rebel against God (Gen 3). God crushed Satan through the completed work of Jesus Christ (Gen 3:15; Rom 16:20). Satan has been sentenced and will be cast into Hell for eternity (Rev 20:10).Since Satan’s fall, God allows Satan to rule the spiritual kingdom of darkness (Jn 12:31; Eph 2:2; 1 Jn 5:19). He is also permitted to afflict God’s people (Job 1-2; 1 Pt 5:8). He continues to deceive unbelievers even appearing as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14). The believer is called by God to stand firm and resist Satan and his schemes (2 Cor 2:11; Eph 6:10-18; Jas 4:7). Man and SinMan was created by God on the sixth day of creation (Gen 1:26-31). He was innocent, perfect, and pronounced good by God (Gen 1:31; 2:25). Man, being the pinnacle of God’s creation (Gen 1:27-28; Ps 8:3-8; Heb 2:6-8; cf. Mt 6:26, 30; 10:29-31), was made to be God’s representative upon the earth. He was created in the image of God (Gen 1:27; 5:1; 9:6; James 3:9); and, thus his value or worth stems from this fact (Mt 6:26, 30; 10:29-31; Lk 12:7). The purpose for which he was created was to give glory and honor to God (Rom 11:36). Yet man fell in the Garden. Adam sinned against God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen 3:6). In Adam’s sin, the entire human race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God. As a result, man comes forth from his mother’s womb a slave to sin who is separated from God (Ps 51:5; Rom 3:9). Doctrinally, this is referred to as total depravity. This does not mean that man is as totally depraved as he could be. Rather, it means that sin has affected every area of his heart (his thoughts, emotions, and will) and life (Rom 3:9-18). As a result, all men are guilty before God, abide under his wrath, and stand in need of righteousness (Rom 1:18-3:20).SalvationSalvation is entirely a work of God that is based upon the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7). Man is not saved by his works but by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone (Eph 2:8-9). Those whom God has saved are eternally secure in Christ (John 10:27-30; 1 Cor 1:7-8; 1 Thess 5:24; 1 Pet 1:3-5). They are kept by God in Christ forever (Jn 6:37, 39, 44; 10:27-30; Rom 8:35-39; 1 Cor 1:7-8; Phil 1:6; 1 Pt 1:3-5; 5:10). Nothing shall separate him/her from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 8:35-39). Those who are saved endure to the very end of their life so as to remain in Christ (2 Pt 1:10; 1 Jn 2:19; Rev 13:10; 14:12). The practice of sin leaves no room to presume upon God’s grace in eternal security (Rom 6:15-22; 13:13-14; Gal 5:13).ElectionBefore the foundation of the world, God chose those who would be recipients of His saving grace (Acts 13:48; Eph 1:3-12; 2 Tim 1:9-10). God predestined them to adoption as sons (Eph 1:5) and to become conformed into the image of Christ (Rom 8:29-30). Their election is not based upon their deeds or faith but solely upon the grace and mercy of God (John 1:12-13; Rom 9:15-16). This does not exclude the church’s responsibility to proclaim the gospel (Matt 28:18-20; 2 Tim 2:10) nor man’s responsibility to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life (Acts 17:30; 2 Thess 1:8-9). Effectual CallThe call of God to salvation can be seen from two perspectives: (1) a universal, external call (general call); and (2) a particular, internal call (effectual call). By the former is meant the invitation to salvation through the proclamation of the Word (Isa 55:1; Mt 22:14; Lk 5:32; Acts 17:30). The general call is widespread extending to all (Isa 45:22; Rev 22:17). Those whom God has elected, however, He effectually calls so that they will respond to His work of grace (Acts 2:39; Rom 8:29-30; 2 Tim 1:9; 1 Pt 2:9; cf. Acts 16:14). This effectual call of God is mediated by the gospel (2 Thess 2:14; 2 Tim 2:8-10) and unfailingly draws an individual to Christ (cf. John 6:44). RegenerationThis refers to a saving act of God by which the Holy Spirit takes one who is dead in sin and makes him alive in Christ (Eph 2:1-5; Col 2:13; cf. 3:9-10), causing him to be born again (Jn 3:3-7; Titus 3:5). Regeneration is solely an act of God. A man cannot regenerate himself, or change his own heart.Faith and RepentanceMan is to respond to the free offer of the gospel with faith and repentance (Gen 15:6; Acts 3:19; 16:31). Although we are responsible to repent and believe the gospel, both faith and repentance are gifts from God (Acts 11:18; 16:14; Eph 2:8-9; Phil 1:29; 2 Tim 2:24-26). Faith is not mere intellectual agreement to the facts of the gospel (Jn 2:23-25; Jas 2:19). Faith is turning to Christ and relying fully upon Him alone for eternal life. Genuine faith will manifest itself by good works (James 2:14-26). The faith that saves alone, will not stand alone, but will result in good works in the life of the believer. Initially, repentance is the act of changing one’s mindset about sin and one’s view of God (Acts 3:19; 17:30; 2 Pt 3:9). If an individual truly repents then this person will know that he/she has sinned against God and is accountable to Him for their guilt. They will be grieved for sinning against God. And, they will have the desire and determination to forsake sin and follow the Lord Jesus Christ in obedience. Like faith, genuine repentance will manifest itself in works as well; turning from a manner of sinful living to serving God (Luke 3:8; 1 Thess 1:9). JustificationGod declares guilty sinners to be righteous by means of faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 3:22-24). The basis of justification is the sacrificial death of Christ (Rom 3:24-27). This right standing with God is not merited by human works or obedience to the law, but is an act of God’s free grace (Rom 3:19-27). Yet the one who is justified will not be void of good works. Their faith will be manifested by their works (James 2:14-26). SanctificationPositional sanctification: Hebrews 10:10 states that “we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Christians have been set apart unto God by the sacrificial death of Christ. They stand holy before the sight of God (1 Cor 1:2) and are called ‘saints;’ set apart ones (1 Cor 1:2; Eph 1:1; Phil 1:1; Col 1:2). Only Christians enjoy this blessed state for they are “in Christ” (Eph 2:4-7). Progressive sanctification: An individual who is sanctified positionally will pursue holiness in his/her life. Believers are called upon to live a life that is set apart unto God (2 Cor 6:14-7:1) and to discipline themselves toward godliness (Phil 2:12-13; 1 Tim 4:7-8). It is the will of God for them to do so (1 Thess 4:3; 1 Pet 4:1-5). Progressive sanctification begins at justification and continues on in a believer’s life until glory. It involves putting off the deeds of the body and replacing them with fruits of righteousness (Eph 4:17-32; Col 3:1-17). God is the One at work to will and to accomplish sanctification in a believer’s life (Phil 2:13). Yet a Christian is fully responsible before God to work out his salvation (Phil 2:12) and to put to death the deeds of the body by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:13). Glorification Glorification is the completion of the work of salvation when the believer will be fully conformed into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 8:29-30). When the Lord returns, He will transform our bodies into conformity with the body of His glory (Phil 3:20-21; cf. 1 John 3:2). Believers will be freed from the effects of sin and will stand holy and blameless before God (Eph 1:4; Jude 24). Last ThingsThe Lord Jesus Christ will return, visibly and bodily, to the earth in power and glory (Mt 25:31; Acts 1:10- 11). God has revealed truths concerning the end of time to encourage believers in godly living (1 Thes 4:13-5:11; 2 Pt 3:8-18; 1 Jn 2:28-3:3). Holiness is developed as believers eagerly await the return of the Lord with high expectation and enthusiasm. Any study of the end times that fails to promote holiness undermines God’s present focus for these prophetic promises.For an unbeliever, death brings about temporal punishment (Lk 16:19-31) until he is resurrected to eternal condemnation. Those who have rejected Christ from all the ages will spend eternity in hell suffering beyond imagination for their sin (Dan 12:2; Jn 5:29; Rev 20:13-15). When a believer dies, his spirit instantly enters into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ (Lk 16:19-31; 23:43; 2 Cor 5:8; Phil 1:23). In this temporary state, a believer awaits his physical resurrection, judgment and reward in heaven for eternity (Jn 6:39; Rom 8:10-11, 19-23; 1 Cor 15:35-44, 50-54; 2 Cor 4:14; Rev 20:4-6). As a believer enters the eternal state, he will experience incomprehensible bliss from being in the presence of God (Rev 21:3-5). The glorification of the believer will bring about pure worship that God deserves. The eternal state will also include the re-creation of the fallen created order (Rom 8:19-22).The Church All who believe in Jesus Christ are immediately placed into the body of Christ, the church. The ‘church’ is manifested in two ways. First, the ‘universal’ church is made up of all true believers. Secondly, the ‘local’ church is a local assembly of believers. Every believer is automatically part of the universal church and is responsible to unite with a local church (Heb 10:24-25).The Purpose of the ChurchThe purpose of every ministry of the church is to bring glory and honor to the triune God (Eph 3:21; 1 Cor 10:31). The church accomplishes this by: exalting God (Jn 4:23-24), edifying the saints (Mt 28:19-20; Eph 4:11-16; 2 Tim 2:2), and evangelizing the lost (Mt 28:19-20; Col 4:2-6).The Government of the ChurchChrist is the Head of the church (Eph 1:22; 4:15; 5:23; Col 1:18). Under His leadership, there are two offices in the church: elders and deacons. (1) The elders of a local assembly are men who are accountable for overseeing, shepherding, and equipping the believers (Acts 20:28; Eph 4:11-16; 1 Tim 5:17-25; Heb 13:17; 1 Pt 5:1-5). The Scriptural qualifications for elders are found in 1 Tim 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. There is to be an equality and plurality of elders. The congregation is called to submit to their leadership (Heb 13:7, 17) as they submit to Christ (Heb 13:17; 1 Pt 5:4). (2) The second office of the church is that of deacons. The purpose of the deacons is to assist the elders in performing the ministries of the local church (as illustrated in Acts 6:1-7). 1 Tim 3:8-13 provides the qualifications for the office of deacon.The Ordinances of the ChurchThere are two ordinances that Jesus Christ provided for the church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. (1) Baptism is a command for believers to obey (Mt 28:19; Acts 2:38). The NT pattern was for believers to be baptized immediately after their conversion (Acts 2:41; 10:44-48). Therefore, water baptism is not necessary for salvation. The biblical mode of baptism is immersion. Baptism testifies of faith in Christ and symbolizes union with Him in death to sin and in resurrection to new life (Rom 6:1-14). (2) The Lord’s Supper commemorates the death of Jesus Christ. The two elements, the bread and the cup, symbolize the body and blood of the Lord (1 Cor 11:24-25). Celebrating the work of Christ is a time of self-examination and confession (1 Cor 11:27-32). The Lord’s Supper is also called communion, which pictures the fellowship believers have with the Lord and with each other. This ordinance proclaims His death until Christ comes again (1 Cor 11:26).Church RestorationWhen a member of the church sins against another member, prayer, gentleness, and humility must accompany a confrontation of that sin. This act of love and care for the wayward brother or sister must be carried out according to Mt 18:15-20 and other verses that refer to church restoration (1 Cor 5:1-13; Gal 6:1-2; 2 Thess 3:6-15; 1 Tim 1:19-20; Tit 1:10-16; 3:10; 1 Jn 5:16). The threefold purpose of church restoration is (1) to glorify God by maintaining purity in the local church (1 Cor 5:6), (2) to edify believers by deterring sin (1 Tim 5:20), and (3) to promote the spiritual welfare of the offending believer by calling him or her to return to a biblical standard of doctrine and conduct (Gal 6:1). This ministry is not a vindictive act but a ministry of love and restoration which has the well-being of the sinner and church in mind. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download