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What We Believe
OLIVE TREE MINISTRIES
aka
– Strawberry Views
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The
Olive Tree is significant in the Bible. It symbolically
represents Israel, God’s ancient covenant people
the Jews. The apostle Paul describes symbolism
of the olive tree and its branches in Romans
chapter 11. Paul refers to Gentiles as wild
olive branches grafted into the olive
tree. In other words under the New Covenant both
believing Jews and believing Gentiles are grafted
into the olive tree. The apostle Paul wrote, “So
in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through
faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ
have clothed yourselves with Christ. There
is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor
free, neither male nor female. For
you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong
to Christ, then you are Abraham’s
seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
(Galatians 3:26-28) TNIV. |
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Under the Old Covenant God worked in and through Israel
and only incidentally with the Gentiles (pagans). However,
with the death, burial and resurrection of Yeshua (Jesus)
a brand New Covenant was instituted. In the above passage
we discover that God is now working to a greater degree
in and through the Gentiles who make up the Church or Body
of Christ. This is referred to as “Abraham’s
seed.” Fulfilling the promise of blessing recorded
in Genesis 12:2-3 believing
Gentiles are now blessed in Abraham’s seed which is
in Christ Jesus. It is interesting to note that the apostle
Paul refers to believers, both Jews and Gentiles, as “the
Israel of God.”[1] God’s love is equally
extended to Israel under the Old Covenant as it is
to the Body of Christ under the New Covenant. This
does not mean that God has abandoned covenant with ancient
Israel. As a remnant of Jews now believe, a day is
coming when, “I do not want you to be ignorant
of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not
think you are superior; Israel has experienced a hardening
in part until the full number
of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all
Israel will be saved.” [2] |
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Apostles'
Doctrine:
We are living in a day when
apathy has overwhelmed many churches. The foundational
teachings of the original apostles are being
set-aside or simply neglected
by many professed Christians. This
ought not to be. It is becoming increasingly
difficult to find ministries
that devote themselves to apostles’
teaching as was the practice of the early believers.
Note what is recorded of the church at Jerusalem right
after Pentecost, “They [the believers] devoted
themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to
the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
(Acts 2:42) NIV |
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ministry is not ashamed to
declare its allegiance to the
Gospel, to that which was proclaimed by the apostles of
old.
“For
I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the
power of God to salvation for everyone
who believes, for the Jew first and also for the
Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed
from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall
live by faith.’” (Romans 1:16) NKJV.
Apostolic teaching is vital
to the spiritual health of Christian belief. We are being
told by some that Christians should avoid emphasis on doctrine.
Remember, the words “doctrine”
and “teaching” are synonymous. Sound
teaching brings Christians together in
spite of their outward differences. God’s people
must know what they believe
and why they believe as they do. Many of us are convinced
that sound teaching is lacking
in too many churches and ministries today. The
focus of this ministry is not
solely geared to one issue,
but seeks to address a number
of issues that are pertinent to all
believers whatever their differences. Apostolic teaching
is not out-of-date but is desperately
needed in the Body of Christ. See [3] - Titus 2:1;
1 Timothy chapter 4 and 2 Timothy 4:2-8. |
New
Testament Principles:
We
accept the entire Bible
as authoritative in matters relating to faith, doctrine
and practice. We further believe that the
church i.e., ekklesia, is a New Testament concept.
The Church of God is not a replacement
of Israel. We recognize certain principles
that are unique to the
Christian faith, especially to the reforming and radical
aspects of this faith. We believe that God would have
us boldly proclaim these
foundational tenets which
include: |
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Necessity
of reconciliation to God |
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Salvation
by grace through faith in Christ alone |
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Tri-unity of God: one God in three Persons (Father,
Son and Holy Spirit) |
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Priesthood
of all believers |
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The
universality of the Church as the Body of Christ with
Christ as its sole head |
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Rejection
of a binding hierarchy over local companies of believers |
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Praise
and worship that is God-honoring, Christ-centered
and Spirit led |
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Two
sacraments (ordinances): baptism and communion |
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The need for ongoing reform and renewal in the Church |
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An
inclusive gospel message that includes those disenfranchised
by some institutional churches |
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The
separation of Church and State |
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The
New Testament providing guidelines for Church truth |
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Discipleship
resulting in Christ-like living |
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Freedom
for the Holy Spirit to sovereignly move and bestow
spiritual gifts |
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The
Bible as God’s authoritative word |
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The
competency of the individual Spirit-filled believer
to come to Scripture without needing religious hierarchy
or dogma to interpret |
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Unity
among Christians regardless of their individual and/or
sectarian differences |
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Gospel
Emphasis:
The
Gospel is the Good News that Jesus Christ died
for our sins, was buried and rose from the grave.
See – 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
At Pentecost the Father sent the Holy Spirit to
baptize, fill and indwell all believers. Since
then the Holy Spirit continues to move in
the Body of Christ sovereignly bestowing a gift-mix
upon each company of Christian disciples who are open
to receiving these gifts. |
Churches should carefully
follow the guidelines provided in the New Testament for
testing all gifts to discern
those given by God from those which are counterfeit
and not of God being sure to always adhere to the apostle
Paul’s exhortation, “that
all things should be done decently and in order.”
(1 Corinthians 14:40)
The Gospel of God cannot be
added to. There is only one Gospel
and it dare not be changed.
See – Galatians 1:6-9. |
Reconciliation
Goals :
“Once you were not a people,
but now you are God’s people; once you had not
received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
(1 Peter 2:10) NRSV.
Christians
are not immune to phobias,
prejudices and unloving actions, whereas the
identification of authentic followers of Christ
is love; love for God
and love for each other. Our Lord was asked, “’Teacher,
which is the great commandment
in the law?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You
shall love the LORD your God with all your
heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
‘This is the first and great commandment.’
‘And the second is like it: You
shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
On these two commandments hang all the Law and
Prophets.” (Matthew 22:36-40) NKJV. |
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apostle John declared that unless a person displays love,
their authenticity as an authentic
disciple would be in question. See - 1 John 1:7; 2:9- 11;
3:14-18; 4:7-12, 19-21.
Reconciliation
is a vital part of Christian
faith. The apostle Paul emphasized this need, “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.” (2 Cor. 5:18-20) NRSV.
The impetus
of Olive Tree Ministries is
to share the Message of Reconciliation
both within and outside of the Body of Christ. We believe
that God has raised this ministry
up to help reach the disenfranchised
of the world with the Gospel. It is crucial
that those people who are outside of Christ be reconciled
to God, that God’s people be reconciled
to one another; that churches proclaim
the message of reconciliation, and that as followers
of Christ we display God’s
love to and for all people regardless
of who they are, where they live or whatever their circumstances
may be. The message of John 3:16-18 is for all
people, “For
God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not
send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to
save the world through him. Whoever
believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does
not believe stands condemned already because they have not
believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
TNIV |
The
Local Church:
Olive Tree Ministries is not a church
but seeks to work with, encourage, build up and aid
local churches in any and every way possible. This
ministry believes that the local
church, whether a house
ekklesia, a small group or a fully organized congregation,
is ordained by God where
the Holy Spirit works most effectively through a gift-mix,
where God-ordained leadership
functions, the priesthood of
all believers is practiced, the
tenets of the historic biblical faith are taught,
and where Christ-like living
is emphasized of both the leadership as well as for
all Christians. This ministry strongly supports the
concept of the local churches as most consistent
with New Testament teaching and practice. We view
the universal Church as the
Body of Christ.
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ministry advocates the autonomy and
sovereignty of each company of believers, hence opposes
any form of hierarchy that oversteps its bounds and/or infringes
on this autonomy. New Testament congregations should be
self-governing without outside interference whether it be
secular or denominational. |
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Liberal
or Conservative?
Olive Tree Ministries is neither and
it is both. It
is hard to place this ministry in either theological
category. To those on the “far-right”,
it is viewed as liberal. To those on the “extreme-left”,
it is conservative. This para-church ministry is seeking
to shed such labels and be simply
known as disciples, i.e., Christians! |
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But
how does this ministry fit into the theological and political
spectrum?
Olive Tree Ministries actually
views itself as centrist evangelical
in the Body of Christ. In-other-words in some positions
it tends to be right-of-center
whereas on other positions it is left-of-center.
However, if the truth be known this ministry is seeking
to take a moderate evangelical position
in most areas that it believes to be in accord with the
historic biblical Christian faith. As a ministry we seek
to avoid partisan politics.
To quote from the prophet Micah largely sums up the
walk of Christians as disciples of Christ, “He
[God] has shown all you people what is good. And what does
the LORD require of you? To act justly
and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
(Micah 6:8) TNIV
As a ministry it is our intent
to put what we say and proclaim into action. The prophet
Isaiah summed up the task of Messiah and those who follow
Him thusly: “The
spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has
anointed me; he has sent me to bring
good news to the oppressed, to
bind up the brokenhearted, to
proclaim liberty to the captives, and
release to the prisoners; to
proclaim the year of the LORD’S favor, and
the day of vengeance of our GOD; to
comfort all who mourn; to provide
for those who mourn in Zion—to
give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil
of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle
of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will
be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of
the LORD, to display his glory.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)
We view social justice as a
vital part of the Message of Reconciliation which
includes: |
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Combating
anti-Semitism, racism, homophobia and all forms of prejudice
toward any and all groups of people whether in the institutional
Church or outside of it |
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Recognizing
God
as Creator, Christians should employ proper care for
the environment and our planet viewing the people of
God as caretakers, not abusers seeking to avoid extremism
in these matters |
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Seeking to put “the
Beatitudes” (Matthew 5:1-24) that our Lord set
forth as guidelines in his Sermon on the Mount into
practical action in the Body of Christ) |
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Actively
working
for the spiritual unity of the Body of Christ in fulfillment
of our Lord’s prayer in the Gospel of John, chapter
17 |
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Working
for the eradication of all life-altering diseases such
as cancer, AIDS, heart disease, etc. |
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Recognizing
Jesus as “the Prince of Peace” Christians
should be at the forefront in fostering peace in the
nation and in the world |
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Seeking
in whatever ways possible to help eradicate poverty
at home and abroad |
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Endeavoring
to fulfill the Royal Law of our Lord by loving God and
loving our neighbor regardless of who or what that neighbor
may be |
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What
We Believe:
All Confessions of Faith,
Doctrinal Statements and Creeds are fallible and subject
to revision as the Spirit of God continues to reveal the
truths of God’s Word to believers. The confessions,
statements and creeds of Olive Tree Ministries are based
on Scripture. We recognize that the Church and/or ministries
cannot and must not seek to bind the conscience of individual
believers in areas where Scripture is silent. Each follower
of Christ is to be led in those areas by the Lord, to whom
each person is ultimately responsible. The following is
a summary of the belief system of this ministry. We suggest
that either individuals and/or groups study and discuss
each of the following. |
1.
CREATION |
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We
Believe that God is the Creator of the universe and
of humankind (Gen. 1 & 2; Col. 1:15-17; John 1:3).
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2.
THE BIBLE |
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We
Believe that the sixty-six books of the Bible in their
original form are the uniquely and divinely inspired
(God-breathed) written Word of God; that both testaments
(Covenants) are Scripture and are authoritative for
Christians; that the giving of Holy Scripture has
ceased (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Rev. 22:18-19). |
3.
THE ONE TRUE GOD |
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We Believe that there is one true, holy, living and
eternal God [YHWH] who is without beginning and without
end but is from everlasting to everlasting (Ex. 20:2-3;
Dt. 6:4; Rev. 1:8; Mic. 5:2). |
4.
THE TRI-UNITY OF GOD |
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We
Believe that this one God is triune: Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit; that the Tri-unity of the godhead
is an infinite divine mystery revealed in Scripture
(Mt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 8:6; 2 Cor. 13:14).
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5.
THE DEITY OF CHRIST |
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We
Believe that Jesus [Yeshua/Jeshua] was God incarnate;
that He was uniquely virgin born, conceived of the
Holy Spirit; that in His humanity He is the Christ
[Messiah-Anointed One] sent from the Father to earth
(Jn. 1:1-3; 20:28; Phil. 2:5-8; Isa. 9:6-7; Gen. 3:15;
Isa. 7:14; Mt. 1:23; Lk. 1:26-38; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 1:1-8).
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6.
THE HOLY SPIRIT |
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We
Believe that the Holy Spirit is personal and divine;
that He regenerates, baptizes, indwells, fills, sanctifies
and illumines believers; that He empowers witness;
that He draws the lost to Christ and that He sovereignly
bestows gifts upon local companies of believers as
a gift-mix (Acts 5:3-4; Jn. 3:5-6; 1:33; 1 Cor. 12:12-13;
Rom. 8:16; Eph. 5:18; Jn. 16:13-15; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor.
12:1, 4-7, 11).
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7.
HUMANKIND |
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We
Believe that humankind was created in the image of
God but voluntarily fell into sin; that the sin nature
is natural to every human being; that everyone other
than Jesus of Nazareth who lived life without sin,
are sinners; that the penalty of sin is death, both
physical and spiritual (Gen. 1:27; 2:17; 3:16-23;
Jn. 8:46; 2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 3:10, 23; 5:12, 19; 6:23).
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8.
THE ATONEMENT |
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We
Believe that Christ was crucified on a Roman cross;
that in His death His shed blood has provided the
covering (atonement) for sin; that He is our substitute
for the penalty of sin; that through His shed blood
there is eternal redemption (salvation) for all who
personally believe and accept Him as Savior and Lord
(Isa. 53:4-7; Lk. 23:33, 44-46, 50-56; Heb. 7:25-27;
1 Pet. 2:24; Eph. 2:13; 1:7).
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9.
THE GOSPEL |
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We
Believe that there is only one Gospel which is the
Good News of Salvation in and through a personal relationship
with Jesus Christ; that this Gospel must not be embellished
but is simply: “Christ died for our sins, that
He was buried, that He rose again, and that He was
seen by witnesses”; that it is our responsibility
as believers is to preach, teach and live in the power
of this Gospel (Gal. 1:6-9; 1 Cor. 15:1-6a; Mt. 28:6-7;
Jn. 20:24-27; Lk. 24:38-39; Rom. 1:16-17; 1 Cor. 1:17-25;
2 Cor. 4:4; 1 Thess. 1:4-5).
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10.
SAVIOR AND LORD |
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We
Believe that Jesus is the only Savior from sin; that
He is not only Savior but also Lord (Sovereign); that
it is only through Him that we come to the Father
(Jn. 14:6; Acts 4:12; Rom. 10:9-13; Phil. 2:9-11).
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11.
THE NEW BIRTH |
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We
Believe that every person must experience the new
birth in order to be adopted into the family of God;
that this spiritual rebirth is of the Holy Spirit
and not the result of human effort, good works, morality
and/or religion (Jn. 3:1-17; 1 Pet. 1:23).
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12.
GRACE AND JUSTIFICATION |
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We
Believe that it is by grace through faith in Jesus
Christ that we are brought into reconciliation with
the Father; that salvation is God’s free gift
offered to all who will believe; that we are justified
by faith in Christ alone (Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:10;
Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:5-7; Rom. 3:21-18; 4:5; 5:1, 9,
11; Gal. 2:16; Phil. 3:9).
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13.
ETERNAL SALVATION |
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We
Believe that the gift of eternal life is the present
possession of every believer; that nothing and no
one can take this gift from believers, however, it
may be possible of the individual’s own volition
no longer to “continue in the faith,”
but instead to apostatize, “depart from the
faith”; that genuine believers will persevere
to the end (Jn. 1:12-13; 1 Jn. 5:11-13; Rom. 8:35-39;
Jn. 10:27-28; Eph. 1:3-14; Phil. 1:6; 2 Jn. 7:9; Col.
1:21-23; 1 Tim. 1:18-29).
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14.
GOOD WORKS |
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We
Believe that we are saved unto good works; that works
are the result of personal believing faith and acceptance
of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, not for salvation
(Eph. 2:10; Heb. 6:10; James 2:26).
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15.
SANCTIFICATION |
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We
Believe that sanctification is the work of the Holy
Spirit whereby the believer is set apart unto holiness
and godly living; that sanctification is progressive
continuing throughout the believer’s life on
earth; that this work includes being filled by and
with the Holy Spirit; that this filling is evidenced
by a Christlike life displaying the fruit of the Spirit;
that believers are to daily crucify the old self and
keep in step with the Holy Spirit (Phil. 4:8-9; 1
Jn. 3:2; Gal. 2:20; 5:16-25; 1 Pet. 1:13-16; Eph.
5:18; 1 Thess. 5:19, 23-24; Jude 24-25; Gal. 5:22-23,
25).
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16.
THE CHURCH |
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We
Believe that the Church, the Ekklesia (called-out
ones), was birthed by the Holy Spirit on the day of
Pentecost and is the spiritual Body of Christ, the
Church of God; that it is made up of all authentic
believers and is not confined to any one sect or denomination;
that in its universal aspect is one, holy, catholic
and apostolic; that Christ is its only rightful head;
that it is built upon the apostles and prophets; that
it manifests itself in local companies of believers
(Acts 2:1, 36-47; 20:28; Rom. 12:4; Eph. 2:11-22;
Col. 2:19; Eph. 4:3-6; Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22-23).
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17.
CHURCH DISCIPLINE |
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We
Believe that local churches are mandated to exercise
discipline in a loving manner with restoration as
the ultimate goal; that discipline is for the spiritual
health of the community of believers (Mt. 18:15-17;
1 Cor. 5:1-13; 11:27-32; Gal. 6:1-5; 2 Thess. 3:6,
14-15).
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18.
THE CHURCH-MILITANT |
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We
Believe that the Church-Militant is the Body of Christ
on earth; that it manifests itself through local communities
of believers where the Holy Spirit gifts leadership
of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors-teachers,
elders, deacons; that its first and foremost priority
is to glorify God (Heb. 10:23-25; Eph. 4:11-16; Jn.
15:16; Acts 20:17-28; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 5:17; Rom. 16:16b;
1 Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:1b). |
19.
THE CHURCH-TRIUMPHANT |
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We
Believe that the Church-Triumphant is that part of
the Body of Christ that now resides and worships at
the throne of God; that it is made up of all who have
died in the Lord; that when a believer dies, his/her
spirit enters into the presence of God becoming part
of the Church-Triumphant; that in bona fide praise
and worship the Church-Militant joins with the Church-Triumphant
(Rom. 14:8; 2 Cor. 5:6-9; Heb. 12:1, 22-23; Rev. chp.
4). |
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WATER BAPTISM |
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We
Believe that baptism in water in the name of the Triune
God is an act of obedience to all who repent of sin,
believe and receive the Gospel; that total immersion
most perfectly symbolizes baptism though other modes
of baptism, under certain circumstances, are acceptable;
that water baptism does not and cannot save (Mt. 3:5-8;
28:19; Acts 2:41; 8:36-38; Rom. 6:1-11; Col. 2:12). |
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THE LORD’S SUPPER |
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We
Believe that the Lord’s Supper, also referred
to as Communion or the Eucharist (thanksgiving), has
been given to the local church as a remembrance of
our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection; that
this observance is for believers only and should be
regularly observed; that before partaking of the bread
and wine believers ought to examine themselves and
confess their sin making amends with anyone offended
and/or sinned against; that we need not theologize
what our Lord meant when He said that the bread is
His body and the wine is His blood; that the bread
and wine do not become the literal flesh and blood
of Christ, hence the concept of a mass, with its transubstantiation,
is unscriptural; that Communion does not and cannot
save. We do believe that Christ is spiritually present
in a manner that we do not fully understand but accept.
(Mt. 26:26-29; Lk. 22:19-20; Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor.
10:16-21; 11:17-32; Heb. Chap. 10. |
22.
DISCIPLESHIP |
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We
Believe that Christians, as disciples of Christ, are
called into discipleship; that healthy sheep beget
healthy sheep; that discipleship includes faithfulness
to a local company of believers, walking in covenant
with one another, submitting in the Lord to the leadership
when in accord with biblical principles, and seeking
to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord; that
the mark of an authentic follower of Christ is love
for God and love for one another (Jn. 8:30-32; Acts
2:41-42; Jn. 15:16-17; Col. 3:1-17; Heb. 13:17; 2
Pet. 3:18; Jn. 13:34-35). |
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APOSTLES’ TEACHING |
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We
Believe that each community of believers is exhorted
to hold sound doctrine [teaching] without apology
and/or compromise; that God is calling forth watchers
to lovingly and firmly contend for the faith of the
apostles; that sound biblical preaching and teaching
should have primacy in each ekklesia (Tit. 2:1; 1
Tim. 4:1-5; 2 Pet. 2:1-3; Jude 3 & 4; Prov. 7:2;
2 Thess. 2:15; 2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 20:20, 27; Neh. 8:8;
Ps. 138:2; 1 Cor. Chap. 1; Rom. 10:14-17). |
24.
WITNESSING, EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS |
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We
Believe that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to
witness to those who do not know Jesus Christ as Savior
and Lord; that believers are commissioned to spread
the Gospel to all peoples; that the commission to
witness, evangelize and send out missionaries must
be obeyed by the Church (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15;
Lk. 24:47; Acts 1:8; Rom. 1:16). |
25.
THE PRIESTHOOD OF BELIEVERS |
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We
Believe in the priesthood of all believers; that the
priesthood of the Hebrew Scriptures was fulfilled
in Christ who is now the only High Priest; that in
the Body of Christ there is no separate priesthood
above and/or beyond the priesthood of all believers
under the New Covenant; that titles should be used
sparingly when addressing those whom God has called
into servant ministry; that using the biblical “brother”
or “sister” should be encouraged; that
religious [denominational] hierarchy creates division
in the Body of Christ and is therefore contrary to
basic New Testament teaching, hence should be rejected
(Heb. 7:20-28; 10:21; Rev. 1:5b-6; 1 Pet. 2:4-5, 9;
Mt. 23:1-12; Heb. 2:11; 13:1; Rev. 12:10b). |
26.
THANKSGIVING, PRAISE AND WORSHIP |
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We
Believe that God’s people are called to offer
thanksgiving, praise and worship unto God; that the
Holy Spirit should have liberty to minister as believers
praise and worship, however this liberty should not
be allowed to become disorderly; that established
formats [liturgy] are permissible providing they are
alive, vibrant and meaningful and never allowed to
become rote, meaningless and/or vain repetition; that
the thanksgiving, praise and worship of God’s
people should be: spiritual, inspirational, intelligent
and fruitful (Ps. 100; Heb. 13:15; Jn. 4:24; Rev.
4:11; 1 Cor. 14:26, 33, 40; Eph. 5:19-20; Ps. 29:2;
88:8-10; Mt. 6:7).
We
Further Believe that the Tabernacle of David is once
again being raised up in the Body of Christ. (Amos
9:11 with Acts 15:15-17). |
27.
PRAYER |
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We
Believe that the God’s people are called upon
to pray both privately and corporately; that there
is a place for both extemporaneous and common [structured-written]
prayer; that prayer includes adoration, confession,
thanksgiving, petition, supplication and intercession;
that the biblical example for prayer is that it should
normally be addressed to the Father, in the name of
the Son [Jesus Christ], as motivated and led by the
Holy Spirit; that the place where believers assemble,
whether a private home or public facility, is “a
house of prayer for all people” (Mt. 6:5-6;
Acts 4:31; Mt. 6:9-13; Lk. 11:5-13; Eph. 2:18; Heb.
4:16; Jn. 16:23-24; Eph. 6:18-19; Mk. 11:17). |
28.
THE BLESSED HOPE |
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We
Believe that “the Blessed Hope” of believers
is the imminent return of Christ for His spiritual
body, the believing Church (Tit. 2:13;1 Thess. 4:13-18;
Acts 1:9-11; Jn. 14:2-3; 1 Cor. 15:42-44, 51-54).
We
Further Believe that different understanding among
Christians in matters relating to eschatology [5]
should not divide believers from one another. We adhere
to the ancient plea:
 In
Essentials – Unity,
In
Non-essentials – Freedom,
In
Everything – Love! |
29.
HEAVEN AND HELL |
|
We
Believe that heaven is the abode of God; that it is
the dwelling place of the spirits of believers who
have died, and that it will be the eternal home of
believers in the resurrection; that hell is being
prepared for Satan, the spirit beings giving allegiance
to him, and the place where the unbelieving dead will
reside; that the awfulness of hell is that it is eternal
separation from God without hope; that reincarnation
and purgatory are false doctrines not in accord with
the New Testament (Ps. 115:3; 123:1; Rev. 14:13; Phil.
3:20; Rev. 21:1-4; Mt. 25:46; Jn. 5:28-29; Rev. 20:10-15;
2 Thess. 1:8-9; Phil. 1:20-23; 2 Cor. 5:8-10). |
30.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS TODAY |
|
We
Believe that the Holy Spirit sovereignly bestows spiritual
gifts upon believers in the Body of Christ; that so-called
cession of the gifts is a false teaching; that spiritual
gifts are to be tested to be sure that they are indeed
of God. (1 Corinthians chapter 12, 13 & 14; Rom.
12:3-8). |
31.
DIVINE HEALING |
|
We
Believe that prayer, accompanied by anointing with
oil and laying on-of-hands, is symbolic that God honors
in the restoration of physical, emotional and spiritual
healing; that divine healing is in accord to God’s
will and sovereignty. We do not believe that the oil
has magical power therefore we caution in its use
seeking to avoid superstition; that God alone is the
Healer (Jehovah-Rapha), not the oil, therefore we
encourage Christians to pray for the sick and infirm
(Ja. 5:14-15; Ex. 15:26; Ps. 103:1-5; Mt. 10:8; Is.
53:5; Jer. 17:14; Is. 61:1-3; Acts 28:8; 1 Cor. 12:9,
28, 30) |
32.
SATAN, DEMONS AND ANGELS |
|
We
Believe that Satan, angels and demons are spirit beings
that were created; that Satan was originally at the
throne of God but rebelled and was banished from God’s
presence taking a third of the angels with him many
who are now known as demons; that Satan’s power
and abilities are limited but that he controls a vast
network of evil spirit beings who are to demonize
both believers and unbelievers; that the angels are
messengers of God ministering at God’s throne
as well as ministering to believers; that worshipping,
exalting and/or praying to angels is forbidden and
we further believe that angels and human beings were
a separate and distinct creation of God, hence human
beings upon death do not become angels. (Rev. 12:7-9;
1 Jn. 3:8; 1 Pet. 5:8; Mt. 12:24; Eph. 2:2; Jn. 14:30;
Lk. 10:18; 2 Thess. 2:9; 2 Cor. 11:14; Jude 6; Rev.
20:10; 2 Pet. 2:4; Acts 19:13-16; Mt. 9:32-33; Mk.
16:15-18; Is. 6:1-4; Dan. 6:22; Mt. 16:27; 18:10;
Heb. 1:6-7; Jude 9; Rev. 5:11-14; Col. 2:18; Rev.
22:8-9; Heb. 1:14; Col. 2:18; Psalm 8). |
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