Our Statement Of Faith

Our Statement Of Faith (written bye TLC)

DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

I. The doctrine of the scriptures.

A. We believe the sixty-six books of the Bible are verbally and inspired, and that the entire Bible is without error. We believe that the King James Bible is the Bible for the English speaking people of the world.    2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21

B. We believe that the Bible is absolutely authoritative and is our only rule for faith and practice. 2 Timothy 3:15-17

C. We believe the Bible is to be interpreted literally, that is in it's normal sense. Each passage must be interpreted in it's context following the grammatical, historical, and theological guidelines of interpretation. 2 Peter 1:20, Psalms 12:6, 19:7-11.

D. We believe that the recording of the scriptures ended with the ministry of the apostles. Revelation 22:18-19.

II. The Doctrine of God

A. We believe in the existence of one living, personal and true God, who eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

1. The existence of God is the first truth which scripture does not prove, but assumes. It is considered a fact. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis1:1, Exodus 3:13-14; 20:2.

2. One God, eternally existent in three persons. "Hear O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord." Deuteronomy 6:4; Hebrews 9:14; Matthew 28:19.

B. We believe the attributes of God are essential qualities for a perfect Being, which belong to God alone.

1. His Omnipotence: Rev. 19:6
2. His Omniscience: 1 John 3:20
3. His Omnipresence: Jeremiah 23:24
4. His Immutability: Malachi 3:6
5. His Love: 1 John 4:8-16
6. His Holiness: Leviticus 11:44,45

We recognize God's holiness as being fundamental in relation to the rest of his attributes. This is especially true in relation to His attribute of love. His love is conditioned by His Holiness.
John 3:16

C. We believe that God is righteous, just faithful, loving and true. Genesis 18:25; Deuteronomy 32:4; John 3:16; Lamentations 3:23; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18

D. We believe that God created everything that exists, both physical and spiritual, according to the Genesis account of Creation; that creation was accomplished in six literal 24hour days. We reject such theories as the "Gap Theory" and the "Long Day Theory." Genesis 1,2

III.The Doctrine of Christ

A. We believe that Jesus Christ exists, and has always existed, eternally with the the Father. John 1:1,2

B. We believe that Jesus Christ took upon Himself the form of flesh, and became the God man. Philippians 2:5-8; 1 Timothy 3:16

C. We believe that His incarnation was accomplished by the Holy spirit through the Virgin Birth. Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18,20,23.

D. We believe that Jesus Christ was perfect in every respect, and that His temptation was valid, though He could not Himself sin. Hebrews 4:15; Matthew 4:1-11

E. We believe that Jesus Christ went to the cross voluntarily, and became sin as He died a sacrificial death for all men; that His death was sufficient for all men, but only effective for those who believe. Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 2:2; Philippians 2:8; Romans 3:24-26.

F. We believe that Christ's resurrection from the dead was literal, bodily, and that it was for our justification. 1 Corinthians 15:20; John 20:27

G. We believe that Jesus Christ is now seated at the right hand of Father, and that He itercedes for the Believers. Hebrews 7:25; 9:24; 10:21; 1 John 2:1,2' Romans 8:34.

IV. The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

A. We believe that the Holy Spirit is eternal God, the third person of the Trinity. Hebrews 9:14; Acts 5:3,4; Luke 1:35; 1 Corinthians 2:10, Psalms 139:7,10; Genesis 1:1,2.

B. We believe that the Holy spirits purpose in the world today is to convict of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. John 16:8-11

C. We also believe that He is also to restrain evil in the world. 2 Thessalonians 2:7

D. We believe that the Holy Spirit's ministry in relation to the believers is that, at the moment of conversion, He regenerates, 22 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:1-21; baptizes. 1 Corinthians 12:13; seals Ephesians 1:13; indwells, Romans 8:9,10 every believer.

E. We believe that the Holy Spirit fills and empowers every believer for service. Ephesians 5:18

F. We Believe the ministry of the Holy spirit also includes.

1. Teaching: 1 Corinthians 2:10,13
2. Strengthening: Ephesians 3:16
3. Leading: Romans 8:4,14

G. We believe the Holy Spirit gives special gifts, some of which were temporary. 1 Corinthians 12:28, 1 Corinthians 13:8. Some exist in the church today. Ephesians 4:11,12; 1 Corinthians 14:12,20.

V. The Doctrine of Man

A. We believe God created man, Adam, out of the dust of the earth, on the sixth day of creation, and that he was created in the image of God. Genesis 2:7, 27.

B. We believe Adam was created sinless, Genesis 1:31; and that he was given a free will, Genesis 2:16,17.

C. We believe Adam died spiritually the moment he committed sin, Genesis 2:17; 3:8,10 and that the entire human race fell in Adam. Romans 5:12

D. We believe all men are dead in trespasses and sin, Ephesians 2:1 and are incapable in them selves of coming to God. Romans 3:23; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 7:18; Titus 3:5. Therefore, all men by nature and act are under the condemnation of God. Romans 6:23; John 3:18-20.

VI. The Doctrine of Sin

A. We believe Adams sin may be called the "original sin", because it physically plunged both Adam and the whole human race into the depths of sin. Romans 5:12; Being in Adam we all voluntarily chose to commit this sin; hence, we are all guilty of that "original sin" and God has justly condemned the whole world. Romans 3:23; 5:19.

B. We believe as a result of this fall, that man is utterly helpless. He is born with a totally depraved nature that is continually inclined to do evil. Romans 3:11,12; Psalms 51:5.

C. We believe all men are dead in trespasses and sin, Ephesians 2:1; that men are incapable in themselves of coming to God without the aid of the Holy Spirit, John 16:8-11. That man is a sinner by nature. Romans 3:23. Isaiah 56:6; Romans 7:18; Titus 3:5. Therefore, all men by nature and actions are under the condemnation of God. Romans 6:23; John 3:18-20.

VII.The Doctrine of Salvation

A. We believe that salvation from sin is possible only because of God's love and mercy. John 3:16; Romans 5:8;

B. We believe that salvation is provided entirely by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:24; 22 Corinthians 5:21.

C. We believe that all who repent of sin, and truly believe on Jesus Christ are saved. Acts 2:38; 16:31; Romans 10:9,10; John 6:37; Romans 5:1, John 5:24; 2 Corinthians 5:17.

D. We believe that God is sovereign and from eternity past has chosen some for salvation by virtue of His eternal nature knowing all things. Ephesians 1:4.

E. We believe that a sinner is declared righteous by God at the moment of salvation. Romans 3:24,26. That he is continually being saved from the power of sin as he lives in obedience to the Lord, 1 John 1:7; and that he will be saved from the presence of sin in eternity. Philippians
3:21.

F. We believe that all true believers are eternally secure. From the moment of conversion. Ephesians 1:13,14; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:16; John 10:18.

VIII.The Doctrine of the Church

A. We believe that the church, that Jesus said he would build, is the "called out" assembly of believers which includes all believers from the time that Christ called out the apostles to the Rapture, and will have its first meeting in the air at the time of the rapture. Matthew 4:18,21; 9:9; Mark 1:16; Luke 5:10; John 1:38; Matthew 16:18; Acts 15:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; Ephesians 5:27.

B. We believe that word "church" as it is used in the New Testament, usually refers to a local body of "called out" believers. Revelations 2,3; Acts 2:47; 14:23,27; 15:3,4: 20:28; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; and 1 Timothy 3:5.

C. We believe God's ordained institution for this age is the local church. 1 Timothy 3:15.

1. The ordinances, namely Baptism and the Lord's Supper belong to the local church. Acts 2:41, 42; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30. Each is a memorial. Romans 6:3; 1 Corinthians 11:24; a symbol; Romans 6:5; 1 Corinthians 11:26.

2. Christ's Commission was given to His church. Matthew 16:18; 28:19,20; Acts 1:8, 2:14.

D. We believe there are certain distinctives in a New Testament Local church that are mportant.

1.The Bible as the only rule for faith and practice. 2 Timothy 3:16

2. The regeneration of the church membership. John 3:3

3. The Baptism by immersion of it's members. Romans 6:1-5

4. The autonomy of the local church. 2 Corinthians 8:19

5. The priesthood of all the believers. Hebrews 4:15,16; 1 Peter 2:9

6. The separation of church and state. Matthew 22:21

E. We believe the officers of the local church are pastor and deacon.

1. Pastors are called.

a. Elder (the presiding officer) 1 Timothy 5:17
b. Bishop (the superintendent) Titus 1:7
c. Shepherd (the protector) 1 Peter 5:2,4
d. Preacher (the exhorter) 1 Timothy 2:7
e. Teacher (the instructor) Ephesians 4:11

2. Deacons are appointed by the pastor for the purpose of assisting the pastor, or pastors in
both Spiritual and temporal affairs of the church. 1 Timothy 8-13; Acts 6:1-7.

IX. The Doctrine of Angels

A. We believe God created a great host of spiritual beings, called angels. Hebrews 9:6; Colossians 1:16, they are immortal, Luke 20:36, they are innumerable. Hebrews 12:22.

B. We believe angels were created sinless with the ability to choose good or evil. Isaiah 14:12-15. Those who sinned are awaiting judgment. 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6. Those who did not sin are confirmed in holiness. 1 Timothy 5:21.

C. We believe unfallen angels are ministering to those who are heirs of salvation. Hebrews 1:14, they protect the saints. Psalms 91:11, they observe the churches 1 Corinthians 11:10, Ephesians 3:10, and they are unquestioning servants of the Lord. Revelation 16:1-7.

D. We believe that Satan was the highest created being, Ezekiel 28:14. That he rebelled against God, Isaiah 14:12-14, and he lead other angels in his rebellion. Matthew 25:41.

E. We believe Satan is now the "god of this world", 2 Corinthians 4:4, and the "prince of the power of the air," Ephesians 2:2, 6:2.

X. The Doctrine of the Last Things

A. We believe the next prophetic event will be the Rapture or snatching away of the church. It is imminent, and it will include all born again believers, dead or alive. Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; 1 Corinthians 15:51,52.

B. We believe that, following the Rapture, the judgment seat of Christ will take place in Heaven. 2 Corinthians 5:10.

C. We believe that, immediately following the Rapture of the church, a seven year period of tribulation will begin on the earth. Revelation 4-18; Daniel 9:24-27; Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21. It will be a period in which the wrath of God is poured our on the Gentile nations, and the unbelieving Israel.

D. We believe that, immediately following the tribulation, Satan will be bound, and Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace, will rule and reign on this earth for one thousand years. Revelation 20:2,3. This thousand year reign of Christ will be the fulfillment of the promise of God that righteousness and peace would prevail on this earth.

E. We believe that at the close of the millennium, Satan will be loosed for a short time, and deceive the nations into rebelling against God. They will be devoured by fire from heaven. Satan will be cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:7-10.

F. We believe that, following the tribulation and the millennium, that all unbelievers will be resurrected bodily to face God as their judge at the Great White Throne of Judgment, and will be cast into the lake of fire to suffer torment forever for their unbelief in Christ as savior. Daniel 12:1; Revelation 20:11-15.