Statement Of Faith
Educate, Mentor, Encourage, Equip & Empower Women fulfill God's Plan & Purpose in their lives.
THE BIBLEWe believe that the Bible is the infallible and inerrant Word of God. The Bible is unique among all the writings of the world because it is inspired (literally, "God-breathed") by God Himself and is therefore revered as Holy. The Bible is the only basis for our beliefs. We believe that God's Word is reliable, true, and eternal. The eternal truth of the Bible is not to be diluted with personal opinion or altered by the ever-changing traditions of humanity. The Bible is the living, powerful, and active sword of the Spirit, revealing God's redemptive plan for humanity.
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
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Peter 1:20-21
If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the Scripture cannot be broken.
John 10:35
THE TRINITY
We believe there is one and only one living and true God. We accept the mystery of unity among diversity in the Triune Godhead. God reveals Himself to us as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit; each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: John 15:26
SINSin is disobedience to the commands of God, which we find in His Word. The two commands by which all others rest upon are to love the Lord your God, and also thy brother:
Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22:36-40
HUMANITYWe believe that humanity was created good, has fallen, is a slave to their sin nature, is valuable to God, and can be redeemed by God. Humanity was created purposefully by God in His own image according to His own likeness. As the crowning work of God's creation, humanity was given dominion over every living thing of the air, sea, and earth. Adam and Eve were absolutely pure and innocent when God created them. They were given a free will to choose as they pleased concerning obedience to God. Adam and Eve, tempted by Satan, chose to sin against God by disobeying His will and consequently lost their original innocence (the, "Fall") and were separated from the presence of God. This original sin introduced suffering, toil, and death into the human experience.
Having infected themselves with sin, Adam and Eve transmitted their sin nature to all of humanity (except Jesus, the God-man, born of a virgin). Therefore, humanity inherited a fallen nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Each and every person has sinned against God is therefore subject to His just condemnation resulting in physical death and eternal spiritual consequences. In spite of humanity's sinful rebellion against God, He still loves and values people. God, in His great mercy, has made the offer of peace and the provision for forgiveness of our sins through the blood of Jesus in order that people who accept His offer of grace and forgiveness by faith may be redeemed and restored to an abiding relationship with God. The fact that humanity is created in the image of God and that God considers people so precious that He offered His only Son on their behalf testifies that human beings are a special creation, valuable, and sacred. Therefore, we consider all people worthy of dignity, respect, and Christian love.
The need of a Savior – As a result of our fallen sin nature, we are in need of a savior. The penalty for sin is death, and unless it is paid, that person will suffer eternal separation from God. We cannot pay this on our own through good works.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
We believe that every person is in desperate need of salvation. Humanity, with its fallen nature and sinful rebellion against God, is at war with God. In this war, God will prevail with a legitimate, just, devastating, and eternal wrath against rebellious humanity. Every person stands condemned before the Holy and Living God because of their sins; they need to be saved from this imminent judgment. In spite of our offenses against God, He has made a provision for peace with Him, making it possible to be saved from the eternal consequences of our sins and restored to an eternal love relationship with Him. "God proves His love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by His blood, will we be saved through Him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by His life. But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." The only provision for peace with God is Jesus.
The salvation experience includes a spiritual new birth (regeneration) and justification, sanctification (being set apart from the world unto God), and glorification. Salvation begins with the Holy Spirit convicting a person of their sins against God, which produces a godly grief leading to sincere repentance (a turning away from sin to God). Placing their faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins and committing to follow Jesus as Lord, a person is justified (made acceptable) before God and becomes a new creation in Christ Jesus. The new disciple of Jesus is infused with divine power from God by the presence of the Holy Spirit in their life for the purpose of sanctification. The disciple, in the power of the Spirit, begins the process of increasing personal holiness, growing to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. Transformation is central to God's purpose of salvation. At the cross, Jesus not only paid the penalty for our sins with His own blood, but He also set us free from the dominion of sin. Through His abiding presence, Jesus is able to set His people free from the controlling power of sin, free to live lives of holiness. The conclusion of salvation is glorification. Everyone redeemed by the blood of Jesus, adopted into God's family, is assured a glorified eternal existence in the presence of the Lord as a citizen of His glorious Kingdom. Salvation is a gift of God. An unbeliever is dead in their trespasses and sins, incapable of any sign of spiritual life. Unable to repent, powerless to produce the kind of faith in Christ's death that saves, incapable of obeying God, the unbeliever is spiritually dead until God, in His mercy and by His Spirit, begins to bring life to a dead heart. We are saved by the grace of God through faith; salvation cannot be earned. Jesus did not die to make bad people good, He died to make dead people alive!
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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16-17
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
When we accept the work of Christ on the cross, we become born again – that is, given a new life in Christ.
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
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. Romans 10:9
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
He is the messiah, the Son of God, the promised one sent from the Father to save us from our sins. Jesus is an exact representation of the Father, and he went about demonstrating the will of His Father in heaven for us by means of great miracles, healings, and deliverances. Jesus is God who came in the flesh, and by Him, all things were made.
For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Colossians 2:9
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29
I must work the works of him that sent me… John 9:4
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Acts 10:38
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made… Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 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 1:1-3,13-14
When we accept Christ, we are said to be buried into his death, meaning that our old sinful nature dies, and we are raised to new life with Christ. Water baptism symbolically represents the washing away of our past and being raised to new life. It was both preached and practiced in the early church and we believe it is commanded of us today as well. To be baptized, it is required for that person to believe in their heart concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Acts 8:36-37
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins… Acts 2:38
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Acts 10:48
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRITWe believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, with evidence of speaking in tongues. This is a second experience beyond the new birth experience. It’s purpose is to endue you with power from on high to be greater witnesses unto the world, and to live a life of power in the Holy Spirit. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is available to every believer in Jesus Christ.
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. Matthew 3:11
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Acts 19:2
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God… Acts 10:45-46
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts 2:39
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. Acts 8:14-17
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Acts 19:6
We believe in one Holy Church, which is the Body of Christ, comprised of all the redeemed saints of God from all over the world throughout the ages - past, present, and future. By definition, the Church (ekklasia) is separate and distinct from anything else in the world; the Church is profoundly different from the world. Ekklasia literally means, "the called-out ones," and refers to the reality that the saints of God are called out of the world to be holy (separate; set apart for God, His purposes, and His pleasure). Church is a community of believers - a fellowship of lovers of Jesus, who are redeemed by His blood, who have followed Him in believer's baptism, who are His disciples (dedicated, committed, followers), who demonstrate a resolve to pursue holiness, and are primarily interested in seeking and advancing the Kingdom of God. The Church is the Bride of Christ; She was purchased and created by Jesus for Jesus.
We believe that it is vitally important that every Christian should become actively involved in the life, fellowship, and ministries of a local congregation. Few things are more wonderful for a disciple than to be part of a fellowship of believers that is of the same heart and mind, worshiping and ministering together in love and joy to accomplish the will of the Father.
And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence. Colossians 1:18
Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.…1 Corinthians 12:27
We believe that worship is the primary function of the Church gathered. It is the privilege and duty of every disciple to faithfully worship God in both corporate and private settings. Worship literally means to declare the worth of God to God. Because God is Spirit, disciples must worship Him in spirit and truth. The audience for true worship is God; the performers of worship are believers; and the prompters for worship are the worship leaders (musicians, singers, artists, preachers, teachers). Worship is a response of the heart, not just an activity of the mind. In the Bible, worshiping the Lord is expressed in many and diverse forms including: words; shouts; raving and boasting about the Lord; celebrating His greatness; bowing; singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; dance; playing instruments; raising hands; stillness; sitting; lying prostrate. While forms of worship are important, they are secondary to the essence of worship. Worship must be authentic; it is the condition of the heart that ultimately matters, not the external form of worship. God alone is worthy of worship. Worship pleasing to God is a balance of freedom and order.
Fear the LORD your God, serve Him, and take your oaths using only His name. Deuteronomy 6:13
But Jesus replied, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.'" Luke 4:8
Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
We believe that God is in complete control of history and has revealed His ultimate plan for the remarkable conclusion of the world in the Bible. God is currently withholding judgment and extending His gracious offer of peace, forgiveness, and salvation to humanity through Jesus Christ. God will not, however, continue this season of grace forever.
The world will experience turmoil and suffering because of an increase of human wickedness, supernatural evil, and natural disasters. Nations will continue raging against God and His people. Disciples of Jesus will suffer rejection and intense persecution for their faith. Satan will raise up world leaders to prepare the way for a unified world government that promises peace while rejecting Jesus. At a time unknown to humanity, Jesus will come again to the earth. This time (His second coming) He will not come as the Suffering Servant and Sacrificial Lamb, rather He will come as King of kings and Lord of lords. He will gather His people to Himself, restore Israel, establish His Kingdom, and judge the wicked. Jesus will reign as King for one thousand years in Jerusalem. After this millennial reign, Satan will be released on earth to arouse the nations of the world to rebel against God a final time. God will destroy the rebelling nations with fire from heaven and Satan will be thrown into the Lake of Fire to be tormented forever, never again to disturb humanity. The dead will be raised and everyone will stand before Almighty God to give an account for every word and deed of their lives. Anyone whose name is not found in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire; this is the second death.
The heaven and the earth will pass away and God will create a new heaven and a new earth. The people of God will be given glorified bodies that are not subject to corruption, sickness, or death. God will establish His dwelling place in the midst of His people and reign in righteousness forever, receiving the worship He deserves.
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:52
At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. 31And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.Matthew 24:30-31
For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise.…1 Thessalonians 4:14-16
But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.. Matthew 24:36
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Luke 21:25-26
And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. Revelation 20:1-15
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Luke 21:36
Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand. Revelation 1:3
THE REALITY OF SATAN & DEMONSWhen Satan was cast out of heaven, he took with him a third of the stars of heaven. We believe these stars are referring to angels, which are today known as demonic spirits which we encounter when ministering deliverance to people. They are under the leadership of Satan and carry out his evil commissions on the earth today.
And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. Revelation 12:4
But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub [referring to Satan] the prince of the devils. Matthew 12:24
These messengers of Satan are sent forth to carry out the assignment given to them by their leader Satan. To kill, steal, and destroy are the goals of our enemy Satan, and therefore this is what we see his demons doing on earth. We find these demons opposing the work of God in governments, leadership, schools, and yes, even churches. They can do all sorts of false signs and wonders, fortune telling, etc. On a personal level, we find them behind all sorts of physical, mental, and spiritual bondages.
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10
And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself… And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? Luke 13:11,16
As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake… Matthew 9:32-33
Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatic, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water… And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Matthew 17:15,18
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Revelations 16:14
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12
This is an important ministry that Jesus has demonstrated unto us, and handed down to all them who believe.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also… John 14:12
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature… And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils… Mark 16:15,17
We believe it is the will of God to heal His children. Not only is it His will, but Jesus actually paid the price for our healing when He shed His blood for us.
When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. Matthew 8:16-17