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OUR VISION:
To establish a reformation that unites kingdom-minded ministries and organizations committed to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. To train, empower, and establish ministers, leaders, and individuals in areas of gifting, talents, and occupations of ministry. To be a licensing and covering agency for ministerial prospects. To educate and develop apostolic ambassadors and agencies for resource distributions.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
To implement an ecclesiastical synergy between organizations and individuals through unity reformation, and reconciliation.
OUR GOAL:
To recruit, train, and commission leaders devoted to apostolic/ecclesiastical advancement for global communities without bias.
SLOGAN:
The New Apostolic Order – Novus Apostolus Ordo
OUR STRATEGY:
“Apostolic-Synergy.” The power of working together as one.
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. (Act 4:32)
OUR PURPOSE:
Founded on 2 Corinthian 4:1-18, the reformation's purpose is to reveal the greatness of God’s power and love for a shifting and changing culture.
To establish a reformation that unites kingdom-minded ministries and organizations committed to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. To train, empower, and establish ministers, leaders, and individuals in areas of gifting, talents, and occupations of ministry. To be a licensing and covering agency for ministerial prospects. To educate and develop apostolic ambassadors and agencies for resource distributions.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
To implement an ecclesiastical synergy between organizations and individuals through unity reformation, and reconciliation.
OUR GOAL:
To recruit, train, and commission leaders devoted to apostolic/ecclesiastical advancement for global communities without bias.
SLOGAN:
The New Apostolic Order – Novus Apostolus Ordo
OUR STRATEGY:
“Apostolic-Synergy.” The power of working together as one.
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. (Act 4:32)
OUR PURPOSE:
Founded on 2 Corinthian 4:1-18, the reformation's purpose is to reveal the greatness of God’s power and love for a shifting and changing culture.
OUR BELEIFS
The following doctrinal beliefs represent many of the theological truths embraced, taught, and upheld by Embassy Ecclesiastical Affairs Organization, Inc. This list is not meant to be exhaustive and does not include all doctrinal truths and beliefs upheld. Instead, the following beliefs are presented as foundational truths upon which the rest of the beliefs and doctrinal philosophies of EEAO rest. Many of these beliefs are held congruently with countless other ministry organizations and are not deemed to be original, nor does EEAO claim to be the author, as the Bible clearly teaches that there is no private interpretation of scripture (2 Peter 1:20). This simply means that there is no revelatory truth or interpretation thereof that is available or applicable to one individual or one group within the body that is not equally available or applicable to others. The principles of God’s word are written to all believers to govern our earthly affairs as the church of God.
While some of the statements of belief and the language utilized to articulate and or support those beliefs have been authored by EEAO, the content of truth comes from God and His word. Additionally, as some of EEAO’s senior leadership has deep roots in the Church of God in Christ, having gained their biblical and ministerial foundation thereby, some of the beliefs that follow incorporate the beliefs of the Church of God in Christ that are clearly supported by the word of God and as such are likewise held by EEAO.
While some of the statements of belief and the language utilized to articulate and or support those beliefs have been authored by EEAO, the content of truth comes from God and His word. Additionally, as some of EEAO’s senior leadership has deep roots in the Church of God in Christ, having gained their biblical and ministerial foundation thereby, some of the beliefs that follow incorporate the beliefs of the Church of God in Christ that are clearly supported by the word of God and as such are likewise held by EEAO.
THE BIBLE
We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and that it is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:17). The Word of God provides the foundational basis for all revelation, understanding, and communion with God and is the authority in all matters, presenting applicable principle, truth and the entire construct of belief on which we build our faith and lives. We acknowledge and unequivocally assert that no doctrine can be validated as true or binding if it does not have a basis and place in the Word of God. We state this belief first because all of our other beliefs are hinged upon our belief in the Bible as the inspired Word of God.
THE PROGRESSIVE REVELATION OF GOD AND HIS PLAN
We believe in the progressive revelation of God and His plan over time. God has never revealed all of Himself or His plan for mankind, the cosmos, or the afterlife at one time. The Word of God repeatedly makes reference to the mysteries of God that are revealed in time to His people. Paul prayed that the believers at Ephesus would be given “a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ” (Ephesians 1:17-18). Through revelation, God progressively unveils Himself and His plan. This truth causes us never to become complacent and to remain a student in God, always recognizing there is more to learn. In the words of Archbishop Anthony B. Johnson, Th.D. “Keep your theology in pencil, your faith in God, and your knees on the ground”.
THE TRINITY & TRIUNE GODHEAD
We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons, also known as the Trinity or Triune Godhead – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
THE FATHER
We believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Author and Creator of all things. The Old Testament reveals God in diverse manners by manifesting His nature, character, and dominions. The Gospels in the New Testament give us knowledge of God the “Father” or “My Father”, showing the relationship of God to Jesus as Father, or representing Him as the Father in the Godhead, and Jesus himself that Son (John 15:8, 14:20). Jesus also gives God the distinction of “Fatherhood” to all believers when he explains God in the light of “Your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 6:8).
THE SON
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Second person in the Godhead of the Trinity or Triune Godhead. We believe that Jesus was and is eternal in His person and nature as the Son of God who was with God at the beginning of creation (John 1:1). We believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin called Mary according to the scriptures (Matthew 1:18), thus giving rise to our fundamental belief in the Virgin Birth and all of the miraculous events surrounding the phenomenon (Matthew 1:18-25). We believe that Jesus Christ became the “suffering servant” to man; this suffering servant came seeking to redeem man from sin and to reconcile him back to God, his Father (Romans 5:10). We believe that Jesus Christ is standing now as a mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5)
THE HOLY GHOST
We believe the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, proceeds from the Father and the Son, is of the same substance, equal in power and glory, and is together with the Father and the Son, to be believed in, obeyed, and worshipped. The Holy Ghost is a gift bestowed upon the believer for the purpose of equipping and empowering the believer, making him a more effective witness for service in the world. He teaches and guides one into all truth (John 16:13; Acts 1:8, 8:39). The Holy Ghost is referred to in the Bible also as the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14), Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9), the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), Spirit of the Lord (Isaiah 61:1); Spirit of Truth (John 14:17), the Comforter (John 15:26), and Spirit of Adoption (Romans
8:15), among other names. These all refer to the third person of the Trinity.
MAN
We believe God created man as a triune being, comprised of spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). We believe that the spirit of man makes him conscious of God and contains his moral conscience and intuition and is the place of communion with God. The spirit is concerned with spiritual life. We believe that the soul of man makes him conscious of himself and possesses his mind, emotions, and will. We believe that the mind comprises both the conscious and subconscious thought life. The soul is concerned with natural life. We believe that the body of man makes him conscious of the physical world through his five senses, sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. We believe that man exists dually in two realms, the spiritual realm and the natural realm. As such, we believe that the heart of man consists of both his spirit and soul. We believe that man was originally created perfect and holy but fell into a degenerative state because of sin.
SIN
Sin, the Bible teaches, began in the angelic world (Ezekiel 28:11-19; Isaiah 14:12-20), and is transmitted into the blood of the human race through disobedience and deception motivated by unbelief (1 Timothy 2:14). Adam’s sin, committed by eating of the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, carried with it permanent pollution or a depraved human nature to all his descendants. This is called “original sin.” Sin can now be defined as a volitional transgression against God and a lack of conformity to the will of God. We, therefore, conclude that man by nature is sinful and that he has fallen from the glorious and righteous state within which he was created, and has become unrighteous and unholy. Man, therefore, must be restored to the state of holiness from which he has fallen by being born again (John 3:7).
SALVATION
Salvation deals with the application of the work of redemption to the sinner with his restoration to divine favor and communion with God. This redemptive operation of the Holy Spirit upon sinners is brought about by repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ which brings conversion, faith, justification, regeneration, and sanctification. Repentance is the work of God, which results in a change of mind with respect to man’s relationship with God (Matthew 3:1-2, 4:17; Acts 20:21). Faith is a certain conviction wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit, as to the truth of the Gospel and a heart trust in the promises of God in Christ (Romans 1:17, 3:28; Matthew 9:22; Acts 26:18). Conversion is that act of God whereby He causes the repentant sinner, in his conscious life, to turn to Him in repentance and faith (2 Kings 5:15; 2 Chronicles 33:12-13; St. Luke 19:8, 9; Acts 8:30). Regeneration is that act of God by which man’s spirit is recreated, making him a new creation in Christ – the essence of being “born again” (John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Sanctification is that gracious and continuous operation of the Holy Spirit, by which He brings progressive transformation to the soul (mind, emotions and will) and delivers the justified believer from the pollution of sin, renews his whole nature in the image of God and enables him to perform good works (Romans 12:1, 2, 6:4; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 2:12; 3:1). We believe that the Holy Ghost indwells the believer at salvation and is the necessary requisite to being restored into fellowship with God. Without the Holy Ghost or Spirit of Christ, which is the third person of the Trinity or Triune Godhead, a person does not belong to Christ or the family of God (Romans 8:9, 15).
THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY GHOST
We believe that Baptism in the Holy Ghost is a distinct and separate experience subsequent to conversion and regeneration that empowers the believer to be a witness (Acts 1:8). Upon baptism in the Holy Ghost, the manifestation of the Spirit is given, which could be evidenced in any of the nine manifestations listed in 1 Corinthians 12:7-10, including (1) the word of wisdom, (2) the word of knowledge, (3) supernatural faith, (4) gifts of healing, (5) working of miracles, (6) the gift of prophecy, (7) discerning of spirits, (8) diverse kind of tongues and (9) the interpretation of tongues. The most commonly accepted manifestation is speaking in tongues, but we embrace speaking in tongues as a potential indicator of baptism but not necessarily the “absolute proof”, because of the other eight manifestations recorded in scripture and the potential fabrication of false tongues. The single most definitive manifestation is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). We believe that we are not baptized in the Holy Ghost in order to be saved (Acts 19:1-6; John 3:5). To be filled with the Spirit means to be Spirit-controlled as expressed by Paul in Ephesians 5:18-19. Since the charismatic demonstrations were necessary to help the early church to be successful in implementing the command of Christ, we therefore, believe that a Holy Ghost baptismal experience is both relevant and essential for all men today and likewise initiates charismatic demonstrations that bear witness to Christ.
SIX PRINCIPLES OF THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST
We believe in the Six Principles of the Doctrine of Christ as presented in Hebrews 6:1, 2 and assert that these six principles provide the basis and elementary doctrinal teachings of our faith in and concerning Jesus Christ. They are (1) Repentance from Dead Works, (2) Faith toward God, (3) Doctrine of Baptisms, (4) Laying on of Hands, (5) Resurrection of the Dead, and (6) Eternal Judgment. We also believe that while these six principles provide the necessary foundation in Christ, we must go on to perfection, or maturation, in Christ by progressively understanding deeper spiritual truths and more advanced teaching (Hebrews 5:12-14). We thereby believe according to scripture that these six principles are Foundational Truths and that we must eventually proceed and advance on to Perfecting Truths, those teachings that perfect the believer in the nature, character, and life of Christ.
THE CHURCH
We believe in the Church as the collective body of believers in Christ, with Christ Himself as its divine Head. It is animated by one Spirit, the Holy Spirit. It professes one faith, shares one hope, and serves one Lord. It is the agency of God to (1) introduce, (2) promote, (3) implement and (4) advance the kingdom of God in the earth. We believe that the church is undergoing a centuries-long evolutionary process, which began with the first-century church and that continues to this present time, to be built into a holy temple and habitation for God and to become a mature expression of Christ on the earth (Ephesians 2:19-22, 4:11-15).
APOSTOLIC TEACHING & PRESENT-DAY APOSTOLIC WORK
We believe that the work of the Apostle both in the first-century church and in today’s time is essential to the realization of the mandate of Ephesians 4:11-15 to yield a unified, mature church, which measures up to the fullness of the stature of Christ. Likewise, we believe in functional Five-Fold Ministry with reference to the unique and distinct work of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher, as a divine collaboration to bring the body of Christ to maturity. We believe the Apostle to be a chief elder in the Lord’s church, set first in the church (1 Corinthians 12:27, 28), and responsible for establishing a governmental framework and maintaining the order of God as revealed from heaven and recorded in scripture.
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
We believe in the second coming of Christ; that He shall come from heaven to earth, personally, bodily, visibly (Acts 1:11; Titus 2:11-13; Matthew 16:27; 24:30; 25:30; Luke 21:27; John 1:14, 17; Titus 2:11) and that the Church, the bride, will be caught up to meet Him in the air (1Thessalonians 4:16-17). We admonish all who have this hope to purify themselves as He is pure (1 John 3:3)
ANGELS
We believe in Angels, who are spiritual beings created by God that are messengers and servants of God to do His will, with such scriptural references as Revelations 4:5, which indicates their duty in heaven to praise God (Psalm 103:20), to do God’s will (Matthew 18:10) and to behold his face. But since heaven must come down to earth, they also have a mission to earth. As such, they accompany and assist man in the fulfillment of God’s will and are declared to be ministering spirits to those that are heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14). The Bible indicates that they accompanied God in the Creation, and also that they will accompany Christ in His return in glory.
DEMONS
We believe in Demons, which denote unclean or evil spirits; they are sometimes called devils or demonic beings. They are evil spirits, belonging to the unseen or spiritual realm, and can be embodied in human beings. The Old Testament refers to the prince of demons, sometimes called Satan (Adversary) or Devil, as having power and wisdom, taking the habitation of other forms such as the serpent (Genesis 3:1). The New Testament speaks of the Devil as Tempter (Matthew 4:3) and it goes on to tell the works of Satan, the Devil, and Demons as combating righteousness and good in any form, proving to be an adversary to the saints. Their chief power is exercised to destroy the mission of Jesus Christ and ultimately the work of God being revealed over time. It can well be said that the Christian Church believes in Demons, Satan, and Devils. We believe in their power and purpose. We believe they can be subdued and conquered as in the commandment to the believer by Jesus. “In my name, they shall cast out devils.” (Mark 16:17).
DIVINE HEALING
We believe in Divine Healing as a benefit of the New Testament Covenant confirmed and ratified by the blood of Christ. It is a commandment of Jesus to the original Apostles (Mark 16:18). Jesus affirms His teachings on healing by explaining to His disciples that healing the afflicted is by faith (Luke 9:40-41). Therefore, we believe that healing by faith in God has scriptural support and ordained authority. Apostle James’ writings in his epistle encourage Elders to pray for the sick, lay hands upon them, and anoint them with oil, and that prayers with faith shall heal the sick and the Lord shall raise them up.
MIRACLES
We believe that miracles occur to convince men that the Bible is God’s Word. A miracle can be defined as an extraordinary visible act of Divine power, wrought by the efficient agency of the will of God, which has as its final cause the vindication of the righteousness of God’s word. We believe that the works of God, which were performed during the beginnings of Christianity, do and will occur even today where God is preached, faith in Christ is exercised, the Holy Spirit is active, and the Gospel is promulgated in the truth (Acts 5:15; 6:8; 9:40; Luke 4:36, 7:14-15; 5:56; Mark 14:15).
THE LORD’S SUPPER (HOLY COMMUNION)
We believe the Lord’s Supper symbolizes the Lord’s death and suffering for the benefit and in the place of His people. It also symbolizes the believer’s participation in the crucified Christ. It represents not only the death of Christ as the object of faith that unites the believers to Christ, but also the effect of this act as the giving of life, strength, and joy to the soul. The communicant by faith enters into a special spiritual union with the glorified Christ.
FEET WASHING
We believe in and practice Feet Washing because Christ, by His example, showed that humility characterized greatness in the Kingdom of God, and that service, rendered to others, gave evidence that humility, motivated by love, exists.
WATER BAPTISM
We believe that Water Baptism is necessary as an ordinance of our faith. However, we do not believe that water baptism alone is a means of salvation but contrarily is an outward demonstration that one has already had a conversion experience and has accepted Christ as his personal Savior. We practice immersion in preference to “sprinkling” because immersion corresponds more closely to the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord (Colossians 2:12). It also symbolizes regeneration and purification more than any other mode.
We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and that it is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:17). The Word of God provides the foundational basis for all revelation, understanding, and communion with God and is the authority in all matters, presenting applicable principle, truth and the entire construct of belief on which we build our faith and lives. We acknowledge and unequivocally assert that no doctrine can be validated as true or binding if it does not have a basis and place in the Word of God. We state this belief first because all of our other beliefs are hinged upon our belief in the Bible as the inspired Word of God.
THE PROGRESSIVE REVELATION OF GOD AND HIS PLAN
We believe in the progressive revelation of God and His plan over time. God has never revealed all of Himself or His plan for mankind, the cosmos, or the afterlife at one time. The Word of God repeatedly makes reference to the mysteries of God that are revealed in time to His people. Paul prayed that the believers at Ephesus would be given “a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ” (Ephesians 1:17-18). Through revelation, God progressively unveils Himself and His plan. This truth causes us never to become complacent and to remain a student in God, always recognizing there is more to learn. In the words of Archbishop Anthony B. Johnson, Th.D. “Keep your theology in pencil, your faith in God, and your knees on the ground”.
THE TRINITY & TRIUNE GODHEAD
We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons, also known as the Trinity or Triune Godhead – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
THE FATHER
We believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Author and Creator of all things. The Old Testament reveals God in diverse manners by manifesting His nature, character, and dominions. The Gospels in the New Testament give us knowledge of God the “Father” or “My Father”, showing the relationship of God to Jesus as Father, or representing Him as the Father in the Godhead, and Jesus himself that Son (John 15:8, 14:20). Jesus also gives God the distinction of “Fatherhood” to all believers when he explains God in the light of “Your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 6:8).
THE SON
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Second person in the Godhead of the Trinity or Triune Godhead. We believe that Jesus was and is eternal in His person and nature as the Son of God who was with God at the beginning of creation (John 1:1). We believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin called Mary according to the scriptures (Matthew 1:18), thus giving rise to our fundamental belief in the Virgin Birth and all of the miraculous events surrounding the phenomenon (Matthew 1:18-25). We believe that Jesus Christ became the “suffering servant” to man; this suffering servant came seeking to redeem man from sin and to reconcile him back to God, his Father (Romans 5:10). We believe that Jesus Christ is standing now as a mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5)
THE HOLY GHOST
We believe the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, proceeds from the Father and the Son, is of the same substance, equal in power and glory, and is together with the Father and the Son, to be believed in, obeyed, and worshipped. The Holy Ghost is a gift bestowed upon the believer for the purpose of equipping and empowering the believer, making him a more effective witness for service in the world. He teaches and guides one into all truth (John 16:13; Acts 1:8, 8:39). The Holy Ghost is referred to in the Bible also as the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14), Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9), the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), Spirit of the Lord (Isaiah 61:1); Spirit of Truth (John 14:17), the Comforter (John 15:26), and Spirit of Adoption (Romans
8:15), among other names. These all refer to the third person of the Trinity.
MAN
We believe God created man as a triune being, comprised of spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). We believe that the spirit of man makes him conscious of God and contains his moral conscience and intuition and is the place of communion with God. The spirit is concerned with spiritual life. We believe that the soul of man makes him conscious of himself and possesses his mind, emotions, and will. We believe that the mind comprises both the conscious and subconscious thought life. The soul is concerned with natural life. We believe that the body of man makes him conscious of the physical world through his five senses, sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. We believe that man exists dually in two realms, the spiritual realm and the natural realm. As such, we believe that the heart of man consists of both his spirit and soul. We believe that man was originally created perfect and holy but fell into a degenerative state because of sin.
SIN
Sin, the Bible teaches, began in the angelic world (Ezekiel 28:11-19; Isaiah 14:12-20), and is transmitted into the blood of the human race through disobedience and deception motivated by unbelief (1 Timothy 2:14). Adam’s sin, committed by eating of the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, carried with it permanent pollution or a depraved human nature to all his descendants. This is called “original sin.” Sin can now be defined as a volitional transgression against God and a lack of conformity to the will of God. We, therefore, conclude that man by nature is sinful and that he has fallen from the glorious and righteous state within which he was created, and has become unrighteous and unholy. Man, therefore, must be restored to the state of holiness from which he has fallen by being born again (John 3:7).
SALVATION
Salvation deals with the application of the work of redemption to the sinner with his restoration to divine favor and communion with God. This redemptive operation of the Holy Spirit upon sinners is brought about by repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ which brings conversion, faith, justification, regeneration, and sanctification. Repentance is the work of God, which results in a change of mind with respect to man’s relationship with God (Matthew 3:1-2, 4:17; Acts 20:21). Faith is a certain conviction wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit, as to the truth of the Gospel and a heart trust in the promises of God in Christ (Romans 1:17, 3:28; Matthew 9:22; Acts 26:18). Conversion is that act of God whereby He causes the repentant sinner, in his conscious life, to turn to Him in repentance and faith (2 Kings 5:15; 2 Chronicles 33:12-13; St. Luke 19:8, 9; Acts 8:30). Regeneration is that act of God by which man’s spirit is recreated, making him a new creation in Christ – the essence of being “born again” (John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Sanctification is that gracious and continuous operation of the Holy Spirit, by which He brings progressive transformation to the soul (mind, emotions and will) and delivers the justified believer from the pollution of sin, renews his whole nature in the image of God and enables him to perform good works (Romans 12:1, 2, 6:4; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 2:12; 3:1). We believe that the Holy Ghost indwells the believer at salvation and is the necessary requisite to being restored into fellowship with God. Without the Holy Ghost or Spirit of Christ, which is the third person of the Trinity or Triune Godhead, a person does not belong to Christ or the family of God (Romans 8:9, 15).
THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY GHOST
We believe that Baptism in the Holy Ghost is a distinct and separate experience subsequent to conversion and regeneration that empowers the believer to be a witness (Acts 1:8). Upon baptism in the Holy Ghost, the manifestation of the Spirit is given, which could be evidenced in any of the nine manifestations listed in 1 Corinthians 12:7-10, including (1) the word of wisdom, (2) the word of knowledge, (3) supernatural faith, (4) gifts of healing, (5) working of miracles, (6) the gift of prophecy, (7) discerning of spirits, (8) diverse kind of tongues and (9) the interpretation of tongues. The most commonly accepted manifestation is speaking in tongues, but we embrace speaking in tongues as a potential indicator of baptism but not necessarily the “absolute proof”, because of the other eight manifestations recorded in scripture and the potential fabrication of false tongues. The single most definitive manifestation is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). We believe that we are not baptized in the Holy Ghost in order to be saved (Acts 19:1-6; John 3:5). To be filled with the Spirit means to be Spirit-controlled as expressed by Paul in Ephesians 5:18-19. Since the charismatic demonstrations were necessary to help the early church to be successful in implementing the command of Christ, we therefore, believe that a Holy Ghost baptismal experience is both relevant and essential for all men today and likewise initiates charismatic demonstrations that bear witness to Christ.
SIX PRINCIPLES OF THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST
We believe in the Six Principles of the Doctrine of Christ as presented in Hebrews 6:1, 2 and assert that these six principles provide the basis and elementary doctrinal teachings of our faith in and concerning Jesus Christ. They are (1) Repentance from Dead Works, (2) Faith toward God, (3) Doctrine of Baptisms, (4) Laying on of Hands, (5) Resurrection of the Dead, and (6) Eternal Judgment. We also believe that while these six principles provide the necessary foundation in Christ, we must go on to perfection, or maturation, in Christ by progressively understanding deeper spiritual truths and more advanced teaching (Hebrews 5:12-14). We thereby believe according to scripture that these six principles are Foundational Truths and that we must eventually proceed and advance on to Perfecting Truths, those teachings that perfect the believer in the nature, character, and life of Christ.
THE CHURCH
We believe in the Church as the collective body of believers in Christ, with Christ Himself as its divine Head. It is animated by one Spirit, the Holy Spirit. It professes one faith, shares one hope, and serves one Lord. It is the agency of God to (1) introduce, (2) promote, (3) implement and (4) advance the kingdom of God in the earth. We believe that the church is undergoing a centuries-long evolutionary process, which began with the first-century church and that continues to this present time, to be built into a holy temple and habitation for God and to become a mature expression of Christ on the earth (Ephesians 2:19-22, 4:11-15).
APOSTOLIC TEACHING & PRESENT-DAY APOSTOLIC WORK
We believe that the work of the Apostle both in the first-century church and in today’s time is essential to the realization of the mandate of Ephesians 4:11-15 to yield a unified, mature church, which measures up to the fullness of the stature of Christ. Likewise, we believe in functional Five-Fold Ministry with reference to the unique and distinct work of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher, as a divine collaboration to bring the body of Christ to maturity. We believe the Apostle to be a chief elder in the Lord’s church, set first in the church (1 Corinthians 12:27, 28), and responsible for establishing a governmental framework and maintaining the order of God as revealed from heaven and recorded in scripture.
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
We believe in the second coming of Christ; that He shall come from heaven to earth, personally, bodily, visibly (Acts 1:11; Titus 2:11-13; Matthew 16:27; 24:30; 25:30; Luke 21:27; John 1:14, 17; Titus 2:11) and that the Church, the bride, will be caught up to meet Him in the air (1Thessalonians 4:16-17). We admonish all who have this hope to purify themselves as He is pure (1 John 3:3)
ANGELS
We believe in Angels, who are spiritual beings created by God that are messengers and servants of God to do His will, with such scriptural references as Revelations 4:5, which indicates their duty in heaven to praise God (Psalm 103:20), to do God’s will (Matthew 18:10) and to behold his face. But since heaven must come down to earth, they also have a mission to earth. As such, they accompany and assist man in the fulfillment of God’s will and are declared to be ministering spirits to those that are heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14). The Bible indicates that they accompanied God in the Creation, and also that they will accompany Christ in His return in glory.
DEMONS
We believe in Demons, which denote unclean or evil spirits; they are sometimes called devils or demonic beings. They are evil spirits, belonging to the unseen or spiritual realm, and can be embodied in human beings. The Old Testament refers to the prince of demons, sometimes called Satan (Adversary) or Devil, as having power and wisdom, taking the habitation of other forms such as the serpent (Genesis 3:1). The New Testament speaks of the Devil as Tempter (Matthew 4:3) and it goes on to tell the works of Satan, the Devil, and Demons as combating righteousness and good in any form, proving to be an adversary to the saints. Their chief power is exercised to destroy the mission of Jesus Christ and ultimately the work of God being revealed over time. It can well be said that the Christian Church believes in Demons, Satan, and Devils. We believe in their power and purpose. We believe they can be subdued and conquered as in the commandment to the believer by Jesus. “In my name, they shall cast out devils.” (Mark 16:17).
DIVINE HEALING
We believe in Divine Healing as a benefit of the New Testament Covenant confirmed and ratified by the blood of Christ. It is a commandment of Jesus to the original Apostles (Mark 16:18). Jesus affirms His teachings on healing by explaining to His disciples that healing the afflicted is by faith (Luke 9:40-41). Therefore, we believe that healing by faith in God has scriptural support and ordained authority. Apostle James’ writings in his epistle encourage Elders to pray for the sick, lay hands upon them, and anoint them with oil, and that prayers with faith shall heal the sick and the Lord shall raise them up.
MIRACLES
We believe that miracles occur to convince men that the Bible is God’s Word. A miracle can be defined as an extraordinary visible act of Divine power, wrought by the efficient agency of the will of God, which has as its final cause the vindication of the righteousness of God’s word. We believe that the works of God, which were performed during the beginnings of Christianity, do and will occur even today where God is preached, faith in Christ is exercised, the Holy Spirit is active, and the Gospel is promulgated in the truth (Acts 5:15; 6:8; 9:40; Luke 4:36, 7:14-15; 5:56; Mark 14:15).
THE LORD’S SUPPER (HOLY COMMUNION)
We believe the Lord’s Supper symbolizes the Lord’s death and suffering for the benefit and in the place of His people. It also symbolizes the believer’s participation in the crucified Christ. It represents not only the death of Christ as the object of faith that unites the believers to Christ, but also the effect of this act as the giving of life, strength, and joy to the soul. The communicant by faith enters into a special spiritual union with the glorified Christ.
FEET WASHING
We believe in and practice Feet Washing because Christ, by His example, showed that humility characterized greatness in the Kingdom of God, and that service, rendered to others, gave evidence that humility, motivated by love, exists.
WATER BAPTISM
We believe that Water Baptism is necessary as an ordinance of our faith. However, we do not believe that water baptism alone is a means of salvation but contrarily is an outward demonstration that one has already had a conversion experience and has accepted Christ as his personal Savior. We practice immersion in preference to “sprinkling” because immersion corresponds more closely to the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord (Colossians 2:12). It also symbolizes regeneration and purification more than any other mode.