Statement of Faith
What we believe
MILLENNIUM
The Bible is our guide. This statement summarizes our foundational beliefs from the Bible. The 16 beliefs below are from the Assemblies of God.
1. The Bible is inspired by God
The Bible is the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21).
2. There is only one God
God has revealed himself as the creator of heaven and earth and the redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed himself in the trinity as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10,11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22).
3. Jesus Christ is God's son
Jesus is God, the Messiah, and part of the trinity. He was born of a virgin, is sinless, and is the eternal Son of God. He was crucified for our sins, rose again, and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father in heaven (John 1:1, Matt. 1:23).
4. Mankind fell
Man was created good and upright, for God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” However, man by voluntary transgression fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 1:26,27; 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19).
5. How we can be saved
Man’s only hope of redemption is through the blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God, poured out for our forgiveness. Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38, Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:9-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7).
6. Baptism and communion are the ordinances of the church
The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the Bible. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47,48; Romans 6:4). The Lord’s Supper (communion) is done in memory Christ’s suffering and death (1 Corinthians 11:26); and it is a prophecy of His second coming (1 Corinthians 11:26); and is enjoined on all believers “till He come!”
7. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is for all
All believers are entitled to and should seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit. With it comes power for service, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit for ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31). This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth (Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-46; 11:14- 16; 15:7-9).
8. The evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit
The Bible shows that the evidence that a person is baptized in the Holy Spirit is speaking with other tongues, empowered by the Spirit of God (Acts 2:4, 10:44-48). The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:4-10, 28), but different in purpose and use. It is not required for salvation, but is important.
9. Sanctification is essential
Sanctification is the process of separating from that which is evil, and of turning to God (Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12). The Bible speaks of “holiness without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). By the power of the Holy Spirit we are able to obey the command: “Be ye holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15,16).
10. The Church and its mission
The church is the body of Christ. All believers are part of this church (Ephesians 1:22,23; 2:22; Hebrews 12:23). The mission of the church is to evangelize the world (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16), to worship God (1 Corinthians 12:13) and to grow spiritually.
11. The role of ministers is threefold
Ministers are called to lead the church into evangelism, worship, and edification, being perfected in the image of Christ (Ephesians 4:11,16).
12. Divine healing is for today
Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement, and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; James 5:14-16).
13. We look forward to being with Christ
The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed hope of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51,52).
14. Christ will return and reign on earth 1000 years
The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one thousand years (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27,30; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6).
15. We will all stand before God one day
There will be a final judgment in which the wicked will be judged for what they have done. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life will be punished forever in the lake of fire, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8).
16. Heaven and earth will be made new
“We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21,22).