| Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Given at Pentecost, it is the promise of the Father, sent by Jesus after His ascension, to empower the Church to preach the gospel throughout the whole earth. It is available today to all who believe as a subsequent and separate gift after the new birth that must be specifically asked for to receive.(Luke 11:9-13) The baptism of the Holy Spirit is evidenced and accompanied by the gift of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. (see Joel 2:28,29; Matt. 3:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 1:5; 2:1-4, 38, 39: 8:14-17, 10: 38, 44-47; 11:15-17; 19:1-6).] The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is manifested through a variety of spiritual gifts to build and sanctify the church, demonstrate the validity of the resurrection and confirm the power of the Gospel. These gifts are supernatural in nature and may occur in various combinations. There are 9 gifts of the Spirit as listed in the scripture. (1Cor.12:4-11) All believers are commanded to earnestly desire the manifestation of the gifts in their lives.(1Cor.12:31) These gifts always operate in harmony with the Scriptures and should never be used in violation of biblical parameters. (See Heb. 2:4; Rom. 1:11; 12: 4-8; Eph. 4:16; II Tim. 1:5, 16, 4: 14; I Cor. 12: 1-31; 14: 1-40; I Peter 4:10.) The Church: The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of Jesus’ Great Commission. Every person who is born of the Spirit is an integral part of the Church as a member of the body of believers. There is a spiritual unity of all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. (See Eph. 1:22; 2:19-22; Heb. 12:23; John 17: 11, 20-23.) The Lord’ Supper: A unique time of Communion in the presence of God when the elements of bread and grape juice (the body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ) are taken in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. (See Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12, 36-38, 10:47,48; I Cor. 10:16; 11: 23-25.) Healing of the Sick: Healing of the sick is illustrated in the life and ministry of Jesus, and included in the commission of Jesus to His disciples and all believers (Mark 16:15-18). Healing and miracles are still available to those in need today through the atoning work of Christ’s suffering (Is.53:5; Matt.8:17; 1 Pet.2:24) . It is given as a sign which is to follow believers. It is also a part of Jesus’ work on the cross and one of the gifts of the Spirit. (See Ps. 103:2,3; Isa. 53:5, Matt. 8:16,17; Mark 16:17, 18; Acts 8:6,7; James 5:12-16; I Cor. 12: 9,28; Rom. 11:29.) |
Water Baptism: Following faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the new convert is commanded by the Word of God to be baptized in water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (see Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38) God’s Will for Provision: It is the Father’s will for believers to become whole, healthy and successful in all areas of life. But because of the Fall, many may not receive the full benefits of God’s will while on the earth. That fact, though, should never prevent all believers from seeking the full benefits of Christ’s provision in order to better serve others. (2Cor. 1:20) *Spiritual (see John 3:3-11; II Cor. 5:17-21; Rom. 10:9,10) *Mental and Emotional (see II Tim. 1:7, 2:11; Phil. 4:7,8; Rom. 12:2; Isa. 26:3) *Physical (see Isa. 53: 4,5; Ps.103:2-6; Matt. 8:17; I Peter 2:24) *Financial (see Joshua 1:8; Mal. 3:10,11; Luke 6:38; II Cor. 9:6-10; Deut. 28:1-14; Ps. 34:10, 84:11; Phil. 4:19; 3 Jn.2). Resurrection: Jesus Christ was physically resurrected from the dead in a glorified body three days after His death on the cross. In addition, both the saved and the lost will be resurrected; they that are saved to the resurrection of life and they that are lost to the resurrection of eternal damnation (see Luke: 24:16,36,39; John 2:19-21, 20:26-28, 21:4; Acts 24:15; I Cor. 15:42; Phil. 1:21-23, 3:21; Rev. 20:11-15). Heaven: Heaven is the dwelling place for all believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ prior the earthly Millennial reign of Christ and the overcomers (see Matt. 5:3,12,20, 6:20, 19:21, 25:34; John 17:24; II Cor. 5:1; Heb. 11:16; I peter 1:4). Hell: After living one life on earth, the unbelievers will be judged by God and sent to hell where they will be eternally tormented with the devil and the fallen angels (see Matt. 25:41; Mark 9:43-48; Heb. 9:27; Rev. 14:9-11, 20: 12-15, 21:8). Second Coming: Jesus Christ will physically and visibly return to earth for the second time to establish His kingdom on earth. This will occur at a date undisclosed by the Scriptures (see Matt. 24:30, 26:63-64; Acts 1:9-11; I Thess. 4:15-17; II Thess 1:7, 8; Rev. 1:7). |