OUR LEADERSHIP
DARRELL SUTTON
Lead Pastor
MATT & MADELYN SPENCER
Worship Pastors
LUKE & JULISA HAINES
Youth Pastors
OUR VISION
The Acts of the Apostles is foundational to understanding God's intentions for His Church. It records the birth, growth and development of various congregations. God the Father gave the Holy Spirit so that Christians could manifest the living Christ in all the earth. By means of the proclamation of Jesus' death on the cross, and of his resurrection, the Lord continues today the vital ministries that are illustrated among His earliest disciples.
It is our desire at FWC to preach the same Gospel as is recorded in scripture, believing that as we earnestly contend for the faith exemplified in the first century fellowships, that we too may see the King touch Hays, KS and the greater regions surrounding it.
OUR BELIEFS
We believe that the Holy Bible is God's precious Word: true, immutable, unchangeable, as is its author, the Lord Jehovah. It was written by holy men of old as they were moved upon and inspired by the Holy Spirit. We believe that this divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts of the writings-historical, poetical, doctrinal and prophetical-as they appeared in the original manuscripts. It is affirmed that God's Word mirrors our sinful heart while at the same time revealing the face of a crucified Savior who himself trusted in the divinely inspired Word(s) of God. Jesus never questioned the validity of the Masoretic text of His day. Yet, He boldly proclaimed the Words of God which were traceable to Moses and the prophets of old.
*Moreover Holy Scripture equips the believer for Christian life, is able to heal and quicken the human heart, and is the only true ground of Christian fellowship and unity.
*Note on the preservation of scripture
We believe that God has continually preserved his canonical words through the ages, ensuring that knowledge of His redemptive work would be available to all. Neither jot nor tittle has been lost. The same God who 'preserved' His Son, The Living Word, while he was in this world was/is fully capable of maintaining His written Word which also came from above. It is for this reason that the use of the AV 1611 is encouraged for congregational reading. Every believer has the right to read any version he/she desires. We only seek to differentiate between the traditional text which was faithfully passed down through the centuries (upon which the AV1611 is based) and the critical-text created in 1881 by Westcott and Hort. We do not believe that the King James Bible translation was or is inspired in any sense of the word.
Scripture References Where Taught
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Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Matthew 24:35.
Forever, O Lord, They Word is settled in Heaven. Ps. 119:89.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: the man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Il Timothy 3:16, 17.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105.
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 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 men: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Il Peter 1:19-21.
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they
which testify of me. John 5:39.
We believe that man was created in the image of God, before whom he walked in holiness and purity, but that by voluntary disobedience and transgression, he fell from purity and innocence in Eden to a place of depravity. And in consequence of this, became dead in trespasses and sins, having willingly subjected himself to the power of the devil. Indeed now, sinners not by constraint but by choice, shapen in iniquity and utterly void by nature of that holiness required by the law of God. Every child of Adam is born into this world with a nature that is essentially and unchangeably bad - apart from divine grace, guilty and without excuse, justly deserving the condemnation of a just and holy God.
*Note on the Genesis account of creation
We believe that the story of Man's beginning in this world is true and not to be regarded as allegory, myth or as fiction. The Adam and Eve story is the template for the Biblical family; and that there is no other legitimate alternative to a holy matrimony between husband and wife. Genesis records the actual history of this world as God would have us to believe it.
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God created man in His own image. Gen. 1:27.
Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned. Rom. 5:12.
By one man's obedience many were made sinners. Rom. 5:19.
We have turned every one to his own way. Isa. 53:6. (Also Gen. 6:12; 3:9-18.)
Among whom also we had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Eph. 2:3. (See Rom. 1:18, 2:1-16; Ezek. 18:19,20.)
So that they are without excuse. Rom. 1:20.
That every mouth may be stopped, all the world may become guilty before God. Rom. 3;19.
We believe there is one true and living God, creator of heaven and earth and all that in them is (Gen.1:1). God is eternal, unending, everlasting, immutable and unchanging. In the unity of the Godhead there are three, co-equal in every divine perfection executing distinct but harmonious roles in the wonderful plan of redemption:
The Father - who, being the architect of the divine plan of redemption was separated from us by sin, whose heart was filled with love to such degree that He gave His son to be born into this world in order to accomplish so great a redemption on our behalf.
The Son - co-existent and co-eternal with the Father, who, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary took upon Himself the form of a man, bore our sins, carried our sorrows, and by the shedding of His precious blood upon the cross of Calvary purchased redemption for all that would believe upon Him: then, bursting the bonds of death and hell rose from the grave and ascended on high leading captivity captive, that as the great Mediator between God and man, He might stand at the right hand of the Father making intercession for those for whom He laid down His life.
The Holy Spirit - the third person of the triune Godhead: eternal, co-existent, and co-equal (with the Father & the Son) in all aspects. His chief operations consist of conviction of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He draws sinners to the Savior, reproving, pleading, searching, comforting, guiding, quickening, instructing, glorifying, baptizing and endowing believers with power from on high, daily sanctifying a holy remnant as He prepares them for the coming of the Lord.
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Before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. Isaiah 43:10.
Is there a God beside me? Yea, there is no God. I know not any. Isaiah 44:8.
According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world Eph. 1:4.
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. John 3:16.
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son and they shall call his name Emmanuel. Matt. 1:23.
Even I am the Lord, and beside me there is no savior. Isa. 43:11.
For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all. I Tim. 2:5.
For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Ephesians 2:18.
For there are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. I John 5:7.
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.
We believe that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, the Just One for the unjust: freely, and by divine appointment of the Father taking the sinner's place, bearing his sins, receiving his condemnation, dying his death, fully paying his penalty, and signing with His life's blood, the pardon of every one who should believe upon Him. It is upon simple faith and acceptance of the atonement purchased on Mount Calvary, that the vilest sinner may be cleansed of his iniquities and made whiter than snow.
Our redemption has been accomplished solely by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ who was made to be sin and was made to be a curse for us, dying in our room and stead, and that no sorrow, no feeling, no faith, no good resolutions, no sincere efforts, no submission to the rules and regulations of any church, nor all the churches that have existed since the days of the Apostles can add in the very least degree to the value of the blood, or to the merit of the finished work wrought for us by Him who united in His person true and proper deity with perfect and sinless humanity.
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He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. Isa. 53:5.
Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:4.
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. Isa. 55:7.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. Heb. 7:25.
Come now, and let us reason, together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scar- let, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18.
We believe that 'the salvation of sinners is wholly through grace. We have no righteousness or goodness of our own wherewith to seek divine favor. We all must come, therefore, throwing ourselves upon the unfailing mercy and love of Him who bought us and washed us in His own blood, pleading the merits and the righteousness of Christ the Savior, standing upon His word and accepting the free gift of His love and pardon.
We further believe that, owing to universal death through sin, no one can enter into the kingdom of God unless born-again, and that no degree of reformation, however great, no attainments in morality however high can produce new birth in Jesus.
We do not believe in any teaching, which leads one to seek the aid of dead saints, which promotes sacraments (baptisms and communion), birthright, or Church membership as a form of salvation, or causes the seeker to believe that good works alone are enough for right-standing with God. Only by trusting in the shed blood of Jesus can one expect to be saved from their sins. As stated in scripture, "Not of works lest any man should boast." Eph 2:9.
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By grace are ye saved. Eph. 2:8.
There is none righteous, no, not one. Rom. 3:10.
All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Rom. 3:23.
We are all as an unclean thing, for all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believed on me hath everlasting life. John 6:47.
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were fall off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Eph. 2:13.
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 6:23.
We believe that upon sincere repentance, which is godly sorrow for sin, and a whole-hearted acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ, they who call upon Him will be justified by faith through His precious blood and that in place of condemnation they will have the most blessed peace, assurance and favor with God. We affirm that it is with open arms of mercy and pardon the Savior waits to receive each penitent who will in unfeigned contrition and supplication for mercy, open the door of his heart and accept Him as Lord and King.
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If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:19.
Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom also we have access, by faith, into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom. 5:1,2.
There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. Romans 8:1.
To give knowledge of salvation unto His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide
our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:77-79.
Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. John 6:37.
We believe that regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by which the divine nature and divine life are given. It is instantaneous and is accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of the Word of God: old things are passed away and all things become new when the repentant sinner, as enabled by the Holy Spirit, responds in faith to God’s divine provision of salvation. Fruits, worthy of repentance as demonstrated in righteous attitudes and conduct, will manifest genuine regeneration. Good works will be its proper evidence and fruit, having had imputed to him or her the righteousness of the Redeemer and having received of the Spirit of Christ new desires. A new perspective on life, time, and eternity, will fill the blood-washed heart so that his desire is now to openly confess and serve the Master, seeking ever those things which are above.
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Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3.
Verily Verily I say unto you, He that heareth my word and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation: but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24.
Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. Il Cor. 5:17.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. Gal. 2:20.
Being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God hath sent forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. Romans 3:24, 25.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. Psalm 1:1, 2.
We believe justification by faith to be the legal declaration made by God whereby the one who has trusted in the finished work of Christ is declared to be 'not guilty.' Not that sin was never present, but that Christ's blood has produced a true atonement through which one may find genuine and lasting peace with God. We teach therefore, that justification before God is an act of God by which He declares righteous those who, through faith in Christ, repent of their sins and confess Him as sovereign Lord (Rom 10:9,10). This righteousness is apart from any virtue or work of man and involves the placing of our sins on Christ; but the imputation of Christ's righteousness to us. By this means God is enabled to be just, and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Rom 3:26).
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Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ. Even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law: For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Gal 2:16.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom 5:1.
And by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses. Acts 13:39.
We believe that in Christ every believer is sanctified, set apart unto God by justification and is therefore declared to be holy and therefore is to be identified as a saint. This sanctification is positional and instantaneous and must not be confused with any work of progressive sanctification.
At the same time we recognize that there is a work of the Holy Spirit which is progressive in nature. By which believers in Christ are brought more and more into conformity with the image of Jesus.?
Believing that each and all believers are a part of a daily conflict - the inward man battling against the flesh - we under- stand that the Holy Spirit has made provision for our victory through the Cross of the Lord Jesus. The conflict, struggle or war between flesh and Spirit stays with the believer all of his earthly days. Any attempt to eradicate the sin-nature is unscriptural according to the Word of God, and is to be avoided. Victory over sin is a possibility only through the help, aid and assistance of the Holy Spirit who was given to comfort and strengthen the believer as he daily renews his mind.
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Unto the Church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. I Cor 1:2.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Rom 8:29.
That ye put off concerning the former conversation, the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holi-
ness. Eph 4:22-24.
We believe that separation is the result of sanctification and that this is clearly taught throughout the Old and New Covenants, and that scripture reveals a time of apostasy and worldliness in the last days which shall progressively become more prominent. We affirm that a total and unreserved consecration to God is necessary for these last days as we await the coming of the Lord, who is coming for a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but one that is holy and without blemish (Eph 5:27).
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Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils: I Tim. 3:1.
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drink- ing, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. Mat. 24:36-39.
We believe that having been cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ and having received the witness of the Holy Spirit at conversion, it is the will of God that we become partakers of His holiness, growing constantly stronger in faith, power, prayer, love and service, first as babies desiring the sincere milk of the Word. Indeed as dear children walking humbly, seeking diligently the hidden life, where self decreases and Christ increases. Then as strong men having on the whole armor of God marching forth to new conquests in His name beneath His blood-stained banner, ever living a patient, sober, unselfish, godly life that will be a true reflection of Christ within. We believe that we are called with a holy calling, to walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, and to live in the power of the indwelling Spirit so that we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. But the flesh, with its fallen Adamic nature, which in this life is never eradicated, being with us to the end of our earthly pilgrimage, needs to be kept by the Spirit constantly in subjection to Christ, or it will manifest its presence in our lives to the dishonor of our Lord.
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'For this is the will of God, even your sanctification… I Thessalonians 4:3.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, I Thess. 5:23.
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Il Cor. 7:1.
The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day, Prov. 4:18.
Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection. Heb. 6:1.
We believe that water baptism' in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, according to the command of our Lord, is a blessed outward sign of an inward work; a beautiful and solemn emblem reminding us ever that as our Lord died upon the cross of Calvary, so we reckon ourselves now dead indeed unto sin, and the old nature nailed to the tree with Him; and that even as He was taken down from the tree and buried, so we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we should walk in newness of life. We believe in the commemoration and observance of the Lord's supper by the sacred use of the broken bread, a precious type of the Bread of Life: even Jesus Christ, whose body was broken for us; and by the juice of the vine, a blessed type which should ever remind the participant of the shed blood of the Saviour who is the true Vine of which His children are the branches.
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Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matt. 28:19. (Also Acts 1:47, 48; Gal. 3:27, 28.)
Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4. (Also Col. 2:12; | Peter 3:20, 21; Acts 22:16).
Then they that gladly heard His Word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Acts 2:41. (Also Matt. 28:19, 20).
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come. I Cor. 11:26. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. I Cor. 11:28.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Il Cor. 13:5.
We believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the incoming of the promised Comforter in mighty and glorious fullness to endue the believer with power from on high, to glorify and exalt the Lord Jesus, and to give inspired utterance in witnessing for Him. It fosters a spirit of prayer, holiness, sobriety. It equips the individual and the church for practical, efficient, joyous, Spirit-filled soul-winning in the fields of life; and that this being still the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, the believer may have every reason to expect His incoming to be after the same manner as that in which He came upon Jew and Gentile alike in Bible days, and as recorded in the Word that it may be truly said of us as of the house of Cornelius: ‘the Holy Ghost fell on them as on us at the beginning.’
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I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:16, 17.
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 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 1:5, 8.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4.
Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. Acts 8:17.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 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 10:44-46.
We believe that the Holy Spirit has the following gifts to bestow upon the believing church of the Lord Jesus Christ: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, interpretation, that, according to the degree of grace and faith possessed by the recipient, these gifts are divided to every man severally, as He, the Holy Spirit, will. They are to be most earnestly desired and coveted, in the order and proportion wherein they prove most edifying and beneficial to the church. The the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, should be put forth, cultivated, and diligently guarded as the resultant adornment, and irrefutable evidences of a Spirit-filled life.
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Concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Covet earnestly the best gifts. I Cor. 12:1, 31.
But all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will. I Cor. 12:11.
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. I Cor. 14:12.
Having then gifts according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait upon our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth on exhortation; he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8.
Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples. John 15:8.
And now also the axe is laid upon the root of the trees: every tree, therefore, which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Luke 3:9.
We believe that divine healing is the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to heal the sick and the afflicted in answer to believing prayer; that He who is the same yesterday, today and forever has never changed but is still an all-sufficient help in the time of trouble, able to meet the needs of, and quicken into newness of life the body; as well as the soul and spirit in answer to the cry of them who ever pray with submission to His divine and sovereign will.
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Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. Matthew 8:17.
Whether is easier to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say Arise, and walk? Matthew 9:5.
These signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them/ they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:17, 18.
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings; and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they shall speak Thy Word, by stretching forth Thine hand to heal; that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy holy child Jesus. Acts 4:29,
30.
Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church: and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. James 5:14-16.
We believe that the second coming of Christ is personal and imminent. He will descend from Heaven in the clouds of glory with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God, and that at this hour, which no man knoweth beforehand, the dead in Christ shall rise. Then the redeemed that are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and that so shall they ever be with the Lord. Moreover, seeing that a thousand years is as a day with the Lord, and that no man knoweth the hour of His appearance, which we believe to be near at hand, each day should be lived as though He were expected to appear in accordance with his explicit command to, ‘Occupy till I come,’ the work of spreading the gospel, the sending forth of missionaries, and the general duties for the upbuilding of the church should be carried on as diligently, and thoroughly, as though neither ours nor the next generation should live in the flesh to see that glorious day.
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For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. I Thess. 4:16, 17.
...Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Titus 2:12, 13.
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Watch, therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Therefore, be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man
cometh. Matthew 24:36, 42, 44.
Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:28.
..Occupy till I come. Luke 19:13.
We believe that the dead, both small and great, shall be raised up and stand with the living before the judgment seat of God, when a solemn and awful separation shall take place wherein the wicked shall be adjudged to everlasting punishment and the righteous to life eternal. This judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or in hell on principles of righteousness as set forth in His holy Word. That the "final judgment" should be brought to the attention of each citizen of this world is a cause for alarm, awakening them to the claim of scripture: "...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Heb 9:27).
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For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Il Corinthians 5:10.
The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 13:41-43.
We believe that Heaven is the indescribably glorious habitation of the living God. Thither the Lord has gone to prepare a place for His children, a four-square city whose builder and maker is God. A place to which, the earnest believers, who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and have overcome by the word of their testimony, will be carried. There the Lord Jesus Christ will present them to the Father without spot or wrinkle, and in unutterable joy they will ever behold His wonderful face, in an everlasting kingdom whereunto comes no darkness nor light, neither sorrow, tears, pain, nor death, and wherein hosts of attending angels sing the praises of our King, and bowing down before the throne, cry: "Holy, holy, holy."
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Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. I Corinthians 2:9.
In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign forever and ever. Rev. 22:5.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be nay more pain; for the former things are passed away. Rev. 21:4.
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more; neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light upon them, nor any heat. For the Lamb, which is in the midst of the throne, shall feed them, and shall lead
them unto living fountains of water. Rev. 7:15-17.
We believe that hell is a place of outer darkness and deepest sorrow, where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched. It is a place prepared for the devil and his angels where there shall be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth, a place of grief and eternal regret on the part of them who have rejected the mercy, love and tenderness of the crucified Saviour, choosing death rather than life; and that there into a lake that burns with fire and brimstone shall be cast the unbelieving, the abominable, the murderers, sorcerers, idolaters, all liars, and they who have rejected and spurned the love and sacrifice of a bleeding Redeemer, passing the cross to their doom, in spite of every entreaty and warning of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture References Where Taught
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The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:41, 42.
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the
lake of fire. Rev. 20:10, 15.
The same shall drink of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb; and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever. Rev. 14:10, 11.
Then shall He say unto them ... Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. Matt. 25:41.
And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched. Mark 9:43, 44.
As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Ezek. 33:11.
In light of the reality of heaven and hell, we believe that God has called the church to continue the ministry of Christ in the earth by proclaiming the Gospel message afar and nearby. Through urban or rural missions, the message of Christ is to be presented nationally and internationally. Literature and media are effective means for reaching the Lost and are
to be utilized to their fullest potential. Moreover, seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved and that the end of all things is at hand, the redeemed children of the Lord Jehovah should rise and shine forth as a light that cannot be hid, a city set upon a hill, speeding forth the gospel to the ends of the earth, circling the globe with the message of salvation, that when the Lord of Glory shall appear, they shall be found standing, with their loins girded about with truth, their activities and ministry laden down with the wealth of jewels they have won and guarded for Him, the precious souls, whom, by their faithful testimony they have been instrumental in leading from darkness into light. Soul winning is
A primary task of the church upon earth, and that therefore every weight and hindrance which would tend to quench the flame or hamper the efficiency of world-wide evangelism should be cut off and cast away as unworthy of the church, detrimental to the most sacred cause of Christ and contrary to the great commission by our Lord.
Scripture References Where Taught
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I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; preach the word, be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doc-
trine. Il Tim. 4:1,2.
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Eph. 5:16.
...He that winneth souls is wise. Prov. 11:30.
Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. James 5:20.
Son of man I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Ezek. 3:17:18.
Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth and another reapeth. John 4;35-37.
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest. Matt. 9:38.
Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15.
We believe that the method ordained of God to sustain His ministry and the spread of the gospel after His command is ‘tithing', and is generally accepted throughout Christendom not only as God's method to take care of the material and financial needs of His church, but to raise the spiritual morale of His people to the extent that God must bless them.
We are commanded in Malachi 3:10 to "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
In the matter of giving and free-will offerings, they are ordered of the Lord and practiced in this Fellowship 0f Churches as part of God's plan for the support of the church's material needs. We are admonished in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom, for with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again”. Being "joint heirs" with Him we know that giving unto His kingdom which is also ours is an enjoyable thing, it being more blessed to give than to receive, for we are commanded in II Corinthians 9:7, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of a necessity: for the Lord loveth a cheerful giver."
Scripture References Where Taught
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Mat. 23:23 reveals that Christ himself believed in the tithe as the form of support for the Temple ministries and that being of His body, His Church ought to continue its practice for the promulgation of the Gospel.
The tithe did not originate with the Mosaic Law. We find the tithe practiced as far back as Abraham, at his return from the slaughter of the Kings (Gen 14:17-24).
In Hebrews 7:1-10, it is obvious that the early Church believed that this story was authentic, valid and worthy to be used as a reference when explaining the differences between law and grace. The tithe was not displaced at the Cross. It is required as long as you prosper in the Lord.
According to scripture, Jesus proceeds in the order of Melchizedec and we are of the seed of Abraham. As long as the Church is here on earth we are to pay tithes to our High Priest (Jesus). Each local Church is to be a repository of faithfulness, as men and women alike of all ethnic groups show their love for the Lord and return unto Him the tenth portion of that which He has blessed them.
Last eve I paused beside a blacksmith's door
and heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;
Then, looking in, I saw upon the floor
Old hammers worn with beating years of time.
"How many anvils have you had?" said I,
"To wear and batter all these hammers so?"
"Just one" said he; then said, with twinkling eye,
"The anvils wear the hammers out, you know."
And so, I thought of the anvil of God's Word
For ages skeptic blows have beat upon.
Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard
The Anvil is unharmed
The hammers, gone!
-anonymous