Articles of Faith and Doctrine
Our Creed, Discipline, Rules of Order and Doctrine are the Words of God as taught and revealed by the Holy Ghost. (John 14:26; 1 Cor. 2:9–13).
The fundamental doctrine as taught by the Apostles was the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The word of God therefore requires that we believe His word, repent of our sins, be baptized in water by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. Acts 2:38; 8:12–16; 10:48; 19:1–6.
We believe that a godly life must follow the believer. (Titus 2:11, 12) and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. (Heb. 12:14).
One God
The Bible teaches us that there is only one God. (Deut. 6:4; Isaiah 45:5). To have more than one God is idolatry. “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him”. (1 Cor. 8:6).
This one true God has revealed Himself as Father in creation; through His Son in redemption; and as the Holy Spirit by emanation.
Divine Healing
The Lord promises to be our Healer. (Ex. 15:26; Ps. 103:2, 3). With His stripes we are healed. (Isa. 53:4, 5; see Matt. 8:14–17; John 14:12; James 5:14).
Communion
Melchisedec the Priest of the Most High God gave the first communion to our father Abraham, consisting of bread and wine. (Gen. 14:18). Christ being a High Priest “after the order of Melchisedec” evidently administered the same. (Heb. 6:20; 7:1, 24; Lk. 22:19–20). Paul instructed the church to observe it. (1 Cor. 11:23–24). To be taken with unleavened bread and unfermented wine, with one or many cups as the container is not important but the content. The emblem can be given to those without the Holy Spirit and served during the day or night.
Feet Washing
This ordinance is as much a divine command as any other New Testament ordinance. Jesus gave us an example that we should do even as He had done.
The Coming of Jesus
That Jesus is to come to earth again in person is a doctrine clearly set forth in apostolic times. Jesus taught it, the Apostles preached it, and all saints expected it. (See Matt. 24; Acts 1:11; 3:19–21; 1 Cor. 1:7–8; 11:26; Phil. 3:20–21; 1 Thes. 4:14–17; Tit. 2:13–14).
Offerings
The method of rallying, socials, concerts etc. to carry on God’s work is not a divine plan. Paying to have one sing to the glory of God and encoring an item for money is unscriptural. We believe that if the people of God obey His word there would be plenty to carry on the work.
Translation of Saints
We believe that the time is near for the coming of the Lord Jesus to make a change in the present order of things, and at that time all the holy dead, shall rise from their graves, and those that are alive and living holy shall be translated or “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air. (Matt. 24:36–42; 1 Cor. 15:51–54; Phil. 3:20–21; 1 Thes. 4:13–17).
The Millennium
Moreover we believe that the distress upon the earth is the “beginning of sorrows” and will become more intense until there shall be a time of trouble such as there never was since there was a nation even to that same time, (Matt. 24:3–8; Dan. 12:1) and that while the saints are enjoying their reign with Christ for a thousand years (Rev. 20:3), the vials of God’s wrath shall be poured upon those who seek death but death shall flee from them.
Final Judgement
When the thousand years are finished, there shall be a resurrection of the dead who shall be summoned before the great white throne for their final judgement, and all whose names are not found written in the Book of Life shall be cast into the lake of fire burning with brimstone, which God hath prepared for the devil and his angels. (Rev. 20:7–15; Matt. 25:41–46; Rev. 21:8).
Civil Government
All civil magistrates are ordained of God for peace, safety and the welfare of all people, (Rom. 13:1–7) therefore it is our duty to be in obedience to all requirements of the laws that are not contrary to the word of God, and that do not force one to the violation of the sixth commandment by bearing arms or going to war. It is our duty to honour all men, pay tribute, or such taxation as may be required (Matt. 17:24–27; 22:17–21). We should show respect to all lawful requirements of civil government.
Secret Societies
According to the word of God, we firmly believe and hold that the people of God should have no connection whatever with Lodges, Secret Societies or any organization or body wherein there is fellowship with unbelievers bound by an oath. (2 Cor. 6:14–18).
Political Parties
We believe that for us to be able to save some (1 Cor. 9:22), we cannot take any active part in any political party, group or meetings. One has the choice of exercising his or her franchise.