Statement of Beliefs
We love the Bible as it is the inspired and infallible Word of God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16). Proper interpretation is not subject to personal opinion. "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 man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (1 Peter 1:20-21). We are admonished to rightly interpret scripture through careful study with the purpose of pleasing God. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15). Jesus often quoted ancient scripture and never found the occasion to correct it. "Had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me." (John 5:56). We have full confidence in the Bible which made it unscathed through the ages. "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Matthew 24:35). The Bible practically and miraculously washes our minds and spirits. "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word" (Ephesians 5:26). The truth is not for a select few. God wills for every soul to be saved, but will not override their free will. "Who will have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4). "Whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17). The words of Jesus bring true freedom. "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32). The Bible contains all the necessary instructions for us to be saved. "Receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21).
We are Christians, first and foremost. A Christian is a follower of Christ and His teachings. A true Christian believes, follows, and worships Christ the Lord. Belief is defined in many different ways depending on who you ask. Jesus provides the ultimate definition of true belief. Jesus said, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38). When we believe "as the scripture hath said" we will discover joy beyond description. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:13-14). "Jesus said unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16:24). "At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11). "And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." (Acts 11:26). True Christians are evident by love, fruits, new life, and truth (John 13:35, Matthew 7:20, 2 Cor. 5:17, Acts 2:42).
We are Apostolic, meaning we continue in the very teachings and Spirit led ministry of the apostles. "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine" (Acts 2:42). "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3). "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you." (Romans 6:17). "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." (1 Timothy 4:16). We are to follow the apostles as they followed Christ. Paul wrote, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1). "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at anytime we should let them slip... how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost" (Hebrews 2:1-4). "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (Galations 1:8).
We are Pentecostal, meaning we experience the Holy Spirit infilling just like the early church did on the Day of Pentecost. Following the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus the plan of salvation has stayed the same even unto today and is clear and repeated in the Book of Acts. Here’s the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem unto the Jews: "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4). Here’s the baptism of the Holy Spirit unto the Gentiles (any who are not Jews): "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). Here’s the baptism of the Holy Spirit for existing believers: "Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." (Acts 19:1-6). On the birthday of the church, Peter was asked how to be saved. Here's how he responded in perfect harmony with John 3:5 & Matthew 28:19. "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off (Acts 2:38-39). Here we are "afar off" and these gracious gifts continue today!
Relationship with God: To be spiritually healthy we must reject traditions and trends which are in opposition to scripture. The Bible is our handbook and the Holy Spirit is our guide on this journey of experiencing a deep, lasting, and personal relationship with God. Spending time with the Lord in prayer and Bible study increases our faith and sensitivity to Him. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14). "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings" (Philippians 3:10). "But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6). "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20). "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7). What are you waiting for?
God is one & we know Him by name. God revealed HIMSELF to mankind as Father, Son, & Holy Ghost. These are all valid titles of the one true God. As with any topic of the Bible it is extremely important that we use biblical terminology. To describe the Godhead we rely on scripture, not errant traditions of men. For example, the Catholic word "trinity" is not found anywhere in the Bible. The use of the non-biblical word "trinity" is in extreme opposition to the Bible as it has caused many to misunderstand the importance of invoking Jesus' name in baptism. Furthermore, many well meaning people pray separately to the Father & Jesus out of ignorance. There is only one Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13), and He is everywhere (Matthew 18:20). Let's look at biblical terminology. "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." (1 John 5:7). The Bible does not use the Catholic terminology of "three distinct co-equal persons in the Godhead." It does repeatedly use the term manifest (meaning - to show, to reveal). God revealed Himself to mankind as Father, Son, & Holy Ghost for the purpose of a close relationship with us. "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (1 Timothy 3:16). "He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin." (1 John 3:5). "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8). "God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4:8-10). "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). "But ye shall receive power after than the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses" (Acts 1:8). The same Lord of the Old Testament is the same Lord of the New Testament. "For I am the Lord, I change not" (Malachi 3:6). Christ Jesus is "King of kings and Lord of lords" (1 Timothy 6:15). God's people in the Old Testament had a clear view of His oneness. "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). God revealed Himself to humanity as God the Father (Creator), the Son of God (Savior), and the Holy Spirit (His indwelling Spirit as our guide and comforter today). "God is a Spirit" (John 4:24). He is the Eternal One, the Creator of all things, and the Father of all humanity by creation. He said, "I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6). "Before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." (Isaiah 43:10). Jesus is the Son of God according to the flesh (Romans 1:3) and the very God Himself according to the Spirit (Matthew 1:23). Jesus is the Christ (Matthew 16:16); the creator of all things (John 1:10, Colossians 1:16-17); God with us (Matthew 1:23); God in flesh (John 1:1-14). Jesus Himself testified of His identity as God when He said, "he that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:7-11), and "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30). It took shedding of blood for the remission of the sins of the world (Hebrews 9:22), but God the Father was a Spirit and had no blood to shed. Thus, He prepared a body of flesh and blood (Hebrews 10:5) and came to earth as a man in order to save us, for in Isaiah 43:11 He said, "Beside me there is no Saviour." When He came in flesh the angels sang, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power" (Colossians 2:8-10). The Holy Spirit is also referred to in scripture as the Spirit of the Father (Matthew 10:20, Eph. 4:4, Romans 8:11), and the Spirit of Christ (John 14:17-18, 1 Peter 1:11, Galatians 4:6). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Lord personally available to abide in us. "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:4-7). The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in the hearts and lives of everyone who believes and obeys the gospel, as the comforter, helper, guide, Spirit of truth, peace, and power from on high (John 14:16-26; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9-11). The elaborate story and reality of God revealing Himself with multiple titles and roles denotes how great and mighty He is, yet personally available to us. A human is tiny compared to Him, yet can have multiple titles and roles while being one. A man can be a father, son, and brother at the same time, yet he is just one person. We were made in the image and likeness of God, though He alone is God and we are but dust compared to Him. There is only one God, and He loves us with the best love of all. "God is love." (1 John 4:8). "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13). We have the privilege of knowing God by name. The name of Jesus is the highest name of all and that doesn't detract from God's fullness and greatness. Rather, it sheds light on how available and loving He is as His revelation to humanity was declared by the Son as "the express image of His person." (Hebrews 1:3). Notice biblical terminology in that last verse (the singular use of person, not persons, for He is one Spirit, therefore He is one supreme being). Jesus' name is essential to salvation, and to be the bride of Christ we must take on His name. "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named" (Ephesians 3:14-15). "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12). "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" (Ephesians 1:21). Jesus is the highest name of all. "Being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" (Philippians 2:8-10). Christ reigns supreme. "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8). Notice in the last verse where Jesus said He is "the Almighty". In the following prophecy from Isaiah it is clear Jesus is to be called: "The mighty God" and "The everlasting Father", along with all titles and descriptions of Him in the Bible. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus is God.
Sin and Repentance: The wages of sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:11-15) to all those who refuse to accept salvation as set forth in the Word of God. "Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations" (Luke 5:32). Only Jesus can take away our sins and give us the power to live right. "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him" (1 John 3:4-6). The Law of Moses was fulfilled by Jesus, yet the Law of Sin remains today, hence the need for the Savior. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-4). The guilt of sin has fallen upon all humanity, no matter how good or bad they are. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Forgiveness and deliverance from sin is available to everyone. "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:1-3). Being sorry is essential to lasting repentance. "Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation" (2 Corinthians 7:10). Mercy is granted as we repent through sorrowful confession to God as we turn away from sin. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (Proverbs 28:13). Prior to repentance it seems impossible to find forgiveness and/or repent effectively, but when we make this leap of faith we are met with times of refreshing. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3:10). While repentance is refreshing, the new birth experience is even more, so please read on.
Deliverance, Healing. & Miracles: God has made Himself known through the ages by miraculous healings. "I am the Lord that healeth thee." (Exodus 15:26). "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3). He continues to be our Healer today. Jesus endured mocking, whipping, crucifixion, and much more to heal us spiritually and physically. (Matthew 27:1-50). "With His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5). Where Jesus was present multitudes were healed. (Matthew 4:23, 8:1-18). Jesus shared this authority with the disciples to deliver and to heal (Matthew 10:1, John 14:12-14). Jesus also gave this authority to believers. "In my name shall they cast out devils... they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:17-18). There is no sickness or disease that is too hard for God. Anyone can be freed from addiction. Anyone can be delivered from demonic oppression or possession. Anyone can be healed spiritually or physically by the blood of Jesus and by the name of Jesus. The church has the authority to heal for the glory of God. "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" (James 5:14-15). Our hope is in the Lord who is compassionate and merciful. "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:21-23). Early in Jesus' ministry, He read from the book of Isaiah in a Nazarene synagogue (in His own country where they were especially hesitant to receive Him), "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18-19). By the grace and power of God, we are a church where the Lord is welcome to move in our midst to deliver, heal, and strengthen. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17). For complete deliverance, we need Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection applied to our lives through the new birth. Jesus still works miracles in the church. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do" (John 14:12).
Salvation consists of deliverance from sin and hell through the blood of Jesus Christ. Nothing in the Bible indicates we are to say a "sinner's prayer" to be saved. The New Testament experience of salvation is gifted to us by God's mercy and grace as we believe and obey His plan: repentance from sin (thanks to His death), water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (thanks to His shed blood and burial), and the baptism of the Holy Ghost (thanks to His resurrection). On the Day of Pentecost (the birthday of the New Testament Church), Peter was asked how to be saved. "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine" (Acts 2:37-42). We must be born again (John 3:1-8), and continue in newness of life. "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). "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. (Romans 8:9). Receiving the Spirit of Christ is not accomplished through a non-biblical "sinners prayer." Just because a practice is widely accepted by so many that does not make it true. "Let God be true, but every man a liar... That thou mightest overcome... when thou art judged." (Romans 3:4).
Grace: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:11-12). "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17). "For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:19-21). "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works" (Ephesians 2:8-10). "Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid." (Romans 6:15). "By the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (1 Corinthians 15:10).
Holiness: After we are saved from sin, we are commanded, "Go, and sin no more" (John 8:11). We are commanded to "live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:12). We must present ourselves as holy unto God as it is our reasonable service. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove, what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2). "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 7:1). "If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" (I Peter 4:18). "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able to" (Luke 13:24). No one can live a holy life by his own power, but only through the Holy Spirit. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" (Acts 1:8). The Spirit of truth will guide us into all truth (John 16:13). "Be ye holy; for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:16). "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).
We are Peacemakers: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9). "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Mark 12:31). "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35). "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:44-45).
Water baptism in the name of Jesus is an essential part of New Testament salvation according to scripture. God does not give us unnecessary busy work and distractions when there is a world that is lost and dying. It's a message so important that Jesus clearly said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). Jesus is the name, while Father-Son-Holy Ghost are titles. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:15-16). "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations (Luke 24:47). "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name." (John 8:31). Ask your pastor to baptize you in Jesus name and contact us when he won't. "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38). There is not a single instance in the Bible of a person being baptized with the Catholic method of the titles. Most protestants failed to protest this erosion of truth. The Britannica Encyclopedia (11th Edition, Volume 3, page 365) states, "Baptism was changed from the name of Jesus to the words Father, Son, Holy Ghost in the 2nd Century." In the Catholic Encyclopedia (Volume 2, page 263) the authors acknowledge the baptismal formula was changed by their church. Jesus foretold of baptism's indisputable importance when he explained to Nicodemus, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." By His clear command, He tells us exactly what we need to believe and obey to be saved by His mercy and grace. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galations 3:27). Baptism is to be administered only by immersion. Paul said, "We are buried with Him by baptism" (Romans 6:4, and Colossians 2:12), Jesus came up "out of the water" (Mark 1:10), and Philip and the eunuch went down "into the water" and came up "out of the water" (Acts 8:38-39). Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection are applied to our lives when we experience New Testament salvation: "Repent [death to sin], and be baptized [burial] every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost [resurrection]." (See Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-7; 8:2). Sprinkling, pouring, or infant baptism of any kind cannot be substantiated by the Word of God, but are only human traditions. From the day the church was established on the Day of Pentecost, and through the end of their ministry they baptized all nations (Jews-Acts 2; Samaritans-Acts 8; Gentiles-Acts 10, Acts 19) in the name of Jesus. In fact, Jesus is the only name given for our salvation. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named." (Ephesians 3:14-15). Jesus is the name which is above every name (Philippians 2:9). What are you waiting for? "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Water baptism is the biblical method of calling on the name of the Lord for initial forgiveness.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit also known as being Spirit-filled means to be born of the Spirit. This requirement did not go into effect until Acts 2, which was after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The timeline is clear, evidenced by what He told His apostles. “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:5). Nevertheless, Jesus began teaching its importance early in His earthly ministry. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5). Trying to live for God without His indwelling Spirit is like trying to drive a car without gas or an electric charge. Jesus said, "But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" (Acts 1:8). If we don't have the Spirit of truth in us, we're taking a journey through the wilderness with no map or GPS. While the Word is a light unto our path, we also need the guidance of the Spirit. "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). Being filled with the Holy Ghost gives us boldness to proclaim the gospel with accuracy and power. "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:31). Since the benefits of Spirit baptism are not enough to persuade many, we should also consider Jesus said it is a must. "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." (John 3:7). “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him." (Romans 8:9). It was prophesied by Joel (Joel 2:28-29) and Isaiah (Isaiah 28:11), foretold by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:11), purchased by the blood of Jesus, and promised by Him to His disciples (John 7:37-39, 14:16-21, 14:25-27). The Holy Ghost was first poured out on the Day of Pentecost upon the Jews (Acts 2:1-4), then upon the Samaritans (Acts 8:17), and later upon the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-46; 19:1-7). "The promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:39). Here we are "afar off" and it continues in our day.
Tongues are a common theme in the Bible, but are they for today? First, please read the last article on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, if you haven't already. Here, Pastor Chris Hegeman will share the Bible as it relates to his personal experience. Some have said, "Speaking in tongues is of the devil." They must believe the devil still works miracles, but God has paused his efforts. Some have given tongues a bad name with ridiculous blabbering, forcing what they thought were tongues when it was not inspired by the Holy Spirit. I remember the first time I spoke in tongues. That was before I knew the scripture likened it to rivers of living water, yet that's exactly how it felt to me. It was the most refreshing overflow of God's Spirit. I didn't try to utter new sounds. God just did it as I experienced joy like never before. I didn't understand what I was saying, but God did. And, no one can ever convince me it was not of God. Fast forward to years later... While on a ministerial club trip with my Bible college friends, we visited several cities in Mexico. We took turns preaching on various nights. I preached "The Gift of the Holy Ghost" in a church that was open-air and had a dirt floor. The hunger on the faces of the locals was awe-inspiring. During the altar call, I prayed with a Spanish-speaking man who believed, yet had never received God's Spirit. I prayed with faith in English, and I spoke in tongues. It felt like other times, but to him, it was the sound of a miracle. I didn't know Spanish, but God allowed me to pray in Spanish saying, "God, fill him with the Holy Ghost." I had no idea that happened, but the man received the Holy Ghost, spoke in tongues for the first time, and reported the miracle to my bilingual friend." Glory to God! Several years later, I was pastoring Landmark Asian Church (a Hmong church). During a revival, a Catholic man visited. During the altar call, I prayed with him. I felt God's Spirit like I often do, but I didn't know a notable miracle had just taken place. For our services, I relied on an interpreter since I could not speak Hmong. However, God can. As I spoke in tongues, God said to him, "Come to me and I will give you peace." He was deeply impacted and reported the miracle to one of the Hmong sisters. These testimonies relate to so many I have heard over the years. I want to compile a list of them. Don't let counterfeits hold you back from the true treasure! These experiences are not valid unless they line up with scripture. How do we know whether or not we received the gift of the Holy Ghost? Speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives the utterance is the definite, indisputable, supernatural witness or sign of the baptism of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6). The gift of "divers kinds of tongues" was mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:1-12, and he gave regulations in 1 Corinthians 14:1-40. Tongues are for self-edification (1 Cor. 14:4) and for the edification of the church (1 Cor. 14:27-28). In church meetings, the gift of tongues is used to give a public message, and it is to be interpreted. Since this gift can be misused, it needs proper regulation (1 Cor. 14:23-28). Not all believers prophesy, and not all believers exercise the gift of tongues, which is different in function from tongues given by God as the initial witness of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Paul wrote, "Forbid not to speak with tongues" (1 Cor. 14:39) and "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all" (1 Cor. 14:8). In summary, not all Spirit-filled believers are used with the gift of tongues, yet all who experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit certainly do speak in other tongues as the initial evidence. And, it's important to continue to speak in tongues as a helpful prayer language. Paul wrote, "I speak in the tongues of men and of angels" (1 Cor. 13:1). Contrary to the opinion of dead churches, tongues will not cease until the church is caught up to meet the Lord in the air. (1 Cor. 13:10-12, 1 Cor. 15:52-55). God does not want us to wonder whether or not we received His Spirit. The biblical pattern of evidence is tongues, not our feelings, not a sinner's prayer according to the tradition of men, and not whatever we deem appropriate. Many have felt the warmth and love of His Spirit upon them, but that is not evidence of receiving His indwelling Spirit. When Jesus told Nicodemus of the new birth experience that was to come, He hinted at this when He stated you "hear the sound thereof" with "every one that is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). This was clarified and solidified in Acts 2:4 when all 120 filled with the Spirit in the Upper Room spoke in tongues, and the pattern continued throughout the Book of Acts. Tongues can be classified in two ways, according to function:
1) speaking in other tongues as the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost "these signs shall follow them that believe... they shall speak with new tongues" (Mark 16:17).
2) and the gift of tongues as mentioned in 1 Corinthians. Not all believers have this gift of the Spirit. Likewise, not all prophesy.
The initial evidence of tongues does not need to be interpreted, while the gift of tongues calls for the gift of interpretation. If you want to receive the Holy Ghost, don't seek tongues. Don't put the cart before the horse. Tongues will happen when you seek the Lord according to scripture. "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38). Worship the Lord with all of your heart. Lift up your voice with words of praise, call on the name of Jesus, and cry out in faith and desperation to be filled with God's Spirit. If you repented, He will fill you with the Holy Ghost when you worship with all of your heart! When the Holy Ghost falls on you, let Him fill you! It'll be the most fulfilling experience of your life. Go to a church where they can help pray for you to receive the Holy Ghost and be baptized in Jesus' name. I know some who received the Holy Ghost praying alone in their bedroom, while most I know received the Spirit while worshipping in an Apostolic Pentecostal Church.
Receiving Christ (receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost) has already been explained with biblical terminology in previous articles. However, due to popular, yet non-biblical methods of "accepting Christ" by saying a "sinner's prayer for the Lord to become one's personal savior" here's another angle of scripture to consider. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Christ (Galatians 4:6, Romans 8:9-11, 1 Peter 1:11). Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments. And 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; you ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (John 14:15-18). To provide some context, the setting was during Jesus' earthly ministry, before His death upon the cross. He was speaking to His disciples, who would later receive the Holy Ghost in Acts on the Day of Pentecost. In other words, if you want to "receive Christ" that can only by done by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-8, 2:37-39, 8:14-17, 10:44-48, 19:1-7).
Calling on the name of the Lord to be saved can be understood with context and cross-references. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13). Many take this scripture out of context, ignorantly negating multitudes of scriptures which show us how to be saved. The point is, the Lord saves all who truly call upon Him. “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18). How do we truly call upon Him? The way we call upon Him must be sincere and biblical. You've heard the saying by many today that they "live their truth." However, our truth pales in comparison with the light of His truth. The point of Romans 10:13 is not to say all you have to do is call for Jesus to be your Lord & Savior and you will go to heaven. The safest way to the foot of the cross is through cross-references, so let's do that. "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:22-24). It takes a lot of faith in God to be used in the gift of prophecy, but it takes more faith to live a life pleasing unto the Lord. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus plainly said, "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" and He went on to explain that person would be like a house destroyed by a storm. (Luke 6:46-49). The apostles mirrored Jesus’ teachings. “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19). Here's a New Testament example of calling on the name of the Lord for salvation. "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16). That is the biblical pattern for calling on the name of the Lord for initial forgiveness throughout Acts, beginning with Acts 2:37-39. The baptizing minister invokes the name, while the baptized person is very much a part of that effort by obeying the Lord’s command to be baptized in Jesus’ name. Why did Jesus grant salvation to the repentant criminal on the cross beside Him? He could not be baptized while nailed to a cross. He could not receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost prior to Acts 2:1-8. That's easy. Jesus had not yet died. Romans 6:3-4 shows we are baptized into His death & burial. Shortly after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, today's plan of salvation went into effect in Acts 2 as they called on the name of the Lord in a certain way. "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21). Just after Peter preached verse 21, it was verse 37 where the unsaved people there said, "what shall we do?” Peter did not simply tell them to call on the name of Jesus, and he certainly didn't lead them in the heretical sinner's prayer that is so popular today. He immediately gave them a clear answer of how to call on the name of Jesus in baptism. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off" (Acts 2:38-39). Now, let's continue with the focus of truly calling on the name of the Lord to be saved after being born of water & the Spirit (John 3:5). After baptism and until we get to heaven, forgiveness happens daily as we continue as followers of Christ. To have a relationship with Him, daily prayer is vitally important. In the Lord's prayer, Jesus stressed the importance of our daily bread and the need to continue asking for forgiveness as we forgive others. (Matthew 6:9-13). Daniel was a man of daily prayer, and God delivered him from the lion's den. Paul wrote, "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thess. 5:16). John wrote to the already saved church, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). We continually overcome sin by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev. 12:11). We call on the name of Jesus when we pray. “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:14). The name of the Lord has saving power of some sort in all of the following examples:
1) Praying over our food and giving thanks in Jesus name (Mark 16:18, 1 Timothy 4:4).
2) Healing in the name of Jesus (James 5:13-15, Acts 3:6-9).
3) Calling on the name of Jesus in baptism (see previous article on water baptism in Jesus name).
4) Calling out to the Lord in worship for the gift of the Holy Ghost (see previous article on the baptism of the Holy Spirit).
5) Whatsoever we pray for in Jesus name (John 14:14), within the will of God (James 4:3).
We are protected by the name of Jesus. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: The righteous runneth into it, and is safe." (Proverbs 18:10). Jesus’ name is the only name whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). What about another verse so commonly watered down to ignore water baptism? "That if thou shalt confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9). Our opinions of how to confess Jesus as Lord are meaningless, compared to the ultimate defining factor- the Bible. "no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." (1 Cor. 12:3). In other words, you can say Jesus is Lord all you want, but you cannot really and truly say that until you have received the baptism of the Holy Ghost! The pattern was set in the book of Acts and continues "to all that are afar off." Romans agrees you cannot truly call on the name of the Lord unless you have received His Spirit. “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him." (Romans 8:9). Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess on judgment day (Romans 14:11, Isaiah 45:23, Philippians 2:9-11)
Second Coming of Christ: Jesus Christ is coming back to earth in bodily form, just as He went away (Acts 1:11). He will catch away a holy people (His bride, His church) who have accepted redemption through His blood, by birth of water and of the Spirit (John 3:5), and who are found faithful when He comes. "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" (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 5:1-11). "One shall be taken and the other left" (Luke 17:36). Will we be ready? The signs of His coming are everywhere. The days of peril are here indeed, with forms of godliness void of the power of God; society and politics corrupted; and people's hearts filled with pride, blasphemies, unholiness, love of evil, and love of pleasures (2 Timothy 3:1-13). These things, together with multitudes running to and fro, the increase of knowledge (Daniel 12:4), the persecution of the Jews and their return to Palestine (Luke 21:24), and scores of other things are starting signs that Jesus' coming is drawing near. Wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, storms, floods, distress of nations, perplexity, and people's hearts failing them for fear are sounding the solemn alarm that Jesus' coming is at hand (Matthew 24:6; Luke 21:25-28). "Prepare to meet thy God" (Amos 4:12).
Resurrection: There will be a resurrection of all the dead, both just and unjust. "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation" (John 5:28-29). "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works." (Revelation 20:12-13). "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." (Daniel 12:2).
Judgment: "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). For this reason, there will be a resurrection for everyone. "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" (2 Corinthians 5:10). The eternal destiny of every soul shall be determined by a just God who knows the secrets of everyone's heart. "And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world... Then shall He also say unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels... And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal" (Matthew 25:32-34, 41, 46).
The King James Version has been used for our statement of beliefs and is our preferred version.
The New King James is also recommended by our church, especially for children and new believers.
There is not just one scripture which tells us everything we need to know to be saved,
but there is just one book, the Bible, which tells us everything we need to be saved.
"For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line;
here a little, and there a little" (Isaiah 28:11).
To look up more scriptures we recommend BibleGateway:
We are Christians, first and foremost. A Christian is a follower of Christ and His teachings. A true Christian believes, follows, and worships Christ the Lord. Belief is defined in many different ways depending on who you ask. Jesus provides the ultimate definition of true belief. Jesus said, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38). When we believe "as the scripture hath said" we will discover joy beyond description. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:13-14). "Jesus said unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16:24). "At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11). "And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." (Acts 11:26). True Christians are evident by love, fruits, new life, and truth (John 13:35, Matthew 7:20, 2 Cor. 5:17, Acts 2:42).
We are Apostolic, meaning we continue in the very teachings and Spirit led ministry of the apostles. "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine" (Acts 2:42). "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3). "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you." (Romans 6:17). "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." (1 Timothy 4:16). We are to follow the apostles as they followed Christ. Paul wrote, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1). "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at anytime we should let them slip... how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost" (Hebrews 2:1-4). "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (Galations 1:8).
We are Pentecostal, meaning we experience the Holy Spirit infilling just like the early church did on the Day of Pentecost. Following the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus the plan of salvation has stayed the same even unto today and is clear and repeated in the Book of Acts. Here’s the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem unto the Jews: "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4). Here’s the baptism of the Holy Spirit unto the Gentiles (any who are not Jews): "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). Here’s the baptism of the Holy Spirit for existing believers: "Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." (Acts 19:1-6). On the birthday of the church, Peter was asked how to be saved. Here's how he responded in perfect harmony with John 3:5 & Matthew 28:19. "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off (Acts 2:38-39). Here we are "afar off" and these gracious gifts continue today!
Relationship with God: To be spiritually healthy we must reject traditions and trends which are in opposition to scripture. The Bible is our handbook and the Holy Spirit is our guide on this journey of experiencing a deep, lasting, and personal relationship with God. Spending time with the Lord in prayer and Bible study increases our faith and sensitivity to Him. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14). "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings" (Philippians 3:10). "But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6). "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20). "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7). What are you waiting for?
God is one & we know Him by name. God revealed HIMSELF to mankind as Father, Son, & Holy Ghost. These are all valid titles of the one true God. As with any topic of the Bible it is extremely important that we use biblical terminology. To describe the Godhead we rely on scripture, not errant traditions of men. For example, the Catholic word "trinity" is not found anywhere in the Bible. The use of the non-biblical word "trinity" is in extreme opposition to the Bible as it has caused many to misunderstand the importance of invoking Jesus' name in baptism. Furthermore, many well meaning people pray separately to the Father & Jesus out of ignorance. There is only one Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13), and He is everywhere (Matthew 18:20). Let's look at biblical terminology. "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." (1 John 5:7). The Bible does not use the Catholic terminology of "three distinct co-equal persons in the Godhead." It does repeatedly use the term manifest (meaning - to show, to reveal). God revealed Himself to mankind as Father, Son, & Holy Ghost for the purpose of a close relationship with us. "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (1 Timothy 3:16). "He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin." (1 John 3:5). "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8). "God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4:8-10). "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). "But ye shall receive power after than the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses" (Acts 1:8). The same Lord of the Old Testament is the same Lord of the New Testament. "For I am the Lord, I change not" (Malachi 3:6). Christ Jesus is "King of kings and Lord of lords" (1 Timothy 6:15). God's people in the Old Testament had a clear view of His oneness. "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). God revealed Himself to humanity as God the Father (Creator), the Son of God (Savior), and the Holy Spirit (His indwelling Spirit as our guide and comforter today). "God is a Spirit" (John 4:24). He is the Eternal One, the Creator of all things, and the Father of all humanity by creation. He said, "I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6). "Before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." (Isaiah 43:10). Jesus is the Son of God according to the flesh (Romans 1:3) and the very God Himself according to the Spirit (Matthew 1:23). Jesus is the Christ (Matthew 16:16); the creator of all things (John 1:10, Colossians 1:16-17); God with us (Matthew 1:23); God in flesh (John 1:1-14). Jesus Himself testified of His identity as God when He said, "he that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:7-11), and "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30). It took shedding of blood for the remission of the sins of the world (Hebrews 9:22), but God the Father was a Spirit and had no blood to shed. Thus, He prepared a body of flesh and blood (Hebrews 10:5) and came to earth as a man in order to save us, for in Isaiah 43:11 He said, "Beside me there is no Saviour." When He came in flesh the angels sang, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power" (Colossians 2:8-10). The Holy Spirit is also referred to in scripture as the Spirit of the Father (Matthew 10:20, Eph. 4:4, Romans 8:11), and the Spirit of Christ (John 14:17-18, 1 Peter 1:11, Galatians 4:6). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Lord personally available to abide in us. "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:4-7). The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in the hearts and lives of everyone who believes and obeys the gospel, as the comforter, helper, guide, Spirit of truth, peace, and power from on high (John 14:16-26; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9-11). The elaborate story and reality of God revealing Himself with multiple titles and roles denotes how great and mighty He is, yet personally available to us. A human is tiny compared to Him, yet can have multiple titles and roles while being one. A man can be a father, son, and brother at the same time, yet he is just one person. We were made in the image and likeness of God, though He alone is God and we are but dust compared to Him. There is only one God, and He loves us with the best love of all. "God is love." (1 John 4:8). "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13). We have the privilege of knowing God by name. The name of Jesus is the highest name of all and that doesn't detract from God's fullness and greatness. Rather, it sheds light on how available and loving He is as His revelation to humanity was declared by the Son as "the express image of His person." (Hebrews 1:3). Notice biblical terminology in that last verse (the singular use of person, not persons, for He is one Spirit, therefore He is one supreme being). Jesus' name is essential to salvation, and to be the bride of Christ we must take on His name. "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named" (Ephesians 3:14-15). "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12). "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" (Ephesians 1:21). Jesus is the highest name of all. "Being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" (Philippians 2:8-10). Christ reigns supreme. "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8). Notice in the last verse where Jesus said He is "the Almighty". In the following prophecy from Isaiah it is clear Jesus is to be called: "The mighty God" and "The everlasting Father", along with all titles and descriptions of Him in the Bible. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus is God.
Sin and Repentance: The wages of sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:11-15) to all those who refuse to accept salvation as set forth in the Word of God. "Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations" (Luke 5:32). Only Jesus can take away our sins and give us the power to live right. "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him" (1 John 3:4-6). The Law of Moses was fulfilled by Jesus, yet the Law of Sin remains today, hence the need for the Savior. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-4). The guilt of sin has fallen upon all humanity, no matter how good or bad they are. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Forgiveness and deliverance from sin is available to everyone. "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:1-3). Being sorry is essential to lasting repentance. "Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation" (2 Corinthians 7:10). Mercy is granted as we repent through sorrowful confession to God as we turn away from sin. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (Proverbs 28:13). Prior to repentance it seems impossible to find forgiveness and/or repent effectively, but when we make this leap of faith we are met with times of refreshing. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3:10). While repentance is refreshing, the new birth experience is even more, so please read on.
Deliverance, Healing. & Miracles: God has made Himself known through the ages by miraculous healings. "I am the Lord that healeth thee." (Exodus 15:26). "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3). He continues to be our Healer today. Jesus endured mocking, whipping, crucifixion, and much more to heal us spiritually and physically. (Matthew 27:1-50). "With His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5). Where Jesus was present multitudes were healed. (Matthew 4:23, 8:1-18). Jesus shared this authority with the disciples to deliver and to heal (Matthew 10:1, John 14:12-14). Jesus also gave this authority to believers. "In my name shall they cast out devils... they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:17-18). There is no sickness or disease that is too hard for God. Anyone can be freed from addiction. Anyone can be delivered from demonic oppression or possession. Anyone can be healed spiritually or physically by the blood of Jesus and by the name of Jesus. The church has the authority to heal for the glory of God. "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" (James 5:14-15). Our hope is in the Lord who is compassionate and merciful. "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:21-23). Early in Jesus' ministry, He read from the book of Isaiah in a Nazarene synagogue (in His own country where they were especially hesitant to receive Him), "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18-19). By the grace and power of God, we are a church where the Lord is welcome to move in our midst to deliver, heal, and strengthen. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17). For complete deliverance, we need Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection applied to our lives through the new birth. Jesus still works miracles in the church. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do" (John 14:12).
Salvation consists of deliverance from sin and hell through the blood of Jesus Christ. Nothing in the Bible indicates we are to say a "sinner's prayer" to be saved. The New Testament experience of salvation is gifted to us by God's mercy and grace as we believe and obey His plan: repentance from sin (thanks to His death), water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (thanks to His shed blood and burial), and the baptism of the Holy Ghost (thanks to His resurrection). On the Day of Pentecost (the birthday of the New Testament Church), Peter was asked how to be saved. "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine" (Acts 2:37-42). We must be born again (John 3:1-8), and continue in newness of life. "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). "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. (Romans 8:9). Receiving the Spirit of Christ is not accomplished through a non-biblical "sinners prayer." Just because a practice is widely accepted by so many that does not make it true. "Let God be true, but every man a liar... That thou mightest overcome... when thou art judged." (Romans 3:4).
Grace: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:11-12). "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17). "For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:19-21). "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works" (Ephesians 2:8-10). "Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid." (Romans 6:15). "By the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (1 Corinthians 15:10).
Holiness: After we are saved from sin, we are commanded, "Go, and sin no more" (John 8:11). We are commanded to "live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:12). We must present ourselves as holy unto God as it is our reasonable service. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove, what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2). "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 7:1). "If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" (I Peter 4:18). "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able to" (Luke 13:24). No one can live a holy life by his own power, but only through the Holy Spirit. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" (Acts 1:8). The Spirit of truth will guide us into all truth (John 16:13). "Be ye holy; for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:16). "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).
We are Peacemakers: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9). "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Mark 12:31). "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35). "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:44-45).
Water baptism in the name of Jesus is an essential part of New Testament salvation according to scripture. God does not give us unnecessary busy work and distractions when there is a world that is lost and dying. It's a message so important that Jesus clearly said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). Jesus is the name, while Father-Son-Holy Ghost are titles. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:15-16). "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations (Luke 24:47). "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name." (John 8:31). Ask your pastor to baptize you in Jesus name and contact us when he won't. "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38). There is not a single instance in the Bible of a person being baptized with the Catholic method of the titles. Most protestants failed to protest this erosion of truth. The Britannica Encyclopedia (11th Edition, Volume 3, page 365) states, "Baptism was changed from the name of Jesus to the words Father, Son, Holy Ghost in the 2nd Century." In the Catholic Encyclopedia (Volume 2, page 263) the authors acknowledge the baptismal formula was changed by their church. Jesus foretold of baptism's indisputable importance when he explained to Nicodemus, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." By His clear command, He tells us exactly what we need to believe and obey to be saved by His mercy and grace. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galations 3:27). Baptism is to be administered only by immersion. Paul said, "We are buried with Him by baptism" (Romans 6:4, and Colossians 2:12), Jesus came up "out of the water" (Mark 1:10), and Philip and the eunuch went down "into the water" and came up "out of the water" (Acts 8:38-39). Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection are applied to our lives when we experience New Testament salvation: "Repent [death to sin], and be baptized [burial] every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost [resurrection]." (See Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-7; 8:2). Sprinkling, pouring, or infant baptism of any kind cannot be substantiated by the Word of God, but are only human traditions. From the day the church was established on the Day of Pentecost, and through the end of their ministry they baptized all nations (Jews-Acts 2; Samaritans-Acts 8; Gentiles-Acts 10, Acts 19) in the name of Jesus. In fact, Jesus is the only name given for our salvation. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named." (Ephesians 3:14-15). Jesus is the name which is above every name (Philippians 2:9). What are you waiting for? "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Water baptism is the biblical method of calling on the name of the Lord for initial forgiveness.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit also known as being Spirit-filled means to be born of the Spirit. This requirement did not go into effect until Acts 2, which was after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The timeline is clear, evidenced by what He told His apostles. “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:5). Nevertheless, Jesus began teaching its importance early in His earthly ministry. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5). Trying to live for God without His indwelling Spirit is like trying to drive a car without gas or an electric charge. Jesus said, "But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" (Acts 1:8). If we don't have the Spirit of truth in us, we're taking a journey through the wilderness with no map or GPS. While the Word is a light unto our path, we also need the guidance of the Spirit. "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). Being filled with the Holy Ghost gives us boldness to proclaim the gospel with accuracy and power. "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:31). Since the benefits of Spirit baptism are not enough to persuade many, we should also consider Jesus said it is a must. "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." (John 3:7). “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him." (Romans 8:9). It was prophesied by Joel (Joel 2:28-29) and Isaiah (Isaiah 28:11), foretold by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:11), purchased by the blood of Jesus, and promised by Him to His disciples (John 7:37-39, 14:16-21, 14:25-27). The Holy Ghost was first poured out on the Day of Pentecost upon the Jews (Acts 2:1-4), then upon the Samaritans (Acts 8:17), and later upon the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-46; 19:1-7). "The promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:39). Here we are "afar off" and it continues in our day.
Tongues are a common theme in the Bible, but are they for today? First, please read the last article on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, if you haven't already. Here, Pastor Chris Hegeman will share the Bible as it relates to his personal experience. Some have said, "Speaking in tongues is of the devil." They must believe the devil still works miracles, but God has paused his efforts. Some have given tongues a bad name with ridiculous blabbering, forcing what they thought were tongues when it was not inspired by the Holy Spirit. I remember the first time I spoke in tongues. That was before I knew the scripture likened it to rivers of living water, yet that's exactly how it felt to me. It was the most refreshing overflow of God's Spirit. I didn't try to utter new sounds. God just did it as I experienced joy like never before. I didn't understand what I was saying, but God did. And, no one can ever convince me it was not of God. Fast forward to years later... While on a ministerial club trip with my Bible college friends, we visited several cities in Mexico. We took turns preaching on various nights. I preached "The Gift of the Holy Ghost" in a church that was open-air and had a dirt floor. The hunger on the faces of the locals was awe-inspiring. During the altar call, I prayed with a Spanish-speaking man who believed, yet had never received God's Spirit. I prayed with faith in English, and I spoke in tongues. It felt like other times, but to him, it was the sound of a miracle. I didn't know Spanish, but God allowed me to pray in Spanish saying, "God, fill him with the Holy Ghost." I had no idea that happened, but the man received the Holy Ghost, spoke in tongues for the first time, and reported the miracle to my bilingual friend." Glory to God! Several years later, I was pastoring Landmark Asian Church (a Hmong church). During a revival, a Catholic man visited. During the altar call, I prayed with him. I felt God's Spirit like I often do, but I didn't know a notable miracle had just taken place. For our services, I relied on an interpreter since I could not speak Hmong. However, God can. As I spoke in tongues, God said to him, "Come to me and I will give you peace." He was deeply impacted and reported the miracle to one of the Hmong sisters. These testimonies relate to so many I have heard over the years. I want to compile a list of them. Don't let counterfeits hold you back from the true treasure! These experiences are not valid unless they line up with scripture. How do we know whether or not we received the gift of the Holy Ghost? Speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives the utterance is the definite, indisputable, supernatural witness or sign of the baptism of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6). The gift of "divers kinds of tongues" was mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:1-12, and he gave regulations in 1 Corinthians 14:1-40. Tongues are for self-edification (1 Cor. 14:4) and for the edification of the church (1 Cor. 14:27-28). In church meetings, the gift of tongues is used to give a public message, and it is to be interpreted. Since this gift can be misused, it needs proper regulation (1 Cor. 14:23-28). Not all believers prophesy, and not all believers exercise the gift of tongues, which is different in function from tongues given by God as the initial witness of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Paul wrote, "Forbid not to speak with tongues" (1 Cor. 14:39) and "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all" (1 Cor. 14:8). In summary, not all Spirit-filled believers are used with the gift of tongues, yet all who experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit certainly do speak in other tongues as the initial evidence. And, it's important to continue to speak in tongues as a helpful prayer language. Paul wrote, "I speak in the tongues of men and of angels" (1 Cor. 13:1). Contrary to the opinion of dead churches, tongues will not cease until the church is caught up to meet the Lord in the air. (1 Cor. 13:10-12, 1 Cor. 15:52-55). God does not want us to wonder whether or not we received His Spirit. The biblical pattern of evidence is tongues, not our feelings, not a sinner's prayer according to the tradition of men, and not whatever we deem appropriate. Many have felt the warmth and love of His Spirit upon them, but that is not evidence of receiving His indwelling Spirit. When Jesus told Nicodemus of the new birth experience that was to come, He hinted at this when He stated you "hear the sound thereof" with "every one that is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). This was clarified and solidified in Acts 2:4 when all 120 filled with the Spirit in the Upper Room spoke in tongues, and the pattern continued throughout the Book of Acts. Tongues can be classified in two ways, according to function:
1) speaking in other tongues as the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost "these signs shall follow them that believe... they shall speak with new tongues" (Mark 16:17).
2) and the gift of tongues as mentioned in 1 Corinthians. Not all believers have this gift of the Spirit. Likewise, not all prophesy.
The initial evidence of tongues does not need to be interpreted, while the gift of tongues calls for the gift of interpretation. If you want to receive the Holy Ghost, don't seek tongues. Don't put the cart before the horse. Tongues will happen when you seek the Lord according to scripture. "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38). Worship the Lord with all of your heart. Lift up your voice with words of praise, call on the name of Jesus, and cry out in faith and desperation to be filled with God's Spirit. If you repented, He will fill you with the Holy Ghost when you worship with all of your heart! When the Holy Ghost falls on you, let Him fill you! It'll be the most fulfilling experience of your life. Go to a church where they can help pray for you to receive the Holy Ghost and be baptized in Jesus' name. I know some who received the Holy Ghost praying alone in their bedroom, while most I know received the Spirit while worshipping in an Apostolic Pentecostal Church.
Receiving Christ (receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost) has already been explained with biblical terminology in previous articles. However, due to popular, yet non-biblical methods of "accepting Christ" by saying a "sinner's prayer for the Lord to become one's personal savior" here's another angle of scripture to consider. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Christ (Galatians 4:6, Romans 8:9-11, 1 Peter 1:11). Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments. And 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; you ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (John 14:15-18). To provide some context, the setting was during Jesus' earthly ministry, before His death upon the cross. He was speaking to His disciples, who would later receive the Holy Ghost in Acts on the Day of Pentecost. In other words, if you want to "receive Christ" that can only by done by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-8, 2:37-39, 8:14-17, 10:44-48, 19:1-7).
Calling on the name of the Lord to be saved can be understood with context and cross-references. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13). Many take this scripture out of context, ignorantly negating multitudes of scriptures which show us how to be saved. The point is, the Lord saves all who truly call upon Him. “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18). How do we truly call upon Him? The way we call upon Him must be sincere and biblical. You've heard the saying by many today that they "live their truth." However, our truth pales in comparison with the light of His truth. The point of Romans 10:13 is not to say all you have to do is call for Jesus to be your Lord & Savior and you will go to heaven. The safest way to the foot of the cross is through cross-references, so let's do that. "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:22-24). It takes a lot of faith in God to be used in the gift of prophecy, but it takes more faith to live a life pleasing unto the Lord. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus plainly said, "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" and He went on to explain that person would be like a house destroyed by a storm. (Luke 6:46-49). The apostles mirrored Jesus’ teachings. “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19). Here's a New Testament example of calling on the name of the Lord for salvation. "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16). That is the biblical pattern for calling on the name of the Lord for initial forgiveness throughout Acts, beginning with Acts 2:37-39. The baptizing minister invokes the name, while the baptized person is very much a part of that effort by obeying the Lord’s command to be baptized in Jesus’ name. Why did Jesus grant salvation to the repentant criminal on the cross beside Him? He could not be baptized while nailed to a cross. He could not receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost prior to Acts 2:1-8. That's easy. Jesus had not yet died. Romans 6:3-4 shows we are baptized into His death & burial. Shortly after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, today's plan of salvation went into effect in Acts 2 as they called on the name of the Lord in a certain way. "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21). Just after Peter preached verse 21, it was verse 37 where the unsaved people there said, "what shall we do?” Peter did not simply tell them to call on the name of Jesus, and he certainly didn't lead them in the heretical sinner's prayer that is so popular today. He immediately gave them a clear answer of how to call on the name of Jesus in baptism. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off" (Acts 2:38-39). Now, let's continue with the focus of truly calling on the name of the Lord to be saved after being born of water & the Spirit (John 3:5). After baptism and until we get to heaven, forgiveness happens daily as we continue as followers of Christ. To have a relationship with Him, daily prayer is vitally important. In the Lord's prayer, Jesus stressed the importance of our daily bread and the need to continue asking for forgiveness as we forgive others. (Matthew 6:9-13). Daniel was a man of daily prayer, and God delivered him from the lion's den. Paul wrote, "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thess. 5:16). John wrote to the already saved church, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). We continually overcome sin by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev. 12:11). We call on the name of Jesus when we pray. “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:14). The name of the Lord has saving power of some sort in all of the following examples:
1) Praying over our food and giving thanks in Jesus name (Mark 16:18, 1 Timothy 4:4).
2) Healing in the name of Jesus (James 5:13-15, Acts 3:6-9).
3) Calling on the name of Jesus in baptism (see previous article on water baptism in Jesus name).
4) Calling out to the Lord in worship for the gift of the Holy Ghost (see previous article on the baptism of the Holy Spirit).
5) Whatsoever we pray for in Jesus name (John 14:14), within the will of God (James 4:3).
We are protected by the name of Jesus. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: The righteous runneth into it, and is safe." (Proverbs 18:10). Jesus’ name is the only name whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). What about another verse so commonly watered down to ignore water baptism? "That if thou shalt confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9). Our opinions of how to confess Jesus as Lord are meaningless, compared to the ultimate defining factor- the Bible. "no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." (1 Cor. 12:3). In other words, you can say Jesus is Lord all you want, but you cannot really and truly say that until you have received the baptism of the Holy Ghost! The pattern was set in the book of Acts and continues "to all that are afar off." Romans agrees you cannot truly call on the name of the Lord unless you have received His Spirit. “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him." (Romans 8:9). Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess on judgment day (Romans 14:11, Isaiah 45:23, Philippians 2:9-11)
Second Coming of Christ: Jesus Christ is coming back to earth in bodily form, just as He went away (Acts 1:11). He will catch away a holy people (His bride, His church) who have accepted redemption through His blood, by birth of water and of the Spirit (John 3:5), and who are found faithful when He comes. "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" (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 5:1-11). "One shall be taken and the other left" (Luke 17:36). Will we be ready? The signs of His coming are everywhere. The days of peril are here indeed, with forms of godliness void of the power of God; society and politics corrupted; and people's hearts filled with pride, blasphemies, unholiness, love of evil, and love of pleasures (2 Timothy 3:1-13). These things, together with multitudes running to and fro, the increase of knowledge (Daniel 12:4), the persecution of the Jews and their return to Palestine (Luke 21:24), and scores of other things are starting signs that Jesus' coming is drawing near. Wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, storms, floods, distress of nations, perplexity, and people's hearts failing them for fear are sounding the solemn alarm that Jesus' coming is at hand (Matthew 24:6; Luke 21:25-28). "Prepare to meet thy God" (Amos 4:12).
Resurrection: There will be a resurrection of all the dead, both just and unjust. "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation" (John 5:28-29). "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works." (Revelation 20:12-13). "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." (Daniel 12:2).
Judgment: "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). For this reason, there will be a resurrection for everyone. "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" (2 Corinthians 5:10). The eternal destiny of every soul shall be determined by a just God who knows the secrets of everyone's heart. "And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world... Then shall He also say unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels... And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal" (Matthew 25:32-34, 41, 46).
The King James Version has been used for our statement of beliefs and is our preferred version.
The New King James is also recommended by our church, especially for children and new believers.
There is not just one scripture which tells us everything we need to know to be saved,
but there is just one book, the Bible, which tells us everything we need to be saved.
"For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line;
here a little, and there a little" (Isaiah 28:11).
To look up more scriptures we recommend BibleGateway: