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Preface

We consider the teaching of these beliefs to be critical to building on the right foundation of a proper reverence for God's Word, especially as revealed in Jesus Christ.

We believe in one God, the Father, eternally existing, who is a Spirit, a personal Being of supreme intelligence, knowledge, love, justice, power and authority. He, through Jesus Christ, is the Creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. He is the Source of life and the One for whom human life exists. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who is the Word and who has eternally existed. We believe that He is the Messiah, the Christ, the divine Son of the living God, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born in human flesh of the virgin Mary. We believe that it is by Him that God created all things, and that without Him was not anything made that was made. We believe in the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of God and of Christ. The Holy Spirit is the power of God and the Spirit of life eternal (2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. ; Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. ; 1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. ; John 1:1-4 [1]In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.[2]The same was in the beginning with God.[3]All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.[4]In him was life; and the life was the light of men. ; Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: ).

We believe that Scripture, both the Old and New Testament, is God's revelation and His complete expressed will to humanity. Scripture is inspired in thought and word, infallible in the original writings; is the supreme and final authority in faith and in life; and is the foundation of all truth (2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ; 2 Peter 1:20-21 [20]Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.[21]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. ; John 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; ; 17:17).

We believe that Satan is a spirit being who is the adversary of God and the children of God; Satan has been given dominion over the world for a specific time; Satan has deceived humanity into rejecting God and His law; Satan has ruled by deception with the aid of a host of demons who are rebellious angels, spirit beings who followed Satan in his rebellion (Matthew 4:1-11 [1]Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.[2]And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.[3]And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.[4]But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.[5]Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,[6]And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.[7]Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.[8]Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;[9]And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.[10]Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.[11]Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. ; Luke 8:12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. ; 2 Timothy 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. ; John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. ; 16:11; Revelation 12:4,9; 20:1-3,7,10; Leviticus 16:21-22 [21]And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness:[22]And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness. ; 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. ; 11:14; Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: ).

We believe that humanity was created in the image of God with the potential to become children of God, partakers of the divine nature. God formed humanity of flesh, which is material substance. Human beings live by the breath of life, are mortal, subject to corruption and decay, without eternal life, except as the gift of God under God's terms and conditions as expressed in the Bible. We believe that God placed before Adam and Eve the choice of eternal life through obedience to God or death through sin. Adam and Eve yielded to temptation and disobeyed God. As a result, sin entered the world and, through sin, death. Death now reigns over all humanity because all have sinned (Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. ; 2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. ; Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: ; 1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. ; Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: ; 6:23).

We believe that sin is the transgression of the law. The law is spiritual, perfect, holy, just and good. The law defines God's love and is based upon the two great principles of love toward God and love toward neighbor. It is immutable and binding. The Ten Commandments are the 10 points of God's law of love. We believe that breaking any one point of the law brings upon a person the penalty of sin. We believe that this fundamental spiritual law reveals the only way to true life and the only possible way of happiness, peace and joy. All unhappiness, misery, anguish and woe have come from transgressing God's law (1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. ; 5:3; Matthew 5:17-19 [17]Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.[18]For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.[19]Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ; 19:17-19; 22:37-40; James 2:10-11 [10]For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.[11]For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. ; Romans 2:5-9 [5]But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;[6]Who will render to every man according to his deeds:[7]To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:[8]But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,[9]Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; ; 7:12-14; 13:8-10).

We believe God so loved the world of helpless sinners that He gave His only begotten Son, who, though in all points tempted as we are, lived without sin in the human flesh. That Son, Jesus Christ, died as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His life, because He is the creator of all humanity, is of greater value than the sum total of all human life. His death is, therefore, sufficient to pay the penalty for every human being's sins. In paying this penalty He has made it possible, according to God's plan for each person and for humanity as a whole, for us to have our sins forgiven and to be released from the death penalty (Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. ; 9:15; 10:12; John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. ; 3:16; Colossians 1:16-17 [16]For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:[17]And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. , 22; 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world. ; 4:10; Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: ; Revelation 13:8 ).

We believe that the Father raised Jesus Christ from the dead after His body lay three days and three nights in the grave, thus making immortality possible for mortal man. He thereafter ascended into heaven, where He now sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate (1 Peter 1:17-21 [17]And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:[18]Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;[19]But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:[20]Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,[21]Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. ; 3:22; Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. ; 1 Corinthians 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. ; 2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: ; John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. ; Hebrews 8:1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; ; 12:2).

We believe that all who truly repent of their sins in full surrender and willing obedience to God, and who by faith accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, have their sins forgiven by an act of divine grace. Such individuals are justified, pardoned from the penalty of sin and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, which literally abides within them and supplies the divine love that alone can fulfill the law and produce righteousness. They are baptized by the Spirit into the Body of Christ, which is the true Church of God. We believe in a true change in life and attitude. Only those who have the indwelling presence of, and are being led by, the Holy Spirit are Christ's (Acts 2:38 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. ; 3:19; 5:29-32; 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. ; John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ; Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; ; 2:7-9; Romans 3:21-26 [21]But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;[22]Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:[23]For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;[24]Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:[25]Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;[26]To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. ; 5:5; 6:6; 8:4,9-10,14; 13:10; Jeremiah 33:8 And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me. ; John 14:16-17 [16]And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;[17]Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. ; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 [12]For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.[13]For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. ; Philippians 2:3-5).

We believe in the ordinance of water baptism by immersion after repentance. Through the laying on of hands, with prayer, the believer receives the Holy Spirit and becomes a part of the spiritual Body of Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. , 16; John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. ; Acts 2:38 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. ; 8:14-17; 19:5-6; 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. ).

We believe that the seventh day of the week is the Sabbath of the Lord our God. On this day we are commanded to rest from our labors and worship God, following the teachings and example of Jesus, the apostles and the New Testament Church (Genesis 2:2-3 [2]And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.[3]And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. ; Exodus 20:8-11 [8]Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.[9]Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:[10]But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:[11]For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. ; 31:13-17; Leviticus 23:3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings. ; Isaiah 58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: ; Hebrews 4:4-10 [4]For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.[5]And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.[6]Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:[7]Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.[8]For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.[9]There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.[10]For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. ; Mark 1:21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. ; 2:27-28; 6:2; Acts 13:42-44 [42]And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.[43]Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.[44]And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. ; 17:2; 18:4; Luke 4:31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. ).

We believe in observing the New Testament Passover on the night of the 14th of Abib, the anniversary of the death of our Savior (Leviticus 23:5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD's passover. ; Luke 22:13-14 [13]And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.[14]And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. ).

We believe in the commanded observance of the seven annual festivals that were given to ancient Israel by God; were kept by Jesus Christ, the apostles and the New Testament Church; and will be observed by all mankind during Christ's millennial reign. These festivals reveal God's plan of salvation (Colossians 2:16-17 [16]Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:[17]Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. ; 1 Peter 1:19-20 [19]But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:[20]Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, ; 1 Corinthians 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. ; 15:22-26; 16:8; James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. ; Exodus 23:14-17 [14]Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year.[15]Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)[16]And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.[17]Three items in the year all thy males shall appear before the LORD God. ; Leviticus 23; Luke 2:41-42 [41]Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.[42]And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. ; 22:14-15; John 7:2 Now the Jew's feast of tabernacles was at hand. , 8, 10, 14; Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. ; 18:21; 20:16; Zechariah 14:16-21 [16]And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.[17]And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.[18]And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.[19]This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.[20]In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD's house shall be like the bowls before the altar.[21]Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts. ).

We believe that those meats that are designated unclean by God in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 are not to be eaten.

We believe that Christians are forbidden by the commandments of God from taking human life directly or indirectly and that bearing arms is contrary to this fundamental belief. Therefore, we believe that Christians should not voluntarily become engaged in military service. If they are involuntarily engaged in military service, we believe they should refuse conscientiously to bear arms and, to the extent possible, refuse to come under military authority (Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill. ; Matthew 5:21-22 [21]Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:[22]But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. ; 1 Corinthians 7:21-23 [21]Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.[22]For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.[23]Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. ; Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. ).

We believe in God's enduring righteousness. That righteousness is demonstrated by God's faithfulness in fulfilling all the promises He made to the father of the faithful, Abraham. As promised, God multiplied Abraham's lineal descendants so that Abraham literally became the "father" of many nations. We believe that God, as promised, materially prospered Abraham's lineal descendants Isaac and Jacob (whose name He later changed to Israel). We believe that God, through Abraham's Seed, Jesus Christ, is making salvation available to all humanity regardless of physical lineage. Salvation is not, therefore, a right of birth. It is freely open to all whom God calls, and those who are regarded as descendants of Abraham are those of the faith, heirs according to the promises. We believe that the knowledge that God has fulfilled and continues to fulfill the physical promises made to Abraham and his children, and that He is fulfilling the spiritual promise through Jesus Christ, is critical to understanding the message of the prophets and its application to the world (Psalm 111:1-10 [1]Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.[2]The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.[3]His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.[4]He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.[5]He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.[6]He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.[7]The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.[8]They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.[9]He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.[10]The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. ; Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, ; 9:7-8; Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. ; Genesis 32:28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. ).

We believe God's purpose for mankind is to prepare those whom He calls -- and who elect through a life of overcoming sin, developing righteous character and growing in grace and knowledge -- to possess God's Kingdom and become kings and priests reigning with Christ at His return. We believe that the reason for mankind's existence is literally to be born as spirit beings into the family of God (Romans 6:15-16 [15]What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.[16]Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? ; 8:14-17,30; Acts 2:39 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. ; 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. ; Revelation 3:5 ; 5:10).

We believe that the Church is that body of believers who have received and are being led by the Holy Spirit. The true Church of God is a spiritual organism. Its biblical name is "the Church of God." We believe that the mission of the Church is to preach the gospel (good news) of the coming Kingdom of God to all nations as a witness and to help reconcile to God such people as are now being called. We believe that it is also the mission of the Church of God to strengthen, edify and nurture the children of God in the love and admonition of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38-39 [38]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.[39]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. , 47; 20:28; Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. ; 14:19; Ephesians 1:22-23 [22]And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,[23]Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. ; 3:14; 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's: ; 10:32; 11:16,22; 12:27; 14:26; 15:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1-2 [1]Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:[2]Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ; 5:18-20; Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: ; 1 Thessalonians 2:14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: ; 2 Thessalonians 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: ; 1 Timothy:3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) , 15; Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. ; Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. ; 28:18-20; John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. , 65; 17:11,16).

We believe in tithing as a way of honoring God with our substance and as a means of serving Him in the preaching of the gospel, the care of the Church, attending the festivals and helping the needy (Proverbs 3:9-10 [9]Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:[10]So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. ; Genesis 14:17-20 [17]And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.[18]And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.[19]And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:[20]And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. ; 1 Corinthians 9:7-14 [7]Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?[8]Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?[9]For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?[10]Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.[11]If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?[12]If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.[13]Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?[14]Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. ; Numbers 18:21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. ; Deuteronomy 14:22-29 [22]Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.[23]And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.[24]And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:[25]Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:[26]And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,[27]And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee.[28]At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:[29]And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest. ).

We believe that the only hope of eternal life for mortal humans lies in the resurrection through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We believe that at the return of Jesus Christ a resurrection to spirit life will take place for all who have been God's faithful servants. We believe that after Jesus Christ has ruled on earth for 1,000 years there will be a resurrection to physical life of the vast majority of all people who have ever lived. We believe that, after these people have had an opportunity to live a physical life if they become converted they, too, will receive eternal life. We also believe that those who reject God's offer of salvation will reap eternal death (1 Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. , 42-52; Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. ; John 5:21-29 [21]For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.[22]For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:[23]That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.[24]Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.[25]Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.[26]For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;[27]And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.[28]Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,[29]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. ; Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ; 8:10-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16 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: ; Ezekiel 37:1-14 [1]The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,[2]And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.[3]And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.[4]Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.[5]Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:[6]And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.[7]So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.[8]And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.[9]Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.[10]So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.[11]Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.[12]Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.[13]And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,[14]And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD. ; Revelation 20:4-5,11-15; John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ; Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. ).

We believe in the personal, visible, premillennial return of the Lord Jesus Christ to rule the nations on earth as King of Kings and to continue His priestly office as Lord of Lords. At that time, He will sit upon the throne of David. During His 1,000-year reign on the earth, He will restore all things and establish the Kingdom of God forever (Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. , 44; Revelation 1:7 ; 11:15; 19:16; 20:4-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 [13]But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.[14]For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.[15]For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.[16]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: ; John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. ; Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. ; 40:10-12; Hebrews 7:24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. ; Jeremiah 23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. ; Luke 1:32-33 [32]He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:[33]And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. ; Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. ; 3:21; 15:16; Daniel 7:14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. , 18, 27

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