STATEMENT OF FAITH - Iglesia De Fe Esperanza Y Amor

PRINCIPLE OF FAITH AND DOCTRINE

The Church accepts the Scriptures as the revealed will of God, the absolute rule of faith and practice, and for the purpose of maintaining general unity, adopts these Declarations of Fundamental Truths and Doctrine.

Section 1. The Inspired Scriptures.

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, a revelation from God to man, the infallible rule of faith and conduct, and is superior to conscience and reason, but not contrary to them. The Christian Scriptures, known as the Bible, are composed of the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament contains 39 books and the New Testament 27 books. They complete God’s revelation. It is the written Word of God. The Bible is the record of God’s revelation. It is inspired by the Holy Spirit and is the authoritative and trustworthy word of God. This truth is told to us in II Timothy 3:16,

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…

” In the Epistle of Peter, we find this truth about

inspiration, private interpretation, and the true author of Scripture when we are told: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation: for no prophecy came at any time by the will of man, but holy men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (II Peter 1:21, 22). Important Texts (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12).

Section 2. The One True Deity and the Trinity.

The triune Deity is composed of three (3) separate and distinct personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who are eternally self-existent, self-revealing, and functioning as one entity.

Jesus Christ, who is God manifest in the flesh, is the second member of the Godhead, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. All things were created by God, visible and invisible, including all spirit beings (Gen. 1:1). God made all things good and saw that they were good (Gen. 1:31). Creation is finite and dependent upon Him. God was before all things, and all things consist through Him. God has revealed himself to man in different ways and forms, for example, through his creation (Genesis 1:1; Romans 1:19-25), through his written word, the logos (Acts 4:12; Luke 8:11,21; Hebrews 11:3; I Peter 1:24,25), but the most powerful revelation of all is the living word, the incarnate word, that is Jesus Christ, the word of God in action. The Word made flesh, who manifested his glory among us (John 1:1-14). God has also revealed himself through the person of the Holy Spirit, who reveals and makes known to us (John 4:24; John 16:13-15). We are speaking of the triune revelation of the almighty God. God is the creator, preserver, sustainer, and sovereign ruler of all things; the true and living God. He is omniscient, all-knowing, omnipotent, all-powerful, and also omnipresent, capable of being everywhere at the same time, transcending time and space. He is a personal and just Being. He reveals His attributes and grace to all men. God is love, perfect in all things, just, good, and holy, etc. In Him there is no evil or sin. His revelation to

perception, He has revealed His love to us in the Scriptures. He became flesh and became human in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, entering our history to redeem the human race that had fallen into sin and has come to live within us through the Holy Spirit.

The Trinity. Although the word Trinity is not found in the Bible and Tertullian was the first to use the word Trinity, it was not until the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) that the concept truly took hold.

However, we see all the Trinitarian elements present throughout the Scriptures. For example, in Genesis 1:26 we are told, “Let us make man in our image…”; in Genesis 11:7 when men were about to build the tower of Babel, God said, “…let us go down and there confound their language…” Here we observe the plural once again in Scripture denoting more than one person.

The word translated in the first chapter of Genesis as God is Elohim and this is the plural of Eloha.

In many portions we find the singular noun Adonai written as plural. Each person of the Trinity Each person of the Trinity has all the attributes of divinity, for example: we can mention some such as omniscience, sovereignty, omnipotence, omnipresence, love, mercy, etc. These three persons, as we said, are one, co-equal, co-eternal, of the same nature and undivided, but each of the persons of the Trinity exercises a unique function. (Genesis 1:26; 3:22; Matthew 28:19; Matthew 3:16, 17;

John 1:1-3, 5:17, 18, 5:23, 24, 8:58, 14, 10:26-39; Matthew 26:63-66; 1 John 5:7, 8; Romans 8:9; 9:5; Colossians 2:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3-6; 2 Corinthians 13 and 14; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1 and

2; Jude 20, 21; Revelation 1:4, 5; Hebrews 1:3; 13:8-; Philippians 2:5-11).

The person of Jesus Christ. He took on human nature—in other words, he became human, incarnated, becoming like men. He was born of the virgin Mary but was conceived/begotten by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). He was God incarnate, God in the flesh, living as a fully human man, yet without sin. He was the Son of God, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 affirms this: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, even the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus came to earth as the promised Messiah revealed in the Scriptures to save and redeem sinful men and women, to conquer death, and to destroy the work of the Devil. Jesus is the Son of God, God with us, Savior of the world. We must look at these verses: John 8:58 and Exodus 3:14. See also John 1:1-14; 10:30-33 and Philippians 2. These verses tell us great truths about the person of Jesus Christ and his divinity.

Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man. In him dwell both natures, human nature and divine nature.

The plan of salvation for sinful humanity is fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

He is the Savior of humanity. Jesus Christ is a distinctive person in the Trinity. He is God the Son, coexistent, coequal, and eternal with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. He created all things, and all things exist through Him and for Him, as various passages assure us, including the Gospel of John (John 1:3) and Colossians 1:16, which says: “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.” All things were created through him and for him.”

The sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. No one took his life; Jesus laid down his life on behalf of all (John 3:16) for salvation, redemption, atonement, and justification of sins. There is absolutely nothing that anyone can do—works, sacrifices, surrenders, etc.that can replace or add to Christ’s sacrifice. His redemptive work for the sin of humanity is completely finished. Therefore, no human sacrifices, works, or efforts are needed to approach God. Jesus Christ completed the work of redemption for humanity (I Peter 4:1).

He laid down his life as an atoning sacrifice for our sins and a perfect sacrifice for us. In John

10:14-15, 17, 18, “I am the good shepherd, and I know my sheep, and my sheep know me. As the Father knows me, even I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” For this reason, the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have the power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it again. This commandment I received from my Father.” In Philippians, we are told how he became man and a servant, humbled himself, and was obedient even to the point of death on the cross for the sins of man (Philippians 2:5-11).

The resurrection of Jesus and the believers in Christ. The resurrection is the backbone of Christian doctrine. If Jesus Christ had not been resurrected, our faith would be in vain, and we would still be dead in our trespasses and sins Believers will also be resurrected when Christ comes for his Church. (John 11:25; Romans 14:8; 1 Corinthians 15; Philippians 3:20; John 20; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17).

The Person of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not an active force, nor a mist, nor an energy;

He is a person because He has a personality. A personality possesses will/power, feelings and emotions, intelligence/thought. He is the parakletos (Greek) as the word describes in these texts (John 14:16, 18; Matt. 14:30, 31). This same term is applied to the Lord Jesus in 1 John 2:1, meaning “one called out to help.” He is the comforter, helper, counselor, and consoler. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, co-equal, co-eternal, and of the same nature as the Father and the Son. He is a person because he has attributes that characterize him, such as:

He guides (John 16:13)
He corrects/bears witness (Rom 8:16)
He distributes (Heb 2:4; 6:4)

He speaks/forbids/testifies (Acts 16:6; Heb 10:15; I John 5:6,7; Acts 8:29; 10:19; 16:7; Rev 2:7,

22:17

He grieves/is saddened (Eph 4:30)
He fills (Acts 2:4; 4:31; Luke 1:15; 4:1)
He possesses abilities/operations (I Cor 12:6; Acts 8:39)
He distributes and produces gifts/fruit (Gal 5:22,23; Eph. 4:11; I Cor. 12:1-11)
Teaches/reminds (John 14:26, I Cor. 2:13)
Groans/helps/intercedes (Rom. 8:9, 26, 27, 34; I Cor. 3:16; 6:19; II Cor. 6:16; II Tim. 1:14)
Dwells/inhabits (John 14:17; 20:22)
Declares the truth (John 18:37; 16:8; 14:17; 15:26)
Blasphemes/tempts and lies to him (Acts 5:3; 5:9, Heb. 10:29)
Liberates (2 Cor. 3:17)
Strengthens (Eph. 3:16)
Is zealous (James 4:5)

The Holy Spirit He has come to reveal and make known God to us. “For God has revealed them to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10).

When we come to Christ by faith, we are born again by the Spirit of God. We become new creatures and children of God. The Holy Spirit seals us and comes to dwell in us. The development of Christ’s character and obedience will be evident in a Christian who is born again and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Among the missions/functions that the Holy Spirit performs, as we say, is to seal the Christian, and this seal is the guarantee or earnest of our eternal inheritance. “In him you also, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13, 14). This means that we are his property, children of God, separated and set apart for him. The Spirit himself also bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, interceding for believers and helping them in their weaknesses (Romans 8:16, 26).

The Promise of the Father. Baptism in the Holy Spirit/Being Filled with the Holy Spirit All believers are entitled to the Father’s promise, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, and this promise is to be earnestly awaited and earnestly sought. This was the common experience of everyone in the early Christian church. With it comes the endowment of power for life and service, the granting of gifts and their use in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31). This wonderful experience is distinct from and subsequent to the new birth (Acts 2:38; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9).

The Evidence of Baptism with/in the Holy Spirit. The full consummation of believers’ baptism in the Holy Spirit is evidenced by the initial physical sign of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives them utterance, and by the subsequent manifestation of spiritual power in public witness and service (Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:2, 6; 1:8).

This is the promise and gift promised by the Father through the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 1:4), which was fulfilled on the glorious day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Jesus himself asked his disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they were ended with power from on high (Acts 1:4-8). Although water baptism is important because it establishes the guidelines for repentance of sins and new life in Christ, and every believer should go to the baptismal waters in obedience to the Lord’s commandment, the baptism by/in the Holy Spirit is also extremely important. In fact, John the Baptist spoke of this baptism that would be performed by Jesus himself. Let’s look at what the Word tells us about it: “John was baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. But John emphasized: I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mark 1:4, 8).

The Scriptures that speak of the necessity of this endowment by the Holy Spirit say this: “…but you will receive power, and you will receive power.” when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The word power (Greek: dunamis) in this case does not mean strength or capacity, but rather the power of God in operation and action.

The Scriptures also teach us that the Holy Spirit is endowed with capacities, abilities, and gifts that He distributes to the Church for the work of extension, evangelization, and edification of the Church and the kingdom of God.

There are a variety of spiritual gifts, gifts of ministries and operations, but it is one and the same Spirit (I Corinthians 12:4-6). The Holy Spirit distributes the gifts to each one individually as He wills, and the manifestations of the Spirit are given to each one for the benefit of the good (I Cor. 12:7). The Word of God also exhorts us to “desire therefore the greater gifts” (I Cor. 12:31), because this will help the Proclamation of the word with power and the spiritual growth of believers in Christ.

Divine healing and deliverance are part of the work of the Church, and it is a privilege to receive this provision that Jesus made on the cross of Calvary (Isaiah 54:4-5; Matthew 8:16, 17).

The fruit of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit plays a fundamental role in the believer’s life of sanctification. He will guide them into all truth and teach them the path of righteousness. He will empower them with spiritual power to overcome sin, the world with its tempting offers, and the Devil himself.

The result of being filled with the Spirit, and of our singing, thanksgiving, ministering, and fellowship, should be not arrogant independence, not solitary presumption, but submission and obedience. Scripture exhorts us: “Submit yourselves to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:18-21).

Section 4. Man’s Salvation.

(a) Man’s only hope of redemption lies in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. On the cross, Jesus Christ became sin and sickness, providing divine salvation and healing to all humanity (Psalm 103:3), being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. For by grace, we

are saved through faith. “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart, the word of faith which we preach: that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes and is righteous, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved” (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 10:8-10).

The Evidence of Salvation. The internal evidence of salvation for the believer is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The external evidence for all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness. “And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us” (1 John 3:23).
Faith and Works. Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and not by human works; however, our works will determine our rewards in eternity (Romans 10:9-10 and 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 5:8-10; Romans 4:16; Ephesians 2:8, 9).

Salvation. Sin established a separation between the sinner and the Holy God. All humanity was lost, and we all turned away from God, cach taking a different path (Romans 3:23). God, in his love and mercy for humanity, which had been lost in crimes and sins, sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from sin, which leads to eternal death. In Romans 5:8 we are told, “God demonstrates his own love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” We are saved by his grace, not by work, human efforts, or sacrifices (Romans 3:24). The Scriptures point us to this grace in the following way:

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, 2:5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Ephesians 2:4, 5).

God’s plan of salvation is for all, but not all receive it (John 3:16; Timothy 2:3, 4).

This salvation is free; humans cannot purchase it; it is a gift from God in the person of his Son and is obtained only by faith. Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for our justification and redemption (Romans 3:24). The Scriptures tell us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8, 9).

There is absolutely nothing that man can do on his own to be saved; no amount of good works, kindness, charity, etc., is sufficient. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His blood shed at Calvary covers it all.

To obtain salvation, one must only believe in Jesus. Believing in Jesus means believing that Jesus is God, not simply a messenger of God, a prophet, apostle, envoy, etc. There is no other way, nor any other form of salvation other than through Jesus Christ. He is the only way to the Father, as Jesus emphasized:

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6).

If a person accepts Jesus as their Savior and sincerely repents of their sins, God forgives their sins immediately, and when they die, they have eternal life. (Acts 3:19-20, John 11:25-26a, Acts 13:38-

39, John 3:16-18).

If someone refuses to accept Jesus while alive, they will be punished for all eternity after death. John 3:18 says, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned; but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” The miracle of salvation occurs when a person is born again spiritually. This is the greatest miracle and is performed by God. This new birth occurred by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. The person must accept Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. Romans 10:9 declares concerning the act of confessing and believing: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” We must receive him and believe in his name to be partakers of this great salvation. “But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name: 13 Who were born,

not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12,13). John 3:3-8 declares an inescapable truth, “Jesus answered and said unto her, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus saith unto him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” Jesus answered, Verily,

“Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a person be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, “You must be born again. The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Confessing that one is a sinner and sincerely repenting of our sins. Acts 3:19 puts it this way,

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be wiped out.” sins; so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”

Have a sincere intention to live a consecrated, faithful life, far from sin.

Saved by Grace

Grace is the ineffable gift of God.

Mercy is granted when there is a punishment I deserve, but don’t receive. On the other hand, grace is the favor and gift I receive when I don’t deserve it. How can I consider little the great thing God has done for me, having mercy on me and granting me the gift of His grace that I don’t deserve? I must watch over and protect what He has given me.

Romans 8:32 “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Grace is an impartation

I Corinthians 15:10 “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more than they all. Yet not I, but the grace of God with me.” We are what we are by His grace. We must value and cherish what God imparts.

Grace is God’s ability given for our human inadequacy and weakness.

Romans 5:20 “But the law came in so that sin might increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” God gives us strength against the attacks of the flesh with its sinful desires, our human inadequacy, inability, and weakness.

the world, and Satan himself. Grace abounds, and the power of God strengthens us in the face of

Grace is for all

Romans 10:13 “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” However, many despise the gift of God in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, or do not value it sufficiently.

Grace is freedom

Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” How can he who has been free become defiled and contaminated by sin again and abuse the freedom we have in Christ Jesus?

Other Texts: Hebrews 10:26-31; 12:25)

The Free Will. Freedom of Choice. Every person has the capacity to make moral decisions because we have been created in the image and likeness of God. We can choose between good or evil, to obey or disobey God. Freedom of choice makes us responsible for our decisions and our good or evil actions. Negative decisions will lead us to reap negative consequences, and this will of course lead us to the wrong destiny in our lives. God grants human beings the power to choose, but He is always in control because He is a sovereign God and is carrying out His eternal purpose in us, since only He knows the beginning and the end of everything.

The Care of Salvation

If I abuse, despise, and scorn the gift, favor, and undeserved gift of grace that has brought me salvation, I am jeopardizing the salvation and eternal life I have found in Christ. Grace does not mean licentiousness, nor does it mean license to sin (Jude 1:4), because that would jeopardize everything we have already achieved in Christ. God calls us to live a life separated from sin and the desires of the flesh and the world. Scripture tells us that we should no longer be slaves to sin and consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. We see this in Romans 6:4-11. 5:5 “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection. 6:6 Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 6:11 Likewise you also reckon yourselves dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The word is clear regarding the loss of salvation when it speaks of believers who begin to live a defiled and licentious life of sin who can lose their salvation in Christ. In II Peter 2:19-22 we are told: 19 “They promise them liberty, while they themselves are slaves of corruption. For he who is overcome by any one becomes the slave of the one who overcame him. 2:20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state is worse for them than the first. 2:21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 2:22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: A dog returns to its own vomit, and a sow, after washing, returns to her wallowing in the mire.” For example, in Philippians we are categorically told about how believers should work out our salvation, Philippians 2:12c, “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” In the book of Galatians, we are also told: Galatians 2:17 But if, while we seck to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not. 2:18 For if 1 build again the things which 1 destroyed, 1 become a transgressor. 2:19 For I was put to death by the law in order that I might live for God. 2:20 1 have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer 1 who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 2:21 1 do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain. And let’s look at Galatians 5:4: “You have become estranged from Christ, you who seek to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” It draws our attention to the fact that we can fall from grace if we neglect God’s gift and try to find justification through something other than the person of Jesus Christ.

In the book of Hebrews, we see how willful sin, after knowing and being enlightened by God’s truth, can cause us to lose what we have obtained by grace. Hebrews 10:26 “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 10:27 but a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 10:28 Whoever violates the law of Moses dies without mercy under the testimony of two or three witnesses. 10:29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? 10:30 For we know him who said,

“Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord; and again,

*The Lord will judge

his people.’ 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Important examples: John 15:6; Ezekiel 33:10-16; Revelation 3:1-3 – Church at Sardis; Revelation 3:15, 16, 19 – Church at Laodicea; Galatians 5:7, 15; Romans 11:2; Philippians 2:12; 1 Timothy

1:19; 1 Timothy 4:16; Hebrews 10:26-31; John 10:27 and 28 – There are conditions for this security: the sheep must hear the voice and follow Christ in order to be secure and permanent.

Section 5. The Church.

The Church is the body of Christ, the dwelling place of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of His great commission. Every believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the general assembly and church of the firstborn, who are enrolled in Heaven (Ephesians 1:22; 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23). The church is composed of the redeemed of the Lord, those people who have given their lives to the Lord Jesus and received Him as their Savior and desire to follow Him as the Lord of their lives.

The Church, Eklesia (Greek), is the gathering, congregation, and assembly of the saints or those redeemed by the Lord.

The mission and essential functions of the Church, as a community of faith and covenant with mutual accountability, must be primarily focused on worship, fellowship, discipleship, sharing primarily with those of the faith, cooperation and service, evangelism, and dedication to missionary work. As we said, the Church must be focused on winning the lost to Christ, serving believers in the faith, maintaining relationships of fellowship and spiritual koinonia within the Christian family, and launching missions to reach others for Christ and also serve in various ways all those who are in darkness.

• The Church is a spiritual fellowship (Greek: koinonia) (2 Cor. 13:11-14; Phil. 2:1-4) ..being like-minded, having the same love, being of one mind”… each esteeming one another as more important than himself; not looking out each for his own interests, but each for the interests of the others.”

• The Church is a spiritual ministry (Greek: Diakonia). It serves using the gifts (Greek: charismata) bestowed by the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 1:7; 12:4-11, 28-31; Eph. 4:11). Section 6. Total Prosperity.

Spiritual. John 3:3, 11: 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Romans 10:9-10.
Mental. 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 26:3.
Financial. 3 John 1:2; Malachi 3:10-11; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; Deuteronomy 28: 1-
Social. Proverbs 3:4.

Stewardship, Tithes and Offerings:

We must be faithful stewards of our Lord Jesus Christ with our tithes and offerings. We must use our resources, such as time, ability, finances, etc., for the furtherance of God’s Kingdom. We must give generously, sacrificially, and proportionally. The primary source of income for the support and maintenance of the work and operation of the Church are tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:10;

Luke 6:30; I Corinthians 16:1-2; II Corinthians 9:6-8).

Stewardship is not only the care of finances, as some think, but also stewardship of all the gifts of life that God has given to each of us, for example: creation, the earth’s resources, the dedication of our time, etc., for the good of all people and the glory of God. Accept the responsibility to cooperate with their local congregations by attending religious services, using their talents and abilities, and giving tithes and offerings, both locally, that is, to the church, and by helping with offerings for world missions and other programs, including radio, television, etc. All these areas are important parts of the believers’ lives.

Section 7. The Blessed Hope.

Jesus will return at the rapture to gather all His saints in Heaven and celebrate the marriage of the Lamb (1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; and 2 Thess. 2:1). Jesus Christ will return in power and glory. No one in the world knows when He will return. The Scriptures tell us that He will come like a thief in the night; no one can know the day or the hour when this will occur. In II Peter 3:10 we are told, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.” In II Thess. 2:1 we are also told about this: “Now we ask you, brothers, 2:2 concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or word or letter as if from us, as saying that the day of the Lord is at hand. 2:3 Let no one deceive you by any means. For that day will not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. 2:4 Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” Believers” belief in the Lord’s return also highlights the resurrection of the dead and everlasting life. This is our greatest hope. In John 11:25 we see that: “Jesus said to her, 1 am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, even if he dies, he will live. 11:26 And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?.

Section 8. The Lake of Fire. Hell

There is a true hell. It is a specific place, with eternal fire. The Antichrist, the false prophet, and Satan himself will be sent there, and those who are not saved will be imprisoned there, unable to escape, and punished forever. This place of eternal torment is mentioned in the Bible: “And Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Rev. 19:20; 20:10-15). Those who have not accepted the redemptive work of Jesus Christ will suffer eternal separation from Deity. The devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, and everyone whose name is not written in the book of life, will be condemned to eternal punishment in the lake of fire burning with sulfur. This is the second death, the lake of fire. In the end times, the conflict between good and evil, God and Satan, will increase, but the Devil will finally and eternally be cast into the lake of fire, and God will reign forever, ending the current age and beginning the

The Bible tells us what Satan’s end will be in Revelation 19:20, “The beast [the Antichrist] was taken prisoner, along with the false prophet who had performed miracles before him, with which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those worshiping his image. They were both thrown alive into the lake of fire burning with sulfur.” We are also told of their end in Revelation 20:10, “The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet also are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” The New Testament book of Revelation expresses that the kingdoms of this world will pass into the kingdom of our Lord, and He will reign forever. (Revelation 11:15).

Section 9. The Millennial Reign of Jesus. The return of our Lord Jesus Christ with His saints from heaven to rule and reign for a thousand years on earth, as the Scriptures promised (Romans 11:25, 27; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Revelation 19:11-16; 20:1-7). After this, there will be a new heaven and earth (Revelation 21). This is different from the rapture; in this case, Christ comes for His Church—who is the bride-and then there will be the return of Christ with His bride to establish the millennial reign.

Section 10. The Final Judgment. Jesus will return and judge every person who has ever lived.

He will reward the righteous and punish the unrighteous. In Jude 14-15 it states: “Concerning these also Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying: “Behold, the Lord came in the midst of thousands of his holy ones to execute judgment on all, and to convict every soul concerning all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and concerning all the harsh words which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” Revelation 20:11-15 describes the judgment for us And I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it: from whose face the earth and the wen fled away; and there was found no place for them. I also saw the dead, small and great, anding before the throne; and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their works from what was written in the books. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, each according to his works. And Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And anyone not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

Christ will come to judge the unrighteous (Rev. 19:11-20:3). He will come to free His faithful people by establishing justice in all the carth (Rev. 20:4).

All people will be resurrected, both the righteous and the unrighteous. Acts 24:15 tells us about this: “I have hope in God, which they themselves also have, that there will be a resurrection of the just and the unrighteous.”

Section 11. New Heaven and New Earth. New Heaven and New Earth will come as a powerful promise, where all those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb will be and live eternally. (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:25).

Section 12. Ordinances. The ordinances of the church are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They must be observed according to the Holy Scriptures and the commandment and obedience required by the Lord.

Water baptism: must be by immersion, and this speaks to us of death to sin and the resurrection of our own lives in Christ. Believing in Jesus Christ is the primary requirement for entering the waters of baptism. Infant baptism is not practiced, but rather the dedication of infants to the Lord as the Word indicates (1 Sam. 1:11, 24-28; Mark 10:13-14). The ordinance of baptism by immersion with Christ is to be observed, as the Scriptures command, by all who have sincerely repented and sincerely believed in Christ as Savior and Lord. In doing so, they declare to the world, as a testimony, that they have died with Jesus and have also been raised with Him to live a new life (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47, 48; Romans 6:4).

The Lord’s Supper: symbolizes our unity with believers and reconciliation with God and man.

The Word commands us to examine ourselves before participating in it, to maintain full communion with the Lord and with our fellow believers. “And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body, which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way he took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ Let a man examine himself; and so, let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (1 Corinthians 11:24; 25, 28).

Section 13. Christian Living, Biblical Conduct.

Personal Ethics. “I can do whatever I want if Christ hasn’t told me not to, but some of these things are not good for me. Even if I am allowed to do them, I will refuse if I think they might so dominate me that I can’t easily stop Whenever I want” (1 Cor. 6:12). “We can always ‘prove’ we are right, bur is the Lord convinced?” (Proverbs 16:2). “And we urge you, brothers, to recognize those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you” (1 Thessalonians 5:12).

Obedience to the law. Obedience to the authorities delegated by God. “Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not put in power.

So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land refuse to obey God, and punishment will come” (Romans 13:1-2). “Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to avoid being punished, and second, simply because you know you should. Pay your taxes too, for these same two reasons. Because public officials need to be paid so they can continue doing God’s work, serving you. Pay everyone what they owe; pay your taxes and duties gladly, obey your superiors, and honor and respect all those to whom they owe. Pay all your debts except the one of love for your neighbor; never fail to pay it! Because if you love them, you will be obeying all of God’s laws, fulfilling all of His requirements. Another reason to live right is this: you know it is late; time is running out. Awake, for the coming of the Lord is nearer now than when we first believed (Romans 13:5-8, 11).

Family, Home. Honor your father and your mother, so that you may have a long and good life in the land that the Lord your God will give you.” (Exodus 20:12) “For if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?” (1 Timothy 3:5). “Their wives must be considerate, not drunkards or gossips, but faithful in all they do” (1 Timothy 3:11). “The men you choose must be respected for their good lives; they must have only one wife, and their children must love the Lord and not have a reputation for being rebellious or disobedient to their parents. These elders must be men of blameless lives because they are ministers of God. They must not be proud or impatient; they must not be drunkards, quarrelsome, or covetous” (Titus 1:6-7).

Let the elders be sober, serious, temperate, sound in faith, love, and patience. Let them teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, and to love their children (Titus 2:2-4). You wives must submit to your husbands’ leadership just as you submit to the Lord. For A husband is in charge of his wife in the same way that Christ is in charge of his body, the Church. (He gave his life to care for her and be her Savior!). So, you wives are to willingly obey your husbands in everything, just as the Church obeys Christ. And you husbands, show your wives the same love that Christ showed to the Church when he died for her, to sanctify and cleanse her, washing her by baptism and the Word of God, so that he could give her to himself as a glorious Church, without spot or wrinkle or any blemish, being holy and without fault. This is how husbands are treating their wives, loving them as parts of themselves. For since a husband and his wife are now one, a man does himself a favor and loves himself by loving his wife. No one hates his own body, but he cherishes it with love, just as Christ cherishes his body, the Church, of which we are parts. (That a husband and wife are one body Scripture proves this: “A man must leave his father and mother when he is married, and the two will become one.” So again, a man must love his wife as part of himself, and a wife must strive to deeply respect her husband, obeying, praising, and honoring him. Children, obey your parents; this is the right thing to do, for God has put them in authority over you. Honor your father and your mother. This is the first of God’s Ten Commandments that ends with a promise. And this is the promise: that if you honor your father and mother, you will have a long life full of blessings. And now a word to you, fathers: Do not keep nagging and nagging your children, making them angry and resentful. Instead, bring them up with the loving discipline that the Lord himself approves of, with godly suggestions and advice (Ephesians 5:22-31, 33; 6:4).

The Church is going to help couples going through adultery, divorce and remarriage or remarriage, in the process of repentance, forgiveness, discipline, reconciliation and the restoration, if possible.

of the couple.

Sce these important texts regarding the topics of infidelity, separation, and divorce (Deuteronomy

24: 1; Matthew 5:31, 32; Matthew 19:7; Luke 16:18; 1 Corinthians 7: 1-40; | Timothy 4:3; 1 Timothy

5:11-14; Mark 10:4; Romans 7:3; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Hebrews 13:4).

their partner is not a believer.

An important aspect that God’s Word also addresses is what a Christian spouse should do when In these other passages, we find clarification on questions that may arise and that will help

Corinthians 7:4).

marriages where one of the spouses is not a believer. (I Corinthians 7:12-16; 1 Peter 3:1-4: 1

Control. “For man is a slave to what controls him” (2 Peter 2:19). “Even if we believe the Lord doesn’t care whether we do these things or not, we cannot simply do them to please ourselves; for we must take on the burden of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others, of those who believe these things are wrong. “Let us please our neighbor, not ourselves, and let us do whatever is for their good, in order to build them up in the Lord” (Romans 15:23).

Adultery; Immorality. “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). “….be diligent to live without sin, and be at peace with all men, so that he may be pleased with you when he returns” (2 Peter 2:14). “You shall not commit adultery. But I say, anyone who looks at a woman with lust in his eyes has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28). “..Do not be deceived. Those who live immoral lives, idolaters, adulterers, or homosexuals will have no part in his kingdom…

” (1 Corinthians 6:9 [LB]). But now I have written to you not to associate with any

man who, although he calls himself a brother, is sexually immoral, greedy, an idolater, a slanderer, a drunkard, or an extortioner; do not even eat with such a person. (1 Corinthians 5:11 [LB])

Drunkenness; Drugs. “This son of ours is stubborn, rebellious, and does not obey; he is a worthless drunkard. Then the men of the city will stone him to death. In this way you will remove this evil from among you, and all the young men will hear about it and be afraid” (Deuteronomy 21:20-21 [LB]). “…envy, murder, drunkenness, wild parties, and all kinds of things. I tell you again, just as I did before, that no one who lives this way will inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21 [LB]). “Neither thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:10 [LB]). Do not drink too much wine, for many evils lurk along that path; rather, be filled with the Holy Spirit and be controlled by Him (Ephesians 5:18 [LB]). “For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man in rags” (Proverbs 23:21).

Smoking. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

Whoever defiles God’s temple, God will destroy him, for God’s temple is holy” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). “Have you not yet learned that your body is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, whom God gave you and who lives in you? Your body is not your own, for God bought you at a great price. So use every part of your body to glorify God, for he owns it” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Homosexuality. God also gave human sexuality a proper place in creation, establishing parameters for those relationships-that is, in God’s right way, whether for someone living a single life or as a married couple. Marriage is ordained by God. Marriage is the union of two people, established by God between a man and a woman.

“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; “It is an abomination” (Leviticus 18:22).”…God set them free and allowed them to commit all these wicked things, so that even their women rebelled against God’s natural plan for them and indulged in sexual sin with each other. And the men, instead of having a normal sexual relationship with women, burned with lust for one another, committing shameful acts with other men and, as a result, receiving in their own souls the punishment they so richly deserved. So it was that when they became angry with God and did not even acknowledge him, God gave them over to do whatever their wicked minds could conceive.

Their lives became filled with every kind of wickedness and sin…” (Romans 1:26-29). Do you not know that those who practice such things have no part in the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Those who live immoral lives, those who worship idols, adulterers, or homosexuals will ave no part in His Kingdom… (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).