Let us begin by stating that we believe in the historic truths and doctrines of the Christian Church. The Apostle’s Creed, the Nicene Creed are statements that summarize much of what we believe. We believe all truth is confirmed and found in the Bible, the written Word of God. The Bible in its original form was inspired by God the Holy Spirit and is our standard for belief and practice. Below, in brief, are some of the foundational truths we ascribe to and some scripture references referring to them.

What We Believe…
The Trinity
1 John 5:7
Jesus was born of a virgin
Matthew 1:22-23, Isaiah 7:14
Jesus is the only begotten Son of God
John 1:14, 18
Jesus came to earth to restore man’s relationship with God
Ephesians 2:18, Hebrews 10:19-22
Jesus’ ministry on earth was to preach, teach and heal
Matthew 4:23
God is Love
1 John 4:8
God has given man authority on earth
Genesis 1:28, Psalm 8:4-6, Romans 5:17, Revelations 5:9-10
In the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Luke 24:49, Acts 2:1-4, 38-39
Jesus is the only way to reach the Father
John 14:6, Acts 4:12
Jesus came to fulfill the law
Matthew 5:17, Romans 10:4, Galatians 4:4-5, Ephesians 2:15
We are righteous before God because of the sacrificial death of Christ
1 Corinthians 1:30, Philippians 3:9, Hebrews 10:10, 14, 20

Why We…

Speak in Tongues?

Speaking in tongues (or “praying in the spirit”) builds us up in faith (Jude 20), speaks mysteries (1 Corinthians 14:2), edifies the person doing it (1 Corinthians 14:4), equips us with the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17-18), and helps us to pray for things we do not understand in our minds (1 Corinthians 14:14).

Have Words of Knowledge and Wisdom?

A word of knowledge or wisdom is a revelation given to people in the church to edify and build up the body of Christ. Revealing the unknown and giving wisdom in the application of knowledge is something God loves to do for His people who see to walk in His ways. (1 Corinthians 12:8, 14:6)

Prophesy?

This is simply one of the gifts of the Spirit given to God’s people that we may be built up, strengthened and comforted. It can also serve to fortell God’s purposes and prepare God’s people for what is around the corner. (1 Corinthians14:3-5, Acts 11:8, 21:10).

Pray for the Sick?

Our heavenly Father does not like to see His children sick, and so has given the power and authority to heal. Demonstrated through Jesus, we are instructed to do the same. (Matthew 4:23, 10:1, Mark 16:18, James 5:15).

Sing to the Lord a New Song?

(Sing in the Spirit)

1 Corinthians 14:35 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” Our understanding may not be fruitful, but our inner man, our spirit man soars when allowed to give perfect praise to God. The Holy Spirit gives form to words of worship that are exactly appropriate for us.

Lay on Hands?

Jesus put His hands on people and instructed His disciples to lay hands on the sick and the early church practiced it. It conveyed healing, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and setting apart for ministry. (Luke 4:40, Mark 16:18, Acts 6:6, 8:17, 19:6, 28:8, I Timothy 4:34)

Fall under God’s Power?

At times when we pray for people, the Holy Spirit comes upon them powerfully and they fall or are “slain in the Spirit”. God’s glory touches people as He makes Himself known and sometimes they fall down. This happened in the dedication of Solomon’s Temple; 1 Kings 8:1 “So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord.” This also occurred in the garden when the mob came to arrest Jesus as Jesus declared Himself the I AM. John 18:6 “As soon then as he had said unto them, ‘I am’, they went backward and fell to the ground.”

Clap and Dance?

Clapping and dancing is an expression of our love for the Lord, most cultures of the world employ it as a means of rejoicing; Psalm 47:1 “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.” Psalm 149: 2-3 “Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise His name with the dance…”

Praise the Lord?

While praise is to God, it is really for God’s people. It is one of the ways we worship (there are many), but verbal praise invites God’s rule over our lives: Psalm 22:3 “But you are holy enthroned in the praise of Israel.” Another version reads this way: “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praise of Israel.” God is ‘enthroned’ over our lives and dwells in our midst when we praise Him.

Receive Tithes and Offerings?

God does not need our money, but we need to offer it. Giving expresses our gratitude to Him who gave us everything and opens us up to receiving more (God cannot fill a clenched hand). Receiving offerings are the means through which we support the local church and sow see into what has been revealed to us so we can have an abundant harvest. (Genesis 14:20, Proverbs 3:9-10, Malachi 3:10, Matthew 10:10, 1 Corinthians 9:14, Galatians 6:6-10)