 | Statement of Faith |
Rather than rattle off the typically long list of articles, I will simply state wholeheartedly that if it's in the Bible we believe it! Now having gotten that out of the way I'll move on to the specific issues of what it means to be "Apostolic"
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| We know one of the greatest mysteries revealed by God is His desire to call out of the world a people chosen to bear His name. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. (Acts 15:14-18) These people who bear the "Name" God calls the Church. God in His infinite wisdom placed the monumental task of establishing His church into the hands of chosen men, who we know as the Apostles. For the most part except for Paul, we also know that these men were chosen from among average men. Not the mighty, nor the educated, nor noble, just simple working men. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (1 Cor 1:27) Yet the task of establishing the very Bride of Christ was trustingly placed into the hands of these men. How profound to think that God's entire Church rests completely on the word of the Apostles. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (Eph 2:18-20) For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. (2 Cor 11:2) And the wall of the city (the New Jerusalem) had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. (Rev 21:14) We know these men were hand picked and trained by Jesus Christ. Jesus in His last days expressed every confidence that the work that was to be placed into their hands shortly was going to be completed faithfully. Not because of any ability that these men possessed but rather it must be absolutely understood that the power to do the work they did came from the Spirit doing the work through them. Just a glimps into the 17th chapter of John gives us some insite. This being Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, take note:
The Apostles were chosen: I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. (John 17:6) The Apostles were equiped: For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. (John 17:8)
I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (John 17:14) The Apostles were judged faithful: For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. (John 17:8) The Apostles were prayed for: I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. (John 17:9) The Apostles were sent out: (which is the meaning of the word apostle) As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. (John 17:18) The Apostles word is expressly authorized: Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; (John 17:20) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Mat 28:18-20) FACT: The entire Kingdom of God rests entirely on the fidelity of the Apostles teaching and preaching the truth of God's word.
FACT: The entire New Testement is a record of the Apostles actions and teachings. (there is no permanent record of Jesus having ever writen anything) The New Testament is the Word of God as recorded and taught by the Apostles. Therefore it is a foolishness to establish a doctrine using the argument "I will choose the words of Jesus over the words of the Apostles" First because Jesus never wrote anything!! Second because Jesus already authorized the Apostles "Words" as being "His Words" The Gospel is the Word of Jesus as told by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John etc. The point being if you find it impossible to completely trust the Apostolic teachings then it is impossible to become established on the foundation immovable that God rests His kingdom on. All other ground is sinking sand!
FACT: The first century church believed and obeyed the Apostles.And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:40-42)
FACT: There is no contradiction between the teaching of Matthew and the teaching of PeterGo ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Mat 28:19) 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. (Acts 2:38) BECAUSE: The name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost is Jesus I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. (John 17:6) (speaking of Jesus) Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (Heb 1:4) Jesus inherited His name from His Father. Jesus = Yahshua = Yah + shua = Yahweh + salvation = Yahweh has become my Salvation. When I say Jesus, I am saying that the God of the Bible, Yahweh is my salvation.
When we obey the Apostlolic command to be baptized in Jesus Name we become the people that God has called out of he world for His Name. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. (Acts 15:14-18) In this very last hour of time, if the church is to come into unity and perfection, then the unifying force must be the Spirit of truth. Fables and willful ignorance will not inherit the Kingdom of God. If God chose the Apostles to establish His bride as a chaste virgin fit for God, then I, along with the church of the Book of Acts will submit to the Apostolic doctrine and authority.
FACT: The Apostolic teachings are pure and unadulterated and are the only teachings authorized by God to establish His church. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. (John 17:8) But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Gal 1:8-12) For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. (1 Th 2:13) The Apostolic word is in truth the authorized "Word of God". In this age of hundreds of so called churches and organizations we can find comfort in still being able to know that the foundation that God has laid through the work of the Apostles is still holding strong, fast and unmovable against false prophets and doctrines of devils. If you seek the "Voice of God" for direction in your life you only need to seek out the sure and safe teachings of the Apostles to know your life is being built on the Eternal foundation.Remember that the word "Church" means "Called out ones". In Scripture we find God calling out in several places. We find that not only does God call people out of the world at large, but we also find in the book of Revelations where God is calling people to come out of "Mystery Babylon" which is symbolic of all false "Religions". So then we find that the Church "Called out ones" are coming out of "The World" and "False Religion"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (Rev 18:4) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Receive us;(The Apostles) we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. (2 Cor 6:17-7:2) "...We have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man." Throughout this site you will find the "Apostolic" teachings that will save your soul. I pray you recieve them. In Jesus Name. God bless you.
Bro.Frank
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