What is Apostolic?
Apostolic means that we follow the model and teachings of the Book of Acts Church. This was the church that was born right after the resurrection of Christ and was led by the Apostolic fathers like the Apostles John, Peter, and Paul. A scripture that can describe the Apostolic Church in a nutshell is Ephesians 2:20
“20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” NKJV
WE BELIEVE THE HOLY GHOST IS THE SPIRIT OF GOD WHO DWELLS IN BELIEVERS
The Book of Acts started with the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2) We believe this same Holy Ghost continues to fill peoples’ hearts in the 21st century. We believe that all believers should be filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence in Speaking in other Tongues. This was the experience in the Book of Acts and the Spirit of God has not changed. (Acts 1:8, 2:1-4, 10:44-46, 15:8, 19:2-6, 1 Cor. 14:2,14). The Holy Ghost provides comfort, guidance, power, teaching, anointing, and much more.
WE BELIEVE IN REPENTANCE AND WATER BAPTISM IN THE NAME OF JESUS
After the Holy Ghost was poured out for the first time, Peter stood up and preached the first sermon to the multitudes. He pointed out the sinful state that the people are in and the need for them to Repent and be Baptized. We believe that salvation comes through Repentance and Water Baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ. After a person repents of their sinful lifestyle, they ought to be baptized since this is a commandment of our Lord Jesus (Matthew 28:19). We believe the act of Water Baptism in Jesus Name forgives the sins of a person (Acts 2:38, 22:16). The Apostolic church performs water baptism in the same manner that the Apostles performed it in the Bible. The Apostles submerged the person in water and audibly invoked the name of Jesus over that person. We perform Water Baptism the same way. The Apostles didn’t baptize in the “Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”. Whenever the Apostles Baptized, they invoked the “Name of Jesus”. This is the only name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). This is how baptisms were conducted in the Bible. (Acts 2:38, 8:16, 19:5)
WE BELIEVE IN ONE GOD WHO MANIFESTED HIMSELF IN THREE ROLES
We believe that there is one God and only He is worthy to be praised (Duet. 6:4). God is one person who manifested Himself in three distinct roles. In the O.T., God was the Father of Creation. He ruled over Israel and provided guidance and strength. In the N.T., the same God manifested Himself as a man (1 Ti. 3:16). He humbled Himself and took the form of a servant in order to become the perfect sacrifice for our sins. (Phil 2:6-8). Right before the crucifixion, Jesus told his disciples not to worry because Jesus would not leave them orphans. He said “I will come to you” (John 14:16-18). The one who came was the Holy Ghost. The Bible states that the Lord Jesus is the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 3:17). The Bible also teaches us that Jesus is the Father (John 14:3-10, Isaiah 9:6, 1 John 5:20). Revelation 4:2 says there is one throne and only One sitting on that throne. When we get to heaven we are not going to see three thrones but only one. We only worship the One on the throne. We only pray to the One on the throne. Who is this seated on the throne? It is the King of Kings Jesus (Rev. 19:16).
WE BELIEVE IN THE INFALLIBLE AND UNCHANGING WORD OF GOD
We believe that the Bible Scriptures are the inspired Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16). We believe God moved Holy men as they wrote under the divine inspiration of God (2 Pet. 1:21). We believe the Biblical Scriptures provide the complete Gospel and Teachings of God and they do not need to be supplemented or explained through other “spiritual” books. (1 John 5:20, Rom. 3:2, Gal 1:9) We believe that there is no greater authority on earth than the written Word of God. It exceeds what people feel in the heart to be correct. It surpasses changing worldviews by elected officials. It also surpasses what the popular majority may say is correct. (Heb. 4:12) Society’s morals change over time but the Word of God does not change (Mat. 24:35, Isa. 40:8). There are no ideologies, spiritual books, or government laws that are greater than or equal to the authority of the Biblical Scriptures. The written Word of God in the Biblical scriptures is the Highest Authority on this earth. This Word forms the platform of our worldview and governs how we live.
WE BELIEVE IN A LIFESTYLE OF HOLINESS
We believe that Christians should live a life of Holiness (Heb. 12:14). This lifestyle abstains from practicing sin and living in a manner that honors God (1 John 3:9, 5:18, 1Pet. 1:15-16). We pursue to live holy lives in the inside and also through our outward appearance and dress. We believe in presenting ourselves modestly in our appearance and in conversation. (1 Tim. 2:9, 1 Pet. 3:3). We are ambassadors of Jesus (5 Cor. 5:20) and should represent Him in manner that Honors Him and brings Him glory. We do not continue to live in sin so that grace may abound (Rom. 6:1-2). We abstain from all forms of ungodliness and do not participate in “worldly” activities (1 John 2:15, Col 3:5)
WE BELIEVE THAT THE PAYMENT OF SIN IS DEATH
We believe that sin is the wedge that separates people from God. In order for us to have our relationship restored with God, sin must be removed from our lives. The consequence for living in sin is eternal death. If people die in their sins, they will be cast into the Eternal Lake of Fire (Rom. 6:23). The Good News is that whoever accepts the forgiveness of their sins through water Baptism in Jesus Name, will have everlasting Life with Christ. (1 Thess. 4:16-17, 1 Cor. 15:57). Sin is not harmless and must be dealt with by everyone. (1 Cor. 15:3, Heb. 9:15, Rom. 6:16, 8:6,)
WE BELIEVE IN GOD’S POWER TO HEAL, SET FREE, AND CHANGE ANY SITUATION.
We believe that God has not diminished in power and that He still performs miracles today. The Bible is filled with accounts of miracles through the Power of God. We believe that God has the power to Heal any sickness or disease. We believe medicine and science help but understand that they are limited. God is unlimited and has authority over sicknesses. We believe God has power to change any person and set them free from sin, addictions, anxiety, depression, and the like. We believe God has power to restore relationships, heal marriages and broken homes. We believe God has power to move situations in our lives. Even the situations that seem hopeless and seem like mountains before us, God can fix it. There is nothing broken that God cannot fix. (Mark 16:17-18, Acts 3:6, 14:3, 19:11-12, Luke 1:37, John 21:25, John 14:12)