Our Beliefs
...Creation We believe in the Genesis account of Creation and require that all ministers of the Church teach the same belief. In order to maintain the integrity of the Word of God we require all ministers to hold to the Word of God as supreme in all matters of faith, and whereas there is no way for anyone to prove that creation happened in any manner other than that described in the Bible we believe that it is not needful to teach any other than that which is recorded in the Word of God. We also believe the Biblical account of the great flood that took place in the time of Noah. We believe that other cultures record of such an event in itself is sufficient cause to accept that as valid, but after the time of the Tower of Babel, when the languages of man were confused that accounts for the differences in the story in other places.
. . .The Bible We do believe in the Authority of the Word of God. The Bible is true and complete giving a true history of the creation of heaven, earth, and humanity and containing a correct prophecy of the ages to come regarding heaven, earth, and the destiny of humanity. Moreover, there is no salvation outside of what is taught in its pages. And the plan of salvation is spelled out in Acts 2:38. We believe that the Holy Bible in its present canon form, excluding The Apocrypha and other writings, is the inspired Word of God and is the standard for all teaching and understanding of the Spiritual Life. Of course there are many various translations and even paraphrased versions available; in the Church we use only the KJV or the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) as our versions of choice. The KJV because of its longevity and universal appeal among English speakers and the CJB for its conformity and acknowledgement that the entire Word of God is not broken as many would have you think. The Word of God (Old and New Covenant) are one. It is the foundation on which all our teachings are based. We believe that God made covenants with men, from the time of the Fall, leading finally to the New Covenant in which all men are gathered together in one Body in Messiah. Although in the Old Covenant God had chosen for Himself a people in the Nation of Israel, God is in these last days working through a body made up of both Jews and Gentiles, who are one in Messiah alone. No man holds any favor with God through natural birth, heritage, culture or race. Outside of Messiah all men are lost, but In Messiah all are redeemed and are considered the People of God. And yet we do support the nation of Israel as the Land of God's People and encourage all true believers to support Israel with their prayers. We believe that in the end all Israel will be saved and that to the Glory of God. As for the modern Nation of Israel, we believe it is created by God alone and all who oppose it oppose the Plan of God. We believe that the Temple must be restored as Yeshua said on His return sacrifices would be being made in the Temple even as they were in His first coming. We further believe that while the Bible is the final authority in the last days there may be those given further revelation by God concerning the things to come and how we as Christians should conduct ourselves these things are addressed in the Later Revelations section of the document. We use the Name Yeshua which is the Hebrew name by which the Lord was called rather than the name Jesus which was a transliteration of the Greek name. This is done in strict adherence to the belief that names matter and they should be rendered correctly to show respect. Names in the Bible hold great importance and that is what we base the decision on to use the proper Hebrew name for the Lord the Bible affirms that there is no other name whereby we must be saved other than the name of Yeshua. So while we understand those who use the transliterated name we hold as a Church that the name of Yeshua shall be used in all our services and communication. This matter however does not grant our members the right to disfellowship those who do use the name Jesus. We ought to be patient and to explain to them the fact that Jesus is a transliteration of the Greek and not an accurate translation of the Hebrew name by which He was called when He walked on the earth.We believe the Bible is true and correct in every matter and that in order to be a true Christian one must believe God's Word to be true from the Beginning to the End. Because of the fact that we believe every word of the Bible is true and correct, that the places mentioned in the Bible are real and that even though modern archeologists have not yet discovered all of them we accept on faith that And that it is not to be questioned on any matter. And while we do not disfellowship those that do not use the name of Yeshua we do not allow fellowship of those who deny the Word of God as true in every part.
...The Church We believe that the Church of Yeshua the Messiah is identified, not by its name or its buildings, but by its members. Yeshua said that where two or three believers have been gathered together in His Name, He would be in their midst. Thus a local church is not a building or an organization, but a group of true believers gathering together in Yeshua's Name for the purpose of fellowship, worship and ministry. We believe that the visible Church is to be seen both in its gathering in local areas, and in the establishment of specific ministry centers, from which the Fivefold Leadership will operate. This is the reason we have established the structure of the Church as we have that it might function as it is intended by God. Authority and direction comes from God through the Scriptures, then to those in the Leadership of the Church, then down to the local congregations through their Pastors, and lastly to the congregations. Each local congregation is responsible for its own functioning and any locality that cannot maintain their ministry in a proper manner will be required to join with other nearby believers in a larger Congregation and this may require establishing the meeting place in a centralized location for the ease of access by all members of the Church. Home fellowships are the most Scriptural and thus it is good for our Churches to follow that model and a person who lives in the most central location for the believers in the area would be asked to host the fellowship. Of course the members of the fellowship should help the host with anything that is needful in terms of repair and maintaining the house. Also provision should be made for the financial obligation for the utilities of the in home Church.
...The Five-Fold Ministry We believe in the full functioning of the Fivefold Ministry Offices of Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Pastor and Evangelist, with emphasis and seniority falling in this specific order. The three leading Ministry Offices are Apostle, Prophet and Teacher, and all those who aspire to the highest ministry office of Apostle will usually follow through all three of these in order to be a true leader in the Body of Messiah. We believe that the authority of the Fivefold Ministry offices is not confined to the Local Church, but extends to the Body Universal which includes all believers in the Body of Messiah. Apostles will usually be given a specific realm of operation and a mandate to fulfill. They are responsible before the Lord to fulfill that mandate and God holds them responsible for the condition of those churches and ministries under their realm of operation. Each realm of ministry will be led by an Apostolic Team, which should consist of a group of leaders who together function in all of the Fivefold Ministry offices. God is the one who raises up a Bishop who will impart his spiritual DNA and mandate to the apostles and members of the Fivefold Ministry and will be considered the Moderator of all realms of ministry under His authority. We believe that God calls both Men and Women to the Fivefold Ministry Offices, including the Apostle. However, we only recognize women in Apostolic Office who are married and have the spiritual covering and protection of their husbands. Such a woman has full right to exercise authority and ministry as an Apostle of God without restriction. Any woman who has qualified for Apostolic Office and decides to remain single to fulfill the Call of God will be considered to be under the covering and protection of her Apostolic Father, just as a single woman is considered under the authority of her father until she marries. These are the Ministry Offices and the Administration shall be handled at the International level by an Elder Bishop, and under that office are to be regional Bishops whose authority is over a geographic region, be that a country, a state, a city or in some cases where the ministry is large enough a Bishop may be called forth to preside over numerous churches in a single city.
...Later Revelations We believe that in these final days before the Lord returns there may come forth further revelation from Heaven. Such revelations cannot and will not ever supersede the Scriptures, but often bring light concerning many things that are not clearly shown in Scripture. Amongst these is an understanding of the functions of the Fivefold Ministry in the times in which we live, and the revelation of the Mystery of the End Times Church. This mystery has not yet been fully revealed, and is like the Mystery of the Church which came to light under the ministry of the Apostle Paul, that was unknown to the early Jewish Messiahians. We believe that all believers are given specific ministries in the Body of Messiah; just as different bodily members have different functions. The list of ministries given in Romans 12 is some of the more common ministry functions of members of the Body of Messiah. These ministry functions do not require the external anointing of the Holy Spirit, but may be enhanced by the addition of the Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit, enabling a believer to become more effective in their ministry. Thus all members of the Body of Messiah are considered Called in some way, and have a part to play in the efficient functioning of the visible Church of God.
...Administration of the Church The Apostolic Universal Life Church is established on the Biblical lines and as such we believe that there are those who minister the Word of God, and others who are called to administer the day to day functions of the Church. The International Headquarters functions to maintain order in the various local fellowships, as such the International Headquarters staff is called to full time ministry, while the local church pastors are to be bi-vocational, except in cases where the local congregation is large enough to need and support a full time Pastor. We believe that the local church is governed by deacons and elders who are appointed by the Elder Bishop who is the earthly head of the Church, then under him are Bishops who are Overseers of specific geographic regions then Apostles whom God has raised up to establish and oversee the local churches. Deacons and Elders are appointed based on spiritual maturity and the ability to lead, and not on ministry calling and gifts. Elders may or may not hold one or more of the Fivefold Ministry Offices. Deacons should be able to provide evidence that they are responsible in their handling of money as they will have access to the funds of the local ministry. Their authority is vested in the authority that is delegated to them from their presiding Apostolic Leader and is confined to the Local Church in which they were appointed. Each local Church is to be accountable for their own financial affairs, and in time may be called on to support the workings of the International Headquarters with offerings that will be set aside for the purpose of assisting in the formation of new congregations. All believers who walk in the Spirit operate their lives under the control of the Holy Spirit who dwells in every believer. This influence is communicated outwards through our understanding of the Word of God, by which He has revealed Himself to us. As such it is the duty of each congregation to maintain their own facility and to be fiscally responsible. If a local congregation is unable to do this the International Headquarters Church may at its decision may disband the local congregation merging it with other nearby congregations that are more able to manage their affairs in a Godly manner. Each local congregation will maintain records of all services performed and submit a report either monthly or quarterly as they may choose to the International Headquarters with offerings for the maintaining of the church. When offerings are received they will be used to maintain the Headquarters and also disbursed to the need of those poorer churches.
...Tithes and Offerings We believe that the practice of tithing one tenth of one's income is an Old Covenant practice that came as a result of a covenant the Jacob entered into with God. He made a covenant vow that he would give God one tenth of all his income, and this covenant vow, as with all covenants, became binding on all of his descendants. We believe that as we are his spiritual descendants that this Old Covenant practice is being carried forward to include the members of the New Covenant Church, as there is no difference as to our being acceptable to God by being grafted into the vine and as such are the spiritual children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob however we do not condone any teaching that God would curse His people if they do not tithe, as is taught in the book of Malachi, but we acknowledge that one who does not tithe is robbing themselves of great blessings available to one that tithes. We do believe that every believer should see everything they own as belonging to the Lord, and be ready at any time to freely give it away, as was shown by the members of the Early Church. The work of God should be supported both by the free giving of God's People and by the generation of finance through valid and legal business methods, as carried out by King Solomon. He built the House of God from finances created from business, and there will be End Times Apostles who will be called to do the same thing for the Body of Messiah. And in the New Covenant we find Paul ministering and at the same time he was a tent maker. Thus we encourage those that are called of the household of faith to work with their hands to provide for their families and to have enough to meet the needs of others in their locality who have needs and thus to reach out in the name of the Lord Yeshua Messiah, with love. And those that are not able to sustain themselves and their ministry by the work of the Gospel alone are to work as did the Apostle Paul, if there comes a time where the local congregation chooses to provide for the needs of their pastor that is wholly acceptable and permissible. But most of our ministers will be presiding over small congregations and that may not permit them to be sustained by the work of the ministry alone.
. . .Sin We believe that as a result of the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden that all men are born in a spiritual condition that prevents them from entering into the blessings of God and makes them subject to the power of sin that is resident in them. We believe that Sin is any transgression of the law, or commandments of God (I John 3:4), in thought, word, or deed. The guilt of sin has fallen upon all humanity from Adam until now (Romans 3:23). The wages of sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:14) to all those who refuse to accept salvation as set forth in the Word of God. And while God hates the sins He loves the Sinner, so much that He came to earth and was born of a woman in order to live among us and to die for the sins of the entire world. In doing so He provided a way through which we might be saved from the consequences of our sins. We are saved through faith in the atonement provided through Yeshua Messiah alone, no works we can do will ever pay the price for our sins. However we demonstrate the new life that we have by doing good works and helping others to come to the saving faith through Messiah Yeshua alone. For as it is written, Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Nothing we can do is good enough to earn us a place in Heaven, but by the simple act of faith in accepting God's plan we can be saved and made new.
. . .Salvation We believe in the experience of the Salvation (or the New Birth) in which a person is regenerated by the Spirit of God after professing faith in Yeshua and receiving Him as their personal savior. Salvation consists of deliverance from all sin and unrighteousness through the blood of Yeshua Messiah. We believe that man is redeemed from the effects of sin by Grace alone through Faith in the Finished Work of Calvary. The work was completed on the Cross of Calvary where Yeshua shed His Blood for the sins of mankind and cried out "It is Finished."The New Testament experience of salvation consists of repentance from sin, water baptism in the name of the Lord Yeshua Messiah for the remission of sins, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, after which the Believer is called on to live a godly life (Acts 2:36-41). We believe that a born again believer should seek to Walk in the Spirit and overcome sin, living a life that is pleasing to the Lord. However we do not believe that salvation is dependent on or subject to a believer maintaining a standard of personal righteousness. Salvation is by Grace alone and without faith it is impossible to please God. Therefore the good works carried out by a born again believer are credited towards their future rewards in the Heavenly Realm and do not determine their position before God or their right to His blessings. We believe that the unjust shall appear before the Lord at the Great White Throne for Judgment, but the Believers at the Mercy Seat.
...Marriage We believe that marriage is only Biblically acceptable between one man and one woman. We do NOT believe in same-sex marriage & homosexuality. Nor do we believe in plural marriages. That is to say having more than one mate at a time (either polygamy or polyandry) are expressly forbidden in the Word of God and by all true believers. We also believe that marriage is one of the most important ordinances of the Church. The Messianic home is the place where children are brought up to love and serve the Lord, through the example of Godly parents. We believe it is needful for ministers to be married and have a family, thereby setting forth a good example to the community of what a Messianic home should be like. We believe that if a marriage is sanctified by God that it should be eternal, but if a couple become incapable of remaining together for any reason divorce is not an unpardonable sin. That in such cases they should pray and seek counseling prior to seeking a divorce but once divorced they can be restored to full fellowship after asking the Lord for forgiveness
...Abortion We do not believe in abortion as it is the taking of an innocent human life. Life begins at conception. Because life begins at birth we believe abortion to be murder and even though some human governments approve of it we do not permit our members to seek out abortion for any reason. The Bible says, Job 31:15 Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?
. . .Water Baptism Water baptism is an essential part of New Testament salvation and not merely a symbolic ritual. It is part of entering into the kingdom of God (God's church, the bride of Messiah), and therefore, it is not merely a part of local church membership. (See John 3:5; Galatians 3:27). Ideally such should be done in a river or other body of water, as that is the method found in the Scriptures. However it is permissible for the church to have a special baptistery pool to use for that purpose only should finances and space for such be available.
. . .Mode of Baptism Water baptism is to be administered only by immersion, and may be administered by any born again believer, though ideally it is done by an ordained minister of the Church. The reason for it being by immersion only is found in what the Apostle Paul said, "We are buried with him [Yeshua Messiah] by baptism (Romans 6:4; see Colossians 2:12), Yeshua came up "out of the water" (Mark 1:10), and Philip and the eunuch went down "into the water" and came up "out of the water" (Acts 8:38-39). Yeshua' death, burial, and resurrection are applied to our lives when we experience New Testament salvation: "Repent [death to sin], and be baptized [burial] every one of you in the name of Messiah Yeshua for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost [resurrection]." (See Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-7; 8:2). Sprinkling, pouring, or infant baptism of any kind cannot be substantiated by the Word of God, but are only human traditions. In fact because baptism requires a choice to repent it is not possible for one to baptize an infant as they are not able to make such choice for themselves. As such we are not willing to negotiate this issue, we find those to be not acceptable and persons so baptized are encouraged to be re-baptized in the proper Biblical manner as soon as possible. This is the stand of this Church and all true Churches of God.
. . .Formula for Baptism The name in which baptism is administered is vitally important, and this name is Yeshua. Yeshua's last command to His disciples was, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). We should notice that He said name (singular) not names which would be plural. As previously explained, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not names of separate persons, but titles of positions held by God. An angelic announcement revealed God's saving name in the New Testament: "She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name YESHUA: for he shall save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). The apostles understood that Yeshua was the name to use at baptism, and from the day that the church of God was established (the Day of Pentecost) until the end of their ministry, they baptized all nations (Jews-Acts 8:16; Gentiles-Acts 19:5) in the name of the Lord Yeshua Messiah. In fact, Yeshua is the only name given for our salvation. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Those who come to us having been "baptized" in the titles should as soon as possible be re-baptized in the proper manner as prescribed in the Word of God. However we do not believe it is necessary for a person to be baptized more than once, just as a person is only buried once when they die. That is however not grounds for acceptance of the titles baptism, for such is not a proper baptism, therefore if one has been baptized in the titles only their baptism is not valid according to the Scriptures and thus once they are re-baptized in the name of Messiah Jesus they have truly been baptized only once. Some groups teach and practice baptism for the dead, by which a living person is baptized in the hope that it will be counted toward the salvation of one of their dead ancestors. This practice is not only contrary to the Word of God in that after death we are left to face judgment, it is also rooted in the belief that one can work to earn salvation which as stated in other areas is not possible to do. For that reason we believe and practice personal baptism for the remission of sins and believe that it is a needful part of ones conversion without which one is not truly saved. The Bible teaches repentance plus baptism in the name of Messiah Yeshua is required. This is the stand of our Church and of all true Churches of God.
. . .Baptism of the Holy Ghost We believe that the Holy Spirit takes up residence in every born again believer from the moment they receive Yeshua as their Savior, are born again and become spiritual members of the invisible Body of Messiah, which is the True Church of the Living God. However although the Holy Spirit dwells IN every believer, not all have experienced or received Him as the baptizer, in which He comes UPON a believer and empowers them to function in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is the birth of the Spirit (John 3:5). This spiritual baptism is necessary to put someone into the kingdom of God (God's church, the bride of Messiah) and is evidenced by speaking in other tongues (other languages) as the Spirit of God give utterance. It was prophesied by Joel (Joel 2:28-29) and Isaiah (Isaiah 28:11), foretold by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:11), purchased by the blood of Yeshua, and promised by Him to His disciples (John 14:26; 15:16). The Holy Ghost was first poured out on the Day of Pentecost upon the Jews (Acts 2:1-4), then upon the Samaritans (Acts 8:17), and later upon the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-46; 19:6). "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" (Acts 2:39). We believe in the Anointing of the Holy Spirit upon all true believers, enabling them to carry out their God given calling as members of the Body of Messiah. We believe that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a once only event in which a believer enters into a relationship with the Holy Spirit that provides a gateway to the Gifts of the Spirit. We believe that the nine gifts of the Spirit as listed in 1 Corinthians 12 are available today to every born again believer and were never removed or made obsolete. Every believer who earnestly desires and seeks after the Gifts of the Holy Spirit may be used by God in any of the three groups of Revelation Gifts, Power Gifts and Vocal Gifts.
. . .Tongues Speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance is the manifestation God has given as the definite, indisputable, supernatural witness or sign of the baptism of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6). It was prophesied by the prophet Isaiah as the rest and the refreshing (Isaiah 28:11-12), foretold by Yeshua as a sign that would follow believers of the gospel (Mark 16:17), and experience by Jews and Gentiles alike. The gift of "divers kinds of tongues," mentioned by Paul in I Corinthians 12:1-12 and concerning which he gave regulations in I Corinthians 14:1-40, is given by both for self-edification (I Corinthians 14:4) and for the edification of the church (I Corinthians 14:27-28). In church meetings the gift of tongues is used to give a public message, and it is to be interpreted. Since this gift can be misused in public, it needs proper regulation (I Corinthians 14:23-28). Not all believers exercise the gift of tongues, which is different in function from tongues given by God as the initial witness of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Many denominations say that tongues have passed away and thus forbid them in their assemblies whereas Paul said, "Forbid not to speak with tongues" (I Corinthians 14:39) and "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all" (I Corinthians 14:8). Who dares to teach or preach to the contrary? Speaking in tongues means speaking miraculously in a language unknown to the speaker, as the Spirit gives utterance. Tongues can be classified in two ways, according to function: (1)speaking in other tongues as the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost and (2)the gift of tongues as mentioned in I Corinthians. We are however also believers that all things should be done decently and in order and thus we believe that out crying in tongues without an interpreter is at best wrong and at worst demonic.
. . .Holiness After we are saved from sin, we are commanded, "Go, and sin no more" (John 8:11). We are commanded to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12) and warned that without holiness no one shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). We must present ourselves as holy unto God (Romans 12:1), cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit (II Corinthians 7:1), and separate ourselves from all worldliness (James 4:4). If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (I Peter 4:18). No one can live a holy life by his own power, but only through the Holy Spirit. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" (Acts 1:8). We are to be different in our manner of speech, our manner of dress, and our manner of actions. Things that we once did may now be unwise as they may take us away from Godly living and thus we may have to make changes in our lifestyle. But there are rewards and they manifest in this life and in the world to come. While Holiness is not dependent on the way one dresses we believe that a person who is truly committed to living a life of holiness will dress with modesty and dignity, we shun the wearing of clothing that is overly revealing and the use of excessive make-up is forbidden, this is based on the only woman in the Bible who wore make-up and her fate. (2 Kings 9:30-33)
We believe as did the Apostle Paul that men should wear their hair short and women should have long hair. 1Co 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 1Co 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. 1Co 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. However unlike the UPCI we believe women should not pile their hair on top of their heads but should wear it long and loose. We alo believe that it is wrong to wear excessive amounts of jewelry. 1Ti 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 1Ti 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. These things are for the good of the Church that all things might be done decently and in order, that the People of God may stand out from those around them, as the Bible says, 1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: It should be noted here that the word peculiar is in other versions translated as being special. That seems a more accurate rendering since we are called apart for His Glory.
...Saints Some churches teach that there are some people are inherently more spiritual and holy than others, and they label these people with the title "Saint" this we believe to be inaccurate. For according to the Bible all who are believers are called Saints. By that definition we ought not hold some in higher esteem than others for all of us are in essence called to be a new creation in Messiah Yeshua. This we find in 2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. The word that is translated creature literally means a new species, something that has never before existed. Thus if we accept the face value of that statement we have a special place in all creation, through the new birth experience. We can all literally claim to be saints, and this is confirmed by the fact that in many of the letters of Paul to the various Churches he addresses them to the saints of that particular location.
. . .Divine Healing God has made Himself known through the ages by miraculous healings and has made special provisions in the age of grace to heal all who will come to Him in faith and obedience. Divine healing was purchased for us by the blood of Yeshua Messiah, especially by His stripes (Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:16-17; I Peter 2:24). Yeshua went everywhere healing those who were sick (Matthew 4:23-24), and He commanded His disciples to do the same (Matthew 10:8). He said concerning those who believe the gospel, "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:18). Thus Divine Healing does not require a special gift or calling such as was seen in the ministry of some who seemed to specialize in that area, any born again believer has the right to pray for and to experience divine healings in their life. Mighty healings and miracles followed the disciples wherever the gospel was preached. There is no sickness or disease too hard for God. Any of us, our children, or our friends can be healed by the power of God. "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord shall raise him up: and if he have committed sins they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed" (James 5:14-16). It is true that not all who come to the Lord for healing are physically healed, some are healed spiritually though they may appear to be physically unchanged as was the case with the Apostle Paul 2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. However we do believe that one must have faith to pray for healings and that that faith comes only through a close relationship with Messiah Yeshua established through daily time in prayer and in study of the Word of God. However we do accept that God is the one who determines the type and timing of any healing that is done.
...Deliverance Ministry This is an often shunned field and one many churches try to sweep away and not talk about. But we believe that there is as much need today for Deliverance ministry as there was in the early church. In fact according to Yeshua as recorded in Mar 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; Therefore we believe that in these last days God is going to bring out specially called men and women who will be fearless warriors who will crash the very Gates of Hell and release the prisoners that are oppressed and those that are possessed by demonic spirits. We believe that many that are called "Mentally Ill" are actually battling demons and thus cannot be helped by the medical professionals and their labels of Psychological mumbo-jumbo and their use of drugs to hide the problem. We believe that the Spirit is raising up special warriors in the Spirit realm who have the training and the discipline of life to Cast Out the demons. We believe that the Bible says what it means and means what it says, and thus that in the last times those who have been doing the work of Deliverance will be training others as it will be needful for all that are in the Body of Christ to be ready to fight against the works of the Devil through deliverance ministry.
...End Times Church We believe that God is raising up a Church in these End Times that will not be like the Laodicean Church described in Revelation, as commonly thought by many. We believe that that Church is currently found not in a particular denomination or a single fellowship but that those that are true to their Commitment to the Lord are part of that Body no matter what sign is on the door of the building they gather in. We believe that all true believers are given specific ministries in the Body of Messiah; just as different bodily members have different functions. The list of ministries which is given in Romans 12 is some of the more common ministry functions of members of the Body of Messiah. The End Times Church will be magnificent, glorious and victorious. It will not be a struggling church, waiting for the Lord to come and snatch it from tribulation, it will be a Church without spot or blemish. We believe that every born again believer will spend eternity in the presence of the Lord. A time of judgment will come, not to determine where we will spend eternity, but to determine our rewards and spiritual status in his Heavenly Kingdom. We believe that the Scriptures do not teach of a Heaven on some far away planet, but that we will spend eternity in His presence upon the new earth, in the New Jerusalem. And for those that have not accepted the free gift of salvation through the Lord they shall be judged according to their works before the pronouncing of their final judgment. However of greater importance than our future condition is the life in which we now live. This Church is not clearly described in Scripture or in passages relating to the End Times in prophecy. It remains a mystery that has not yet been fully revealed, lest the enemy seek to destroy it as he did to the Early Church. We believe that Yeshua is returning soon to receive His Bride to Himself. The day and hour of His coming is not known to any man, but He will come as taught in the New Testament, to receive the Church as His Bride. Though we believe that the time is near, we stand firm in resisting the temptation to set a date, thus we believe that every believer should live each moment as if the Lord was going to return in the next moment. We believe that every Born Again believer who is In Messiah is part of the Bride of Messiah and will be part of the Church that Yeshua comes to receive unto Himself. We believe that we should make the most of our short time on this earth to do as the famous old creed says, "Love the Lord and enjoy Him forever. Our mandate is to train and equip the Body of Messiah to get ready for the coming of their Heavenly Bridegroom. We are called to make her without spot or wrinkle, a glorious Church, a bride that the Lord Yeshua will receive with joy. We believe in the Pre-Millennial return of Yeshua Messiah for His Church, followed by the time of Tribulation known as the Seven Year Tribulation, after which Yeshua will return with His Bride to set up His Millennial Kingdom. And at the end of that reign Satan and his demon forces will be cast forever into the deepest Hell and there they will remain for all eternity.
...What happens when one dies When someone dies they are taken into the heavens where they will await the End Time at which point they will be either judged based on their works or on their acceptance of the free salvation offered through faith in the finished work of the Messiah. If they have rejected Messiah then they will be cast out into everlasting darkness and torment, if they have accepted Messiah as their Lord and Savior then they will be taken into Heaven for all eternity, and they will be among those that ride with the Messiah into the final battle for Earth to be fought in a place called Armageddon in the Valley of Megiddo. The details and the outcome of the battle are already settled and were recorded by the Apostle John in the Book of Revelations.
. . .Second Coming of Messiah Yeshua Messiah is coming back to earth in bodily form, just as He went away (Acts 1:11). He will catch away a holy people (His bride, His church) who have accepted redemption through His blood, by birth of water and of the Spirit, and who are found faithful when He comes. "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 Messiah shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (I Thessalonians 4:16-17). "One shall be taken and the other left" (Luke 17:36). We believe that God is raising up in these last days, Men and Women of God who will lead the Church to its final glory and will receive revelation from God concerning the Mystery of the End Times Church. The signs of His coming are everywhere. The days of peril are here indeed, with forms of godliness void of the power of God; society and politics corrupted; and people's hearts filled with pride, blasphemies, unholiness, love of evil, and love of pleasures (II Timothy 3:1-13). These things, together with multitudes running to and fro, the increase of knowledge (Daniel 12:4), the persecution of the Jews and their return to Palestine (Luke 21:24), and scores of other things are starting signs that Yeshua' coming is drawing near. Wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, storms, floods, distress of nations, perplexity, and people's hearts failing them for fear are sounding the solemn alarm that Yeshua' coming is at hand (Matthew 24:6; Luke 21:25-28). "Prepare to meet thy God" (Amos 4:12).
. . .Resurrection There will be a resurrection of all the dead, both just and unjust.
"Marvel not this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in graves shall hear his voice, 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" (John 5:28-29). "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God . . . and the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them" (Revelation 20:12-13)> (See also Daniel 12:2; I Corinthians 15:13-23.)
. . .Judgment "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). For this reason there will be a resurrection for everyone. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Messiah; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (II Corinthians 5:10). The eternal destiny of every soul shall be determined by a just God who knows the secrets of everyone's heart. "And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. . . .Then shall he also say unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. . . . And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal" (Matthew 25:32-34, 41, 46).