Our Posture in Christian Circles
We are Trinitarian
Like most Christian groups, the Assemblies of God believes God exists in three persons – the Father, Son (Jesus), and Hold Spirit. We believe all three are alive and at work today. We also believe this God of three persons is one and only true God . (See Matthew 28:9; Luke 3:22; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
The Fall of Man
We believe that all people are faced with a sin problem because of the first man’s (Adam’s) willful disobedience of God. As a result of Adam’s fall, all people are born with a sinful nature. While children are covered by Grace until they reach the age of accountability, everyone else needs redemption provided only through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Only by receiving His forgiveness and accepting Him as Lord can people be forgiven of their sins. (See Genesis 1:26-27;2:17, 3:6: Romans 5:12-19)
Our Cardinal Doctrines
We Believe
- Salvation come only through Jesus Christ who provided the supreme sacrifice for sin (See John 3:3, 16-17; Romans 10:9-10, 13; Ephesians 2:8-9)
- Divine Healing for the sick is provided in Christ’s death. (See James 5:14-16)
- The Second Coming of Christ is the return of the Lord Jesus Christ for those who have accepted Him (See 1 Thessalonians 4:16; I Corinthians 15:51-52)
- The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an empowering of believers by God and that and it is for today (See Acts 1:8, 2:4, 17-18, 38-39)
OUR DISTINCTIVE DOCTRINE
Our Pentecostal Distinctive: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The doctrine which distinguishes the Assemblies of God from other churches deals with one of its four cardinal doctrines: the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. The Assemblies of God believes the baptism in the Holy Spirit gives believers several benefits as indicated in the New Testament. These include power to witness and serve others; a dedication to the work of God; a more intense love for Christ, His word, and the lost; and the endowment of certain spiritual gifts. (see Acts 1:4, 8; 8:15-17)
The Assemblies of God believes that when the Holy Spirit initially fills the believer, that person will speak in an unknown language as did the 120 believers in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost. While this belief is distinctive, it is not more important than other doctrines.
OUR PRIMARY MESSAGE: REDEMPTION
While the Assemblies of God is noted for its Pentecostal distinctive, the primary message of the Church is Salvation. A belief that people can find forgiveness of sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who willingly gave His life for us. Because of Christ’s love and forgiveness each person can be cleansed from wrong and saved from the real and impending Hell prepared for the devil and those who follow him. By accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and putting Him first in their lives, people are guaranteed an eternal home with God in Heaven. We believe this is the central message of Christianity and the key issue for man today. (See Titus 2:11; Romans 10:9-10; John 3:3-5)
OUR CHARACTERISTIC: PRAISE & WORSHIP
Worship plays a major role in Faith Fellowship. Freedom in worship is accommodated and encouraged. Many will pray and thank God audibly during times of corporate thanksgiving and prayer. Some will pray silently, expressing little outward emotion, while others will weep openly before the Lord communicating their love and adoration in tears. Regardless of style, each sincere expression is welcomed. As these expressions of faith and love blend together in communication to God, each service will develop its own unique worship personality.
Common in Faith Fellowship is the clapping and raising of hands. Hand clapping often occurs the singing of choruses. It is also used spontaneously in the adoration and love of God. Raised hands during times of prayer is another expression common in the church. To the believer it is an outward sign of surrender to God and His will. These visible expressions are not for show, but rather avenues for communicating with God. (See Psalm 47:1; 134:2)
