Our Mission Go Out With Power Tenets of Faith We declare that The Bible is our all-sufficient rule of faith and practice. We declare that the following Statement of Faith is not meant to be complete or inspired. It is only meant to assure and demonstrate that this fellowship follows and believes in the essential historic doctrines of the Christian faith; and is in unity with all others who believe likewise. We also declare that Antioch Fellowship is an independent charismatic ‘full gospel’ ministry that practices and believes in the continuation of all spiritual gifts until the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Section 1The Bible We believe that the Bible in its entirety is the inspired Word of God and the infallible rule of faith and conduct. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Peter 1:21) Section 2 The Trinity We believe in One true God, eternally self-existent as three persons of one substance, each fully God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Who revealed Himself as “I Am,” the Creator of heaven and earth, and all that exists. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10, 11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22) God the Father We believe that God the Father reigns with care over His created universe and over all His creatures; including humanity who was created in His image. God orchestrates human history according to the purposes of His grace. God is Father in truth to those who become the ‘Children of God’ through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:3-20; 1John 3:1, Romans 8:14-16) God the Son- Jesus Christ We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who was with the Father from the beginning; co-creator of all that exists. Who came to earth as God’s only begotten Son to make provision for the redemption of humanity. He took on flesh while fully retaining his divinity, was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, buried, and resurrected. He ascended into Heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. He is fully God and fully man, and the head of the church. (John 1:1; Hebrews 1:2; Matthew1:18; Hebrews 5:8; Ephesians 9:7; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Acts 1:9; Hebrews 10:12; Ephesians 1:20-21; Philippians 2:6-11) God the Holy Spirit We believe that The Holy Spirit is the fully divine Spirit of God. He exalts Jesus Christ, convicts people of their sin, calls them to Christ, effects regeneration through faith in Jesus, and seals believers unto the day of final redemption. He supernaturally comforts believers, guides them toward producing good fruit and character; and bestows spiritual gifts to empower believers in worship, evangelism, and service. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18; John 16:8-14; Titus 3:5; Galatians 5:22-23; John 14:16-21; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; 2 Corinthians 1:21- 22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Acts 1:8) Section 3 The Fall and Redemption of Humanity We believe that all people are created beings made in the image of God. Because all humanity is created in God’s image, every person of every race is worthy of respect and love. However, Adam’s transgression and fall resulted in separation from God; with sin, sickness, and death coming into the world leaving the entire human race in need of redemption. We believe that God the Father sent his Son Jesus into the world to restore all humanity and creation itself. Through giving his life and shedding blood as the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus made it possible for men and women to be redeemed and brought back into a relationship with God the Father and become part of the family of God. (Genesis 1:26-28; Romans 5:12-15; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22; James 3:9; Romans 3: 10, 23, Romans 5:14; 1 John 3:8, John 3:16-17) Section 4 Salvation We believe in salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We believe that a person is saved by confessing that Jesus is the Lord and the savior of their life; by believing in His resurrection and the promise of eternal life; and by repenting of their sins and accepting the shed blood of Jesus as atonement for every sin, past and future. We believe that new believers receive The Holy Spirit to guide their lives at the moment of salvation, as an inward evidence and assurance; and as help for a changed life of righteousness. (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:9-10, 13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:11-12; 3:5-7) Section 5 Sanctification We believe in the sanctification of believers through the influence of the Holy Spirit working in one’s life. We believe that The Spirit brings believers into alignment with the Word of God, resulting in an ever-increasing changed life of righteousness and holiness. This new way of life is an outward demonstration of one’s salvation. (Romans 12:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Romans 6:1-11, 13; Romans 8:1-2, 13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12; 1 Peter 1:5) Section 6 Baptism in Water and by The Spirit We believe that new believers receive The Holy Spirit to guide their lives at the time of salvation. We believe in water Baptism for believers as a public declaration of their faith following the command of Jesus. We believe that believers can experience subsequent infillings of the Holy Spirit referred to as a Baptism in the Holy Spirit, for giftedness, empowerment, and an ever-closer relationship with God. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:16; Acts 10: 47-48; Romans 6:4; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4, 8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; Acts 8:12-17; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 11:14-16; Acts 15:7-9; Acts 2:4; Galatians 5:22-23) Section 7 Body of Christ- The Church We believe that the church is the ‘Body of Christ’ comprised of all the believers born of the Spirit, whose names are written in the Book of Life, and unified in the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that the church is called to continue the ministry of Jesus on the earth until his coming again. We believe that the church is called and obligated to follow His divine direction through the Holy Spirit. We believe that Antioch Fellowship is among the churches which make up the unified body of Christ on earth; and we are called and committed to seek and follow His direction. (Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 2:22; Philippians 4:3) Section 8 Ordinances of the Church We believe that there are two Ordinances that Jesus commanded His church to perform: Baptism in Water We believe in water Baptism by immersion. We believe that Jesus commanded those who believe on His name to be baptized; as a demonstration to the world that they have repented of their sins and have accepted Him as the Lord and Savior of their lives. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10: 47-48; Romans 6:4)Holy Communion We believe that The Lord’s Supper should be celebrated (as according to scripture) until Jesus comes back. The ordinance should include the symbols: of bread, representing the body of Jesus; and the fruit of the vine, as His blood. We believe that the Communion should be open to all believers; to be taken solemnly as a memorial and as an acknowledgment of the sacrifice that our Lord Jesus Christ made for us. (2 Peter 1:14; 1 Corinthians 11:26}Antioch Fellowship also participates in Marriages (See: Article 9); and in laying on of hands for healing, blessing of children, Baptisms in the Holy Spirit, and Ordinations. Section 9 Healing and Deliverance We believe in divine healing and deliverance through faith in the name of Jesus Christ; and that wholeness of life, along with healing and deliverance is included in the Atonement. (Isaiah 53: 4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16; Isaiah 61:1; Luke 10:17-18) Section 10 Stewardship We believe that God is the source of all blessings; that everything we have is ultimately His. We believe that the Lord directs and commands His people to be good stewards and serve Him with all that we have in this life; including our lives, our time, our talents, and material possessions as He directs. We believe that Christians are under Grace, but the Biblical principle of tithing is a good place to start while responding to His direction in our giving to the local church and offerings to other deserving ministries. In the process, one should recognize the Biblical teaching of sowing and reaping along with the fact that no one can out give God. (Psalm 24:1; James 1:17; Matthew 25:21; Luke 6:38; 1 Peter 4:10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7) Section 11 The Great Commission We believe that it is the duty and privilege of every believer and church to actively endeavor to make disciples of all nations; to reach the ends of the earth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus commissioned us to constantly seek to win the lost, through our personal witness and testimony: verbally, by our demonstrated lifestyle, and by gifts of the Spirit; and through any corporate gatherings and methods in harmony with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that the truth of the Gospel will be confirmed by signs following: miracles, spiritual gifts, and healing. We also believe that we are called to ‘disciple’ new believers; to help and encourage them, along with the Holy Spirit, to grow and adapt to their new life in Christ. (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-19; Acts 1:8.) Section 12 The Second Coming We believe in the Blessed Hope: The soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; to set up the Kingdom of God on earth. We believe that when He comes, every eye shall see him; and He will be coming with all the Hosts of Heaven, with all the believers who have passed away, and with those still alive being caught up to meet him in the air. Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! King Jesus, The Christ, and Messiah who will rule the whole earth from Jerusalem. His glorious coming will usher in a time of world-wide peace, complete health, and abundance for all. (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 19:11-14; Revelation 20:1-6) Section 13 Eternity: Resurrection and Eternal Judgment We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and eternal joy; and they that are lost unto a final judgment of their works and eternal punishment. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Romans 8:21; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21:8) Section 14 Specific Callings and Ministry Emphasis of Antioch Fellowship We believe that Antioch Fellowship has been called and directed by the Holy Spirit to emphasize the following specific callings and ministry as our part in the Body of Christ:
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