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| What We Believe |
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We at Christ-Centered Mall believe that those who pray for us
and support this ministry have a right to know what we believe.
We believe in speaking and teaching "things which become sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1). Doctrine (also known as theology) is the study of God and His Word, and the relationship between God and the universe. We believe that by studying and meditating on the Word of God, the LORD will give us wisdom by the Holy Spirit to teach us how to interpret the Scriptures and apply them to our daily lives. Although there is no higher theme to which a man can aspire, tragically, the study of sound doctrine has fallen on hard times. Man has become preoccupied with the cares of this world. He governs his life by his feelings rather than by what the Word of God says. What we believe about the Bible We believe the Bible in its entirety is the inspired Word of God and the infallible (never wrong) rule of faith and conduct. We believe the Bible (consisting of 66 books) is God's revelation of Himself to mankind, and it is our final authority regarding all matters of doctrine (faith) and manner of living. (Matthew 5:18; John 17:17). We believe the Bible was produced under the direction of the Holy Spirit, and is profitable for all doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness" (II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:21; I Thessalonians 2:13). We believe that throughout the ages, God in His providential care has kept His Word right down to the present day. We prefer the King James Version of the Bible over all others, although scriptural accuracy is best preserved in the original Greek and Hebrew texts. We believe that Christians should "Study to shew themselves approved unto God (not unto men), workmen that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (II Timothy 2:15). We also believe that "the time will (has) come when people will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (II Timothy 4:4-5). What we believe about God (Elohim) the Father (YHVH) We believe that there is but one true and living God (Isaiah 45:5-7; I Corinthians 8:4). He has revealed Himself as having always existed without any outside cause or agent bringing Him into being (Isaiah 43:10). God the Father is an infinite, all-knowing Spirit (John 4:24), perfect in all of His attributes (Matthew 5:48). We believe that God is absolutely sovereign in all things (Psalm 103:19; Romans 11:36), and through His Word created the heavens and the earth (including all life) in six days (Genesis 1:1-31; John 1:3; II Corinthians 13:14). We believe that God is the One who redeems, saves, and rescues mankind from sin and its painful consequences (Isaiah 42:11). We believe that God (Elohim) is One (Deuteronomy 6:4) united in the Godhead of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22; II Corinthians 13:14). What we believe about God (Elohim) the Son (Jesus/Yeshua) We also believe that the Lord Jesus Christ (the Son of God) is absolute Deity and has always existed. He is the Word without beginning or end (John 1:1; Revelation 1:8), and He is the second person of the Godhead. While on earth, Jesus was 100% God, yet in order to complete His earthly sacrificial mission, He became 100% man and laid aside His divine privileges (Philippians 2:7). Jesus said in John 14:28: "I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I." "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31,35). Jesus was completely holy by virtue of His miraculous birth, and He lived a perfect life, absolutely without sin (II Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; I Peter 2:22). While on earth, Jesus performed many miracles through the anointing of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:22, 10:38). In order to restore fallen mankind, Jesus voluntarily died on the cross as a substitute for the sins of every person (Isaiah 53:4-6; John 10:17-18; I Corinthians 15:3; II Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 9:14,28; I Peter 3:18). We believe that God the Father raised Jesus from the dead (Acts 2:24; Acts 3:15; Acts 3:26; Acts 4:10; Acts 10:40; Romans 10:9; I Corinthians 6:14; Galatians 1:1; Colossians 2:12; I Peter 1:21) on the third day into a glorified body (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; I Corinthians 6:14, 15:4). After His resurrection, Jesus ascended into Heaven where He currently is seated at the right hand of God the Father (Acts 1:9,11, 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3) and exercises all power and authority on heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). We believe that Jesus (our Intercessor and Advocate) continually makes intercession for us; for He is the only true Mediator between God the Father and man (I Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:14; 7:25; I John 2:1). What we believe about God (Elohim) the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKadosh) We believe that the Holy Spirit is Deity, the third expression of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit is coexistent with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; I Corinthians 3:16). The Holy Spirit was sent by the Father in the Son's name to indwell, instruct, guide, comfort, and empower the believer for righteous living and service (John 14:26; John 15:26). We believe the Holy Spirit exalts no one but Jesus (Yahuah-Yeshua) (John 16:13), always directs attention to Jesus, never violates God's Word (I Corinthians 14:3), and does everything unto edification (I Corinthians 14:26 ). We believe that the Holy Spirit' work withstands all examination (I Corinthians 2:15; Malachi 3:10; Psalm 34:8; I John 4:1), and that the Holy Spirit is the giver of spiritual life. We believe that all believers are entitled to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and therefore should expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible speaks of "the Holy Ghost and fire." Fire, an image commonly associated with the Holy Spirit, suggests the purging, cleansing action, and zeal of the Holy Spirit which continues the work of spiritual growth begun at salvation. We believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit was the normal experience of all believers in the early Christian church. With the experience comes the provision of power for victorious Christian living and productive service. It also provides believers with specific spiritual gifts for more effective ministry (I Corinthians 12:1-31). We believe that these spiritual gifts are without repentence (Romans 11:29) and are to be used for the edification and perfecting of the believers of the Church (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:11-12; Hebrews 2:3-4). We believe the baptism in the Holy Spirit is separate from salvation, and follows the new birth experience (Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-46; 15:7-9). With this baptism come such experiences as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37-39; Acts 4:8), a deepened reverence for God (Acts 2:43; Hebrews 12:28), an intensified commitment to God and dedication to His work (Acts 2:42), and a more active love for Christ, for His Word, and for those who have not yet become believers (Mark 16:20). We believe that the baptism of Christians in the Holy Spirit is often accompanied by the physical sign of speaking in other tongues (unlearned languages) as the Spirit of God gives them audible expression (Acts 2:4). This form of speaking in tongues is basically the same as the gift of tongues (I Corinthians 12:4-10,28). The difference is the purpose and use. The manifestation of tongues can be obsered in the life of every Spirit-filled believer's personal prayer life. However, the gift of tongues (sometimes called "messages in tongues") operates publicly, usually in congregational worship settings. This gift is followed by the gift of interpretion of tongues. Both are given to individuals within the church. Their purpose is for the spiritual benefit of the individual and the congregation. What we believe about sin We believe anything that does not conform to the character or command of God is sin (I John 3:4). We believe God created man to be upright and good; for God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness" (Genesis 1:26). Man was created in the image of God and was able to have fellowship with God (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7). However, all of humanity (while still in the loins of Adam) fell away from God when Adam first sinned in the Garden of Eden. As a result of Adam's willful disobedience, mankind fell from innocence and goodness and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 1:26-27, 2:17, 3:6; Romans 5:12-19). We believe that in this fallen condition, man was left totally depraved and unable to remedy his own situation (Genesis 3:6-13; Psalm 53:3; Romans 5:12-21; I Corinthians 15:21-22; Ephesians 2:1). What we believe about salvation We believe that salvation is the gift of God whereby a spiritually dead man is born again, made spiritually alive in Christ, and is brought into a proper relationship with Him. (Romans 8:2; Ephesians 2:1-2). We believe that by God's grace, He provides salvation for all who believe and accept Jesus' free offer of forgiveness. Thus man's only hope of redemption from his fallen sinful state is through the blood of Jesus Christ which was shed on the cross. We believe salvation is a life-long process which initially takes place when a person repents before God for his sins and sinful nature or inclinations, and believes or has faith in the fact that the death, resurrection, and deity of Jesus Christ removes and brings forgiveness for his sin. In response to placing faith in God's love and freely given salvation, one experiences the washing of regeneration (spiritual rebirth), the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, and is declared righteous ( Romans 3:24; Philippians 3:20-21; I John 3:2). At the moment of salvation, a person becomes heir to God's promised hope of eternal or everlasting life (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11, 2:5-7). Regeneration, renewal, and justification are words describing what happens at salvation. Afterword, a believer must walk out his salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) , for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10). We believe that true believers in Christ undergo sanctification where their minds are being renewed by the washing of water by the Word of God (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 5:26) and grow in grace by faith ((II Peter 3:18), obedience, and testings in order that they may become complete (perfected) in Christ ((Matthew 5:48; Ephesians 4:12; Colossians 4:12). The inner evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Holy Spirit giving one the assurance that God has accepted him (Romans 8:16). The outward evidence, visible to others, is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12 ). We believe that all Israel (the remnant of last days) will be saved when they believe that Yeshua is the Messiah (Jesus is the Christ) according to Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hosea 3:4-5, Zechariah 12:10, and Romans 11:25-26. We believe that salvation through the New Covenant is for Jews and Gentiles, for they are one in Christ (the Messiah). Through true heartfelt repentance and believing (walking out one's faith) in Jesus (Yeshua), people are freed from sin, Satan, and eternal damnation. We believe "true" believers live a life totally committed and pleasing to God. We believe they will be kept by God's power and will be secure in Christ (John 6:37; 10:27-30; Romans 8:1, 31-39; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:22; Hebrews 12:23; Jude 24) as long as they are overcomers (I John 5:4; Revelation 21:7) and strive to be doers as well as hearers of the Word (Matthew 7:21-27; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-11; Hebrews 9:26; James 1:22). "True" believers would never take the mark of the beast (Revelation 14:9) or blaspheme the Holy Ghost -- for these sins are unforgiveable! ( Mark 3:29). What we believe about Satan (the devil) Please read our teaching on Satan. What we believe about Water Baptism We believe that the ordinance of baptism by immersion in water (not sprinkling) is commanded in the Scriptures (Mark 16:16). All who repent and believe on Jesus Christ as personal Saviour and Lord are to be so baptized. This act of baptism symbolically declares to everyone that the old sinful life and lifestyle (Old Man) of the baptized believer died with Christ at salvation and a new spiritual being (New Man) has been raised with Christ (in His resurrection) to live a new life (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47; Romans 6:4). What we believe about Holy Communion We believe that the Lord's Supper or Communion, consists of bread and the fruit of the vine (grape juice). It is a memorial of Christ's suffering and death (I Corinthians 11:26). In eating and drinking the symbols of Christ's suffering and death, the born-again believer (from Old Man to New Man) expresses his awareness that he has made right with God and shares the divine nature of eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ (II Peter 1:4). The ordinance also looks forward to Christ's second coming (I Corinthians 11:26), for it is a reminder to proclaim the Lord's death "until He returns!" What we believe about Sanctification We believe that sanctification is an act of separating ourselves from evil and indentifying with things that are good, upright, and morally pure. It is a process that takes place as Christians devote themselves to God (Romans 12:1,2; I Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 3:12). Scriptures teach that we are to be holy because God is holy (I Peter 1:16). For "Without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). Living in holiness is possible by the power of the Holy Spirit. A Christian is sanctified as he identifies with Christ, and accepts in faith His sacrifical death and victorious resurrection. Sanctification is a daily acknowledgment of our union with God through His Son Jesus. As this identification occurs, it is only natural for the Christian to offer every portion of his life to the leading of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:1-11,13; 8:1,2,13; Galatians 2:20). What we believe about the Church We believe that the Church began on the day of Pentecost, that every believer is indwelt/baptized by the Holy Spirit into the one Body of Christ, and that the Body of Christ is the universal Church (Acts 1:4-5; 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13). The universal Church consists of those people who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as the only remedy for their sins (I Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:13). It includes all Christians and has no boundaries as to age, race, gender, or denomination. We believe that the Scriptures teach that there are to be local churches as well. These churches are to be visible representations of the Body of Christ in the local community, observing the ordinances of Christ and teaching the Word of God (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 20:28). We believe that Christ is the Head of the Church, that He has made every provision for the fulfillment of "the Church's" Great Commission (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15), and that each Christian is an integral part of that Church. We believe that God's purpose concerning mankind is to seek and to save people who are lost in sin (Luke 19:10), to be worshipped by all mankind (Revelation 19:10, 22:9), and to build a unified body of believers mature in faith and knowledge like His Son -- Jesus (Ephesians 4:12). Therefore the three main reasons for being a part of the Church is
What we believe about the Ministry We believe that involvement in ministry in response to a divine call is scriptually ordained in the Bible. It is a provision for our Lord for the threefold purpose of leading the Church in
We believe that divine healing from God is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided in the Atonement (Christ's suffering and death for our reconciliation with God). We believe that healing is a privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16) What we believe about the Rapture We believe that all Christians who have died will one day rise from their graves and will meet the Lord in the air. "True" Christians who have not yet died will be raptured or caught up with them, to be with the Lord. Then Christians of all ages will live with God forever. The scriptural truth of the Lord's soon return is "the blessed hope" (Romans 8:23; I Corinthians 15:51-52; I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Titus 2:13). What we believe about the Millenium We believe that the Second Coming of Christ is the visible return of Christ and His saints to reign on the earth for 1000 years (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27,30; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-14, 20:1-6). This millennial (1,000 year) reign will bring the salvation of Israel as a nation (Ezekiel 37:21-22; Zephaniah 3:19-20; Romans 11:26-27) and the establishment of universal peace (Psalm 72:3-8; Isaiah 11:6-9; Micah 4:3-4). What we believe about the Final Judgment We believe that there will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead (those who have died without accepting Christ's salvation) will be raised and judged according to the way they lived. Anyone whose name is not found written in the Book of Life (the recorded list of people who received Christ's forgiveness), together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be sent to everlasting punishment in the lake (Gehenna) that burns with fire and brimstone (sulphur), which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15, 21:8). New Heavens and New Earth We believe that "According to God's promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth where righteousness will dwell and reign forever" (II Peter 3:13; Revelation 21, 22). |
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