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FIRST CHURCH OF GOD WHAT WE BELIEVE: While we feel that there is much truth
in many early church creeds, we reject any creed as being equal with God's
Word. The Bible is our guide and rule for both the government and
practices of the church
families. WE BELIEVE The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired word of God, the complete revelation of His will, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life. WE BELIEVE In one God: creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. WE BELIEVE That Jesus is truly God and truly man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where He sits at the right hand of God, the Father, from which He shall return personally and visibly a second time in power and glory. WE BELIEVE That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, convict and regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct and empower the believer for Godly living and service. WE BELIEVE That man was created in the likeness of God, but fell into sin. The only ground for justification and salvation is faith in the finished work of Christ, (His death and resurrection), which is accomplished through regeneration by the Holy Spirit. WE BELIEVE That the true Church is composed of all persons regardless of denomination who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the Body of Christ, of which He is the head. WE BELIEVE That Jesus Christ is the Lord and head of the Church and that every local church should, under Christ, decide and govern its own affairs. WE BELIEVE In the resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting life with the Lord, of the unbeliever to everlasting separation from the Lord. THE MEANING OF MEMBERSHIP: One of the distinctive
marks of the First Church of God is that we do not require a formal
ceremony of joining the church. The church seeks to emphasize the concept
that only by personal faith in Jesus Christ does one become a member of
His body, the church. All those who are born into Christ by faith are
members of the universal Church of and are welcome on those terms into our
fellowship. COMMUNION: All who have trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior may partake of the Lord's Supper. There are no other restrictions. "For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show forth the Lord's death till He comes."(1 Corinthians 10:16)"Our attitude when partaking of the Lord's Supper should be one of deep humility and reverence. This occasion is to be used as a time of self1examination, personal confession, and communion with the Lord. We do not approach this personal encounter with God routinely or lightly. SERVANTHOOD: Jesus lived out the life of a servant. Through He was God in flesh, He never used this position of power selfishly. He taught us the power of humility. One of the means He used to teach the mandate of servanthood was in His washing the disciples feet after the Last Supper in the Upper Room. Read John 13:1-20. He explained what He had done, and said "If I your Lord and Master have washed your feet you ought to wash one another's feet. We celebrate this ordinance once each year on Maundy Thursday. It is done in good taste, and is a source of real spiritual blessing. MUSIC AND WORSHIP: Music is the heart of our celebration of worship. The ministry of music is a vehicle by which those who have God-given talents can use them as an expression of their faith in a variety of ways. Somewhere in the Music Ministry there may be a place for you! The sanctuary choir is open to adults, sixteen years and up. If you are interested please contact the Choir Director by calling the church 875-0582. Rehearsals are Sunday Evenings before service. BAPTISM: We follow the scriptural pattern of baptism by immersion. Baptism is an important ordinance of obedience. Jesus initiated it in His own baptism, and He commanded it in His teaching. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus told His disciples to baptize new believers "in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit." The First Century Church practiced baptism for believers. In Acts 2:41, "they that gladly received the word were baptized." What does baptism mean? It is an outward symbol of God's inward cleansing from sin and the giving of eternal life. "You are buried with Him in baptism, and risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God who has raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12) We are saved by faith. Baptism is an act of obedience and memorial which gives a clear testimony to our salvation. STEWARDSHIP: Stewardship means the proportionate giving of time, talent, and money to the Lord's work. Such giving is done in proportion to our ability and is for our own benefit. God already owns everything. Blessings follow those who recognize that, and give liberally to God. The Bible clearly teaches the tithe as God's rightful share of what we have. Ten percent of our time, talent, and treasure belongs to God. The tithe of our money is to be given to the local church, who is then responsible for distributing these gifts to meet both local and world outreach needs. First Church of God people give in other ways. We give through our wills. Our final statement about our love for God is made in our wills. Some give real estate or appreciated stocks. Others give annuities or through trust funds. These methods offer both tax benefits and spiritual blessings. The principle is clear. Godly, generous giving is the road to blessing. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: ADULT EDUCATION- The adult education department is based upon the belief that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and is therefore the Christian's source of guidance through life as well as the means by which fellowship with Christ is maintained. Therefore all classes build their studies upon the Bible. A comprehensive educational program is planned for each Sunday morning. A variety of adult classes meet weekly and the classes vary according to age and subject matter. Classes are open to both men and women. YOUTH EDUCATION: The youth ministry is an exciting program that gives youth an opportunity to grow in the knowledge of God. We have leaders who are understanding and caring people. The leaders plan an promote the many activities. Some of these are; State Youth Convention, National Youth Convention, area youth meeting as well as many local activities. The youth meet on Wednesday evenings. This meeting is for ages starting at thirteen (13). We also have Sunday School classes on Sunday morning. CHILDREN'S EDUCATION: The children's ministries provide each child with a well balanced program designed to promote spiritual understanding, growth, and maturity. Each is centered on Jesus Christ, and taught by committed workers filled with the love of God.
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