GOD's WORD, the Holy Bible, is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice.

The following statement of our FUNDAMENTAL TENETS OF FAITH forms the basis of fellowship among believers at Living WORD Church.  No claim is made that the statement comprehensively covers all Biblical truth.  Rather, it is a condensed representation of basic Scriptural Truths regarded as crucially important to the Pentecostal Church.  Such an establishment of non-negotiable doctrinal truth is essential, in our consideration, for the following reasons:

           It provides the GOD-ordained means whereby Christians can properly grow and develop spiritually. 

1 Timothy 4:6;  2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 2:2
 

           It equips the New Testament Minister with the superior resources essential to a full-gospel ministry. 

1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9
 

           It promotes unity of purpose and harmony of spirit among the local Church.   Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 1:10
 

           It ensures the continued divine approbation of GOD’s mighty Hand and the anointing of the HOLY SPIRIT upon us.   1 John 2:27; 2 John 1:9;  John 16:13
 

           It preserves the integrity of LWC’s testimony among our peers and before the world.   Philippians 2:15-16; Titus 2:7
 

           It safeguards against spurious teachings which spawn error and heresy resulting, inevitably, in wide-ranging confusion and even ruinous destruction.   1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:2-4
 

           It honors our spiritual heritage and the revered patriarchs who expended appreciable sacrifice as they devotedly contended for the “faith once for all delivered unto the saints.”  Titus 1:9; Jude 3; Proverbs 22:28


 

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1. THE SCRIPTURES INSPIRED

The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are entirely, verbally inspired of GOD and are the revelation of GOD to man, the infallible, inerrant, authoritative rule of faith and conduct.  2 Timothy 3:15-17;  1 Thessalonians 2:13;  2 Peter 1:21

 

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2. THE ONE TRUE GOD

The one true GOD has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent "I AM," the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind.  He has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as FATHER, SON, and HOLY GHOST (The names HOLY GHOST and HOLY SPIRIT, in reference to the same third Person of the Godhead, are synonymous thus interchangeable.).  Deuteronomy 6:4;  Isaiah 43:10,11;  Matthew 28:19;  Luke 3:22

 

THE ADORABLE GODHEAD

 

(a) Terms Defined

The terms “Trinity” and “Persons,” as related to the Godhead, while not found explicitly in the Scriptures, are plainly words which are in perfect harmony with Scripture, whereby we may convey to others our understanding of this vital doctrine respecting GOD, without the least implication of polytheism.  Therefore, when we refer to the LORD our GOD, Who is One LORD, as the “Trinity” (three in one) or as “One GOD in three Persons,” such references are Scripturally sound.  Matthew 28:19;  2 Corinthians 13:14;  John 14:16, 17

 

(b) Distinction and Relationship in the Godhead

CHRIST taught a distinction of Persons in the Godhead which He expressed in specific terms of relationship, as FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT.  Exactly how this distinction and relationship functions is a mystery, though it is an immutable, eternal truth.  To the human mind it remains unexplained simply because it is unexplainable.  It is a truth to be received by heart faith rather than comprehended by head knowledge.  Luke 1:35;  1 Corinthians 1:24;  Matthew 11:25-27; 28:19;  2 Corinthians 13:14;  1 John 1:3,4

 

(c) Unity of the One Being of FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT

Accordingly, therefore, there is that in the FATHER which constitutes Him the FATHER and not either the SON or the HOLY SPIRIT; there is that in the SON which constitutes Him the SON and not either the FATHER or the HOLY SPIRIT; and there is that in the HOLY SPIRIT which constitutes Him the HOLY SPIRIT and not either the FATHER or the SON. 
 

Wherefore, the FATHER is the Begetter; the SON is the Begotten; and the HOLY SPIRIT is the One proceeding from (acting in the mutual interest of) the FATHER and the SON.  Because these three Persons in the Godhead are in an eternal state of unity, there is, indeed, but one LORD GOD Almighty and His Name one.  John 1:18; 15:26; 17:11,21; Zechariah 14:9

 

(d) Identity and Cooperation in the Godhead

The FATHER, the SON, and the HOLY SPIRIT are never identical as to person; nor confused as to relation; nor divided in respect to the Godhead; nor opposed as to cooperation.  The SON is in the FATHER and the FATHER is in the SON as to relationship.  The SON is with the FATHER and the FATHER is with the SON, as to fellowship.  The FATHER is not from the SON, but the SON is from the FATHER, as to authority.  The HOLY SPIRIT is from the FATHER and the SON, proceeding (always acting in mutual interest with them) as to nature, relationship, cooperation, and authority.  Hence, no person in the Godhead either exists or works separately or independently of the others.  John 5:17-30, 32, 37; 8:17,18

 

(e) The Name, LORD JESUS CHRIST

The name, LORD JESUS CHRIST,  is, indeed, a proper name.  It is never applied in the New Testament either to the FATHER or to the HOLY SPIRIT.  It therefore belongs exclusively to the SON of GOD.  Romans 1:1-3, 7;  2 John 3

 

(f) The LORD JESUS CHRIST, GOD With Us

The LORD JESUS CHRIST, as to His divine and eternal nature, is the proper and only BEGOTTEN of the FATHER, but as to His human nature, He is the proper SON of MAN.  He is, therefore, acknowledged to be both very GOD and very MAN; who because He is GOD and MAN, is "IMMANUEL,"  which Name means:  “GOD with us.”  Matthew 1:23;  1 John 4:2, 10, 14;  Revelation 1:13, 17

 

(g) The Title, SON of GOD

Since the name IMMANUEL embraces both the nature of GOD and the nature of MAN, in the one Person, our LORD JESUS CHRIST, it follows that the title SON of GOD describes His proper deity, and the title SON of MAN, His proper humanity.  Therefore, the title SON of GOD belongs to the order of eternity, and the title SON of MAN to the order of time.  Matthew 1:21-23;  2 John 3;  1 John 3:8;  Hebrews 7:3; 1:1-13

 

(h) Transgression of the Doctrine of CHRIST

Wherefore, it is a transgression of the doctrine of CHRIST to say that JESUS CHRIST derived the title SON of GOD solely from the fact of the Incarnation, or because of His relation to the economy of redemption.  Therefore, to deny that the FATHER is a real and eternal FATHER, and that the SON is a real and eternal SON, is a denial of the distinction and relationship in the Being of GOD; a denial of the FATHER and the SON; as well as a violation of the truth that JESUS CHRIST, the eternal SON, is come in the flesh.  2 John 9;  John 1:1, 2, 14, 18, 29, 49;  1 John 2:22, 23; 4:1-5;  Hebrews 12:2

 

(i) Exaltation of JESUS CHRIST as LORD

The SON of GOD, our LORD JESUS CHRIST, having by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the MAJESTY on High, angels and principalities and powers having been made subject unto Him.  And having been made both LORD and CHRIST, He sent the HOLY SPIRIT that we as believers might reverentially acknowledge the authority of the Name of JESUS, bowing our knees, indeed our lives before Him,  confessing that JESUS CHRIST is LORD to the glory of GOD the FATHER until ultimately, at the end of the age, the SON shall become subject to the FATHER that GOD may be all in all.  Hebrews 1:3;  1 Peter 3:22;  Acts 2:32-36;  Romans 14:11;  1 Corinthians 15:24-28
 

(j) Equal Honor to the FATHER and to the SON

Wherefore, since the FATHER has delivered all judgment unto the SON, it is not only the express duty of all in heaven and on earth to bow the knee, but it is an unspeakable joy in the HOLY SPIRIT to ascribe unto the SON all the attributes of deity, and to give Him all the honor and the glory contained in all the names and titles of the Godhead except those which clearly express relationship (see paragraphs b, c, and d), and thus honor the SON even as we honor the FATHER.  John 5:22,23;  1 Peter 1:8;  Revelations 5:6-14;  Philippians 2:8,9;  Revelations 7:9,10; 4:8-11

 

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3. THE DEITY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST  

The LORD JESUS CHRIST is the eternal SON of GOD.  The scriptures declare:

 

a. His virgin birth.  Matthew 1:23;  Luke 1:31,35

 

b. His sinless life.  Hebrews 7:26;  1 Peter 2:22

 

c. His miracles.  Acts 2:22; 10:38

 

d. His substitutionary work on the cross.  1 Corinthians 15:3;  2 Corinthians 5:21

 

e. His bodily resurrection from the dead.  Matthew 28:6;  Luke 24:39;  1 Corinthians 15:4

 

f. His exaltation to the right hand of GOD.  Acts 1:9, 11; 2:33;  Philippians 2:9-11;  Hebrews 1:3

 

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4. THE FALL OF  MAN

 

Man was created good and upright; for GOD said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."  However, man by voluntary transgression fell 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

 

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5. THE SALVATION OF MAN

 

Man's only hope of redemption is through the Almighty shed Blood of JESUS CHRIST the SON of GOD.

 

(a) Conditions to Salvation

Salvation is received through repentance toward GOD and faith in LORD JESUS CHRIST alone.  By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the HOLY SPIRIT, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes a born again child and heir of GOD,  according to the hope of eternal life.  Luke 24:47;  John 3:3;  Romans 10:13-15;  Ephesians 2:8;  Titus 2:11; 3:5-7

 

(b) Evidences of Salvation

The inward evidence of salvation experienced by the believer is the direct witness of the SPIRIT of GOD with the believer's own spirit. Romans 8:16    The outward evidence of salvation encountered by others  is a life of righteousness and true holiness lived daily and consistently by the believer through the empowerment of the SPIRIT of GOD.  Ephesians 4:24;  Titus 2:12

 

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6. THE ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH

(a) Baptism in Water

The ordinance of baptism in by total immersion in water is commanded in the Scriptures.  All who repent and believe on CHRIST as SAVIOR and LORD are to be baptized.  Thus they declare to the world that they have died with CHRIST and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life.  Matthew 28:19;  Mark 16:16;  Acts 10:47, 48;  Romans 6:4

 

(b) Holy Communion

The LORD's Supper, consisting of two elements – the unleavened bread and the unfermented fruit of the vine – is primarily:  (I.) a memorial of CHRIST's suffering and death on the cross - the breaking of His umblemished Body and the spilling of His sinless Blood.   1 Corinthians 11:26;  (II.) the symbol which portrays our sharing (partaking of) the divine nature of the LORD JESUS CHRIST.  2 Peter 1:4;  (III.) a prophetic proclamation of CHRIST's soon second coming.  1 Corinthians 11:26 

 

The regular, faithful, reverential observance of and participation in this ordinance is required and expected of all believers "till He come!"

 

Being baptized in water and observing Holy Communion should be recognized as mandatory, not optional, by every born again disciple of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. 

 

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7. THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY GHOST

 

All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the FATHER, the baptism in the HOLY GHOST and fire, according to the command of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. 

 

This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church.  With it comes the enduement of power for life and service, as well as bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry. Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31

 

This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth. Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9

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With the baptism in the HOLY GHOST comes 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 consecration to GOD and dedication to His work  Acts 2:42;  and a more active love for CHRIST, for His Word, and for those who are lost and unsaved.  Mark 16:20

 

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8. THE INITIAL PHYSICAL EVIDENCE OF THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY GHOST

 

The baptism of believers in the HOLY SPIRIT is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the SPIRIT of GOD gives them utterance.  Acts 2:4; 10:44-47; 19:1-6

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The "speaking in tongues" in these three instances is the same in essence as the "gift of tongues" referred to in 1 Corinthians 12:4-10, 28 as well as the "praying in tongues" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14:14,15.  

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The Scriptures clearly teach there are different purposes and uses, but always SPEAKING IN UNKNOWN TONGUES is only by the supernatural utterance of the SPIRIT of GOD after a believer has been baptized in the HOLY SPIRIT.

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9. SANCTIFICATION

 

Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto GOD.  Romans 12:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12

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Scriptures teach a life of "holiness without which no man shall see the LORD." Hebrews 12:14     By the power of the HOLY SPIRIT we are able to obey the command: "Be ye holy, for I am holy."  1 Peter 1:15,16

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Sanctification is realized in the believer by:  (I.) faithfully recognizing and confessing our identification with CHRIST in His death and resurrection,  (II.) daily reckoning, by faith, the vital reality of that union,  (III.)  continually surrendering every faculty of our being to the dominion of the HOLY SPIRIT.  Romans 6:1-11,13; 8:1,2,13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12,13; 1 Peter 1:5

 

These prerogatives are based fully and unquestionably upon the finished work of JESUS CHRIST which He superbly accomplished through His atoning death on Calvary’s cross,  powerfully confirmed at His triumphant resurrection, and then began effectively administering upon His exaltation to the Right Hand of the MAJESTY on High. 

 

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10. THE CHURCH AND ITS MISSION

 

The Church is the body of CHRIST, the habitation of GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of the Great Commission. 

 

Each believer, born of the SPIRIT, is an integral part of the general assembly and Church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven.  Ephesians 1:22,23; 2:22; Hebrews 12:23

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Since GOD's purpose concerning man is to seek and to save that which is lost, to be worshiped by man, and to build a body of believers in the image of His SON, the priority reasons-for-being of our local congregation, Living WORD Church, as part of the LORD’s Church in this age, is:

 

a. To be an agency of GOD for evangelizing the world.  Acts 1:8;  Matthew 28:19,20;  Mark 16:15,16

 

b. To be a corporate body in which man may worship GOD.  1 Cor. 12:13

 

c. To be a means for the accomplishment of GOD's purpose in this age.  That urgent purpose in the earth today is to build a Body of Saints who are being perfected in the image of His SON, advancing His cause, fulfilling His will, awaiting His soon coming.     Ephesians 4:11-16;  1 Corinthians 12:28; 14:12; Luke 19:13; Titus 2:12-14

 

Living WORD Church exists expressly to give continuing emphasis to this three-part reason-for-being in the New Testament apostolic pattern by teaching and encouraging believers to be baptized in the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

The BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT ---

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a. Empowers believers to evangelize in the power of the HOLY SPIRIT with accompanying supernatural signs.  Mark 16:15-20; Acts 4:29-31; Hebrews 2:3,4

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b. Adds a necessary and passionate dimension to a worshipful relationship with GOD that grows increasingly deeper and sweeter.  1 Cor. 2:10-16; 1 Cor. 12-14

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c. Enables believers to respond to the various workings and operations of the HOLY SPIRIT which includes the production of CHRIST-like fruit,  the manifestation of spiritual gifts and the effectual service in anointed ministries, even as in New Testament times,  for the edifying of the body of CHRIST.  Galatians 5:22-26; 1 Cor. 14:12; Ephesians 4:11,12; 1 Cor. 12:28; Colossians 1:29

 

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11. THE MINISTRY

 

A divinely called and biblically ordained ministry has been provided by our LORD to lead the Church in the threefold purpose listed above (10. THE CHURCH AND ITS MISSION).  Ephesians 4:11-16

 

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12. DIVINE HEALING

 

Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel.  Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the Atonement, and is the privilege of all believers.   Isaiah 53:4,5;  Matthew 8:16,17;  James 5:14-16

 

 

13. THE BLESSED HOPE

 

The LORD JESUS CHRIST will soon come again in the clouds of glory!  Acts 1:9-11

 

At His glorious appearing the resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in CHRIST will take place. Their spirits and souls will be reunited with their glorified resurrected bodies.  1 Thess, 4:14-15   The bodies of those believers who are alive and remain unto the coming of the LORD will likewise be glorified.  Romans 8:23; Philippians 3:20-21

 

This wonder of glorification will transpire in the "twinkling of an eye."  1 Corinthians 15:51,52     The glorified resurrected Saints of GOD as well as the glorified living Saints will then be "caught up together ... in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD."  1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

 

This apocalyptic event (the "catching away" of GOD's born again, Blood-washed people) is referred to as the "RAPTURE,"  which we believe will occur prior to the commencement of the Great Tribulation and before the Second Coming of CHRIST back to the earth to establish and inaugurate His Millennial Kingdom.

 

The RAPTURE is the IMMINENT HOPE of the true Church of JESUS CHRIST.  The word imminent means, ready to occur at any moment!  

 

Indeed, because it is the 'hope of all hopes' for the Christian, it is distinguished as our BLESSED HOPE which we embrace fondly and fervently while eagerly awaiting our LORD's soon return.   Titus 2:13; 

 

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14. THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST

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The second coming of CHRIST includes the rapture of the saints, which is our Blessed Hope (13. above), followed after at least seven years by the visible, physical, personal, literal, local return of CHRIST with His saints to reign on the earth for a period of one thousand years.   Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27,30; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6

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Th Millennial Reign of the LORD JESUS CHRIST will bring the salvation of national Israel and the establishment of universal peace.  Ezekiel 37:21,22; Zephaniah 3:19,20; Romans 11:26,27; Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalm 72:3-8; Micah 4:3,4

 

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15. THE FINAL JUDGMENT

 

There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works.  Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.  Matthew 25:46;  Mark 9:43-48;  Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8

 

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16. THE NEW HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH

 

"We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."  2 Peter 3:13;  Revelations 21,22