{"id":247,"date":"2013-02-09T22:47:02","date_gmt":"2013-02-10T04:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/craytonclan.com\/?p=247"},"modified":"2013-02-13T00:58:12","modified_gmt":"2013-02-13T06:58:12","slug":"what-we-believe-long-version","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/craytonclan.com\/?p=247","title":{"rendered":"What We Believe (w\/ Scriptures)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Scriptures<\/strong><\/p>\n

We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally and completely inspired Word of God. We hold the Bible to be inerrant in the original writings, infallible, God-breathed, and the complete and final authority for faith and practice.<\/p>\n

\n

Matt 5:18<\/strong>\u00a0 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.<\/span><\/p>\n

2Tim 3:16<\/strong>\u00a0 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17\u00a0<\/strong> so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a02Pet 1:20<\/strong>\u00a0 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. \u00a021\u00a0<\/strong> For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The Godhead<\/strong><\/p>\n

We believe in one God, Creator of all,<\/p>\n

\n

Gen 1:1<\/strong>\u00a0 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a01Cor 8:6<\/strong>\u00a0 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Col 1:16<\/strong>\u00a0 For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

eternally existing and revealed in three distinct persons \u2013 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,<\/p>\n

\n

2Cor 13:14<\/strong>\u00a0 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

yet one in being, essence, power, and glory, having the same attributes and perfections.<\/p>\n

\n

John 10:30<\/strong>\u00a0 I and the Father are one.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The Person and Work of Christ<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is very God, the express image of the Father, who, without ceasing to be God, became man in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \n

    Matt 1:21\u00a0<\/strong> She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save his people from their sins.”<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u00a0John 1:18<\/strong>\u00a0 No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u00a0Col 1:15<\/strong>\u00a0 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      \n
    1. We believe that God the Son became incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ; that He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and was born of the virgin Mary; that He is truly God and truly man; that He lived a perfect, sinless life; that all his teachings and utterances are true.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n

      Isa 7:14\u00a0 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \u00a0Matt 1:23<\/strong>\u00a0 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” — which means, “God with us.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        \n
      1. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for all mankind<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        \n

        1John 2:2<\/strong>\u00a0 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice.<\/p>\n

        \n

        Isa 53:5<\/strong>\u00a0 But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by his wounds we are healed. \u00a06<\/strong>\u00a0 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        We hold that through his death and shed blood, all who believe are justified;<\/p>\n

        \n

        John 1:12<\/strong>\u00a0 Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God\u2014<\/span><\/p>\n

        \u00a0Acts 16:31<\/strong>\u00a0 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved\u2014you and your household.”<\/span><\/p>\n

        \u00a0Rom 5:9<\/strong>\u00a0 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him!<\/span><\/p>\n

        \u00a0Eph 1:7<\/strong>\u00a0 In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        and that it is attested by his literal, physical resurrection from the dead.<\/p>\n

        \n

        Matt 28:6<\/strong>\u00a0 He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.<\/span><\/p>\n

        \u00a01Pet 1:3<\/strong>\u00a0 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

          \n
        1. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven in his glorified body<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
          \n

          Acts 1:9<\/strong>\u00a0 After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

          and is now seated at the right hand of God as our High Priest and Advocate.<\/p>\n

          \n

          Rom 8:34<\/strong>\u00a0 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died\u2014more than that, who was raised to life\u2014is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.<\/span><\/p>\n

          \u00a0Heb 7:25<\/strong>\u00a0 Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

            \n
          1. We believe that as the Holy Spirit distributes gifts to believers, the Lord Jesus Christ determines the path in his service by which the believer is to utilize those gifts.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
            \n

            Eph 4:7<\/strong>\u00a0 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. \u00a08\u00a0<\/strong> This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” \u00a09\u00a0<\/strong> (What does “He ascended” mean except that He also descended to the lower, earthly regions? \u00a010\u00a0<\/strong> He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)<\/span><\/p>\n

            Eph 4:11<\/strong>\u00a0 It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12\u00a0<\/strong> to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13\u00a0<\/strong> until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

            The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            1. We believe in the deity and the personality of the Holy Spirit.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
              \n

              Acts 5:3<\/strong>\u00a0 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? \u00a04\u00a0<\/strong> Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                \n
              1. We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                \n

                John 16:7<\/strong>\u00a0 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.\u00a0 8\u00a0<\/strong> When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:\u00a0 9\u00a0<\/strong> in regard to sin, because men do not believe in Me; 10\u00a0<\/strong> in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see Me no longer; 11\u00a0<\/strong> and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                He regenerates sinners<\/p>\n

                \n

                Titus 3:5<\/strong>\u00a0 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                and indwells believers.<\/p>\n

                \n

                Rom 8:9<\/strong>\u00a0 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                He is the agent by whom Christ baptizes all believers into his body.<\/p>\n

                \n

                1Cor 12:12<\/strong>\u00a0 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. \u00a013\u00a0<\/strong> For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body\u2014whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free\u2014and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                He is the seal by whom the Father seals believers unto the day of redemption.<\/p>\n

                \n

                Eph 1:13<\/strong>\u00a0 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14\u00a0<\/strong> who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession\u2014to the praise of his glory.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                He is the Divine Teacher who illumines believers\u2019 hearts and minds as they study the Holy Scriptures.<\/p>\n

                \n

                1Cor 2:9<\/strong>\u00a0 However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”\u2014 10\u00a0<\/strong> but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. \u00a011\u00a0<\/strong> For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. \u00a012\u00a0<\/strong> We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                  \n
                1. We believe it is the duty and privilege of all the saved to be filled with the Holy Spirit.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                  \n

                  Acts 4:31<\/strong>\u00a0 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                  This filling is commanded.<\/p>\n

                  \n

                  Eph 5:18<\/strong>\u00a0 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                  To be filled one must release his will to the Spirit\u2019s control<\/p>\n

                  \n

                  Rom 8:14<\/strong>\u00a0 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                  and live in submission to it.<\/p>\n

                  \n

                  Gal 5:16<\/strong>\u00a0 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                  The results of filling are victory over sin, Christlike character, worship, submissiveness, and service.<\/p>\n

                  \n

                  Gal 5:22<\/strong>\u00a0 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23\u00a0<\/strong> gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                    \n
                  1. We believe that the Holy Spirit gives gifts to each member of the body of Christ, and that it is He whom determines the allocation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                    \n

                    1Cor 12:7<\/strong>\u00a0 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. \u00a08\u00a0<\/strong> To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9\u00a0<\/strong> to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10\u00a0<\/strong> to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. \u00a011\u00a0<\/strong> All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He gives them to each one, just as He determines.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                    Each believer is to exercise his spiritual gift(s) for the common good to the building up of the body of Christ.<\/p>\n

                    \n

                    Eph 4:1<\/strong>\u00a0 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. \u00a02\u00a0<\/strong> Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. \u00a03\u00a0<\/strong> Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.<\/span><\/p>\n

                    Eph 4:4<\/strong>\u00a0 There is one body and one Spirit\u2014just as you were called to one hope when you were called\u20145\u00a0<\/strong> one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6\u00a0<\/strong> one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. \u00a07\u00a0<\/strong> But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. \u00a08\u00a0<\/strong> This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” 9\u00a0<\/strong> (What does “He ascended” mean except that He also descended to the lower, earthly regions? \u00a010\u00a0<\/strong> He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)<\/span><\/p>\n

                    Eph 4:11<\/strong>\u00a0 It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,\u00a0 12\u00a0<\/strong> to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                    Angels, Good and Evil<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. We believe in the reality and personality of angels. We believe that God created an innumerable company of these spiritual beings who were to be his messengers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                      \n

                      Neh 9:6\u00a0<\/strong> You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship You.<\/span><\/p>\n

                      \u00a0Psa 148:2<\/strong>\u00a0 Praise Him, all his angels, praise Him, all his heavenly hosts.<\/span><\/p>\n

                      \u00a0Matt 24:31<\/strong>\u00a0 And He will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.<\/span><\/p>\n

                      \u00a0Luke 1:19<\/strong>\u00a0 The angel answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.<\/span><\/p>\n

                      \u00a0Heb 1:14<\/strong>\u00a0 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n
                      1. We believe in the personality of Satan. He is a fallen angel who led a great company of angels into rebellion against God.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                        \n

                        Isa 14:12<\/strong>\u00a0 How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!<\/span><\/p>\n

                        Isa 14:13<\/strong>\u00a0 You said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. \u00a014\u00a0<\/strong> I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”<\/span><\/p>\n

                        Isa 14:15<\/strong>\u00a0 But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit. \u00a016\u00a0<\/strong> Those who see you stare at you, they ponder your fate: “Is this the man who shook the earth and made kingdoms tremble, 17\u00a0<\/strong> the man who made the world a desert, who overthrew its cities and would not let his captives go home?”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        He is the great enemy of God and man, and his angels are his agents in the prosecution of his unholy purposes. He shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire.<\/p>\n

                        \n

                        Matt 25:41<\/strong>\u00a0 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.<\/span><\/p>\n

                        \u00a0Rev 20:10<\/strong>\u00a0 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        Man<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        We believe that man came into being by direct creation of God and that man is made in the image and likeness of God.<\/p>\n

                        \n

                        Gen 1:26<\/strong>\u00a0 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, in Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” \u00a027\u00a0<\/strong> So God created man in his own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.<\/span><\/p>\n

                        Gen 2:7<\/strong>\u00a0 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        Sin<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        We believe that the human race sinned in Adam,<\/p>\n

                        \n

                        Rom 5:12<\/strong>\u00a0 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned\u2014<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        that sin is universal in man,<\/p>\n

                        \n

                        Rom 3:23<\/strong>\u00a0 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        and that it is exceedingly heinous to God.<\/p>\n

                        \n

                        Psa 5:5<\/strong>\u00a0 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; You hate all who do wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        We believe that man inherited a sinful nature,<\/p>\n

                        \n

                        Psa<\/strong> 51:5\u00a0 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        that he became alienated from God,<\/p>\n

                        \n

                        Col 1:21<\/strong>\u00a0 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        that he became totally depraved, and that of himself, he is utterly unable to remedy his lost estate.<\/p>\n

                        \n

                        Eph 2:1<\/strong>\u00a0 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2\u00a0<\/strong> in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.<\/span><\/p>\n

                        Eph 2:3\u00a0<\/strong> All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.<\/span><\/p>\n

                        Eph 2:12<\/strong>\u00a0 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        We believe that all men are guilty and in a lost condition apart from Christ.<\/p>\n

                        \n

                        Rom 3:10<\/strong>\u00a0 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11\u00a0<\/strong> there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.<\/span><\/p>\n

                        Rom 3:12<\/strong>\u00a0 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” \u00a013\u00a0<\/strong> “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The poison of vipers is on their lips.” \u00a014\u00a0<\/strong> “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” \u00a015\u00a0<\/strong> “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16\u00a0<\/strong> ruin and misery mark their ways, 17\u00a0<\/strong> and the way of peace they do not know.” \u00a018\u00a0<\/strong> “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                        Salvation<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        1. We believe that salvation is a gift of God\u2019s grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                          \n

                          Eph 2:8<\/strong>\u00a0 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith\u2014and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God\u20149\u00a0<\/strong> not by works, so that no one can boast.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                          Christ shed his blood to accomplish justification through faith, propitiation to God, redemption from sin, and reconciliation of man. \u201cChrist died for us\u201d<\/p>\n

                          \n

                          Rom 5:8<\/strong>\u00a0 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. \u00a09\u00a0<\/strong> Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                          and \u201cbore our sins in His own body on the tree\u201d.<\/p>\n

                          \n

                          1Pet 2:24<\/strong>\u00a0 He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                            \n
                          1. We believe that all the redeemed, once saved, are kept by God\u2019s power and are secure in Christ forever.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                            \n

                            John 6:37<\/strong>\u00a0 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.\u00a0 38\u00a0<\/strong> For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me.\u00a0 39\u00a0<\/strong> And this is the will of Him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that He has given me, but raise them up at the last day.\u00a0 40\u00a0<\/strong> For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise Him up at the last day.<\/span><\/p>\n

                            John 10:27<\/strong>\u00a0 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow Me.\u00a0 28\u00a0<\/strong> I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.\u00a0 29\u00a0<\/strong> My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

                            John 10:30<\/strong>\u00a0 I and the Father are one.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                              \n
                            1. We believe that it is the privilege of all who are born again to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God\u2019s Word.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                              \n

                              Rom 8:16\u00a0<\/strong> The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.<\/span><\/p>\n

                              \u00a01John 5:13<\/strong>\u00a0 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                              The Church<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                \n
                              1. We believe that the Church, which is the body and bride of Christ, began at Pentecost and includes all born-again persons of this present age.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                \n

                                Acts 2:1\u00a0<\/strong> When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                Acts 2:2<\/strong>\u00a0 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. \u00a03\u00a0<\/strong> They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. \u00a04\u00a0<\/strong> All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                Acts 2:5<\/strong>\u00a0 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. \u00a06\u00a0<\/strong> When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                Acts 2:7<\/strong>\u00a0 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? \u00a08\u00a0<\/strong> Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? \u00a09\u00a0<\/strong> Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10\u00a0<\/strong> Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11\u00a0<\/strong> (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs\u2014we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”<\/span><\/p>\n

                                Acts 2:12<\/strong>\u00a0 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”<\/span><\/p>\n

                                Acts 2:13<\/strong>\u00a0 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”<\/span><\/p>\n

                                Acts 2:14<\/strong>\u00a0 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. \u00a015\u00a0<\/strong> These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! \u00a016\u00a0<\/strong> No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: \u00a017\u00a0<\/strong> ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. \u00a018\u00a0<\/strong> Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. \u00a019\u00a0<\/strong> I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. \u00a020\u00a0<\/strong> The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. \u00a021\u00a0<\/strong> And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’<\/span><\/p>\n

                                Acts 2:22<\/strong>\u00a0 “Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know. \u00a023\u00a0<\/strong> This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. 24\u00a0<\/strong> But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him. 25\u00a0<\/strong> David said about him: ‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26\u00a0<\/strong> Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, 27\u00a0<\/strong> because You will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 28\u00a0<\/strong> You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence.’<\/span><\/p>\n

                                Acts 2:29<\/strong>\u00a0 “Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. \u00a030\u00a0<\/strong> But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. \u00a031\u00a0<\/strong> Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. \u00a032\u00a0<\/strong> God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. \u00a033\u00a0<\/strong> Exalted to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. \u00a034\u00a0<\/strong> For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand 35\u00a0<\/strong> until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”‘<\/span><\/p>\n

                                Acts 2:36<\/strong>\u00a0 \u201cTherefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”<\/span><\/p>\n

                                Acts 2:37<\/strong>\u00a0 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”<\/span><\/p>\n

                                Acts 2:38<\/strong>\u00a0 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39\u00a0<\/strong> The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off\u2014for all whom the Lord our God will call.”<\/span><\/p>\n

                                Acts 2:40\u00a0<\/strong> With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” \u00a041\u00a0<\/strong> Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. \u00a042\u00a0<\/strong> They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                \u00a01Cor 12:12\u00a0<\/strong> The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. \u00a013\u00a0<\/strong> For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body\u2014whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free\u2014and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. \u00a014\u00a0<\/strong> Now the body is not made up of one part but of many.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                \u00a0Eph 1:22<\/strong>\u00a0 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, 23\u00a0<\/strong> which is his body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n
                                1. We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                  \n

                                  Acts 14:27<\/strong>\u00a0 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                  \u00a01Tim 3:1<\/strong>\u00a0 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. \u00a02\u00a0<\/strong> Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3\u00a0<\/strong> not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. \u00a04\u00a0<\/strong> He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. \u00a05\u00a0<\/strong> (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) \u00a06\u00a0<\/strong> He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. \u00a07\u00a0<\/strong> He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                  1Tim 3:8<\/strong>\u00a0 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. \u00a09\u00a0<\/strong> They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. \u00a010\u00a0<\/strong> They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. \u00a011\u00a0<\/strong> In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. \u00a012\u00a0<\/strong> A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                  1Tim 3:13\u00a0<\/strong> Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                  \u00a0Titus 1:5<\/strong>\u00a0 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. \u00a06\u00a0<\/strong> An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                  Titus 1:7<\/strong>\u00a0 Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless\u2014not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. \u00a08\u00a0<\/strong> Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. \u00a09\u00a0<\/strong> He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                    \n
                                  1. We believe in the ordinances of believer\u2019s water baptism as a testimony and the Lord\u2019s Supper as a remembrance in this age of Christ\u2019s death for the Church.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                    \n

                                    Matt 28:19<\/strong>\u00a0 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20\u00a0<\/strong> and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”<\/span><\/p>\n

                                    \u00a0Acts 2:41<\/strong>\u00a0 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. \u00a042\u00a0<\/strong> They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                    \u00a01Cor 11:23<\/strong>\u00a0 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, 24\u00a0<\/strong> and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”<\/span><\/p>\n

                                    1Cor 11:25<\/strong>\u00a0 In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”<\/span><\/p>\n

                                    1Cor 11:26<\/strong>\u00a0 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                      \n
                                    1. We believe that the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord, and that separation from religious apostasy, sinful pleasures, practices, and associations is commanded by God.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                      \n

                                      Rom 12:1<\/strong>\u00a0 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God\u2014this is your spiritual act of worship. \u00a02\u00a0<\/strong> Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is\u2014his good, pleasing and perfect will.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                      \u00a02Cor 6:14<\/strong>\u00a0 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? \u00a015\u00a0<\/strong> What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? \u00a016\u00a0<\/strong> What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”<\/span><\/p>\n

                                      2Cor 6:17<\/strong>\u00a0 “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

                                      \u00a01John 2:15<\/strong>\u00a0 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. \u00a016\u00a0<\/strong> For everything in the world\u2014the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does\u2014comes not from the Father but from the world. \u00a017\u00a0<\/strong> The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                      \u00a02John 1:9<\/strong>\u00a0 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. \u00a010\u00a0<\/strong> If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. \u00a011\u00a0<\/strong> Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                        \n
                                      1. We believe in the Great Commission as the primary mission of the Church. It is the obligation of the saved to witness, by word and life, to the truths of Holy Scripture. The gospel of the grace of God is to be preached to all the world.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                        \n

                                        Matt 28:19<\/strong>\u00a0 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20\u00a0<\/strong> and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”<\/span><\/p>\n

                                        \u00a0Acts 1:8<\/strong>\u00a0 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                        Things to Come<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        1. We believe in that \u201cblessed hope\u201d,<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                          \n

                                          Titus 2:13<\/strong>\u00a0 while we wait for the blessed hope\u2014the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                          the personal, imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to rapture his saints and receive his Church unto Himself.<\/p>\n

                                          \n

                                          Mat 24:42<\/strong>\u00a0 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.\u00a0 43\u00a0<\/strong> But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.\u00a0 44\u00a0<\/strong> So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                          \u00a01Cor 15:51<\/strong>\u00a0 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed\u201452\u00a0<\/strong> in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                          \u00a0Philip 3:20<\/strong>\u00a0 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,<\/span><\/p>\n

                                          \u00a01Thess 4:16<\/strong>\u00a0 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17\u00a0<\/strong> After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                            \n
                                          1. We believe in the subsequent, visible return of Christ to the earth with his saints.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                            \n

                                            Matt 24:29<\/strong>\u00a0 “Immediately after the distress of those days “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’<\/span><\/p>\n

                                            Matt 24:30<\/strong>\u00a0 “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.\u00a0 31\u00a0<\/strong> And He will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                              \n
                                            1. We believe in the physical resurrection of all men, the saints to everlasting joy and bliss, the wicked to conscious and eternal torment.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                              \n

                                              Matt 25:46<\/strong>\u00a0 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”<\/span><\/p>\n

                                              \u00a0John 5:28<\/strong>\u00a0 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29\u00a0<\/strong> and come out\u2014those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                              \u00a0Rev 20:5<\/strong>\u00a0 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. \u00a06\u00a0<\/strong> Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                              \u00a0Rev 20:12<\/strong>\u00a0 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. \u00a013\u00a0<\/strong> The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                                \n
                                              1. We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                \n

                                                2Cor 5:8<\/strong>\u00a0 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                \u00a0Philip 1:23<\/strong>\u00a0 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                \u00a0Philip 3:21<\/strong>\u00a0 who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                \u00a01Thess 4:16<\/strong>\u00a0 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. \u00a017\u00a0<\/strong> After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                                  \n
                                                1. We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious misery until the second resurrection when, with soul and body reunited, they shall appear at the Great White Throne judgment and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting separation from God.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                                  \n

                                                  2Thess 1:8<\/strong>\u00a0 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9\u00a0<\/strong> They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                  \u00a0Rev 20:11<\/strong>\u00a0 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. \u00a012\u00a0<\/strong> And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                  Rev 20:13<\/strong>\u00a0 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. \u00a014\u00a0<\/strong> Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. \u00a015\u00a0<\/strong> If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                                                   <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                  The Scriptures We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the verbally and completely inspired Word of God. We hold the Bible to be inerrant in the original writings, infallible, God-breathed, and the complete and … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-247","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-about"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/craytonclan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/craytonclan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/craytonclan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/craytonclan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/craytonclan.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=247"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"http:\/\/craytonclan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":258,"href":"http:\/\/craytonclan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247\/revisions\/258"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/craytonclan.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=247"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/craytonclan.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=247"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/craytonclan.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=247"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}