Beliefs
Thank you for taking the time to read through our Statement of Faith. We believe that the most important thing about us is what we believe about God. That is why the following is the lengthiest and most detailed part of the web site. If you have any further questions about what we believe or would like clarification on any certain point, please feel free contact us.
Statement of Faith
The Scriptures
We accept the Bible, including the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament, as the written Word of God. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure. It leads us to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Being given by God, the scriptures are both fully and verbally inspired by God. Therefore, as originally given, the Bible is free of error in all it teaches. Each book is to be interpreted according to its context and purpose and in reverent obedience to the Lord who speaks through it in living power.
All believers are exhorted to study the Scriptures and diligently apply them to their lives. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. Every doctrinal formulation, whether of creed, confession, or theology, must be put to the test of the full counsel of God in Holy Scripture.
(2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Matthew 5:17, 18; John 10:34, 35; 1 Corinthians 14:37; Psalm 1:2; 19:7-11; Acts 17:11; James 1:18-25; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:14-17; Galatians 1:8, 9)
God is Triune
There is one God: infinite, eternal, almighty, and perfect in holiness, truth, and love. In the unity of the godhead there are three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; co-existent, co-equal, co-eternal.
The Father is not the Son and the Son is not the Holy Spirit, yet each is truly Deity. One God and Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the foundation of Christian faith and life.
(Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; 1 Timothy 1:17; 6:15, 16; Daniel 4:34, 35; Isaiah 44:6, 8; 45:5, 21; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:4-6; John 1:1, 14; Acts 5:3, 4; Titus 1:13; Hebrews 1:8-12)
God the Father
God the Father is the Creator of heaven and earth. By his word and for his glory, he freely and supernaturally created the world out of nothing. Through the same Word he daily sustains all his creatures. He rules overall and is the only Sovereign. His plans and purposes cannot be thwarted.
He is faithful to every promise, works all things together for good to those who love him, and in his unfathomable grace he gave His Son Jesus Christ for mankind’s redemption. He made man for fellowship with himself, and intended that all creation should live to the praise of his glory.
(Genesis 1:1-31; Psalm 104:1-35; Hebrews 11:3; Isaiah 40:26; Daniel 4:34, 35; Psalm 115:3; Ephesians 1:11; Romans 4:20, 21; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:17, 18; 10:23; 2 Corinthians 1:20-22; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Romans 8:28; James 1:17;
Genesis 2:8; 1 John 1:2, 3; John 17:3; Revelation 4:10, 11; Isaiah 43:7)
As revealed unto us by the Bible, we believe that there is only one God, who is the Creator of both visible and invisible creatures -Gen. 1:1; Ps. 86:9-10; Is. 43:10-11; John 1:1-3. Only God will be in existence forever. Ez. 3:14; in God every creature receives life -John 5:26.
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, was the eternal Word made flesh, supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. He was perfect in nature, teaching, and obedience. He is fully God and fully man. He was always with God and is God. Through him all things came into being and were created. He was before all things and in him all things hold together by the power of his word. He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation, and in him dwells the fullness of the godhead bodily. He is the only Savior for the sins of the world, having shed his blood and died a substitutionary death on the cross.
By his death in our place, he revealed the divine love and upheld divine justice, removing our guilt and reconciling us to God. Having redeemed us from sin, the third day he rose bodily from the grave, victorious over death and the powers of darkness, and for a period of forty days appeared to over five hundred witnesses, performing many convincing proofs of his resurrection. He ascended into heaven where now, at God’s right hand, he intercedes for His people and rules as Lord over all. He is the Head of His body, the Church, and should be adored, loved, served, and obeyed by all.
(John 1:1, 2, 14-18; Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:34, 35; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26; Hebrews 1:2, 3, 8-12; Colossians 1:15-19; 2:9; 1 John 2:2; 4:14; John 3:16; Isaiah 53:3-6; Matthew 20:28; 1 Peter 4:18; Romans 3:23-26; Hebrews 7:26, 27; 10:5-12; Matthew 28:1-6; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-29; Acts 1:3, 8-11; 2 Timothy 2:8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Hebrews 2:14, 15; Revelation 1:17, 18; Romans 5:6-11; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:23-25; Ephesians 1:19-23; Colossians 1:15-20; Revelation 5:1-14; 1 Corinthians 1:22; John 14:21, 23, 24)
The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is the third Person in the TRINITY. He has the same power, the same glory with God the Father and God the Son – John 14:16-17; John 15:26; Matt. 3:16; Acts 13:24. He is one with Father and the Son who is to be worshiped and served. The Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Through the proclamation of the gospel, he persuades men to repent of their sins and confess Jesus as Lord. By the same Spirit a person is led to trust in divine mercy. The Holy Spirit unites believers to Jesus Christ in faith, brings about the new birth, and dwells within the regenerate.
The Holy Spirit has come to glorify the Son who in turn came to glorify the Father. He will lead the Church into a right understanding and rich application of the truth of God’s Word. He is to be respected, honored, and worshiped as God the third person of the Trinity.
(Genesis 1:2; Romans 1:3; 8:2, 6; John 16:7-11; 1 Corinthians 2:8-13; 12:3; Ephesians 3:16-19; John 3:508; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:2; John 16:13-15; 14:17, 25, 26; Acts 5:3, 4; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 28:19; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 1:13, 14).
ABOUT TRINITY
The egg is comprised of three parts: The yellow yolk, the whitish part, and the shell. Despite these three (3) substances, the egg is not three but one. Likewise, we believe that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost are one God, but made of three persons – hence they are ONE IN TRINITY – Gen. 1:16-29; Matt. 3:16-17; Matt. 18:19.
ABOUT THE DEVIL
We believe that there is a devil, who seeks the down fall of every man. He brought sickness, sin and death into the world. Gen. 3:1-16. He seeks the destruction of those who exercise their faith in the Lord Jesus. Matt. 4:1-11; James 4:7; I Peter 5:8. The devil has several unclean spirits over whom he governs – Matt. 12:24. A time would soon come when he shall be thrown into the pit and chained for one thousand years- Rev. 20:7-9. After this, he will be put into the lake of fire where he will remain suffering together with his followers for ever and ever. Rev. 20:10
Man
Things He created. Gen. 1:26. God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul – Gen 2:7. Therefore man is of three parts, namely body, soul and spirit. Man is God’s ambassador on earth to take control over all other creatures on His behalf on earth. Gen. 1:26-28. God allows man to take part in His work and thereby reveal His love for mankind more than any other creatures – Gen. 2:15. This also shows how God elevates man more than the other creatures upon the earth.
God made man—male and female—in his own image, as the crown of creation, that man might have fellowship with him. Tempted by Satan, man rebelled against God. Being estranged from his Maker, yet responsible to him, he became subject to divine wrath, inwardly depraved and, apart from a special work of grace, utterly incapable of returning to God.
This depravity is radical and pervasive. It extends to his mind, will and affections. Unregenerate man lives under the dominion of sin and Satan. He is at enmity with God, hostile toward God, and hateful of God. Fallen, sinful people, whatever their character or attainments, are lost and without hope apart from salvation in Christ.
(Genesis 1:26, 27; 9:6; James 3:9; Psalm 8:3-8; Genesis 2:8; 3:1-13; Romans 5:12-14; Genesis 3:23, 24; Romans 5:6-14; 1 Corinthians 15:22; Genesis 6:5; Psalm 51:5; 58:3; Isaiah 53:6; John 3:3, 19, 20; 8:34; 2 Peter 2:12, 18, 19; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Philippians 3:18, 19; Romans 3:9-18; 8:7; Ephesians 2:1-3, 12; 4:17-19; Isaiah 64:6)
The Gospel
Jesus Christ is the Gospel. The Good News is revealed in his birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Christ’s crucifixion is the heart of the Gospel; his resurrection is the power of the Gospel; and his ascension is the glory of the Gospel. Christ’s death is a substitutionary and propitiatory sacrifice to God for our sins. It satisfies the demands of God’s holy justice and appeases His holy wrath. It also demonstrates his mysterious love and reveals His amazing grace.
Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man. There is no other name by which men must be saved. At the heart of all sound doctrine is the cross of Jesus Christ and the infinite privilege that redeemed sinners have of glorifying God because of what he has accomplished for them in Christ.
(Luke 2:10, 11; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; 1 Corinthians 2:2; 15:1-4; Acts 8:32-35; John 20:30 cf. 17:2, 3; 1 Timothy 1:15; 2:16; Luke 24:45-47; Romans 1:1-4; 3:21-26; 5:15-21; 6:1-4; Acts 1:6-11; 1 John 2:2; 3:9, 10; Philippians 2:5-11; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6, 10; Ephesians 1:3-14)
Man’s Response to the Gospel
Man’s response to the gospel is rooted and grounded in the free and unconditional election of God for his own pleasure and glory. It is also true that the message of the gospel is only effectual to those who genuinely repent of their sins, and by God’s grace, put saving faith in Christ. This gospel of grace is to be sincerely preached to all men in all nations.
Biblical repentance is characterized by a changed life, and saving faith is evidenced by kingdom service or works. While neither repentance nor works save, unless a person is willing to deny himself, pick up his cross, and follow Christ, he cannot become his disciple.
(Ephesians 1:3-6; Romans 8:28-30; 9:10-24; 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29; Luke 24:46, 47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 16:31; 20:20, 21; 26:17, 18; Romans 3:26-28; 4:4-8; 5:1; Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:6; James 2:14-26; Luke 9:23-29)
Man’s Inheritance through the Gospel
Salvation, the free gift of God, is provided by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. Anyone turning from sin in repentance and looking to Christ and his substitutionary death receives the gift of eternal life and is declared righteous by God as a free gift. The righteousness of Christ is imputed to him.
He is justified and fully accepted by God. Through Christ’s atonement for sin an individual is reconciled to God as Father and becomes his child. The believer is forgiven the debt of his sin and, via the miracle of regeneration, liberated from the law of sin and death into the freedom of God’s Spirit.
(Ephesians 2:8, 9; Romans 3:27, 28; Titus 3:4, 5; Galatians 3:10-14; John 3:13-18; Romans 4:4; 5:10, 11, 18-21; 6:23; 8:3, 4; 2 Corinthians 5:20, 21; Philippians 3:8, 9; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:5-7; Galatians 4:4-7; Romans 8:1-8, 14-17; 1 John 1:9; Hebrews 9:14; 10:12-18; Colossians 2:13, 14; John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5)
REPENTANCE UNTO GOD
Repentance is the sorrow of a godly man for his sins with decision to abstain from them – Acts 3:19; 20:21; II Cor. 7:10; Mark 1:15; Is. 55:7; II Chron. 7:14; Ezek. 18:21.
JUSTIFICATION OR NEW BIRTH
This is God’s grace whereby we are cleansed from our sins by which we are able to stand before God as though we have never sinned. Acts 13:39; Rom. 3:25-26; Rom 5:1; I Cor. 6:11; Gal. 3:24; John 1:12-13; 3:3; II Cor. 5:9; Titus 3:5; I Peter 1:23; Acts 10:43; John 3:3,5.
Sanctification
The Holy Spirit is the active agent in our sanctification (the process in which we are gradually and continually made more like Christ) and seeks to produce his fruit in us as our minds are renewed and we are conformed to the image of Christ. Though indwelling sin remains a reality, as we are led by the Spirit, we grow in the knowledge of the Lord, freely keeping his commandments and endeavoring to so live in the world that all people may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven.
All believers are exhorted to persevere in the faith knowing they will have to give an account to God for their every thought, word and deed. The spiritual disciplines, especially Bible study, prayer, worship and confession, are a vital means of grace in this regard. Nevertheless, the believer’s ultimate confidence to persevere is based in the sure promise of God to preserve his people until the end which is most certain.
(Romans 6:1-14; 8:1-16; Galatians 5:16-25; 1 Peter 1:2; Romans 12:1, 2; Ephesians 4:20-24; Colossians 3:1, 2; Romans 8:29; Ephesians 5:1, 2, 18; 2 Peter 1:3-11; 3:18; 1 John 5:3; Philippians 2:14, 15; Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:11, 12; Titus 2:1-14; Matthew 24:13; Hebrews 2:1; 4:11; Romans 5:3; James 1:12; 5:10, 11; Luke 8:15; Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 3:10-15; Philippians 3:12-16; Matthew 12:33-37; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 4:1-5; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 4:12, 13; Acts 17:11; Psalm 1; 19; Colossians 3:16; Luke 18:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18; Matthew 6:9-13; Acts 2:46, 47; Ephesians 5:18-20; Colossians 3:16, 17; James 5:15, 16; Jude 1:1, 20-24; John 10:27-29; Jeremiah 32:38-41; 1 Peter 5:10, 11; Hebrews 13:20, 21; Philippians 2:12, 13; 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24)
Empowered by the Holy Spirit
In addition to effecting regeneration and sanctification, the Holy Spirit also empowers believers for Christian witness and service. While all genuine believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit at conversion, the New Testament indicates the importance of an ongoing, empowering work of the Spirit subsequent to conversion as well. Being indwelt by the Spirit and being filled with the Spirit are theologically distinct experiences. The Holy Spirit desires to fill each believer continually with increased power for Christian life and witness, and believers should seek this filling as a regular and recognizable blessing for the Christian life.
The Holy Spirit also imparts his supernatural gifts for the edification of the Body and for various works of ministry in the world. All the gifts of the Holy Spirit at work in the church of the first century are available today, are vital for the mission of the church and are to be earnestly desired and practiced.
(Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Acts 2:1-14, 38, 39; 4:8, 29-31; 6:3; 9:17; 13:9; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; Ephesians 5:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21; Galatians 3:4; Ephesians 4:3-13; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Peter 4:10, 11)
The Church
God by his Word and Spirit creates the Church, calling sinful men out of the world and into the fellowship of Christ’s Body. By the same Word and Spirit, he guides and preserves this new, redeemed community. The Church is not a religious institution or denomination. Rather, the Church universal is made up of those who have become genuine followers of Jesus Christ and have personally appropriated the gospel. The Church exists to worship and glorify God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We like to say in this regard that at ETRM the church exists for God’s glory by being about God’s people and purposes. The ultimate mission of the Church is the making of disciples of Jesus Christ, which includes both the development and maturity of present disciples and the making of new disciples through the proclamation of the gospel. In the Church God’s people are to devote themselves to the teaching of the scriptures, fellowship, prayer and the sacraments of communion and baptism.
All members of the Church universal are to be a vital and committed part of a local church. In this context they are called to walk out the New Covenant as the people of God and demonstrate the reality of the kingdom of God. The ascended Christ has given gift of ministries to the church (including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) for the equipping of Christ’s body that it might mature and grow. Through the gift ministries, all members of the Church are to be nurtured and equipped for the work of ministry. In the context of the local church, God’s people receive pastoral care and leadership and the opportunity to employ their God-given gifts in his service in relation to one another and to the world.
(Matthew 16:18; 28:19, 20; Acts 2:40-47; 13:1-3; 14:27; 15:41; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:2; Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:8-13; 2 Timothy 2:2; 4:5; Hebrews 3:12, 13; 10:23-25; 1 Corinthians 14:31-35; 1 Timothy2:8; Acts 20:28-31; 1 Peter 5:1-5; Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14; 1 Peter 4:10, 11; Romans 12:3-13)
Water Baptism
Water baptism is only intended for the individual who has received the saving benefits of Christ’s atoning work and become his disciple. Therefore, in obedience to Christ’s command and as a testimony to God, the Church, oneself and the world, a believer should be immersed in water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Water baptism is a visual demonstration of a person’s union (identification and allegiance) with Christ in the likeness of his death and resurrection. It signifies that his former way of life has been put to death and vividly depicts a person’s release from the mastery of sin.
(Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38, 41; 8:35-38; 9:16-18; 10:44-48; 22:16; Romans 6:1-4)
Baptism by Trinity
We believe that all members of this Church should receive immersion Water Baptism, in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, as believers who would not add to, or take out of the Word of God. Matt. 28:19. C. The Reason for Water Baptism Water Baptism stands for a sign and an example of two things.
1. It is an outward sign, an example of a true repentance of a sinner from his or her sins. Acts 2:38; Acts 22:6
2. Anybody who is baptized is joined with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection – Rom. 6:1 – 23; Col. 2:113. Therefore anybody baptized is dead to the world and the evils thereof – Gal. 6:14.
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
All born-again souls should ask for the Holy Spirit from above, as the Apostles were ordered to wait in Jerusalem until they were filled from above. It is the promise of the Father. It is God’s gift which He gives to those who obey Him – Luke 24:49; John 4:14-26; Acts 1:4-5; Acts 5:32; Acts 8:14-17. It is God’s promise unto those who are far and all whom the Lord shall call – Acts 2:38-39. Any Christian who receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit must speak in tongues – Acts 2:4; Acts 10:34-36; Acts 19:2-6.
ABOUT PRAYER
A Christian without condemnation of heart has a right to thank God and be in adoration and in prayer unto the Lord always – Zek. 12:10. His soul thirsts for God – Ps. 42:2. The Holy Spirit helps his infirmities in prayer – Rom. 8:26. We must pray only by the Name of JESUS – John 16:23; ; I Tim. 2:25. Without faith our prayer shall be powerless before God – James 1:6-8; Heb. 11:6. Those who are unable to pray annoy God – Is. 42:22; Is. 64:6-7. Much trouble and danger are encountered in the absence of prayer – Zeph 1:4; Dan 9:13-14; Hosea 8:13-14. We are commanded to pray and not to faint and to pray without ceasing – Col. 4:2; I Thess. 5:17; I Cor. 7:5; Luke 18:1. The Apostles put prayer first in their life and they spent much time in prayer – Acts 6:4; Rom. 6:4; Rom 1:9; Col. 1:9. It is God’s plan and order that we should pray to receive all the goods He has promised in His treasure for us – James 4:2; Dan. 9:3; Matt. 7:7-11; Matt. 9:24-29; Luke 11:13.
ABOUT RESTITUTION
Restitution is a sign of true repentance. This is payment for what is damaged – Ez.. 22:3. Whatever cannot give us a clear conscience before man and God should be restituted without delay – Lev. 6:1-7; Luke 19:8; Prov. 28:13; Acts 24:16.
Healing without medicine is Biblical – Matt. 4:23; Ps. 103:3; Sickness is caused because of the fall of man. The force behind this is Satan – Job 2:1-9; Luke 13:15; Acts 10:3
DIVINE HEALING (WITHOUT MEDICINE)
Healing without medicine is Biblical – Matt. 4:23; Ps. 103:3; Sickness is caused because of the fall of man. The force behind this is Satan – Job 2:1-9; Luke 13:15; Acts 10:3. But JESUS came to destroy the works of the devil – I John 3:8. Christ purchased our soul from the curse of sin. He bore our infirmities and carried our sorrow – Matt. 8:15-17. By His stripes we are healed. Is 53:4-5; Gal. 3:13; I Peter 2:24. Healing without medicine is of the Gospel – Matt. 9:35; Mark 6:10-18. We read that the twelve Apostles and the seventy disciples combined healing with their Ministry of the Gospel – Luke 9:1-2; Luke 10:1-9. The Lord commanded us to go into the world, just to teach the nations alone, but that we should also heal the sick – Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 10:1, Mark 16:15-18.
We could obtain our healing in these four ways: 1. By individual prayer – John 14:13-14 2. By two people (or a group of people) who have agreed to pray by faith – Matt. 18:19-20. 3. By the laying of hands on the head – Mark 16:18; Acts 9:18; Acts 28:8. 4. By the Ministry of the Elders, anointing the sick with prayer of faith – James 5:14-15 Special Notice – Before we can work by healing without medicine, we would have sanctified our life to the doing of the Law – Rom. 6:13, 19; Rom. 12:1; Matt. 16:24; II Cor. 8:5, 15. Many miracles were performed by the Apostles – Acts 9:33-42; Acts 19:11-12; Acts 28:8-9.
WORLDLINESS IS FORBIDDEN
The Bible teaches us to abstain from all appearance of evil – I Thess. 5:22. “But follow after righteousness, faith, love, purging ourselves from unclean things so that we may be vessels unto honor, sanctified, and prepared unto every good work” – II Tim. 2:21-22. Therefore, we must not see our Church members in dancing halls, or cinema halls, reveling, for such things are works of the flesh. All people doing such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God – Gal 5:19-21; I Peter 4:3-4; Prov 31:4-5; Rev. 1:5-6; Gen 19:30-38.
SWEARING AND CURSING FORBIDDEN
All Christians should not swear or curse or blaspheme for we were not taught of Jesus in such a way. “Bless, and curse not” Rom. 12:14. Swear not at all, neither by Heaven, nor by the earth or any other swearing. But let your yes by yes, and No be No so that you do not run into condemnation – Matt. 5:34; James 5:12.
DUE REVERENCE TO PARENTS AND AUTHORITIES
All Christians are to obey the law of the country, obey the government and authority. They should honor their parents and elders. I Peter 2:13-14; Rom 13:1-5; Eph. 6:1-3.
REBELLION AGAINST CHURCH AUTHORITY FORBIDDEN
Rebellion against Church Ministers is against the Will of God. Those who rebelled against Moses did not escape unpunished – Num 12:1-10; Num. 16:1-4,32. The Bible teaches that we should obey our Spiritual leaders and submit to them – Heb 13:17; Joshua 1:16-18.
DEBTS FORBIDDEN
Any member of this Church must not willfully enter into any debt which he finds difficult to repay for the Bible teaches us “owe no man anything, but to love one another” – Rom. 13:7-8. About Debt: 1. Monetary Debt 2. Debt of promise or Vow – Ps. 105:8 3. Debt of time – Eccl. 3:1-8 4. Debt of not preaching the Gospel – I Cor. 16-17
OUR GARMENT
We believe that any born again soul is a child of God and is clothed with white garment which is the Righteousness of Christ. It is received freely, a gift unto them that lead a victorious life – Rev. 19:7-8. Furthermore, we are advised to put on charity, which is the bond perfectness – Col. 3:13-14. It is not our policy to have special robes. We believe that all members must be moderate in adornment. “Not with braided hair, or gold or pears, or costly array, but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” I Tim. 2:8-9; I Peter 3:1-6; Gen. 35:1-4; Ex. 32:1-8.
LAYING OF HANDS AND ANOINTING THE SICK
We believe in the laying on of hands and anointing the sick on the head in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and that prayer of faith shall save the person – James 5:14-16; Mark 16:17-18. But we do not use any other methods which are not according to Bible teaching such as sanctification of water for the sick to drink, or to perform special washing for the sick in the flowing river, the use of robe or garment, or to carry a small stick in the form of a cross ones person or the use of candles and such things. They are not Biblical. The order of our Lord is that we should heal the sick free of charge – Matt 10:8. We do not receive money or charge money before we offer prayer for anybody. All those using the above materials for healing shall perish with them – Mark 16:18; James 5:14; Matt 10:7-8; Mark 6:13.
Swearing and Cursing Forbidden All Christians should not swear or curse or blaspheme for we were not taught of Jesus in such a way. “Bless, and curse not” Rom. 12:14. Swear not at all, neither by Heaven, nor by the earth or any other swearing. But let your yes by yes, and No be No so that you do not run into condemnation – Matt. 5:34; James 5:12.
The Lord’s Supper
As with water baptism, the Lord’s Supper is to be observed only by those who have become genuine followers of Christ. This ordinance symbolizes the breaking of Christ’s body and the shedding of his blood on our behalf, and is to be observed repeatedly throughout the Christian life as a sign of continued participation in the atoning benefits of Christ’s death.
As we partake of the Lord’s Supper with an attitude of faith and self-examination, we remember and proclaim the death of Christ, receive spiritual nourishment for our souls, and signify our unity with other members of Christ’s body.
(Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 10:16, 17; 11:17-34)
The Consummation
The consummation of all things includes the visible, personal, and glorious return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead and the translation of those alive in Christ, the judgment of the just and the unjust, and the fulfillment of Christ’s kingdom in the new heavens and the new earth. In the Consummation, Satan with his hosts and all those outside Christ are finally separated from the presence of God, enduring eternal punishment, but the righteous, in glorious bodies, shall live and reign with Him forever.
Married to Christ as his Bride, the Church will be in the presence of God forever, serving him and giving him unending praise and glory. Then shall the eager expectation of creation be fulfilled and the whole earth shall proclaim the glory of God who makes all things new.
(Matthew 24:29-31; John 5:28, 29; 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; Romans 8:18-25; 13:11, 12; 1 Corinthians 15:20-58; 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10; Philippians 3:20, 21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12; 5:23; Titus 2:13; 1 peter 1:3-9; 2 Peter 3:8-13; 1 John 3:2, 3; Jude 1:24, 25; Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 1:7; 5:9, 10; 20-22)
HOLY MATRIMONY
Marriage is honorable in all – Heb. 13:4. Therefore all members who wish to marry could do so in the church. They are not to follow the worldly patter with drumming and dancing, drunkenness or wear clothes that:30-31; I John 2:15-17; Rom. 12:2.
PROPHECY IN THE CHURCH
We believe in all the prophecies in the Bible; likewise we believe that we can be given the gift of prophecy by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit – I Cor. 14:29. Despise not prophesying – I Thess. 5:20. But any prophecy that is against the Bible is rejected.
CHURCH DISCIPLINE
Above all, whatever is not Bible teaching should be ignored entirely by all members. If there be found any member disobeying these teachings he may be disciplined privately, but if any backslider would not admit discipline and restitute his way, he may be disciplined openly as it is written in Matt. 18:15-18, So that truth might be established by the witness of two or three according to the Word of God. Rebuke them that sinned before all that others also may fear – I Tim. 5:20; I Cor. 5:1-13; II Cor. 2:6-11; Heb. 12:5-12.
ONE HUSBAND, ONE WIFE, CORRECT DIVORCE AND RE-MARRIAGE
The Word of God teaches us that monogamy has been the order since the beginning of the Law of Christ. Divorce is permissible only when a life partner has committed adultery. Even then, neither of the two should be married to a new partner while both are yet alive – Matt. 5:31-32, 19:9; Mark 10:11-12; Luke 16:18; Rom. 7:2-3; Mal. 2:13-16; Gen. 2:18: Matt. 19:4-6.
HOLY COMMUNION OR THE LORD’S SUPPER
It is instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ shortly before His death. He commanded all Christians to gather together regularly to share the bread and wine till He comes back again – Luke 22:17-20; Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; I Cor. 10:18, 21; Acts 2:42; 20:7; I Cor. 11:23-30.
THE CHURCH OF GOD
The born-again souls are called the Church of God – Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:1-18; Eph 3:10; 5:24-29. The assembly of the believers, the sanctified souls in Christ Jesus, Those who we call the Holy people of God – I Cor. 1:2; Acts 14:23; Phil. 4:15; Acts 13:28. Therefore all that God has called to gather together in a place and fed with the Word of God – Acts 2:41-47; They accept Christ as the head of the Church. They gather from time to time to worship God in truth and Spirit to share the bread and eat. Their major assignment is to spread the Gospel of Christ to all Nations – Matt. 28:19.
THE DEDICATION OR SEPARATION
Dedication is very important for the children of God for the Lord is Holy – John 17:19; I Peter 1:15-16. If we want god to be our Father, we must separate and dedicate ourselves unto God – II Cor. 6:17-18. God called us unto Holiness – I Thess. 4:7; Rom. 12:1-2.
THE DEDICATED CHRISTIAN
The dedicated Christian would avoid foolish talking or jesting, Eph. 5:4. He or she would not wear clothing of the opposite sex, Deut. 22:5. Marriage would be esteemed honorable in all respects in the life of the dedicated Christian, and he or she would be a hearer as well as a doer of the Word of God at all times.
THE DEAD IN CHRIST
We believe that a brother who sleeps in the Lord is with Christ already – Phil. 1:21-23; I Cor. 5:1-9. Paul said that it is better to come out of this flesh and be with the Lord forever in our Heavenly home. Further still he emphasizes that ” But I would not have you to be ignorant brethren concerning them which are asleep that ye sorrow not even as there which have no hope” I Thess. 4:13-18. Therefore all members should separate themselves form the things of this world in worshiping the dead by which we become idolaters – Deut 14:1.
RESURRECTION
We experience daily the resurrection of the Spirit, all the born-again souls who are passed from death to life – Eph. 6:14; Rom 6:11; John 5:20. As this body is dissolved, immediately we are entering into our Heavenly Home or house not made with hands eternal in the Heavens – I Cor. 5:1-8 There is resurrection of the Body. Jesus taught us plainly that the buried body will be raised up from the tomb at the last day Job 5:28-29. Paul also explained this to us – Acts 24:15; I Cor. 15:22, 42-44; Phil. 3:21; Dan. 12:2. Only Holy people will be at the resurrection those who belong to Jesus when He appears; but the sinners shall resurrect in hell, a place where people whose names are not found in the Lamb’s Book – Rev. 20:4-5; John 5:28-29; Rev. 20:12-15.
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
The Second coming of Jesus Christ will be in physical form and will be visible to all in like manner as He was seen ascending up to heavens – Acts 1:9-11; John 14:3. His return will be in two stages: A. Christ’s return in the sky – The Saints or Bride of Christ will be raptured to meet Christ in the sky – I Thess. 4:15-17; I Cor. 15:51-52; Matt. 24:40-44; Matt 25:10 B. His return to the earth – He will return to the earth to judge the sinners and the ungodly – Rev. 19:19-21; II Thess. 1:7-10; Jude 1:14-15; Zech. 14:3-4.
THE TRIBULATION PERIOD
The time between His coming to receive the brides or saints into heaven and His coming to administer judgments will be the time of Tribulation – Matt 24:21; 22:29; Rev. 9; Rev. 16; Is. 26:20-21; Mark 13:19; Jer. 30:7; Daniel 12:1; Malachi 4:1.
THE MILLENNIAL REIGN (CHRIST 1,000 YEARS’ REIGN)
After Christ appears upon earth, He would set up His Kingdom with the Holy people for one thousand years – Rev. 20:1-6; Rev. 2:26-27. This one thousand years will be entirely different from any kingdom ever set on earth. The Kingdom is peace all over – Is 65:18-20. There will be no death – Is. 65:18-20. There will be no poverty – Mich. 4:4; Is. 65:21-23; Christ is the ONLY KING in the Kingdom – Dan. 2:44-45; Dan. 7:13,14,22,27.
SATAN IN PRISON
At this time – millennium, Satan will be chained – Rev. 20:2-3, and it will be the time of peace and blessing to mankind also – Is. 11:6-9; 65:25; Hosea 2:18; Zech 14:9-20; Is 2:2-4.
THE COMING JUDGEMENTS
We believe that there will be three special judgements. i) The Judgement of the Believers: This would start immediately believers are caught up in the sky, they shall stand before Christ. After this judgment they will descend down with Christ upon the earth – II Cor. 5:10; I Cor. 3:3; 11-15; James 1:12; Rom 2:16. ii) The Judgement of the Nation: This will be the time when Jesus appears upon earth between the millennial reign and final judgement. Acts 17:31; Joel 3:2; Ez. 14:15; Jud. 1:14-15; II Thess 1:7-10; Rom 2:16; Rev. 1:7; Mal. 16:21. iii) The Judgement of the Unbelievers: or the White Throne Judgement : This will happen after Christ’s one thousand years reign at the White Throne. – Rev. 20:11-15; II Peter 3:7; Dan. 12:2.
NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH
The Word of God teaches us that after judgement, this wicked world will be removed. God will create a new Heaven and a new earth in which HOLINESS will exist – Matt. 24:35; II Peter 3:12-13; Rev. 21:1-3; Is. 65:17:; 66:22
ETERNAL LIFE AND ETERNAL PUNISHMENT
The Bible teaches us that there is eternal punishment as well as eternal life – Matt. 25:46. The wicked people will be sent to a fiery hell made of sulphur, to be tormented both day and night. The punishment will continue forever and ever – Rev. 14:10-11; Luke. 16:24; Mark 9:43-44.
DEDICATION OF CHILDREN
We believe that after a child is born on the 8th day, the parent should bring himher unto the House of the Lord for dedication unto the Lord – 1 Sam. 1:22; Luke. 22:22-24; Matt. 19:13-15.
THE LORD’S DAY
We believe that the first day of the week called Sunday is a special day which the believers should separate as the Lord’s day during which time are to gather to worship – Acts 20:7; 1Cor. 16:2; Rev. 1:10. The Lord resurrected on the first day of the week – Mark 16:9; Ezek. 31:12-14.
Biblical Morality
The Statement of Biblical Morality expresses at End Time Reminder Ministries response to the changing legal and moral context in which it exists. It is a conscious application of the divine imperative that the Church “not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our mind” (Romans 12:1, 2). In an age in which specific biblical practices are being increasingly threatened by a rapidly deteriorating moral climate and assailed by an aggressively secular agenda, it is essential that the Church respond with clear conviction and steady voice.
To that end we affirm the following:
Church Discipline
The Scriptures call every Christian to a life of holiness, forbidding believers from habitual conformity to the sinful desires of the flesh and the ungodly patterns and behaviors of the world. Since sin clings so easily to the believer, Jesus, as Lord of the Church, has established means of accountability (commonly known as church discipline) within the local church to guard the Christian from falling into impenitent habitual sins. Such church discipline, which ranges from private admonition to public rebuke and/or removal from membership in the Church, is to be motivated by a shared desire for holy lives, a loving desire to lead others to repentance and restoration, and a zeal for the glory of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
(1 Peter 2:11, 12; 4:1-3; Romans 12:1, 2; Hebrews 12:1; Matthew 18:15-19; Romans 16:17, 18; Galatians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Corinthians 12:20-13:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12; 1 Timothy 5:19-22; Titus 3:10, 11; James 5:19, 20; 2 John 1:8-11; Revelation 2:20)
Sexuality and Marriage
A Biblical view of manhood and womanhood, and an appreciation for, and commitment to, marriage and the family are values rooted in the Sacred Scriptures. The holy institution of marriage is to be between one man and one woman for life, as established in God’s creation of man and woman in His image, and in the relationship between Christ and His Church.
While men and women are equal before God as sharers of his image in creation and partakers of his grace in Christ, we believe that specific gender roles in marriage are God’s normative law for the family. We believe in the servant-leadership role of men in both home and church, and the complementary function of women in contributing their abilities to supply the inadequacies and support the leadership of those men. We reject men/women’s attitudes of abuse, neglect, and passivity, while simultaneously grieving women/men’s attitudes of disrespect, liberation and superiority as being counter to Scripture, nature, and the well-being of all.
Furthermore, sexual chastity before, and lifelong fidelity in a heterosexual marriage embody an abiding divine law which is to guide the faith and life of every Christian and the teachings of this church. Sexual chastity includes abstinence from pre-marital sex, pornography, adultery, and homosexuality; indeed, any sexual activity outside of a one man and one woman covenanted marriage relationship is totally forbidden at ETRM. In light of current cultural erosion of sexual morality, it is essential that the church stand firm on the Bible’s teachings about sexual identity and purity.
While sexual sin is uniquely serious before God, no sexual sin is worse than any other sexual sin. We affirm the love of God for all who are guilty of sexual sin in any of its forms, and offer the gospel and grace of God to all who will repent of such sins and turn in faith to Christ for their forgiveness and deliverance.
(Genesis 1:26-28; 2:18-25; 1 Corinthians 11:2, 3; Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18, 19; 1 Peter 3:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:9-15; Matthew 5:31, 32; 19:1-9; 1 Corinthians 7:10-16; 14:34, 35; Malachi 2:14-16; Romans 1:24-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-20; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13)
Divorce
It is God’s intention that the covenant of marriage be a joyful union that endures for life. Those whom God has joined together must cleave as one flesh in faithful love, and are not to be torn apart. Divorce is prohibited by God except when sexual infidelity occurs. While permissible in such a case, divorce is not required, and should be avoided whenever possible. In all cases of marital crisis repentance and reconciliation should be the first recourse, although all reasonable steps should be taken to protect spouses from physical and/or severe mental abuse.
In addition, we believe that remarriage by those who are unbiblically divorced is strictly forbidden by Christ Jesus our Lord, and is not to be condoned by his church. The remarriage of divorced believers may be approved by the Church’s Board of Elders if they determine that there is divorce for biblical cause as defined above, and that reconciliation of the previous marriage has been considered in a meaningful way.
(Genesis 2:18-25; Proverbs 5:15-20; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:27-32; 19:1-9; 1 Corinthians 7:10-16; Ephesians 5:22-33)
The Sanctity of Life
The Scriptures teach that human life, which is made in the image of God, begins at conception. This infuses sanctity into all human life from conception to natural death, or death brought about justly at the hands of a civil magistrate for capital crimes. This sacredness must afford to the unborn and to the infirmed of any age all the rights and protections granted to all other human beings. It is the duty of every Christian to speak for and defend such rights in every way he or she is able.
As a means of protecting the sanctity of innocent human life, Scripture allows for capital punishment, administered by the civil magistrate, through a just process and under strict guidelines, for those found guilty of capital crimes. Consistent with the value of human life which is made in God’s image, all people, including those guilty of capital crimes, should be treated with dignity.
(Psalm 139:13-16; 51:5; Luke 1:41-44; Genesis 1:27; 9:6; Proverbs 24:11, 12; 31:8, 9; Psalm 72:1-4; James 1:27; Genesis 9:6, Deuteronomy 17:6, 7; 19:15-20; Leviticus 19:15, Romans 13:1-4; Genesis 1:27)
Parental Discipline of Children
Children are a gift from God, to be cherished and enjoyed with all affection and love. It is every parent’s duty to delight in his or her children and to create a home of tender affection and love. The Holy Scriptures further mandate that parents train up their children to become responsible, mature, relationally-skilled, and faith-embracing men and women. To this end the Bible commands parents to love, nourish, teach, train, and discipline their children.
While the Scriptures teach the corporeal discipline of children, such discipline must be applied with great caution and tender care. Remembering that every child is made in the image of God, he or she must always be treated with respect and dignity. This precludes every form of wrathful, harmful, or injurious physical discipline, and requires that parents be loving, humble, cautious, and measured in the exercise of any corporeal training.
The Church deplores child abuse in any and all its forms, and shall make every reasonable effort to ensure that its parents understand and practice parental discipline with all due regard for the safety, well-being and joy of every child. To do harm to a child is to incur the special displeasure of God.
(Psalm 127:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8; Matthew 19:13, 14; Ephesians 6:1-4; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 78:2-10; Proverbs 22:15; 23:13, 14; 29:15; Hebrews 12:11; Matthew 18:2-5)