A. We Exist To Celebrate God’s Presence: Worship!

“…The Father seeks worshippers…and His worshippers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24

1. Varied Expressions of Worship

• Singing [Ephesians 5:19]
• Commitment [Romans 12:1-2];
• Praying [Psalms 95:6];
• Hearing the Word [John 17:17];
• Giving [1 Corinthians 16:1-2];
• Baptism [Romans 6:3-4];
• Meditating [Hebrews 2:20];
• Lord’s Supper [1 Corinthians 11:23-26], etc.

B. We Exist To Communicate God’s Word: Evangelism!

“His intent was that through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known…” Ephesians 3:10

“Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But who can ask them to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And can they hear about Him unless someone tells him?”
Romans 10:13-14

C. We Exist To Educate God’s People: Discipleship!

“Let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity….” Hebrews 6:1

“Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

“[God has given] …some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works for ministry, so that the Body of Christ may be built up until we all…become mature…like Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13

D. We Exist To Demonstrate God’s Love: Ministry!

“By this shall all men know that you are my disciples-that you have love for one another.” John 13:35

A heartbeat of Evangel Pentecostal Assembly is our small groups.

Every member needs to be a part of one.

“Now God gives us many kinds of special abilities…and there are different kinds of services to God [ministry]… All of you together form the one Body of Christ and each of you is a separate and necessary part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-5, 27

Our Statement of Faith - What We Believe!

About God!

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.

Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2.

About Jesus Christ!

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22, 23; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3,4; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Timothy 6: 14, 15; Titus 2:13.

About the Holy Spirit!

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make humans aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.

John 16:7-13, 14; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galations 5:25; Ephesians 1:13; 5:18;

About the Bible!

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without a mixture of error.

Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13; 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21.

About Human Beings!

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the  supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; 59:1, 2; Romans 3:23.

About Salvation!

Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his/her life by faith.

John 1:2; 14:6; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5.

About Eternity!

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.

John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; 8: 17-8; 1 Corinthians 2: 7-9; Revelation 20:15.

Our Lifestyle Statement - What We Practice!

Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches and our officially stated core values, we feel very strongly about the following practices.

A. The Holy Bible As Our Sole Authority!

“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:15

Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Holy Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is “What does the Bible say?” We encourage the practice of daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe!

B. Autonomy of Each Local Church!

“Christ is the head of His body, the church. He is the source of the Body’s life…” Colossians 1:18.

Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognizing and deeply appreciative of associating and cooperating with other Christian groups in general and Pentecostals/charismatics specifically, we believe the local church should be self-governing.

C. Priesthood of Every Believer!

“Christ loves us, and by His death He has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God….” Revelation 1:6.

“You are…the King’s priests…God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God.” 1 Peter 2:9

The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.

D. Water Baptism By Immersion!

“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ….” Colossians 2:12

We practice baptism by immersion under water- the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands.

E. Spirit-Led Living!

Jesus said, “I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s spirit. Philippians 2:13; Ephesians 5:18.

1. Baptism in the Holy Spirit!

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is an experience in which the believer yields control of himself/herself to the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:5.

Through this he/she comes to know Christ in a more intimate way [John 16:13-15], and receives power to witness and grow spiritually, 2 Corinthians 3:18; Acts 1:8.

Believers should earnestly seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-9.

The initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance, Acts 2:1-4, 39; 9-17; 1 Corinthians 14:18.

This experience is distinct from, and subsequent to, the experience of the new birth, Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-46.

2. Gifts of the Holy Spirit!

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are supernatural abilities given by God through the exercising of which believers are enabled to minister effectively and directly in particular situations, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

They serve the dual function of building up the Church, and of demonstrating the presence of God with His Church, Matthew 8: 16, 17.

3. Divine Healing!

Divine healing provided in the atonement of Christ [Matthew 8:16, 17] is the privilege of all believers. Prayer for the sick and gifts of healing are encouraged and practiced, 1 Corinthians 12:28-30; James 5:14.

F. Telling Others About Christ!

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15.

It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those with whom God brings us into contact. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church/small groups, etc.