Our church has been adding some new members over the
last few months. We felt the need to update our
statement of faith. So here it is!!
We praise the Lord for the McEwen family!! We will post
pictures soon!!
We believe that the Bible as contained in the Old and New Testament are directly inspired by God and are completely without error and preserved in the King James Version for the English speaking people. It’s authority is not limited to spiritual or religious themes, but includes it’s assertions in such areas as history, science and all areas of life.
• Psalm 12:6 & 7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
• Psalm 119:140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
• Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
• II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
We believe in the one true God, existing in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. These three are coequal from all eternity, each with distinct personalities and ministries.
• Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God, (Elohlym = plural (at least three) usage of God meaning more than one in union) created the heaven and the earth.
• Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:
• I John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
We believe in the deity and virgin birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, His sinless life, His vicarious (took our place) atoning death upon the cross through his shed blood, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His personal return in power and glory.
• John 1:1 – 3 & 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made…. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, …
• John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
• I Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
• Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
• Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
• Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
We believe in the total depravity and lost condition of man by nature and in his need of the new birth by the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit.
• Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
• Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
• I Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
• John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
We believe from the foundations of the world that the Lambs Book of Life contained all the names of everyone that was ever conceived. When they had blasphemed against the Holy Spirit or died in their sins then there names were blotted out of the book.
• Exodus 32:32 & 33 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
• Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.
• Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
We believe in justification by faith without the works of the flesh or the law. We also believe that all people that have ever been born have been given an opportunity to choose to accept or reject God’s gift of salvation.
• Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men
• Ephesians 2:8 & 9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
• Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
• I John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling presence, the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
• John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
We believe in the resurrection of the saved and the lost - the saved to the resurrection of life and the lost to the judgment of damnation.
• Revelation 20:12 – 15 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
By Laws
Marriage
We believe that the institution of marriage is a covenant given by God between a man and woman only to be separated by death as recorded in the Holy Scriptures. This is God’s perfect picture of his salvation to mankind.
• Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
• Romans 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
• Ephesians 5:21:26 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Music
We believe that the ministry of music is used as a form of worship and comfort to the church, it should never be conformed to the world or to be used as a method of bringing people to church. Music identifies with and enhances the spirituality of the flock. Proper music will always be identified with the melody as the main theme.
We further believe is that music is never neutral, but either good or evil. Music alone has more power of good and evil than the words themselves
Modesty
We believe that the scriptures teach and commands that there be a clear distinction in the area of clothing between a man and a woman.
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God. Deuteronomy 22:5
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. I Timothy 2:9
Further we believe that men and women have a responsibility to dress accordingly, not to cause someone to lust and cause spiritual adultery between one another.
Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man. Isaiah 47:2 & 3
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matthew 5:27 & 28
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Christian's Responsibility To Civil Government.
In our day where government is moving away from biblical principles and their Godly
responsibility to her people, it is important that we remember our responsibility to the government as well as being a light to a lost and darkened world. May this help you to gain balance in relationship to our authorities.
This 2 part series was done by John MacArthur. He clearly teaches from the old and new testament the Christian's responsibility to civil government. Hope this will be a blessing to you and your loved ones.
Christian's responsibility to civil government part 1.
Christian's responsibility to civil government part 2.
responsibility to her people, it is important that we remember our responsibility to the government as well as being a light to a lost and darkened world. May this help you to gain balance in relationship to our authorities.
This 2 part series was done by John MacArthur. He clearly teaches from the old and new testament the Christian's responsibility to civil government. Hope this will be a blessing to you and your loved ones.
Christian's responsibility to civil government part 1.
Christian's responsibility to civil government part 2.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Please be patient...
Our Blog is Under Construction!!! We should have
it looking much better soon....
God Bless!!!
it looking much better soon....
God Bless!!!
What is this???
What is this?
Taking shape...
Ahhhh...it's a new pulpit that Sam built for
our church!!
Zack trying out the new pulpit!! Your preach it, Zack!!
Taking shape...
Ahhhh...it's a new pulpit that Sam built for
our church!!
Zack trying out the new pulpit!! Your preach it, Zack!!
Our Newest Member!!!
Our newest member is Rebekah Joy Sykes!!!
She is absolutely beautiful. We love you,
Rebekah. You are a blessing to your family
and to your church family!!!
She is absolutely beautiful. We love you,
Rebekah. You are a blessing to your family
and to your church family!!!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Beware of false prophets.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Matthew 7:15-17 KJV.
The bible is very clear that men claiming to be spiritual leaders will come in and try to deceive the brethren. In Revelation chapter 2, we are shown that the church of Ephesus was commended for testing those which say they were apostles and found them liars. What's sad is when the church fails to test the spirit of a spiritual leader. As time goes they become excepted by name and when they are finally identified as false, many of the brethren will overlook their error and defend them.
Many times I have quoted statements of spiritual leaders that indicated them as false teachers and nearly every time someone will defend them by saying "Where did you get that quote?" Or "Did you actually hear them say that?" While it is important to be accurate and not defame one another we live in a time where technology can be of great benefit.
The following clips should wake us up to the fact that we are not doing our job in exposing false prophets. But not to make it all negative, the ending clips should be an encouragement to those that love the word of God to know that there are those who will not compromise by the fear of man, but will stand on the word of God.
The first 3 clips are of Pastor Rick Warren of saddleback church in California. While this man is well known in America as the author of the books "The Purpose Driven Church and the Purpose Driven Life." And has thousands of pastors across our nation following his example as a seeker friendly church, I think we can conclude by the word of God that this man is a false prophet.
The first clip you are about to see is Rick Warren talking to a secular audience.
The second clip is where he is being interviewed about his view points concerning homosexuality. Notice that the authority pastor warren gives is not the word of God, but himself.
The next clip shows his defense of Homosexuality, where he admits he is not Anti-gay.
The sad part is that he apologizes to his "Gay Friends". What does the Bible say our true friends should be?
Our next clip is on Joel "Smiley" Osteen, who has the largest church in America. This clip shows him denying the true gospel, by saying "I don't know."
The last four clips is an example of how men of God should be when given an opportunity to defend the word of God. May you be encouraged, but beware of false teachings.
In Christ, Steve Graves
The bible is very clear that men claiming to be spiritual leaders will come in and try to deceive the brethren. In Revelation chapter 2, we are shown that the church of Ephesus was commended for testing those which say they were apostles and found them liars. What's sad is when the church fails to test the spirit of a spiritual leader. As time goes they become excepted by name and when they are finally identified as false, many of the brethren will overlook their error and defend them.
Many times I have quoted statements of spiritual leaders that indicated them as false teachers and nearly every time someone will defend them by saying "Where did you get that quote?" Or "Did you actually hear them say that?" While it is important to be accurate and not defame one another we live in a time where technology can be of great benefit.
The following clips should wake us up to the fact that we are not doing our job in exposing false prophets. But not to make it all negative, the ending clips should be an encouragement to those that love the word of God to know that there are those who will not compromise by the fear of man, but will stand on the word of God.
The first 3 clips are of Pastor Rick Warren of saddleback church in California. While this man is well known in America as the author of the books "The Purpose Driven Church and the Purpose Driven Life." And has thousands of pastors across our nation following his example as a seeker friendly church, I think we can conclude by the word of God that this man is a false prophet.
The first clip you are about to see is Rick Warren talking to a secular audience.
The second clip is where he is being interviewed about his view points concerning homosexuality. Notice that the authority pastor warren gives is not the word of God, but himself.
The next clip shows his defense of Homosexuality, where he admits he is not Anti-gay.
The sad part is that he apologizes to his "Gay Friends". What does the Bible say our true friends should be?
Our next clip is on Joel "Smiley" Osteen, who has the largest church in America. This clip shows him denying the true gospel, by saying "I don't know."
The last four clips is an example of how men of God should be when given an opportunity to defend the word of God. May you be encouraged, but beware of false teachings.
In Christ, Steve Graves
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Arminianism vs Calvinism
When it comes to the issues of Arminianism and Calvinism we come to a system of beliefs that have divided Christians for centuries. Although we have not had to deal with this in the past, recently it has reared it’s ugly head and we as a family have sensed the Lord’s prompting to search the scriptures for an answer.
Unfortunately, we have seen people we love and respect become divided over this issue. Ministries have even refused to give an answer to a belief in whether they fully support it or not.
Like in the days of the apostles when Jesus walked the earth, they asked him concerning a blind man whether he or his parents sinned that made him blind and the Lord answered, “neither …”.
In Jesus’ day, religious men had taken scripture and boxed it into doctrines that either you were this or this. When it comes to Calvinism or Arminianism, it seems we have the same problem. (Calvinism is named after John Calvin, a French theologian who lived from 1509-1564. Arminianism is named after Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch theologian who lived from 1560-1609.)
These two are systems of theology that attempt to explain the relationship between God's sovereignty and man's responsibility in the matter of salvation.
Both systems can be summarized with five points.
Calvinism’s five points are associated with the word TULIP.
Total Depravity - Total depravity states that every aspect of humanity is tainted by sin; therefore, human beings are unable to come to God on their own accord.
Unconditional Election - The view that God elects individuals to salvation based entirely on His will alone, not on anything inherently worthy in the individual.
Limited Atonement - The belief that Jesus only died for the elect.
Irresistible Grace - When God calls a person to salvation, that person will inevitably come to salvation.
Perseverance of the saints – The concept that a person who is elected by God will persevere in faith and will not permanently deny Christ or turn away from Him.
Arminianism’s five points are:
Partial depravity – That every aspect of humanity is tainted by sin, but not to the extent that they are unable to place faith in God of their own accord.
Conditional election - Believeth that God elects individuals to salvation based on His foreknowledge of who will believe in Christ unto salvation, thereby on the condition that the individual chooses God.
Unlimited atonement - The belief that Jesus died for all, but that His death is not effectual until a person receives Him by faith.
Resistible grace - States that God calls all to salvation, but that many people resist and reject this call.
Conditional salvation is the view that a believer in Christ can of his/her own free will turn away from Christ and thereby lose salvation.
Both of these beliefs have elements of truth, but they also have human reasoning in them as well. We also need to look at the men behind these teachings as well. John Calvin came out of the Roman Catholic Church and brought some baggage that influenced him in some of his doctrines. Jacobus Arminius believed that Calvin’s teachings were out of balance and therefore brought forth his points as well.
Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time… it’s either Calvinism or Arminianism ... But I say unto you ….
When you look to these doctrines both have problems or inconsistencies that don’t pan out totally in scripture.
So, is there a biblical set of doctrines we should strongly consider? May God allow the following beliefs to be consistent with His word. As with the acronym of TULIP, let’s consider the following as good Bereans.
Total dependence on God –
God’s word says that man is a sinner. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God”, Romans 3:10 & 11. Romans 3:23 further states: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”, Romans 3:23
In Romans 1:20, God’s word says that the world will be without excuse. If we are going to be held accountable, and if the only way to consider God’s way is to be prompted by the Holy Spirit, then grace would have to appear to all men as the scripture teaches (Titus 2:11). God’s word also teaches that, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” This verse teaches that God gives every man an opportunity to know him. When He is rejected in the area of salvation, He gives them over to a reprobate mind (Romans 1).
Unlimited atonement –
The blood that was shed on Calvary paid for the sins of the world, just as the brazen serpent that God told Moses to make was able to save all those who looked upon it. The ones that died choose to rebel by not looking. The brazen serpent was something God used for the people to look upon. It wasn’t the serpent that saved them, it was God. (Numbers 21:7-9, John 3:14 & 15, Col. 1:14)
Limitless Grace –
God’s word tells us that God is not willing that any should perish … but all come to repentance. If that is true, then all mankind will be given grace in which they will decide, as it is written “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” Titus 2:11, And he is the propitiation (atonement) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. I John 2:2
Independence from the World –
This means that Christians have the power to over come the world, because as it is written, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” I John 4:4
Preservation of the saints –
God’s word teaches that not only does He preserve His word, but He preserves us as well (Psalms 12:6 & 7). God’s word teaches that he is able to keep us once we enter the kingdom of God through salvation (John 10). Those that he rebukes and commands to depart Him, are those whom He says, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:21-23). They were religious but lost.
Conclusion
I am fearful that most of the churches in America are lost and are listening to a watered down gospel. To those whom I know that are “Calvinists”, I believe them to be people who are tired of the compromises that effect churches nation wide and for some reason or another are getting caught up in this issue. May God bless those who seek his face and are committed to His word and His will.
In His service,
Steve Graves
www.timetracts.com
Unfortunately, we have seen people we love and respect become divided over this issue. Ministries have even refused to give an answer to a belief in whether they fully support it or not.
Like in the days of the apostles when Jesus walked the earth, they asked him concerning a blind man whether he or his parents sinned that made him blind and the Lord answered, “neither …”.
In Jesus’ day, religious men had taken scripture and boxed it into doctrines that either you were this or this. When it comes to Calvinism or Arminianism, it seems we have the same problem. (Calvinism is named after John Calvin, a French theologian who lived from 1509-1564. Arminianism is named after Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch theologian who lived from 1560-1609.)
These two are systems of theology that attempt to explain the relationship between God's sovereignty and man's responsibility in the matter of salvation.
Both systems can be summarized with five points.
Calvinism’s five points are associated with the word TULIP.
Total Depravity - Total depravity states that every aspect of humanity is tainted by sin; therefore, human beings are unable to come to God on their own accord.
Unconditional Election - The view that God elects individuals to salvation based entirely on His will alone, not on anything inherently worthy in the individual.
Limited Atonement - The belief that Jesus only died for the elect.
Irresistible Grace - When God calls a person to salvation, that person will inevitably come to salvation.
Perseverance of the saints – The concept that a person who is elected by God will persevere in faith and will not permanently deny Christ or turn away from Him.
Arminianism’s five points are:
Partial depravity – That every aspect of humanity is tainted by sin, but not to the extent that they are unable to place faith in God of their own accord.
Conditional election - Believeth that God elects individuals to salvation based on His foreknowledge of who will believe in Christ unto salvation, thereby on the condition that the individual chooses God.
Unlimited atonement - The belief that Jesus died for all, but that His death is not effectual until a person receives Him by faith.
Resistible grace - States that God calls all to salvation, but that many people resist and reject this call.
Conditional salvation is the view that a believer in Christ can of his/her own free will turn away from Christ and thereby lose salvation.
Both of these beliefs have elements of truth, but they also have human reasoning in them as well. We also need to look at the men behind these teachings as well. John Calvin came out of the Roman Catholic Church and brought some baggage that influenced him in some of his doctrines. Jacobus Arminius believed that Calvin’s teachings were out of balance and therefore brought forth his points as well.
Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time… it’s either Calvinism or Arminianism ... But I say unto you ….
When you look to these doctrines both have problems or inconsistencies that don’t pan out totally in scripture.
So, is there a biblical set of doctrines we should strongly consider? May God allow the following beliefs to be consistent with His word. As with the acronym of TULIP, let’s consider the following as good Bereans.
Total dependence on God –
God’s word says that man is a sinner. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God”, Romans 3:10 & 11. Romans 3:23 further states: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”, Romans 3:23
In Romans 1:20, God’s word says that the world will be without excuse. If we are going to be held accountable, and if the only way to consider God’s way is to be prompted by the Holy Spirit, then grace would have to appear to all men as the scripture teaches (Titus 2:11). God’s word also teaches that, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” This verse teaches that God gives every man an opportunity to know him. When He is rejected in the area of salvation, He gives them over to a reprobate mind (Romans 1).
Unlimited atonement –
The blood that was shed on Calvary paid for the sins of the world, just as the brazen serpent that God told Moses to make was able to save all those who looked upon it. The ones that died choose to rebel by not looking. The brazen serpent was something God used for the people to look upon. It wasn’t the serpent that saved them, it was God. (Numbers 21:7-9, John 3:14 & 15, Col. 1:14)
Limitless Grace –
God’s word tells us that God is not willing that any should perish … but all come to repentance. If that is true, then all mankind will be given grace in which they will decide, as it is written “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” Titus 2:11, And he is the propitiation (atonement) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. I John 2:2
Independence from the World –
This means that Christians have the power to over come the world, because as it is written, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” I John 4:4
Preservation of the saints –
God’s word teaches that not only does He preserve His word, but He preserves us as well (Psalms 12:6 & 7). God’s word teaches that he is able to keep us once we enter the kingdom of God through salvation (John 10). Those that he rebukes and commands to depart Him, are those whom He says, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:21-23). They were religious but lost.
Conclusion
I am fearful that most of the churches in America are lost and are listening to a watered down gospel. To those whom I know that are “Calvinists”, I believe them to be people who are tired of the compromises that effect churches nation wide and for some reason or another are getting caught up in this issue. May God bless those who seek his face and are committed to His word and His will.
In His service,
Steve Graves
www.timetracts.com
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