I. CONCERNING THE HOLY SCRIPTURES [Bibliology]

We believe that the Bible is the written revelation of God; and the sixty-six books of the Bible constitute the Word of God (1Cor. 2:7-14; 2 Pet. 1:20-21).

We believe that the Word of God is an objective (Ex. 17:14), revelation (1 Thess. 2:13), verbally inspired such that even the choice of words of the writers was carefully guided by the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16). We hold the original documents to be absolutely inerrant (Isa. 30:8), and God breathed.

We believe that the Bible is the supreme and final rule for faith and practice (Matt. 5:18; 24:34; John 10:35; 16:12, 13; 17:17; 1 Cor. 2:13; 2Tim 3:15-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21, 3:15, 16; Heb. 4:12) and is a valuable source for accurate historical and scientific data relevant to man's Redemption, life and behavior.

We believe that God spoke in His written Word by a process of dual authorship, in which the Holy Spirit so superintended the human authors that through their individual personalities and different styles of writing, they composed and recorded God's Word for man (2 Pet. 1:20-21), without error in the whole (plenary) or in part (Isa. 30:8; 40:8; Matt 5:18; 2 Tim. 3:16).

We believe that, whereas there may be several applications of any given passage of Scriptures, the true interpretation is to be found as one diligently applies the Historical-Grammatical Method of interpretation under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (John 7:17; 16:12-15; 1 Cor. 2:7-15; 1 John 2:20). Theological interpretations must be within the bounds of Systematic Theology reflected in TRINITARIAN CHRISTIAN MONOTHEISM (Fundamental Bible Christianity).

II. CONCERNING GOD [Theology]

We believe IN ONLY ONE TRUE GOD (Deut. 6:4; Isa. 45:5-7; 1 Cor. 8:4), the Infinite, Perfect, Spirit-Being in whom all material and spiritual things have their Source by creation, their Support by His providence, and their End according to His divine purpose. He revealed Himself in three (3) distinct persons (FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT) but belonging to ONLY ONE DIVINE ESSENCE, FOR THE CO-ETERNAL CO-DIVINE AND CO-REDEMPTIVE AND THUS EQUALLY DESERVING worship and obedience (Acts 17:24-29; 1 Cor. 8:6; Rev. 19:10). We recognize that the Holy Spirit glorifies the Son (John 16:13-14) and the Son also glorifies the Father (John 1:18) and the Father glorifies the Son (John 17:5).

A. THE FATHER

The Father, the first person of the Trinity orders or allows all things according to His redemptive purpose by Grace (Ps. 145:8,9; 1 Cor. 8:6). As the absolute and highest ruler of the universe, He is sovereign as creator, as provider and redeemer (Ps. 103:19; Job 1:6; Rom. 11:33). His Fatherhood denotes a spiritual relationship, first of all within the Trinity; and secondly with mankind, creatively in relation to all men, but redemptively in relation to believers only. He is in control of all events, involving all beings and all things that come to pass. This He does without being the originator or condoner of sin and evil, (John 8:38-44), or excusing the moral responsibility and accountability of intelligent beings such as man (1 Peter 1:17). By his foreknowledge, He has chosen before the foundation of the world, whosoever will be in Christ by Grace through Faith for Salvation, Sanctification and Glorification (Eph. 1:3-6; 1 Peter 1:2; Rom. 8:29). He saves from sin all who come to Him through Jesus Christ; and He relates Himself to His own as the Father (Luke 3:30, John 1:12, 18; Eph. 1:3-6; Heb 12:5-9).

B. THE SON [Christology]

The SON, identified as the "LOGOS" the second person of the Trinity, is the "Kinsman Redeemer", the Lamb of God which taketh away the SIN of the world. He is Co-eternal, Co-Divine and Co-redemptive [Co-equal in His pre-incarnate state and his post-redemptive work. Phil. 2:5-11, 1 Cor. 15:24-28] with the Father and the Holy Spirit. His identity is seen in the following fundamental TRUTHS about Him:

1. JESUS CHRIST IS THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS, ONE WITH THE FATHER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT in creation, in determining the future of all things, visible and invisible, and in the maintenance of the same (John 1:1-3; Col. 1:16-17).

2. JESUS CHRIST BECAME INCARNATE THROUGH THE MIRACLE OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH (John 1:14; Gen. 3:15; Isa.7:14 Matt 1:18-25; John 3:16).

3. JESUS CHRIST as GOD IN FLESH was absolutely sinless and holy in thought, word, and deed. He was the Lamb without blemish and without spot typified by the OT. Offerings and sacrifices (John 1:29; 1 Pet. 2:22-25).

4. JESUS CHRIST AS THE RIGHTEOUS AND HOLY GOD IN FLESH, took on Himself the penalty for the SIN of the whole human race so that by his death, God's wrath for man's sin was appeased and Divine justice carried out for sin. Only by the death of the righteous Savior can forgiveness be granted to all who come to Christ as their redeemer from sin (1 Pet 1:18-19; Lev 16:30,34; Heb. 9:8-28; 1 Pet 3:18).

5. JESUS CHRIST was buried and after three days rose again proving that his sacrifice was accepted by the Father. If he did not rise as he said, our faith is in vain and we would still be in our unsaved condition - still sinners condemned (1 Cor. 15:13-17; Acts 2:24 - Father; Rom 8:11 - Holy Spirit; John 10:18 - Son).

6. JESUS CHRIST, the risen Lord, ascended to Heaven after forty days of post-resurrection ministry to become the Only High Priest, Advocate and Intercessor and Mediator (John 14:6; 1 Tim 2:5; Heb. Chapters 8 & 9) for man.

7. JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN to become King of kings and Lord of lords over the whole earth for the last millennium as the SECOND ADAM (Adam as head of the human race in the first millennium) completing His ministry as "CHRISTOS", THE ANOINTED PROPHET, PRIEST AND KING (Acts 1:8-11; John 14:6; Titus 2:13; Matt 24:42-51; Revelation chapters 4-22).

C. THE HOLY SPIRIT [Pneumatology]

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a Person, Eternal, possessing all the divine Excellencies. He is Co-Eternal, Co-divine and Co-redemptive with the Father and the Son (Acts 5:3,4).

1. Deity - Isa. 6:8,9 compare with Acts 28:25-26; Jer. 31:31-34 compare with Heb 10:15-17

2. Personality - intellect - 1 Cor. 2:10-13; emotion - Eph. 4:30; will - 1 Cor. 12:11

3. Eternal - Hebrews 9:14

4. Omnipresent - Ps. 139:7-10

5. Omniscient - Isa. 40:13-14

6. Omnipotent - 1 Cor. 12:11

7. Truth - John 16:13

We believe that it is the work of the Holy Spirit to execute divine will with relation to the world of men. We recognize His sovereign activity in creation, in the incarnation, in the inspiration of Scriptures, and in the work of Salvation (Gen. 1:2; Matt. 1:18; John 3:5-7; Peter 1:20-21).

We believe that the work of the Holy Spirit in this age (indwelling the believers) began at the Pentecost when He came from the Father, as promised by Christ (John 14:16-17; 15:26) to form and build the Body of Christ, THE CHURCH (1 Cor. 12:13). The broad scope of His divine activity includes: convicting the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgement; of glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ, and transforming believers into Christ-likeness (John 16:7-9; Acts 1:5; 2:4; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph 2:22).

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the supernatural agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13), indwelling, sanctifying, instructing, empowering for service, and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; 2 Cor. 3:6; Rom. 8:9; Eph 1:13).

We believe that the Holy Spirit in the Divine Teacher who guided the Apostles into all truth, as they taught and as some were chosen to write Scriptures. Every believer is possessed and indwelt by the Holy Spirit from the day of his conversation and onward. It is the privilege and responsibility of all those born of the Spirit to be filled with the Spirit (John 16:13; Rom. 8:9; Eph. 5:18; 1 John 2:20,27).

We believe that the Holy Spirit alone administers spiritual gifts to the Church, not to glorify Himself or its recipient by ostentatious display, but to glorify Christ and to implement His work of redeeming the lost and building up the believers in the faith (John 16:13-14; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11; 2 Cor. 3:18).

We believe that God the Holy Spirit is sovereign in the bestowing of all His gifts for the perfecting of the saints today; and that speaking in tongues (Miraculous and instantaneous speaking of unlearned languages), the working of signs and wonders were necessary during the times of the Apostles but gradually ceased as the New Testament was completed and became established as sole authority for the teachings and practices of the church (1 Cor. 12:4-11; 2 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 4:7-12; Heb. 2:1-4; 1 Thess. 5:11).

III. CONCERNING MAN [Anthropology]

We believe that God directly and immediately created man (not by evolution) in His own image and likeness - Holiness and righteousness which man lost at his fall. Man was created free from sin but with a rational nature, intelligence, volition, self-determination, and moral responsibility to God (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 1 Thess. 5:23; James 3:9); and with body, soul, and spirit (1 Thess. 5:23).

We believe that the purpose of man's creation is that he should glorify God, enjoy His fellowship, live his life in the will of God, so that by these he may fulfill his role as the steward of God's creation (Gen. 1:26-30; Isa. 43:7; Col. 1:16; Rev. 4:11).

We believe that because of Adam's sin of disobedience to the revealed will and Word of God, man lost his holiness; incurred the penalty of spiritual and physical death; became subject to the wrath of God; became inherently corrupt, and utterly incapable of pleasing God in his thoughts, words and deeds apart from God's GRACE IN CHRIST THROUGH FAITH (Isa. 64:6; Matt 5:20; Gen. 2:16-17; 3:1-19; John 3:36; Rom 3:23, 6:23; 1 Cor 2:14; Eph 2:1-9; 1 Tim 2:13-14; 1 John 1:8).

We believe that all of mankind issued from the loins of Adam, and that the consequence of his sin was transmitted and imputed to all men from conception, Jesus Christ being the ONLY EXCEPTION. All men thus are sinners by divine declaration, by nature, and by choice (Ps. 14:1-3; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:9-18,23; 5:12-20; Js. 2:10).

We believe that the origin of races and languages was God's divine intervention at the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11). With that event the human races [colors, sizes, and other physical features] miraculously issued through the generations that followed.  It was there where they started to move out into the uttermost parts of the earth and developed their unique and distinct cultures, governments, and religions (Gen. 11:28-30).

IV. CONCERNING SIN [Hamartology]

We believe that God has revealed His will to man first through direct commands and prohibitions verbally ex[ressed. Man, having been created in the image of God TRANSGRESSED [doing that which is prohibited or going beyond the limits God has set: "Thou shalt nots"] by eating what was prohibited, Gen. 3. Man also disobeyed [rejecting what God commanded what he must do, "Thou shalts"] by not eating the fruit of the Tree of Life, Den. 3:22. As a result he became depraved. No aspect of his personality escapes corruption, Rom. chapters 1-3. A list of the sins of the flesh is in Gal. 5:19-21 but the GREATEST SIN OF ALL IS REFECTING JESUS CHRIST AS GOD WHO BECAME MAN to become the only SAVIOR [not believing God's Word, the Scriptures], John 3:16, 18, 36. The GREATEST VIRTUE OF ALL is believing God's Word, [2 Tim. 3:15-17; John 5:24; Rom. 10:9-17], and accepting Salvation as God's Grace alone through faith in Christ alone.

Having offended the Holy God, man is declared guilty and deserving of divine judgment both in this life and in the life to come (eternity]. Full satisfaction of God's demand for Justice must be met or no sin may be forgiven. Sinful man cannot accomplish this. But God is Gracious and Merciful. He opened the path so that man may be forgiven and be accounted righteous. That path was opened with the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. After living a perfect life without any sin, He took the place of man as a sinner and absorbed God's wrath at Calvary. Thus, Christ paid for the sins of all who trust in Him as their only Savior. Those who would add to this either doubt or question the sufficiency and efficacy of His life and redeeming work.

V. CONCERNING SALVATION [Soteriology]

Salvation is the work of God, (Father, Son and Holy Spirit whereby a sinner, by grace alone, through faith in Christ alone, according to Scriptures alone, receives absolute forgiveness for all sins (past, present and future) after true repentance brought about by conviction of the Holy Spirit upon hearing the Gospel (Acts 20:19-21; Rom 10:17; Rom. 8:1). He also receives righteousness that exceeds the righteousness of the Pharisees (Matt. 5:20; righteousness of Christ imputed, Rom 5:17-18). Having received Grace and Mercy in Christ, the sinner while in this life enjoys all the blessings of salvation and is given opportunity to participate in God's work The great commission, Matt. 28:18-20), do good works with eternal value for reward, and after death will enjoy the promise of the resurrection of life and eternal bliss in Heaven with all the redeemed of all ages in the presence of the Triune God, and the Holy Angels (2 Cor 5:10; Rev 20-22, Matt 25: 31-46).

A. Regeneration

We believe that Regeneration is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by which the divine nature and divine life are communicated (John 3:3-7). It is instantaneous and is accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit upon the sinner's identity with Christ through faith (John 5:24), which is made possible by the Holy Spirit's conviction (John 16:8-11). Regeneration is manifested by good works that are its proper evidence and fruit (1 Cor. 6:19-20; Eph. 2:10). This will be experienced to the extent that the believer submits to the control of the Holy Spirit through faithful obedience to the Word of God (Eph. 5:17-20; Phil. 2:12b; Col 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:4-10). In turn, this obedience causes the believer to be increasingly conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3:18) and to abhor the world, the flesh and the devil [I John 2:15-16]. Such conformity finds consummation in the believer's glorification at Christ's second coming (Rom. 8:17; 11 Cor 5:17; 1 Pet 1:23; 2 Pet. 1:4; 1 John 3:2-3).

B. Election

We believe election to be that act of God before the foundation of the world by which, whosoever is born again BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH is chosen for salvation, sanctification and glorification (Mk. 13:27; Eph 1:4-11; 2 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 2:10; 1 Pet. 1:1,2; Rom. 8:28-33).

We believe that Election is consistent with the responsibility of man, because God has created him as a moral being accountable for his choices specially when his eternal destiny is at stake, (1 Pet. 1:2; Rom. 8:29; Acts 13:48; John 6:37, 44).

We believe that election should not be looked upon merely as an arbitrary exercise based on abstract sovereignty. God is truly sovereign, but He exercises this sovereignty in harmony with his other attributes, especially His omniscience, justice, holiness, and wisdom (Rom. 9:11-16). This sovereignty never exalts the will of God as separate and apart from His character, as revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 11:25-28; John 1:13; 11 Tim. 1:9) nor does it deny man's accountability and responsibility as he grows from infancy to adulthood.

C. Justification

We believe that Justification before God is an act of God by which He declares as righteous those who are in Christ (Rom. 8:33). This righteousness is apart from any virtue or work of man (Rom. 3:20), and involves, on the one hand, the imputation of our sins to Christ (Col. 2:14; 1 Peter 3:18), and on the other hand, the imputation of Christ's Righteousness to us (Rom. 4:6; I Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21). In this way God can "be just, and the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus" (Rom. 3.26, 4:3-5).

D. Sanctification

We believe that every believer is "set apart" (sanctified) for God's use by the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every believer is therefore declared to be holy and is identified as a saint. There is moreover, the progressive process involved in sanctification that is observable among men - that of living a life separated from sin and worldliness [Rom 6:12-131. The other aspect of sanctification has to do with the believer's standing - his present state in Christ (Acts 20:32; 1 Cor. 1:2,30; 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2; Heb. 2:11; 3:1; 10:10, 14; 13:12; Jude 1).

We believe that there is, by the work of the Holy Spirit, an experiential sanctification, by which the state of the believer is progressively brought closer to the standing he already enjoys through justification. Through obedience to the Word of God and through the empowering of the Holy Spirit, the believer is able to live a life of increasing holiness - character and behavior becoming more and more like the Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:17, 19; Rom. 6:1-22; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 5:26; 1 Thess. 4:3-5; 5:23).

In this respect, we believe that every saved person is involved in a conflict- the new creation in Christ is set against the flesh - but adequate provision is available for victory through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, 1 Cor. 10: 12,13. The struggle stays with believers all through this earthly life and is never completely ended. All claims to the eradication of sin in this life are unscriptural. While the eradication of sin is not possible, the Holy Spirit does provide degrees of victory over it (Gal. 5:16-25; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:9,10; 1 Pet. 1:14-16;1 John 3:5-9;, Phil. 3:12).

E. Security

We believe that all the redeemed once saved are kept from the moment of salvation, by God's power and thus are secured in Christ forever (John 5:24; 6:37-50; 10:27,30; 17:15,20; Rom. 5:9,10; 8:1, 31-39; 1 Cor. 1:4-8; Eph. 4:30; Heb 7:25; 13:5; 1 Pet. 1:5; Jude 24). THE TRIUNE GOD HAS TAKEN UPON HIM THE PRESERVATION OF THE BELIEVERS. The unsaved can never understand this nor can they be convinced to believe it. This is a doctrine only the saved can comprehend. When one understands the Gospel of Christ and is truly born again, he may also understand eternal security in Jesus Christ (1 John 5:13, 2 Cor 13:5-7). It is truly a waste of time debating with the unsaved and the opponents of Biblical Christianity on the issue of ETERNAL SECURITY because they can never understand it.

We believe that it is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the instant and eternal assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God's Word, which, nevertheless clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion for sinful living and carnality (Rom 6:15-22; 13:13-14; Gal. 5:13, 25-26; Titus 2:11-15).

F. Separation

Biblical Separation is the principle which forbids Biblical Christians either individually or as a group, from cooperating ecclesiastically or personally with another person, or group of persons, who are not of like faith, in activities which will water down, distort or undermine the standards of Scriptures for right and wrong doctrines, ethics, methods and practices (2 Cor 6:14).

We believe that the doctrine of separation from sin is clearly taught throughout the Old and New Testaments, and that the Scriptures clearly indicate that in the last day's apostasy and worldliness shall increase (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5). Thus, the need to be vigilant and sober [1Pet 5:8].

We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord. Separation from apostasy, worldly and sinful behavior and activities is commanded by God (Rom. 12:1-2; 14:13; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:11; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-We believe that believers should be separated unto the Lord Jesus Christ (Lev. 9:2; John 15:1-5; Gal. $:16; 1 Thess:. 2:11-12; 2 Thes 1:11-12; Heb. 12:1-2) for more power and fruitfulness in life and ministry [John15: 1-5].

VI. CONCERNING GOOD WORKS [Ergonology]

We believe in the necessity of Good Works as a DIVINE AND SUPERNATURAL RESULT of Salvation in Christ, 2 Cor 5:17; Eph.2:8-10. Without getting saved first, no good thoughts, words or deeds that can be pleasing to God may come from man, Isa.64: 6.

GOOD WORKS are the believers thoughts, words and deeds endowed with spiritual and eternal values and qualities by the indwelling Holy Spirit, [1 Cor. 3: 11-15; 2 Cor 5:10], related to the fulfillment of the Great Commission [Matt 28:18-20], done according to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, in the ministry of the Local Church where the believers are members with motives, means, methods, character and lifestyle considered, [1Cor. 10: 31; James 5:17].

GOOD WORKS THAT SAVE are the RIGHTEOUS WORKS OF CHRIST, The Lamb without blemish. We are indeed saved by works, BUT WHOSE WORKS? The works of Christ, [Matt.5: 20]. -Not our works, not even our faith. CHRIST SAVED US BY HIS PERFECT OBEDIENCE TO GOD AND BY HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS THAT PAID FOR ALL OUR SINS.

When asked, "How can a man be saved?" Do not answer, "by faith, or by faith that works!" Rather say, "I am saved by Christ - The Lord Jesus Christ Saved me." Then proceed to explain the Gospel.

VII. CONCERNING THE CHURCH [Ecclesiology]

We believe that the CHURCH [the spiritual Body and the spiritual Bride of the Lord Jesus Christ] is the company of bor-again believers saved by the Grace of God alone, through faith in Christ alone, divinely initiated on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) by the Holy Spirit and which will be completed at the time of the Rapture. A portion of this spiritual organism is already "asleep in Christ." waiting for the resurrection of the body but whose souls and spirits are already with Christ in heaven (2 Cor 5:1-10). Others are still in this world (John 17:14-16) in fellowship with other believers in their local Christian churches [under many names and denominational identities in many countries and cultures in the world but united in their beliefs and practices that are identical with those of the Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ]. Still others are yet to be saved through the missionary and evangelistic programs of the local churches (John 17:20-21) until that time when the BODY is completed and the Bride ready for the Rapture. (1 Thess 4:13-18; 2 Thess 2:6-8 )

We believe that all who place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately baptized by the Holy Spirit into one Body, the Church (1 Cor. 12:12-13), of which Christ is the Head (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; Col. 1:18). We also believe that the Church is the spiritual BRIDE of which Christ is the BRIDEGROOM (2 Cor. 11:2, Eph.5: 23-32; Rev. 19:7-8).

We believe that the Church is a unique spiritual organism (Matt 16:18) composed of all born again believers in this present age (Eph. 2:11-22; 3:1-6). The Church is distinct and different from Israel (1 Cor. 10:32), and was a mystery revealed only in this age (Eph. 3:1-6; 5:32).

We believe in the continuity of the planting and formation of local churches from the apostolic times to the present (Acts 14:23,27; 20:17,29; Gal. 1:2; Phil. 1:1; 1 Thess. 1:1) and in the importance of believers becoming members also of these fellowships as commanded and directed by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 11:18-20; Heb. 10:25).

We believe that the supreme authority of the Church is Christ (1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:18), and that the order, discipline and worship are appointed by His Divine providence through Biblically ordained and called leaders. Serving under Christ and over the assembly are Pastors (also called Bishops or Elders, Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11), and Deacons (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-6).

We believe that these leaders lead or rule according to the gifts they receive from the Holy Spirit (Rom 12:3-8; I Tim. 5:17-22), and that they are to serve with all humility of mind, [Acts 20:191.

We believe in forgiving, disciplining, rehabilitating and restoring repentant members and leaders of the church in accordance with the standards of Scriptures (Matt. 18:15-22;, Acts 5:1ff; 1 Cor. 5:1-13, 2 Thess. 3:6-15; 1 Tim. 1:19,20; Titus 1:10-16).

We believe in the AUTONOMY of the local church (free from any external authority or control), in the right to self-government and in freedom from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations (Titus 1:5). It is Scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other for the preservation and propagation of the Biblical Christian faith.

We also believe that each local church, through its leadership, has a very serious responsibility to interpret and apply Biblical principles for its own fellowship, in order to design policies and programs affecting membership, activities, missions etc. (Acts 15:19-31; 20:28; 1 Cor. 5:4-7,13; 1 Peter 5:1-4).

We believe that the purpose of the Church is to glorify God (Eph. 3:21), by building itself up in the faith (Eph. 4:13-16), by instruction of the Word (2 Tim 2:2,15; 3:16,17), by fellowship (Acts 2:42; 1 John 1:3), by keeping the ordinances (Luke 22:19; Acts 2:38-42); and by advancing and communicating the Gospel to the entire world (Matt 28:19; Acts 1:8; 2:42).

We believe the calling of all saints to the work of the ministry ( Cor. 15:58; Eph. 4:12; Rev. 22:12). For the accomplishment of that purpose, He has given the Church spiritual gifts. First, He gave gifted men purposely to equip the saints for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:7-12). He also gave unique and special spiritual abilities to each member Of the Body of Christ (Rom. 12:5-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-31; 1 Peter 4:10-11). Al the moment of spiritual birth every believer receives a gift or gifts (1 Cor 12:4-13). These gifts are sovereignly bestowed and cannot be sought of bought (1 Cor. 12:11). It is essential that every believer discovers, develops and employs his spiritual gift or gifts for the edification of the Body and the accomplishment of the work of Christ in the world (Rom 12:3-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11).

We believe that there are two kinds of gifts: temporary confirming gifts and permanent edifying gifts. With the New Testament Scriptures completed, the confirming gifts are no longer a necessary criteria (1 Cor. 13:8-12) for evaluating the validity of the teacher and his message since these can also be counterfeited by Satan (1 Cor. 13:13-14; Col. 2:18; Rev. 13:13-14).

We believe that the temporary confirming gifts (Speaking in tongues - unlearned languages - and the working of signs and wonders) gradually ceased as the Bible (66 books) became established as the supreme rule for faith and practice (1 Cor. 13:8-10; 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb 2:3-4; Acts 19:11-12; 1 Cor. 12:1-31; 1 Cor. 13:8-12).

We believe that today no one possesses the gifts of healing and miracles as the apostles had in their time, but that God hears and answers the prayer of faith of every believer and that He will help the sick, suffering and afflicted in accordance to His own perfect will (Luke 18:1-6; John 5:7; 2 Cor. 12:6-10; James 5:13-16; 1 John 5:14-15).

We believe that two ordinances have been committed to the local church: Baptism and the Lord's Supper (Acts 2:38-42). Christian baptism (by immersion) is the testimony of a believer, showing forth in solemn and beautiful symbolism his faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior. It testifies of his union with Him in death to sin, and in the resurrection to a new life (Rom. 6:1-11; Acts 8:36-39)

We believe that the Lord's Supper is the commemoration and proclamation of Christ's death until He comes. It should be preceded always by solemn self-examination (1 Cor. 11:23-38), and must be observed as often as practicable and meaningful both in an open and closed communion. We also believe that while Christ's flesh and blood are not actually present (Transubstantiation) the Lord's Supper is a memorial, a special communion of the church with the risen Christ (1 Cor. 10:16).

VIII. CONCERNING ANGELS [Angelology]

A. Holy Angels

We believe that angels are spirit-beings created individually and which are neither male nor female, and thus cannot procreate, reproduce or incarnate. Although they are a higher roc- of creation than man, they too are to worship and serve God (Luke 2:9-14; Heb. 1:6, 7, 14; 2:6-7 Rev. 5:11; Rev. 19:10: 22-9). They are ministering spirits to accomplish God's program of redemption for man. Some of them fell into sin because of rebellion and pride under the leadership of Lucifer [Isa 14:12-17]. The rest who remain loyal to God are called THE HOLY ANGELS with Gabriel and Michael as special mentioned messengers.

B. Fallen Angels

We believe that Satan is a created angel and is the author of sin. By his pride and rebellion that also involved numerous angels, he incurred the judgment of God (Job 1:6-7; Isa. 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:11-19). He brought sin into the human race by deceiving Adam and Eve (Gen 3:1-15). A number of these fallen angels became the demons in the world today (principalities and powers, Eph. 6:11-12). The rest are kept in the PIT, TARTARUS or ABYSS, reserved to be released at the end of the Tribulation period from the Bottomless Pit (2 Pet 2:4; Jude 1:6, Rev 9:1-11) with their leader, Abaddon or Apollyon.

We believe that Satan is the open and declared enemy of God and man (Matt. 4:1-11; 25:41), and the prince of this world actively involved in opposing God's redemptive work, Eph. 6:12. He was defeated by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom. 16:20), and he shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire (Job 1:6,7; Isa. 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:11-19; Rev. 20:10).

IX. CONCERNING THE LAST THINGS [Eschatology]

A. Death and Resurrection

We believe that physical death (Rev. 6-9) involves the separation of the soul and spirit from the body (2 Cor 5:8; Rev. 6:9-11; Matt 10:28), that the soul of the redeemed passes immediately into ine presence of Christ (Luke 16:19-28; Luke 23:43; Phil. 1:23; 2 Cor 5,51 and that such separation will continue until the resurrection (1 Thess. 4:16; Rev. 20:4-6) when spirit, soul, and body will be reunited to be forever with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:16-17; Phil. 3:21; 1 Cor. 15: 35-44, 50-54). Until that time, the souls of the redeemed in Christ remain in joyful fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:8. But the souls of the unsaved go directly to the place of torment (Luke 16: 22-24) where they will wait for the "second resurrection", (Rev. 20:4-5), at which time they all will be cast into the Eternal Lake of Fire (Gehenna) where Satan and all his demons will also be tormented forever.

We believe in the corporeal resurrection of all men unto eternal life (1] for the O.T. Non-Hebrew Saints (Matt. 27:51-53), [2] for the Church or N.T. Saints (1 Thess 4:16-17), [3] for the Tribulation Saints (Jews and Gentiles - Daniel 12:1-2; Rev 20:4-6; John 5:28,29). The unsaved will be resurrected after the Millennium to face the Great White Throne Judgment and then to be cast into the Lake of Fire. (Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; Rev. 20:6, 13-15).

B. The Rapture of the Church

We believe in the personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thess 4:16; Titus 2:11-13) to remove His Church from this earth (John 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51-53; 1 Thess. 4:15-5:11), and to reward their works (Rom. 14:10-12; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10). This event is different from Christ's Glorious and visible return with his Saint at the end of the Tribulation Period. The former is His coming as a "THIEF IN THE NIGHT" when His Redeemed "jewels" will be "caught up" without any fanfare. The latter will be a worldwide visible manifestation of Christ with His saints to begin His reign for a thousand years.

C. The Tribulation Period

We believe that immediately following the removal of the church from the earth (John 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:13-18), the world will submit to the authority of the ONE-WORLD DICTATOR, THE ANTI-CHRIST, who will be supported by the ONE-WORLD CHURCH UNDER THE FALSE PROPHET. Under their leadership, the righteous judgments of God [the seven seals, the seven trumpets and the seven vials] will be poured out upon this unbelieving world (Jer. 30:7; Dan 9:27; 12:1; 2 Thess. 2:7-12; Rev. 16:1-21). These judgments will climax at the return of Christ in glory to earth (Matt. 24:15-31; 2. Thess. 2:7-12; 1 Tim 6:14). at which time the Old Testament Jewish saints any tribulation saints will be raised from the dead. With them and the other saints of all ages, Jesus Christ will establish His kingdom on earth (Rev. 20:4-6: Dan 12:2-3; Rev. 6:9-11). This tribulation period will end with The Battle of Armageddon, when the Anti-Christ and the False prophet will be cast into the LAKE OF FIRE - the first occupants of GBHENNA (Rev.19: 20).

D. The Second Coming and the Millennial Reign

We believe that, after the Tribulation Period, Christ will come to earth to occupy the throne of David (Matt. 25:31; Luke 1:31-33; Acts 1:10; 11:2:29-30), and establish His Messianic Kingdom for a thousand years on earth (Rev. 20:1-7). During this time the resurrected saints will reign with Him over Israel and all nations of the earth (Ezek. 37:21-28; Dan. 7:17-22; Rev. 19:11-16). This reign will be preceded by the overthrow of the anti-Christ and the false prophet, and by the removal of Satan from the world (Dan. 7:17-27; Rev. 20:1-7).

We believe that the Kingdom itself will be the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel (Deut. 30:1-10; Ezek. 37:21-28; Zech. 8:1-17), which is to restore them to the land that they forfeited through disobedience Deut. 28:15-68; 30:1-10). After the duration of the dispensation of the church [from Pentecost to the rapture], and after the Tribulation Period, Israel as a nation will be restored again as the favored nation under the reign of Jesus Christ [King of the whole earth, sitting on David's throne - the fulfillment of the unconditional promise to Abraham] through whom ALL FAMILIES [nations] OF THE EARTH BE BLESSED (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-32; Rom. 11:25-29). IN THE CHURCH AGE, less than a sixth of the world's population may have heard of Jesus Christ. ONLY IN THE MILLENNIUM CAN all nations of the earth be blessed.

We believe that the Lord's reign will be characterized by harmony, justice, peace, righteousness, and long life (Isa. 11:1-16; 65:17-25; Ezek. 36:33-38). It will be brought to an end with the release of Satan (Rev. 20:7) to test mortals living in the Millennium, whether they served Christ the King for FEAR, OR IN FAITH.

E. The Judgement of the Lost

We believe that following his release at the end of the millennial reign, [Rev 20:71; Satan will deceive the nations of the earth and gather them to battle against the saints and the Beloved City (Rev. 20:9). Satan and his army will be devoured by fire from heaven (Rev. 20:9), and then Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10). Whereupon Christ, the judge of all men will judge the resurrected unsaved who had been kept in the place of torment [hades] to appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, [John 5:22).

We believe that this resurrection of the unsaved dead will be for their conscious suffering in the Lake of Fire for eternity (Rom. 14:10-13; Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:11-15) yet in the attitude of submission and worship before the ETERNAL GOD, THE ALL SOVEREIGN TRIUNE GOD.

F. Eternity

We believe that after the closing of the Millennial reign, the temporary release of Satan, and the judgment of unbelievers (2 Thess. 1:9; Rev. 20:7-15), the saved will enter the eternal state of glory with God [Rev.22: 4]; that the elements of this earth are to be dissolved (2 Pet. 3:10), to be replaced with a new earth wherein only righteousness dwells (Eph. 5:5; Rev. 20:15; 21 & 22); and with the new heaven, both identified as a combined holy place, also called the NEW JERUSALEM (Rev. 21:2). This new heaven and new earth will be the dwelling place of the saints where they will forever enjoy fellowship with God and with one another (John 17:3; Eph. 2:11-16; Rev. 21 & 22). The Lord Jesus Christ, having fulfilled His redemptive mission, will then deliver up the Kingdom to God the Father (Eph. 1:18-23; I Cor. 15:24-28), that in all spheres God may reign forever and ever.

HELL, having swallowed all unsaved men and Satan and his demons, for eternity will also become another place of worship because EVEN THERE, CHRIST WILL BE PRAISED (Phil.2: 9-15). In eternity there will be no rebel left. All will be under the Sovereignty of God. Therefore, all immortal beings created by God will worship Him, both in Heaven and in Hell.

Pastor Paul Cadavos dreamed of planting a church with a simple goal: to make fully devoted followers of Christ. Who would have imagined back in February 2001 that the Lord had such amazing plans already in place for Bible Christian Fellowship? To think that sixteen people meeting in the basement of our pastor's home would someday grow into the church that we have today. Looking out now at so many faces in our congregation, it's hard to imagine that two serious concerns of our small group then were singing too loud and having too many cars parked out front! There were so many cars in fact that we had to move our group to a rented space at the Parsippany Hilton Hotel. When we outgrew that space, our next move was to the Keoku Restaurant, and then on to a space offered to us at Community Life Chapel in Parsippany.

Now if anyone thinks that God doesn't have an intriguing way of advancing His plans, they aren't familiar with the most interesting part of BCF history. Pastor Paul had a car accident with a family that attended Pequannock Valley Baptist Church in Pompton Plains. A friendship developed and it became apparent that Pequannock Valley Baptist Church was in desperately in need of members as their numbers were dwindling. BCF was growing and was in need of more space. With God's help in June 2005, a successful merger developed between the two churches under the name Bible Christian Fellowship. In July of 2009, BCF ordained Pastor Jim Herman as a pastor, and from that time on Pastor Herman has been an integral part of BCF.

Our church history is an inspiring lesson in the perseverance of a small group of followers and in God's faithfulness. Ten years have passed but we know that God is not through with us yet. If you haven't visited, we invite you to see for yourself how exciting church can be as we preach the gospel and continue to multiply our numbers to praise Him. Join us as we eagerly look forward to our next coming years working together to advance the glory of God!