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(I am a Saved Jew. The Synagogue in
Brantford was named after my uncle.)
Ro. 1:16 "
For I am not ashamed of the gospel
of Christ: for it is the
power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first,
and also to the Greek. "
Ro. 2:28,29 " For he is not a Jew, which
is one outwardly; neither is
that circumcision, which is
outward in the flesh:
29
But he is
a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision
is that
of the heart, in the spirit,
and
not in the letter;
whose praise is
not of men, but of God. "
Special Note:
( If, you are a Jewish person viewing our web site, at this very moment,
I have a special favour
to ask of you.
Please take a few moments and
read Isaiah Chapter 53 verses 1 through 7
in your own
Old Testament Bible, and tell me
" Whom " you see revealed from Scripture! )
Email me (Dr.
David R. Axler B. Th. DD) at :
ambassador@execulink.com
______________________________________________________________________________________
A) Conversion.
I received Jesus Christ, as my personal Saviour on Feb.7/80. I followed
the Lord in believer's baptism on July 19/80 and was baptized in the Grand
River by Pastor W. L. Goff, of Berean Baptist Church in Brantford.
B) Growing in
Grace, and being Prepared for my Call.
a) I was allowed the privilege of serving in Berean Baptist Church for 10
years. I was the head deacon for a number of years and remained in that
office for approx. 6
1/2 years under the leadership of Pastor W. L Goff.
b)
I moderated all the business meetings,
c) Headed up the visitation programme for the ministry,
d) Headed up the caring ministry,
e) Headed up
a 6:00 am Sunday morning prayer meeting in the later days,
f) Taught
Junior Church,
g) Drove a bus in the bus ministry for a short space of
time,
h) Undertook the platform duties in the Pastors absence,
i) Taught the adult S/S class for a
quarter,
j) Preached the odd Wed. night
service in the Pastor's absence, when he asked me.
b) Calvary Baptist
Church merged with Berean on Aug. 28th, 1988. Pastor Goff took another
ministry out west in 1990. Pastor G. J. LeGrow started up Northside Baptist
Church shortly afterwards. After much prayer and fasting the Lord led me
to follow Pastor LeGrow in the commencement of this work. This was an
excellent training ground for me to see a new work start from scratch. I
was deacon for a space of time. I had the privilege of heading up the
visitation programme and bus ministry, training our folks in the area of
door to door visitation, teaching Junior Church, driving the bus in the
bus ministry, and being the asst. Church treasurer, as well as a Trustee
under the leadership of Pastor G. J . LeGrow.
c) From the
commencement of my receiving the Lord I almost immediately enrolled in
Bible College by correspondence. Thus far I have received my 2-yr. Bible
diploma from Liberty Home Bible Institute. I have received my Bachelor of
Theology degree from New World Bible Institute and Theological Seminary in
Texarkana, Arkansas. I am currently working on my Masters of Theology
through Tabernacle Baptist College - Blue Mountain Extension Programme in
Greenville, S.C. To date I have completed approx. 1/2 of my course
workload, as I am too busy to set time aside for it, since Ambassador
started. During this period I was 95% sure I was called to preach. In June
of 92 Pastor David Jesse of Rock Cave, West Virginia preached and gave an
invitation. I responded to the alter call and received this confirmation
verse, as my call from the Lord. I currently have received my D. Div.
Certificate from Cambridge Theological Seminary.
Ps. 107:37 "And sow
the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase."
In application the
Lord was saying to me: " David I want you to keep on sowing the Word of
God. I want you to start Independent Baptist Churches (Vineyards) which I
Will BLESS and allow to bear fruit! (Souls Saved and Added) " A few months
prior to Aug. 95 the Lord illuminated a verse to myself to commence a new
ministry in Brantford.
Jer. 26:14,15 " As
for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet
unto you. 15 But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall
surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon
the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the LORD hath sent me unto you to
speak all these words in your ears. "
After much prayer
I told my Pastor of
God's leading in my life.
Ambassador Baptist Church was established on Aug. 2/95.
Our Ministry is a
registered charitable organization recognized by the Province of Ont.
Our Ministry has
had the privilege of being involved in approx.
214+
professions of faith since Aug. 2/95.
We have had the
privilege of baptizing 63
candidates to date.
We also have had
the privilege of dedicating
Fourteen children to the
Lord.
We also have
had the privilege of uniting
Seven
couples in the estate of Marriage.
(One
man & one woman)
Ambassador Baptist
Church supports:
"
Missionary
Evangelist Gary G. Edmunds "
Ambassador Baptist
Church also supports:
"
Missionary
Robert Caie "
Ambassador Baptist
Church also supports:
"
Pastor Burl La
Forme"
Ambassador Baptist
Church also supports:
"
Pastor Isagani
Antonio Jr."
Ambassador Baptist
Church also supports:
"
Pastor Bob
Strachan"
Ambassador
ministers currently at
Versa Care. We had the privilege to minister approx.
17 yrs. @ John Noble Home, & Participation House, Leisure World, and
others.
Ambassador
maintains a Salvation and Help web site on the Internet.
www.ambassadorbaptistbrantford.com
C) Doctrinal
Beliefs: Doctrine of the Bible.
I believe
the Holy Scriptures,
consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament is the
plenary (complete, entire, absolute), verbally inspired Word of God. The
Scriptures are inerrant, infallible, authoritative, preserved, and the
believers only rule of faith and practice. God has preserved His Word, in
the King James Bible (1611) in the English language ,by its translation
from the Textus Receptus ( Received Text) manuscripts.
2Ti 3:16 " All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: " 2 Peter 1:19-21 " ¶ We have also a more sure word of
prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that
shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in
your hearts: 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:
but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. " Mt 24:35
" Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. "
" INSPIRATION "
The 66 books of the Bible were written by holy men of God, as they were
moved by the Holy Ghost, in such a definite way that their writings were
supernaturally and verbally inspired and free from error, as no other
writings have ever been, or ever will be inspired. 2Pe 1:21 " For the
prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God
spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
By " VERBAL
INSPIRATION '' I
mean that the Holy Spirit, while preserving each author's individual style
of writing, guided them so that every word they wrote was exactly what God
wanted them to say.
Ex.4: 10-12 " ¶ And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not
eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant:
but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. 11 And the LORD said unto
him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the
seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? 12 Now therefore go, and I will
be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." Acts 1: 16 " Men
and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the
Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was
guide to them that took Jesus." Acts 28: 25 " And when they agreed not
among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well
spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, "
By " PLENARY
INSPIRATION " I
mean that all portions of Scripture are equally inspired and that as a
whole they form a complete book without error, or contradiction. Ps.12:
6,7 " The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace
of earth, purified seven times."
I believe that God has infallibly and inerrantly preserved His Word for
every generation.
Deut. 4: 2 " Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither
shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the
LORD your God which I command you." Ps.12: 7 "Thou shalt keep them, O
LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."
2) Doctrine of God.
(Theology) ( Theos)
God is Spirit and is composed of three Personages within the Godhead. The
three have distinct and individual personages within the Godhead. They are
God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is Self-Existent,
Eternal, Creator, and Redeemer. They are equal and execute distinct but
harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. John 4:24 " God is a
Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in
truth." Gen. 17: 1" ¶ And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the
LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk
before me, and be thou perfect. " Re 22:13 " I am Alpha and Omega, the
beginning and the end, the first and the last." Isa 43:11 " I, even I, am
the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour." 1Ti 1:17 " Now unto the King
eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for
ever and ever. Amen. " Isa 40:28 " Hast thou not known? hast thou not
heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the
earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his
understanding. " 1 Cor. 8: 6 " But to us there is but one God, the Father,
of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom
are all things, and we by him. " Isa 54:5 " For thy Maker is thine
husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of
Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. "
1 Jo 5:7 " For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the
Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
The universe and
the Scriptures declare the existence of God.
John 1:1" ¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God. " Ro. 1:19,20 " ¶ Because that which may be known of God
is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 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: "
God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, having created the
universe visible and invisible in six literal, 24 hr. days. Gen.1: 31 " ¶
And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.
And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. " The word day (Yom)
in the Hebrew is a numerical adjective indicating a 24 hour time period.
Ex. 20: 11 " For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and
all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD
blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." Ex.31: 17 " It is a sign
between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD
made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was
refreshed. "
Gen. 1: 1"¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." John
1:1-3 " 1 ¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things
were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."
Col. 1:16,17 " For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and
that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or
dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him,
and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things
consist. "
The nature and the
essence of God are revealed in His attributes.
1) God is Spirit. John 4: 24 " God is a Spirit: and they that worship him
must worship him in spirit and in truth." 2) God is Eternal. Ps.90: 2 "
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the
earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. "
3) God is Sovereign. Ro. 9:15 " For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy
on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have
compassion. " 4) God is Holy. John 17: 11 " ¶ And now I am no more in the
world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep
through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be
one, as we are." 1 Peter 1:16 " Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I
am holy. " 5) God is Love. 1 John 4:8 " He that loveth not knoweth not
God; for God is love. " 6) God is Perfect. Ps.18: 30 " As for God, his way
is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those
that trust in him. " 7) God is Omnipotent. Ps.29: 4 " The voice of the
LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. " Mat. 19: 26
" But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible;
but with God all things are possible. " Col 1:11" Strengthened with all
might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and
longsuffering with joyfulness; " 8) God is Omniscient. Mat. 10: 29 " Are
not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on
the ground without your Father." 1 John 3:20 " ¶ For if our heart condemn
us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. " 9) God is
Omnipresent. Jer. 23:23,24 "Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a
God afar off? 24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not
see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. "
3) The Doctrine of
God the Father. ( Theology)
Jesus Christ is the SON of God the Father. (John 17:1-5 ) The Father is
the Head within the Godhead. The Son fulfils the Will of God the Father.
The Holy Spirit lifts up Christ, that the Father might be Glorified. John
4:34 " Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent
me, and to finish his work. " John 14:13 " And whatsoever ye shall ask in
my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. " (
Luke 4:1; John 8:28 ) Eph. 1: 3 " ¶ Blessed be the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in
heavenly places in Christ: " Gal. 4: 4 " But when the fulness of the time
was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,"
John 3:16 " For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life. "
4) The Doctrine of
the Son of God. (Christology)
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Christ is the second personage within the
Godhead. Christ literally spoke everything into existence, as the Creator.
Jesus voluntarily surrendered His will to God the Father. When Christ was
(Immanuel) God incarnate in the flesh, He was conceived of the Holy Ghost;
born of the Virgin Mary; Sinless; 100% God and 100% man, as the Son of
Man. Jesus paid mankind's Sin Debt for " whosoever will" by His
substitutionary DEATH at Calvary; His BURIAL; and His RESURRECTION. Jesus
is the believer's High Priest, and Advocate, interceding on our behalf to
His Father. Christ as the Son of Man was tempted in all points, as we are
tempted. Christ knows experientially our temptations, yet did not, and
could not SIN because He is, always has been, and always will be GOD. God
the Father draws the sinner to Christ. The moment the sinner trust's Jesus
Christ, as their own personal Saviour Christ forgives their SIN and covers
them in His PRECIOUS BLOOD, and he, or she immediately is SAVED. At the
very conception of SALVATION Christ sends the Holy Ghost to live in the
individual who receives Jesus as his, or her personal SAVIOUR. Christ who
is seated at the right hand of God the Father intercedes to Him, on behalf
of every believer in Christ as his or her ADVOCATE. Christ is the head of
the Church and one day in the future, when the trumpet sounds will RETURN
for HIS BRIDE.
Proof of His Deity:
1) Christ is called
God. ( Ps.45:6,7; Mat. 1:23; John. 1:1; John 20:28; Ro. 9:5; 1 John 5:20;
Heb. 1:8)
2) Christ is the
second personage within he Godhead.( John 12:45;17:5; Phil.2:6; Col.2:9 )
3) Christ received
worship. ( Mat. 2:2, 11; 9:18; 14:333; Luke 24;52; John 5:23; Heb.1;6 )
4) Christ possessed
Divine attributes. A) Omnipotence. ( Mat. 28:18; Luke 4:36; Col.1:16,17 )
B) Omniscience.
(Mk. 2:8; Luke 6:8, 9:47; John 1; 48,49, 4; 16-19; 16:30; 21:17)
C) Omnipresence.
(Ps. 139: 7-10; Mat. 18:20;)
Proof of His
Humanity: 1) Christ
possessed a physical body. ( Mat. 26:12; John 20:17 ) 2) Christ possessed
a Soul. ( John 12:27 ) 3) Christ had a Spirit. ( Mk. 2:8; Luke 10:21 ) 4)
Christ grew bodily. ( Luke 2:40,52 ) 5) Christ hungered. ( Mat. 4:2) 6)
Christ Thirsted. ( John 19:28 ) 7) Christ became weary. ( John 4:6 ) 8)
Christ experienced suffering and death. ( Luke 22:44; John 19:20 )
Proof of His Virgin
Birth: 1) Luke
1:34,35. 2) Mat.1: 24,25. 3) Luke 1:27,35. 4} Mk. 1:9. 5) Mk. 1: 9-11. 6)
Isa. 7:14.
5) The Doctrine of
the Holy Spirit. (Pneumatology}
The Holy Spirit is the third personage of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit is
100% God. The Holy Spirit convicts the sinner, as well as the believer of
sin in their life. He indwells, sanctifies, seals the believer, fills,
empowers, teaches, leads, takes the prayers of the saints and makes them
perfect on our behalf, comforts, illuminates the Scriptures for us, and
makes groanings on our behalf, that cannot be uttered. I believe that the
Holy Ghost is the empowering personage within the Godhead. The Holy Spirit
was active in the creation of the universe; the Inspiration of the
Scriptures; and the earthly ministry of Christ. Mt 12:31 " Wherefore I say
unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but
the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men." Mt
12:32 " And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be
forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not
be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. " Ro
8:26 " ¶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not
what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh
intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. " Luke 12:12 "
For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
" 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. " Luke 4:1 " ¶ And
Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by
the Spirit into the wilderness," Ro 8:14 " For as many as are led by the
Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." 1Co 6:11 " And such were some of
you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the
name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. " Eph 4:30 " And
grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of
redemption." Ac 8:29 " Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join
thyself to this chariot." Gal.5: 16-18 "This I say then, Walk in the
Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh
lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these
are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye
would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." Acts
2; 4 " And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak
with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. " Acts 4;8 " Then
Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the
people, and elders of Israel, " Luke 1:35 " And the angel answered and
said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the
Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall
be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." 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. " John 15:26 " ¶ But when the Comforter
is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of
truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: " 1Co
6:19 " What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost
which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? "
1) The Holy Spirit is God. (Acts 5:3,4) 2) Omnipotent. (Mk. 3:29; Luke
1:35) 3) Omniscient (1 Cor. 2:10,11) 4) Omnipresence (Ps. 139:7,10) 5) He
performs the works of God. A) Creation. ( Gen. 1:1,2 ) B) Regeneration. (
Ro. 8:11 ) C) Salvation (1Cor. 6:11) 6) The Holy Spirit is Sovereign. (
Zech. 4:6; 1 Cor. 12:11 ) 7) He has Intellect. (Ro. 8;27; 1 Cor. 2;11;
12:8; ) 8) He has Emotion. ( Isa.63:10; Eph.4:30 ) 9) He has a Will. (
Mat. 12:32; 1Cor. 12:11 ) 10) He has Power. ( Gen. 1;2 ; Eph. 3;16 ) 11)
He Forbids. ( Acts 16:6,7 ) 12) He Speaks. (Acts 8:29; 10:19; 13;2) 13) He
Loves. ( Ro. 15:30 ) 14) He Grieves. ( Eph.4:30 ) 15) He Prays. ( Ro.8:26
) 16) He is Eternal. ( Heb.9;14 )
6) The Doctrine of
Angels . ( Angelology)
God created ( Ps. 148:2,5) a great host of angels. Heb. 12:22. 1)
Archangels ( Michael " Who is like God" : Dan. 10:13,21; Dan. 12:1; Jude
1:9; Rev. 12:7 ) ( Gabriel " The mighty one of God " Dan. 8;16, 9:21; Luke
1;19) 2) Cherubims and 3) Seraphims. Angels , like everything else in this
universe, were made by God the Father through Jesus Christ in the energy
of the Holy Spirit. ( Job 38:1,4 7 ) Angels were created to glorify God. (
Col.1;16; Heb. 1;6; Rev. 4;11 ) They are spirit beings. (Heb. 1:7) They
possess separate and individual personalities, with probably, no two
alike. They have three necessary features required of personality. A)
Intelligence. (Dan.9: 21,22) B) Will. (Isa. 14:12-15; Jude 1; 6) C)
Emotion. They display joy. (Job 38:7; Luke 2:13) They express desire.
(1Peter 1:12) They are superior to men due to Adam's fall. (Ps. 8:4,5)
They are stronger than men are. (2 Peter 2:11) They are smarter than men
are. (Dan. 9:21,22; 10:14) They are swifter than men are. (Dan. 9:21)
Angels are inferior to God. They are not omnipresent (Dan. 10; 12) They
are not omnipotent. (Dan. 10:13; Jude 1:9) They are not omniscient. (Mat.
24:26) Cherubim's each have four faces. The face in front was as a man.
The right was as a lion. The left was as an ox. The back was as an eagle.
Each has two pair of wings, one pair spreading out from the middle of the
back; the other pair is used to cover the body. The wings made a noise
like waves crashing upon the seashore. They have legs like men, but their
feet were cloven like calf's feet, which shone like burnished brass. They
have four human hands, with one located under each wing. They apparently
travel in-groups of four. The outstretched wings of each cherub touch
those of the three remaining companions, so that they form a square. When
they moved, they moved as a group without turning their bodies. Seraphim's
" burning ones " have six wings. Two are used to cover their face, two to
cover their feet, and two are used to fly with. They proclaim the majesty
of God. (Isa. 6:3) Isaiah was ministered by one. (Isa. 6:7 ) Angels do
not, and cannot procreate. Mt 22:30 " For in the resurrection they neither
marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
"
7) The Doctrine of
Satan.
Lucifer was the most beautiful archangel and strongest that God had
created. He tried to be like the Most high. (El-Elyon) God evicted him and
1/3 (approx. 1/3 of a trillion) of the heavenly host from the 3rd Heaven,
as they in turn decided to follow the creation rather than the Creator. He
became Satan, the devil, the father of lies, and thus was judged by God
and sentenced in future time to spend eternity in the lake of fire. The
devil is the enemy of God, mankind, and the Christians. The devil can only
do those things that God allows him to do. He is not omnipotent,
omniscient, omnipresent, or in charge of his own destiny. The devil is a
conquered foe as the Lamb of God bought back the keys to the earth, so to
speak through His Death, Burial, and Resurrection. Believers have the
victory in Christ over death; the grave, and hell. Believers cannot be
demon possessed. The devil caused Adam to sin in the garden, resulting in
the fall of man. The result of disobedience brought about God's judgement
of death, spiritual death upon mankind, the curse upon the earth, and the
need for Jesus Christ to shed His blood at Calvary for " whosoever will ",
in order that individuals who are willing to accept Christ, as their
personal Saviour would have restored fellowship, and a place secured for
them with God in Heaven for ever. (Isa. 14:12-14; John 8; 44; Acts 10:38;
2 Tim. 2; 26; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 3:8; Rev. 12:9; Rev. 20:10; Gen. 3:1-24;
Job 1:12; 2 Cor.6: 14; 1 Cor. 15:54,55,57; 1 John 5:4) 1Jo 4:4 " ¶ 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. "
8) The Doctrine of
Man. (Anthropology)
God created Adam in His image, on the sixth day of creation. God breathed
into Adam the breath of life, and made him a living soul. Man was created
to glorify God; fellowship with Him; subdue the earth (aquire knowledge
and mastery over the material environment to bring its elements into the
service of the race.), and have dominion over the earth. Adam in his
original state before his open disobedience was perfect; sinless; innocent
and meant to live forever. God created him with a free will, which he
exercised in direct disobedience to God's command. God removed one of
Adam's ribs (flesh, and blood) and created Eve as a helpmeet for Adam.
Adam disobeyed God by eating of the forbidden fruit and brought God's
judgement upon all mankind. The penalty for Adam's sin was physical death;
spiritual death; and a curse upon the earth. Every living human boy, or
girl from Adam on was, and is born in sin, requiring repentance on their
part and faith in Jehovah (sinners in the old testament looking forward to
the cross); repentance on the part of a sinner after Christ died at
Calvary placing their faith in Him, as they look back to the cross.
Gen. 1: 26-31; Gen. 3; 1-24; Gen. 2; 15-23; Ro. 5: 12 " Wherefore, as by
one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed
upon all men, for that all have sinned: " Ro. 3:10 " As it is written,
There is none righteous, no, not one: " 1Co 15:22 " For as in Adam all
die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. " Mk. 2; 17; Ro 3:25 "
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood,
to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past,
through the forbearance of God; " Gen. 2:7; Ro. 6:23; Rev. 20: 10-15.
9) The Doctrine of
Salvation. (Soteriology)
Salvation contains within it a vocabulary of at least 14 key words.
(Conversion; Substitution; Reconciliation; Propitiation; Remission;
Redemption; Regeneration; Imputation; Adoption; Supplication;
Justification; Sanctification; Glorification; Preservation.) Salvation of
the soul is necessary for each human being in order to spend eternity in
heaven. (Ro. 1:'16; Acts 4:12) In order for a person to be saved they must
first realize they are a sinner . (Ro. 3:10,23} They must repent of their
sin (Luke 13; 3; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19), and ask Jesus Christ to forgive
them (Ro. 10:13); and then receive Him into their heart and lives, as
their personal Saviour. (John 1; 12; Acts 16:31) Each individual must
trust Christ by faith in Him. (His death; burial; and resurrection.) (Ro.
3:22; Gal. 2:16) Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, mandkind can
only have restored fellowship with God through the salvation of their
soul, which positionaly, progressively, and ultimately Sanctifies them,
making each person holy and acceptable with the Lord. (1 Cor.1: 2; 6:11;
Heb.10: 10) Salvation means to effect successfully the full delivery of
someone or something from out of impending danger. The very word carries
with it a twofold implication. A) That someone or something needs to be
saved. B) That someone is able and willing to save. Such a Saviour must
fulfill both requirements. Jesus Christ meets both of these requirements.
God the Father sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ into the world, as
God incarnate in the flesh. Jesus is the spotless, sinless Lamb of God
(Heb. 4; 15; 9:28) that is the propitiation (to satisfy, to appease) for
our sins. (Whosoever will) (John 3:16; Ro. 3:25; 1 John 2:2, 4:10) Christ
died on the tree at Calvary, (Luke 23; 33) was buried, and rose again on
the third day. (1 Cor. 15:4) Salvation is by grace (Eph. 2:8,9; Titus
2:11) through faith in Christ. Salvation requires Repentance on the part
of the sinner. (2 Peter 3:9) Repentance is not remorse, that act of
regretting the fruit of one's crime, but not the root. It is not
reformation, that act of turning over a new leaf. It is not penitence,
that act of attempting to make up for one's sins through good woks. The
individual needs to confess his sin, and turn from it. The Bible teaches
without repentance there is no salvation. (Luke 5:32; Luke 15:7; 2 Peter
3; 9) What repentance is: It is a voluntary and sincere change in the mind
of the sinner, causing him to turn from his sin. True repentance involves
the turning from one specific sin, and that sin is his previous rejection
of Christ. (John 16:7-11) 1 Tim. 2:3,4; 2 Peter 3:9. The doctrine of easy
believism is running rampant in our local Churches today and is misleading
countless thousands to a Christ less eternity. Salvation when attained
results in the remission of one's sins. (Forgiveness) (Mt. 26:28; Heb. 9;
22) The Bible refers to Salvation as the new birth (Being Born Again, new
creature in Christ. John 3:1-7; 2 Cor. 5; 17) Salvation is a free gift.
(Ro. 6:23) Salvation includes Redemption. (Gal. 3:13) A saved person has
been redeemed and bought with the precious BLOOD of CHRIST. (Ro. 3:25;
5:9; 1 Cor. 6:20; Col. 1:44) Salvation is permanent. Once saved, always
saved. A true Believer in Christ cannot lose his Salvation. Eph 4:30 " And
grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of
redemption. "
10) The Doctrine of
the Church. (Ecclesiology)
The word Church (ekklesia) means a called out assembly of born again,
baptized believers. Jesus founded the Church during His personal earthly
ministry. With the calling and ordaining of the Twelve the Church began:
1) A) Mk.3: 13,14 "¶ And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him
whom he would: and they came unto him. 14 And he ordained twelve, that
they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,"
B) Luke 6:12,13 " 12 ¶ And it came to pass in those days, that he went out
into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Page 8
13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he
chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; "
C) 1 Cor.12: 28 " And God hath set some in the church, first apostles,
secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of
healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. "
2) Scripture
reveals that the Church began before Pentecost. The following are
Scripture proofs that the Church was in fact in place and operational
before Pentecost:
A) Church discipline existed before Pentecost. Mat.18: 15-18 " ¶ Moreover
if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault
between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy
brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two
more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be
established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the
church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an
heathen man and a publican. 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall
bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on
earth shall be loosed in heaven. "
B) The Great Commission was given before Pentecost. Mat. 28:18-20 " And
Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in
heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 19
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and,
lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. "
C) The Ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper was in place before
Pentecost. John Chapter 4 Luke 22:28-30 "Ye are they which have continued
with me in my temptations. 29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my
Father hath appointed unto me; 30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in
my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. "
D) The Church had a treasurer before Pentecost. John 13:29 " For some of
them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy
those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should
give something to the poor. "
E) The Church conducted business before Pentecost. Acts 1:15-26 " ¶ And in
those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the
number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 16 Men and
brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy
Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide
to them that took Jesus. 17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained
part of this ministry. 18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward
of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all
his bowels gushed out. 19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at
Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue,
Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. 20 For it is written in the
book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell
therein: and his bishoprick let another take. 21 Wherefore of these men
which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and
out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day
that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us
of his resurrection. 23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas,
who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. Page 9
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all
men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 25 That he may take part
of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell,
that he might go to his own place. 26 And they gave forth their lots; and
the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
"
F) The Church Jesus established had 120 members assembled before
Pentecost. Acts 1:15 " ¶ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of
the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an
hundred and twenty,) "
Not one word is mentioned in Acts 2 about a Church being started on the
Day of Pentecost. Christ is the Head and Builder of His Church, and since
the gospels record His work, one would expect to find much about the
Church before Acts 2:1,2 " 1 ¶ And when the day of Pentecost was fully
come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there
came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all
the house where they were sitting."
G) On the day of Pentecost 3,00 souls were ADDED to the Church, which was
already in existence. Acts 2:41 " Then they that gladly received his word
were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three
thousand souls. " It is impossible to add something that does not exist.
H) The disciples
had at least 27 items in place before Pentecost , that would prove
sufficient proof, that these items constituted a Church:
1) They had the Gospel .(Mt. 4:23)
; 2) They were converted. (Mt. 3:5-8); 3) They were baptized after
conversion. (Mat. 3:6, Acts 1:22); 4) They had Christ as Head. (Mt. 23:8);
5) They were instructed in Church truths. (Mt. 18: 15-20); 6) They were
called to obey Christ. (Mt. 4:18-20); 7) They were ordained. (Mt. 10:1-5);
8) They were commissioned. (Mt. 28:18-20); 9) They were organized enough
for their needs. (John 13:29); 10) They had a missionary programme. (Mt.
10:1-11:1); 11) They had a teaching programme. (Mt. 4:23; 10:1-42); 12)
They had a healing programme. (Mt. 10:1) 13); They were promised a
permanent Church. (Mt. 16:18); 14) They had Church discipline. (Mt.
18:15-17); 15) They had Divine Authority. (Mt. 18:18; 28:18-20); 16) They
had essentials of Church life. (Mt.4: 19, 18:20); 17) They had true Church
democracy. (Mt. 23:8-12); 18) They had qualified pastors. (John 15:16,
21:15-17); 19) They had the Lord's Supper. (Mt.26: 26-28); 20) They had
the Holy Spirit. (Luke 11:13, John 20:22); 21) They had Divine power to do
Christ's work. (Luke 9:1); 22) They sang " in the midst of the Church."
(Mat. 26:30, Heb. 2:12); 23) They had prayer meetings. (Acts 1:14); 24)
They had business meetings. (Acts 1: 15-26); 25) They had a membership
roll. (Mt. 10:2-4, Acts 1; 13-15); 26) They were united and "added unto ".
(Acts 2:1, 41); 27) Christ was their cornerstone. (Mat. 16:18, Eph. 2:20)
I) Christ is the
Head of the local Church.
There are only two officers: the Pastor, and Deacon. There are only two
ordinances in the local Church: Baptism by Immersion, and the Lord's
Table. A Church is composed of members and adherents. It is
self-supporting and autonomous, independent, yet interdependent on others
in specific areas such as A) Youth Camp, B) Track and Field Meets, C) A.
C. E. Conventions, D) Youth Rallies, etc., in order to enhance some
ministry programmes that otherwise would not meet specific needs. As the
Church grows spiritually, and numerically these extra curricular
activities become unnecessary, as the local Church would eventually
fulfill these needs.
A Church meets for worship, (Heb. 10:25) prayer, fellowship, practice the
two ordinances, self govern itself without interference of other Churches,
or Gov't. Intervention. Each Church is individually responsible to the
Lord for all its activities. The Pastor as the undershepherd is
responsible to God for the activities within it. (Heb. 13:17) The Church
needs to be separated from the world (2 Cor. 6:17), avoid
interdenominationalism, ecumenicalism, new age movement, charismatic
movement, etc. A New Testament Church has the following distinctives. 1)
The Bible is the only authority for faith and practice. (2 Tim. 3:16) 2)
Regenerate Church membership. (John 3:3) 3) Autonomy of the local Church.
(Mat. 18:15-20) 4) Baptism by Immersion, and the Lord's Table. (Mat.
28:19,20; Acts 8: 37,38; 1 Cor. 11: 23) 5) The Priesthood of the believer.
(1 Peter 2; 5) 6) Separation of Church and State. (Mat. 22:17-22) 7) Soul
Liberty. (John 8:32; 14:26; Gal. 5:1) The Pastor: 1) Elder- presiding
officer (1 Tim. 5:17) 2) Bishop-superintendent, overseer of the assembly.
(Acts 20:28, Titus 1:7) 3) Undershepherd - protector, feeds the flock. (1
Peter 5:2) 4) Preacher - exhorter, evangelize. (1 Tim. 2:7; 2Tim. 4: 2-5)
5) Teacher - perfect the saints for the work of the ministry, instruct in
the Word of God. (1 Cor.12: 2; Eph. 4:11)
11) The Doctrine of
Last Things. (Eschatology)
We are now living in the Church age, awaiting the rapture. When the
trumpet sounds Christ will return in the eastern sky to translate His
Bride plus the bodies of deceased saints. (Phil. 3:20,21; 1Thess. 4;
16,17; 1Cor. 15; 51,52; 1Thess. 1:10; Rev. 3:10) The Judgement seat of
Christ will take place. (2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 19:7,9) The 7 year tribulation
period (Mat.24: 21-31; Jer. 30:7; Dan. 9:24,27; 12:1) will commence
followed by Armageddon. (Rev. 16:16) This will be followed by a 1000
millennial reign of Christ. At it's completion the devil will be loosed
for a season. (Rev. 20:3) When the season is completed, the devil will be
cast into the lake of fire. (Rev. 20:10) The White Throne Judgement will
follow. (Rev. 20:11) At the end of the White Throne Judgement the New
Jerusalem will come down, and the former earth and galaxy will be
non-existent (Rev. 21:1-Rev.22: 5) All old testament saints, Church age
saints, tribulation saints, and millennium saints will spend eternity with
the Lord in the New Heaven, and New Earth. (Rev.21: 1) The Resurrection
programme: All men shall be raised from the dead, but not all at the same
time. The Scriptures plainly declare that there are two resurrections, and
not a general resurrection. (1 Cor. 15:52) 1. The first resurrection
includes Christ, and all believers of all ages. Their resurrection occurs
at different intervals. Christ at one time; the Church at the rapture
(before the tribulation); and the Old Testament Saints and Tribulation
Saints after the Tribulation. (1Cor.15: 20; Mat. 27; 52,53; 1 Thess. 4;
16; Eph. 3:1-9; Dan. 12:2,13; Rev. 3; 10; 1 Thess.1; 10; Dan. 12:1,2,13;
Rev.20: 5,6) The last resurrection, (or 2nd) occurs after the Millenium,
and shall include all the wicked dead. They shall be raised to stand
before the great White Throne. Rev. 20: 5 " But the rest of the dead lived
not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first
resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first
resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be
priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. "
12) Doctrine of
Sin. (Hamartiology)
1) Hamartema - " to miss a mark "Here sin may be pictured as any attitude
or act of man which does not hit the bulls eye of God's glory target. (
Ro. 3;23 ) 2) Parabasis - " to overstep a forbidden line" according to
this definition, sin occurs when man deliberately (or accidentally) steps
over the line of the law of God. ( 1John 3;4; Acts 1:25; James 2;11 ) 3)
Sin is lack of conformity to the moral law of God, either in act,
disposition, or state. ( A.H. Strong ) 4) Sin is a transgression of, or
want of conformity to the divine law. (Charles Hodge.) 5) Sin may be
defined ultimately as anything in the creature which does not express, or
which is contrary to, the Holy character of the Creator. ( James Oliver
Buswell. Jr.) 6) Sin is a restless unwillingness on the part of the
creature to abide in the sphere and limitation in which the Creator,
guided by infinite wisdom, had placed him. (L. S. Chafer.)
The origin of sin into the world. An angel introduced sin into the
universe, and a man named Adam introduced sin to the world. (Gen. 2;
16,17; 3:6; Ro. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:22) The testimony of Scripture: (1 Kings
8:46; Pr. 20:9; Jer. 17:19; Ecc. 7:20; Isa. 53; 6; Isa.64; 6; Ro: 3:23;
Gal. 3; 22; James 3; 2; 1John 1; 8, 10) The Consequences of sin; Lucifer
lost his coveted position. (Eze. 28:14;) and became earth's depraved
dragon. (Rev. 12:7) He will end up in the lake of fire. (Mat. 25:41; Rev.
20:10) Sin brought about God's judgement upon mankind. Physical death, and
spiritual death. (Gen. 5:5; Ps. 90:10; John 19:30; Mat. 7; 23; 25:41; Rev.
2; 11; 20:6,14; 21:8) Sin dulls mans ears (Acts 28:27) Darkens his eyes
(Eph.4: 18) Diverts his feet. (Isa. 53; 6) Defiles his tongue. (Ro.
3:13,14) Deceives his heart. (Jer. 17:9) Devours his intellect. (1Cor.
2:14) Dooms his soul. (Eze. 18; 4) After sin mans paradise became a
wilderness. (Gen. 3; 18)
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