Little Bethlehem
Apostolic Faith Church, Inc.
"Pressing Toward the Mark" Philippians 3:14
1305 Tarboro Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
(252) 446-5798 - office • (252) 316-9866 - fax
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Holiness
We believe that holiness is God's prescribed standard of living for His people of all ages (Leviticus 19:2; Luke 1:74,75). We further believe that a wholly sanctified life is the only true standard of a Christian life (Hebrews 12:14; I Peter 1:15-17). We must present ourselves Holy unto God (Romans 12:1), cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit (II Corinthians 7:1), and separate ourselves from all worldliness (James 4:4). No one can live holy by his own power, "But ye shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon you . . . (Acts 1:8)."
New Birth
The New Birth consists of repentance, water baptism by immersion, in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and receiving the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance (Acts 2:1-41; 4:12; 8:5-40; 10:44-48; 19:1-7).
Salvation
We believe that Salvation is deliverance from all sin and unrighteousness through the atonement of Jesus Christ. A person receives Salvation by repentance of sin, water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and the continuance of living a godly life (Acts 2:36-41).
Water Baptism
We believe that water baptism is an essential part of New Testament salvation. Without the proper mode of baptism it is impossible to enter the kingdom of God (St. John 3:5). Water baptism can only be administered by immersion (Mark 1:10; Acts 8:38-39; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). The name in which baptism is administered is in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ commissioned his disciples to go into all nations and baptize in the Name (singular) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19). The disciples executed this commission on the Day of Pentecost by baptizing converts in the Name (singular) of Jesus Christ. All case histories of New Testament baptism were administered in the name of the Lord Jesus. Without the Name, water baptism is void.
Baptism of the Holy Ghost
We believe that the receiving of the baptism of the Holy Ghost, being born of the Spirit, is an essential part of New Testament salvation. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is evidenced by speaking in other tongues (other languages) as the Spirit of God gives utterance. If this supernatural manifestation does not take place, one has not received the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-41; 4:12; 8:5-40; 10:44-48; 19:1-7).
APOSTOLIC PRECEPTS
The Bible: The Bible is the infallible Word of God and the authority for salvation and Christian living. ( II Timothy 3:16)
God: There is one God, who has revealed Himself as our Father, in His Son Jesus Christ, and as the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is God manifested in flesh. He is both God and man. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Ephesians 4:4-6; Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16)
Sin and Salvation: Everyone has sinned and needs salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Our basic and fundamental doctrine shall be the Bible standard of full salvation, which is repentance, baptism in water by immersion in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. (Romans 3:23-25; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:3-5; Acts 2:38; I Peter 3:20,21; Mark 16:16; Titus 3:5)
The Gospel: The saving gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. We obey the gospel by repentance (death to sin), water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (burial), and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (resurrection). ( I Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 2:4, 37-39; Romans 6:3-4)
Christian Living: As Christians we are to love God and others. We should live a holy life inwardly and outwardly, and worship God joyfully. The supernatural gifts of the Spirit, including healing, are for the church today. (Mark 12:28-31; II Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14; I Corinthians 12:8-10)
The Future: Jesus Christ is coming again to catch away His church. In the end will be the final resurrection and the final judgment. The righteous will inherit eternal life, and the unrighteous eternal death. (I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:11-15.)