What We Believe
THE BIBLE - We believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God and accept the same as the only infallible guide and rule of our faith and practice. “Sola Scriptura” The Scriptures alone are infallible. Scripture References: Matt. 24:35, Ps. 119:89, 2 Tim. 3:16-17, 2 Tim. 2:15, 1 Pet. 1:19-21
THE GODHEAD - We believe in the eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, sovereign, and immutable triune God; and in the unity of the Godhead where three personalities, equal in every divine perfection and attribute, execute distinct, harmonious offices, in the great work of redemption. This does not mean that there are three “people” called God, but rather a way of saying God eternally exists in three personally distinct ways. Scriptures declare that there is only one God, Who is eternally (past, present, and future) manifested as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Scripture References: 1 John 5:7, 2 Cor. 13:14, John 1:1,2, Rev. 4:2-5 & 5:1-7
Another way of understanding this definition of the nature of God is to understand His attributes. His omniscience (He knows all things), His omnipotence (He is all powerful), and His omnipresence’s (He is everywhere at the same time, and at all times). His omnipresence’s allows us to see how He can be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at the same time. Being omnipresent He is not only everywhere at the same time, He is everywhere at every time. God is here, now, at this present time. But He is also in the future. He is already there because He is not limited by time. He is also in the past. You see, time is linier. Time had a starting point (Gen. 1:1) and it will come to an end (Rev. 10:6). But God is eternal. He has no beginning, and He will have no end. Therefore time itself existents within God, God is not limited within time. God is the Father, the Son, and the Spirit eternally (in the past, in the present, and in the future).
THE FATHER - Co-existent, co-eternal, and co-equal with the Son and the Holy Spirit. He is the Creator and Giver of life. He is God revealed as Father in creation. Scripture References: Isa. 43:10; 44:8, John 3:16, James 1:17, John 4:24
THE SON - Co-existent, co-eternal, and co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus was conceived by the Spirit and born of a virgin, to take upon Himself the form of man. By doing so, He never ceased to be God. In His incarnation He laid aside His “expression” of Deity, but not His “procession”. By His death, Jesus bore the curse of sin, sickness and sorrow redeeming us back to Himself. He arose the third day and ascended unto heaven, there He sits on the right hand of the Father, where He eternally make intercession for us. He is the only mediator between us and the Father (“Solus Christus” Christ alone is our mediator). He is God revealed as Son in redemption. Scripture References: John 1:1-3, Matt. 1:23, 1 Tim. 2:5, Eph. 2:18, Phil. 2:6-11
THE HOLY SPIRIT- Co-existant, co-eternal, and co-equal with the Father and the Son. Sent by the Father through the Son, He reproves the world of sin, prepares the church of Christ's return, and empowers the believer to follow the Lord. He is God revealed as Holy Ghost in regeneration. Scritural References: John 14:26, 15:26, 16:8; Acts 5:3,4
THE FALL OF MAN- We believe all of humanity is born into sin through the bloodline of Adam, cannot save themselves, and are in need of a Savior. Scriptural References: Gen. 1:27; Rom. 3:10, 3:23, 5:12; Isa. 53:6, Eph. 2:8,9
THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION - We believe Christ is the Lamb of God, foreordained from the foundation of the world. By the shedding of His blood on the cross, His death, burial, and resurrection, He provided salvation for all who receive Him by faith. Scripture References: 1 Pet. 1:19-20; Isa. 53:5; Titus 2:14; Heb. 10:4-10
THE NEW BIRTH - We believe because of man's total inability to save himself, salvation is by God's grace alone, and the believer in justified through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is received through sincere, godly repentance, and whole-hearted acceptance and confession of Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. Through being born again, we become new creatures in Jesus Christ. Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. We are justified; “just as if” we had never sinned. “Sola Gratia” saved by grace alone, and “Sola Fide” justified through faith alone. Scripture References: John 3:3,16; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20: 1 Pet. 2:24, Romans 10:9-10
A Christian is not a religious person, or merely a member of a church; a Christian is one who has been forgiven of his or her sin and has an ongoing personal relationship with God. Not only this, a Christian is someone that Jesus Christ lives in, one that has been born again (John 3.3) and lives in the assurance that Jesus paid the price for them to be right with God and go to heaven
It’s as easy as A.B.C.
A. Acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness .
B. Believe that Jesus died for the forgiveness of your sins on the cross.
C. Confess Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.
SECURITY AND FREE WILL OF THE BELIEVER – We believe the Christian will be persevered unto the end and be saved because of the power of Gods grace pledged for their support. We believe any saved person who has sinned (backslidden), but has a desire to repent, may do so and be restored to God's favor and fellowship. However, since man continues to have free choice, it is possible because of temptations and the weakness of human flesh for him to fall into the practice of sin and to make shipwreck of his faith and be lost once again. Scripture References: 1 Timothy 1:18,19; John 15:1-7; Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 3:14; 2 Peter 2:20,21; Rev. 3:5;
DAILY CHRISTIAN LIFE Sanctification-We bellieve that having been cleanced by the bllod of Christ and quickened by the Spirit, it is God's will that we should be sanctified daily and be mad partakers of His holiness, walking not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, forsaking the very appearance of evil. Scriptural References: Rom. 6:1-5; 8:1,5; 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 7:1, 1 Peter 1:15; 1Thes. 5:22
Our sanctification is to walk after the Spirit. It begins at the new birth, and ends when we die. Our daily Christian life is a continual walk with Christ. This walk of faith is expressed through such daily activities as…
1. Prayer: Rom.12:12, Eph.6:8, Col.4:2
2. Bible reading: 2Tim.2:15
3. Acknowledging our dependency upon Christ, and His finished work on the Cross, for our victory over all sins and things that would hinder our walk with Christ: Matt.16:24, 1Cor.1:18, Gal.6:14
WATER BAPTISM - We believe water baptism is by full immersion into water. Moreover, those believers are to be baptized… “By the authority given the church, in the name of Jesus we baptize this our brother/sister, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.” Baptism is subsequent to conversion and not a saving ordinance, but an outward sign of an inward work. Baptism is not optional for the believer, but a command of our Lord to be obeyed.
Scripture References: Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38; Acts 16:30-33, Acts 8:36-38
THE LORD'S SUPPER - We believe in the commemoration of the Lord's Supper as a type of the broken body and shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is an ordinance showing forth the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord. We look forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb. We partake of the Lord’s Supper on no set schedule, but as the Spirit leads..
Scripture References: 1 Cor. 11:23-33; Luke 22:14-20
We believe all Christian believers, regardless of church affiliation, may partake of the Lord's Supper. However it should only be received by those who are believers and who are walking in faith. Scripture References: 1 Cor. 11:27-28; 1 Cor. 13:5
Foot Washing : Although we do not hold foot washing as an ordinance, Harvest Church does allow its members liberty of conscience in the observance of foot washing ceremony. Scripture References: John 13:1-17
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE – We believe marriage was instituted by God, sanctioned by the Lord Jesus Christ, and commended by St. Paul; we believe that a Christian man or woman should not date or marry an unsaved person. And having once been united by God in holy matrimony, both are bound by Scripture and must follow it carefully. Each situation is weighed by Scripture. Scripture References: Mal. 2:10-16; 1 Cor. 7:10-16; Matt. 19:5-9; Luke 16:18; Heb. 13:4
BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a definite experience, not identical with conversion. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Second encounter with God. The first encounter with God is called as 'conversion' or salvation. Just as the indwelling Spirit reproduces the life of Jesus, the outpoured, or baptizing Spirit reproduces the ministry of Jesus. When the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is received, unknown tongues will follow. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is given to endue the believer with power from on high; to give and to equip him for a practical, efficient, spirit-filled, soul-winning ministry and service. Inasmuch as this is the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, every believer has a right to expect His incoming to be after the same manner as recorded by the Word of God in Bible days.
Scripture References: John 14:16; Acts 1:8; 2:4, 38-39; 10:44-48, 19:6
To illustrate, if I had a glass of water and took a swallow, then the water would be inside me. If, on the other hand, I went down to the beach and stepped into the ocean, then I would be in the water. We receive, as it were, a drink of the Spirit when we are saved, but when we are baptized in the Spirit, it is as if that initial drink becomes an ocean that completely surrounds us.
The work of the Lord Jesus Christ and the mercy of God bring salvation and the indwelling Spirit, and that does not involve speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues, from all indications in the New Testament, are the consequence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. There was an initial utterance in tongues, bearing witness that the tongue had been sanctified and empowered by God for His use.
Spirit - Filled Life -We believe that having received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, the believer should experience a continual renewing of the power from on high. The Holy Spirit is as a gentle dove, easily grieved, wounded by coldness, prayerlessness, idle conversation, worldliness, and a judging, critical spirit. It is the will of God that we walk and abide in the Spirit.
Scripture References: Eph. 4:30-32; 5:18; Acts 4:31; 1 Cor. 3:I6-17; Gal. 5:16-25; I John 2:6
Gifts and Fruit of the Spirit - We believe that for the edification of the saints and the up building of the church of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit has the following gifts to bestow upon the individual believer: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues; dividing to every man severally as He will. These gifts should be coveted earnestly by all spiritual believers and exercised in the spirit of love. We believe that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long- suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, against such there is no law. These should be cultivated in the life of every believer.
Scripture References: I Cor. 12:7-11, 31; Gal. 5:22-23; John 15:4, 8
Moderation - We believe that our moderation should be known to all men. The Christian should be sober, well balanced, and seasoned with love. His zeal should be governed by Godly wisdom.
Scripture References: I Cor. 12:7-11, 31; Gal. 5:22-23; John 15:4, 8
PRAISE AND WORSHIP - We believe in the Biblical pattern of public and private worship, and that Scripture teaches us how to worship our God. We believe it is Gods will for every born-again Believer to worship and praise the Lord, and that their worship must be “…in Spirit and in Truth” (Soli Deo Gloria). We believe the expressions of praise and worship recorded in the Bible are the template for which we are to follow.
Scripture References: Psalms 29:2 (worship); Psalms 67:3 (praise); Psalms 47:1 (clapping and shouting); Psalms 134:2 & I Timothy 2:8 (lifting of hands); Psalms 150:3-5 (musical instruments); Psalms 149:3 (dancing); Acts 3:8 (leaping); John 4:23-24 (God is seeking true worshippers).
DIVINE HEALING - We believe divine healing was provided by the atonement of Christ Jesus' death. It is the power of God to heal the sick and afflicted in answer to believing prayer. We believe God is willing to heal the sick today and does so. Scripture References: Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 8:16-17; James 5:14-16; Acts 3:16
EVANGELISM - We believe the coming of Jesus Christ is eminent. As His redeemed children, we should put forth our utmost efforts to spread the Gospel to every "kindred, tribe, and tongue". Because soul winning is the chief mission of the church, every hindrance and hair-splitting doctrine which would quench or dampen the flame of worldwide evangelism should be cut off and cast away. Scripture References: 2 Tim. 4:1-2; Eph. 5:14-16; Prov. 11:30; Ezek. 3:17-18; John 4:35-37
MISSIONS - We believe the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ to the entire world is literal, imperative, and binding today. It is the supreme privilege and duty of the church to stress the cause of worldwide missions. The very life and strength of the home church depends on its whole-hearted sacrifice for, and support of a world missionary program.
Scripture References: Matt. 9:38; Mark 16:15; Rom. 10:13-15; James 5:20; Ps. 2:8
MINISTRY - We believe in the five-fold ministry gifts: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. God speaks to His body through these 'gifts" to the church. God did not ordain or establish committees, but individuals, filling one of these five-fold ministry gifts.
Scripture Reference: Eph. 4:8-12. This is not an order of authority, but a simple list of offices God ordained to minister to the church.
ODRINATION OF MINISTERS- We believe the ordination of ministers is predicated upon Biblical principles and is consonant with the evangelical view. Ordination can be defined as the public ceremony by which the Harvest Church acknowledges the divine call, commission, and qualification of a person into ministry and extends its blessings, fellowship, and opportunities for ministry. Ordination is held to be a spiritual and functional rather than sacerdotal. It is important as a public acknowledgment of God’s prior call and commission, but it is not essential. All Christians are equal, but ministers are set apart for special Christian service and leadership. When necessary, the laity can perform all of the functions of ministry except those for which the State requires an ordained minister. Ordination may be performed after a careful examination of the candidate, and their qualification on essential points:
- The genuineness of their Christian experience;
Authority and power for ministry are conferred directly by Christ through the Holy Spirit, not through those who perform the ordination ceremony. No particular man or group is essential to the ordination process. Those who participate are dispensable instruments. The stress is upon an immediate spiritual connection with Christ rather than a historical episcopal (apostolic) succession. The living Lord of the Church is making direct, dynamic appointments in His body today. Scripture References : 1 Tim. 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, Rom. 12:3-8; 2 Cor. 3:5, 6; 5:18-20; Eph. 3:7;4:11; Col. 1:23-29; 1 Thess. 1:3
CHURCH RELATIONSHIP -We believe every born-again child of God should identify with the visible church of Jesus Christ, should labor diligently, and should contribute his temporal means toward the spreading of the Gospel here on earth. We believe tithes (ten percent of one's gross income) and offerings should be given into the storehouse of the Lord (which is the local church). We believe Christians are to be faithful in their attendance to church every Lords Day (Sunday), and to any other services that may be held. Scripture References: Neh. 13:10-14; Heb. 10:24-25; Ps. 111:1; Acts 2:47; 16:5; Rom. 12:5; Mal. 3:8-12; 1 Cor. 9:6-7; 1 Cor. 16:2; Matt. 23:23; Rev. 1:10; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2;
Tithing was before the law (Gen 14,28) established by the law (Lev. 27) and reaffirmed by Christ and the New Testament (Matt.23, Lk.11, Heb.7).
PROVISION AND PROSPERITY- We believe it is the will of God for every Believer to have more than enough to meet their needs, to have enough left over to bless others and to give into the work of the Lord. We believe poverty, debt, and lack are a curse. We believe as Christians are obedient in tithing to the local church, sowing financial seeds into ministry, giving of their first fruits, and blessing the needy they will reap a harvest. Provision is having an adequate supply to fulfill the vision (destiny) God has given the Believer, and prosperity is anything more than what meets your needs. Scripture References: Gen. 8:22; Gen 14:20; 1 Kings 17:10-16; Neh. 10:35,37; Prov. 3:9; Lk. 6:38; 2 Cor. 9:6; Gal. 6:7; Phil. 4:10,14-19
Types of giving, their motivation and rewards;
1. Tithe / Obedience / Mal. 3:10,11.
2. First Fruits / Obedience / Exodus 23:16 & Rom. 11:16.
3. Alms / Sympathy / Prov. 19:17.
4. Seed / Faith / Gen. 8:22 & Isa. 30:23.
Our giving to the Lord should be in obedience to His Word, with gratitude for all He has done for us, and with an expectation that God will bless us for our giving!
RAPTURE AND THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
- RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH - We believe the “catching away” (or rapture) of the church is imminent and pre-millennial. We believe the Lord will soon descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then the redeemed which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall they ever be with the Lord. We should therefore be ready, for in such an hour as we think not, the Son of Man will return.
Scripture References: 1 Thess. 4-16-17; Titus 2:12-13; Matt. 24:36, 44; Acts 1:11 - SECOND COMING OF CHRIST - We believe the coming of Jesus Christ with His saints will end the great tribulation and establish the millennial kingdom on earth, when Christ shall rule and reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Scripture References: Rev. 1:7; Zech. 14:4; 1 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8
FINAL JUDGMENT - We believe in the final judgment of the wicked at the Great White Throne, when the dead, both small and great, shall be resurrected to stand before God to receive the reward of their deeds done in the flesh. Scripture References: Matt. 13:41-43; Rev. 20:11-15
HELL -We believe hell is a literal place of outer darkness, bitter sorrow, remorse, and woe, prepared by God for the devil and his angels, and that there, into a lake that burns with fire and brimstone, shall be cast the unbelieving, the abominable, the murderers, sorcerers, idolaters, liars, and those who have rejected the love of Jesus Christ, whose names are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Scripture References: Rev. 14:10- 20:10, 14-15; 21:7-8; Matt. 25:41; Mark 9:43-44
HEAVEN - We believe heaven is the habitation of the Living God, where Christ has gone to prepare a place for all His children, and where they shall dwell eternally in happiness and security with Him. Scripture References: I Cor. 2:9; John 14:2; Rev. 7:15-17; 21:4; 22:5.
