STATEMENT OF FAITH

1. The Great Commandment

You [followers of Christ] shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. - Matthew 22:37-40

2. The Great Commission

All authority has been given to Me [Jesus] in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. - Matthew 28:18-20

3. Unity in thought and purpose

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. - 1 Corinthians 1:10

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord of one mind. - Philippians 2:1-2

4. Unity in essential beliefs

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all. - Ephesians 4:4-6

5. Liberty in non-essential beliefs

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. Who are you to judge... each of us shall give account of himself to God. Have it to yourself before God. - Romans 14:1-22

6. Charity (love) in all beliefs

And though I [Paul] have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. - 1 Corinthians 13:2

7. The Bible is the divine revelation of God to people

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. - Timothy 3:16-17

8. The Bible is our fixed source of authority for faith and conduct

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. - 1 Thessalonians 2:13

9. The Bible is without error and endurable for all generations and cultures

The entirety of Your Word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. - Psalm 119:160

No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. - 2 Peter 1:20-21

10. God is eternal, having always existed outside of time and space

Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion..." So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. - Genesis 1:26-27

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. - Psalm 90:2

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." - Revelation 1:8

11. God is a single Being consisting of three Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My [Jesus] name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. - John 14:26

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit... - Matthew 28:19

For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word [Jesus as referenced in John 1:1-4], and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. - 1 John 5:7

12. Jesus is the eternal Son of God, both fully God and fully man

In the beginning was the Word [Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. - John 1:1-4

And the Word [Jesus] became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:14-17

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2: 4-11

13. Jesus is conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin

Behold, the virgin [Mary] shall be with child, and bear a Son [Jesus], and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." - Matthew 1:23

Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. - Luke 1:30-35

14. Jesus is without sin

Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth...- 1 Peter 2:22

For we do not have a High Priest [Jesus] who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. - Hebrews 4:11-15

15. Jesus is one who ultimately restores mankind from sin through the shedding of His blood

For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. - Matthew 26:28

And He [Jesus] said to them, "This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many.” - Mark 4:24

16. Jesus is raised from the dead and seated with the Heavenly Father

But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay...” - Matthew 28:5-6

Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know – Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it... - Acts 2:22-24

Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

17. Jesus heals the sick

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. - James 5:14-16

Surely He [Jesus] has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. - Isaiah 53:4-5

18. Jesus is returning again to reign eternally in a new heaven and new earth

Now, when He [Jesus] had spoken these things, while they [the disciples] watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." - Acts 1:9-11

Now I [John] saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God...” - Revelation 21:1-3

19. The Holy Spirit is present to make people aware of their need of Jesus

But I [Jesus] tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper [the Holy Spirit] will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. - John 16:7-11

20. The Holy Spirit is present to empower believers to live more victoriously

Behold, I [Jesus] send the Promise [the Holy Spirit] of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high. - Luke 24:49

I [Jesus] will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. - John 14:16-17

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. - Acts 1:8

21. People are made in the spiritual image of God

Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. - Genesis 1:26-27

22. People are fallen from innocence due to a willful choice to do wrong

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. - Genesis 3:6-8

...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... - Romans 3:23

23. People are destined for eternal separation from God unless they are reconciled

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23

Then I [John] saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. - Revelation 20:11-15

24. People are provided an opportunity to be reconciled to God

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. - Romans 5:8-11

For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight... - Colossians 1:19-22

25. People are invited to accept Christ, repent of sin, and be regenerated

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17

Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” Luke 9:23-24

Then Peter said to them [the onlookers who were gathered in Jerusalem to witness the outpouring on Pentecost], "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ...

Titus 2:11-13

...not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He [Jesus] saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. - Titus 3:5-7

26. People are in need of sanctification

Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality... - 1 Thessalonians 4:3

27. People are commanded to relinquish the authority over their lives to Christ

Therefore you shall obey the voice of the Lord your God, and observe His commandments and His statutes, which I command you today. - Deuteronomy 27:10

But this is what I [The Lord] commanded them, saying, “Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.” - Jeremiah 7:23

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you

have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. - 1 Corinthians 6:15-20

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. - 1 Corinthians 10:4-6

28. The Church is the Body of Christ consisting of all believers in all nations and in all generations

For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. - 1 Corinthians 12:13

29. The Church is called to observe the ordinance of baptism

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit... - Matthew 28:19

“Can anyone forbid water, that these [Gentiles associated with Cornelius in Caesarea] should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we [Jews in Peter’s delegation] have?" And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. - Acts 10:47-48

30. The Church is called to observe the ordinance of Holy Communion

Then He [Jesus] took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves [the twelve disciples]; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. - Luke 19:17-20

For I [Paul] received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. - 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

31. The future is hopeful for the believer

Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. - 2 Peter 3:13

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of Archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Now I [John] saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away... Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. - Revelation 21:1-7

32. The future is dismal and bleak for the unbeliever

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man – and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. - Romans 1:20-25

33. Sin is a condition of the human heart that falls short of God’s standard of perfection

For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. - Romans 3:23

34. Sin is a reproach to any people

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. - Proverbs 14:34

For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. - Romans 8:3-4

Now the works of the flesh [sin] are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. - Galatians 5:19-21

35. Matrimony is a holy monogamous marriage between one man and one woman

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. - Genesis 2:24

...let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. - 1 Corinthians 7:2-4

Now to the married I [Paul] command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. - 1 Corinthians 7:10

For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body... For this reason [Eve created out of Adam – bone of his bone, flesh of his flesh] a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. - Ephesians 5:23, 31

Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled... - Hebrews 13:4

36. Matrimony is ordained by God

And the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." - Genesis 2:18

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you...” - Exodus 20:12

And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. - Genesis 2:21-24

"For the Lord God of Israel says That He hates divorce, for it covers one's garment with violence," says the Lord of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously." - Malachi 2:6

37. Matrimony is the basic unit of society through its ministry and testimony

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. - Ephesians 5:22-33

38. The Importance of the Marriage Covenant

Marriage is a covenant made between two people, one man and one woman, with God. The Christian marriage covenant requires the married parties to be faithful, loving and helpful to each other as long as they both shall live (Malachi 2:15-16; Matthew 5:32; 19:5-6,9; Romans 7:2-3; I Corinthians 7:10-11, 15; II Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 5:22-25).

Marriage is a union ordained by God. It was first instituted by God in the early chapters of Genesis, codified in the Levitical law, the Old Testament prophets compared it to a relationship between God and his people, examples of it are in the historical narratives, and, the scripture discusses the unique unity of this relationship. Jesus explained the original intention and core elements of marriage, and several New Testament Epistles give explicit instructions on this union. Marriage is a typology of Jesus Christ and the Church. As such, this Church views marriage as a profound spiritual institution established by God. We believe the term “marriage” has only one meaning, and that is marriage sanctioned by God which joins one man, and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture.

Due to the importance of marriage in the biblical witness, this Church adopts the following: All Nations Worship Assembly of Charlotte, NC facilities, or properties may not be used by any individual, group, or organization that advocates, endorses, or promotes homosexuality or transgender life as an alternative or acceptable lifestyle. This policy applies to events including but not limited to: Birthday Parties, Classes, Reunions, Anniversaries, Baby Showers, Weddings, and Renewal of Vows Services.

39. Statement on Gender and Sexuality

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. - Genesis 1:27

This means that man and woman are two distinct genders willed by God their Creator in their respective beings, which reflect the image and nature of God. ‘Being man’ or ‘being woman’ is a reality that is good and willed by God. Therefore, to reject one’s biological gender is to reject the work of the Creator and imply that God made a mistake. God does not make mistakes. - Romans 1:24-27, Job 42:1-3, Isaiah 55:8, 9

As God’s image bearers, man and woman have inalienable rights and ensuing responsibilities. Man and woman should be treated with dignity and respect. They should also lead lives worthy of the dignity of their unique gender. This is done by living chastely – a call all baptized Christians are called to follow. - Ephesians 5:3

As man and woman “put on Christ” – the model for all chastity – they pledge to lead a chaste life consistent with their vocation either by consecrating themselves to God or entering the God ordained institution of marriage. A chaste person respects the gift of sexuality given to him or her by God. Married people are called to live conjugal chastity. “Marriage” has only one meaning: the matrimonial covenant, by which one man and one woman unite themselves in a lifelong partnership God commands that the gift of sexual intimacy occur only between spouses of the opposite sex who are joined in Holy Matrimony. - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Romans 13:13-14, Hebrews 13:4

Therefore, any sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God. - Galatians 5:19-21, I Corinthians 6:9-10

But God is merciful to all sinners. He offers redemption to all who confess and forsake their sins. Seeking His forgiveness and Mercy through Jesus Christ. - Matthew 16:19, Isaiah 22:22, Matthew 18:18, John 20:21, John 20:22-23

In the Spirit of Christ, every person deserves to be treated with compassion, love, respect, and dignity, regardless of his or her position on Church teaching. Hateful behavior is inconsistent with the Gospel of Christ and the doctrine of the Church and should always be repudiated.

In order to preserve the integrity of this Church as a reflection of the Church as the Body of Christ, it is imperative that all Church employees and volunteers agree to and abide by this Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality. Church employees and volunteers have a special duty to live this statement since they serve as role models for society and the church community.