An Apostolic Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell. On the third day he rose again. He was seen by over 500 people as he continued to teach his disciples about the mysteries of God. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to earth to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy, universal church, 
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting

                          ...amen
                                ..

Why live a Holy life?

1 John 2:6 " Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did."


Poem

It was a sheep -- not a lamb, that strayed away,   In the parable Jesus told:   A grown-up sheep that had gone astray   From the ninety and nine in the fold.

   Out in the meadows, out in the cold,  Twas a sheep the good Shepherd sought.   Back to the flock and into the fold,  'Twas a sheep the good Shepherd brought.

   And why for the sheep, should we earnestly long,   And so earnestly hope and pray?   Because there is danger, if they go wrong,   They will lead the young lambs away.   For the lambs follow the sheep, you know,   Wherever the sheep may stray;  If the sheep go wrong, it will not be long   Till the lambs are as wrong as they.

   So with the sheep we earnestly plead,   For the sake of the lambs today.   If the lambs are lost, what a terrible cost,   Some sheep may have to pay!

Matthew 18:6

" But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

_________

Note: Rick Lawrence is not linked to any church building or procurement of furnishings, etc., but does occasionally recommend credible sources.

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Church building
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"Of all the churches
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 because they thought  they needed to build,  I estimate that 9 out of 10 had a better, less costly alternative."

--Ray Bowman, founder of
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retired church architect and
 consultant, coauthor of
 WHEN NOT TO BUILD: An
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  www.living-stones.com

or purchase in, or through your local bookstore.

Rick Lawrence Ministries     (Click here)  for RKL2.org home page
       nondenominational - multiethnic- Bible-believing: A Christian worldview with a conservative emphasis
 
Adapted spiritual commentary --   
  Jesus Christ is the Word (Logos) of God. The Word was with God in the beginning, which states His pre-existence as one with God. "By Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth" (Colossians 1:16 ), therefore making Jesus the Creator. Jesus Christ is the Purpose of God found in all of creation. He is the Father's delight and desire, and the Father is looking for the reflection of His Son in all created things. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. In the beginning, it was the ultimate purpose of God for all things to be summed up in Christ.  ©

    Jesus Christ, Who pre-existed with God in the form of God, emptied Himself to become fully a man that He might be the sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Through His sacrifice made on the cross, all who believe in Him and His sacrifice and receive Him into their hearts and life have their sins remitted, are spiritually born again and given eternal life. John 5:24. Jesus was born of a virgin, by a miracle of the Holy Spirit. His virgin birth is a testimony that only the Spirit can beget that which is Spirit. Those of the new creation are not solely of human origin, but are born from above by the Holy Spirit.                                                      

We believe the Bible teaches that all people are worthy of hearing the good news about Jesus Christ, the eternal and only begotten Son of God who became man without ceasing to be God. We believe the Bible teaches that Christ died on the Cross, was buried and rose again on the third day, in order to reveal God and redeem sinful human beings. 
 
We believe it is the inalienable right of all people to experience basic human rights: We  believe in religious freedom and that all people should have freedom to select or convert to the religious belief system of their choice. 

The Scriptures - We believe the biblical Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the inspired Word of God. We believe they are infallible, and inerrant in the original writing and are adequately preserved for modern use in the NKJV, NIV  and other comparable versions.

Bible Interpretation - We believe that every declaration should be taken in its primary, and most obvious meaning, unless, otherwise indicated by definite facts of context and the well-defined laws of language. 

God the Father- We believe in one God, Jehovah [Yahweh]  creator and sustainer of all things in the universe. We believe He has been revealed to us as infinitely perfect, all-knowing, all-seeing, with total wisdom and that he is present everywhere.  We believe he eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe God is "Fatherly" toward all people and desires all people to come to him through Jesus Christ, his Son. 

God the Son - We believe Jesus Christ, the eternal and only begotten Son of God became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, in order to reveal God and redeem sinful human beings. 

• We believe the Lord Jesus Christ provided our redemption through his death on the cross as a vicarious, sacrifice, and accomplished our justification by his literal, physical resurrection from the dead.
• We believe that the redemptive work of Christ on the cross provides healing of the human body in answer to believing prayer. We believe Jesus was wounded for our sins and that he bore our sickness and disease in his body on the cross. 1 Pet.2:24 says, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds [stripes, or scourging lashes] you have been healed."
  
• We believe the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, and is now exalted at the right hand of God, where as our High Priest, he fulfills the ministry of representative, intercessor, and advocate. 
• We believe that Jesus will return to earth to judge the living and the dead.
• We believe that eternal life for all believers is obtained only through Jesus. The Bible teaches: Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6;  Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved; Acts 4:12; For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16.

Fall of Man - We believe human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, and that in Adam’s sin, fell, inherited a sinful nature, and are of themselves utterly unable to remedy their lost condition. 

The Way of Salvation - We believe the shed blood of Jesus Christ and his resurrection provide the only ground for the justification and salvation for all who believe, and that only those who receive Jesus Christ by faith are born of the Holy Spirit and thus become the children of God. We believe the Bible teaches that every individual has freedom of choice to accept Christ as personal Savior and Lord, and receive the promise of eternal life in Heaven, or reject him and experience eternal judgment and separation apart from God. We believe the first step toward eternal life and salvation through Jesus Christ is a person's sorrow for his or her sins and repentance, which is the vow or promise to God that the individual will turn from sin or a sinful lifestyle. 1 Peter 3:9 says, "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."  He wants people to repent, that is, to change their heart and mind, ask his forgiveness and open the door of their heart to him.(Rev.3:20) One must believe in the birth, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as he lived on planet earth. One must not only believe, but the Bible says one must also receive Jesus into their heart and life as Savior and Lord.  John 1:12. 

• We believe that the gift of eternal salvation with God the Father can only be received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ - not of any works that we could do - no matter how holy and pure those works may be - for the Bible tells us that we have all sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. Spiritual rebirth guaranteeing eternal life through Christ, is dependent onbe sorry for your sins and turning away from sin (repenting, which is changing your heart and mind toward your sinfulness and willingness to change your lifestyle) and accepting Christ as one's personal Savior. It has nothing to do with working our way to heaven. Eph.2:8,9 says, " For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast. This tells us that eternal life is a free gift of God through Jesus Christ. Read John 1:12. 

God the Holy Spirit - We believe the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus Christ and during this age of grace to convict people of sin, regenerate the believing sinner and to baptize all believers into the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit regenerates, indwells and seals believers unto the day of redemption. 

• We believe He is the divine teacher who guides the believer into all truth and empowers believers to reach the world for Christ. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. John 14:16 -17

• We believe all who accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior are baptized into the body of Christ upon regeneration.  

• Empowered Evangelicals --Subsequently, believers may receive by faith the infilling or baptism in [of or with] the Holy Spirit which sanctifies and endues the believer with power for service. Jesus Christ is the baptizer. We believe the infilling or baptism in the Holy Spirit is available to all spiritually born again believers and is evidenced by the impartation of a supernatural  glossolalia or speaking in an unknown [heavenly] language or tongue, which the Bible says is a personal prayer language imparted to the believer, meant for the believer's prayer closet and personal edification. This prayer language is different than the public speaking in tongues and the interpretation, thereof -- mentioned as two of the nine gifts of the Spirit. 1 Cor 12:10.  Note below --

• A careful research of all Christian, spiritual revivals and awakenings, e.g., the Northern Europe and  subsequent  awakenings have had huge numbers of spiritually born again believers within those revivals, experience the early church  dynamic of the infilling or baptism in the Holy Spirit. Additional study on the infilling experience can be found at www.RKL2.org  see -- new believer's Bible study (about 1./2 way down the home page; note: this is a follow up study for new believers, but keep clicking on the pages and you will find an excellent study of the "infilling or Baptism in the Holy Spirit by Don Basham.

•  We believe that holiness is required of spiritually born again believers and is a sanctification [cleansing] experience in the life of the believer. We believe The Holy Spirit moves upon many believers by way of the filling of the Spirit. The infilling or baptism in the Holy Spirit is the miracle side of the Holy Spirit's enabling power for spiritually born again believers in witness and lifestyle.  Miracles of healing, etc,. often accompany those with the infilling. 

• Be careful however, Who is to say the anointing of the Spirit in the witness and ministry of many believers is not just as effective, perhaps even more so than it is in those who have received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the accompanying supernatural manifestations. There is much to be said of the degree and level of factors such as sanctification, humility, surrender, obedience, et. al, and experiential faith and practice of spiritually born again believers. In other words, receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit is not an end in itself. A born again believer must be careful to practice prayer, reading of God's Word, the Bible, obeying His commands and doing what pleases Him. A spirit-filled believer can backslide and become ineffective as can any spiritually born again believer who does not stay close to the Lord following in his footsteps.  
  1 John 2:6 " Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did." 

• The Holy Spirit distributes operation in the 9 spiritual gifts to the believer according to His will. A believer who is drawn to witness or ministry wherein one or more of the 9 gifts of the Spirit will possibly be manifested should seek the Infilling of the Holy Spirit. 

• Regarding ministry gifts for service among believers in the church and in the community. We recognize that God has endowed some individuals more than others with ministry gifts of service, but that every believer has a gift and these ministries are meant to be a normal function in the lives of God’s people. We believe the church should help believers identify their ministry gifts and potentials for service to one another and the community in which they live. This effort leads to more harmony and fulfillment as well as growth in the local church.

  -----------------------------------------

        Personal note from Rick: I sought and received the infilling of the Holy Spirit many years ago. I am close to the Lord Jesus. As I preach sermons in worship services, and/or teach on biblical topics in teaching meetings, the Holy Spirit may move among the people present and perform healings and deliverance freely, apart from me or any other ministry present. Jesus still heals people today. Jesus still sets people free from addictions and other mental, physical and spiritual bondages. He does this through the Holy Spirit just as he did when he was on earth."  The Bible says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) The logical inference is that he is still doing today what he did during his ministry on earth which he passed on to the early church and to believers today.  Jesus loves you. He wants to help all who come to Him. If you, your loved ones or friends are hurting, draw near to Jesus."

        Rick has ministered in a deliverance ministry for many years. Rick says,  "I have become a bond slave to the lord Jesus Christ. I have learned my relationship to God, Christ and the Holy Spirit must absolutely be the supreme focal point of my life. When I stay close to the Lord, surrendered and abandoned into His hands, abiding in his will for me, He is unhindered and confirms His ministry through me with signs following. My calling is to be separated unto the Lord with surrender and sanctification and to proclaim the glorious redemption of the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result, all other things follow as I lift up Jesus."

         Rick says, "I am available to minister to groups, churches, etc., who embrace the doctrine of the Baptism in [with or of] the Holy Spirit as a subsequent work of grace that may be experienced following salvation. I am also available to minister to groups, churches, etc. who do not embrace the doctrine of the Baptism in [with or of] the Holy Spirit as a subsequent work of grace that may be experienced following salvation. I stand ready to witness with love and gentleness to the experience of the Infilling of the Holy Spirit, but do not include it from the pulpit, unless the congregation includes it in their Statement of Faith, or invites me to expound the scriptures related to it. And so it is with certain doctrines such as pre-tribulation rapture, which I believe is biblical, but, which are open to interpretation among some believers."

         As for salvation, I preach all elements of the redemptive Gospel of Jesus Christ, however, I base Christian fellowship on the shed blood of Jesus Christ not on doctrine that is not believed or participated in by all of my fellow believers." 

Life of the Believer – We believe it is the privilege of the believer to rejoice in his or her salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which, however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to sin. "The Lord knows those who are his," and "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." 2Tim.2:19  

• The Church - We believe the Church is the spiritual body of which Christ is the Head and the visible church is composed of believers associated together in worship and fellowship. The Church which the Lord Jesus Christ has established on planet earth is for the gathering and perfecting of the saints; it is His visible, divinely-ordered kingdom of grace; it is a biblical pattern that has remained the same through all ages. The members of this visible, local Church are all the persons in every nation who are spiritually born again through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, and promise to submit and live according to His laws, and do what pleases Him. 

• We believe the officers of the Church, according to the Scriptures, are, the preaching, teaching and ruling elders, and the deacons. Ephesians 4:11-14; Acts 14:23; Phil 1:1. Through the ruling elders or board, the powers and administrative efforts of the Church are implemented.  

•  We believe the biblical scriptures illustrate that the Church will be divided into many individual churches of professing Christians; but whether denominational or nondenominational, all local churches which adhere with honesty and integrity in faith and practice to the Bible, the literal Word of God,  are to be recognized as branches of the Church of Jesus Christ. 

• God has instructed His people to assemble together regularly for worship, prayer and fellowship and for participation in his ordinances. Through preaching, teaching and study of the biblical  Scriptures  people  gain knowledge of the Bible, God's Word. This is essential  to understanding the Word, obeying God's commands and obtaining the benefits of his promises. Church attendance, programs and gatherings also provide mutual encouragement for people involved. Summation: Attend a Bible-believing church, when possible. (Heb.10:25)
• We believe the ordinances of the church to be two in number: Baptism of the believer in water as a testimony of an individual's salvation and obedience to Christ, and the Lord’s Supper, a memorial to the atoning death of Christ until He returns to earth. 
• We believe tithing is a biblical precept and giving determines the amount of our increase. We believe that tithing is a free choice of individuals as they apply the word of God to their lives and that new believers or those who wish to attend a group or church are under no obligation to practice tithing. We believe the Bible teaches, for those who choose to tithe, that tithes are to be brought into the storehouse  "that there may be food in my house." Mal 3:10.  We believe tithing was  always associated with the Tabernacle in the wilderness, Temple in Jerusalem representative of God's House and applies not to any individual's or organization's ministry, but rather the local group or Church, the representative "house" of God in any geographical location, globally.
• We believe the establishment and continuance of the local church is taught and defined in the Scriptures and that the early church revealed a divinely ordered pattern in the church and relationships of the believers. (1 Pet.3),
• We believe the Bible reveals a divinely ordered pattern for man, woman and families.1 Cor. 11:3 3 "Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God." See: RKL2.org/secret3.htm  (last portion of the teaching).
• We believe the expression of love and forgiveness towards believers and unbelievers  are major characteristics of obedient Christians seeking to follow in the footsteps of Christ.
• We believe an attitude of respect and reverence should be practiced as believers meet together to worship the Lord. 
• We believe the Bible, God's Word, teaches that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. 
• God loves sinful human beings and desires all to come to repentance. Christians should reach out to homosexual and lesbian persons with the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Bible accounts of Jesus, as described in Matthew, Mark Luke and John, time after time it shows that he was the friend of drunkards, prostitutes thieves and other marginalized outsiders. He reached out and touched the lost, hurting, and suffering persons on the fringes of society. We reject violence of any kind toward the gay and lesbian or any other communities that are in opposition to the biblical  verses opposing homosexual and lesbian practices described in the Bible, the Word and Will of Yahweh (Jehovah) God. We believe these lifestyles, including fornication and/or adultery are forbidden in the Bible. and according to biblical Scripture, are not to be condoned in the body of Christ -- especially in regard to spiritually born again believers. We exhort people to show love, compassion, kindness and mercy toward people even if we do not believe in their lifestyles, or system of beliefs.. The Bible says God loves the sinner, but hates the sin. Jesus loves you, however, the Bible says, "The Lord knows those who are his," and "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." 2Tim.2:19  Freedom from sins and sinful lifestyles is possible through Jesus Christ.  

Evangelization of the World - We believe the Lord Jesus Christ has commanded every regenerated believer to witness by word of mouth and righteous living to the truths of the Holy Scriptures, and to help proclaim the Good News to all people at home and unto the uttermost parts of the world. It is the opinion of Rick Lawrence that believers would have far greater results in witness and ministry if they could understand and actualize a particular biblical precept. The precept encourages believers to witness and minister not with the idea that God is allowed in as our associate, while we depend mostly on our education, skills or experience to witness or minister.  Rather, we as servants of God, our Father, should recognize His ways and thoughts are higher; we need to submit to God, through the Lord Jesus Christ and believe the Father to perform His Will and supernormal acts of power in His witness and ministry through us. Summation - pray for His leading and keep in step with the Holy Spirit. Zech.4:6.

God instructs Christian believers to be patient and kind, showing love even to those who oppose Christianity. In my opinion, we also need to involve our social conscience and do what we can to help relieve the suffering of people of all races, faiths and life-circumstances anywhere in the world. As I have stated, we must minister to the whole person. What I'm saying is telling hurting people about Christ is excellent, but we should try to help relieve their starvation or sickness. This is a good rule to follow; of course, there are exceptions. Rick's thoughts are focused on ministering to the "whole person; it speaks to showing love by helping others, meeting their needs, and presenting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 

Let us see to the needs of people.  In my opinion, that will do much to show the love of Christ and our own  love. After all, it's hard for anyone to focus on talk when they are suffering from physical problems. If possible, help their situation first and thereafter,  we may be able to share the way of eternal life through Christ. Love makes a difference however, love manifests itself through our actions.  Likewise, if we say we love God, we will show it by obeying his commands and doing what pleases him.  

Creation - Although God has not chosen to reveal his scientific processes of creation, we, nevertheless, believe the Scriptural account of creation which teaches all things found their origin in God as expressed by the literal process of creation in the Book of Genesis. The Apostle Paul reminds us that human beings can clearly see God’s hand in creation by all that is made visible to us in the world and the universe. Thus, human beings are without excuse regarding the existence of God and his orderly, creative processes. Rom.1:20

Return of Christ - We believe in the personal, imminent, pre-tribulation, pre-millennial return of the Lord Jesus Christ to Rapture his redeemed ones. We believe in his subsequent return with his heavenly armies to defeat his foes at the final clash of the end time war at the location of Armageddon and to establish his Millennial Kingdom on earth.  

• We believe that Jesus Christ will return a second time to our earth as a reigning Messiah to set up a 1000-year Millennium Kingdom where He will rule this earth from the city of Jerusalem.
   
• After the 1000 year millennium rule of Jesus from the city of Jerusalem, we then believe that God the Father will create a New Heaven and a New Earth - where He Himself will literally come down from heaven to rule with His Son Jesus Christ from a New Jerusalem - where we will all live with God and Jesus for the rest of eternity.

Satan - We believe Satan, the devil, is a created spiritual being, the author of sin, sickness and death and the instigator of the fall of human beings; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and redeemed people; that as the prince of this world, he has been judged; that it is the duty of every child of God to resist him, and that he and his evil forces will receive final and eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire as described in the Scriptures. Rev.20:9-15

Note: Although not a member of the Vineyard Denomination, Rick Lawrence also endorses their Statement of Faith:

Vineyard  statement of faith -- today's Empowered Evangelicals

The need for a statement of faith arose shortly after the beginning of the Vineyard movement in 1983. We were growing quite rapidly and people were coming into the movement from a variety of theological backgrounds and church traditions. To remain true to the faith once and for ever given to the saints, we knew it was necessary to develop a statement of faith that was faithful to Scriptures and represented the diversity of those who are committed to live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and in relationship with one another in the Vineyard.

The Bible is our final authority in matters of faith and practice. Therefore, the statements that follow reflect our best attempt to express what we believe, and how we are to live out that faith at this time. Upon further reflection, greater biblical insight, or increased wisdom through experience, these statements could be revised. Until such time, the Vineyard USA Board of Directors has formally adopted this document as our official statement of Faith. This action was taken in 1994.

The understanding that the Kingdom of God is the integrating motif of our understanding of the story of God, the Bible and our theology has influenced the structure of this document. From beginning to end, this Statement of Faith reflects our understanding that biblical theology is eschatological in nature and this eschatological dimension is expressed in terms of the Kingdom of God.

The Vineyard USA Board commends this Statement of Faith for use by all our pastors and in all our churches. We pray that God will bless our sincere desire and humble attempt to be ambassadors of His rule and reign through our lives and that His will may be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Berten A. Waggoner
National Director
e Vineyard USA – A Community of Churches
Sugar Land, Texas
January 2006

WE BELIEVE that God is the Eternal1 King2. He is an infinite,3 unchangeable4 Spirit,5
perfect6 in holiness,7 wisdom,8 goodness,9 justice,10 power11 and love.12 From all
eternity13 He exists as the One14 Living15 and True16 God in three persons17 of one
substance,18 the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,19 equal in power and glory.20

1Deuteronomy 33:27; Romans 1:20; 2Psalm 95:3; Isaiah 43:15; 3Psalm 147:5; Job 11:7-9; 4James
1:17; 5John 4:24; 6Matthew 5:48; 7Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 115-16; 8Psalm 104:24; Proverbs 2:6; Isaiah
28:29; 9Exodus 33:19; Psalm 63:2; Psalm 31:19; 10Psalm 33:5; Psalm 89:14; Isaiah 30:18;
11Exodus 15:6; 121 John 4:8; 13Isaiah 43:13; 14Isaiah 45:5; 1 Corinthians 8:4; 15Psalm 42:2; Psalm
84:2; 16Jerimiah 10:10; 17John 1:18; John 10:30; John 14:9; John 14:16-17; John 14:26; John
15:26; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 18John 1:1; John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 3:17; 19Matthew 28:19-20;
2 Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 1:4; 20Revelation 5:13; Ephesians 3:14-21

WE BELIEVE that God's kingdom is everlasting.21 From His throne,22 through His Son,
His eternal Word,23 God created,24 upholds25 and governs26 all that exists:27 the heavenly
places,28 the angelic hosts,29 the universe,30 the earth,31 every living thing32 and
mankind.33 God created all things very good

3421 Psalm 45:6; Psalm 145:13; Daniel 4:3;  22Psalm 93:1-2; 23John 1:1-3; 1 Corinthians 8:6;
Colossians 1:15-16; Hebrews 1:1-2; 24Genesis 1:1; Psalm 95:3-5; 25Colossians 1:17; Hebrews
1:3; 26Psalm 103:19; Psalm 104:24-29; 27Psalm 96:4-6; 28Psalm 89:11; 29Psalm 103:20-21;
30Colossians 1:16-17; 31Psalm 104:5; 32Psalm 103:22; 33Psalm 22:28; Psalm 47:8; 34Genesis 1:31

WE BELIEVE that Satan, originally a great, good angel, rebelled against God, taking a
host of angels with him.35 He was cast out of God's presence and, as a usurper of God's
rule, established a counter-kingdom of darkness36 and evil on the earth.37
35Revelation 12:7-9; 362 Corinthians 11:14; Colossians 1:13-14; Ephesians 6:12; 37Mark 3:22-26;Ephesians 2:1-2; 1 John 5:19

WE BELIEVE that God created mankind in His own image, male and female,38 for
relationship with Himself and to govern the earth.39 Under the temptation of Satan,40 our
original parents fell from grace,41 bringing sin,42 sickness43 and God's judgment of death to the  earth.44 Through the fall, Satan and his demonic hosts gained access toGod's good creation. 45 Creation now experiences the consequences and effects ofAdam's original sin.46 Human beings are born in sin,47 subject to God's judgment ofdeath48 and captive to Satan's kingdom of darkness.4938Genesis 1:26-27; 39Genesis 1:26; 40Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9; 41Genesis 3:8; Romans 1:21;Romans 5:16; 42Romans 5:12; 43John 5:14; 441 Corinthians 15:22; 45John 8:44; 1 John 5:19;46Romans 8:20-23; 47Psalm 51:5; 48Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 2:5; Romans 2:12; Hebrews 9:27;49Galatians 1:3-5; Galatians 4:8-9; Colossians 1:13

WE BELIEVE that God did not abandon His rule over the earth50 which He continues to uphold by His providence.51 In order to bring redemption, God established covenants52 which revealed His grace to sinful people.53 In the covenant with Abraham, God bound Himself to His people Israel, promising to deliver them from bondage to sin and Satan and to bless all the nations through them.5450Psalm 24:1; Psalm 96:10; 51Isaiah 40:22; Hebrews 1:3; 52Romans 9:4; 53Ephesians 2:12;54Genesis 17:3-8; Genesis 12:2-3; Genesis 15:4-6; Romans 4:3-5; Romans 4:16; Romans 4:20-
25; Galatians 3:6-9; Galatians 3:13-14

WE BELIEVE that as King, God later redeemed His people by His mighty acts from bondage in Egypt55 and established His covenant through Moses, revealing His perfect will and our obligation to fulfill it.56 The law's purpose is to order our fallen race57 and to make us conscious of our moral responsibility.58 By the work of God's Spirit,59 it convicts us of our sin60 and God's righteous judgment against us61 and brings us to Christ alone for salvation.62

55Exodus 15:3-18; 56Exodus 19:3-6; Exodus 24:3-4; Exodus 24:7; Romans 8:3-4; Romans 8:12-
14; 57Deuteronomy 5:1-3; Deuteronomy 30:15-18; Galatians 3:23-25; 58Psalm 25:8-10; Romans7:7; 59John 15:26; John 16:8-11; 2 Corinthians 3:14-17; 60Romans 7:13; Galatians 3:19; Galatians3:21-22; 61Romans 2:1-11; 62Galatians 3:24; Philippians 3:8-9

WE BELIEVE that when Israel rejected God's rule over her as King,63 God establishedthe monarchy in Israel64 and made an unconditional covenant with David,65 promising that his heir would restore God's kingdom reign over His people as Messiah forever.66 631 Samuel 8:6-8; 641 Samuel 8:21-22; 1 Samuel 9:15-16; 1 Samuel 10:1; 1 Samuel 10:24 652 Samuel 7:11b-16; Psalm 89:34-37; 66Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1-5; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Ezekiel 34:23

WE BELIEVE that in the fullness of time,67 God honored His covenants with Israel and

His prophetic promises of salvation68 by sending His Son,69 Jesus, into the world.70
Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary,71 as fully God and fully man in
one person,72 He is humanity as God intended us to be.73 Jesus was anointed as God's
Messiah and empowered by the Holy Spirit,74 inaugurating God's kingdom reign on
earth,75 overpowering the reign of Satan by resisting temptation,76 preaching the good
news of salvation,77 healing the sick,78 casting out demons79 and raising the dead.80

Gathering His disciples,81 He reconstituted God's people82 as His Church83 to be the
instrument of His kingdom.84 After dying for the sins of the world,85 Jesus was raised
from the dead on the third day,86 fulfilling the covenant of blessing given to Abraham.87 In
His sinless, perfect life88 Jesus met the demands of the law89 and in His atoning death on
the cross90 He took God's judgment for sin91 which we deserve as law-breakers.92 By
His death on the cross He also disarmed the demonic powers.93 The covenant with 
David was fulfilled in Jesus' birth from David's house,94 His Messianic ministry,95 His glorious resurrection from the dead,96 His ascent into heaven and His present rule at the right hand of the Father.97 As God's Son and David's heir,98 He is the eternal Messiah-King,99 advancing God's reign throughout every generation and throughout the wholeearth today.100.

67Mark 1:15; Galatians 4:4; 68Romans 1:2-4; 69John 1:14; 70John 1:17-18; 71Luke 1:30-35, 72John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-7; 73Romans 5:19; 1 Corinthians 15:22; 1 Peter 2:22, 2 Corinthians 5:21;
Romans 8:29; 74Luke 3:21-22; Luke 4:16-21; 75Mark 1:14-15; Luke 11:20; Luke 17:20-21; 76Luke
4:1-13; 77Luke 4:43; 78Luke 4:40; 79Luke 4:41; 80Luke 7:14-17; 81Mark 1:16-17; 82Mark 3:13-15;
83Matthew 16:18; 84Luke 9:1-2; Luke 10:1-17; 85John 1:29; John 6:51; John 4:9-10; 86Mark 8:311 Corinthians 15:3-5; 87Galatians 3:13-14; 88Acts 3:14-15; Hebrews 4:15; 89Romans 5:18-19;901 Peter 2:24; 91Galatians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 92Romans 1:18; Romans 1:32; Romans 2:12;2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; 93Colossians 2:13-15; 94Matthew 1:1; 95Luke 1:68-72; Luke 2:10-11;Matthew 9:27; 96Acts 2:24-28; 97Acts 2:29-36; 98Romans 1:1-4; 99Hebrews 1:1-3; 1001 Corinthians 15:24-26; Ephesians 1:19-23; Revelation 5:5

WE BELIEVE that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Church at Pentecost in power,101 baptizing believers into the Body of Christ102 and releasing the gifts of the Spirit to them.103 The Spirit brings the permanent indwelling presence of God to us104 for spiritual worship,105 personal sanctification,106 building up the Church,107 gifting us for ministry,108 and driving back the kingdom of Satan by the evangelization of the world109 through proclaiming the word of Jesus110 and doing the works of Jesus.111101Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4; 1021 Corinthians 12:13; 1031 Corinthians 12:4-7; 104John 14:16-17 105Romans 12:1; Ephesians 5:18-20; 106Romans 8:3-4; 1071 Corinthians 14:12; 1 Corinthians 14:26; 108Romans 12:4-6; 109Luke 11:20; 1 John 3:8b; 110Ephesians 6:10-20; 111John 14:12-13; Romans 15:18-19; 1 Corinthians 4:20

WE BELIEVE that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Jesus Christ112 and that He is our abiding Helper,113 Teacher,114 and Guide.115 We believe in the filling or theempowering of the Holy Spirit,116 often a conscious experience,117 for ministry today.118 We believe in the present ministry of the Spirit119 and in the exercise of all of the biblical gifts of the Spirit.120 We practice the laying on of hands for the empowering of theSpirit,121 for healing,122 and for recognition and empowering of those whom God hasordained to lead and serve the Church.123

112Romans 8:9-10; 113John 16:7; 114John 14:26; 115John 16:13-15; Romans 8:14; 116Luke 24:49 Acts 4:31; 117Acts 8:18-19; Acts 19:1-2; 1181Corinthians 2:4-5; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Corinthians 6:4-7; 119Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:15-17; 1201 Corinthians 12:7-11; 1 Corinthians 14:1; 1 Corinthians 14:5; 1Thessalonians 5:19-21; 121Acts 8:14-17; Acts 19:6; 122Mark 1:41; Luke 6:18b-19; Mark 16:18; 123Acts 13:1-3; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6

WE BELIEVE that the Holy Spirit inspired the human authors of Holy Scripture124 so that the Bible is without error125 in the original manuscripts. We receive the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments126 as our final, absolute authority, the only infallible rule of faith127 and practice.128 1242 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13; John 14:26; 125Psalm 19:7-9; Psalm 119:30; Psalm 119:43; Psalm 119:89; Matthew 5:17-18; John 3:34; John 10:35; 1 Thessalonians2:13; Revelation 22:6; 126Luke 24:44; 2 Peter 3:15-16; Revelation 22:18-19; 127Isaiah 40:8;Matthew 24:35; 128Matthew 7:21; Matthew 7:24; Luke 1:38; James 1:22-25

WE BELIEVE that the whole world is under the domination of Satan129 and that all people are sinners by nature130 and choice.131 All people therefore are under God's just judgment.132 Through the preaching of the Good News of Jesus and the Kingdom of God133 and the work of the Holy Spirit,134 God regenerates,135 justifies,136 adopts137 and sanctifies138 through Jesus by the Spirit139 all who repent of their sins140 and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord141 and Saviour.142 By this they are released from Satan's domain and enter into God's kingdom reign.143

129Luke 4:5-7; 1 John 5:19; 1301 Corinthians 15:22; Ephesians 2:1-3; 131Romans 1:21-23; Romans 1:32; 132Romans 1:18; Romans 2:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ephesians 5:6; 133Mark 1:14-15; Acts 8:12; Acts 28:31; Ephesians 5:5; 134John 16:7-11; 135John 3:5-8; 1 Peter 1:23; 136Romans 5:1-2; Romans 5:9; 137Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6; 138Ephesians 5:25; Hebrews 13:12; 1391 Peter 1:1-2; 140Acts 2:38; 141Romans 10:9; 1421 John 4:13-15; 143Colossians 1:13-14; Philippians 3:20

WE BELIEVE in the one,144 holy,145 universal Church.146 All who repent of their sins and confess Jesus as Lord and Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit147 and form theliving Body of Christ,148 of which He is the head149 and of which we are all members.150

WE BELIEVE that Jesus Christ committed two ordinances to the Church: water baptism151 and the Lord's Supper.152 Both are available to all believers.151Matthew 28:19-20; 1521 Corinthians 10:14-17; 11:23-26

WE BELIEVE that God's kingdom has come in the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ,153hat it continues to come in the ministry of the Spirit through the Church,154 and that it will be consummated in the glorious, visible and triumphant appearing of Christ155 - His return to the earth as King.156 After Christ returns to reign,157 He will bring about the final defeat of Satan and all of his minions and works,158 the resurrection of the dead,159 the final judgment160 and the eternal blessing of the righteous and eternal conscious punishment of the wicked.161 Finally, God will be all in all162 and His kingdom, His rule and reign,163 will be fulfilled in the new heavens and the new earth,164 recreated by His mighty power, in which righteousness dwells165 and in which He will forever be worshipped.166

153Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 4:23; Matthew 12:28; 154Matthew 6:10; Matthew 10:7-8; Matthew 24:14; Mark 13:11; John 15:26-27; Romans 14:17-18; 155Mark13:26; Acts 1:9-11; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; 156Revelation 19:11-16; 157Matthew 25:31-32; 1 Corinthians 15:23-25; 158Revelation 20:10; 1591 Corinthians 15:51-52; 160John 5:28-30; Revelation 20:11-15; 161Matthew 25:31-46; 1621 Corinthians 15:24-28; 1631 Timothy 6:13-16; 1642 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:5; 165Revelation 21:27; 1661 Timothy 1:17; Revelation 7:9-12

If you desire further information regarding our theological position e-mail 
(info@vineyardusa.org) to request the paper entitled "Association of Vineyard Churches
Theological and Philosophical Statement"