I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried;

He descended into hell, the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic (Christian) church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.

Eternal without beginning or end
God the Father
God the Son
God the Holy Spirit
Matt. 3:16, 17
Mark l:9-11
Luke 3:21, 22

Man created in God's image is a trinity also; body, soul and spirit. Heb 4:12

God the Father: God is spirit and we must worship Him in spirit and truth. Always was and always will be, eternal, no beginning, no end Creator, omnipotent (all powerful), omnisciencent (all knowing), omnipresent (everywhere present).

God the son: Sent by the Father, came joyfully to be crucified, shedding His blood for man's redemption; baptizes the believer in the Holy Spirit.

God the Holy Spirit: Sent by the Father to fill all believers to empower them to live the Christian life, to give them gifts, to give them fruits, to seal them for their eternal inheritance: baptizes the believer into the body of Christ.

They are all one in plan and purpose yet different in administrative duties. All the same power and attributes.

Man died spiritually when Adam and Eve disobeyed God's command not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Gen. 2:17. Beginning and result of sin in the human race is found in Genesis 3.

Sin imputed to all mankind through Adam's fall. Rom. 5:17-19.

Sin's consequences: Rom. 6:23a, Rev. 20:11-15.

Origin of sin: Ezekiel 28:11-19.
Description of king of Tyre and Lucifer are the same.
Lucifer or satan is also described by Jesus in John 8:44. Rev. 12.

Satan is the god of this world, John 12:31; the hater of all mankind and the arch foe of all Christendom, Eph. 6:12.

The only way we can escape his power and overcome is by accepting and receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and be filled continually with the Holy Spirit. Col. 1:13, Rev. 12:11, Eph. 5:18-20.

The New Testament Covenant was made by God between Himself and the human race through Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son. Hebrews 9. This chapter is to be thoroughly studied especially verses ll-28. We are living under the New Covenant which is better than the Old because of the Blood of Christ and His resurrection.

Benefits of the New Covenant because of the Blood of Christ:

o Forgiveness of sins and eternal life. John 3:16-18
o Deliverance from the power of satan. Col. 1:13, 14
o Healing - Spiritual and physical. Is. 53:5, Mat. 8;17, I Pet. 2:24
o Redeemed from the curse of the law. Gal. 3:13, 14
a. Sickness
b. Death
c. Poverty

Curses and blessings - Deut. 28

If we live in obedience to God's will and Word, He has promised us prosperity in all areas of life here on earth, and a heavenly home with Him in the ages of eternity to come. We observe and ratify the covenant by baptism and communion.

Water baptism signifies we have been crucified, buried and risen with Him - a death unto sin and a new birth unto righteousness. I Pet. 3:18-22

Methods of water baptism:

o Sprinkling: The minister dips his fingers in water and sprinkles the candidate for baptism.
o Pouring: The minister pours water on the head of the candidate as they lean over the baptismal fount.
o Immersion: The minister totally immerses the candidate either backward or forward.
Note: Some churches of Eastern Orthodox belief and perhaps others immerse three times, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Infant Baptism: Some churches believe that infants should be baptized, others do not. The ones that do use the rite of circumcision as one basis for their belief, others believe that infant baptism is the same as dedication or consecration of the child by the parents. Some churches that baptize infants have the parents appoint sponsors or godparents to the infant. They are a responsible as the parents for the spiritual and physical needs of that child as the parents themselves.

Method of baptism is not as important as the act of obedience to God's word and command. Acts 2:38, 39; I Cor. 12-13; Gal 3:27; Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:11, 12; Matt. 3:13-17. Holy Spirit baptism should be a part of every believer's Christian experience. It is the power of God imparted to us to do His will and work. Acts 2:5, 8; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:1-7.

We're to observe the Lord's Supper as Christians as a memorial of our Lord's sacrifice at Calvary, and the benefits we recieve from His crucifixion and resurrection. The Body and Blood of Christ are spiritually taken and received by faith and we should at this time examine ourselves spiritually for right attitude, recognizing what we have in the Lord's bodily sacrifice and receiving by faith what He provided for us. John 6:53-64, I Cor. 11:23-32.

Different church doctrines concerning elements or bread and wine in the communion services are:

o Transubstantiation
o Consubstantiation
o Symbolic commemoration
o Spiritual Consubstantiation

Transubstantiation: Bread and wine actually change into body and blood of Christ after the priest blesses it. Thus they believe they partake in a real physical way.

Consubstantiation: Elements do not change, but believe that the literal presence of Christ is present in, under and with the elements so that Christ may be received sacramentally.

Symbolic Commemoration: Asserts that the terms "body and blood" are not to be taken literally, but only symbolically and that the observance of the ordinance is a commemoration of the death of Christ.

Spiritual Consubstantiation: The body and blood of Christ is given, taken and eaten only after a spiritual manner and the means whereby the body and blood of Christ is received is faith. Christ is present in the elements in a spiritual sense. The elements do not change, but we receive strength spiritually, physically, and mentally and all the benefits of the Blood Covenant relationship we have with Christ if we discern the Lord's body and appropriate the benefits He provided for us in His redemptive work on the cross. By partaking of the Lord's Supper we are signifying that we belong to Christ and He belongs to us. We are in covenant relationship with Him, totally committed to Him and His will for our lives. We should claim what we need and believe we receive from Him who has provided so abundantly for us. We should examine ourselves and judge ourselves to make sure we are in right relationship with God, so He won't have to chastise us. Only those who have a personal relationship with Christ, have put their whole faith and trust in Him for their forgiveness and salvation and are in fellowship with Him should partake of the elements at communion. Rom. 10:9-10, Gal. 2:20, I John 1:9

We as born again believers have a right to claim all the benefits of our blood covenant relationship with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We must walk in obedience to be able to claim and receive these blessings provided for us by the Lord Jesus.

I. The blood cleanses - I John 1:7
First we must confess our sin as in I John 1:9. Next we must call upon Jesus to purge and destroy our sin and guilt and trust His blood to do it.

II. The Blood backs Christ's promises - Luke 22:20.
Jesus was saying, every promise in the Word, every part of the covenant I make with you, will be kept at the cost of my own lifeblood. All my life and strength will be poured out before one promise can fail.

III. The blood redeems from sin and sickness - Is. 53:4.
Matt. 8:17 confirms this. He bore our sins, our sickness,our griefs. He bore all so we wouldn't have too - so why do we?

IV. The blood gives access to God's presence Eph. 2:13.
We have been made near or nigh by the blood of Christ.
Col. 1:22 - Because of the blood we can stand holy and faultless and irreproachable in the Father's presence.
Heb. 10:19 - We have freedom to enter into the Holy of Holies by the blood of Jesus.

V. The blood helps us do God's will - Heb. 13:20, 21; Heb. 9:14.

VI. The blood overcomes satan - Rev. 12:11.
Through faith in the blood of Jesus and by our testimony or confession of Christ's work on Calvary, we can conquer anything that comes from satan.

VII. The blood gives safety and protection Ex. 12:21-23.
The passover lamb's blood protected the Israelites.
I Cor. 5:7 - Jesus Christ our passover Lamb was sacrificed for us. Therefore, we may claim safety and protection because of His blood.

VIII. The blood reconciles - Col. 1:20.
Through His blood, Jesus becomes our peace, our bond of unity. He reconciles man to man, and man to God, removing all enmity and leaving no impediment to unity and peace. Christ's blood makes us one, breaks down the hostile dividing wall between us, kills the mutual enmity and brings the feud to an end. Eph.2:13-16. Instead of vainly arguing our case when we are not in one accord with others, we should pray for the blood of Christ to reconcile us.

IX. The blood speaks for us.
The Bible says Jesus makes intercession for us, that His blood cries or speaks for us. Paul wrote that believers have come to Jesus, the mediator of the New Covenant, and to the blood of the sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. Heb. 12:24. The cry of Abel's shed blood rose directly to the judgment seat of God accusing his murderer. But the blood of Jesus cries, "Father, honor your covenant promises. Forgive, heal and empower my brethren. Draw near and protect them. Be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and iniquities remember no more.

The blood of Jesus has redeemed you from satan's power, claims and jurisdiction. Study these truths about Christ's blood. Write them down, then utilize them to claim God's promises and to destroy the works of the devil.

All born again believers who come to this Holy Communion of the body and blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ must consider that the scriptures command us to examine ourselves before partaking of the bread and wine. For if we eat and drink with a true penitent heart and active faith, the benefits are great; so is the danger great, if we receive unworthily. Let us judge ourselves then so that we will not be judged by the Lord. Let us confess our sins of commission and omission as in I John 1:9. Let us give continual praise and thanksgiving unto our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for His love and supreme sacrifice for us who were sinners, but now have been redeemed from the curse of the law - sickness, poverty, and spiritual death, by His blood sacrifice on the cross.

Prayer: Almighty Heavenly Father who has promised forgiveness in I John 1:9 to those who truly repent and remain steadfast in Him, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all sin, confirm and strengthen you and keep you from falling and present faultless with great joy before His throne. All glory, honor and praise unto Thee, oh Lord, who gave yourself as a perfect sacrifice for us who were lost, dying, condemned sinners. We continually praise and thank you for all you have given us through your sacrifice and blood covenant.

For in the night in which He was betrayed, He took bread and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave to His disciples saying, take, eat, this is my Body which is given for you, do this in remembrance of me.

Likewise after supper He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, drink ye all of this, for this is my Blood of the New Covenant which is shed for you and for many, for the remission of sins, do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.

The Body of Christ, the Bread of Heaven.
The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.

Heavenly Father let us not only meditate on what happened at Calvary, but let us also look forward to the coming again of your Son and our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, to receive us unto Himself, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Yet while we remain here may we continue to feed on your body and blood by the reading and meditation of your Holy Scriptures, may we seek you with a whole heart and be obedient to your will and word, presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice wholly unto you and not being conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of our minds by your word.

Let the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart be acceptable in thy sight, oh Lord, our strength and Redeemer.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit go in peace, go in the strength of the Lord, go forth to serve Him Who has redeemed us, go in the mighty name of Jesus.

Order of Baptismal Service:

Mark 10:13-16

In obedience to God's Word we bring this child to be presented to Him and dedicated to Him and His service.

We call upon Thee for this child, now to be baptized and dedicated to you, oh Lord, receive __________, grant unto __________ salvation at the earliest possible age, fill __________ with thy Holy Spirit that __________ may grow in grace and godliness. Being steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, rooted in love and may continue Thine forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

I ask therefore, do you solemnly on the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, and do you acknowledge the obligation, as far as in you lies, to provide that this child be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, that _________be diligently instructed in Holy Scriptures, and that __________ be taught the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's prayer, the Ten Commandments and all other things which a Christian ought to know and believe to their soul's health?

Answer: We do.

O merciful Father grant that the old Adam in this child may be buried, that the new man may be raised up in __________. Amen.
Grant that all sinful affections may die in __________ and that all things belonging to thy Spirit may live and grow in __________. Amen.
Grant that __________may have power and victory to triumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen.
Grant that all who are dedicated to Thee in baptism may also be endued with heavenly virtues and everlastingly rewarded, through Thy mercy, O Lord our strength and our Redeemer. Amen.
Almighty and eternal Father whose most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ gave commandment to his disciples, that they should go teach all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, regard, we beseech Thee, our supplications and grant that this child may receive the fullness of thy grace and ever remain in the number of thy faithful children, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

__________, I baptize thee in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

May the Lord bless thee and keep thee, may the Lord make His face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee and give thee peace. Amen.

We are admonished in the scriptures to be obedient and to follow our Lord's example. In the Gospels we are told to go into all the world teaching them the Word and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. We also believe that something happens spiritually when we are obedient and follow our Lord's command in baptism.

Question: Do you renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the sinful desires of the flesh, so that you will not follow, nor be led by them?

Answer: I renounce them all.

Question: Do you believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God, His atoning sacrifice on Calvary, His death, burial, and resurrection?

Answer: I do.

Question: Have you accepted Him as Lord and Saviour of your life and do you desire to follow Him and be obedient only to Him?

Answer: I do.

__________, I baptize thee in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Salvation: Greek word soteria.

l. Deliverance: Col. 1:13
2. Preservation: Jude 1: 24, Phil. 1:6
3. Health and healing: Matt. 8:17, I Pet.2:24, James 5:14, Mark 16:17-18
4. Prosperity: II Cor. 8:9, John 10:10, I Cor. 9:6-13
5. Redeemed from the curse of the law: Gal. 3:13, 14, 29. The blessings of obedience and the curse of the law are found in Deut. 28.
6. Forgiveness of sins and made a child of God: Rom. 10:9, 10, 13, Rom. 4:7-8, Eph. 2:8, 9.

o Who needs it: All. Rom. 3:23

o. Why? Because we are all sinners by nature because of Adam's transgression; we need forgiveness and cleansing from sin to be able to stand before a Holy God and escape eternal condemnation and punishment. John 3:16-18, Eph. 2:1-10, Acts 4:12.

What happens to us when we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour?

-We are born again into the family of God and our dead spirit is made alive in Christ. Col. 2:13-15, Rom. 8:1, 2.

-We are justified; just as if we have never sinned. Rom. 5:1, Col. 1:21-23.

-We are sanctified, set apart to God:
Instantly II Cor. 5:17
Progressively Rom. 12:1, 2; Heb. 12:l-11

-We have righteousness, right standing with God. Phil. 3:7-11

What is our part?

Repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Repent means to have a change of heart, a change of direction by 180 degree turn from sin to Christ. Believe means to rest our whole weight, or dependence on Jesus Christ for everything and come under his Lordship and present our selves a living sacrifice to Him. Rom. 12:1, 2

I. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. We should fear, love and trust God above all.

II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, ...thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them....

III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. We should love God, not curse, swear, use witchcraft, lie or decieve by or in His name.

IV. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. We should set aside one day a week to the Lord for prayer, praise, worship, gathering together with other believers to study and learn God's Word.

V. Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. We should love our parents, honor, serve and obey them.

VI. Thou shalt not kill. We should love all human beings and not hate them or desire to destroy them as all are created in God's image.

VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery. All sex outside of the marriage partners (man and wife) is forbidden.

VIII. Thou shalt not steal. We have no right to take anything that is not ours.

IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. We should not slander or defame or speak evil of anyone.

X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's. We should not desire to own our neighbors property, to be obsessed by it. We should not try to entice away our neighbor's wife, servants or cattle or have a sinful desire for anything that is our neighbor's.

Some scholars split the first into two parts. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thyself any graven image nor the likeness of anything that is in heaven or earth, thou shalt not bow down before them nor worship them...Others split the last into two parts; Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, etc.

Jesus summed up the Ten Commandments in Matt. 22:37-40. Thou shalt love the Lord they God with all thy heart, soul and being and secondly love thy neighbor as thyself.