August 28, 2012
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River of brochure rewrite-- open to further editing
River of Life Ministries, Inc., established 01/05/1980
Co founded and co pastored by Pastors Robert and Dr. Rosemary Barnes
3412 Leonard , N.W.; Walker, Mi. 49534
Robert,s phone: 616-540-2928; Rosemary's phone: 616-540-1766
Weekly meetings:
Wednesday: 6:30 PM to 8: 00 PM
Sabbath: 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM service; 10:30 A:M brunch; 11:00 A.M to noon service http://riveroflifegrmi.org/ (webmaster: EG Adams);
rbarnesrol@aol.com; facebook: Rosemary Herms Barnes; Xanga: Rosemaryssermons
What is happening at River of Life: (subject to occasional and/or seasonal changes – our custom is to stop most of our activities beyond service times during the month of December):
Nursery: Ages : Infant through 2 years old during all services.
Children’s Church(CC) Ages 3 through 11: Wednesday night and Sabbath during the first service. CC is led by Pastors Bruce and Theresa Bolthouse
Powerhouse: (PH) Ages 12 through 15: Wednesday evening. PH is led by Pastors Cliff and Annie Baker.
Kingdom Youth Force (KYF) Ages 16 through 21: Wednesday evening. KYF is led by Pastor Karen Vander Vliet.
Adult Bible Class (ABC): Ages 22 on up: Wednesday evening. ABC is led by Pastors Robert and Rosemary Barnes.
Youth seminars: Twice a year, one in the Fall and one in the Winter, we will usually have a youth seminar for PH and KYF. This is directed by Pastor Rosemary but led by all the leadership.
Prayer time : The entire church gathers at Wednesday, 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM and Sabbath at 9:30 AM to 9:45 AM for prayer. This time is led ( in rotation) by Pastor Robert one week, Minister Karen Cook the next week, and Pastor Rosemary the following week .
Amen: - A Men’s Bible study and share group led by Pastor Bruce Bolthouse on the second Sunday of each month. It is from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM…
Victory time: (VT) .. VT is for those –male and female – who desire mutual accountability regarding a healthy diet. VT meets the first Wednesday of each month from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PMPastor Annie Baker is the leader of this group. We share weekly email updates.
Our TV 25 program: We tape our program, “River Reflections”, at TV 25 in Wyoming, is taped the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month except for December. The TV Staff arrives at approximately 6:30 PM. After the taping (usually around 8:30 PM) we eat together – we usually depend on River of Life volunteers to provide the food at the station or (if they are relatively near the station) to invite us into their home. We are at WKTV, 5261 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509; http://www.wktv.org/home.html 261 5700. . Pastor Rosemary is the Director/producer of the program; Deacon Richard Menninga is in charge of the control room management and training.
Media Club: We rely on this club for the videotaping and editing of clips (or full programs) to be shown on TV 25; however, potentially ALL media expression to minister can be included (the internet, written productions, etc.). Jacob Menninga is the director of this club – let him know if you are interested in joining.
Helps Team: This team, led by Pastor Karen Roark, provides help in ushering, hosting, clean up, and any other supportive services needed to assist the ministry.
Sound and visual aid ministry: The sound board/microphone -- ministry led by Deacon Richard Menninga and kept in supplies by Deacon Ron Slawson -- assures proper sound . The visual ministry is led by Ryan Hoekstra and assisted by Pastor Bruce Bolthouse.
Praise and worship team: Pastor Robert directs this entire ministry and is also a worship leader himself . When he becomes aware that someone can play an instrument by ear and/or sing, he sometimes invites that person to join the team. Pastor Bruce Bolthouse and Briana Vander Toorn are also worship leaders.
Open pulpit times: Usually every Sabbath 11:00 AM service contains an opportunity to participate in “open pulpit”. Unless a person is an ROL associate minister, the time allotted is three minutes. Associate ministers are always allowed five minutes ( as is anyone else if they ask for “extra time” if needed). The purpose of the open pulpit content (Word, sharing of a spiritual gift, dance, poem, song, skit, etc.) is to exhort, edify, and/or comfort the body of Christ
Five fold ministry training: We believe that – as gifts to the church—the Lord has called some to be part of the five fold ministry, i.e., apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
If you believe the Lord has called you to be in one or more of the five fold ministry offices (Ephesians 4 : 11—15) and we can also see that calling on your life, Pastor Rosemary is willing to mentor and to train you. The training usually takes around four years to complete; however, we are willing to adapt to the person’s life circumstances if the work cannot be completed in that time frame. The student should be at least 18 years old and either already be baptized in or diligently seeking to be. The potential student must already have shown themselves (for quite a long time) to be willing to pray often in corporate prayer times, share in open pulpits, be faithful to services, be faithful in giving their tithes and offerings, be an enthusiastic worshipper, be willing to participate in helps service, and be filled with the Fruits of the Spirit. Furthermore, he or she must “see” their entire local church as those whom they desire to minister to—their ministry vision cannot be limited to just a few people with whom they are comfortable.
Because the job of a five fold minister is to “perfect the saints for the work of the ministry”, that person must be genuinely pleased to see others come forth in their ministries and have a heart to do all they can to make that happen.
We want to mentor those whose passion for knowing God and for ministering to His people flows from their heart consistently --– we are looking for heart felt ministry, not a“performance” apart from a passionate love for the Lord and His people.
Students will be responsible not only to study through the entire Bible and designated topics (corresponding with the church study cycle), but also there are other forms and goals to be completed each month. Also, doing at least one open pulpit on the current study book or topic will be expected. The student will be expected to be able to hand in work via email. From time to time Pastor Rosemary will meet with the student(s) in person to discuss their progress.
Let Pastor Rosemary know if you are interested (or, if we see you are already acting like someone called to a ministry office, we may approach you to encourage you to get into training). When the student starts the training, more instruction will be shared concerning the curriculum and activity required. .
All those complete the Word minister training and stay at ROL will be considered an Associate Minister at ROL. Associate Ministers become a part of the Advisory board as well as part of the teaching and ministry staff.
River of Life cycle of Bible and topical studies: Each month we introduce new books and/or topics to study in our private devotional times. We usually skip December and only study Christmas related themes. Sometimes we insert a special topic instead of whatever is in sequence during the Feast of Tabernacles time.
The list is: . 1. Genesis. Matthew; 2. Exodus. Mark, 3. Leviticus. II John. III John – Sabbath, 4. Holy Spirit - the Baptism, Fruits, Gifts, 5. Numbers. I Peter, 6. Deuteronomy. II Peter, 7. Salvation including Evangelism and Missions, 8. Joshua. Hebrews, 9. Judges. Ruth. Romans, 10. Deity of Christ and Prophetic Words in the Word concerning Him, 11. I Samuel. I Timothy, 12. II Samuel. II Timothy, 13. Praise and Worship including various expressions of Worship (Song of the Lord, Dance, Singing in the Spirit, Shout, Clap, Raise Hands, Bow down, etc.), 14. I Kings. I Thessalonians, 15. II Kings. II Thessalonians, 16. Habakkuk. I Chronicles, 17. II Chronicles. Galatians,18. Ephesians - "What is Church?" and the ROL Brochure in its entirety,19. Esther. Nehemiah. Luke. Ezra,20. Job. Philippians. I Corinthians, 21. Jonah. Deliverance, 22. Psalms. Ecclesiastes,23. Proverbs. James. John, 24. Haggai. Song of Solomon. Isaiah
25. II Corinthians. Water Baptism, 26. Jeremiah. Lamentations. Philemon, 27. Ezekiel. Jude, 28. Zephaniah. Obadiah. Colossians
29. Nahum. Communion, 30. Racism. Acts, 31. Micah. Amos. Titus. Hosea. Joel, 32. Zechariah. Malachi. I John. Women in Ministry
33. Daniel. Revelation
At the end of each study cycle (As announced in online announcements which can be found on riveroflifegrmi.org) we give opportunity in the early Sabbath services for people to share what they discovered during their studies that month.
We celebrate four special occasions yearly in which we invite specific individuals to do all forms of arts expression , i.e., those who are recognized as doing excellently in our “open pulpit” times and/or praise times . ( “Arts “ can include poetry, mime, dance, vocal and instrumental solos and groups, skits, canvas art, photography-- whatever can be used to express the theme of the event.) We are not limited to these four events, e.g., we have celebrated Purim and we would be blessed to celebrate Pentecost too.
1. Passover: The death , burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ)
2. Feast of Tabernacles : We celebrate both , as in Old Covenant times, a thanksgiving celebration for His supernatural provisions for us and also what is now and in the future, a rejoicing in the harvest of souls in all nations (Zechariah 14:9, 16). Ultimately, we anticipate with joy the ultimate fulfillment of this feast when He tabernacles among us for all eternity (Rev. 21: 1 – 7)
3. River of Life Ministries’ anniversary: Robert and Rosemary started this church on January 5, 1980 in their livingroom on 301 Burton , S.E., in Grand Rapids, Michigan with only EG, their son, soon to be 8, as a certain third member .
4. Christmas: On a Sabbath near 12/25 we celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ because that is the time of year this event is celebrated by most other believers. Although the actual birthdate is uncertain and the Lord did not command us to celebrate His birth; nonetheless, we choose to do so in unity with other Christians. At church do not all have the objects and references to the worldly version of this season. We choose to celebrate only that which pertains to the birth of Jesus (which includes the Old Testament prophetic words spoken concerning Him and their fulfillment ( e.g.,Luke 1: 26 – 79).
Brunch and food ministry: With the exception of special celebration days (not only the above four special events, but also some other times too), we have a 10:30 brunch every Sabbath. The ROLmembers each bring food to share with everyone.
On “special” occasions we often have a continental breakfast at 10:30 and then a dinner potblessing following the first service. We also share in the clean up afterwards.
Church Government -: All the affairs of Grand Rapids River of Life Ministries, Inc. -- both temporal and spiritual -- are governed by the Co-Pastors, Robert and Rosemary Barnes. There are three legal directors who are responsible for compliance with all the legal aspects of a non profit corporation. They are Pastors Robert and Rosemary and Pastor Karen Vander Vliet.
Grand Rapids River of Life Ministries, Inc. became a non profit organization , a church, with the state of Michigan in the mid 1980’s when we bought our first building.
We also have an advisory board (sometimes called our “positioned leadership”) in order to be enriched by their input and advice. ROL Members may bring concerns or issues to the Advisory Board Members or to the Pastors. (Whatever is shared with the Board Members or other Leadership will be shared with the Pastors by those Leaders.)
Positioned Leadership at River of Life (i.e., our deacons and associate ministers which make up our “advisory board”) : In addition to Pastors Robert and Rosemary: Pastors Bruce and Theresa Bolthouse, Minister Karen Cook, Pastor Karen Roark; Deacon John Roark, Pastor Karen Roark, Deacon Ron Slawson, Minister Sherry Slawson, Pastors Cliff and Annie Baker, Deacon Richard and Deaconness Tracy Menninga
We usually meet together at least four times a year to discuss both the spiritual and natural administration of the church. Monthly reports of ongoing work are shared among the ministers. We have many informal discussions too concerning church situations.
Our special “advisors” are Deacon John and Pastor Karen Roark with whom we spend some extra time brainstorming and debriefing on ROL matters.
Sometimes we have a meeting with only the Associate Ministers at which time we usually only discuss spiritual concerns and pray together.
Home Ministry Fellowship, Inc.-affiliation : In January of 1980 when we started River of Life , both Robert and Rosemary received ordination from Pastor Charles Stilwell, Founder and President of Home Ministry Fellowship (established in 1966). We also became a charter church, Grand Rapids River of Life Ministries, under their federal 501(c) tax exempt non profit corporation . After the deaths of Pastor Stilwell and his wife, Bobbie, Rosemary was elected by the HMF board of directors to be the lifetime President of HMF. Robert is the lifetime Vice President.
The legal board of directors now of Home Ministry Fellowship are: Robert and Rosemary Barnes, Cliff Baker, Secretary, John and Karen Roark, and
Karen Vander Vliet , Treasurer.
Because California is the site of the corporation, J.T. Warring,one of our ordained ministers from Anaheim , Ca., is the resident agent for HMF.
ROL Finances: All gifts are tax deductible. Offerings are dealt with by a team: Pastor Rosemary, Pastor Karen Vander Vliet, and Sue Mulder. Receipts are recorded and finance reports are prepared by Pastors Rosemary and Karen. Sue Mulder is responsible to tally what each person gave and provide an end of year report for tax purposes .
Finance reports are reviewed by the entire advisory board.
Prayer and Devotional Life for ROL Members : People who join ROL are expected to have a very regular devotional life . Devotional time should include praise, worship, listening to a Bible Tape and/or reading the Bible, and prayer. The private devotional lives of ROL members (with the resulting close walk with the Lord in daily obedience) is the very backbone of our strength as a local church. Each believer is responsible to stay close to the Father and to receive revelation knowledge for himself. In this way he can come to the church gatherings prepared to give to others rather than to stay in constant need of the ministry of others. Furthermore, we encourage all members to build up a bible study library with a dictionary, a concordance, a study bible (for the sake of uniformity, the KJV Thompson Chain Bible is strongly recommended), and commentaries by Godly learned men and women. (II Timothy 2:15, Ephesians 6:18, James 5:16-18, Matthew 26:41, Revelation 5:8, Psalm 119, Jeremiah 9:23—24)
Tithes and offerings: We believe that one tenth of the believer’s gross income belongs to the Lord and should be given to the local church he or she attends. Above and beyond the tithe, the person should give a free-will offering to the Lord's work. Alms (compassionate deeds and/or giving to the poor) should be a part of our giving too. (II Corinthians 9:1-12, Malachi 3:7-12, Acts 10:2)
Becoming a member of River of Life : Any Christian can become a member of ROL after coming faithfully for a season so as to make a careful and prayerful choice as to whether or not ROL is the appropriate home church for them. Before becoming a member, the person (who is able to) is expected to have read this brochure in order to decide whether or not he or she either agrees with the basic beliefs of our church or can agree to peacefully tolerate (i.e. without demonstrating a need to persistently deal with differences) whatever differences (or even a total lack of knowledge on a given point) that they may have.
We will understand that some people will be able to understand all the statements and verse references; however, some, if they are new in the Lord, they might not be able to comprehend much of this at all. Rosemary – or any number of our leaders – would be willing to help the person understand our beliefs and may even know which topics do not need to be thoroughly , immediately understood by everyone. A person does not have to understand all of this brochure in order to become a member—the most important thing in the beginning is for them to understand what it means to be a Christian.
A person who desires to become a member should express that desire to the Pastors. The Pastors will then have a brief conference with that person to discuss this decision.
Doctrines embraced by River of Life : We believe in the entire Bible so there is much more than what is written here that we belief; however, we are simply emphasizing some basic, important doctrines that we treasure.
The Apostles Creed : Along with millions of Christians all over the world, we share the belief in all of the points of the Apostles Creed:
“I believe in God, the Father Almighty,maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,and born of the virgin Mary,suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell. On the third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy Christian church,the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the resurrection of the body,and the life everlasting. Amen”
We believe that all scripture is the infallible Word of God: If there is something we do not immediately understand, it is not a matter of the scripture being flawed but rather a matter of our needing to grow in knowledge and understanding through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.(2 Timothy 3:16—17,Acts 1:16, Romans 15:4, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Peter 1:21, John 16:12—15,1 Corinthians 13:9,10,:12, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Philippians 3:8—14)
Deity of Christ: The Lord Jesus Christ is God in the flesh. Understanding the triunity of God logically is challenging; however, the scripture makes it clear we have one God who shows Himself in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We accept this by faith. To reject Jesus as God the Son is to reject God the Father. Often a certain belief system may seem good; however, the answer to the question of whether or not the Lord Jesus Christ is God’s Son, God in the flesh, is the dividing line between true Christianity and many false belief systems (Ps 45:6 –7,Heb 1:8 ,Isa 7:14 ,Matt 1:23, Isa 9:6—7, Titus 2:13, 14 , Rev 5:11--16 ,1 Tim 6: 14—16, John 1:1—14,Ps 33:6, Heb 1:1—6,: Rev 4:8 –11,Colossians 1:12 –19, 1 Timothy 3:16, John 10:30—33, John 20: 26—31, Philippians 2:5—11,1 John 5:5—7,10—12,20, John 14: 16—20, 23—28, Genesis 1:26—27, 1 Peter 1:10—12, Rev 7:9 –10, Isaiah 60:16, Revelation 21:22—23, Isaiah 60: 9,20, Micah 5:2,John 8:58, Rev 1:4 –18, Luke 1:30—37, 1 John 2:22—24, 1 John 4:1—3,14—15, 1 John 5:11 –13,20, 2 John:9—11)
Becoming a Christian: Everyone is a sinner and is in need of salvation from sin and its effects. (Romans 3:23--25, Romans 5:6--12). The wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23); therefore, none of us deserves eternal life.
Without Christ we are targets for satan because he hates us and want our lives to be miserable. In Christ we can have an abundant life. (John 10:9—11)
In Christ we can have eternal life because He paid the death penalty for us. God demands “shedding of blood” for “remission”(pardon) of sin (Hebrews 9: 22, 28). Jesus shed blood takes care of sin once and for all when we accept His blood as payment for our sin. (1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Peter 1: 18 –19, Ephesians 1:5—7, Hebrews 10:14)
A person must repent ( i.e., be sorry for sins and stop doing them). There is the first time for the new believer to repent and receive forgiveness of all past sins; however, as that person still sins from time to time, they can confess sin and repent as much as needed and then continue to be cleansed by the blood of Jesus and forgiven their sin. ( 1 John 1: 9, Luke 9:23—15, John 8:11, Proverbs 28:13, 1 Timothy 1:12--19)
He must the ask the Lord Jesus Christ into his heart (spirit) so that now he can walk in communion with and in obedience to the Spirit of the Lord. He becomes a “new creature” and his old life is passed away so that he can live his new life in Christ . (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The Christian is reconciled to God, our Father, through what the Lord Jesus Christ has done in us through His Spirit. (Romans 5:8—12, 2 Corinthians 5:18,19, Galatians 4:4—6, Romans 8: 15—16, John 14:23, 2 Corinthians 6:18). Christians are sons of God. (John 1:12)
A Christian life shows forth the fruit of the Spirit Who dwells in him. (Matthew 7:16—21,Galatians 5: 16—25)
A Christian is a joint-heir with Jesus Christ (Romans 8: 14—17). He will inherit all things and rule and reign forever with the Lord Jesus Christ. ( Daniel 7:27, ,Revelation 21:7Matthew 25:34).
We believe that the only way to become a Christian, to enter into the Kingdom, of God is through the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12, John 14:6).
Water Baptism -: A believer should be baptized, (, in water thereby showing his identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ—he considers himself dead to the works of his flesh and that he is a new creature in Christ Jesus who will walk after the ways of the Holy Spirit of God. (Acts 2:38,41, Romans 6:3-14, Galatians 3:27, Acts 10:44-48)
Baptism in the Holy Spirit : Once a person becomes a Christian, he can experience a still greater degree of boldness, power, and operation of the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit by receiving the Baptist of the Holy Spirit. This baptism is usually immediately evidenced by speaking in other tongues as God's Spirit gives utterance.. (Matthew 3:11, Acts 1:4--5, Acts 2:1-18, Acts 8:5-17)
In Acts 1:2—10 it is recorded that , Jesus tells the disciples – after He shared instructions with them about the ministry work ahead – to wait until they receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Then Jesus was taken up into Heaven. The instructions and the works they would do are in Mark 16:15—20. The coming of the baptism in the Spirit along with the surrounding signs, wonders, and exhortation is recorded in Acts 2:1—40.
When someone speaks in tongues, this becomes a prayer language for him as well as a means of being built up into faith. Also, we speak mysteries in the Spirit to God and understood by God. (Jude 1:20, 1 Corinthians 14:2—4) We may decide any time to pray or to sing in the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 14: 14—15)
Communion and the New Covenant: We usually participate in communion together once a month and at our Passover celebration. When we do so we declare His death. ( 1 Corinthians 11:23—26). Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2 that all his preaching was centered around this event, i.e., the death of our Lord on the cross ..:verse 2 says , “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified “
The death of Christ resulted in our being given the New Covenant prophesied in the Old Covenant writings. The Lord Himself announces the arrival of the New Covenant:
At the “last supper”, a Passover seder, He lifted up His cup of wine and said that this cup was the “blood of the New Testament”( Matthew 26: 26—28 ) He was about to shed His blood on the cross, be entombed, be resurrected, ascend to the Father , and send His Spirit to live within the hearts of those who received Him. Jesus fulfilled the Passover feast. . (Exodus 12:21—27, John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:7) We “drink His blood” which represents His life, His Spirit; We “eat His body” , His body which was broken (beaten) for our healing and also represents the Word made flesh, His ways and laws. His Word is Spirit too. In the communion time, we eat bread as a symbol of His body and drink wine or grape juice as a symbol of His blood.). (John 6:47—63, Leviticus 17:11, Matthew 26:28, Romans 3:25, Colossians 1:14, 18—22, Hebrews 9:19--26) , )
Not long after the Passover came Pentecost . In Old Testament times – according to hundreds of years of Jewish tradition {although not recording in the Word} -- Pentecost was viewed as the day the law was given to Moses. Now His law is in our hearts and His Spirit causes us (when we listen and obey) to walk in His ways. (Galatians 5:16).
Thus the New Covenant is totally fulfilled in Christ.
The Old Covenant was given by Moses; the New Covenant was given by the Lord Jesus Christ. (,Hebrews 8: 3—11, Hebrews 10:14—23, Hebrews 12:4--31)
The New Covenant is described in the Old Covenant writings: Jeremiah 31:31 “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah”:….( Jeremiah 31: 33—34, Ezekiel 11: 19 – 20, Ezekiel 36: 25 –27)
In this New Covenant, Jesus’ death paid the price for our sin and erased every curse against us. (Galatians 3:13—14) Through Him, by walking in His Spirit and Word, we can walk in complete victory over all the effects of sin. (1 John 3:8) Salvation is not only being assured of Heaven instead of Hell but also walking now in safety, health, provision, and deliverance. (See Deuteronomy 28 to see what the blessings of the Lord look like. ) Through the power and influence of His Spirit in our hearts, we can walk in righteousness. ( Galatians 5:16 –25).
Sabbath: In 1991 we began to study whether to meet on Sabbath or Sunday. Because of our studies, we believe the more excellent choice for meeting together is the seventh day rather than the first day of the week. ( Genesis 2:2—3, Exodus 16:22-30, Exodus 20:8—11,Exodus 23:12, Leviticus 23:2—3, Deuteronomy 5:12—15, Isaiah 56:1—7, Isaiah 58:12—14, Luke 23:56, Acts 13:42 -- 44, Acts 17:2, Acts 18 :4). We also studied the history of the change from Sabbath to Sunday after the New Testament times and discovered that it was man, not God, who decided to change the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first day of the week.
Worship and Praise by the entire congregation:We believe in making a joyful noise unto the Lord. We clap, dance and raise our hands unto Him. Psalm 150, Psalm 100, Acts 3:8, Psalm 63:4, Psalm 134:2, Psalm 47:1, Psalm 30:4, 11 –12, Ephesians 5: 19—20, Colossians 3:16)
The gifts of the Spirit in operation at ROL: We believe all the gifts of the Holy Spirit (see both 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 14, are still available for Christians today . Many times during our praise time or during ministry times, the Lord will manifest himself among us through the Gifts of His Spirit. (Mark 16:17—18, Acts 2:16—18, Acts 5:12—16, Acts 8: 5—8& 9—24, Acts 9:37—42, Acts 16:16-18, Acts 19:11—17)
When spiritual gifts come forth, it is our responsibility to” try the spirits” and to “prove all things” (1 John 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:21); therefore, we do believe in closely listening to and sorting out what we believe came from the Lord and what came from another source. The realm of the supernatural is one that the enemy uses too in order to fool us; therefore, we must know what is from God and what is not. (2 Corinthians 11:13—15)
Whoever is in charge of the service is also told to “make sure all things be done decently and in order: (1 Corinthians 14:40 )
We must always be grateful for the supernatural working of the Spirit, be willing to be used by Him, and cherish His gifts! (1 Thessalonians 1:19,20, 2 Timothy 1: 6—71 Timothy 4:14, 1 Corinthians 14:31,39)
Women in Ministry : We believe that -- in Christ -- there is no male or female (Galatians 3:28). Believers may therefore freely function in the church in accordance with the gifts, talents, offices, and calling given to them by God.
Even though we believe women can have positions of authority in the body of Christ, we do believe too that a woman in the marriage relationship is to be submissive to her husband as long as this submission complies with the Lord’s ways and with the Godly laws of the land. (Matthew 28:5-7, Acts 2:17-18, Philippians 4:3, II Kings 22:8-20, Romans 16, John 4:28-29, Acts 21:9. Judges 4:4 –5:7)
Deliverance and spiritual warfare: We believe that believers are able to cast demons out of people. We believe that both Christians and unbelievers can have a need for deliverance from (a) demon(s). Christians are in a warfare not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. We, being seated with Jesus in a position of authority over all the hosts of the devil, have the ability through the Lord Jesus Christ to set people free from captivity to these forces. (Ephesians 1:19 –2:6) God has given the gift of discerning of spirits to His church so we can drive them away when we see them. We have all we need in order to stay in victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. (1 Peter 1:2—4, Mark 16:17, Luke 4:41, Luke 8:2, Luke 9:37-42, Luke 13:11-16, Acts 8:7, Acts 16:16-18, Acts 19:11-12, I Corinthians 12:10, Ephesians 1:20-21, Ephesians 2:6, Ephesians 6:10 -- 18)
What takes place at the end of this age:
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