God's Doctrine II

We should follow the example of Feet Washing set forth by our Lord and Master in John 13:2-15. Feet Washing is not arbitrary. We are commanded by our Lord to practice it (John 13:14-15). We are instructed by our Lord Jesus to "teach them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you". (Matthew 28:20). Feet Washing is an observance of the faithful and dedicated. When Feet Washing is observed, it should take place immediately following Communion. It should not be observed without Communion, nor every time Communion is observed.

The Lord alone is our Healer (Ex. 15:26, Psa, 103:2-3). We Believe that divine healing is abenefit for all through Calvary. This benefit is subject to the will of God. Divine healing was purchased for us by the blood of Jesus Christ, being expecially specified by His stripes (Isa. 53:5, I Peter 2:24). The Word of God states that divine healing is a sign that will follow the church of the gospel age (Mark 16:15-18), and that Christians should call for the Elders of the church for divine healing (James 5:14-16).

Tithes and offerings are the apostolic principles of financing God's church. A tithe is the tenth of one's earnings. An offering is that which is given of free-will in honor and sacrifice to God above one's tithe. Giving is also a means of receiving blessings from the Lord (Lev.27:30, Mal. 3:8-10, Matt. 23:23, Prov. 3:9, Luke 6:38, I Cor. 9:11-14,I Cor. 16:2, II Cor. 9:6-8).

The Pre-Millennial coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in bodily form as He went up (Acts 1:11) is doctrinally set forth by the apostles in the New Testament. It was taught by Jesus Christ and the early church looked forward to it (Matt. 24, Acts 3:19-21, Phil. 3:20-21, I Thes. 4:14-17, Titus 2:13-14, Rev. 22:20).

The scripture teaches the resurrection of those who have died in Christ and their rapture, together with those living in Christ, "to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (I Thes. 4:13-17, Rom. 8:23, Titus 2:13, I Cor. 15:51-52).

It is an event for "catching away" holy people (His bride, His church) who have accepted redemption through His blood, by birth of water and of the Spirit and are found faithful when Christ comes.

This event takes the church out of the world before the great tribulation (Isa. 26:20-21). This is the hope of the church and grounds for the believer's purification (I John 3:3).(Luke 24:46-47).

Another important area of the Apostolic Doctrine is confession of sins.It is not God's will that the Christian commit sin; therefore, God has given us the Holy Ghost which empowers the Christian to live a victorious life (Acts 1:8, I John 2:1). Through lack of wisdom, faith, or mental alertness, the Christian, at times, fails to do what he should ordoes things he should not. Confession is the means instituted of God for the Christian to be forgiven and cleansed of his sins. In I John 1:9, we are told, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". This is only if we confess.

Confession is the recognition and acknowledgement (admission) of one's sins through godly sorrow and repentance (II Cor. 7:10). The necessity of confession is seen in Proverbs 28:13, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy".

God, in His eternal purpose of salvation, has been pleased to use human agency in the revealing, communicating, and carrying out of His will (human instrumentality). We believe that it is according to Apostolic Doctrine that confession be made to the pastor (Matt. 16:19, John 20:23, II Cor. 2:10, II Cor. 5:18-21). Let us be reminded that sin cannot be covered from God (Prov. 28:13); therefore, a human agent is necessary in confession.

Part of the pastor's role in confession is to reveal the will of God to the erring Christian, when necessary, and to give guidance to one desiring restoration and fellowship with God and the church. The pastor is the overseer and under-shepherd of God over the precious flock, watching for their souls (Acts 20:28, Heb. 13:17). Therefore, it should not be thought unreasonable that the pastor should be looked to in all matters concerning the spiritual well-being, as well as the moral and mental health of the dear children of God.

"It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this, the judgment." (Heb. 9:27). The godly will appear before the judgment seat of Christ (II Cor. 5:10). This is the judgment for reward for the works of a believer. The final judgment is known as the Great White Throne Judgment. Those of this judgment are the wicked from the beginning of human history to the judgment at the Great White Throne (Rev. 20:11-15). This judgment of the wicked results in everlasting punishment.