Statement of Faith
The program and activities governing the conduct of New Life Christian Fellowship are based upon, and at all times, shall be consistent with the following creed and beliefs:
THE SCRIPTURES: We believe that the Bible is the inspired inerrant, infallible, irrevocable and complete word of God. We believe the scriptures are the product of Holy Men of old who spoke and wrote as the Holy Spirit moved them. The New Covenant as recorded in the New Testament, we accept as our infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct and doctrine. (2 Tim 3:16, 1 Thess 2:13, 2 Pet 1:21).
THE GODHEAD: We believe that our God is One, but manifested in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, being co-equal. God the Father is greater than all, the Source of the Word (Logos) and the Begetter (John 14:28, John 16:28, John 1:14). The Son is the Word flesh-covered, the One Begotten, and has existed with the Father from the beginning (John 1:1, John 1:18, John 1:14). The Holy Spirit proceeds forth from both the Father and the Son and is eternal (John 15:16).
MAN, HIS FALL AND REDEMPTION: We believe that man is a created being, made in the likeness and image of God, but through Adam's transgression and fall, sin came into the world. "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." "As it is written, there is none righteous, no not one." Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was manifested to undo the work of the devil and gave His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man back to God. (Rom 5:12, Rom 3:23, Rom 3:10, John 3:8). Salvation is a gift from God to man, separate from the works and the law, and is made operative by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, producing works acceptable to God. (Eph 2:18).
ETERNAL LIFE AND NEW BIRTH: We believe that man's first step toward salvation is Godly sorrow that works repentance. The new birth is necessary to all men, and when fulfilled, produces eternal life. (2 Cor 7:10, 1 John 5:12, John 3:3-5).
WATER BAPTISM: We believe that baptism in water is by immersion and is a direct commandment of our Lord, and is for believers only. The ordinance is a symbol of the Christian's identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. (Matt 28:19, Rom 6:4, Col 2:12, Acts 8:36-39). The following recommendation regarding the Water Baptismal formula is: "According to your confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and by His authority, I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT: We believe that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and Fire is a gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to all believers in this dispensation and is received subsequent to the new birth. This experience is accompanied by the initial evidence of the speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit Himself gives utterance. (Matt 3:11, John 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:38-39, Acts 19:1-7, Acts 2:4).
SANCTIFICATION: We believe that the Bible teaches that without Holiness no man can see the Lord. We believe in the doctrine of Sanctification as a definite, yet progressive work of grace, commencing at the time of regeneration and continuing until the consummation of Salvation. (Heb 12:14, 1 Thess 5:23, 2 Pet 3:18, 2 Cor 3:18, Phil 3:12-14, 1 Cor 1:30).
DIVINE HEALING: We believe that healing is for physical ills of the human body and is wrought by the power of God through the prayer of faith, of the laying on of hands. It is provided for in Christ's redemption for us, and it is the privilege of every member of the church today. (Mark 16:18, James 5:14-15, 1 Pet 2:24, Matt 8:17, Isa 53:4-5).
THE GIFTS AND THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: We believe that the Holy Spirit has gifts to bestow upon the Christian and that we should show spiritual fruit as evidence of a Spirit-filled life. (1 Cor. 12:1-11; Gal. 5:22-23; Rom. 12:6-8; Eph 4:11-13
RESURRECTION OF THE JUST AND THE RETURN OF OUR LORD: We believe that the angels said, "This same Jesus shall so come in like manner." His coming is imminent. When He comes, "The dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air." (Acts 1:1-11, 1 Thess 4:16-17). Following the tribulation, He shall return to earth, as Kings of Kings, and the Lord of Lords and together with His saints, who shall be kings and priests, He shall reign a thousand years. (Rev 20:6).
HELL AND ETERNAL RETRIBUTION: We believe that the one who physically dies in his sins without Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the lake of fire and, therefore, has no further opportunity of hearing the Gospel or for repentance. The lake of fire is literal. The terms "eternal" and "everlasting" used in describing the duration of the punishment of the damned in the lake of fire, carry the same thought and meaning of endless existence as used in noting the duration of joy and ecstasy in the saints in the presence of God. (Heb 9:27, Rev 19:20).
THE ORDINANCE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER: We believe that the ordinance of the Lord's supper shall be observed regularly as enjoined in the Scriptures (Luke 22:19-20, 1 Cor 11:23-26).
THE SECOND COMING: We believe that the Second Coming of Christ is literal and inevitable. (1 Thes. 4:16-17)
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: We believe it is our sacred duty to identify and actively participate with the local and visible church of Christ. (Acts 16:5; Heb. 10:25)
CIVIL GOVERNMENT: We believe that the laws of the land should be upheld at all times except in matters opposed to the Word of God. (2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11-13)
EVANGELISM: We believe that soul winning is the Great Commission given to the Church. (James 5:20; Mark 16:15; 2 Cor. 5:18-21)
TITHES AND OFFERINGS: We believe that the method ordained of God for the support and spread of His cause is by the giving of tithes and free-will offerings. (Mal 3:10; 2 Cor. 9:7; Heb. 7:8)
WORSHIP: We believe that "acceptable" and "true" worship is prescribed by God Himself in His Word. This embodies individual and corporate expressions of praise and thanksgiving and reverence in holiness. (John 4:23-4; Psalm 150)
UNITY, UNDERSTANDING AND LOVE: We believe that in essentials there must be unity, in non-essentials - liberty, and in all things - love.