Apostolic Friends Forum - Profession of faith

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Profession of faith

What is your church's statement, profession, or confession of faith? Here is ours:

...(W)e declare the Gospel which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved:
That Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. And that he was seen of Peter, then of the Twelve, and then was seen of many faithful witnesses, and of James, and then lastly of Paul.
And we bow the knee, and confess with our mouth, that:
JESUS CHRIST is Lord, the Son of God, the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature, by whom were all things created that are in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, dominions, principalities, or powers, all things were created by him and for him. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, which is the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
For unto us a child is born,
And unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His NAME shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. And of the increase of his government there shall be no end.
And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the nations, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Let us endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. For,
There is one Body, and one Spirit, even as we are called in one Hope of our calling. One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all.
Concerning them that are asleep, let us not sorrow as others who have no hope.
For if we believe Jesus died, and rose again, even so them which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and 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, and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Marvel not at this, for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth;
They that have done good, unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation. For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father,
To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Re: Profession of faith

Here is ours:

(Section 4)
H. Every member of the Apostolic Fellowship has the right to disagree with portions of this constitution and to search the scriptures for themselves, as did the noble Bereans (Acts 17:11), to see if these things are so. So long as the 5 doctrinal foundation points of H (Acts 2:38 salvation), I (Priesthood of All Believers), J (Definition of "Church"), K (Oneness of God), and Q (Issue of tithing) are held to, members of the Apostolic Fellowship are free to question, discuss, debate, or disagree with any other point in a spirit of love (John 13:35). If there are serious differences in these minor points, membership in the network of the Apostolic Fellowship shall be left up to the discretion of the individual rather than the network. All believers shall be accepted by the Apostolic Fellowship on the basis of life, integrity, and doctrine (points H, I, J, K, and Q) and no barriers will be raised to divide such individuals due to points of other minor contention. (See Section 4, Article B)

.............................

Section 7

Doctrinal Foundation

The Apostolic Fellowship accepts the Bible as the

complete and inspired Word of God, the only rule of Faith, the perfect creed

and heaven-sent road map from earth to glory.

The following is not an effort to prove any doctrine to be

scripturally correct. It is merely a setting forth of certain doctrinal tenets

commonly accepted by the members of the Apostolic Fellowship, which

distinguishes us from other religious bodies.

A.The Infallible Word. The Bible is God’s Word, and He is

the author of this message to mankind. (2 Timothy 3:16)

B.Men are Sinners. Through one single act of disobedience,

our first parents fell and sin entered into the human family. All have sinned

and are in need of the salvation provided only through Jesus Christ. (Romans

5:19)

C.The Blood of the Cross. The only way that sin can be

atoned for is by the shedding of the blood of a perfect sacrifice. Jesus was

that sacrifice. (Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 1:19, 20)

D.Repentance. Repentance is essential to salvation.

Repentance is shown forth by a turning from the ways of the world, self, and

devil. It is a turning to what pleases God. If there is no discernible

lifestyle change, it is not likely that repentance has taken place. (2 Peter 3:9)

E.Water Baptism. Water baptism actually buries us with Jesus

Christ. (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12) It is done by immersion in the name of

Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 1:13)

F.Holy Spirit Baptism. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is the

birth of the Spirit in the life of a believer. The promise of the Spirit is for

all. (Acts 2:38, 39)

G.Tongues. The early church Christians could tell right away

whether or not someone had received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:33;

8:15, 16; 10:45, 46; 19:1-6) Tongues were the initial evidence of receiving the

Holy Spirit.

H.Salvation. Salvation is best summed up by Acts 2:38.

"Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of

Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of

the Holy Spirit.’"

I.Priesthood of All Believers. All believers have direct

access to God through Jesus Christ. Moreover, all believers can and should hear

directly from God regarding His will for their lives. (Hebrews 10:19, 20; Romans

12:2)

J.Church. The church is the body of believers of which

Christ is the head. The church is not a building, nor is it a business. It is a

living Spiritual organism where all believers are members in particular and

have been placed in the body where it has pleased God. All are needed, all are

valuable, and all are gifted. (Ephesians 1:22, 23)

K.Godhead. There is only one God. He is not a being made up

of three persons, but a single, indivisible Spirit.

L.Name of Jesus. The name of Jesus (or the equivalent of the

same appropriately rendered in another language) is the only name given under

heaven whereby we must be saved. It is the name we call on in prayer, and the

name we are baptized into. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. The only

way to be saved is through Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; 15:16)

M.Second Coming of Jesus. Jesus Christ ascended to heaven a

few days after his resurrection. He went away to prepare a place for those who

love and obey him, and will return to gather them unto himself. (John 14:3; 1

Thessalonians 4:16, 17)

N.Judgment. There is coming a day of judgment in which every

person will be judged according to the deeds done in his life. This means that

there will be a literal resurrection of the dead.

O.Family. We believe that the family is God’s plan for

nurturing, training, and raising children. To this end, we believe that we must

strengthen and equip the family to be the main center of Christian education

and faith development. (Deuteronomy 6:1-7) We define marriage as the union

between one man and one woman. The marriage covenant is the foundation of the

family, and the family is fundamental in the maintenance of a stable, healthy

and prosperous social order. We recognize that parents have the fundamental

right and responsibility to nurture, educate, and discipline their children.

P.Body Life. We believe that a healthy church model is found

in Acts 2:37-47. If we continue steadfastly in the Apostle’s doctrine,

fellowship, breaking of bread, and in prayers, we will do well.

Q.Tithing. We believe that the practice of tithing was an

Old Testament law which was necessary for supporting the Old Testament

priesthood. With the death of Jesus Christ on the cross as a sacrifice for our

sins, the veil in the temple was torn in two by the hand of God. This resulted

in a new covenant in which the priesthood and its financial support structure

was abolished and a new Priesthood of all Believers was established. God’s

financial plan for the church today is called "giving," not tithing.

R.Holiness. Holiness is essential to salvation. (Hebrews 12:14)

Man is made holy by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in his life.

Holy, consecrated, prayerful living should characterize the life and walk of

every born-again saint of God. Therefore, God requires that one must forsake

the ways of the wicked (2 Corinthians 6:17) and cleanse oneself from filthiness

of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians

7:1) We admonish our fellowship to embace the following standards of holiness: Simplicity (I John 2:6), Peace (Matthew 5:39, 44), Integrity (Proverbs 6:16,19), Community (Hebrews 10:25), Equality (Galatians 3:28), Stewardship (Genesis 2:15).

S.Modesty. We hold to biblical standards of modesty, as interpreted by each head of household for his/her own family, including a distinction between male and female. (Deuteronomy 22:5)

Our foundational uncompromised positions are found in bold (H, I, J, K, and Q). Individual house churches, elders, and members are free to have individual convictions, understandings, or interpretations of the articles not in bold.

Re: Profession of faith

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila;1437481Here is ours:
[INDENT

(Section 4)
H. Every member of the Apostolic Fellowship has the right to disagree with portions of this constitution and to (1) search the scriptures for themselves, as did the noble Bereans (Acts 17:11), to see if these things are so. So long as the (2) 5 doctrinal foundation points of H (Acts 2:38 salvation), I (Priesthood of All Believers), J (Definition of "Church"), K (Oneness of God), and Q (Issue of tithing) are held to, members of the Apostolic Fellowship are (3) free to question, discuss, debate, or disagree with any other point in a spirit of love (John 13:35). If there are serious differences in (4) these minor points, membership in the network of the Apostolic Fellowship shall be left up to the discretion of the individual rather than the network. (5)All believers shall be accepted by the Apostolic Fellowship on the basis of life, integrity, and doctrine (points H, I, J, K, and Q) and no barriers will be raised to divide such individuals due to points of other minor contention. (See Section 4, Article B)
.............................

Hmm-mmm...let's see:

(1) You're equating the "major" doctrines with those of the Apostle Paul;

(2) Disbelief in the "major" points may be grounds for either excommunication or ostracism;

(3) Does this mean we are "free to disagree"?

(4) there is no fellowship lost if we disagree out of love;

(5) content ant context will not be questioned by "network": all are
to be considered equal.

Have I read these points correctly?

Re: Profession of faith

Quote:

Originally Posted by thephnxman (Post 1437488)

Essentially, yes. Individuals are free to believe according to their convictions and are free to disagree with nearly any point within the church constitution. However, Acts 2.38 salvation, Oneness, Priesthood of all Believers, the identity of the church being a people, and our position on tithing are considered foundational to our identity. If one disagrees with these "major points", they will most likely not be elevated by the fellowship as an elder. Contention over them might lead to being disfellowshipped. Disagreement on what we have classified as "minor points" is tolerated. If there is a serious disagreement on these minor points, we don't disfellowship. Instead, the individual can decide if they wish to remain a part of our fellowship as a voice of decent.

Re: Profession of faith

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esaias (Post 1437442)

I agree with these points.

Re: Profession of faith

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1437481)

Here is ours:

(Section 4)
H. Every member of the Apostolic Fellowship has the right to disagree with portions of this constitution and to search the scriptures for themselves, as did the noble Bereans (Acts 17:11), to see if these things are so. So long as the 5 doctrinal foundation points of H (Acts 2:38 salvation), I (Priesthood of All Believers), J (Definition of "Church"), K (Oneness of God), and Q (Issue of tithing) are held to, members of the Apostolic Fellowship are free to question, discuss, debate, or disagree with any other point in a spirit of love (John 13:35). If there are serious differences in these minor points, membership in the network of the Apostolic Fellowship shall be left up to the discretion of the individual rather than the network. All believers shall be accepted by the Apostolic Fellowship on the basis of life, integrity, and doctrine (points H, I, J, K, and Q) and no barriers will be raised to divide such individuals due to points of other minor contention. (See Section 4, Article B)

.............................

Section 7

Doctrinal Foundation

The Apostolic Fellowship accepts the Bible as the

complete and inspired Word of God, the only rule of Faith, the perfect creed

and heaven-sent road map from earth to glory.

The following is not an effort to prove any doctrine to be

scripturally correct. It is merely a setting forth of certain doctrinal tenets

commonly accepted by the members of the Apostolic Fellowship, which

distinguishes us from other religious bodies.

A.The Infallible Word. The Bible is God’s Word, and He is

the author of this message to mankind. (2 Timothy 3:16)

B.Men are Sinners. Through one single act of disobedience,

our first parents fell and sin entered into the human family. All have sinned

and are in need of the salvation provided only through Jesus Christ. (Romans

5:19)

C.The Blood of the Cross. The only way that sin can be

atoned for is by the shedding of the blood of a perfect sacrifice. Jesus was

that sacrifice. (Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 1:19, 20)

D.Repentance. Repentance is essential to salvation.

Repentance is shown forth by a turning from the ways of the world, self, and

devil. It is a turning to what pleases God. If there is no discernible

lifestyle change, it is not likely that repentance has taken place. (2 Peter 3:9)

E.Water Baptism. Water baptism actually buries us with Jesus

Christ. (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12) It is done by immersion in the name of

Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 1:13)

F.Holy Spirit Baptism. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is the

birth of the Spirit in the life of a believer. The promise of the Spirit is for

all. (Acts 2:38, 39)

G.Tongues. The early church Christians could tell right away

whether or not someone had received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:33;

8:15, 16; 10:45, 46; 19:1-6) Tongues were the initial evidence of receiving the

Holy Spirit.

H.Salvation. Salvation is best summed up by Acts 2:38.

"Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of

Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of

the Holy Spirit.’"

I.Priesthood of All Believers. All believers have direct

access to God through Jesus Christ. Moreover, all believers can and should hear

directly from God regarding His will for their lives. (Hebrews 10:19, 20; Romans

12:2)

J.Church. The church is the body of believers of which

Christ is the head. The church is not a building, nor is it a business. It is a

living Spiritual organism where all believers are members in particular and

have been placed in the body where it has pleased God. All are needed, all are

valuable, and all are gifted. (Ephesians 1:22, 23)

K.Godhead. There is only one God. He is not a being made up

of three persons, but a single, indivisible Spirit.

L.Name of Jesus. The name of Jesus (or the equivalent of the

same appropriately rendered in another language) is the only name given under

heaven whereby we must be saved. It is the name we call on in prayer, and the

name we are baptized into. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. The only

way to be saved is through Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; 15:16)

M.Second Coming of Jesus. Jesus Christ ascended to heaven a

few days after his resurrection. He went away to prepare a place for those who

love and obey him, and will return to gather them unto himself. (John 14:3; 1

Thessalonians 4:16, 17)

N.Judgment. There is coming a day of judgment in which every

person will be judged according to the deeds done in his life. This means that

there will be a literal resurrection of the dead.

O.Family. We believe that the family is God’s plan for

nurturing, training, and raising children. To this end, we believe that we must

strengthen and equip the family to be the main center of Christian education

and faith development. (Deuteronomy 6:1-7) We define marriage as the union

between one man and one woman. The marriage covenant is the foundation of the

family, and the family is fundamental in the maintenance of a stable, healthy

and prosperous social order. We recognize that parents have the fundamental

right and responsibility to nurture, educate, and discipline their children.

P.Body Life. We believe that a healthy church model is found

in Acts 2:37-47. If we continue steadfastly in the Apostle’s doctrine,

fellowship, breaking of bread, and in prayers, we will do well.

Q.Tithing. We believe that the practice of tithing was an

Old Testament law which was necessary for supporting the Old Testament

priesthood. With the death of Jesus Christ on the cross as a sacrifice for our

sins, the veil in the temple was torn in two by the hand of God. This resulted

in a new covenant in which the priesthood and its financial support structure

was abolished and a new Priesthood of all Believers was established. God’s

financial plan for the church today is called "giving," not tithing.

R.Holiness. Holiness is essential to salvation. (Hebrews 12:14)

Man is made holy by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in his life.

Holy, consecrated, prayerful living should characterize the life and walk of

every born-again saint of God. Therefore, God requires that one must forsake

the ways of the wicked (2 Corinthians 6:17) and cleanse oneself from filthiness

of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians

7:1) We admonish our fellowship to embace the following standards of holiness: Simplicity (I John 2:6), Peace (Matthew 5:39, 44), Integrity (Proverbs 6:16,19), Community (Hebrews 10:25), Equality (Galatians 3:28), Stewardship (Genesis 2:15).

S.Modesty. We hold to biblical standards of modesty, as interpreted by each head of household for his/her own family, including a distinction between male and female. (Deuteronomy 22:5)

I see nothing to disagree with that you have presented.

Re: Profession of faith

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple (Post 1437634)

I agree with these points.

I would hope so, they are all scripture! :thumbsup