Greater Rain Community Church
Core Beliefs Summary
– Scriptures that make up the Bible are inspired by God.
– There is only One True God.
– Man yielded to sin and handed much over to our adversary.
– Every person can have fellowship restored and have a relationship with God through ‘Salvation’.
– In preaching the entirety of God’s Word (including the blood/cross/sin/salvation).
– Baptism in the Holy Ghost (and gifts) are still active today.
– All 5 titled-callings (offices) listed in Ephesians 4 are for today.
– Sanctification initially occurs at salvation but is never-ending.
– The church is made up of (organization) and (organism).
– In laying on of hands (divine healing).
– The order, function, and roles of the church and Christian living internally and externally
– In water baptism, communion, and foot washing.
– There is a call to good stewardship, including financially.
– The believer’s life must consist of reading, praying, fasting, praising, and worshipping.
– The church must stay the course of what is right while maintaining a healthy respect for governing authorities.
– Marriage is between one man and one woman.
– There is a literal Heaven and a literal Hell.
– In the Second coming (and the Millennial reign of Christ).
– There will be a final judgment to take place (a literal eternal lake of fire for all who were in Hell, and a new heaven and new earth for those who have been redeemed).
– The redeemed will live forever with God and with each other.
Modified Adaptation to the “Apostles’ Creed”
We believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of the heavens and earth; and in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son, our Lord; which was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into Abraham’s bosom [that was, the place of the departed righteous]; the third day He rose from the dead; He was seen by numerous witnesses over 40 days; He ascended into heaven; and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. We believe in the Holy Ghost; the church [as an organization and organism]; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection [and transformation] of the body; and life everlasting. Amen.
Abstract:
We believe in the one true God who is the maker and sustainer of all things. He created us for relationship with Him and that relationship was broken because of disobedience and the open-door humanity gave to sin. Sin brought death and separated us from God. The Heavenly Father sent his son who, through miraculous conception, was born. Jesus lived a sinless life, and offered himself as a ransom for our sins (as the redeeming Lamb of God). Engaging our faith in the Lord and yielding ourselves to willingly accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we can enter into right standing (righteousness) with Father God. We come together as God’s Family, become an active part of “His Church” and take on the mission to reach others and make disciples. Our lives will resonate the likeness of Christ through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. Because of this, we have hope now and assurance of life-eternal with God.
—-Beliefs, In Detail—-
The Bible (Old & New Testament)
The Holy Bible is the only collection of infallible, irrevocable, and authoritative written material collectively comprising the Word of God. It is without error in its original languages as it was inspired (that is, “God-breathed”, as the words, written by man, were given by and guided by the Spirit of God…which explains the reason for such timeless harmony and accuracy). This collection, composed of sixty-six books, is divided into two main sections, the Old and New Testaments.
The Bible is the written Word of God which gives full and complete revelation to the historicity of the plan of redemption. Again, we assert our belief that the collections of writings (the books of scriptures that now make up the Old and New Testaments), in their entirety, originated with God, and He revealed it to chosen authors. Therefore, when rightly interpreted by the Holy Spirit, it is the infallible standard of faith and practice. Because of this, we also believe in the absolute authority of the Scriptures to govern the affairs of humanity.
(Psalm 119:89; Ezekiel 1:3; Matthew 5:18, 24:35; Luke 24:27; John 10:35; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
God
We believe in one true, Holy, and Almighty God, who is the eternal Lord of all. He is the Heavenly Father who has infinite power, wisdom, and majesty. He is the maker and preserver of all things good, both visible and invisible. When speaking of God, there are many distinct names and titles given throughout the Holy Scriptures. While some have built erroneous doctrines over names and feasts, we maintain the understanding that, through the Spirit of Adoption, he becomes Abba, that is Father. When we call upon the Lord, when we call upon our Heavenly Father, when we cry out unto God, he inclines his ears unto the righteous. We also believe in the importance of the distinction of persons.
While we maintain a bridging-Trinitarian position, believing in the eternal existence of the Father, Son, and Spirit, we do NOT hold to the unitarian/polytheistic belief in three distinct “Gods” as some manmade belief systems do. At the same time, we do not adhere to the belief others have, who speak of only Christ, and He as Father alone. We believe in God, coexistent in three persons (in essence), yet of one substance. Meaning, all three are separate eternal entities but are singularly a part of the Godhead. Our Heavenly Father has been revealed through humanity in and through His Son and is still actively involved in the lives of the believers through His Spirit. We believe in the assertion of Scripture that explains the knowledge of God is universal and that God is free from all limitations that our human capacity would try to create. While eternal and with ways much higher than we could comprehend, we find that the Father manifested himself in diverse ways throughout the Old Testament.
Jesus reveals that He and the Father are one. And after the ascension of Christ, His Spirit was sent, without measure, to live and dwell within the believer. We must hold to the understanding that the form we now experience, unlike human flesh, is without limitation, for God is Spirit even as declared in John 4:24.
(Genesis 1:26; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10; Joel 2:28; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-3, 5:19, 14:6-7, 16-17, 26, 15:26; Romans 1:19-21, 28, 32, 2:15; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 5:19, 13:14; Hebrews 1:1-3; Colossians 2:9; 1 John 5:7-8,20)
The Person of Christ
We believe in the miraculous, virgin birth of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. God was manifested in the flesh, walked among us as one of us, was justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, taught the Jews, preached unto the Gentiles, made disciples, lived a sinless life, performed countless miracles, died for all of humanity as he suffered crucifixion upon a cross, laid down his life, descended into “Abraham’s bosom,” took the keys to death and Hell, and was victorious over death as he arose through bodily resurrection on the third day. He appeared to his disciples and many others over a period of 40 days before his ascension. We believe in his promise to return.
(Isaiah 7:14, 9:6, 53:1-12; Matthew 3:13-17, Chapter 4, Chapters 26-28; Mark Chapters 14-16; Luke Chapters 2, 4, 22-24; John 1:1-4, Chapters 18-21; Ephesians 2:13-18; Colossians 1:19, 2:9; 1 Timothy 2:5, 3:16; Revelation Chapters 19-20)
The Fall of Man / Sin / Need for Salvation
We believe that man was created in the image of God but fell from perfection through voluntary disobedience. We are born with a carnal nature that is drawn to sin in this corrupt world, and we have no righteousness of our own. The redemptive plan of salvation, born of God’s love, led our Lord and Savior to willingly lay down His life on the Cross of Calvary to save us. This sacrifice was necessary to redeem us from the grip of sin. Without God, we are in a state of total spiritual depravity and unable to attain divine righteousness through our own wisdom and strength. Being unregenerate, we can continue to spiral into a place of depravity with an almost beast-like nature. Therefore, we all need a savior, and Jesus Christ is the only Savior. Salvation is available to all who receive it. (We reject the unscriptural predestination movement that claims salvation is not for everyone.)
(Genesis 1:1, Chapter 3; John 3:16-21; Romans 3:23-25, 5:12-19, 6:23; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 2:1-10; 1 John 3:5-10)
Obtaining Salvation
We believe that regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential for a person to obtain salvation. Salvation is wholly by grace through faith and is made unto confession and repentance. The initial salvation of sinners is by grace through faith in the perfect and all-sufficient finished work of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. The earmark of this justification by faith is the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God. This salvation not only includes eternal life after we die but also abundant life while we are on earth.
When a person believes in God Almighty and that Jesus Christ, the sinless Son born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose again, this belief (along with confession) will bring forth a godly sorrow that works repentance in the life of a person. Repentance means a change of mind and will, a turn-around experience, turning away from darkness and being brought into God’s marvelous light. Total surrender, complete and total acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord, will bring forth the experience and effects of the finished work of the cross in one’s life. This means you become a new person in Christ Jesus. It is understood that the only means of being cleansed from sin and the only way to heaven is through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and being spiritually washed by the Precious Blood of Christ.
We believe in the literal understanding of the “fall” of man at the beginning of human history as we know it. Because of the fall of man, sin was given open access into the lives of humanity, and our relationship with God was broken. The invitation of sin into the lives of humanity gave open authority to Satan to become the “prince and power of the air,” bringing much havoc, chaos, brokenness, and corruption to this world. Because of the fall of humanity and our depravity, the need for salvation and reconciliation unto God was great, yet something we could have never obtained on our own. The salvation of humanity is completely a work of God’s free and amazing grace. By grace, through faith, we are saved. It is not by our own works.
We believe that the words repentance and regeneration both carry great weight for the life of every person. Truth, inwardly accepted, produces conviction for sin. Our conscience, awakened by that conviction, demands a change. Our will, surrendered to the will of God, signifies a turning away from the lifestyle of sin. Jesus went through a literal outburst of “Hell” on the cross as He suffered the penalty of all of humanity’s sin, feeling the weight of our guilt, brokenness, shame, wickedness, and the vilest of things one could ever commit. For this reason, the atonement for our sins is found in the abundant mercy and grace bringing us to that place of total surrender, where we repent of our sins and follow after the Lord, accepting the work of Christ in our lives entirely (as Savior and Lord) and allowing the transformation to begin as the old man and old ways are laid to rest, and we arise to the journey of being new in Christ.
This regeneration is a change in state (that is, our inner nature). Though we were born into this world, we were “dead in our sins,” but we become quickened unto life by the finished work of Christ, bringing us to a place of justification, where our inner man is changed and transformed, and the second birth from the “Calvary’s cross experience” takes place where we have that “second birth” through the Spirit of God. This is when we now live, move, and have our being in and through Christ, walking in the Spirit, and realizing that our purpose in life is much greater than we ever knew while out in sin.
(Luke 13:2-5; John 1:29, 3:3-21, 16:8-11, 17:4, 19:30; Acts 3:18-19, 11:18, 13:38-39, 20:21; Romans 3:24-25, 4:23-25, 5:1-11, 20, 8:1-4, 10:6-10; 2 Corinthians 7:10-11; Ephesians 2:8-9, 13-18; Titus 3:3-7; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 1:18-19, 23; 1 John 1:7-9; Revelation 13:8)
Sanctification
Sanctification is a dynamic process that we believe begins with regeneration and culminates in glorification. So, while we believe in an instant work of grace that immediately follows regeneration, resulting in deliverance from the dominion of sin. There is also lifelong growth through the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ takes place thereafter. So while we believe in what takes place during, what others may believe (the static view of sanctification which takes place as a person is born again of the Spirit and experiences that transformation inwardly), We reject the idea of sanctification being a “one and done” type of one-time event. Sanctification is dynamic in that it is an ongoing process that progresses throughout our spiritual journey.
God sets us apart from the pit of sin and darkness and bring us into his marvelous light, but we must continue to renew ourselves daily by reading the Word of God, engaging in prayer, fasting, singing songs of praise and worship unto the Lord, and cultivating our relationship with Him throughout the rest of our days. It should also be noted that, occasionally, God calls us to undergo intense periods of a type of sanctification that is also known as “consecration.” This is where our growth requires not only obedience but also sacrifice. Successfully embracing and navigating through those special times will result in great spiritual growth and maturity.
(Matthew 5:48; Acts 20:32, 26:18; Romans 5:1-2, 6:22, 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 1:2, 6-10, 30;
2 Corinthians 3:18, 4:16, 6:11, 7:1; Ephesians 5:25-27; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 3:8-11, 12-13; Hebrews 2:11, 9:12, 10:14, 12:14; James 1:27; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:7, 5:23; Titus 2:14; 1 John 1:6-7, 9, 2:15-17; Jude 1)
Maintaining the Message
We believe that, despite the changing world, worldviews, cultures, societies, and even churches around us, the message of the Gospel must be preached in its entirety. This includes the unedited, unabridged message of the Cross, the blood-spilling sacrifice of the Lamb of God, the reality of eternity and the literal existence of a place called Hell.
We believe this also means delivering messages that include necessities for discipleship. This would include expressing the need for unyielding commitment, a life of total surrender and obedience to the Lord, and having a standard of Holiness in one’s life that calls for separation from the world and consecration to pursue one’s purpose and destiny in the Lord.
(Maintaining the message:
Matthew 26:28; Luke 22:20; Acts 20:28; 2: Corinthians 6:17; Romans 5:9, 6:22, 7:24-25, 8:1-4, 12:1-2; Ephesians 1:7, 2:13; Colossians 1:14; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7, 2:1, 3:5-10, 5:18; Revelation 1:5; 5:9
The unedited, unabridged message of the Cross and the blood-spilling sacrifice of the Lamb of God:
1 Corinthians 1:18-25, 2:1-5; Galatians 6:14; Ephesians 2:13-16; Colossians 1:19-23
The reality of eternity and the literal existence of a place called Hell:
Matthew 10:28, 25:31-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 12:4-5, 16:19-31; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Revelation 20:11-15
Necessities for discipleship:
Luke 9:23-26, 14:25-33; John 15:1-17; Romans 6:1-14, 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; Galatians 2:20, 5:16-26; Ephesians 4:17-5:21; Colossians 3:1-17; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; 2 Timothy 2:19-26; Hebrews 12:1-17; James 1:22-25, 4:4-10; 1 Peter 1:13-16, 2:9-12, 4:1-6; 2 Peter 1:3-11; 1 John 1:5-10, 2:15-17, 3:1-10; Revelation 3:14-22)
Water Baptism
Water baptism is an outward expression of the inward change that has taken place after a person’s life has been transformed, and the decision to be baptized is a public testimony of the inward commitment to one’s personal relationship with the Lord. We believe that one must understand the meaning of being saved and be actively pursuing that relationship with the Lord before being baptized in water. All who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior should be baptized in water as a public profession of their faith in Christ. We view water baptism as symbolic of the “old man” (old ways) being buried and the “new man” (new life) being raised up. Moreover, if someone has backslidden and left their first love, upon returning to the Lord, they should redo their first works and consider making this public confession again. We recognize that there are various ways and methods that other churches may use, but we fully immerse the believer in water “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost in Jesus name,” as we unite everyone under the understanding that everything is in, through, and by the name of Jesus Christ.
(Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38,10:48; Romans 2:28-29; Colossians 2:11-12; 1 John 5:8; Revelation 2:4)
Communion & Foot Washing
We believe in the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper (communion) in remembrance of what Jesus did for us through His death and resurrection with symbolic use of bread/wafers and grape juice. Paul gives instruction on the observation of communion as well (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). We believe that Jesus instituted foot washing as a sign of serving with humility. As he had given the first example, he said that we should also do likewise.
(Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:17-20; John 13:14-15; 1Corinthians 10:16-17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, 27-30)
Discipleship/The Great Commission
Ultimately, we believe it is the necessary responsibility of every believer to connect (plant within the church), learn (hear and apply the word preached/taught), grow (through learning, correction, personal time in the word, and prayer, etc.), be discipled (be trained up, equipped with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, and then become spiritually mature), and then carry out the work of the Great Commission (be sent out to teach, to reach, to bring in, and to help equip, train, and send others out). We believe that personal evangelism and soul winning are the Great Commission given corporately to the church and personally to every follower of Jesus Christ. Christ, through His words of instruction, commanded us to go out and make disciples of all the earth. Each person is also responsible in their duties of evangelism in their own family and circle of people outside the assembly of the Body of Christ, as the Holy Spirit leads them.
Be discipled, make disciples.
(Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Acts 1:8, 2:42-47, 6:1-7; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Colossians 1:28-29; Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 2:2; James 5:16, 20; 1 Peter 3:15-16)
The Holy Spirit / Gifts of The Holy Spirit
We believe in the existence, activity, and present ministry of the Spirit of God, by whose indwelling, Christians are enabled to live godly lives. We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit as manifested by the Christian life a believer is able to live, as well as the fruit of the Spirit that a person’s life may contain. We also believe in the ever-present gifts, functions, and roles of the Spirit within the believer, within the church, and within a person’s life.
We believe that the Spirit of God is seen in the opening verses of scripture found in Genesis where we find that He moved upon the face of the waters. The Holy Spirit, also referred to as the Holy Ghost within scripture, is found coming and going in the lives of many throughout the Old Testament times. He would often come upon a person for a period of time and then leave. However, we believe the acts of the Spirit through the lives of people throughout the Old Testament times were only a foreshadowing of what was to come.
Jesus spoke of the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, that was going to come. He had given instruction to his disciples to be filled with the Holy Ghost. After Christ’s ascension, they went and did as he instructed, and on the same day of the Feast of Pentecost, they were gathered together in the upper room. All 120 in that room were filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak in tongues as the Spirit gave utterance.
The Holy Ghost was sent to us during the days of the Early Church on the Day of Pentecost to enable us believers to live our lives according to the Word and will of God. We believe that He is still baptizing believers today, and many are given gifts to use as listed in the Word of God in 1 Corinthians 12.
We believe the Holy Spirit guides believers in understanding and appropriately applying the Bible. Yielding to Him empowers believers to lead a life of Christ-like character and bear fruit as the Word of God says we should. We believe the Holy Ghost baptism is separate from and comes after repentance/conversion. Once a person has this amazing experience, the initial evidence of being baptized in the Holy Ghost is speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. However, we believe that there is a difference between having an experience and living a life changed because of this experience. The actual fruit of a genuine experience will reveal the will and word of God written within the inner being of a person, so that we become sensitive and quickly reactive to conviction of things not right, and our lives mirror more of the character of Christ than one could have ever thought possible prior to such an experience.
We believe the Bible reveals to us that our bodies are to become temples of the Holy Ghost. Therefore, the vessel must be clean in order for Him to fill us. First, the blood, then the oil. We believe that He not only enables a believer to live right, gives gifts to men and gifts for the church, but He also anoints the preaching of the Word, convicts sin, teaches us, comforts us, and guides us into all truth, even showing us things to come. We believe the importance and understanding of Acts 2:39 further signifies the current indwelling power and active usage of gifts for the believers today.
(Matthew 3:11; Mark 16:17; Luke 11:13; John 3:5-8; 14:16-17, 26; 15:26-27; 16:7-11, 13-15; 14:26; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4; 14-18; 39; 8:17-18; 10:44-46; 19:6; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20; Chapter 12; Chapter 14; Romans 6:3-14; 8:1-2, 11; Galatians 3:14-15; Galatians 4:6; 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:10-11; 5:17-18; Colossians 1:27; Titus 3:5).
Laying-On of Hands / Healing
We believe provision was made in the atonement for the healing of our bodies, as described in many passages throughout both the Old and New Testaments. While we do not condemn the use of medical means in the treatment of physical disease, we do believe in and engage in the “laying on of hands” by the elders/leaders/members of the church. We anoint with oil in the name of our Lord Jesus, and we pray and believe for the healing of those who are sick. Through divine healing, we believe that a person can be made whole, not just “better,” as promised by God, demonstrated through Christ and the disciples, and as Jesus promised we could do through his name.
We believe that the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ paid for the healing and restoration of our bodies. We trust in the truth of the Word of God, which reveals to us that the stripes he took upon his back were for our healing. We find this echoed in Matthew 8:17, which says he took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses. 1 Peter 2:24 also reveals that with his stripes, we were healed, fulfilling the promise Isaiah had foretold in Old Testament times.
(Exodus 15:26; Isaiah 53:4, 5; Matthew 8:16-17; 18:18-19; 24:25; Mark 7:26; 13:31; 16:15-18; Luke 21:33; Romans 8:26-28; 1 Corinthians 2:9; James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24)
Holiness
We believe in holy living. The standard of true holiness is more than just a denominational, organizational, or corporate set of standards for a person’s outward appearance. While modesty and decency are expected in the life of a born-again believer (and instructed in the Word of God), true holiness goes beyond the outward appearance of a person’s clothes.
While we wholeheartedly disapprove of indulging in any activities that are not conducive to good Christianity and godly living, it is the committed inward man that remains unspotted from this world, taking on the likeness, attributes, and character of Christ, and yielding to being led by the Spirit rather than the flesh that produces the traits of true holiness. When a person’s life is in tune with the Spirit and actively engaging in their relationship with the Lord, we believe the Spirit will convict a person of listening to secular music, watching certain programming, and being involved in anything that would be detrimental to a person’s walk with the Lord and/or grieve His Spirit. True holiness resonates from within the heart and soul of a person. Love will emanate from a person who lives holy. A decent, modest, pure, and upright appearance, speech, conduct, character, and attitude will be present.
(Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:16-17, 22-23; Ephesians 5:1-20; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:1-17; James 4:4 Titus 2:11-12; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:14-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Timothy 2:19-22; 1 John 2:15-17; Jude 1:21)
Prayer, Praise, Worship, and Fasting
We believe in the importance of communication through prayer, as well as the need for Spirit-filled prayer and intercession. We believe that fasting is important on a person’s journey with the Lord, and that true fasting (abstaining from food and replacing much of that time with the Lord instead) actually intensifies prayer. We believe a person should have their mind on the Lord as much as possible, starting the day in prayer, praying throughout the day, and ending the day in prayer. We believe a person should engage in personal fasts during times of intense warfare, the need for clarity/direction, a desire to grow in the Lord, or if the Lord lays it on their heart to fast. We believe that all members of a church should participate in corporate fasts as much as possible, focusing on the corporate needs, missions, and vision of the church during that time, and taking to heart the instruction and important focal points given by the Apostle and/or Pastors.
We believe there is great significance and importance when it comes to praise and worship. We believe there has been a restoration of worship that has released a Davidic anointing within the church today. There are various types of worship, as well as praising. Praise and worship can be released through the voice by singing and shouting. We believe in clapping, lifting hands, playing instruments, standing, kneeling, bowing, dancing, twirling, crying, and even being caught up in moments of awe where you may lay before the Lord as the weight of His glory fills the room.
We believe in the authority of the believer to ask freely of the Lord for their needs. We believe that “acceptable” and “true” worship is defined by God’s Word. This embodies individual and corporate expressions of joyous praise and thanksgiving, as well as the reverent humbling of ourselves as an expression of our adoration of Him. We believe that while Praise & Worship should be decent and in order, there must be liberty to praise, worship, and give God thanks in expressive ways that are pleasing to God.
(In General: 2 Samuel 6:5; 1 Chronicles 13:8; Job 1:7; 22:28; Matthew 4:2; 12:25-29; Mark 16:17; Luke 4:2, 10:17-20, 19:13; John 4:24; Acts 8:18-24, 13:6-9, 9-12, 15:13-17, 19:13-20; Romans 4:17; 2 Corinthians 2:11, 11:14, 27; Ephesians 5:19, 6:10-18; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:14; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9; 1 John 3:8
More on Prayer: 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 5:16; Matthew 6:9-13; Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 4:2
More on Fasting: Matthew 6:16-18; Isaiah 58:6; Joel 2:12-13; Ezra 8:21-23
More on Praise and Worship: Psalm 100:1-5, 150:1-6; John 4:23-24; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16
More on Asking Freely of the Lord: John 15:7; Philippians 4:19; Matthew 7:7-8; James 1:5-6)
Heaven
We believe that Heaven is a literal place, eternally existent. We also believe that the word of God reveals to us the difference in atmospheres and locations. The first heaven is the atmosphere around us, clouds above us, and so on. The second heaven would be what we call outer-space. Then there is a celestial city that Paul refers to as the “Third Heaven” that he was caught up to.
(John 14:2; 2 Corinthians 12:2; Revelation 7:15-17)
Hell
We believe that Hell is a literal place of torment for all who reject the Lord Jesus. God does not send a person to Hell; it is every person who rejects Christ as their Savior who chooses to go to Hell. There will be a day of final judgment where Hell will give up all that chose to stand against God and live a life of sin. And, according to the Word, Satan will be cast into the lake of fire, followed by all those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s book of life. Hell is real. The lake of fire is the second death. We believe you can choose to be born once and die twice or you can choose to be born twice and die once (be born again, have the blood applied to your life, have your name written in the lamb’s book of life, don’t go to a place you were never intended to go to).
(Revelation 20:10-15; 21:5-8)
The Church
We believe in the Church being the eternal and universal entity that consists of all those who truly believe in Jesus Christ and His atoning death and who trust in Him as their personal Lord and Savior. We believe in the spiritual unity of all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe there is one body, one Lord, one Faith, and one Baptism according to scripture. We also believe in the need for a local assembly of believers for the purpose of evangelism, edification, reproof, exhortation, and spiritual experiences, including equipping, discipling, and becoming Kingdom builders who then disciple others. When Christ began the mission of establishing the church, He was establishing both the organization and the organism. The organization, which is the body of believers coming together as an assembly of brothers and sisters in His name, where He said He would be in the midst, is just as important as the organism, which is the “ekklesia,” the called-out ones, the people of God who are born again of the Spirit. The organism (believer) must not forsake being a part of the organization (a local church) that teaches, preaches, and exemplifies Biblical doctrine in its entirety. We believe it is our duty to identify and actively participate within a specific assembly as often as we can to help us grow, encourage us to continue in the faith, to be empowered and trained up, and then to be sent out to bring in others, and then begin the mission of making disciples of those others, according to the Word of God.
(Hebrew 10:5, 24-25; Ephesians 1:22-23, 4:3-6; Acts 2:42-47, 16:5; Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13)
Authority of Church / Order / Offices
We believe that all authority centers around Jesus Christ, and according to the Word, He has delegated His jurisdiction into the home (domestically), the local church (ecclesiastically), and even into civil government. We believe in theocratic (God-ruled) local church government and order, including pastors/visionaries/apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists, elders, deacons, and believers. Divine order in the New Testament maintains a plurality of leadership, but there will always be a visionary sent and established within the local assembly who will have a distinctive anointing to father the flock of God. In many churches, including Greater Rain, when the five-fold ministry is properly active within the assembly, the visionary will be the Apostle followed by other pastors who help establish, enhance, and carry out the work of the vision while shepherding the flock of God with compassion alongside the Apostle.
We believe in the full restoration of the five-fold ministry, as explained to us in Ephesians Chapter 4. All of these offices are sent to equip and mature the Church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. The mission is to produce a maturing, spiritually-growing, discipled group of men and women of God who will be able to train up, rise up, and go out to make more disciples.
(Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 13:1-2, 15:19; Romans 8:19-23, 13:1-7; 1 Corinthians 12:27-28, 13:8-13; Ephesians 1:20-23, 2:20, 3:1-5, 4:11-16; Philippians 1:1, 2:5-11; Colossians 1:25-29; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-5; 1 Timothy 3:1-13).
Financial Stewardship
We believe that it is the will of God that we live a lifestyle entirely devoted to Him, demonstrating a determination to grow constantly in the faith. We believe that every person’s life and possessions ultimately belong to God, and tithing and giving offerings are acts of obedience to scriptural principles of stewardship. The method ordained by God for supporting and spreading His cause is through the giving of tithes and free-will offerings. Although God doesn’t need our money, His Church’s order calls for enacting His financial plan to advance the work of the Kingdom, established even since the days of Abraham. The word “tithe” is an English word, similar to a “tax.” While the Law of Moses established a 10th, what Abraham gave and what Jesus speaks of giving is actually more. We believe that, for the sake of eliminating confusion and establishing a standard, a tenth is considered the “tithe,” and anything beyond that is considered an offering. This practice helps us establish good stewardship with our giving.
(Genesis 14:11; Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 6:19-21, 23:23; Luke 21:1-4; Hebrews 6:1; 7:1-10; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:6-7)
Rapture, Tribulation, and Return of Christ
We believe that the rapture of the church and the second coming of Christ are 2 connected but separate events. It is our belief that, according to scripture, the timeline of events are as follows: the rapture, tribulation/great tribulation, and then the return of Christ (in which the battle will commence).
There are various views and beliefs out there including: pre-trib (before the 7-year tribulation), mid-trib (halfway through tribulation), and post-trib (after the 7-year tribulation period, no actual rapture, but rather jumping to Christ’s second coming). While this is not typically a Heaven/Hell or Sin/Salvation issue, we do believe the Word of God reveals to us an event connected to the word “harpazo” which is a translation/exodus/rapture and therefore we remain ready, watching and praying. Most of us believe this event will take place before the tribulation period. However, there are scriptures that do allude to it possibly taking place halfway through the tribulation period.
During this great event, Christians who have already died will be raised up to meet Jesus in the air, and believers who are still alive at this time will then follow while being changed in the twinkling of an eye as the Word of God says. After the tribulation, Christ will return to this earth and there will be a battle to take place. We do believe that there will be a literal millennial reign afterwards according to Revelation 19:11-21 & 20:1-6.
(Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; Philippians 3:20-21)
Final Judgement
We believe that everyone will stand before God in judgment and give an account for every word, action, and decision. We believe in the faithful receiving “just” rewards and those who have rejected, receiving eternal judgment. The Bible reveals to us that born again believers will have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life, and therefore those who are not found in the Lamb’s book of life will be cast into the lake of fire (a place burning with brimstone that God had prepared for Satan and the fallen angels).
(Matthew 25:41; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:5-15;21:8)
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.
(Romans 13:1-5)
Conscientious Rights, Attention to Government, and Means of Separation
We recognize the institution of various types of governing authorities (i.e. government) to be of divine origin, which aims to carry out honorable and commendable deeds to keep order, justice, and peace as much as possible.
Because of this, we strive to maintain loyalty to our governing leaders, while obtaining the right to prayerfully and peacefully object to anything that may be contrary to our Biblical beliefs and God-guided conscience. As followers of our Lord, we believe in implicit obedience to the Word of God and all New Testament teachings regarding law and order, including instructions to “follow peace with all men” (see: Matt. 5:39; Heb. 12:14; Matt. 26:52; Rom. 12:19; James 5:6). We believe in the importance of complying with, showing honor to, and giving respect to governing authorities in all manners that do not impede on our Biblical and inherited rights, as well as our God-guided conscience.
There are groups, sects of people, and “religious” followers of other various types that have extreme, anti-government, anti-authority, and anti-establishment precepts that lead to unorthodox protests, non-Christian riots, and hate-filled objections, picketing, and other mean-spirited events/activities. We fully oppose all of these ways and stand against these terrible impressions these so-called believers are giving the world. The true saints of the living God are called to a higher moral standard of living, and even in standing up for our rights, freedoms, and beliefs, there is a way that is still peaceable, free from hate speeches, and free from violence. We are to pray for the governing authorities of our country, as the Word of God instructs us. We believe that we can be a part of and serve in governing positions/matters and various types of services as well, as long as we are living within a manner consistent with Biblical doctrine as explained within our articles of faith.
This includes remaining free from war, although being willing to serve in all forms of non-combatant capacities that do not cause us to waiver in our faith, no matter how hard or dangerous the assignment may be.
As it relates to secret societies and other organizations that bring covenant, fellowship, and commitments with unbelievers that would be bound by oaths, this is forbidden.
(Matthew 5:39, 26:52; 2nd Corinthians 6:14-18; Romans 12:19, 13:1-5; Hebrews 12:14; James 5:6, 12;
1 Peter 2:13-17)
Public School Activities
We disapprove of school students being required to attend any secular programs, shows, dances, classes, theaters, or activities that are contrary to the Biblical standards that govern our lives. We disapprove of any inappropriate requirements of exposure, clothing, or attire that would cause a student to compromise their and/or their parents’ beliefs, as found here in our articles of faith. We disapprove of any interaction or displays that would demonstrate or promote any immodesty.
We disapprove of school students being forced to take coeducational classes that involve mixed genders and that would require any type of inappropriate or immodest attire or potentially immodest actions or interactivity. We disapprove of students being forced to take any classes, even under the guise of health, where sex education would be taught, demonstrated, or lectured on, including via any type of media. We disapprove of any classes being required that would promote what we believe is immoral or unnatural behavior according to the Word of God. We disapprove of students being forced to be taught by or listen to any type of lecturing, lecturers, media, or any other material that would promote or advocate any type of sexual activity or acceptance beyond the scope of Biblical-marriage relationships between a husband and wife only.
We believe that our duty to train a child up how they should go supersedes any educational or government institutional recommendations or requirements, and our students are taught that they have the right (and must) withdraw from any of these aforementioned things that are contrary to our religious rights, beliefs, and freedoms.
(Proverbs 22:6 Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17)
Union of Marriage
We hold to the Biblical standard of marriage to be sacred and ONLY between one man and one woman. We believe that any other type of modified genders/species or non-traditional marriages are contrary to the Word of God and our bylaws protect us from officiating anything that deviates from God’s Word. What is appropriate and what deviates from God’s intentions for humanity are defined for us throughout the Word of God including the KJV (whether it be today’s standard, “1769” or the original “1611”. There are also several translations of multiple Bible passages that predate the King James Version that fully support these standards as well.)
(Genesis 1:27-28, 2:18-24; Leviticus 18:22, 20:13; Deuteronomy 22:5; Isaiah 62:5; Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-12; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Hebrews 13:4; Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Peter 3:1-7; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; Colossians 3:18-19; Jude 1:7)
Tolerance Within the Body of Christ
We believe in Christian tolerance to all who believe in the deity and redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ and that there should be unity, not division. We reject denominational division and stand as a bridge for all believers to come together. More than an assembly, more than an organization, this is a much-needed restoration. We must come together as one.
We believe that in all major doctrines there must be unity; in all minor doctrines, there must be liberty; and in all things, there must be love.
The only caveat is, there can be no denial of power that is found in and through the indwelling presence of the Holy Ghost, the gifts that are given, and the five-fold that the church was called to receive in order to be built up, edified, and perfected.
(1 John 4:7; Romans 2:18; 1 Corinthians Chapters 12 and 14; 2 Timothy 3:5; Ephesians 4:11-16)