Our Mission – 6 – Tenets of Faith
Subject – Statement of Fundamental Truths of the A/G
by Rick Welborne
1. Our First Distinctive: We should be passionate about the lost.
2. Our Second Distinctive: Home and world missions.
3. Our Third Distinctive: Being filled with the Holy Spirit.
4. Fourth Distinctive - Generous giving.
5. Fifth Distinctive: Worship.
--Our Sixteen Fundamental Truths or the Tenets of Faith…we looked at the first seven.
1. The Scriptures Inspired
2. The One True God
3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ
4. The Fall of Man
5. The Salvation of Man
6. The Ordinances of the Church
A. Baptism in Water
B. Holy Communion
7. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
--Tonight we will continual looking at the 16 Fundamental Truths:
8. The Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
--The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical evidence (so important) of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance.
--As you read through the book of Acts you will see that the initial or the first sign that someone was filled with Holy Spirit power was they spoke in tongues.
--If this bothers you because of your theology, or because the denomination you were raised in disagrees or preaches against this, I have a challenge for you.
--My challenge for you is that, as much as you can, lay aside your bias against what we are teaching and read the Book of Acts as if you are a brand new believer reading it for the first time.
--In 1901, in the city of Topeka, Kansas in a Bible school conducted by Charles Fox Parham, a teacher and former Methodist pastor asked the students at the Bible school to study the Bible about Holy Spirit.
--He asked them to find out the scriptural evidence for receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. As they studied Acts, they concluded that speaking in tongues was the initial confirmation of receiving Holy Spirit.
--Not only did they discover this answer but they sought for the experience of being baptized in the Spirit and after seeking for a few weeks, they were filled with Holy Spirit power and spoke in tongues.
Acts 2:4 (NKJV)
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
--The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues but different in purpose and use. Many misunderstand the initial baptism of Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:4-10, 28 (NKJV)
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
--The same in essence simply means Holy Spirit is the source of praying in tongues at your initial in-filling and the gift of tongues. One is for personal edification and the other is for corporate edification.
1 Corinthians 14:2-4 (NKJV)
2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.
4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.
4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
9. Sanctification
--Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication to God. Being set apart to God.
Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-23 (NKJV)
15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit.
20 Do not despise prophecies.
21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit.
20 Do not despise prophecies.
21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
--There is a Pentecostal church which also came out of the outpouring at the turn of the 19th century…the Church of God. A wonderful organization.
--The two main differences with our churches are our government and in the belief about sanctification. Neither are worth us not fellowshipping together.
--They believe sanctification is a totally separate work of grace and it happens all at one time. The A/G believe sanctification happens at salvation but that it is an ongoing process.
--At the new birth we are new creatures, the old has passed away. We start growing day by day and that growth is a process of sanctification…being set apart. We strive to get closer to God every day. Look at Hebrews.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
--The scriptures teach us a life of holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. Heb. 12:14 NKJV. By the power of Holy Spirit, we are able to obey the command, “Be holy for I am holy.”
--Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection. By faith that relationship is identified by our offering ourselves to Him daily.
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Philippians 2:12-13 (NKJV)
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
10. The Church
--The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through Holy Spirit, having divine appointments for the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
--Each believer, who has been born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the universal church (every believer), and the church of the First-born, which are written in Heaven.
Ephesians 1:22-23 (NKJV)
22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,
23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,
23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
--I love that everything is under Jesus feet. We are part of His body so if we are a big toe…it is under us.
Ephesians 2:19-22 (NKJV)
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone,
21 in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone,
21 in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
11. The Ministry
--This is a divinely called and Scripturally ordained ministry that has been provided by our Lord for a two-fold purpose.
A. The evangelization of the world.
Mark 16:15-20 (NKJV)
15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
B. The edifying of the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-16 (NKJV)
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--
16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--
16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
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