We believe that the Holy Bible is “God’s Word”. The truth revealed in it has no human origin, but God. The Holy Spirit inspired holy men of God to write the Holy Bible. We therefore believe that the Holy Bible is without error, completely true, relevant and an up-to-date book. We receive the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament as eternal, authoritative, coherent, complete and all sufficient, and the only infallible rule of faith. Its message is intended for the human race. It is expressed in words and in terms, which human beings can understand. Its central theme and purpose is the salvation of man. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Psalm 12:6, Matthew 24:35 Psalm 119:160.
We believe in the Divine Trinity. One Triune God exists in three Persons- God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – eternal in being, identical in nature, equal in power and glory and having the same attributes and perfection. Matthew 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 5:7.
Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of the living God. He came to the world purposely to save sinners according to the scriptures. He has existed throughout eternity, one of the persons of the Holy Trinity. He is the only begotten Son of God and the beloved of God. Prophets had foretold his coming to the world. He came in the flesh and to die for us. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary without sin. He lived a perfect life, preached the gospel of the kingdom of God, performed miracles, healed the sick and raised the dead. He voluntarily surrendered his life to his enemies to be crucified. He then resurrected, and ascended to heaven to become our high priest. Jesus Christ will return to establish the kingdom of God on earth, and rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords with His saints forever. Matthew 17:15-17; John 1:1-14; Acts 2:32-33; Hebrews 4:14-15, Revelation 1:13:16.
Man (Adam) was created in the image of God before whom he walked in innocence, holiness, and purity, but by disobedience and transgression, he fell from the glory of God to the depths of sin. The consequence of this is that all mankind became sinners by nature having been born after the fallen image of Adam. In his fallen state man is incapable of pleasing God or having any relationship with Him. Ordinarily, every man is totally inclined to evil, guilty before God and without excuse, deserving the condemnation and judgment of a just and Holy God. Genesis 1:26-31; Genesis 2:7; Psalm 139:14; Col. 1:16; Psalm 51:5; Mark 1:15.
Sin is an inward spiritual attitude of rebellion towards God, which is expressed in outward acts of disobedience. Man in his fallen state cannot approach God or save himself and therefore needs a savior. Jesus Christ came to save man from sin. He is without sin, but He took our sin upon Himself and died in our place. He rose again from the dead, that we might be forgiven and receive eternal life. The word salvation in the Greek means “soteria” which is translated “saving” or “deliverance” and preservation from destruction and judgment. To appropriate salvation, we must acknowledge our sins and repent from them; we must believe that Christ died for us, and rose again; we must receive the risen Christ as our personal Savior, and we must publicly confess Him as our Lord. Hebrews 9:29, Romans 3:10, 23, Acts 3:19, Romans 10:8-13, Jude 3:24.
The word sanctification in the Greek language is “hagiasmos” meaning (1) to be apart from sin (2) consecrated unto God, to be conformed to His holiness, purity, and perfection of character. The scripture teaches that “sanctified” is what the believer is [not a process, but a state, which the believer has already entered into once and for all. Acts 20:32; Romans 15:16; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 10:10-14; Ephesians 5:25-26; 1 Peter 1:2; Acts 26:18], and “perfect” is what he is expected to be. Perfection is a spiritual growth for those who have been sanctified and consecrated. Therefore it is the total yielding of one’s life to the Holy Spirit, living the crucified life; being an over comer; and being conformed to the image of Christ Himself. Perfection and true holiness are impossible without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Attempts at achieving perfection without the Holy Spirit lead to frustration and failure being the work of flesh. 1 Peter 2:21-22; 1 Peter 1:15; John 3:8-9; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Matthew 5:48.
The baptism in the Holy Ghost is a supernatural endowment with power from heaven to equip the Christian for effective witness and service. The initial evidence of Holy Spirit Baptism is speaking in unknown tongue as the spirit gives utterance. The unknown tongue is a prayer language given to the believer, understood by God but unknown to man except by revelation. It enables the Christian to build up his own spiritual life by direct and continual communion with God. It is the gateway into a life in which both the gifts and fruits of the Holy Ghost are manifested. In the New Testament church, this experience was considered normal for all believers. Joel 2:28; Luke 3:16; Acts 2:38-39; Acts 19:2; Mark 16:17.
Sickness is a direct consequence of the fall of man and his continuance in sin. Redemption not only dealt with sin but also its consequences, which include sickness and diseases. Christ died on the cross; bore our sins, and sicknesses. Divine healing for our bodies comes through the appropriation of the finished work of Christ on the cross of Calvary and faith in the word of God. Believers and others receive healing for their bodies, through healing ministration and deliverance in the name of Jesus. This can be accomplished by laying on of hands, praying for others in absentia and by getting bible believing church elders to anoint them with oil in the name of Jesus. Luke 13:11, 16; James; 2 Corinthians 1:19-20; 1 John 3:8; Mark 16:17-18.
When Jesus Christ first came to earth about 2000 years ago, His coming exactly fulfilled in every detail all the prophecies of the bible relating to that event. When he left this earth to return to heaven, He promised His disciples very definitely that He would come back to earth again. Apart from these promises, which Jesus Himself gave, there are many prophecies throughout the whole bible concerning the Second Coming of Christ more than there are about His first coming. Since the prophecies of His first coming were exactly and literally fulfilled, the RCCG believe that the prophecies of His Second Coming will be fulfilled in the same way. John 14:2-3; Acts 1:11; Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51.
The rapture describes an event in the future when Jesus Christ will in the twinkling of an eye, change all believers (living and dead) to immortal, giving them a resurrected body, and catching them up in the air. The word rapture simply means sudden snatching out of this world of the believers. The actual word used in the bible is “caught up”. This event marks the beginning of the seven years reign of Antichrist. 1Thessalonians4: 13-18, 1 Corinthian 15:23, 51-58, Phil 3:2-21, 1 John 3:1-3, Luke 21:31-35.
This is a seven-year span of future world history of the reign of antichrist following immediately after the rapture: It will be the darkest time the world has ever known. It is “the day of vengeance of our Lord.” Man’s cup of iniquity is filled to overflowing, and God brings judgment upon the earth for man’s rejection of His son. During this period, the people of Israel will turn to Christ, when they will be reconciled to God through Him whom they rejected and whom they asked Pilate to crucify. Daniel 9:24-27, Isaiah 61:2, Revelation 19, 1Thessalonians 1:10, Revelation 3:10.
The millennial age is the period of one thousand years, in which the purpose of God is fully realized on the earth. It will be a time of theocratic kingdom. This period will come after the seven years reign of antichrist. After the Lord Jesus Christ has descended from heaven to earth and destroyed his enemies at the battle of Armageddon, He will then set up His holy government, which is going to be worldwide. It will be a time of peace, joy, holiness, glory, comfort, justice, full knowledge and the removal of curse and sickness. Isaiah 11:1-10; Isaiah 35:1-10; Zechariah 9:9-10; Zechariah 14:16-17; Revelation 20:1-15.
The judgment seat of Jesus Christ is the judgment of believers. It is not a judgment of condemnation but a judgment of reward where believers will be rewarded according to their faithfulness in service to God, quality of their Christian walk and the use of God-given gifts and talents. Romans 14:10, II Corinthians 5: 10, I Pet. 4: 17.
This is the ultimate end of sin and rebellion against authority and the almighty God. Sinners shall be cast forever into the lake of everlasting fire. This ultimate judgment of the Great White Throne is for unbelievers only. The only ones who may escape this final judgment are those whose names are written in the Book of Life. The names recorded in the Book of Life are the names of those who during their lifetime on earth availed themselves, through faith, God’s mercy and grace. Those who put their faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice have passed through their own appropriate judgment before the judgment seat of Christ – not for condemnation but for assessment of their reward. Revelation 20:11-15; Galatians 3:10; Ecclesiastes 12:14; John 5:24; 2 Peter 3:9.
The present earth that full of evil will pass away after the Great White Throne Judgment. After the dissolution of the present (atmospheric) heaven and earth at the end of the one thousand years (the millennium), God will create a new heaven and a new earth better than anything this world has ever known. The new earth will be the Christian heaven. It is the glorious eternal home of born-again believers. Matthew 24:35; Revelation 21:1-5; John 14:1-3; Revelation 22:1-5; 2 Peter 3:10.
The lake of fire (commonly called hell) is the final abode of Satan and those sinners who reject Jesus as their Lord and savior. Hell is the place of eternal torment for devil, his angels and all those who reject Jesus Christ as the savior. Rev.19: 7, Luke 16:19-31; Rev. 20:10,15; Matthew 25:33-34; John 14:1-3; Rev 7:15-17.
Believing in Jesus Christ produces an inward change in our heart; baptism in water is an outward act of obedience, by which we testify of the change that has taken place in our hearts. By this act, we make ourselves one with Jesus Christ in His burial and resurrection. It symbolizes separation we are separated from the old life of sin and defeat. We come out of the water to lead a new life of righteousness and victory, made possible by God’s power in us. Mark 16:16; Matt 28:19-20; Acts 2:38-41; Acts 8:37-39; Romans 6:4.
Restitution is the act of restoring anything to its rightful owner; act of giving an equivalent for loss or damage. Restitution makes a person pay back just debts, restore stolen or misappropriated articles, uncover his crimes and confess his lies. This is to be done whether the person injured knew it or not – God knows. Genesis 20:1-18; Genesis 32:9-32; Luke 19:8-10; Philemon 7:21; Acts 24:16.
Note: Restitution that would implicate others or bring injury or harm to others needs care and God’s wisdom. In such cases, it is necessary to seek counseling from a faithful, experienced, competent, matured Christian teacher and preacher (who, of course, believes and teaches “the whole counsel of God”).
The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements – bread and the fruit of the vine is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a memorial of His suffering, death and a prophecy of His Second Coming. Jesus Christ commanded the church to do it in His remembrance. The bible record also shows the early church took this commandment seriously. Luke 22: 14-19, Acts 2: 42, 46, 2 Peter 1:4; 1 Corinthians 11:26.
We only recognize a marriage as between a man and a woman and we shall not join or recognize any marriage institution that is not a marriage between a male and a female. Genesis 2:24; we value marital fidelity, where husband and wife can depend on each other to provide spiritual, emotional and intimate needs. Proverbs 5:15-19; 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, Galatians 5:19-20; Hebrews 13:4.
CHAPEL OF PRAISE VISION AND MISSION
Proverbs 29:18a says,“Where there is no vision, the people perish: KJV
1 Corinthians 9:26 NLT: “So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.”
Benefits of Vision:
Vision gives direction.
Vision provides focus.
Vision stirs internal strength.
Vision gives hope.
Vision releases fulfillment.
Let the Holy Spirit inspire you to develop a personal vision and a vision for your family.
Our Vision:
To make heaven and to take as many people with us.
Our Mission:
To be like Jesus.
To encourage, equip and empower people to become what God wants them to be.
To strengthen families and exercise as much influence as possible in the lives of those in our neighborhood and beyond.
Our Core Values:
Excellence
Integrity
Personal Accountability
First and foremost, the Church of God is a determinedly Christian church. It is built upon the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The doctrines and practices of the church are based upon His teachings.
The Church of God is founded upon the principles of Protestantism, although it is not a traditional follower of any specific leader of the Protestant Reformation. The denomination stands firmly for justification by faith, the priesthood of believers, the authority of the Bible, religious freedom, and the separation of church and state. It stands against abuses and extravagance of ecclesiastical ritualism and dogmatism.
The Church of God subscribes to the following five foundational Christian doctrines:
From its inception the Church of God has been a revival movement. Evangelism has been in the forefront of all its activities. The church has maintained an aggressive effort to take the message of Christ throughout the world by all means and methods. Every program of the church reflects an evangelistic attitude: revivalism, conferences, worship services, teaching, preaching and its missionary efforts.
The charismata (Gk.) or gifts of the Spirit appeared early in the life and ministry of the Church of God. The gifts can be divided into three categories: the gifts of revelation, the gifts of power and the gifts of utterance or inspiration. The gifts of revelation are the gifts of the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge and the discerning of spirits. The gifts of power are faith, miracles, and gifts of healing. The gifts of utterance and inspiration are prophecy, tongues and interpretation. The Holy Spirit bestows these gifts and those who accept the validity of these gifts are called charismatic.
Evangelical is the term used to describe those who affirm the primary doctrines revealed in the Scriptures. These doctrines include the inspiration and authority of the Word of God; the Trinity; the deity and virgin birth of Jesus Christ; salvation by faith in the atoning death of Christ; His bodily resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father; the ministry of the Holy Spirit; the second coming of Christ; and the spiritual unity of believers in Jesus Christ.
The Church of God has aligned itself with the basic statement of faith of NAE (National Association of Evangelicals) the largest association of Evangelicals in the USA. Members of NAE subscribe to a common statement of faith. The Church of God can be described as positioned in the mainstream of Evangelical Protestantism.
The magnitude of the Great Commission requires a united effort. This united endeavor is efficiently served by guidance, support, resources and leadership from a common center. The Church of God is centrally organized. Centralized church government is administration from the international, state or territorial and local levels. It helps facilitate the fulfillment of the mission of the church.
The control of the Church of God rests with the laity and ministers, who jointly form a governing body called the General Assembly which meets biennially. Benefits of centralized government include the following: uniformity of doctrine and practice; principles that bind together local churches in the same manner; membership commitments in all churches; expansion and extension of fellowship; accountability; cooperative decision-making; and united efforts in evangelism and world outreach.
