GOD THE FATHER
God the Father is the first person of the Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – eternally existing as the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign Lord over all creation. He is the source of life and love, characterized by holiness, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. As a loving Father, He desires a personal relationship with humanity, adopting believers as His children through faith in Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 8:6 NIV – 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
Ephesians 4:4-6 NKJV – 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Additional: Genesis 1:1-2, 26-27; Psalm 90:2; Psalm 103:17; Psalm 110:1-2; Isaiah 45:22-23; Malachi 2:10; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-3; John 10:30; James 1:17; Revelation 1:8
JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully one with the Father. Jesus is the second person of the Trinity. Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, He was both fully human and fully divine. He lived a sinless and perfect life, willingly offering Himself as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity by dying on the cross. On the third day, He rose from the dead, demonstrating His victory over sin and death. He then ascended to Heaven in glory and seated at the right hand of the Father and will one day return to earth to reign as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
John 10:30 NKJV – 30 I and My Father are one.
John 1:14 NLT – 14 So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
Matthew 1:20 – 23 NKJV – 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
Romans 8:34 NLT – 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
Additional: Isaiah 9:6; Mark 16:19; John 1:1-18; John 14:6-20; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; 1 Timothy 6:13-16; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 1:1-4; Hebrews 4:14-15; Revelation 19:11-16
HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He is One with the Father and Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of sin, reveals God’s righteousness, and warns of the coming judgment. Upon receiving salvation, the Holy Spirit seals the believer with the promise of eternal life and takes up residence within them. He is a comforter, guide, and teacher. He empowers believers for righteous living, provides understanding of spiritual truth, and guides them in doing what is right. The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts according to His will to build up the church.
1 John 5:7 NKJV – 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
Ephesians 1:13-14 NKJV – 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Additional: John 14:16-18; John 16:7-13; Acts 5:3; Romans 8:13-16; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 2:12-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22-23
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is indeed a transformative experience for believers, empowering them to live out their faith with greater intensity and effectiveness. This gift enhances their spiritual journey, equipping them with various spiritual gifts—such as wisdom, healing, prophecy, tongues and interpretation of tongues – that are vital for building up the church and advancing God’s purposes on earth.
Praying in tongues, a common outcome of this baptism, allows for deeper communication with God and serves as a means of spiritual edification. The Holy Spirit’s role in interceding for believers further emphasizes His importance in guiding and strengthening them in their walk of faith. Ultimately, the baptism of the Holy Spirit enriches the believer’s relationship with God and opens avenues for His miraculous workings in their lives.
Acts 1:8 NKJV – 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Acts 10:44-47 NKJV – 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 NIV – 1 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He distributes them to each one, just as He determines.
1 Corinthians 14:2 NLT – 2 For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious.
Additional: Matthew 3:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-47; Acts 19:1-6; Romans 8:6; 1 Corinthians 14:4; Ephesians 5:18
THE BIBLE
The Bible was written by individuals under the divine inspiration of God, with each word breathed by Him in its original form. It is the supreme source of truth and authority for Christian beliefs and daily living. God’s Word is alive, powerful, and active, providing doctrine, teaching, correction, and training so that believers may be fully equipped and complete in all aspects of life. The Bible is the most historically reliable set of books ever written, with every prophecy spoken in it proven true.
Exodus 17:4 NLT – 14 After the victory, the Lord instructed Moses, “Write this down on a scroll as a permanent reminder, and read it aloud to Joshua: I will erase the memory of Amalek from under heaven.”
Matthew 24:35 NKJV – 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
Hebrews 4:12 NIV – 12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV – 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Additional: Exodus 24:4; Exodus 34:27; Psalm 12:6; Psalm 119:11; Psalm 105; Psalm 119:160; Proverbs 30:52; John 5:39; Galatians 1:8; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:22-25; 2 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Peter 3:15-16
SALVATION
Salvation is a gift from God to humanity, not earned through good works. It is received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, rose on the third day, and now sits at the right hand of the Father. To receive salvation, one must repent of sin and confess Jesus as Lord.
Romans 10:9-10, 13 NIV – 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Acts 2:37-38 NIV – 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 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.
Additional: Genesis 15:6; Joel 2:32; John 3:16-17; John 14:6; John 15:4, 8; John 17:3; Acts 2:21; Acts 4:10-12; Romans 5:1; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:9-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Titus 3:5
WATER BAPTISM
Water baptism is a prophetic act that affirms one’s complete loyalty and commitment to the Godhead – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This baptism is also an outward act of obedience symbolizing a believer’s inward faith and commitment to Jesus Christ. It is a public declaration of a person’s decision to follow Christ, representing their identification with His death, burial, and resurrection. Through immersion in water, the believer symbolically “dies” to their old life of sin and “rises” to new life in Christ. Water baptism serves as a powerful testimony of their salvation, signifying true repentance, and entry into the community of faith.
Romans 6:3-4 NKJV – 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Acts 2:38 NIV – 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.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV – 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Additional: Matthew 3:11; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 3:21-22
THE CHURCH
The Church is the Body of Christ, with Jesus as its Head. It consists of all who, by faith, have received and confessed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. His sacrifice was made to establish His Kingdom on earth to be advanced by the Church, His Bride.
2 Corinthians 5:20 NKJV – 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
Ephesians 1:22- 23 AMP – 22 And He put all things [in every realm] in subjection under Christ’s feet, and appointed Him as [supreme and authoritative] head over all things in the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills and completes all things in all [believers].
Additional: 1 Corinthians 12:13-14; 1 Corinthians 12:27-28; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 4:11-16; Colossians 1:9-22
FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY
The Five-Fold Ministry consists of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Christ established this ministry to equip believers, strengthen the Church, and unify the body of Christ in faith and spiritual maturity. Each role carries a distinct purpose, working together to ensure the Church functions effectively and remains aligned with God’s will. According to Genesis 1:26-28, God created both male and female in His own image and entrusted them with dominion and authority over His creation. In Galatians 3:28, Paul reminds us, ‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’ The five-fold ministry is a gift to the Church, thriving when every member is empowered, regardless of nationality, social status, and/or sex, to fulfill their calling.
Genesis 1:26-28 NKJV – 26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Ephesians 4:11-13 AMP – 10 He who descended is the very same as He who also has ascended high above all the heavens, that He [His presence] might fill all things [that is, the whole universe]). 11 And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct], 12 [and He did this] to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church]; 13 until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, [growing spiritually] to become a mature believer, reaching to the measure of the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our spiritual gifts in unity]. 14 So that we are no longer children [spiritually immature], tossed back and forth [like ships on a stormy sea] and carried about by every wind of [shifting] doctrine, by the cunning and trickery of [unscrupulous] men, by the deceitful scheming of people ready to do anything [for personal profit]. 15 But speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ. 16 From Him the whole body [the church, in all its various parts], joined and knitted firmly together by what every joint supplies, when each part is working properly, causes the body to grow and mature, building itself up in [unselfish] love.
Additional: Deuteronomy 10:17; Acts 10:34-35; Romans 2:11; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 2:14-22; Colossians 3:10-11; James 2:1-4; James 2:8-9
HUMANITY
Human beings are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God from the moment of conception. They were created to have a personal and intimate relationship with the Lord, crowned by Him with glory and honor. Every life is precious, valuable, and deserving of respect. Only God holds the authority over life and death, and no one has the right to take another’s life.
Psalm 139:13-16 NIV – 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Additional: Genesis 2:7, 18, 21; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 59:1-2; Mark 10:6-9; Romans 3:10-23
ETERNITY – HEAVEN or LAKE OF FIRE
Humanity was originally created by God to live in perfect harmony and enjoy eternal fellowship with Him. However, sin disrupted this relationship, causing separation from God in both this life and eternity. Through accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, a person is forgiven, spiritually reborn, and reconciled with God, transitioning from spiritual death to eternal life and restored fellowship with Him. Rejection of Jesus results in being cast into the lake of fire, which represents the final and permanent separation from God’s presence.
John 5:24-29 NLT – 24 “I tell you the truth, those who listen to My message and believe in God who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. 25 “And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it’s here now, when the dead will hear My voice—the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live. 26 The Father has life in Himself, and He has granted that same life-giving power to His Son. 27 And He has given Him authority to judge everyone because He is the Son of Man. 28 Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, 29 and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment.
Revelation 21:3-4 NIV – 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 20:15 NKJV – 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Additional: Genesis 1-3; Matthew 10:28; John 3:16-18; John 17:3; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Ephesians 2:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; 2 Peter 2; 1 John 5:11-13; Jude 7
ETERNAL SECURITY
God has given His followers eternal security through Jesus Christ, meaning that anyone who accepts Christ as their Savior is secure in their salvation for eternity. This security is upheld by God’s grace and power, not by the believer’s own efforts. Eternal security is granted through God’s grace and sustaining power, and is maintained by continuing in faith, not works. Believers are connected to Christ as the vine, with themselves as the branches, drawing life and security from Him alone.
John 10:27-29 NKJV – 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.
Colossians 1:21-23 NIV – 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
John 15:5 NKJV – 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
Additional: Romans 7:18; Romans 8:1; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:10, 14-16; 1 Peter 1:3-4
MARRIAGE
Marriage is a sacred covenant, established by God, between a man and a woman as they were at birth, prior to any medical or surgical alterations of sex. It serves as a profound example of the relationship between Christ and His Church. It is more than a legal or emotional commitment; it is a lifelong union centered on love, trust, and mutual submission to God’s will. Both partners vow to love, honor, and cherish one another, striving to embody Christ’s selfless love. The husband is called to lead with humility and sacrifice, as Christ loves the Church, while the wife is to support and respect her husband in a spirit of partnership.
Matthew 19:4-6 NKJV – 4 And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Hebrews 13:4 AMP – 4 Marriage is to be held in honor among all [that is, regarded as something of great value], and the marriage bed undefiled [by immorality or by any sexual sin]; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
Additional: Genesis 2:18, 24; Mark 10:6-9; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Peter 3:7
SATAN
Satan is a created being who rebelled against God. He became the enemy of God, humanity, and especially His Church – the body of Christ, of whom Jesus is the Head. He deceives humanity and is the author of all false religious systems. His goal is to deceive mankind and keep them from knowing and having a personal relationship with God. Although he actively opposes God’s purposes, Satan is a defeated foe, and his final destiny is the lake of fire.
Isaiah 14:12-15 NKJV – How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.
Revelation 20:10 NKJV – 10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Ephesians 1:19-23 NLT – 19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.
THE GREAT COMMISSION
Jesus, having been given all authority in heaven and on earth, instructed every believer:
- Go and make disciples of all nations, proclaiming the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ to every people group across the world.
- Baptize new believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, symbolizing their identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
- Teach obedience to all that Christ has commanded, nurturing spiritual growth, and discipleship within the body of believers.
This statement affirms the Great Commission as a core mission of the church and outlines the responsibility of believers to engage in evangelism, baptism, and discipleship, while emphasizing reliance on God’s authority and guidance.
Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV – 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Luke 24:46-49 NKJV – 46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
Acts 1:8 NKJV – 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Additional: Matthew 4:19; Mark 16:15-18; John 20:21; Acts 22:21
Updated January 2025