Our Beliefs

Creation

In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth. Before Him, the earth was without form and void (Genesis 1:1-2 KJV). In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made (John 1:1-3 KJV).

Five Fold Ministry

We believe in the five-fold ministry

Ephesians 4:11-12 KJV "And he gave some, Apostles, and some Prophets, and some, Evangelists; and some, Pastors and Teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

Salvation

"For by grace ye are saved through faith; and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

"Even so, faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 2:20 KJV)

Salvation is a gift from God to all whom believe. However, to believe is more than simply believing in the existence of God. Scripture tells us even the demons believe (James 2:19 KJV), and we certainly know they are not saved. Belief, however, is an action word. Although we are not capable of saving ourselves, God has given us our own free will and set before us the choices of life or death (Deuteronomy 30:15 KJV). It is up to us to make the choice. It is our choice whether or not we will accept the gift he has given us.

John 3:16 KJV "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life". God did his part, He finished His work on the cross for us (John 19:30 KJV). We, however must run this race of faith with endurance until the end to be saved (Matthew 24:13 KJV).

Salvation is not a one-time event in which we merely pray the prayer of salvation and are saved. Instead, salvation can be broken down into a 3-part process.

1) Justification: When we confess with our mouth and believe with our hearts that Jesus Christ is Lord (Romans 10:9 KJV) and repent from our sins (1 John 1:9 KJV, Acts 3:19 KJV), making the choice to surrender our will and life unto God, He then declares us to be righteous and what we refer to as being born again. However, life doesn't simply become perfect after this. In fact, our enemy Satan will do everything possible to hinder, tempt, and discourage us so that we might fall or backslide. Scripture tells us we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23 KJV). It says that God forbids us to continue living in sin thinking that grace will abound (Romans 6:2 KJV) . However, if we do sin, that we have an advocate through Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1 KJV) that we can pray, repent and find the help we need to get back up again.

In addition to believing, Jesus also revealed during a conversation with a man named Nicodemus, that we must be born again both of the water as in baptism and of the spirit. (John 3: 1-21 KJV) (See Baptism and the Holy Ghost for additional details below)

2) Sanctification: After making the conscious decision to be saved, we are no longer of this world, although we live in it. We are commanded not to be conformed to this world but instead to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. We are commanded by the Word to come out from among them (this world) and be ye separate. To be sanctified means to be separated and set apart for the work of the Lord; it means we should be a light in the middle of the darkness.

The process of sanctification is not only being separated and set apart from the world, but it is also putting away the former things or the old person we once were and becoming a new creation in Christ. It is progressing and growing in spiritual maturity and holiness, reflecting the image and likeness of God by manifesting the fruits of the spirit and developing a closer, intimate and lasting relationship with God.

Jesus tells us, if we love Him that we will keep His commandments. He commands us to walk not according to our flesh by doing the works of the flesh but instead, we are to walk in the spirit so that we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. The Bible tells us that those who walk according to the flesh and do the works of the flesh shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:16-21 KJV).

In Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23 KJV Jesus tells us the parable of the sower in relation to the people and the Kingdom of God. He explains (paraphrased) 1. Some hear the word but the word never gets planted within them 2. Some receive the word and are initially excited, but it never takes root in their lives so they never grow. 2. Some receive the word and it takes root but but they become suffocated by the cares of this world so they never produce any fruit and eventually whither away and finally 4. are the who hear, and receive the word, it takes root, they are fruitful and grow in God.

In the last days, the scripture tells us many will depart from the faith (Matthew 24:10 KJV) and that even the very elect will be fooled (Matthew 24:24 KJV). However, God is able to keep us from falling (Jude 1:24 KJV) , his grace is sufficient to sustain us, but we must forget those things that are behind us, fix our focus on God and press towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14 KJV) and endure until the end (Matthew 24:13 KJV).

3) Glorification:

1 Peter 5:10 KJV says "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."

Romans 2:7 KJV tells u once we have persisted, God will give us eternal life.

Glorification can be considered as God's final removal of sin from our lives after we have endured until the end at the second coming/return of Jesus Christ or what we often refer to as the rapture of the church or Christs' return for His Bride. We will exchanged our old fleshly bodies for a new glorified body that is without spot or wrinkle and blameless before our Heavenly Father in Heaven.

Baptism

The word "baptism" is transliterated from the Greek word "baptize" with means to be immersed or the Hebrew word "Mikveh" which means immersion or to be fully submerged.

In ancient Jewish weddings in the Bible, while the bride waited for the return of the bridegroom, she would partake in a cleansing ceremony called the Mikveh to wash and prepare herself physically and spiritually for her bridegrooms return.

As the bride of Christ awaiting for the return of our bridegroom, Jesus, we too are to engage in this cleansing ceremony of baptism by way of being immersed/submerged into the water for the cleansing of our sins.

Baptism can also be seen as symbolic to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we are fully submerged in the water it is like saying your old man, and the sins are dead and buried and when you come up from the water, you are in essence being resurrected into your new life with Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:2-5)

Baptism is essential for us to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven (John 3:1-21) . However, here at A New Life Ministries & Foundation, we only perform baptism for individuals who are have reached an age where they are capable of making a sound decision for themselves as baptism is about our personal salvation and not to be taken lightly.

In Matthew 28:19 KJV Jesus says to teach all nations, baptizing the in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Acts 4:7-12 KJV tells us there is no salvation in any other name but the name of Jesus Christ. According to the scriptures referencing the Godhead in Colossians 2:9 KJV, it is in Christ that the fullness of the deity of the Godhead dwells and since the Father, Son and HolyGhost are one, the name of all of them that we are instructed to baptize in is Jesus. Peter further confirms this in Acts 2:38 " Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Therefore, here at A New Life Ministries we buy full submersion in the water, in the name of Jesus.

Baptism of the Holy Ghost

After Jesus ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father, He then sent the Holy Ghost (His Spirit) whom initially manifested during the day of Pentecost while they were all gathered together in the upper room.

Many occasions followed in which believers were filled with the Holy Ghost and began speaking in tongues. Many today, believe that once a person prays the prayer of salvation, they also receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost at the same time (or the Spirit as notated in John 3:1-21).

However, Acts 19:1-6 KJV shows us the this is not the case. Peter asked a group of believers, "Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?" They answered that they had not herd of such a Holy Ghost but they had been baptized in the water by John the Baptist unto repentance. Peter then laid hands upon them and the Holy Ghost came upon them, and began speaking in tongues and prophesying.

Acts 1:5 says, "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence".

These scriptures and stories throughout the book of Acts demonstrate the two different baptisms; one by water and one by the Spirit as Jesus told Nicodemus we must have to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven (John 3:1-21 KJV)

On most occasions, through-out the book of Acts, when one is baptized with the Holy Ghost, they began to speak in tongues. From this, it appears that speaking in tongues is the initial evidence that one has indeed received the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

However, this is not the only evidence. If one has received the baptism of the Holy Ghost they should manifest the fruits of the spirit in their lives as well which are love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

The Holy Ghost is given to us as a promise and gift from God (John 14:18 KJV) that He would not only walk beside us but dwell within us and that he would serve as ur comforter (John 14:26 KJV) and teacher, and that it would equip us with the power and authority (Acts 1:8 KJV).

The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is essential for our salvation (John 3:1-21 KJV) and every day living, as it is the seal of the God (Ephesians 1:13 KJV) on the believer that says, this is my child."

Tithing

It is our belief that all that we have has been given by God and ultimately belongs to God. He has entrusted it into our hands.

He is our provider whom supplies all our needs and even gives us the desires of our hearts. In fact, we could never out-give what God has given to us.

In Malachi 3:10 KJV He tells us to try God in this; in essence to test him at His word and see that he will do just what He said He would in our lives. He promises when we are obedient to Him in this, He will rebuke the devourer for our sake.

Further more, in Proverbs 3:9-10 KJV scripture tells us when we honor God with our first fruits of all out increase, He will not only make sure we have everything we need, but he would also give us and overflow and abundance.

Although He deserves ALL that we have, He only request a tenth of it and that we would seek Him first and take care of Him and his business first.

A tenth or the tithe is 10% of our gross income.

We encourage our members to tithe, however, this is also something that is personal between you and God. We encourage those that give to write their name on a provide tithes/offering envelope so at the end of the year, if they choose, they may also claim the amount they've given as a charitable contribution and potentially receive a tax break.

Tithing is essential for the church to be able to operate and take care of those in need.

Some believe tithing was only in the Old Testament under the mosaic law. However, tithing began prior to the existence of the Mosaic law in the old testement. In the new testament, tithing was not abolished but continued. The problem with the Pharisees in the Bible was that they were religious and traditional, maintaining the law and old principle foundation, but they didn't pay attention to tother things that mean the most such as love & kindness.

Speaking in Tongues

There are three types of speaking in tongues. Each type serves a different purpose.

1. The first type is used as a supernatural outpouring of the Holy Ghost and is a sign to the unbelievers. It is one of the initial evidences of the indwelling of the Holy Ghost in ones' life. (Acts 2:11 KJV)

2. The second type of tongue is used for the strengthening of the church, the edification of the corporate body or a warning to the corporate body of Christ. This is type of tongue is spoken by one who has a special gift of the Spirit of speaking in diverse tongues or when the Holy Ghost comes upon a person using them to relay a message of encouragement of warning. This type of tongues is one that requires an interpreter. When this happens, there is typically silence across the room except for why the one speaking in tongues. Then it is followed by that person or another interpreting what has been said. (1 Corinthians 14:27 KJV)

3. The third type of tongue occurs during personal prayer, or praise and worship as your Heavenly language and communication with God which brings spiritual edification.

The scripture says when we know not what to pray, the spirit himself gives us utterance. (Romans 8:26 KJV)

Abortion

The decision to abort a pregnancy often stems from very difficult situations and circumstances that sometimes don't present easy or a cut and dry alternative solutions in the eyes of the ones involved. We strive to be empathetic and understanding in every situation and maintain the love for others as Christ does for us.

Before we are formed in our mother's womb, the Bible says God knows us and he intricately formed and fashioned us fearfully and wonderfully in His image and likeness and has a plan and purpose for each and every one of our lives. Therefore, we believe life begins even before conception, and God chooses whom He desires to carry, nurture, and birth that life into this world. Therefore, in this aspect, aborting pregnancy is perceived as murder and murder is sin.

But we serve a merciful and gracious God who is faithful to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness and remove the pain, guilt and condemnation.

As for us, we continue to demonstrate His love and kindness, and we do our best to encourage expectant mothers who are contemplating abortion and to help them find alternative solutions to abortion.

Human Sexuality

According to the Bible, any sexual activity outside of the marriage union between a man and a woman is considered to be sin. This includes adultery, fornication, LGBTQ+, incest, rape, sodomy, orgies, swinging, bestiality, pornography, pedophilia and/or other.

(Genesis 2:24, 19:45, 13, 26:8-9, Leviticus 18:1-30, Romans 1:26-29, 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6-9, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. Hebrews 13:4 all KJV)

Therefore, we do not condone these acts or lifestyles. However, we will never cease to demonstrate anything but the love, grace and mercy of our Heavenly Father towards others. It is our duty to pray, preach the Word, fast, and provide welcomed counsel and then leave the rest in God's hands.