SUNDAY SERVICE
STARTS AT 10:00 AM CST
Statement of Faith
Life Is Christ Ministries
Living faith in God and His Messiah, Jesus, is the foundation and medium through which the grace and truth revealed by the following statements are brought to life and put into effect by people yielded to His Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him
One God
Jesus Messiah, the son of the Living God
Holy Spirit
Authority of the Scriptures
The imminent (soon) return of Jesus Christ
The church
Baptisms
Fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit
Believer’s authority
Five-fold ministry
Discipleship
Heaven and hell
One God
There is one God 1, who is infinitely perfect 2, existing eternally in three persons 3: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
1. Deuteronomy 6:4
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
2. Matthew 5:48
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
3. Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Messiah, the son of the living God
Jesus Messiah (Christ) is the foundation and the chief cornerstone for the salvation of all mankind. Jesus Christ is the true God and the true man (Philippians 2:6–11). He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:34–38). The power of the gospel is the revelation that Jesus Messiah 1 is the son of the living God, and that He on the earth would do the unthinkable2 but that which was prophesied – He died on the cross taking the sin of the whole world, thus atoning for the sins of all mankind. Faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection ushers one into experiencing a supernatural life in the Spirit on earth and eternal life after death3
1. Matthew 16:15-18
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it
.
2. 1 Corinthians 2:7, 8
No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory
.
3. Romans 10:9
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
Jesus is LORD and Savior
Jesus is Deliverer and Healer
Jesus is Baptizer in the Holy Spirit and Fire
Jesus is the soon coming King
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a divine person of the Godhead who is sent from the Father through Jesus Christ1, to be with2 , indwell3 , guide4 , teach5 , and empower6 the redeemed. He is also the one who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment7. Ministry of the Holy Spirit is just as important as the ministry of the Son and the Father, in fact Jesus goes on to say that, ‘Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven’ (Matt 12:31)
1. John 14:16
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.
2, 3 John 14:17
..the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you
.
4 John 16:13
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.
5 John 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will
teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
6 Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
7 John 16:7-9
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me;
Authority of the Scriptures
The Old and New Testaments, are inspired1, infallible2 and inerrant2 and are a complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men. They constitute the divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice3
1 2 Peter 1:20–21
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Matthew 5:18
For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
3 2 Timothy 3:15–17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The Imminent (soon) return of Jesus Christ
Jesus said as recorded in the last chapter of the Bible (Revelation 22:12, 13), “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End’.
Jesus will physically and visibly return to earth for the second time to establish His Kingdom. This will occur at a date undisclosed by the Scriptures
(Matthew 24:30, 26:63-64; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; Revelation 1:7)
The Church
Just as Eve was created out of Adam when God put adam to a deep sleep, the church was created through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and is also called the Body of Christ1. The collective body of people born of the Spirit from every nation, tribe and tongue is the church, the representation of God on earth. The church is called to work in unity and oppose the power of Satan2 by the power of the Spirit3, and demonstrate the love of God to all men, and draw them towards repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
1 Ephesians 5:28-32
In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.
2 Matthew 16:18
and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
3 Isaiah 59:19
When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight [for He will come like a rushing stream which the breath of the Lord drives].
Baptisms
Scriptures talks about the doctrine of baptisms1, and there are 3 baptisms in the new covenant. Two baptisms that are spiritual, and one that is physical. The two spiritual baptisms are administered by God alone, and the physical is administered by men appointed by God.
Baptism into the body of Christ:
1st spiritual baptism unto regeneration and sanctification:
Just as Jesus was born of the Spirit2 anyone who repents and believes in Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection is made to be born of the Spirit3 by God’s supernatural grace4. This regeneration (born of the Spirit) experience happens when the Holy Spirit baptizes5
the repented believer into the body of Christ. The ongoing communion with the Holy Spirit, washing of water by the Word, and being grounded in the scriptures sanctifies to overcome sin.
Water baptism by immersion:
1st physical baptism by immersion:
Just as Jesus was baptised by immersion in water by John the Baptist6 anyone who repents and believes in Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection are baptized by immersion in the water according to the Lord’s command7. The next logical step after repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is to be baptized by immersion in the water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Baptism by immersion is a public confession of internal regeneration (born of the Spirit). The ritual of baptism by immersion does not cause one to be born of the Spirit, but all those who are born of the Spirit will absolutely seek to be baptized by immersion motivation by faith and love.
Baptism into Holy Spirit and fire:
2nd spiritual baptism unto witnessing by empowerment:
Just as the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus right after being baptized in the water8, for the one who believe, Jesus will baptize them in the Holy Spirit and fire9. The first spiritual baptism is administered by the Holy Spirit into Jesus , the second spiritual baptism is administered by Jesus into the Holy Spirit. The first time this baptism occurred was on the day of Pentecost in the upper room according to the promise of the Father, sent by Jesus after His Ascension, to empower the church to preach the Gospel throughout the whole earth10.
1 Hebrews 6:1,2
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
2 Luke 1:35
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
3 John 3:5
Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
4 Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God
5 1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
6 Matthew 3:13-15
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
7 Matthew 28:19, 20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
8 Matthew 3:16
As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on. Him.
9 Matthew 3:11
I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
10 Acts 2:1-4
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
The fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit
It is the same Holy Spirit who enables a believer to bear fruit and manifest gifts. It is very important to walk in power and humility.
While a fruit bearing life is the ultimate product1 of one's complete surrender to desirously do God’s will2, gifts are manifested as a sign to non-believers and to edify the body of Christ, all ultimately to reveal God’s glory and power. The gospel is to be preached with the demonstration of the power of the Kingdom motivated by love3, just like Jesus and the early apostles did.
1 Matthew 7:19
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
2 John 6:38
For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
3 1 Corinthians 14:1
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.
Believer’s Authority
Every believer is called to live and operate in the power1 and authority2 of the Kingdom as given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ. No believer is called to live a fearful life, but to be filled with faith, power and sound mind3.
1 Mark 16: 17, 18
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 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.
2 Luke 10:19
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
3 2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind
Five-fold ministry
Jesus gave as gifts to the church (Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers) to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Just like any disciple of Jesus, a disciple who operate in these offices will manifest humility, wisdom, maturity and the power of the Spirit, like Jesus did.
Ephesians 4:11-13
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Discipleship
The commission given by the Lord is not just to create church members, but to make disciples1 ; not just to believe, but also to suffer for the sake of Christ2. A disciple is someone who denies himself, takes up the cross and follows the Lord3 . A disciple becomes a reflection of Jesus Christ on earth in love and power as it is the will of God for each believer to become like Jesus.
1 Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
2 Philippians 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him
3 Matthew 16:24-26
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Heaven and Hell
Heaven is a real place where the believers in Jesus Christ1 will enter as their eternal dwelling after death2, or when they get raptured3. Hell is also a real place, it was not made for humans but for the devil and his fallen angels4; but this is also the place which the unbelievers will enter after death for eternal damnation as judgment for their sins5.
1 John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
2 John 14:2
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 1 Thessalonians 4:17
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
4 Matthew 25:41
Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
4 2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
5 Revelation 22:12-16
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
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