POLC - STATEMENT OF FAITH

Section 1 The Bible:  We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God equally in all parts and without error in its original manuscript, absolutely infallible, and our source of supreme revelation from God to man, and it is therefore our infallible rule of faith and practice.   It is the source given to mankind  for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.  II Timothy 3:16-17;  I Peter 1:23-25;  Hebrews 4:12

Section 2  God:  We believe in one God and that He is in man Gen. 2:7 and has revealed Himself in three persons, the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit 1 John 5:7, whereby, is the foundation that this ministry built is upon.    The Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit are one eternal in Heaven, free from temporal distinction, all stand equally and existed before the world was created John 1:1-4 . The FATHER eternal  -    Deut. 33:27;  Psalms 90:2;  Psalms 102:27; I Timothy 1:17. The WORD eternal  -    John. 1:1-2;  John. 8:58;  Heb. 1:8; I John 1:2; Micah 5:2; Rev. 1:8The HOLY SPIRIT eternal   -     Heb. 9:14These are The GODHEAD eternal - Romans 1:20  (John. 1:1-2 & 14; I Tim. 3:16;  Acts 7:37-38, Col. 2:9,10)

Section 3  Jesus The Christ and Lordship:  We believe in the pre-existence of Christ the creator of all things and that He is God’s Word and Devine manifestation that came to the world in the bodily form of Jesus the Savior (1 John 4:2; Hebrew 10:5; Matt. 1:25) to destroy human error for those who receive Him.  We further believe that Jesus Christ was conceived of the Holy Spirit and brought forth of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life and that He is the propitiation for our sins and for the sins of the world. He was crucified, died, was buried and rose again with all power. Phil. 2:9-10; Matt. 28:18; John 1:1,  John. 1:1-2 & 14;  Acts 7:37-38;  I Tim. 3:16;  1 John 2:2;  1 John 3:8

Section 4  Christ’s Ascension and Immanent Return:  We believe in Jesus Christ's sinless life, miracles, death for mankind, bodily resurrection and His ascension into Heaven with all power, and His personal return in power and great glory.  (Acts 1:11; 3:19-21; Daniel 7:14; Revelation 20:4)  We acknowledge His Lordship --- that Jesus Christ is Lord over all things in heaven and in earth, and under the earth. Phil. 2:9-10

Section 5  A New Heaven and Earth:  We believe that there shall be a new heaven and a new earth.  Isa. 65:17 and 66:22; 2 Pet. 2:13;  Rev. 21 & 22.

Section 6 The Creation of Man:  We believe that man was created by God both spiritually and physically.  Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7

Section 7  Satan:  We believe that Satan was an angel which fell from grace Isaiah 14:12-20 and that he was defeated by Christ through His death, burial and resurrection at Calvary Ephesians 1:19-23; Col. 2:15 and that Christ has delegated His authority over all the works of Satan to those who serve Him.   Matt. 28:18-20;  Ephes. 6:10-18

Section 8 The Fall of Man:  We believe that man was created in a state of righteousness and holiness and totally aware of his spirituality and surrounding, Gen. 1:26-27, 2:8; Romans 1:20-32 but, fell by transgression into spiritual depravity Genesis 3:1-24  and became aware of his physical nature and entered into a state of death through trespasses and sins in which he is held as a slave to the law of sin in the flesh, Rom. 6:16 thus, an enemy of God, Romans 1:20-32 being unable to attain divine righteousness again by his own efforts, but must be redeemed and delivered by the law of the Spirit of Christ through the power of His gospel. Titus 2:11 Rom 5:12-21

Section 9  Basic Principals:  We believe that each person must understand the basic principals of conversion and leave them and grow to perfection.  These ‘principals’ are:  repentance from dead works, of faith toward God, doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, eternal judgment  Heb 6:1-3

Section 10 Repentance:   We believe that it is the goodness of God that lead man to repentance Rom. 2:4. Repentance is dependent upon the convicting action of the Holy Spirit in the lives of sinners and believers.  The conviction of the Holy Spirit, will result in the revelation of the sinfulness of self which leads to Godly sorrow. Godly sorrow, is a feeling of deep regret for the wrong done with a decision to never repeat that wrong again.  Repentance is a total change of heart, mind, attitude, emotions, will, action and lifestyle flowing the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin.  II Corinthians 7:10; Psalms 51; Acts 11:18; II Tim. 2:25 Romans 1:18-32; Matt. 9:12-13.

Section 11 Faith:  W​e believe that faith is a creative force that comes from God Romans 10:17 and without it there is no pleasing Him.  Hebrews 11:6.  Faith without works is dead James 2:26.  Our faith is an active force in our lives that requires and results in actions being taken.  A living, active faith will be manifested not only in belief, but, in actions expressed and based upon that belief.     16:27; Matt. 17:20;  Luke 17:6;  Heb. 11:3; James 1:22 

Section 12  Justification:  We beleve that we are justified by faith through the blood of Jesus.  We have peace with God and are savedfrom wrath through Jesus Christ.  Rom. 3:38; Rm. 5:1; Gal. 2:16

Section 13  Water Baptism:   We believe that water baptism is sustained by the scripture and is an  essential and necessary part of the outward show for true repentance and the remission of sins.  It is only to be performed for those who have acknowledged their sins, repented and turned from them professing that Jesus died for their sins and that they have accepted Him as their Lord and Savior.  Baptism is to be done by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ Acts 2:38 or in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit  Matt. 28:19.  Colossians 2:9-1; John 1:31;  Matthew 3:13-17,  Acts 19:4; Hebrew 6:2; Mark 1:7-8;  Luke 3:16; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3

Section 14  Baptism in the Holy Spirit:  We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit according to Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6; and that speaking in other tongues (languages) Acts 2:3-11 is a sign of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit and is not necessarily given to every one.  Acts 2:1 We also hold that the evidence of the baptism (or infilling) of the Holy Spirit is one's response to the Word of God (John 16:13), a Christ-like life, showing forth Christ's character, nature and experiencing and manifesting the fruit of the Holy Spirit.  John 15:26; 16:14; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 5:18-21)

Section 15  Laying on of hands:  We believe in the doctrine of the laying on of hands for:​​ Section 20  New Testament Ministry:  We believe in Both male and female (Acts 10:35)  Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastor, Pastors, Bishops, Elders and Teachers, Deacons, (Exodus 18:13-26) and any other Leaders designated by the scriptures.  (Eph. 4:11)  Elders (Titus 1:5-9; I Timothy 3:1-7) Pastoral accountability and authority (Hebrews 13:17).  Ephesians 4:11-12.  We believe they are called and scripturally provided by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, for the edification and oversight of the body of Christ in their various capacities.  Mark 16:15-20; Acts 20:28.   Elders were first established in the Old Testament under Moses there were those set aside to ‘rule’ over 1000’s, 100’s, 50’s and 10’s.  We choose to term them as ‘Elders’.  There were 70 Elders ‘called out,’ to share Moses’ anointing, they were the equivalent of the New Testament Ministry.  The remaining Elders, the equivalent of the local church Elders, with varying degrees of anointing{fs22 .  We believe in the ministry, and necessity, of the Local Church Elsers. Ex 18:13-26.  Num. 11:14,17; and 24, 25; Deut 1:15.    

Section 16  The Ministry of the Holy Spirit/Spiritual Gifts: ​ We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is manifested in the Church through the fruits, (Galatians 5:22-23 --- graces, ministries and gifts) and we hold that the nine gifts of the Spirit, (I Corinthians 12:8-11) should be and must be operative in the Church today and are available for the Holy Spirit to express through whosoever It will.  Also, we hold that these gifts are imparted by the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit and only work or operate by this one and self-same Spirit.  I Corinthians 12:11

Section 17  Anointing and Healing:  We believe in divine healing for the whole man.  Healing was obtained through the atonement in Christ's sacrificial death (I Peter 2:24-25; Isaiah 53:4-5). We believe in healing as practiced by the early church. (John 14:12)  Anointing and praying for the sick in the name of Jesus should be done in the Church.  James 5:13-16  Acts 4:30; 19:11; Romans 8:11; I Corinthians 12:9; James 5:14.​​ ​a)  The confirming of believers in the faith.  Acts 14:22 b)  The confirmation of one's call by the laying on of hands with prophecy Acts 13:1,3.c)  The impartation of the spiritual gifts when accompanied by prophecy and the laying on of hands I Timothy 4:14;  II Timothy 1:6 d) The recognition, ordination, consecration/installation and setting apart of ministry.e)   The impartation of the gift of the Holy Spirit Acts 8:17-18.f)  The ministry of healing the sick Mark 16:16.g) The blessing and dedication (setting apart) of children.  Mark 10:16. ​

Section 18  Grace and Sanctification:​  ​We believe that "by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works lest any man should boast."  (Ephesians 2:8-9)  We believe in the keeping power of God, walking after the Spirit and not after the flesh in a lifestyle void of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and illegal drugs.  We furthermore, find it scriptural to abstain from gay marriages, homosexuality, fornication, adultery, pornography, lying, cheating, stealing, murder or any thing that is considered unscriptural.  Galatians 5:16-25; Jude 1:7, 18, 19; Ephes. 5:3-6, 11, 18;  2 Tim. 3:1-6; Rom. 1:21-32Section 19  The Autonomy Of The Church:  Path Of Life is intentionally structured as an “Autonomous” and “Indigenous” entity, with no other church or organization having authority or control over it because Christ is the Head of the Church with His appointed earthly shepherd(s)/pastor(s) to lead and serve His earth realm Mlnistry.

Section 19.  The Autonomy Of The Church:  Path Of Life is intentionally structured as an “Autonomous” and “Indigenous” entity, with no other church or organization having authority or control over it because Christ is the Head of the Church with His appointed earthly shepherd(s)/pastor(s) to lead and serve His earth realm Church. 

Section 20.  New Testament Ministry:  We believe in Both male and female (Acts 10:35)  Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastor, Pastors, Elders and Teachers, Deacons, (Exodus 18:13-26) and any other Leaders designated by the scriptures.  (Eph. 4:11)  Elders (Titus 1:5-9; I Timothy 3:1-7) Pastoral accountability and authority (Hebrews 13:17).  Ephesians 4:11-12.  We believe they are called and scripturally provided by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, for the edification and oversight of the body of Christ in their various capacities.  Mark 16:15-20; Acts 20:28.   Elders were first established in the Old Testament under Moses there were those set aside to ‘rule’ over 1000’s, 100’s, 50’s and 10’s.  We choose to term them as ‘Elders’.  There were 70 Elders ‘called out,’ to share Moses’ anointing, they were the equivalent of the New Testament Ministry.  The remaining Elders, the equivalent of the local church Elders, with varying degrees of anointing{fs22 .  We believe in the ministry, and necessity, of the Local Church Elsers. Ex 18:13-26.  Num. 11:14,17; and 24, 25; Deut 1:15.   

 Section 21.     Priesthood:     We believe in the Priesthood of man as one set aside by God in Hebrews 5:1-4 and that the Bishop and/or Pastor as God’s appointed head(s) will give directions not necessarily according to common religious protocol, but, as led by God’s Holy Spirit.    Furthermore, the Apostolic Succession of Priest in this church traces its origins to the Christian community founded in Antioch by the Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul.

 Section 22.  Ordination:  We believe the local church has the right to Ordain, Install and Consecrate all of the above Local Church Ministers according to the earthly protocol as a recognition and separation of a specific gifting of God.  We believe that God calls men into specific ministries as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Pastors, Elders and Teachers, Priest.  God calls.  Only God can make a minister and, that, from the heart.  Man can only recognize the call, acknowledge it, and perform the earthly protocol of Ordination, Installation, Consecration, on the basis of that recognition of God's gifting.  Men and women called to a specific office by God and Ordained, Installed, Consecrated by this church will have the right to participate in the traditional sacramental and ordinal functions of the church such as marriage, funerals, baptisms, and the like as designated by the Pastor.   Titus 1:5;  Acts 14:23;   1 Tim. 2:7  Heb. 5:1, 8:3  

 Section 23.  Deacon/Deaconess:  We believe in the servant ministry of the Deacon/Deaconess (Acts 6:1-7; Philippians 1:1;  I Timothy 3:8-13), as those recognized, able and appointed by the Pastor as a ministry of Helps; Servants; Administrators (I Cor. 12:28), and to lead in Music and Worship or whatever other  deemed necessary by the Pastor I Chron.  23:1-5. 

 Section 24.  The Body of Christ:  We believe that the Church is the Body of Christ expressed as the church individual, the church local, and the church universal and invisible (all saints of all places and all times united together under one Lord), and that the basis of our fellowship is in Jesus Christ, in the power of the Spirit.  Ephesians 2:13-22; 4:3-6; I John 1:6-7  As such, we believe the church to be more than just a building or a gathering of people.  It is a body living in relationship and harmony under the direction of the head, Jesus Christ.    I Corinthians 6:15; II Corinthians 1:1; Romans 16:5; I Peter 2:4-5; Ephesians 2:19-22; I Corinthians 12:12-31; Romans 12:4-5; Ephesians 4:11-16.  The local church is an expression of the community and fellowship of God. 

 Section 25.  Congregational Membership:  The Church, by its very composition, is a membership organization.  The local church is the manifestation within our society of  The Church.  All believers are members of The Church.  Individual members of the Body of Christ will wish to associate with our congregation as members.  Each local church exists for an express purpose in God’s plan.  As members of this local congregation they are given into the care and oversight of the Bishop and Pastor and other leadership as designated by the Pastor, which must give an account to God for their souls.  (Hebrews 13:17)  As members of the congregation, they will not have a vote in business decisions, except as defined in these By-Laws.

 Section 26.  Meeting in Private Homes:  The local body will meet together as a whole and in smaller groups in the homes of the members of the congregation, as deemed necessary by the Pastor and/or Co-Pastor.  We consider the fellowship of the saints together in the private homes of the members or homes of others who may request fellowship to be an essential expression of the life of faith of the church.  Matt. 16:13-20, 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-47; I Pet. 4:17; I Tim. 3:15; Eph. 2:19; I Pet. 2:5; Acts 18:8; Rom. 16:5, 10, 11; I Cor. 1:11, 16; 16:15, 19; Phil. 4:22; Col. 4:15; 2 Tim. 1:16; 4:19.

Section 27.  Determining use of the Church Property:  The Board of Directors in consultation with the Senior pastor of this church shall determine who may attend church meetings and functions.  This church is owned by the Lord Jesus Christ who has entrusted the care of the flock to the leadership He has raised up here.  It is not a place of public accommodation, nor is it a public institution, and its property is not a public place, whether rented, leased, or owned.  Rather it is private property belonging to this church.  Acts 20:28-31; II Peter 2:1-3; I Timothy 1:20; 6:5; I Cor. 5:1-13; II Thess. 3:6-15; II John 9-11; II Tim. 3:1-5; Titus 3:10-11; Rom. 16:17.

 Section 28.  Worship:  We believe in the practice of worship with one's total being (singing; lifting of hands; bowing down; lying prostrate before the Lord; in the dance; the use of instruments) as set forth in the Word of God.  Eph 5:18-19; Rev 1:17l; Psalm 150; Acts 24:14

 Section 29.  Tithing, Offerings, and Giving of Alms:   Both Old and New Testament scriptures teach tithing as God’s financial plan for the support of the work.  These are to be practiced continually by all believers.  Because, paying tithe is a mandate of God, it is required by anyone who desire to hold an office in the church to pay tithes.  Gen 14:18-20;28:20-22; Prov. 11:24, 25, Mal. 3:8-10; Matt. 23:23; Lu. 11:42; 1 Cor. 16:22; 2 Cor. 8:7-8; 9:6 - 9;

 Section 30.  Benevolence to the Needy:  We believe that the Scriptures are clear concerning helping those in need and caring for those who profess to be fellow Christians, especially those of our own fellowship of believers.  Therefore, in accordance with the biblical commands, as a fundamental aspect of the practice of our faith, we will share of our material goods with those in need, being careful not to become enablers of those who seek to prey upon the church, but, will minister to them to the best of our abilities.  Prov. 25:21; Isa. 58:10; Gal. 6:10; I Tim 6:18-19

Section 31. Advice, Guidance and Biblical Counsel:  We believe that the scriptures clearly define that members of a congregation can seek out advice, consultation, direction, purpose, resolution, and guidance from the Bishop and/or Pastor, Directors, mature male/female Leadership, Ministry Gifts within the Body of Christ.  (I Kings 1:12; Prov. 11:14, 27:9; Psa. 55:13-14.)  We further believe that consultation and instruction is applicable by the scriptures through sessions, a company of persons in close deliberation set together, to lay a foundation, set in place and give wise counsel.  The personal care of the saints is the sanctification of the whole person, body, soul and spirit,   (I Thess. 3:13; 5:23)  through the atoning blood of Jesus, (Eph. 2:13-16; I Pet. 1:18-19).  The transformation of the soul through the Word of God, (Rom. 12:1-2) the denying of the old nature, (Gal. 2:20, 5:24; I Pet 1:13-15) salvation through grace not works, (Eph. 2:1-8) and the promise of the resurrection, (Jn. 3:16, 10:25-26) are the effective working mechanisms that characterize Pastor/Pastoral care ministry.  Such ministry is foundational to the practice of our faith.

 Section 32.  Biblical Definition of Family and Marriage:  We believe in the creation, and God as the Creator.  We believe that God created man and that He created them male and female.  As such He created them different so as to complement and complete each other.  God instituted monogamous marriage between male and female as the foundation of the family, the basic structure of human society.  It is in families that choose to love and honor God, and pattern their lives according to His Holy Bible, that He would enable healthy relationships of purity, and protection to be developed.  Therefore, this church will conduct wedding ceremonies only between a man and a woman having been naturally born with that gender, and who are members of this church or another church approved by the Sr. Pastor, and they must have received counseling prior to any ceremoy.  We believe homosexuality, and other sexual preferences or orientation, are unnatural, and unacceptable to God. Rom. 1:18-32; Gen. 2:24; 28:14. Heb 13:4

 Section 33.  Homosexuality: We recognize that because God’s grace does abound and that it does not mean that man should continue in sin.   He hates the sinful activity and desire that all men should come to repentance.  The scriptures declares that this lifestyle has no place in the church.   Rom. 1:18-32;  1 Cor. 6:9-11; &:17;  1 Tim. 1:9-11.   Therefore, any person who comes from this sexual background can come to the church in hopes that he/she will repent and change, but cannot be a member so long as he/she chooses to engage in this practice,  we believe homosexuality, and all other forms of sexual preferences or orientations, are unnatural, and unacceptable to God.  

Section 34.  Altering Ones Sexuality:   We believe that any person having had, or are planning to have, modifications to their sexual organs resulting in the reclassification of their gender; or those unhappy with their sexual identity, who modify their standards of dress, attempt to take on the appearance of the opposite sex, are loved of God just as any other person.  But, as regards their involvement with or membership in this church, the following stipulations shall apply:

 a)  If a person has surgically altered his/her body, which God has sovereignly created, they must be brought to a place of recognition of having offended God by their actions.  The same applies for those who, by their manner of dress, attempt to deceive themselves and others as regards to their Gender.  To qualify for membership, they must experience and confess repentance, to his/her Bishop and/or Pastor.  The Pastor having heard their confession of repentance, and abiding faith in God for His assistance in their being an over-comer and in his/her quest for victory over this sin, shall agree to ‘cover in love’ such revelation, and not disclose anything regarding their past actions. Any person, once identified as transsexual or transvestite, may continue to attend only so long as the Pastor feels there is progress being made in bringing him/her to repentance.  He/she will not be permitted to hold office, or any position of leadership in the church;

b)  No marriage ceremony, commitment ceremony, or sanctions of any kind between homosexuals, lesbians, transsexual or transvestite individuals will be permitted in the Church at any time.  All provisions of subsection a) through d) shall apply;

c  Any current church member who expresses a determination to have a surgical procedure to change his/her sexual identity shall be subject to discipline.  ARTICLE III  Section 36

Refusal of individuals to adhere to Section 35 a) through c), He/she cannot be a member of this church until they can declare that they will not practice such life styles in this church with God being their helper.  2 Cor. 5:17; Psalms 10:3,4; Psalms 24: 3,4; Jer. 2:21, & 17:9; Rom. 1:18-32; Eph 4:17-24; Heb. 3:7-14; 1 Cor. 6:8 & 9; 1 John 1:8; 2 Tim. 3:13; 1 Cor. 6:9 & 15:34.

 Section 35:  Deliverance:  We believe there is the occasional need for deliverance.  Deliverance is manifested by an inability to be free from abondage:  e.g., mental (emotional), physical or spiritual normally associated with demon activity, it is God’s desire to bring deliverance to His people.  Job 5:19, Psa. 91:3, 2 Tim. 4:13; Heb. 2:15; 2 Pet. 2:9).  We have been granted the authority in the name of Jesus to bring deliverance to others.  (Mk. 16:17; John 14:12; I Cor. 12:8-11).  We must understand that our warfare is with the forces of evil (Eph. 6:12), our weapon is the Word of God, our authority and power is from Jesus himself (Mk. 16:17, Acts 1:8) and that the battlefield is first of all in the spiritual realms.  (Eph. 6:10-18; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Gal. 5:22-23).

 Section 36.  Discipline:  We believe in church discipline administered within the church, administered in a spirit of meekness and confidentiality.  The purpose of such discipline is the restoration of the one subject to the discipline and/or the purification of the church.  Biblical steps of discipline are one on one private confrontation, private confrontation with witnesses, meeting with the Directors and/or Pastor and/or Co-Pastor for judgment leading to restoration or separation, and finally, if necessary, exposure to the congregation. (Matt. 18:15-20; Gal. 6:1; Romans 16:17; II John 9-11; I Corinthians 5; II Corinthians 2:6-8; I Timothy 5:20)

 Section 37.  Lawsuits:  We believe as members of the same body of Christ, baptized by one Spirit into one body, that we must endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and as such that we are discouraged from bringing a lawsuit in a civil court against another person who professes to be a Christian.  We believe that all such disputes should be resolved within the Body of Christ without taking them before unbelievers for judgment. (1 Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:3-6)    See Article IV Section 10 in these By-Laws ‘Procedure For Mediation Of Disputes,’ for the accepted and agreed upon means for resolving disputes among members.  In the event of personal injury, occurring on church property, activities or vehicles resulting in medical bills to the member or his dependents, it may be necessary for the member to bring suit to require the church insurance company to cover those medical expenses.  In no event will the member ever request or accept an award of punitive damages.

 Section 38.  The Restoration of the Church:   We believe in the Holy scriptures and that our doctrinal concepts are found to be in harmony with them and shall be accepted, taught and practiced by this church, and as God’s complete revelation and truths that are already written and contained in the scripture continues to unfold, we will walk in the light as we see it, making necessary changes, because, it will only add to what God has already restored to the Church.  (Acts 3:21; 15:15; II Peter 1:20; Ephesians 3:1-6; Revelation 10:6-7)