Statements of Faith
1. The Scriptures Inspired
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the authoritative rule of faith and conduct.
2 Timothy 3:16 – "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."
2. The One True God
We believe there is only one true God—revealed in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (the Trinity).
Deuteronomy 6:4 – "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one."
3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus is the eternal Son of God and shares fully in the divine nature.
John 1:1 – "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
4. The Fall of Man
We believe man was created good but fell through voluntary transgression.
Romans 5:12 – "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man... in this way death came to all people, because all sinned."
5. The Salvation of Man
We believe salvation is available to all through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:8–9 – "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... it is the gift of God."
6. The Ordinances of the Church
We believe in two ordinances: water baptism by immersion and Holy Communion.
Matthew 28:19 – "Therefore go and make disciples... baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
7. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
We believe all believers are entitled to and should seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:8 – "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses..."
8. The Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
We believe that speaking in tongues, as the Spirit enables, is an evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit—and that tongues will always be present when a believer is baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:4 – "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
Note from Friendship Assembly:
While we affirm that tongues will always be present in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we do not elevate this gift above the others. Speaking in tongues is an evidence, but the full range of Spirit-empowered gifts—including prophecy, healing, wisdom, discernment, and others—are equally valuable and vital for the health and mission of the Church. We pursue all the gifts in biblical order and balance.
9. Sanctification
We believe sanctification is an act of separation from evil and dedication to God.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 – "It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality..."
10. The Church and Its Mission
We believe the Church is the body of Christ and exists to evangelize the world, worship God, and build up believers.
Ephesians 4:11–13 – "...to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up..."
11. The Ministry
We believe a divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided for the fourfold purpose: evangelism, worship, discipleship, and compassion.
Mark 16:15–20 – "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation..."
12. Divine Healing
We believe divine healing is provided in Christ’s atonement and is a privilege for all believers.
Isaiah 53:5 – "By his wounds we are healed."
13. The Blessed Hope
We believe in the rapture of the Church—the imminent return of Christ to gather His people.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 – "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven... and the dead in Christ will rise first..."
14. The Millennial Reign of Christ
We believe in the return of Christ with His saints to reign for 1,000 years on earth.
Revelation 20:4 – "...they came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years."
15. The Final Judgment
We believe there will be a final judgment for the wicked.
Revelation 20:11–12 – "...the dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books."
16. The New Heavens and the New Earth
We believe in a new heaven and new earth, where righteousness dwells forever.
2 Peter 3:13 – "But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells."