We believe the Bible is the inspired, authoritative, living, and eternally reliable Word of God equally in all parts. We believe it is without error in its original manuscript, absolutely infallible, and our source of supreme revelation from God, superior to conscience and reason. It is therefore our infallible rule of faith and practice, and necessary to our daily lives (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12).

We believe in one God who has revealed Himself in three persons: the Father; the Son; and the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:20).

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all co-eternal and all stand equally superior to time, free from the temporal distinctions of past and future. (FATHER - Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2; Psalm 102:27; 1 Timothy 1:17; SON - John 1:1-2; John 8:58; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 1:2; Revelation 1:8; SPIRIT - Hebrews 9:14). We believe in God the Father, Creator of all things visible and invisible (Col. 1:15-16).

We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, who came into the world to reveal the Father, and was the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person; that Jesus Christ was the Creator of everything, for by Him all things were made. We further believe that in Christ dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily and that He was fully God and fully Man (John 1:1-2 & 14; 1 Tim. 3:16; Acts 7:37-38).

We believe in Jesus Christ's pre-existence, incarnation, virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, substitutionary and atoning death, bodily resurrection, bodily ascension into heaven, exaltation, present rule at the right hand of God, personal return in power and great glory, and in His everlasting Kingdom and dominion (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, on earth, and under the earth (Philippians 2:9-10).

We believe in the Holy Spirit, His present ministry, His indwelling, His empowering, His impartation of gifts for today, and His transforming power in the lives of all believers (1 Cor. 12:4-11; Gal. 5:22-23).

We believe man was created by a direct and immediate act of God (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:4). We believe man, by transgression, fell from a state of righteousness and holiness in which he was first created into total spiritual depravity, a state of death in trespasses and sins in which he is held as a slave of sin and an enemy of God. As such, he is unable to attain divine righteousness by his efforts but must be redeemed and delivered by the power of the gospel (Romans 5:12-21; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

We believe that repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ are integral to God's work of justifying believers. Through faith in the shed blood of Christ, they are justified and made a partaker in the death of Christ (Romans 5:1,9).

We believe, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). We further believe that the emphasis for a continuous walk in grace should be on demonstrating righteousness and purity of heart, believing in the keeping power of God, walking after the Spirit and not after the flesh, living a lifestyle that reflects the character, standards and convictions of Jesus Christ, and not being conformed to the world (Jude 24; Romans 8:25; Galatians 5:16-25; Romans 4:1-5; 12:1-2). Repentance is dependent upon the convicting action of the Holy Spirit in the lives of sinners and believers and their response. The conviction of the Holy Spirit, which often accompanies the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, will result in the revelation of the sinfulness of self, which should lead to godly sorrow. Remorse, or worldly sorrow, is a feeling of deep regret, hopelessness, or even despair. It does not lead to constructive change.

On the other hand, godly sorrow produces repentance, which causes us to turn away from sin and selfishness and to receive faith for change. Repentance is evidenced by an earnest desire to change. Repentance changes the way we feel and act about sin, self, and God. Repentance is a total change of mind, will, and emotions (2 Corinthians 7:10; Psalm 51; Acts 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25; Romans 1:18-32; Matthew 9:12-13).

We believe that in the final judgment, which will accompany the return of Christ, every person will give an account to God of every aspect of this earthly life. The Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema Seat) is the judgment of believers in reference to rewards or lack thereof. The Great White Throne Judgment is the judgment of unbelievers who will be eternally separated from God and in torment (1 Cor. 3:10-15; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11-15).

We believe in the Lord's Supper and Believer's Baptism as acts of our obedience and a testimony of our faith (Matt. 3:6; Mark 16:16; 1 Cor. 11:23-29). We believe that water baptism is necessary as a response of obedience to Jesus' command. Baptism is to be performed only upon repentant believers in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matt. 28:18-20). We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; Acts 10:46; Acts 19:6). We hold that the evidence of the baptism 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, and experiencing and manifesting the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit (John 15:26, 16:14; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Cor. 12:4-11).

Salvation is a term used to describe the process through which a sinful and spiritually dead person is made alive again in Christ, through the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). We affirm the following teachings regarding the doctrine of Salvation:

Every person needs salvation.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Because we have all sinned, “there is no righteous person, not even one” (Romans 3:10). Acts 4:12 states that “we must be saved.”

Salvation is imperative for all who want to enter into a present restored relationship with God and a future relationship with God in heaven. Men, although made in the image of God, are totally depraved without God, and therefore unable to fellowship with a Holy God.

Every person can be saved.

We wholeheartedly affirm that God “wants all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Also see Acts 2:17-18 and John 3:16.

Jesus is the only way to salvation.

“The wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Jesus is the way to eternal life as He Himself proclaimed, saying “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Jesus is not a means of salvation but the only means of salvation. There is no salvation outside the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross. No other religious system, spiritual practice, or good-hearted act provides atonement for man’s sin.

Salvation happens by grace alone.

Despite the importance of human agency, salvation is attributed above all to God. One cannot work one's way to heaven or have one's sins atoned for through religious activity (Romans 11:6; Ephesians 2:8-9; Isaiah 64:6).

How salvation occurs.

No one can come to God unless drawn by the Holy Spirit (John 6:44). When individuals respond to God by confessing Christ as Lord and repenting of sin, they are saved. The Holy Spirit enters the heart of the believer upon salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14). Also see Romans 10:8-15 and Acts 2:21.

Those who are not saved are under judgment.

Prior to salvation, people live as enemies of God (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21). As a result, those who are not saved are objects of wrath, condemned to be judged for their sins. There is a literal hell in which those who do not believe in Christ will receive judgment for their sins after death. See Romans 6:23 and Ephesians 2:1-2.

The doctrine of salvation fuels our passion for evangelism.

Because we believe that all people must confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to be saved from sin, Acts Church is actively involved in spreading the Gospel message to both the unreached around us and to the uttermost parts of the earth. See Romans 10:14-15.

Issues of Concern and Practice:

Salvation is demonstrated by fruit.

Salvation is a spiritual state, but it is proven in one’s life through the demonstration of repentance, which is characterized by a transformed life. See Matthew 3:8, Luke 3:8, Philippians 2:12, and 1 John 3:6.

Salvation does not result in perfection.

Those who know Christ will sin, struggle with sin, and combat temptation until their final glorification in heaven. See 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and 1 John 2:1.

Salvation perseveres.

Even though Christians maintain an ongoing struggle against forces in the world, their flesh, and the devil, their salvation perseveres amid trials, sin, and failure, not because of their own works but because of the finished work of Christ. See Romans 8:28-29, Philippians 2:13, and Romans 1:17.

There is no post-mortem salvation.

We reject the teaching that one can be saved after death. We affirm that, in this life, people “are without excuse” for their failure to respond to the revelation of God (Romans 1:20). Also see Hebrews 9:27 and Revelation 21:27.

Who is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is:

...God (Gen. 1:2; Acts 5:3, 4).

...A Person in the Trinity (Rev. 22:17).

...The Comforter (Jn. 16:7 KJV).

...The Convictor (Jn. 16:8).

...The Counselor (Jn. 16:12-15).

...The Teacher (Jn. 14:26; 1 Jn. 2:27).

...The One who brings us Power to be God’s witnesses (Acts 1:8).

...The Presence of Jesus in the here and now (Matt. 28:20; 1 Cor. 5:4).

...The Sealer who marks us for total salvation and guarantees our inheritance in the life to come (Eph. 1:13-14).

The Holy Spirit is not:

...a mystical fog (Isa. 11:2).

...an impersonal power source to make meetings better (Jn. 15:26).

...A spirit of fear (Rom. 8:15; 2 Tim. 1:7).

...A power to be used for your own selfish gain (Acts 8:9-25).

The Holy Spirit is described as:

...a dove (Matt. 3:17; Luke 3:22).

...fire (Matt. 3:11; Luke 3:16; Acts 2:3).

...wind (Jn. 3:8; Acts 2:2).

...water (Jn. 7:37-39).

...oil (Heb. 1:9).

...wine (Acts 2:13).

...a down payment guaranteeing our salvation (2 Cor. 1:21, 22).

...One that can be quenched or grieved because of sin (Eph. 4:29-30; 1 Thess. 5:18-19).

The Holy Spirit and Salvation

When you become a Christian, you receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit seals you - He puts the imprint of God upon you, securing your salvation and depositing in you various gifts and revelations of Jesus Christ. These are a down payment on everything you will receive when you are resurrected with Jesus in Heaven (Eph. 1:13-14; Eph. 4:30).

The Holy Spirit and the Believer

The Holy Spirit brings us through a process of transformation and holiness when we receive Christ. Here are some common activities of the Holy Spirit in our lives after we become believers:

He forms Christ’s character in us (Isa. 11:1-5; Gal. 5:22, 23).

He clothes us with Christ’s power so that we can do the works that Jesus did, and even greater ones (Isa. 61:1-3; Heb. 2:4).

He increases our faith (Jude 20).

He enables us to pray continually (1 Thess. 5:17) and even when we do not know what to pray (Rom. 8:26-27).

He allows us to receive spiritual gifts from Jesus for the common good (1 Corinthians 12, 13, and 14).

He empowers us to operate in ministry (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:27-31; Eph. 4:11-13).

He fulfills the prophecy of Joel 2:28-32. See Acts 2:16-21.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

As described above, Christians receive the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation, which is a one-time experience that invites the Holy Spirit to begin forming a Christ-like character in the believer. Also, through the Christian life, the Holy Spirit will continue to empower Christians for service. Jesus promised His disciples that after His ascension into heaven, they would have this powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit. This experience is described in Acts 2 and is called the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit." Baptism means "immersion."

It is our conviction that God desires every believer to have this same experience with the power of the Holy Spirit. As demonstrated through numerous examples in the New Testament, a believer can be "filled" or "baptized" in the Holy Spirit in greater measure after salvation.

Consider the example of the early disciples. They:

*received the Holy Spirit when Jesus breathed on them (Jn. 20:22).

*were filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4).

*were filled with the Holy Spirit again after prayer (Acts 4:31).

Paul viewed the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as a necessary qualification for walking out the Christian life. He commands the Ephesian Christians to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18).

As a general rule, the Holy Spirit will not compel you to do anything. You have to desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit responds to your hunger, you respond to His presence in faith and with a sincere heart.

As a church family, we embrace the work of God as demonstrated through the spiritual gifts. We encourage individuals to seek the nine biblical gifts of the Spirit, as defined in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, and to eagerly desire the spiritual gifts as commanded in 1 Corinthians 14:1. Spiritual gifts are not evidence of spiritual maturity, but rather evidence of the present grace of God given to meet the needs of others.

We have found that spiritual gifts are most easily practiced in a Christian small group where they can be facilitated in an environment of safety, feedback, and relationship. We encourage our 2:42 Groups to use the example of 1 Corinthians 14:26-28 to administer spiritual gifts in an orderly fashion.

From time to time, some of our trusted leaders will also model and demonstrate spiritual gifts in larger services via platform ministry. We commit to seeking God's guidance during these times and considering what is shared for the benefit of everyone present.

We recognize that the families and members of Acts Church come from diverse religious backgrounds and respect each person’s journey of discovery into the work of the Holy Spirit. We encourage all believers to ask for more of the Holy Spirit’s power and presence in their lives. We believe that if individuals ask for more of the Holy Spirit, God promises to give them good things in return (Luke 11:13).

In summary, our church embraces the supernatural work of God through the Holy Spirit. We encourage believers to seek the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and to eagerly desire spiritual gifts.

We acknowledge the diverse views regarding the end times within the Christian Church. Outside of the primary teachings listed below, there is room for a diversity of opinions regarding eschatology. We do not feel that agreement on eschatological doctrines is required to partner with other churches or ministries. We joyfully partner with any church or ministry that is involved in spreading the biblical gospel.

We uphold the teachings of the Bible that:

1. Jesus Christ will return to the earth in bodily form. See Titus 2:13, Acts 1:11, Zechariah 14:4, and 1 Thessalonians 4:16.

2. There is an actual Heaven and an actual Hell where people will spend eternity. See Matthew 25:46, Matthew 8:12, Matthew 3:12, Revelation 21:8, and Revelation 4:1.

3. There will be a judgment of all people. Unbelievers will be judged and condemned to hell. Believers will have their lives evaluated in the presence of God and will receive rewards for eternity based on their obedience and faithfulness to Him during their earthly life. See 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 20:11-15, and 1 Corinthians 3:12-15.

4. God will create a New Heaven and a New Earth at the end of time, where His people will live for eternity in His presence. See Revelation 21:1-4.

5. People from every tribe, tongue, and nation will be present in heaven. A multitude will gather around the throne of Jesus to give him praise, honor, and adoration. The Bride of Christ in heaven will consist of people from many nations. See Revelation 7:9-11.

6. We cannot know the day or the hour of Christ's return. See Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32, and Acts 1:7.

7. We should live in anticipation of Christ's return through fervent prayer, moral purity, and participation in global evangelism. See Acts 1:7-8, Matthew 24:14, Revelation 22:17, Luke 21:34-36, and Revelation 3:16.

8. There are many eschatological views in the body of Christ, and many groups have chosen to divide based upon these doctrines. We choose to unite with others in worshiping Jesus and in the task of world evangelization. See Philippians 1:15-18 and Matthew 24:14.

We affirm that Jesus Christ is a Healer.

We interpret the healing texts of the New Testament literally, meaning that Christ performed instant and miraculous healings.

We affirm the revelation of God as Healer and Physician (See Exodus 15:26, Luke 4:23, and Matthew 9:12-13).

We affirm God’s desire to bless people by alleviating their suffering as a means of demonstrating His love (Genesis 1:28).

We affirm the present-day healing and miracle ministry of the church.

Because Jesus Christ is the “same yesterday, today, and forever," He is still performing miraculous healings (Hebrews 13:8).

The church has been given “gifts of healing” and “miracles” today through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Our church practices healing prayer and intentionally pursues the healing power of God. See John 14:12 and James 5:16.

We affirm the workings of God through doctors and modern medicine.

We discourage putting one's hope in a specific doctor. Even when visiting a doctor, a believer's faith is to be in God, not in the doctor's consultation (2 Chronicles 6:12).

We affirm that many verses of the Bible prescribe or recommend medical treatments common at the time of writing (See Isaiah 1:6, Luke 10:34, and 1 Timothy 5:23).

We affirm medical professionals. Luke, a doctor, was an early disciple, and his profession is affirmed by the Scriptures (Colossians 4:14).

We disagree with teachings that discourage a Christian’s consultation or treatment by an accredited medical professional.

We affirm the use of natural remedies as a means of healing and health.

We believe that God created nature and that natural remedies may contain healing properties.

We encourage a healthy lifestyle.

We believe that the body is God’s temple and that Christians are called to steward their bodies by making healthy life choices (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

We encourage believers to maintain healthy rhythms regarding rest, sleep, diet, and exercise.

We celebrate healing that comes through any means.

Because "every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17), we celebrate the healing work of God, whether He uses supernatural, medicinal, or natural means.

In Practice:

These steps describe how we encourage believers to proceed when undergoing a trial related to health or sickness:

Christians should view God as their healer.

God’s intervention should always be sought when undergoing a medical trial (James 5:13).

While pursuing supernatural healing, we believe Christians should seek medical intervention. Scripture views medicine favorably.

Christians should thank God for healing, however He brings it.

At Acts Church, any guest or member may request prayer during a Sunday service for healing. In special cases, our elders are also available to anoint a sick or injured person with oil for healing as described biblically in James 5:13-18.

This statement on Christian sexuality aims to be doctrinal rather than political in nature. We recognize that many today in our society do not accept the sexual ethics laid out in Scripture, and that in a free society, there will be a diversity of opinions in this area. While it is always our desire to honor the dignity and rights of those whose opinions differ from ours, we are committed to pursuing Biblical obedience in the area of sexuality.

We uphold the teachings of the Bible that:

*Men and women are created differently, and gender is determined at conception by God. See Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:18-20, Ephesians 5:25-29, and Psalm 139:13-16.

*Christian marriage is defined as the marriage between one man and one woman, joined before God until separated by death or violation of the marriage covenant. See Genesis 2:24, Mark 10:8, Titus 1:6, 1 Timothy 3:2, and Ephesians 5:25-29.

*Sex is sanctified in the context of marriage between one man and one woman. See Genesis 2:24, Genesis 4:1, Romans 1:25-26, 2 Samuel 12:24, 1 Corinthians 7:3-4, and 1 Corinthians 7:9.

*Sex in marriage is a gift from God to be enjoyed. See Proverbs 18:22, Song of Solomon 1:1-4, Song of Solomon 1:12-14, and Hebrews 13:14.

*Believers are called to remain celibate unless married. See 1 Thessalonians 4:3 and 1 Corinthians 7:6-7.

*Sinful sexual actions include premarital sex, extramarital sex, lustful self-gratification, the viewing of explicit material, and sexual touching outside marriage, whether it be homosexual or heterosexual. See 1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Corinthians 7:2-5, and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5.

*All believers are commanded to live sexually pure as described by the teachings of Scripture. See 1 Corinthians 6:18, Matthew 5:28, and Galatians 5:19-22.

Acts Church is committed to a biblical model of church government and leadership. We recognize that leadership in the church requires excellent stewardship.

We submit our church to Jesus and the teachings of the Bible.

Jesus Christ is the ultimate head of Acts Church. See Titus 2:13, Acts 1:11, Zechariah 14:4, and 1 Thessalonians 4:16.

The Bible governs the decisions of leaders at Acts Church and serves as the sole infallible rule of church belief and practice. We submit our teachings, practices, and lifestyles to the teachings of the Bible. See 2 Timothy 3:16 and Romans 4:3.

We practice an Elder-led form of government.

Acts Church is led by its Staff under the governance of an Elder Board. Elders are called "overseers" because they are responsible for the pastoral and strategic oversight of the church, much like a shepherd tends to his flock. See Acts 20:28 and 1 Peter 5:2. Eldership is a significant commitment that requires thoughtful prayer and careful consideration. Elders are appointed through a unanimous vote of the Elder Team. We affirm the biblical requirements for the character in eldership and church leadership, as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

The head Acts Church Elder is the Lead Pastor.

Each church that identifies with the Acts Global family agrees to submit to its leadership in areas of strategy and doctrine.

We affirm and receive the ministry of those in ministry offices.

We embrace the Biblical roles of apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists, although we may use different terms.

Certain members of our Elder Board and Leadership Team fulfill the essential functions of these Biblical offices. We also seek outside ministry and counsel from those who fulfill these offices for the church at large. We affirm each of these offices and the varying perspectives they offer (Ephesians 4:9-13).

We desire to equip the saints to do the work of the ministry.

Through the vision established by our Elder Board, we desire to equip believers to serve the Lord in the ministry to which He has called them See Ephesians 4:11 and 1 Peter 2:5-9.

Church Discipline, Moral Failure, and Restoration

We affirm New Testament texts that command church leaders to maintain a healthy and pure culture in the church through the administration of church discipline.