A Disclosure of the truths Upon which LET GOD ARISE MINISTRIES IS ESTABLISHED.
THE SEVEN M'S
For without a VISION, the people perish.." Prov. 29:18
1. Our Mission Whereas the final commision of the Lord Jesus Christ to His disciples before ascending to heaven was to preach the gospel of the Kingdom to every creature, we assume this responsibility as the primary goal of each local church. Evangelism, with its practical results of church growth, holds the focus of our efforts with all related ministries functioning as a means to this end. (Matt. 28:19)
2. Our Mandate In order to accomplish the goals of local, national and international evangelism we must use the twin ministries of preaching and teaching Jesus Christ. Once converting them we are dedicated to the building of individuals and families in every aspect of life and godliness with the view of presenting each one perfect in Jesus Christ. Therefore we strive to maintain a balance of the heralding and teaching ministries, as well as a balance focus on the masses and the Individual. (Acts 5:42)
3. Our Motivation Understanding ourselves as debtors in Christ for His wonderful salvation, we are ready to proclaim His saving grace boldly, constrained only by His love. And continue our service and on these high spiritual principles of motavition requires that we uphold our ministry to the Lord in prayer, public worship and personal devotion as an uncompromisable standard for our church life. Only by such a vital relationship to our True Vine can we bear lasting fruit unto God. (Rom. 1:14-16)
4. Our Manpower Knowing that the success of all New Testament ministry rest on equipping of the saints, we endeavor to help every member discovered their unique grace and to develop it to a degree of excellence. As each individual contributes their time, substance and talents, the effectiveness of each local church ministry increase, edifying the membership and having a greater impact on the community. We therefore hold the scriptural vision of a many membered body corporately manifesting the grace of Jesus Christ. (Eph. 4:16)
5. Our Means The only sound financial basis for the propagation of the Gospel through the ministry of the local churches is the tithe and offerings of its members. Therefore we believe our churches must be strong and devoted financially as well as spiritually if we are to fulfill the purpose of our inception. The giving and subsequent stewardship of whatever assets God allows us must be executed with the highest standards of faith, generosity, wisdom and integrity. (2Cor. 9:6-8)
6. Our Methods
Recognizing the challenges of communicating to a diversified culture in rapidly changing times, we believe in the use of any acceptable media program in our presentation of the Gospel. Knowing as did Paul that changes in methods don't mean changes in the message, we are willing to be made all things to all men, that we might by all means save some. (1Cor. 9:22)
7. Our Message
The Bible is proven to be the word of God and the only dependable guide in matters both practical and spiritual, so we are given to the task of exposing people to the whole counsel of God. Jesus Christ crusified, is the center of our message and basis of our unity. (Acts 20:26-27)
Statements Of Purpose
"...He...exorted them all, that with the purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord...Acts 11:23
1. Vision for Growth
The commission of the Lord being to preach the gospel to every creature and unto the outermost part of the earth because that the quantity of people we reach is of great importance to God. For this reason our vision for growth is not limited and small but will continueto expand to what ever proportions God allows us. (Scripture references: Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8)
2. Behavior of Kingdom Residents
Each person becoming a son, should act and responsibly live a sanctified life, that will bring glory to Him who died to give us sonship. It is our purpose to maintain unity of faith and develop a seamless kingdom community. By living in the greace that Jesus gave to us. (Scripture references: John 1:12; Romans 8:14,19; Gal. 4:5-6; Heb. 2:10; 1John 3:1; John 1;17)
3. Orientation to Society
Though we are not motivated by the same spirit as secular society, we accept our responsibility to reach, understand and influence society with a balance representation of the government of God operating in the activities of life. (Scripture references: Matt. 5:13-16; Phil. 2:15)
4. View of Discipline
Offenses and sins meriting disciplinary action will be dealt with according to the scriptural methods of first a two-party confrontation, second, a confrontation before witnesses, third a public hearing before the church, and lastly, excommunication. (Matt. 18:15-17; 1Cor. 5:9-13)
5. Form of Leadership
Each L.G.A. Kingdom community fellowship shall be governed by their own eldership. Comprised of persons meeting the New Testament qualification for bishops. (Scripture references; 1Tim. 3:1-7; Titus. 1:5-9)
6. Development of Ministry
We believe the scriptural pattern of training and proving ministries within the local church environment by ascension gift ministers is best because it provides a balanced development of both the character and abilities of the servants of God. (Scripture references; Eph. 4:11-12; Tim. 3:10; 5:22)
7. Attitude Toward Assets
All monies, property, and other tangible assets given to the stewardship of LGA will be managed so as to achieve the highest degree of profit for the purposes of God's Kingdom. These assets do not exist for the benefit of any individual member or group of members, but are seen as a sacred trust provided by God. (Matt. 25:14-30; Rom. 12:11,17)
8. Relationship to Churches
All let God Arise communities are autonomously governe and unaffiliated with any denomination, yet recognizing the value of translocal relationships and therefore joined in fellowship with all churches professing faith in the divine inspiration of the Scriptures and the message of Salvation through Jesus Christ. (Mark 9:38-40; Acts 15:22-32)
9. Relationship to Government
We submit to our local and national government has ordained representatives of the authority of God. It is our individual responsibility to express our conviction through any legal means our political system provides us. (Scriptural references: Romans 13:1-7; Acts 22:25-30)
Statement Of Faith
1. The Bible
We believe the Bible to be the verbally inspired word of God, and accept the same as the only can infallible guide and rule of our faith and practice. (Scripture references: Matt. 24:35; Ps. 119:89; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)
2. The Trinity
We believe in one God eternally existing in three-person: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (Scripture references: 1John 5:7; 2Cor. 13:14; 1Tim. 1:17)
3. Jesus Christ
We blieve that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of the Father, conceived of the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary; that Jesus was crusified, buried and raised from the dead on the third day; that He ascended into heaven where He now sits at the right hand of God the Father, ever living to make intercession for the redeemed. (Scripture references: John 1:1-3, 14, 18; Matt. 1:18,20,23; 1Cor. 15:3-4)
4. The Second Coming
We believe that the second coming of Christ is personal, literal and physical, and that there are actually thee comings of Jesus: 1. He has come to the church; 2. He is coming for the church; 3. He is coming with the church, to establish His Kingdom upon this earth. (Scrpture references: Acts 1:11; Matt. 24:36,44; 1Th. 4:16-17)
5. Repentance
We believe that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and that repentance is commanded of God for all, and necessary for forgiveness of sins. (Romans 3:23; 5:12; Is. 53:6; Luke 13:3)
6. Salvation by Grace
We believe that because of man's total inability to save himself, salvation is by God's grace alone, and is brought by faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, on the cross; that by His death, provision for salvation has been made for all men. Through true repentance man becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus. (Scriptures: Acts 4:12; Col. 1:20)
7. Daily Sanctification
We believe that having been cleansed by the blood, and quickened by the Spirit, it is God's will that we should be sanctified daily, and made partakers of His Holiness; walking not after the flesh but after the Spirit; forsaking the very appearance of evil. (Scripture references: Romans 8:1&5; 12:1-2; Cor. 7:1)
8. Water Baptism
We believe in water baptism by immersion; that is commanded by God and subsequent to conversion; that it is not a saving ordinance, but an outward sign of an inward work. (Scripture references; Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38; 8:16)
9. Praise and Worship
We believe in audible praise and worship. There are nine different ways of expressing our praise and thanks to God. These include lifting our hands; standing to praise; singing praises; clapping our hands; dancing and leaping. (Scripture references: Ps. 135;1-3; Ps. 47:1-2; Acts 3:6-8; Ps. 150 and 98; 2Chron. 5:11-14; Ps. 63:3-4; 1Tim. 2:8)
10. Prophetic Emphasis
We believe that the Church has a "prophetic mandate" and a special emphasis and operation of the ministry of a prophet and the gift of prophecy. (Scripture references: 1Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11; Acts 13:1-2)
11. Covenant Table
We believe in the commemoration of the Lord's supper; that all Christian believers may partake. (Scripture references Matt. 26:29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20; 1Cor. 11:23-34)
12. Baptism of the Holy Spirit
We believe that baptism of the Holy Ghost is a definite experience, and is subsequent to the new birth; that the initial evidence of this experience is the speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance, and is given to endue the believer with power from on high. (Scripture references: Acts 1:8, 2:1-4, 38, 19:6; Matt. 3:11; Luke 20:49)
13. Daily Renewal
We believe that having see initial filling, and baptism of the Holy Spirit, the believer should experience a continual renewing of the power from on high; knowing, that it is the will of God that we walk and abide in the Spirit. (Scripture references: Eph. 5:18; Acts 4:31; Eph 4:30-32)
14. Fruit of the Spirit
We believe that the fruit of the Spirit should be manifested in the life of every born again child of God. (Scripture reference: Gal. 5:16-26)
15. Spiritual Gifts
We believe that for the edification of the saints and the maturing of the Church of Jesus Christ: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, have given gifts. (Scripture references: 1Cor. 12:13-14; Eph. 4:11-13; Romans 12:6-8)
16. Divine Healing
We believe that divine healing is the power of God to heal the sick and afflicted, "these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name..." (Scripture references: Mark 16:17)
17. The Resurrection
We believe in a bodily resurrection for all men: the resurection unto eternal life for that just, and the resurrection of damnation or the unjust; that these are two (2) different and distinct resurrections, and are separated in time by at least 1000 years. (Scripture references: John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15; Rev. 20:4-5)
18. Eternal Life
We believe in eternal life or the righteous; that they shall dwell eternally with Christ. (Scripture references: John 10:27-28; 1John 5:11-13; 1Cor. 2:9; John 14:2)
19. Final Judgment
We believe that all unbelievers, whose names are not written in the Lambs book of life, will stand before God in final judgement, to receive the reward of their deeds done in the flesh. (Scripture references: Rev. 20:11-15; 21:7-8; Mark 9:42-48)
20. Restoration
We believe that God is actively working in and through the church of Jesus Christ restore mankind to the place where he can ultimately experience all that God has planned for him from the beginning as revealed in His Word. This includes "a putting back in order" of all doctrine, spiritual life and scriptural experiences lost as a result of sin. (Scripture references: Acts 3:21; Joel 2:18-32; Amos 5:14)
