Beliefs
City In The Desert is a non-denominational charismatic fellowship, holding
much in common with great charismatic/pentecostal denominations, such
as The Assemblies of God and the Foursquare Church.
We have found the statement of faith of the Foursquare Church to be very
reflective of the core biblical beliefs and standards to which we hold,
although we have no direct relationship to the denomination. A brief overview
of that statement
of faith is presented here:
THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
We believe the Bible is God-inspired. (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
THE ETERNAL GODHEAD
We believe God is Triune: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 13:14)
THE FALL OF MAN
We believe that man was created in the image of God, but that by voluntary
disobedience he fell from perfection. (Romans 5:12)
THE PLAN OF SALVATION
We believe that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, signing
the pardon of all who believe on Him. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8)
SALVATION THROUGH GRACE
We believe that we have no righteousness and must come to God pleading
the righteousness of Christ. (Ephesians 2:8)
REPENTANCE AND ACCEPTANCE
We believe that upon sincere repentance, and a whole-hearted acceptance
of Christ, we are justified before God. (I John 1:9)
THE NEW BIRTH
We believe that the change which takes place in the heart and life at
conversion is a very real one. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20)
DAILY CHRISTIAN LIVING
We believe that it is the will of God that we be sanctified daily, growing
constantly in the faith. (Hebrews 6:1)
BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
We believe that baptism by immersion is an outward sign of an inward work
(Matt. 28:19). We believe in the commemoration of the Lord's Supper by
the symbolic use of the bread and juice of the vine. (I Corinthians 11:24,
25)
BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is to endue the believer
with power; and that His incoming is after the same manner as in Bible
days. (Acts 2:4)
THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE
We believe that it is the will of God that we walk in the Spirit daily.
(Ephesians 4:30-32)
THE GIFTS AND FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit has gifts to bestow upon the Christian;
and that we should show spiritual fruit as evidence of a Spirit-filled
life. (I Corinthians 12:1-11; Galatians 5:22)
MODERATION
We believe that the experience and daily walk of the believer should never
lead him into extremes of fanaticism. (Philippians 4:5)
DIVINE HEALING
We believe that divine healing is the power of Christ to heal the physically
sick in answer to the prayer of faith. (James 5:14-16)
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
We believe that the second coming of Christ is personal and imminent. (I
Thessalonians 4:16, 17)
CHURCH RELATIONSHIP
We believe it is our sacred duty to identify ourselves with the visible
Body of Christ. (Acts 16:5; Hebrews 10:25)
CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that rulers should be upheld at all times except in things
opposed to the will of God. (Romans 13:1-5)
THE FINAL JUDGEMENT
We believe that all shall stand some day before the judgement seat of
God, and there receive eternal life or death. (2 Corinthians 5:10)
HEAVEN
We believe that Heaven is the glorious eternal home of born-again believers.
(John 14:1-3; Revelation 7:15-17)
HELL
We believe that hell is the place of eternal torment for all who reject
Christ as the Savior. (Revelation 20:10,15)
EVANGELISM
We believe that soul winning is the most important responsibility of the
Church. (James 5:20)
TITHES AND OFFERINGS
We believe that the method ordained of God for the support and spread
of His cause is by giving of tithes and free-will offerings. (Malachi 3:10;
2 Corinthians 9:7)
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