Restoration of Faith International Community Church (RFICC) is a non-denominational Bible believing, Sabbath (Saturday) observing, commandment keeping, Holy Spirit filled, loving fellowship that has been called out by God for the purpose of restoring people into a loving relationship with God and one another.
We desire to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Partial obedience is disobedience and rebellion against God.
We are a City of Refuge to all those who are in pursuit of the truth of God’s Word and determine to walk in loving obedience to God.
At RFICC you will hear inspirational, motivational, prophetic, revelatory preaching and teaching, and discover Holy Spirit driven people who exercise Christian love in our attempt to minister to the mind, body and hearts of our communities and the world to radically transform and restore lives.
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Mission Statement
To restore faith by providing an environment that transforms its community with the Word of God.
Vision Statement
Be the Body of Christ that lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Building Faith as we hear God's Word, and Living Faith as we obey God's Word preparing our Community and the World for the imminent return of
Jesus Christ.
Fundamentals of Faith
(Subject to change as led by the Spirit)
God
God is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. (The entire universe) He is just and holy, merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. God is one, a family presently consisting of two spirit beings with all power: God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. God wants to reveal and share who He is by reproducing Himself through man. Gen 1:1-2, 26-27; Exodus 34:6-7; Nehemiah 9:16-17; John 1:1-2, 18; 3:16; 14:9; Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:12-20; 1 Corinthians 15:28; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 1:1-1-2; 1 John 3:1-2; 4:8; Revelation 4:11
The Bible
The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration through holy men of God who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. It is the record of God’s participation and acts in history. The Bible is God’s revelation of knowledge that man cannot discover for himself. In this Word, God has committed to man the knowledge necessary for salvation. As such it is the foundation of knowledge and man’s instruction manual for life. Deuteronomy 8:3; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 1:23; 2:1-6; 4:1-7; 30:5-6; Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; John 17:17; 1 Corinthians 2:7-11; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:20-21; 1 John 2:3-7.
Jesus Christ
Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Through Him all things were created, the character of God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. He was the prophesied Messiah of the Old Testament, and is described in the New Testament as being God in the flesh. As the second member of the Godhead, he has existed through eternity as “the Word.” Divesting Himself of this power and majesty, He became a man. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a man, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested God’s Power and was attested as the Messiah. As a man, He suffered and died voluntarily for the sins of all mankind as our loving and merciful Savior. He was then resurrected by God the Father, and ascended to heaven to become our High Priest. Jesus shall return to establish the Kingdom of God on earth, and reign as King of Kings with His saints forever. Genesis 49:9-12; Deuteronomy 18:15; Isaiah 9:6-7; Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1-9; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-14, 41; 3:16-18; 5:22; 8:58; 10:30; 14:1-3, 9; Acts 2:32-33; Romans 5:8; 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 4:14; 5:17-19; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-19; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 2:9-18; 4:14-15; 8:1-2, Revelation 20:4
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is not the third part of a “Trinity.” There are currently only two in the Godhead, The Father and His Son Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the Presence and the Power of God (or Godhead). See John 14:23. The Holy Spirit was active with the Father and the Son in Creation, Incarnation and Redemption. He inspired the writers of Scripture. He filled Christ’s life with power. He draws and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. He is the means by which Christians are Sons and Daughters of God. The Holy Spirit was sent to always be with the Children of God. He is the earnest or guarantee of eternal life. He gives spiritual gifts to the Church, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures leads it into all truth. Genesis 1:1-2; Exodus 23:20; Judges 2:1-4; Psalm 104:4; Isaiah 63:9; Luke 1:35; 4:18; John 14:16-18, 23, 26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15; Acts 1:8; 7:52-53; 10:38; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:11-12; Hebrews 1:13-14; 2 Peter 1:21; Revelation 1:1-2; 22:6, 16
Creation
God is Creator of all things, and has revealed in Scripture the authentic account of His creative activity. In six days the Lord made “the heaven and the earth” and all living things upon the earth, and rested on the seventh day of that first week. Thus He established the Sabbath as a perpetual memorial of His completed creative work. The first man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of Creation, given dominion over the world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world was finished it was “very good,’’ declaring the glory of God. Genesis 1; 2; Exodus 20:8-11; Psalm 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Hebrews 11:3
Nature of Man
Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for life and breath and all else. When our first parents disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their high position under God. The image of God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker. Created for the glory of God, they are called to love Him and one another, and to care for their environment. Genesis 1:26-28; 2:7, 15; 3; Psalm 8:4-8; 51:5, 10; Acts 17:24-28; Romans 5:12-17; 2 Corinthians 5:19-20; 1 John 4:7-8
The Conflict between God and Satan
All humanity is now involved in a great conflict between Christ and Satan involving the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God’s adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the worldwide flood. Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which the God of love will ultimately be revealed in its fullness. To assist His people in this cosmic struggle, Christ sends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them in the way of salvation. Genesis 3; 6-8; Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:12-18; Romans 1:19-32; 5:12-21; 8:19-22; 1 Corinthians 4:9; 2 Peter 3:6; Revelation 12:4-9
Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
In Christ’s life of perfect obedience to God’s will, His suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the only means of atonement for human sin, so that those who by faith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect atonement reveals the righteousness of God’s law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. The resurrection of Christ proclaims God’s triumph over the forces of evil, and for those who accept the atonement assures their final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow. Isaiah 53; John 3:16; Romans 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 20-22; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 19-21; Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 2:15; 1 Peter 2: 21-22; 1 John 2:2; 4:10
Salvation
Salvation is the means by which God, through Christ, saves man from the penalty of sin and gives his eternal life through obedience to His Word. In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the righteousness of God. This process includes for man, his calling, repentance, baptism, and receiving of the Holy Spirit, life of faith and obedience, and final birth into God’s Kingdom as a spirit being. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgresi0ns, and exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, as Substitute and Example. Salvation is a freely given gift from God established by the law through grace, with our ultimate reward given according to our works. Through Christ we are justified, adopted as God’s sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes God’s law in our hearts, and we given the power to live a holy life. Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine nature and have assurance of salvation now. Ezekiel 36:25-27; Matthew 16:27; 24:13; Mark 9:23-24; Luke 17:5; John 3:3-8, 16-17; 16:8; Acts 2:38; Romans 3:21-26; 6:23; 8:1-4, 14-17; 5:6-10; 10:17; 12:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 1:4; 3:13-14, 26; 4:4-7; Ephesians 2:1-10; Colossians 1:13-14; Titus 3:3-7; Hebrews 6:1-2; 8:7-12; 1 Peter 1:23; 2:21-22; 2 Peter 1:3-4; Revelation 3:10-12
Faith
Faith is the sure knowledge that God exists, and that He will accomplish those things He has promised in His Word. Faith is necessary for salvation. Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; 10:17; Hebrews 11:1-40; James 2:20-26
Repentance
Repentance is the act of acknowledging one’s sins, and resolving to fully obey God and adhere to His Word. It begins when God opens one’s mind in comparison with God and His Law. True repentance is the first step toward reconciliation with God and thereby toward ultimate salvation. Acts 2:38; 3:19-21; 8:22; I John 3:4
Baptism
The ceremony of water baptism is performed by immersion, for the forgiveness of sins, upon true repentance and acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice. After this action, and as a result, one receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit through the “…washing of the water by the word.” Baptism symbolizes the renunciation of the past sinful way of life, the burial of the old man in a watery grave, and the emergence of a new, Spirit – led man living with Christ’s mind, laws and statutes, and following in His footsteps. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Savior, become His people, and become members of His church. Matthew 3:13-16; 28:19-20; Acts 2:38; 16:30-33; 22:16; Romans 6:1-11; Colossians 2:6-13; 1 John 2:1-7
Growing in Christ
By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits during His earthly ministry has broken their power and made certain their ultimate doom. Jesus’ victory gives us victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now the Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we are set free from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaninglessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the Church. As we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in witnessing to His salvation, His constant presence with us through the Spirit transforms every moment and every task into a spiritual experience. Psalm 1:1-2; 23:4; 77:11-12; Matthew 20:25-28; Luke 10:17-20; John 20:21; Romans 8:38-39; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Galatians 5:22-25; Ephesians 5:19-20; 6:12-18; Colossians 1:13-14; 2:6, 14, 15; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 23; Hebrews 10:25; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 1 John 4:4
Communion (The Passover)
The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him, our Lord and Savior. In this experience of communion Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. As we partake, we joyfully proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination, repentance, and confession. The Master ordained the service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christ-like humility, and to unite our hearts in love. The communion service is open to all believing Christians. Matthew 26:17-30; John 6:48-63; 13:1-17; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-30; Revelation 3:20
Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God is the family of God ruling as the government of God. It is a future world ruling government to be first established by Christ with Jesus as King and the resurrected saints in positions of co-rulership with Him. The Kingdom of God shall be established on earth forever. All will changed into “spirit” beings and those who were not found in the Lamb’s book of Life shall be cast into the lake of fire. Ezekiel 48:1-35; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 5:10; 20:4; 21:1-27; 22:1-5
Gospel
The Gospel is the message preached by the prophets, apostles, and Christ about God’s coming Kingdom, the restoration of His government on earth, and how mankind can enter that Kingdom and government. It includes the message of what Jesus has done and is doing, and shall do – and ultimately is the message of the entire Old and New Testaments. The primary purpose and commission of the Lord’s church (which is Israel) is to go preach the gospel to the entire world and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Matthew 3:2; 4:23; 24:14; 28:19-20; Mark 1:1-2, 14-15; Luke 24:47; Romans 1:1-4; 1 Corinthians 9:14; Revelation 14:6-7
Prophecy
Prophecy is God’s testimony to His people, revealing His purpose and plan for mankind. God boldly states that He has a definite plan and purpose. He declares that there is none like Him, that He declares the end from the beginning, and that He will accomplish His purpose. Much of God’s plan and purpose is revealed in the Holy Bible. God’s people are called upon to be faithful and honest with the Word of God, “rightly dividing the word of truth,” and informed that no prophecy is subject to personal or private interpretation. Down through the ages, many self-proclaimed “prophets” (false prophets) have come, and there is no shortage today. A false prognostication attributed to God is a violation of the Third Commandment and will have to be accounted for. Fulfilled prophecy, or prophecy in progress of being fulfilled, builds faith in God and His Word. Isaiah 46:9-11; 55:10-11; Jeremiah 23:23-32; Matthew 12:36-37; 2 Timothy 2:15; Revelation 19:9-10
The First and Second Resurrection
The wages of sin is death. Death is an unconscious state for all people. The hope of all mankind and the promise to the Christian is the resurrection from the dead. The Bible refers to (1) the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead and the pioneer of our salvation; (2) the resurrection of the saints – called the “first resurrection” – at the return of Christ when the true believers become members of God’s Family; (3) the resurrection of the dead who were not found worthy to be raised in the first resurrection. Not all that are raised will inherit the kingdom of God. Those who do not inherit the Kingdom of God will be cast into the Lake of Fire and brimstone (which is called the “second death…”). Psalm 146:3-4; Ecclesiastes 9:5-6; Daniel 12:1-3; John 5:28-29; 11:11-14; Acts 2:32; Romans 6:23; 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:20, 51-54; Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 1 Timothy 6:15-16; Revelation 20:1-10, 12-14
Judgment
The time of one’s judgment is the time of his opportunity for salvation, extending from one’s calling by God until his death (or the resurrection at Christ’s return). The judgment will occur after the beast, the false prophet, and Satan have all been cast into the lake of fire and the rest of the dead has been raised. Those who shall qualify for God’s Kingdom shall inherit eternal life, and those who deliberately reject God’s way shall be consumed into the lake of fire. Daniel 12:2-3; Matthew 13:49-50, 25:34; Mark 9:43-48; 1 Peter 4:17; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:8
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is the state of being whereby one’s sins are removed, blotted out, or covered. “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” Sin is the transgression of God’s laws and a condition that separates us from God. It also divides us from each other and breaks down relationships. Thus, forgiveness comes to us in two ways: (1) forgiveness from God towards us, and (2) forgiveness from us to each other. The example prayer given to us by Jesus Christ in the book of Matthew 6 summarizes the full scope of the issue of forgiveness. The forgiveness we obtain from God depends largely on the forgiveness we offer to others. Those who refuse to forgive will not be forgiven. Psalm 32:1-2; 86:5; 103:10-11; 130:3-4; Matthew 6:12-15; 1 John 1:9; 4:20-21
Law of God
The law of God as revealed in the Bible is a good, right, and perfect system of eternal directives and principles that reflects God’s character and serves as a means of expressing His love toward man. God’s law teaches man how to properly worship God, how to love his fellow man, how to live life abundantly, and, at the same time, how to prepare for an eternal spiritual life in the family of God. The law of God is represented by the Old and New Testaments, and is expressed by both physical actions and spiritual motivations. The great principles of God’s law are embodied throughout Scripture and exemplified in the life of Christ. They express God’s love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct and relationships and are binding upon all people in every age. These precepts are the basis of God’s covenant with His people and the standard in God’s judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Savior. Salvation is all of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is an evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow men. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christian witness. Exodus 20:1-20; Deuteronomy 10:12-13; 28:1-14; Nehemiah 9:13; Psalm 19:7-14; 40:7-8; Matthew 5:17-20; 22:36-40; John 14:15, 21; 15:7-10; Romans 7:12; 8:3; Ephesians 2:8-10; Hebrews 8:8-10; 1 John 5:2-3
Biblical Covenants
Both Testaments (Old & New) record that God made certain promises in the form of specific contracts or agreements with the nation of Israel and through them, to the rest of the sons of Adam. These are called “covenants,” and define the terms of God’s relationship with individuals or groups in various circumstances and eras. Of these covenants, the best known are the covenants made with Israel (the Old & New Covenants) which will be fully confirmed after the return of Jesus Christ. The New Covenant makes God’s Law even more relevant by expanding it to include one’s mental attitude and spiritual intent. Exodus 20:1-17; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Matthew 5:21-22; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 8:6-13
Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments, as revealed by God, are the perfect expression of God’s love. They are the foundation of all biblical teaching, showing man how to express love toward God and fellowman, and are consequently the focal point of Christian life. Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5; Matthew 5:17-19; Romans 13:10; 1 Corinthians 7:19; Revelation 12:17; 14:12; 22:14
The Sabbath
God, after six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. The Sabbath was reaffirmed to Israel as a part of the covenant at Sinai, and taught by Jesus Christ who is the Mediator of the New Covenant. The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another. It is a symbol of our redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in God’s Kingdom. The Sabbath is God’s perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, is a celebration of God’s creative and redemptive acts. The observance of the Sabbath is basic to a Christian’s relationship with God. Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11; 31:12-17; Leviticus 23:32; Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Nehemiah 13:17-19; Isaiah 56:1-7; 58:13-14; 66:23; Ezekiel 20:12, 20; Matthew 12:1-12; Mark 1:32; 2:27-28; Luke 4:16; Hebrews 4:1-11
Tithing/Stewardship
Tithing is an act of worship. It is a private matter between the individual and God. The church teaches the responsibility to tithe. Each individual has the responsibility to “honor the Lord with his substance and with the first-fruits of all his increase.” As God’s stewards we are entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for its proper use. We acknowledge God’s ownership by faithful service to Him and to our fellow men. Tithing is a method by which the message of Jesus Christ is proclaimed to the world. Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15; 14:18-20; 1 Chronicles 29:14; Haggai 1:3-11; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:21; 23:23; 1 Corinthians 9:9-14; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; 9:7; Romans 15:26-27
Biblical Dietary Laws
Biblical dietary laws, including the prohibitions of Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, are among the many health laws God gave to Israel to give to mankind. The prophets, the apostles, and Jesus observed them, and they remain in effect today. Scripture indicates that laws pertaining to “clean” and “unclean” animals were recognized and observed from earliest times. Genesis 7:2-3; 8:20; Leviticus 3:17, 11; Deuteronomy 14:3-21; Matthew 5:17-19; Acts 10:9-15; 28; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Sin
Sin is the transgression of God’s Law. Although the penalty for sin is death in the lake of fire, all sin can be completely forgiven by God, who desires that all men be saved. God forgives sin upon the repentance of the individual who accepts the shed blood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment in full for the penalty of his sins. Romans 6:23; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 1:14; James 1:15; 4:17; 1 John 1:9; 3:4
The Christian
A true Christian is one whom the Word of God and the Holy Spirit dwells; they keep all of God’s laws, statutes and ordinances to the best of their ability, and love their God and brothers and sisters as they love themselves. Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 2 Timothy 2:19-21; Revelation 14:12
Man’s Spiritual Relationship with God
Man’s spiritual relationship with God begins with repentance, baptism, and faith in His Word. When these criteria are met, God “begets” us with His Spirit and the Word of God; He becomes our Father, and we become His children. A family relationship has begun. To maintain this family relationship, a bond is formed as we fellowship with each other, God the Father and Jesus Christ. Exodus 20:1-11; 2 Chronicles 15:2; Daniel 6:10; Matthew 6:5-13; Acts 2:38; Romans 8:15-17; Hebrews 1: 1-2, 24-25; 1 John 1:1-3
Man’s Relationship with his Fellow Man
First, we must realize that we are a family in the Lord through obedience to His Word. As a family we need to live in peace with one another as much as is possible, as amplified in the last six of the Ten Commandments. Jesus Christ gave us the principal discipline that would make it possible to live in peace with our fellow man. He said to love our fellow man as ourselves, and gave specific instructions for settling problems with our fellow man. Scripture urges us to consider the needs of others, and offer help to those in need when possible. Exodus 20:12-17; Deuteronomy 22:1-4; Matthew 18:15-17; 22:39; 25:34-40; Luke 10:29-37; Philippians 2:2-5; Hebrews 12:14; James 2:8-9
The Christian Family
The marriage relationship is the basis of the family, which in turn is the core of a stable society. Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving relationship. Mutual love, honor, respect and responsibility are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relationship between Christ and His Church. Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who divorces a spouse, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. Although some family relationships may fall short of the ideal, marriage partners who fully commit themselves to each other in Christ may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the Church. God blesses the family and intends that its members shall assist each other toward complete maturity. Parents are to bring up their children to love and obey the Lord. By their example and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a loving disciplinarian, ever tender and caring, who wants them to become members of His body, the family of God. As the primary physical analogy of God’s plan for mankind, marriage, child rearing, and the family are given a preeminent place in the teachings of the Bible and the church. Genesis 2:18-25; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:2-3, 5-9, 20-23; Proverbs 22:6; Malachi 4:5-6; Matthew 5:31-32; 19:3-9; Mark 10:11-12; Luke 16:18; John 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 7:10-11; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; 1 Timothy 3:2-4; 1 Peter 3:7
The Church of God
The church of God is the nation of Israel. In order to become one (a member) of God’s church, we must be joined to the commonwealth of Israel through repentance, baptism and obedience to the laws, statutes, and ordinances that were given to God’s chosen people. The church is the spiritual body of Christ and is made up of baptized, Spirit-led “spiritual Israelites” around the world. The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we are called out from the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, for service to all mankind, and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word, and from the Scriptures, which are the written Word. The church is God’s family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. Genesis 12:3; Matthew 16:13-20; 18:18; 28:19-20; Acts 2:38; 7:38; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27; Galatians 6:16; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11; 4:11-15; 5:23-27; Colossians 1:17-18; 3:15
Unity in the Body of Christ
The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality, and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation. Through the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures we share the same faith and hope, and reach out in one witness to all. This unity has its source in the oneness of the triune God, who has adopted us as His children. Psalm 133:1; Matthew 28:19-20; John 17:20-23; Acts 17:26-27; Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 5:16-17; Galatians 3:27, 29; Ephesians 4:1-6, 14-16; Colossians 3:10-15
The Mission of the Church
The church has a mandate to continue with the witness and message of Jesus Christ initiated through His life, teachings, and sacrifice for every person and all nations. This will be accomplished by the resources available to the “body of Christ” and furthered through the spiritual gifts bestowed by God. As the “body” consists of individual members, it is each person’s privilege to follow the Savior and “repent…and believe the good news.” Living as new creatures in Christ, it then becomes evident that a devoted membership will carry on the work begun by Jesus to announce “in all the world” that the “Kingdom of God is at hand.” Furthermore, Christ’s promise of vitality to His church for all ages will be evident in the love of each member for their “brothers and sisters in the faith,” and their fellow man. Through spiritual design, the body of Christ will extend beyond a local community as members support one another, taking care of their “own,” visiting the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and keeping themselves unspotted from the world. Isaiah 61:1-3; Matthew 16:18-19; 28:19-20; Mark 1:15; 16:15-16; Luke 4:18-19; 24:44-47; Acts 1:7-8; 2:36-38
The Ministry (Spiritual Gifts)
The ministry of Jesus Christ and the New Testament church is a ministry of service to God and His people, and a continuation of the ministry of Jesus Christ. The ministry has the responsibility of teaching, edifying, and overseeing the Restoration of Faith International Christian Church (RFICC). The ministry of Jesus Christ is a team effort. The Bible outlines the offices and job functions for the ministry of the Church of God, and dictates high moral and ethical conduct for all members of the ministry. God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts which each member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for the help and encouragement of people. Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic, and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God’s varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love. Isaiah 11:1-5; 61:1-3; Matthew 4:23; Luke 4:18-19; Acts 6:1-7; Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:9-11, 27-28; Ephesians 4:8, 11-16; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 5:17-21; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 4:10-11; 5:1-14
Christ’s Return
The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Savior’s coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to forever be with the Lord, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ’s coming (return) is imminent. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times. Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-6; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2:8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:28; Revelation 1:7; 14:14-20; 19:11-21
Millennium and the End of Sin
The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints between the first and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate, without living human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its close the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever. Jeremiah 4:23-26; Ezekiel 28:18-19; Malachi 4:1; 1 Corinthians 6:2-3; Revelation 20; 21:1-5
New Earth
On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence. For here God Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering and death will have passed away, and sin will be no more. All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God is love; and He shall reign forever. Amen. Isaiah 35; 65:17-25; Matthew 5:5; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 11:15; 21:1-7; 22:1-5