FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CONCERNING APOSTOLIC DOCTRINE
Bible Truths are beautiful and should be presented in a Christ-like manner. While Jesus and his apostles were unyielding in their doctrine, they were compassionate in their attitude. We are thus instructed in Ephesians 4:3, "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."; and in verse 13, "'Till we all come in the unity of the faith." Anything as lovely as Christian doctrine should not be marred by an unchristian attitude.
We do not profess to have all the answers on this immense subject, nor is it our intention to speak unkindly of those who disagree. 1 Timothy 2:15 tells us to "Study to show thyself approved unto God..." James 1:5-6 says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering..." Each day, as you begin your Bible reading, pray for wisdom from God to understand His Word. The Holy Spirit will lead you and guide you to all truths. If you have questions not addressed here, e-mail them to us. We will do our best to get you an answer in a timely manner.
WHAT IS MEANT BY "APOSTOLIC DOCTRINE"?
Apostolic means like the Apostles. Thus, our doctrine or church teaching is, to the best of our understanding, the same as taught by the Apostles.
WHAT IS THE PLAN OF SALVATION ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE?
The plan of salvation is to be born again.Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." How does a person become "born again"? One must obey the plan of salvation found in Acts 2:38, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." This is the "new-birth" experience that Jesus spoke of in John chapter 3. He told Nicodemus that unless one is born of the water (baptism) and of the spirit (receive the Holy Ghost), he cannot see, nor enter into the kingdom of God.
WASN'T THE HOLY GHOST ONLY FOR THE APOSTLES?
No! Acts 2:39 says, "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." There were 120 in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 1:15) that received the Holy Ghost, and later that day, 3000 more souls were added to the Church (Acts 2:41). Saul of Tarsus (Paul) received the Holy Ghost in Acts Chapter 9; Cornelius' household (which were Gentiles) received the Holy Ghost in Acts Chapter 10; the disciples of John the Baptist received the Holy Ghost in Acts Chapter 19, and believers are still receiving the Holy Ghost in this day and time. The scripture I Corinthians 13:8 - 10 is often used to prove that the Holy Ghost isn't for people today. This passage proclaims that "charity never faileth, but that prophecies, tongues, and knowledge shall cease - when that which is perfect is come". We all know that knowledge has not ceased. It increases daily! The word "perfect" in the Greek is teleios which means completeness. Taken in context, if we know that knowledge has not ceased, how can we say that prophecies and tongues have ceased? There are still many prophecies that have not been fulfilled. This scripture is teaching us that when this age is complete, and the Lord comes back, we will have no need of prophecies, tongues, or knowledge. These things shall not cease until that time.
DO I HAVE TO SPEAK IN TONGUES TO RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST?
Speaking in tongues is the evidence that one has received the Holy Ghost. See Acts Chapters 2, 8, 10, and 19 for scriptures where people actually received the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in tongues. The evidence is a witness to show that the Holy Ghost has come into your heart. This is a "know-so" salvation! You don't have to hope and wonder.