Statement of Faith

Shekinah Glory Church believe that every person is precious in the eyes of God and has a unique purpose and calling in life.

We believe that this command is not just for the disciples of Jesus in the past, but for all of us today. We are called to reach out to those who are lost, to win them to Christ, to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to live a life of faith, and to send them out to make a difference in the world.

Our theme, Reach-Win-Equip-Send, is inspired by Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His disciples to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Reach: The first part of our theme, Reach, is all about reaching out to those who are lost or in need of spiritual guidance. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing His message of salvation and hope with those who have not yet heard it. As it says in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Win: Once we have reached out to others, our goal is to win their hearts and minds with the love and care of Christ. We strive to create an environment where people can experience God’s love and grace, and where they can find healing and restoration. As it says in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Equip: The next step in our mission is to equip people with the knowledge and skills they need to grow in their faith and become leaders in their communities. We believe that everyone has a unique calling and purpose, and we are committed to helping people discover and develop their gifts. As it says in Ephesians 4:11-12, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

Send: Finally, our mission is to send out leaders as missionaries to share the gospel and make a positive impact in the world. We believe that every person has a role to play in spreading God’s love and grace, and we are committed to empowering people to use their gifts to make a difference. As it says in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

At Shekinah Glory Church, we are committed to living out our mission with passion and purpose. We welcome you to join us on this journey of faith, and to discover your own calling and purpose as a follower of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for visiting our website and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.

     This church holds the following statement of faith as being a summary of Christian doctrine whose authority consists only in its agreement with the Word of God.

OF THE SCRIPTURES:

We believe [a] that the Holy Bible, as originally written, was verbally and plenarily inspired by God, and, [b] the product of Spirit controlled men, and [c] therefore, has truth without admixture of error for its matter.  We believe [d] that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and [e] the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.

[a] II Timothy 3:16,17; [b] II Peter 1:19-21; [c] John 17:17; [d] John 12:47,48; [e] I John 4:1-6

OF THE TRUE GOD:

We believe [a] that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent spirit; [b] the maker and supreme ruler of heaven and earth; [c] inexpressibly glorious in holiness; [d] and worth of all possible honor, confidence, and love; [e] that in the unity of the Godhead, there are three persons (often spoke of as the trinity) revealed to us as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, one in substance, equal in every divine perfection; [f] and  executing distinct buy harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.

[a] Exodus 20:2,3; John 4:24; [b] Psalm 90:2; [c] Exodus 15:11; [d] Mark 12:30; [e] Matthew 28:19; [f]Ephesians 1:3,13,14.

OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST:

We believe [a] in the absolute Deity of the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ; [b] that He was divine as no other man can be; [c] being God in every respect; [d] existing from all eternity; [e] co-equal with the Father and the Spirit; [f] that He never ceased to be God; [g] that He took upon Himself man’s nature, with all the essential properties and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin.

[a] John 1:1,14,18; [b] Philippians 2:6-10; [c] Hebrews 1:8; [d] John 10:30; [e] II Corinthians 13:14; [f] I John 5:20; [g] Hebrews 2:14-17.

OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH:         

We believe [a] that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in a miraculous manner, as no other man was or ever can be conceived; [b] and that He was born of a virgin, Mary; [c] and that He is both the Son of God and God the Son, the God-Man.

[a] Luke 1:35; [b] Matthew 1:18-25; [c] Hebrews 1:8; Philippians 2:5-8.

OF THE RESURRECTION AND PRIESTHOOD:

We believe [a] in the bodily resurrection of Christ and [b] in His ascension into Heaven; [c] where He now sits at the right hand of the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.

[a] John 20:24-28; [b] Acts 1:9-11; [c] Hebrews 1:3; 2:17; I John 2:1,2.

OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:

We believe [a] that the Holy Spirit is a divine person; [b] equal with God the Father and God the son and of the same nature; [c] that He was active in the creation; [d] that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the evil one until God’ purpose is fulfilled; [e] that He convicts of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; [f] that He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; [g] that He is the agent in the new birth; [h] that He seals; [i] endues; [j] guides; [k] teaches; [l] witnesses to; [m] and sanctifies and helps the believer.

 [a] Acts 5:1-3; [b] Matthew 28:19; [c] Genesis 1:1-3; [d] II Thessalonians 2:7; [e] John 16:8-12; [f]John 15:27; [g] II Corinthians 3:6; [h] Ephesians 1:13; [i] Luke 24:49; [j] John 16:13; [k] John 14:26; [l] Ro. Mans 8:14,16,26,27; [m] II Thessalonians 2:13.

OF SATAN OR THE DEVIL:

We believe [a] that Satan was once Holy and enjoyed heavenly honors; but [b] through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell; and [c] drew after him a host of angels; [d] that he is now the malignant prince of the power of the air, and the unholy god of this world. [e] We hold him to be man’s great tempter, the enemy of God and His Christ, the accuser of the Saints; [f] the author of all false religions, the chief power behind the present Apostasy, the lord of the Anti-Christ, the author of all powers of darkness, destined, however; [g] to final defeat at the hands of God’s Son; and to the judgment of an eternal justice in the Lake of Fire, 9a place prepared for him and his angels).

[a] Ezekiel; 28:13-17; [b] Isaiah 14:12-15; [c] Revelation 12:9; [d] Ephesians 2:2;II Corinthians 4:4; [e] Matthew 4:1-11; Revelation 12:10; [f] II Corinthians 11:13-15; Revelations 20:10.

OF THE CREATION:

We believe [a] the Genesis account of creation as being neither allegory nor myth, but a literal, historical account of the direct, immediate creative acts of God without any evolutionary process; [b] that man (spirit, soul, and body) was [c] created by a direct work of God and not from previously existing forms of life; [and that all men are descended from the historical Adam and Eve, first parents of the entire human race.

[a] Genesis 3:1-11; [b] I Timothy 2:14; [c] Colossians 1:16,17; [d] Romans 5:12.

OF THE FALL AND DEPRAVITY OF MAN:

We believe [a] that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker; [b] but by voluntary transgression Adam fell from his sinless and happy state; [c] and all men sinned in him and are totally depraved; [d] are partakers of Adam’s fallen nature, and are sinners in him and are totally depraved; [e] and therefore are under just condemnation without defense or excuse.

[a] Genesis 3:1-11; [b] I Timothy 2:14; [c] Romans 5:12; [d] Psalm 51:5; [e] Romans 1:18-20; 3:10

OF THE ATONEMENT FOR SIN:

We believe [a] that the salvation of sinners is divinely initiated and wholly of grace through [b] the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; [c] Who, by the appointment of the Father; [d] freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin; [e] honored the divine law by His personal obedience; [f] and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins; [g] that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr but was a voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner’s place.

[a] Ephesians 2:8,9; [b] Romans 6:23; [c] Hebrews 1:1-3; [d] Philippians 2:5-8; [e] Galatians 4:4,5; [f] Hebrews 10:12; [g]  II Corinthians 5:21.

OF THE GRACE IN THE NEW CREATION:

We believe [a] that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; [b] that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; [c] that it is instantaneous and not a process; [d] that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God; [e] that the new creation is brought about by our sovereign God in a manner above our comprehension, solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in 12. connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; [f] that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and newness of life.

[a] John 3:3; [b] II Corinthians 5:17; [c] Ephesians 2:8,9; [d] Romans 6:23; [e] Ephesians 2:1;I Peter 1:23; [f} James 2:14-20.

OF JUSTIFICATION:

We believe [a] that justification is the judicial act of God whereby He declares us to be righteous through faith in Christ Jesus; [b] that justification includes the pardon of sin and the imputation of God’s righteousness.  [c] This righteousness is bestowed by God on the basis of our faith in the redemptive work of Christ, not on our works.

[a] Romans 3:23-26; [b] II Corinthians 5:18-21; [c] Romans 5:1,9.

OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH:

We believe [a] that repentance is a change of mind and purpose toward God, prompted by the Holy Spirit; [b] that it is characterized by godly sorrow for sin; [c] and that true repentance is inseparably related to true faith.

[a] Luke 13:1-3; 15:7; [b] II Corinthians 7:10; [c] Hebrews 11:6.

OF SANCTIFICATION:

We believe that sanctification is the divine setting apart of the believer, from sin unto God, accomplished in a threefold manner:  [a] firs, an eternal act of God, based upon redemption in Christ, establishing the believer in a position of holiness at the moment he trusts the Savior; [b] second, a continuing processes, as the Holy Spirit applies the Word of God to his life; [c] third, the final accomplishment of this process at the Lord’s return.

[a] Hebrews 10:10-14; [b] I Thessalonians 4:3,4; [c] Jude 24,25.

OF ADOPTION:

We believe [a] that adoption is the gracious act whereby the Father, for the sake of Christ, places new believers into the honored position of mature sons, in contrast with regeneration whereby the believer receives the nature of God and becomes a child of God. [b] The full benefits of the position accorded by adoption as the sons of God await the glorification of the believer at the coming of the Lord.

[a] Galatians 4:1-7; [b] I John 3:1,2; Ephesians 1:5,13,14; Romans 8:23.

OF THE SECURITY OF THE SAINTS:

We believe [a] that Eternal Security is the believer’s inheritance [b] through salvation in which he is and shall be eternally kept.  [c] This inheritance rests on the Scripture alone, God’s promise to him who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.

[a] John 5:24; [b] John 10:27-29l Romans 6:23; [c] I John 5:11-13.

OF HOLY LIVING:

We believe that Scripture calls upon all believers to a holy living. [a] That without holiness it’s not possible for a person to experience God’s presence; [b] That it’s a command for all believers to be holy; [c] That all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord. We believe that as believers we are commanded to stay away from all religious apostasy, and any individual or group that threatens or interferes with the church’s ministry to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, such as any kind of cults. [d] We believe that a believer is ‘set apart’ to God, from all worldly and sinful pleasures, and practices, as taught in the Word of God.

[a] Hebrew 12:14; [b] I Peter 1:15,16;[c] I Thessalonians 5:22;II Corinthians 6:14-17; I Timothy 4:1-3, 6:3-6; II John 9-11;   [d] Romans 12:1,2; 14:13-15; Galatians 5:19-26.

OF THE CHURCH:

We believe [a] that the Body of Christ is a New Testament institution, unknown to the Old Testament prophets; [b] established by Jesus Christ, who is its sole Head; revealed through the Apostles; [c] empowered and perpetuated by the Holy Spirit; [d] His “body” for service and [e] His “bride” for glory.  [f] It began with the New Testament saints at Pentecost and [g] will be consummated with the coming of Christ at the Rapture. We believe [h] that the Body of Christ is manifested through local churches [i] which are congregations of immersed believers associated by covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; [i] and that their officers are pastors and deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are clearly defined in the Scripture. We believe [k] the true mission of the churches is the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men.  We hold [i] that each local church has the absolute right of self-government, free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; [m] that the one and only Superintendent is Christ, through the Holy Spirit; [n] that it is scriptural for the true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the gospel; [o] that each local church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; and that on all matters of membership, polity, government, discipline, and benevolence, the will of the local church is final. 

[a] Ephesians 3:1-12; [b] Ephesians 1:22,23; [c] Acts 1:8; [d] I Corinthians 12:4-31; [e] Ephesians 5:22-32; [f] Acts 2:1-4, 41-47;  [g] I Thessalonians 4:13-18; [h] I Corinthians 12:12,13,27; [i] Acts 2:41-47; [j] I Timothy 3:1-13; [k] Acts 1:8, 2:47; [l] Ephesians 1:22,23;   [m] Colossians 1:18; [n] Acts 15:1-35; [o] Revelation 2:12-17; I Corinthians 5:1-8.

OF THE BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER:

We believe [a] that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, under the authority of the local church, to show forth in a
solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, through whom we died to sin and rose to a new life; that baptism is a prerequisite to the privileges of church membership.We believe [b] that the Lord’s Supper is the commemoration of His death, by “born-again” Christians, until He comes, and should be preceded always by solemn self-examination.

[a] Acts 2:41,42; Romans 6:3,4; [b] I Corinthians 11:23-28.

OF THE MARRIAGE

Marriage is the first family institution Creator God established in humankind. It’s an institution by divine appointment. As commended, it should be honorable among all men (Heb. 13:4). The term marriage has only one meaning: The exclusive union between one man and one woman.  The Holy Bible teaches that all sins flow from our rebellious disposition of heart. Just as with any other sin, homosexuality is also a sin and we seek to transform their lifestyle through the power of the gospel as applied by the Holy Spirit. Hence, in condemning homosexual practice we claim no self-righteousness, but recognize that any and all sin is equally heinous in the sight of a holy God. We are committed to the sanctification of human sexual immorality. We believe God’s intent and design in creation was that male and female would be complementary to each other and the privilege of sexual expression would be only after marriage Therefore, we believe regarding marriage, gender, and sexuality: We strongly believe that God wonderfully and fearfully creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God [a], [b]. Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person[c], [d], [e], [f].

 [a] Gen. 1:27-28; [b] Psalm 139:14; [c] Rom. 1:26-27; [d] Lev. 18:22; [e] Matt. 15:18-20; [f] 1 Cor. 6:9-10

OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT AND THE CHURCH:

We believe [a] that the church and civil government are separate entities established by God, neither to be subservient to the other.  [b] We are to support both under the guidance of the precepts of God.  [c] The officers of both are to be prayed for and conscientiously honored and obeyed, [d] except in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience and the coming King of kings.

[a] Matthew 22:21; [b] Romans 13:1-7; Acts 23:5; [c] Hebrews 13:7,17; I Timothy 2:1-6; [d] Acts 4:19,20; 5:29.

OF THE RAPTURE AND SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:

We believe [a] in the imminent, premillennial return of Christ for His Church, and at that moment the dead in Christ shall be raised in glorified bodies.  The living in Christ shall be given gloried bodies without tasting death, and all shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air.  We believe [b] that the Great Tribulation, [c] the seventieth week of Daniel, which immediately follows the rapture of the Church, [d] will be culminated by the revelation of Christ in power and great glory to sit upon [e] the throne of David and establish the Millennial reign.

[a] I Thessalonians 4:13-18; I Corinthians 15:42-44, 51-54; [b] Revelation 3:10;  [c] Daniel 9:24-27; [d] Revelation 19:11-16, 20:1-4,6;  [e] Luke 1:30-33.

OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED:

We believe [a] there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; [b] only those who are justified by faith
in our Lord Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Spirit of our God are truly righteous in His esteem; [c] while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked and under the curse; [d] and this distinction holds among men both in and after death, in the everlasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost in the lake of fire.

[a] John 3:18; [b] Romans 3:23-26; [c] Romans 6:23; [d] Revelation 20:14,1