Basic Tenets of the Faith
These are the foundations of what we teach and preach at Joy. Themes include: The Bible,
The Godhead, the fall, salvation, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Church and...
The Bible, Genesis to Revelation, is the inspired Word of God given to man .
(2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:23)
The Eternal Godhead: The Trinity, the one true God, as revealed in Scripture, The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
The Fall of Mankind: Through disobedience, mankind fell from innocence and goodness and was separated from God. Because of this, death, both physical and spiritual, entered into the world. (Genesis 1:26-27, 2:17, 3:6; Romans 5:12-19)
God’s Plan of Redemption: Restoring mankind’s relationship with Father through Jesus Christ (John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8, 6:23)
Salvation is through God’s Grace alone and is revealed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
Repentance of sin and acceptance of Jesus as Savior is essential for salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)
The New Birth or being “Born Again” is available to all through Jesus Christ. (John 3:1-21; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20)
Water Baptism and the Lord’s Supper: Holy Ordinances of the Church. (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-26)
Be Filled with the Holy Spirit: A work of grace given to the believer on request and evidenced by power, power to live a Holy life and to be effective in building the Kingdom of God. Believers should seek to be under the influence and control of the Spirit. Jesus was empowered by the Spirit. The early disciples were empowered by the Spirit. We should seek to be empowered & filled by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us become more passionate followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 7:37-39, Acts 1:8, 2:4, 19:17).
Believer’s are called to live a Spirit filled, Spirit led life (Ephesians 4:30-32)
The Holy Spirit imparts Supernatural Fruit and Supernatural Gifts to believers. The fruit of the Spirit is the life of Christ produced in the believer by the Spirit. The Gifts of the Spirit are the supernatural manifestations of the Spirit through believers, helping us be witnesses for Christ and His Kingdom. (1 Corinthians 12:14; Galatians 5:22-23)
Divine Healing: Healing is a mystery. God gives healing in our spirit, soul and body as He wills and in His time. The practice of laying on of hands and anointing with oil are acts of faith in the healing power of Jesus. We ask in faith and trust the results with our gracious Father. (Isaiah 53:45; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16)
The Second Coming of Christ: Our Blessed Hope. Jesus will return to the earth and establish His Kingdom. There will be a new heaven and new earth. (John 14:16; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
The Church is the Body of Christ in the earth made up of all followers of Jesus Christ from every nation, tribe and tongue. The local church is: the expression of Christ’s love to a particular region, a place to build relationships and a place of accountability for Christians. All Christians are a part of the global Church and each should be a part of a local church. (Acts 16:5; Hebrews 10:24-25)
The Last Judgment – New Creation: the ultimate reward of God’s people; Hell: the ultimate punishment for rejecting Jesus Christ. Jesus will return to judge all people in righteousness and justice. (2 Corinthians 5:10; John 14:13; Revelation 7:15-17, 20:10,15)
Evangelism: Obeying Jesus’ Great Commission. We must reach out to those around us and share the Good News: Jesus Christ is Lord. (Matthew 28:19-20; James 5:20)
Tithes & Offerings: God’s plan of provision for the Church and avenue of blessing for believers. (Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:68)