Statement of Faith


-What We Believe-


 

-The Scriptures-


We believe that the whole Bible of 66 books of canon is verbally inspired by YHVH (G-d) through His Ruach (Spirit) and is therefore without error in its original giving.  They are YHVH’s final and complete revelation to mankind in which His plan of salvation is unfolded, and they are the only absolute and final authority for all matters of belief and practice.  No more, no less.  All of these books are scripture and are profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. We believe in the sufficiency and authority of scripture.  If any revelation, teaching or understanding we have or receive contradicts scripture, then that revelation, teaching, or understanding is false and we must reject it.  The scripture is the final authority for all theological understanding and belief. (Malachi 3:6, Matthew 5:18, 2 Timothy 3:16-17) We view the charismatic word-of-faith/prosperity gospel as well as hyper-grace all as false teaching.  As such, we will not allow that doctrine to be in the midst of our fellowship.  We believe it is not always G-d’s will for us to be healthy and wealthy.  We do believe in the power of YHVH, in His sovereign will, to heal and bless, but not in the way the false prosperity gospel teaches. (1 Corinthians 12:9, 1 John 5:14)


 

-YHVH (God)-


We believe there is only One true G-d (YHVH), Who created all things.  He is infinite in all of His attributes.  He has no beginning and He is without end.  We believe He has revealed Himself in a plurality which is a mystery, but is nonetheless to be received as a matter of faith.  Yet though He has revealed Himself in plurality, He is infinitely One.  We believe that in the Scriptures YHVH reveals Himself as Father (YHVH), Son (Y’shua), and His Holy Breath / Spirit (Ruach Elohim), and in the mystery of the Godhead, these three are distinct yet equal in eternal, divine attributes, and are one God. The Father YHVH is G-d. Y’shua is G-d.  The Ruach Elohim is G-d.  We believe YHVH is sovereign in all of His works, and there is no other sovereign equal to Him. In His sovereignty, He is bringing all things to their proper end according to His omniscient plan. (Ephesians 4:4-7, 1 John 5:70, 2 John 1:9)


 

-Y’shua (Jesus)-


We believe Y’shua (Jesus) is the Messiah promised to us by the prophets of Israel, and He is eternal, without beginning and end, and He is G-d in the flesh as a human being.  We believe through the mysterious work of the Ruach Elohim (Holy Spirit), He was conceived of the Ruach Elohim, born of The Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life (for He was without sin), died a substitutionary death for all mankind, was raised from the dead on the third day, ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of YHVH Elohim (G-d) until His enemies are made His footstool.  We believe that He came at the appointed time in history, that He died on the cross as the perfect sacrifice for all sins, and that He rose on the third day in fulfillment of the Scriptures.  We believe He arose bodily from the dead, and later ascended triumphantly into the heavens where He intercedes for His people as their High Priest at the right hand of the Almighty.  We believe that according to His own word and the words of Scripture, He will return again at the appointed time and will gather together all who are truly His.  He will reign upon the earth in Jerusalem from where He will teach the whole Torah (Law/Instruction) and all who are His will walk in His ways.  (Isaiah 53:2-12, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:27, John 1:1, 14, Romans 14:9, 1 Corinthians 3:11, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 5:9-10, Hebrews 10:12-13, 1 Peter 3:18, 2 John 1:7)


 

-Ruach Elohim(Breath, Spirit of Elohim / Holy Spirit)-


We believe that the primary work of the Ruach Elohim (Holy Breath, Spirit) is to glorify our L-RD, Y’shua (Jesus) the Messiah.  He does this by convicting men, regenerating those who are chosen, giving them faith to believe, indwells them, guiding them, instructing them, and empowering them to live holy and righteous lives in accordance with God’s teachings and instructions.  We believe the Ruach Elohim empowers those He makes alive to serve others in ways they could not do in their own strength, and enables them to carry out the evangelism of the nations in fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise that all the families of the earth would be blessed.  We believe that the Ruach Elohim allows all believers to participate in the resurrection life of The Messiah. (Matthew 10:20, Luke 4:18, John 3:5, John 4:24, John 8:9, Acts 2:4, Romans 8:1, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Jude 1:20)


 

-Sin-


Sin is defined in the scripture as the transgression of the Torah (Law/Instruction).  We believe that, as a result of the Fall, all people are sinners by nature and in need of a Savior, and that Y’shua (Jesus) Messiah is the one and only Savior of the world.  Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Him.  We CANNOT receive salvation through any works of our own. (Ezekiel 28:15, Romans 3:23, 1 John 3:4, Ephesians 2:8-9) We strive to be obedient to YHVH’s (G-d’s) Torah, including, but not limited to YHVH’s Torah as given to Moses because of our love for YHVH.  We do not obey YHVH’s Torah in order to be saved. (Deuteronomy 5:10, John 14:15, 21, 1 John 4:1, 1 John 5:17)


 

-Mankind-


We believe that YHVH (G-d) created mankind, only male and female without mistake, in His own image, and He created them sinless, equal in value, dignity, and worth.  YHVH created male and female according to His purpose and design to fulfill distinct, but complementary roles in the contexts of marriage, family, and the local church.  Adam and Eve rebelled against YHVH, sinning against Him, and as a consequence, all who come from them are born sinners and are therefore under YHVH’s wrath and subject both to sin and death, if left to their own dispositions and designs. (Genesis 1:26-28, Genesis 3:15, Psalm 139:14, 1 Corinthians 6:9, Ephesians 5:22-6:4, 1 Timothy 3:1-7)


 

-Salvation-


We believe that the death of the Messiah Y’shua (Jesus) was a substitutionary death, meaning that He paid the penalty of sin for all whom YHVH (G-d) has chosen unto salvation.  Faith in Y’shua and His work of salvation (His death, His resurrection, ascension, and intercession) are the only basis for sinners to gain a righteous standing before YHVH.  This right standing before YHVH is granted to the elect through YHVH’s sovereign grace, applied by the work of the Ruach Elohim (Holy Spirit) through the application of the Gospel contained in the Scriptures.  We believe that the means and method of salvation have been the same in all eras, that is, by faith in YHVH Messiah. All, regardless of their nationality, gender, or station in life, who are called by YHVH’s sovereign grace, and who are therefore granted faith to believe become members of YHVH covenant family forever.  All who are the children of YHVH share equally in all the privileges and responsibilities of the covenant into which He has brought them. (Psalms 25:5, Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8)


 

-Torah (God’s Teachings & Instructions)-


We believe that the Torah (Law/Instruction) the first five books of the Bible; is the foundation of all subsequent revelation, and is the benchmark of all proper faith and practice.  We believe Y’shua (Jesus) came to establish the Torah in the hearts of all His people, and when properly understood, the Torah consistently points to the Messiah, and teaches us of Him. We believe the Torah reveals YHVH’s (G-d’s) pattern of righteous living for all of His people in all times and in all circumstances. Since the word “Torah” has a basic meaning of “instruction”, all of the inspired Scriptures (66 books) comprise the complete Torah revealed to mankind through YHVH’s prophets and apostles. (1 Corinthians 14:33, 2 Timothy 4:3, 1 John 2:4)


 

-Humanity-


We believe that all humanity is created in the image of YHVH (G-d) and possesses intrinsic dignity and worth. YHVH made humanity only male and female in His own image. Set apart as His image-bearers, every human being is sacred. All men and all women, bearing the image of YHVH, are meant to represent YHVH in His creation. YHVH declares the created order to be very good, distinguishing men and women as His agents to care for, manage, and govern over it. They enjoy equal access to YHVH by faith in Messiah. Both men and women are called to move beyond passive self-indulgence to significant private and public engagement in family, church, and civil life. Adam and Eve were made to complement each other in a one-flesh union in the covenant of marriage that establishes the only YHVH-ordained pattern of sexual relations for men with women only. In YHVH’s wise purposes, men and women are not simply interchangeable, but rather they complement each other in mutually enriching ways. Men and women are absolutely equal in essence, dignity, and value but are distinct by divine design. As part of YHVH’s good created order, men and women are to have different yet complementary roles and responsibilities in the home and church. As it relates to the church, men and women are both expected to lead in the capacity and faith that the L-rd has given them; however, the office of Elder/Pastor is reserved for qualified men. (Exodus 18:21, Leviticus 19:17, Leviticus 20:13, Deuteronomy 22:5, Psalms 139:14, 1 Corinthians 11:3, 1 John 2:15)


 

-Gifts of the Ruach Elohim (Holy Spirit)-


The gifts of the Ruach Elohim (Holy Spirit) that we see on display in the New Testament are still active within the life of the church. These gifts did not end with the close of the New Testament or the death of the last apostle. However, these gifts should be used in proper order according to the scriptures. We believe that everyone within the body of Messiah has a gift given to them by YHVH to edify and build up the local congregation. (Matthew 10:19-20, 1 Corinthians 12:6-14) Discipleship - We believe that the local church should be actively making disciples to fulfill the great commission commanded by Y’shua (Jesus) our L-rd. (Matthew 4:19, Matthew 16:24, Mark 16:15)


 

-End Times-


We believe that Y’shua (Jesus) physically resides in the presence of the Almighty where He intercedes for His people, and that He will return again with power and glory to bring history to its close according to His wise plan. When He returns, the nation of Israel will see Him for who He is, and will receive Him as the true Messiah, mourning their sins, and turning to YHVH (G-d) in repentance. We believe that those who have died will be resurrected at the coming of the Messiah, those of genuine faith to a life of blessedness in the very presence of YHVH. We believe that when Y’shua returns, He will reign upon the earth for a millennium, and that He will rule from Jerusalem where the Temple will once again be the central location of worship. It is then that the Torah (Law/Instruction) will go forth from Zion and the word of the Almighty from Jerusalem. (Proverbs 10:30, Amos 1:2, Matthew 10:22, Matthew 10:34, 2 Thessalonians 2:3, Revelation 12:17, Revelation 20:13)


 

-Regeneration-


Regeneration is a change of heart wrought by the Ruach Elohim (Holy Spirit), who makes alive those who are dead in trespasses and sins, enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the Word of YHVH (G-d) and renewing their whole nature, so that they love and practice holiness. It is a work of YHVH’s free and special grace alone. (Psalms 86:11, Psalms 119:29, Ezekiel 36:26, Romans 6:6, Ephesians 4:22-31)


 

-Repentance-


Repentance is a gift from YHVH (G-d) wherein the Ruach Elohim (Holy Spirit) makes a person aware of the manifold evil of his/her sin, so that he/she humbles themself with godly sorrow, detesting sin and abhorring (i.e. hating) self, with a purpose and endeavor to walk before YHVH so as to please Him in all things. (Psalms 31:5, Ezekiel 18:21, Matthew 4:17, Acts 3:19)


 

-Faith-


Saving faith is the belief, on YHVH’s (G-d’s) authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Messiah, accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Ruach Elohim (Holy Spirit), is accompanied by all other saving graces, and leads to a life of holiness. (Hebrews 11:6) Justification - Justification is YHVH’s gracious and full acquittal of sinners who believe in Y’shua from all sin, through the sacrifice Y’shua has made by dying on the cross. It is given not for anything wrought in them or done by them; rather, it is given on account of the obedience and satisfaction of Y’shua, as they receive and rest on Him and His righteousness by faith. (Romans 12:1)


 

-Sanctification- 


Those who have been regenerated are also sanctified by YHVH’s (G-d’s) Word and Spirit dwelling in them. This sanctification is progressive through the supply of divine strength, which all saints seek to obtain, pressing after a heavenly life in willing obedience to all YHVH commands. (Exodus 31:13, Leviticus 20:7-8 2 Chronicles 30:8, Isaiah 8:13, Acts 20:32, 1 Timothy 4:5, Hebrews 10:10) Fellowship - As a fellowship we follow the Jewish calendar for YHVH’s feasts.  We believe in the keeping the 7th day (Friday evening at sunset until Saturday evening at sunset) sabbath as commanded in the ten commandments.  We do not believe in celebrating secular holidays that have pagan origins, such as Christmas, Easter, and Halloween.  We believe that the biblically clean and unclean food laws still apply.  We do not allow biblically unclean food at our fellowship because we believe the curse of the law was done away with by Y’shua’s death but not the law itself. (Exodus 12:14-17, Exodus 13:6, Exodus 23:14-16, Exodus 34:22, Leviticus 23:34, Zechariah 14:18, Matthew 18:20, Luke 2:41, John 7:8, Acts 2:42, Acts 18:21, Hebrews 10:25)


 

-Discipline-


We as a fellowship willingly submit ourselves to HaShem’s Torah out of a sign of love and obedience to Y’shua. (Exodus 23:1, Deuteronomy 17:10-11, Deuteronomy 19:15-21, Proverbs 3:12, Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 11:21, Matthew 18:15-17, James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:5, 1 Timothy 3:12)