WAVES OF PRAISE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
STATEMENT OF FAITH
We believe the Bible is the inspired, authoritative Word of God and the final standard for faith, doctrine and Christian living. We believe in one eternal God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, born of a virgin, sinless in life, mighty in works, crucified for our sins, bodily raised from the dead, ascended to the Father and coming again in power and glory.
We believe every person is created in the image of God, yet all humanity is affected by sin and needs redemption. Salvation is God's gift of grace, received through repentance and personal faith in Jesus Christ, whose shed blood and resurrection provide forgiveness, reconciliation and new life.
We believe the Holy Spirit indwells believers and empowers the Church. We believe believers should earnestly seek the fullness and baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues and should expect the gifts and fruit of the Spirit to operate biblically in the Church today. We believe God still heals, delivers, answers prayer and works signs, wonders and miracles according to His Word and sovereign purposes.
We believe the Church is the Body of Christ, called to worship God, proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, baptize believers, celebrate the Lord's Supper, build strong families, care for people, equip the saints for ministry and carry the love and truth of Jesus into every sphere of life.
We believe Christians are called to holiness, love, integrity, generosity, faithful stewardship and courageous biblical witness. We believe followers of Jesus should be salt and light in their homes, churches, communities and civic life, engaging the culture with truth, conviction, grace and respect.
We believe in the personal return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead, final judgment, eternal life with God for the redeemed and eternal separation from God for those who reject His salvation.
We believe every believer has a God-given sphere of influence and is called to grow, come alive and thrive in Christ - filled with the Holy Spirit, equipped to share the Gospel, make disciples and minister to the people they know, love and care about.
WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES.
Waves of Praise Doctrinal Statement
1. The Holy Scriptures
The Old and New Testaments are inspired by God and are the trustworthy and authoritative written Word of God. Scripture is our final standard for doctrine, faith, morality and ministry practice.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105; John 17:17
2. The Triune God
There is one true and living God, eternally existing as Father, Son and Holy Spirit - distinct in Person, one in divine nature, glory and purpose.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14
3. Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, lived without sin, performed miracles, died as our substitute, rose bodily, ascended to Heaven and will personally return.
Scripture: John 1:1-14; Matthew 1:18-23; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 1:9-11
4. Humanity, Sin and Redemption
Human beings were created in God's image and for relationship with Him. Through sin humanity became alienated from God and cannot save itself. Redemption is found only in Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12; Romans 6:23; John 14:6
5. Salvation by Grace Through Faith
Salvation is the gift of God, made possible through the blood, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is received by grace through repentance and faith, producing the new birth and a transformed life.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:38; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5-7
6. Water Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We practice water baptism for believers as an act of obedience and identification with Christ, and the Lord's Supper as a remembrance and proclamation of His saving work.
Scripture: Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
7. The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is fully God and active in regeneration, sanctification, guidance, conviction and empowerment. We believe in the baptism/fullness of the Holy Spirit and encourage believers to receive His power for life and service. We believe in the evidence of speaking in tongues privately and corporately.
Scripture: John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4; Ephesians 5:18
8. Spiritual Gifts and Spirit-Filled Living
The gifts of the Holy Spirit remain available for the building up of the Church and the advancement of the Gospel. Their operation must be biblical, loving, orderly and Christ-exalting. The fruit of the Spirit should increasingly mark every believer.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 1 Corinthians 14:1,40; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Peter 4:10-11
9. Faith, Prayer, Healing and Miracles
We believe God hears and answers prayer. Divine healing is part of Christ's compassionate ministry and believers are encouraged to pray in faith for the sick while exercising wisdom and never discouraging appropriate medical care. We believe God continues to perform miracles according to His Word and will.
Scripture: Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16; Mark 16:17-18; Hebrews 13:8
10. Sanctification and Christian Character
Believers are called to a life of holiness and continuing transformation through the Word and Spirit. Christian maturity is demonstrated through love, integrity, humility, self-control, generosity and obedience to Christ.
Scripture: Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Galatians 5:22-25; Colossians 3:12-17
11. The Church and Fivefold Equipping
The universal Church consists of all who belong to Christ. The local church gathers for worship, teaching, fellowship, prayer, ordinances, pastoral care and mission. Christ gives ministry gifts to equip believers for works of service and maturity.
Scripture: Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:42-47; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:27
12. Evangelism, Discipleship and Mission
The Great Commission belongs to the whole Church. Every believer should be equipped to share the Gospel, make disciples and minister within their sphere of influence. We believe this is the model of a "Book of Acts" church. We support church planting, missions and multiplication of disciples and leaders.
Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
13. Marriage, Family and Sexual Integrity
We believe God created humanity male and female and established marriage as a covenantal union of one man and one woman. Sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage. We are committed to biblical conviction together with compassion, dignity and respectful ministry toward every person.
Scripture: Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Ephesians 5:21-33
14. The Sanctity and Dignity of Human Life
Human life bears God's image and therefore possesses God-given dignity and value. Christians are called to protect the vulnerable, show mercy, pursue justice and love their neighbors.
Scripture: Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 139:13-16; Micah 6:8; Matthew 22:37-39
15. Biblical Citizenship and Civil Government
Civil government has a legitimate God-permitted role in maintaining order and justice. Christians should pray for leaders, honor lawful authority, participate responsibly in civic life and remain faithful to God when human commands conflict with clear biblical obedience. The Church's ultimate allegiance is to Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; Acts 5:29; Matthew 5:13-16; Philippians 3:20
16. Stewardship and Generosity
Everything we possess ultimately belongs to God. Believers should practice generous, willing and faithful giving to support the work of ministry, care for people and advance the Gospel.
Scripture: Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Corinthians 16:2
17. The Return of Christ and Eternal Destiny
Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly. There will be resurrection and final judgment. Those redeemed through Christ will enjoy eternal life in God's presence, while those who finally reject Him face eternal separation and judgment.
Scripture: Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21:1-4
