In a world filled with uncertainty, depression, and fear of the future, the Bethel Apostolic Church in Kingsport, TN offers the message of hope through Jesus Christ. His death, burial, and resurrection make it possible for His followers to live an abundant life filled with joy and peace. You can experience the uplifting power of God’s love and the reality of His presence in your everyday life.
Our beliefs about the Bible, Jesus Christ, and His plan for our lives are rooted in the Scriptures and what they tell us about how to know God.
The Bible:
The Word of God is inspired and infallible (II Tim. 3.16). Written by prophets and apostles, the books of the Bible represent the true history of God’s work in creation, salvation, and final redemption.
The Scriptures explain who God is and how we can know Him. The Bible provides instruction and encouragement for the believer, and we study the Word to deepen our faith, strengthen our spiritual minds, and measure our lives.
Jesus Christ:
Hear O Israel: The Lord Our God is one Lord. (Deut. 6:4)
We believe in One God (Deut. 6:4, I Cor. 8:6) manifested as Father, Son and Holy Ghost. With the Apostles, we teach that Jesus Christ is this One God manifested in the flesh (I Tim. 3:16). Jesus reveals the Father (John. 14:9) and is One with the Father (John. 10:30). The Holy Ghost is the abiding Spirit of Christ given at Pentecost and promised to all believers (Acts 2:39). The Father, Son and Holy Ghost are not separate personalities, but One (I John. 5:7).
His Plan for Our Lives:
In Acts 2:38, Peter preached a simple message: “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.” Salvation consists of:
Repentance:
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent. (Acts 17:30)
Repentance is a commandment. We must turn away from our sins, rethink our relationships and embrace the fullness of Jesus Christ. Through repentance, we die out to our sinful lusts (Rom. 6:1-2).
Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ:
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. (Acts 22:16)
Baptism is administered according to the commandment of Jesus and is an integral part of the salvation experience (Mark. 16:16). Through faith in the work of Calvary and the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, we invoke His name in baptism as the Apostles did (Acts 2:38, 8:12, 10:48, 19:5). The old man that died out to sin in repentance is buried with Christ in baptism (Rom. 6:3-4).
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost:
. . . Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Rom. 8:9)
The Holy Ghost is the promised power (Acts 1.7-8). Jesus said: "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you" (John. 14:18). After His ascension, Jesus came as the Comforter at Pentecost and filled the 120 believer in the Upper Room (Acts 2:1-4). They spoke in tongues, and we believe that this is the evidence of Spirit baptism (Acts 10:45-46). This power is available to all believers (Acts 2:39). Through the Spirit, we receive a spiritual resurrection (Rom. 6:4-5).
Holiness:
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. (Heb. 12:14)
Holiness is not an option for the believer. Jehovah said: " . . . ye shall be holy, for I am holy" (Lev. 11:44). We believe that the Christian life is one of moderation and separation. Because we belong to Christ, we lay aside worldliness and sinful lusts. Holiness is an inward relationship that emanates an outward reality. In all aspects of our lives, our desire is to please Him, and we walk according to the teachings and principles of the Scriptures regarding the regulation of the Christian life.