“Sweet Sixteen” By Pastor Joe

Someone last week, at our church, was taking the test for receiving credentials with the Assemblies of God. One major area of testing is knowledge of the 16 Statements of Fundamental Truths. How many of us know the 16 Statements this fellowship adheres to as part of our common agreement with other A/G Churches worldwide.

1. The Bible is inspired by God and declares His design and plan for mankind.

2. There is One True God - revealed in three persons...Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (commonly known as the Trinity).

3. In the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ - As God's son Jesus was both human and divine.

4. The Fall of Man ushered in evil and death, both physical and spiritual, into the world.

5. The Salvation of Man - Man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

6.The Ordinances of the Church - (1) Water Baptism by Immersion after repenting of one's sins and receiving Christ's gift of salvation, (2) Holy Communion (the Lord's Supper) as a symbolic remembrance of Christ's suffering and death for our salvation.

7. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is for everyone and empowers believers for witnessing and effective service, just as it did in New Testament times.

8. The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is 'Speaking in Tongues,' as experienced on the Day of Pentecost and referenced throughout Acts and the Epistles.

9. Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God.

10. The Church has a Mission to seek and save all who are lost in sin.

11. The Ministry - A divinely called and scripturally ordained leadership ministry serves the Church.

12. Divine Healing of the sick is a privilege for Christians today.

13. The Blessed Hope - When Jesus Raptures His church prior to His return to earth.

14. The Millennial Reign of Christ - when Jesus returns with His saints to reign on earth for one thousand years.

15. A Final Judgment Will Take Place for those who have rejected Christ.

16. New Heavens and a New Earth - that Christ is preparing for all people, of all time, who have accepted Him.

These are very basic overviews of the Sweet 16 that should be studied and understood by all who attend this fellowship. Let me know if I can help you grow in your faith!