Written By: Bro. J. Cotton
The Introduction
Apostolics believe the Word of God is the divine inspiration of the Living God and our foundation is rooted firmly in the Bible. We follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and his Apostles. Their teachings were to be followed as the new covenant between God and man, that was established by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The teachings of the Apostles were the foundation for the establishment of the church of today and this is why we call ourselves “Apostolics”. We believe in one God; Jesus name, The Word of God, Faith, Repentance, Water Baptism by immersion in Jesus name, the infilling of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues, living a life of holiness, spreading the Gospel to the whole world, and salvation by the grace of God through faith and obedience to his Word. This is a comprehensive Bible study that will take you through a journey of the Apostolic faith.
The Word
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1-14
The Word was with him from the very beginning, it was there before all creation happened and he brought his Word to us as the man Jesus Christ. All things were made by him (matter, space and time: Genesis 1:1). He was in the world, the world was made by him, but the world knew him not. He that was in the world was Jesus Christ, which was God “the Word” manifested in the flesh.
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:20-21
All the scriptures were written by holy men whom spake the Word of God as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. The scriptures are the direct result of the inspiration (meaning “God breathed”) of God and are of no man’s private interpretation.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16
The Word of God is the law which we will be judged by. It provides us with direction and correction in our path to salvation and living righteously, ultimately helping us make it to heaven to be with Jesus for eternity.
The Oneness of God; Jesus Christ
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord : Deuteronomy 6:4
One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:5-6
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 1 John 5:7-8
And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one. Zechariah 14:9
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: Colossians 2:8-10
The Oneness of God is the only doctrine in which the Word of God teaches, and there is only ONE name we can call on our God by: Jesus Christ.
For a more in-depth look at the Oneness of God;Jesus Christ: Click Here
The Only Saving Name
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19
Then Peter said unto them, 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.
God gave us his name, a name by which we can call him by; Jesus Christ. The only name through which we can be saved.
The Faith
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Our Faith is hope; which is an expectation for something to happen. We trust in the Word of God and his promises to us. The expression of our faith is in our actions and the evidence is the Word of God and promises that are fulfilled.
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:3
The foundation of our faith and belief in God and his Word starts at Gen. 1:1 “In the beginning” and goes until the last word of Rev. 22:21; “Amen”. We must believe God spoke the universe into existence, confounded the language of man, flood the whole earth, reconciled us to himself, gave us power over death and sin by dying on the cross and resurrecting from the grave on the 3rd day, he ascended to heaven and will return again.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
We must first have faith before anything else!
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:26
With faith we must also have works; the expression of our faith. We do this by our prayer, worship, witness, the way we live, obedience to the Word and service to God’s work.
The Grace of God
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Salvation is only through faith, by the grace of God, it is a gift that he gives to us at his will and is not determined by our works alone. Our faith or trust is in his promise to us.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
God’s grace is enough to cover all our sins. Nothing is too great to keep us from his mercy. His love is unconditional, infallible, and unchanging.
The Promise
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: Joel 2:28
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Matthew 3:11
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. John 16:7,13
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:16-18
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Acts 1:5
The Promise of the Holy Ghost, of God’s Spirit, the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ. He told us his spirit would dwell within us and it would give us power! The Holy Ghost also referenced as; Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth, Comforter, the quickening Spirit and many other names… The Holy Ghost could not come and dwell with in us until Jesus died on the cross for the atonement of our sins, rose on the 3rd day and ascended into heaven.
The Fulfilment
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.(…) Acts 10:45-46
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. Acts 2:33
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Acts 19:6
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
The Holy Ghost came and filled them (Spirit Baptism), and they spoke in tongues. Speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost; being baptized of the spirit, born of the spirit, infilling of the spirit.
The Rock
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 16:18-19
In this text Jesus changes the Apostle Peter’s name after he identified Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah (Matthew 16:15-16). He changes his name from Simon Bar-jona to Peter which is translated from the greek word “petros”- meaning rock or stone. It is important that we understand the significance of the Apostle Peter, as Jesus proclaimed him to be the “Rock” on which he would establish his church on and he would give to him the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
The Keys (New Birth)
Then Peter said unto them, Repent (1), and be baptized (2) 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 (3). For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts 2:38-39
Note: the labels (1), (2) and (3) are linked to the scriptures below in correspondence to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The plan of salvation was set by God’s example.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:3,5
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. John 3:7
The Keys to the kingdom are those which we must have in order to enter in and that we must have to be in obedience with the Word. If we are not born again as Jesus tells us and as Peter instructed, we will not enter in.
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died(1) for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried(2), and that he rose again(3) the third day according to the scriptures:
1 Corinthians 15:1,3-4
The death, burial and resurrection of Christ foreshadowed and set the example by which we become sons of God and embodied his plan of salvation for us.
(1) Repentance|Death
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23
We must realize we have all sinned, we were born into sin (Psalms 51:5) when we came into the world. Sin: is disobedience to God’s Law.
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Romans 6:1-3
Just as Christ die for our sins, we must also die to sin by repentance. In repentance, we genuinely and regretfully ask God for forgiveness of our sins. We then must also make every effort to turn from our sinful ways, no longer returning to them.
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Romans 6:6
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:3
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47
(2) Water Baptism|Burial
{The word baptizo in Greek, translated “baptize” in the New Testament, meaning to “dip” or “immerse.”}
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:12
In Water Baptism our sin is buried, covered by the blood and washed away by the water. We come up out of the water born again of the water and by this we receive remission (cancellation of; debt, charge or penalty, forgiveness) of sins.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark 16:16
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:3,5
Water and Spirit Baptism are a requirement for us to enter into the Kingdom. We must be born again of the water and Spirit!
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19:5
As it states in Acts 2:38, we must be baptised in the name of Jesus!
And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. John 3:23
And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. Mark 1:5
And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. Acts 8:38
And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: Mark 1:9-10
We must be Baptised by immersion, completely submerged into a watery grave were our sins are left behind never to return to us.
(3) Spirit Baptism of the Holy Ghost|Resurrection
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Romans 6:5-6,8
Just as Christ rose again on the 3rd day we must also rise by being filled with the Holy Ghost that gives rise to newness of life. We are born again of the Spirit by the Spirit baptism of the Holy Ghost.
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
We must have God’s spirit living with in us to be considered one of his. The Holy Ghost will give us power over the flesh and lead us into all truth. The Bible tells us we must worship him in spirit and in truth as well as we can not even call Jesus Lord with out the spirit dwelling with in us.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 1:13
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30
The Holy Ghost is like our punched ticket into the kingdom. If his spirit dwell in us we are one of his. We must also hold firmly to this ticket by walking in the spirit daily less we lose it to sin. IT IS NOT A PERMANENT ADMISSION! IT CAN BE LOST!
The Fruits of the Spirit
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
After receiving the Holy Ghost you will notice a dynamic change within your heart and a voice of truth guiding you into righteousness. The fruits of the Spirit are long-term manifestations of the Holy Ghost at work in your life. The Holy Ghost gives you power over sin and helps you live righteously. It also will open your eyes to truths you could never understand.
The Gifts of the Spirit
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
The Gifts of the spirit are given by God as he directs, they are given in support of and in operation of the body of Christ (the church). They are given to edify the body.
The Signs
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:17-18
The signs of those that are born again and filled with the spirit. These signs are still in effect today. The Holy Ghost gives us power! Jesus said, these things you see me do, even greater will you do (John 14:12).
The Love
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God,bu and knoweth God. 1 John 4:7-8
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth…
Above all else the most important thing for us to be is love; without it we are nothing and our works are in vain. We must have love for one another and love all people. For God so loved the world…
The Life
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 2 Corinthians 6:17
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:16
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 1 Thessalonians 4:7
Our life is a testimony and witness to all those who do not believe. We must strive to live in holiness and be above reproach in obedience to the Word of God. Our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost and God’s spirit can not dwell where sin is.
The Body of Christ (The Church)
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Romans 12:4-5
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Colossians 1:18
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
We all as saints are part of the body of Christ as members of the church. We all have a role to play in service to the works of the body.
The Purpose
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. Matthew 18:11
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 16:24
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Matthew 24:14
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19
He brought us out of darkness into this marvelous light, not so we could keep it to ourselves, but that we might share it with the world. Gods’ will is that none should perish and it is our job to be that light for others as we are apart of the body. We are the hands and feet.
The Return
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:13
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20
No one knows the time nor the hour in which the “KING OF KINGS” and “LORD OF LORDS” will return. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). He is coming back again for his bride, his people, the church. We must be ready for his return lest we be shut out of the kingdom forever and burn for eternity.
The End
House of Refuge First Pentecostal Church Beaufort, SC 