Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 10/15/2006

Question
Hi, I'm 33 divorced from Texas and moved with my 4 children 5 years ago to Czech Republic. I was born and raised Catholic and over the last 5 years have been v. confused. I want to go back to God and find the right faith for me and my children. I'm single and have it a lil rough, but am crying out. Please tell me about the beliefs of your church and any advice for me:-)) will be welcome.  Thx.  Sherri

Answer
Sherri,

Thank you for your question. First let me say that I am thrilled to read how God is dealing with your heart, and that you sence the need to find out what He wants for you and your family. Be encouraged! It may be rough now, but the Lord Jesus will bring you through if you trust in Him!

I will do my best to exsplain to you the basic Pentecostal beliefs. I will try to be brief, therefore if you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to write back.

1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God and accept the same as the only infallible guide and rule of our faith and practice. "Solo scriptura" Scripture alone.
Scripture References: Matt. 24:35, Ps. 119:89, 2 Tim. 3:16 -17, 2 Tim. 2:15 , 1 Pet. 1:19 -21

2. We believe in the eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, sovereign, and immutable triune God; and in the unity of the Godhead where three personalities, equal in every divine perfection and attribute, execute distinct, harmonious offices, in the great work of redemption. This does not mean that there are three "people" called God, but rather a way of saying God eternally exists in three personally distinct ways. Scriptures declare that there is only one God, Who is eternally manifested as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Scripture References: I John 5:7, 2 Cor. 13:14, John 1:1,2, Rev. 4:2-5 & 5:1-7

3. We believe all of humanity is born into sin through the bloodline of Adam, cannot save themselves, and are in need a Savior.
Scripture References: Gen. 1:27, Rom. 3:10 ; 3:23 ; 5:12 , lsa. 53:6; Eph. 2:8,9

4. We believe Christ is the Lamb of God, foreordained from the foundation of the world. By the shedding of His blood on the cross, His death, burial, and resurrection, He provided salvation for all who receive Him by faith.
Scripture References: 1 Pet. 1:19-20; Isa. 53:5; Titus 2:14; Heb. 10:4-10

5. We believe water baptism is by full immersion into water. Baptism is subsequent to conversion and not a saving ordinance, but an outward sign of an inward work. Baptism is not optional for the believer, but a command of our Lord to be obeyed.
Scripture References: Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:4; Acts 2:38 ; Acts 16:30 -33

6. We believe the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a definite experience, not identical with conversion. When the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is received, unknown tongues will follow. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is given to endue the believer with power from on high; to give and to equip him for a practical, efficient, spirit-filled, soul-winning ministry and service. Inasmuch as this is the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, every believer has a right to expect His incoming to be after the same manner as recorded by the Word of God in Bible days.
Scripture References: John 14:16; Acts 1:8; 2:4, 38-39; 10:44 -48, 19:6

7. We believe that for the edification of the saints and the up building of the church of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit has the following gifts to bestow upon the individual believer: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues, dividing to every man severally as He will. These gifts should be coveted earnestly by all spiritual believers and exercised in the spirit of love. We believe that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long- suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, against such there is no law. These should be cultivated in the life of every believer.
Scripture References: I Cor. 12:7-11, 31; Gal. 5:22-23; John 15:4, 8

8. We believe every born-again child of God should identify with the visible churchof Jesus Christ, should labor diligently, and should contribute his temporal means toward the spreading of the Gospel here on earth. We believe tithes (ten percent of one's income) and offerings should be given into the storehouse of the Lord (which is the local church). We believe Christians are to be faithful in their attendance to church every Lords Day (Sunday), and to any other services that may be held.
Scripture References: Neh. 13:10-14; Heb. 10:24-25; Ps. 111:1; Acts 2:47; 16:5; Rom. 12:5; Mal. 3:8-12; I Cor. 9:6-7; I Cor. 16:2; Matt. 23:23; Rev. 1:10; Acts 20:7; I Cor. 16:2; Heb. 10:25

Sherri, my council to you is this...

1. Pray right now and recieve Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. It is as easy as ABC:
A. Acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness .
(Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23)
B. Believe that Jesus died for the forgiveness of your sin.
(John 3:16, 1 Peter 3:18, Romans 5:8)
C. Confess Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.
(Romans 10:9-13)

2. As the Lord to fill you with His Spirit. Point number six above give the details. After a person recieves Christ as Savior the next step is to recieve Him as your Hly Spirit Baptiser!

3. Find a local Full-Gospel, Pentecostal church that you can concest with. It is vitaly important that you do this ASAP! If you do not know of one in your local area, I would be glad to help. You may e-mail me at...
maddenministries@yahoo.com
This way your location can remain private.

Please let me know if this helps, or if you have any further questions.
Elder Greg Madden