Our Doctrine

The Word When this ministry was first incorporated in July of 2003, Rev. Martin felt it was important to show that it was a well-run and well organized business.  A church is, after all, a business, and it needs to be put together properly.  One way that this was ensured was by our affiliation with the Independent Assemblies of God, International.  The Independent Assemblies was founded in 1935 with the mission of assisting smaller churches in setting up the business aspects of the organization.  They provide a basic set of pre-written by–laws, 501©(3) status under their charter, and many other things that would otherwise be difficult for a ministry to obtain on their own without having to spend large sums of money on attorneys and other experts.  They do have stringent requirements for affiliation with then.  They required, among other things our answers to 11 basic topics concerning God and His Word.  These 11 topics, and our responses to them, also provide a good basis for the core beliefs of A Ministry of Restoration.  When we applied for affiliation with the Independent Assemblies, we felt the best responses we could give would be to go directly to the Word of God and find at least one or two applicable scriptures relating to the topic.  Those topics, our responses, and selected passages of scripture that back our responses follow:
I. The Bible is the Inspired Word of God:

We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.  Its authors were divinely inspired to write, under the unction of the Holy Spirit.

“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeded out of the mouth of God”

— Mathew 4:4


“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit say unto the churches.”

Revelation 2:29

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the word of the prophecy of this book: if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in the book.”

“If any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life and out of the holy city, from the things which are written in this book.”

Revelation 22:18-19

“Blessed is he that readeth and they that heareth the words of this prophecy and keepeth those tings which are written therein for the time is at hand.”

Revelation 1:3


II. The Virgin Birth of Christ:

We believe that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God the Father.  Jesus was conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit and born to Mary, a virgin.

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth.”

“To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; the virgin’s name was Mary.”

“And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed are thou among women.”

“And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.”

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary; for thou hast found favour with God.”

“And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.”

“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.”

“And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

“Then said Mary unto the angel, how shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”

“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

Luke 1:26-35

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.”

“And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.”

“And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.”

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house of lineage of David.”

“To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.”

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.”

“And she brought forth her firstborn son; and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.”

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were so afraid.”

“And the angel said unto the, fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people/”

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:1-12

III. Jesus is God Manifested in the Flesh:

We believe that Jesus is God manifested in the flesh.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

“If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also,: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.”

“Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.”

“Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?  He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?”

“Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?  The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the words.”

John 14:6-10

IV. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead:

We believe the Father raised Jesus from the dead.

“In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.”

“And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descendest from heaven, and came and called back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.”

“His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow”

“And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men”

“And the angel answered and said unto the women, fear not ye: for I know that he seek Jesus which was crucified.”

“He is not here, for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay”

“And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee, there shall ye see him, I have told you.”

“And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.”

“And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail, And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.”

“Then said Jesus unto them, be not afraid; go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.”

Matthew 28:1-10

V. You Must Be Born Again:
We believe that in order for a man to be saved, he must be born again – of the Spirit of God.

“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.”

“Nicodemus saith unto him, how can a man be born when he is old?  Can he enter the second time into this mother’s womb, and be born?”

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter in to the kingdom of God.”

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

“Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again”

“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”

John 3:3-8

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature,; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.”

“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.”

2 Corinthians 5:17-18


“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”

“For what the law could not do, in that is was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.”

Romans 8:1-3

VI. Water Baptism:

We believe that water baptism by immersion is essential for any Christian.  When you are baptized, it represents the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“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

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?”

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death.  That like as Christ we raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Romans 6:3-4

VII. Baptism of the Holy Spirit:
Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is also an important part of the Christian walk.  You receive power when you receive the Holy Spirit.  Without it, it is very difficult to maintain a relationship with God.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Acts 1:8


“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, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was sent from Caesarea unto me.”

“And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover, these six brethren accompanies me, and we entered into the man’s house;”

“And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter.”

“Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all they house shall be saved.”

“And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them as on us at the beginning.”

“Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.”

“Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, what was I, that I could withstand God?”

Acts 11:11-17

VIII. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit:
The nine gifts of the Spirit are…

  • The word of wisdom
  • The word of knowledge
  • Faith
  • Healing
  • The working of miracles
  • Prophecy
  • Discernment
  • Speaking in tongues
  • Interpretation of tongues.

We believe it is vital to any church that all of these gifts be active and flowing in the church.  God gives the gifts to be used to meet the needs of the body of Christ.

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”

“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit.”

“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 discernment of spirits, to another diverse 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.”

“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.”

1 Corinthians 12:7-12

IX. Communion:
Communion is a way we remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  The bread represents the broken body of Christ, and the cup represents the shed blood of Christ.  We celebrate Communion at least monthly.

“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you.  That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread;”

“And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.”

“After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me”

“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”

“Wherefore whosoever shall eat this brad, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord”

“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup”

“For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself , not discerning the Lord’s body.”

“For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and man sleep.”

1 Corinthians 11:23-31

X. Existence of Hell:

We believe in the existence of hell.  Unfortunately, no matter what churches do, there will be those who will not accept Christ as their Savior.  The Bible tells us that there is a place for them as well.

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and the murderers, and the whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.”

Revelation 21:8



Hell

GRAPHIC INFORMATION:
Hell (Holle)
Artist: Herrad von Landsberg (1180 AD)

Note:  This image is very graphic as to the true nature of hell.  (that is why it has been blurred out.)  If you would like to view the full sized unblured version, simply click the image.

“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day;”

“And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores”

“And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.”

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;”

“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”

“And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”

“But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou are tormented.”

“And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed; so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.”

“Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldst send him to my father’s house.”

“For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.”

“Abraham saith unto him, they have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.”

“And he said, nay, father Abraham; but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.”

“And he said unto him if they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they persuaded though one rose from the dead.”

Luke 16:19-31

XI. Tithes:
Tithing is an essential practice for any believer.  The more you give, the more you will be blessed.  You are allowing God to move in every area of your life when you give your tithes.

“Will a man rob God?  Yet ye have robbed me.  But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.”

“Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation”

“Bring ye all the tithes in the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

“And I will rebuke the devourer of your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Malachi 3:8-11

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