To glorify Jesus Christ and advance His Kingdom.

Teaching others how to be taught by Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is our Teacher.

Providing each individual believer with written materials and resources they can use and apply so they may be transformed by the living Word of God. This includes blog entries, bible studies, non-fiction and fiction books, children’s stories, and external links.

Helping believers understand the Hebraic roots of Christianity so they may fully understand what Christ has accomplished for them as revealed in the Old Covenant and fulfilled in the New Covenant.

Promoting genuine biblical “yachad” (unity) between Jew and Gentile believers according to Christ’s high priestly prayer in John 17 and Ephesians 2:11-22.

Advocating for the covenant support of Israel in whatever manner is mete.

Advocating for the Native American people. As they covenant with Israel, we endeavor to support their ministries and missions in the United States and Canada through our independent journalism and services.

 STEWARDSHIP: We exist to serve God and others in the capacity we own as a Christian company, which is a stewardship entrusted to us by those whom we serve. This is a humble honor and privilege; not a right.

 HONOR: We strive to honor and glorify God in all we do, reflecting Christ to all those we serve.

 LOVE: The motivation for our service is love for God and our neighbor according to His highest command in seeking the ultimate benefit and goodwill of all.

 TRUTH: We seek to defend and uphold the standard of God’s word with absolution and without compromise, and to conduct ourselves with transparency in all our relations, both with God and men.

 EXCELLENCE: We strive to exceed the expectations of those we serve by going the extra mile, and above and beyond the call of duty whenever possible. We strive to do all things right and do them well.

 WISDOM: We will conduct ourselves with wisdom, knowledge, and discretion in every matter and relation with respect to the stewardship entrusted to us by both God and men.

 CHARACTER & INTEGRITY: We believe character and integrity are paramount. These must not, and can never be, compromised. We will strive to always do what is right, true, and just so much as it depends upon us.

This is an inter-denominational Christian organization which adheres strictly to the written Word of God, revealing the one true living God in three persons. Our sole allegiance is to Jesus Christ and His Word. We do not embrace or endorse any specific man-made doctrine or denomination, and therefore doctrinal differences have been laid aside.

With that being said, we understand the need to clarify specific doctrinal beliefs for the public. For those who want to know precisely where we stand and what we believe regarding key biblical issues and/or definitions, we have provided the following doctrinal statement with the accompanying scriptures. If you have questions about additional issues or need further clarification on those presented here, please contact us. You may also reference our F.A.Q. page for clarity on specific doctrinal issues, or submit an entry. We would be honored to assist you.

GOD: We believe the one true living God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He is the great I AM. He is one God in three persons who is revealed as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit — otherwise known as the Holy Trinity. We believe God is eternally self-existent. There has never been, nor shall there ever be any other God before or after Him. We believe God is the perfect embodiment of love, righteousness, holiness, mercy, justice and truth who holds all power and authority both in heaven and on earth. We believe God is self-evident and has made Himself freely known to all mankind, being clearly manifest in the following five ways: | Exodus 3:6 & 14, 15 • 1 John 5:7 • Revelation 1:8 • Genesis 1:1 • John 1:1 • Isaiah 45:5 • Psalm 103 • 1 John 1-5 • Revelation 19:11-16 • Colossians 1:12-20 

 (1) Through creation | Romans 1:18-20
(2) Through the conscience of every man. | Romans 2:15
 (3) Through the written and spoken Word of His testimony as revealed through the Apostles and Prophets. | Ephesians 2:20
 (4) Through His one and only Son Jesus Christ our LORD. | Deuteronomy 18:15 • Matthew 17:5 • Matthew 5:17 • John 1:1-17 • John 6:35
 (5) Through His witnesses, who are His Body (the Church), in whom His Spirit dwells. | Acts 1:8 • Ephesians 2:11-22

THE MESSIAH & SALVATION: We believe Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah who alone fulfilled the Law and the Prophets as proclaimed by the Apostles & Prophets: | Luke 24:44 • Ephesians 3:5

We believe Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh who dwelt among us, and that salvation is found in no other. | John 1:1 • Acts 4:12

We believe Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life for all mankind by whom men must be saved. | John 14:6 • Acts 4:12

We believe Jesus Christ is the fullness of God incarnate, being born of the virgin, Mary. He is the perfect embodiment of the Holy Trinity, being fully God (the Son of God) and fully man (the Son of Man). | Colossians 2:9 • Matthew 16:16-18 • Luke 18:31

We believe Jesus Christ is the perfect Lamb of God who came to redeem mankind from the curse and take away the sin of the world. | John 1:29 • John 3:16 • 1 John 4:14 • Galatians 3:12-14

We believe in the life, death, burial, descending, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ who is alive forevermore and is seated at the Father’s right hand, having gained victory over the world, the devil, death, hell and the grave. We believe He will return to judge the living and the dead as promised. | Ephesians 4:9-10 • Acts 1:1-11 • Colossians 1:5-29 • Revelation 1 & 20-22

We believe the salvation Christ offers is a gift for all mankind, being freely given by grace through faith to all who believe and repent of their sin. | Luke 5:32 & 13:5 • John 3:16 • Acts 26:15-21 • Romans 1:16 • Ephesians 2:8-10

We believe Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, who holds the keys of hell and death. We believe Jesus Christ is King of kings and LORD of lords who is both the Lamb of God and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, who will return as prophesied and promised, in vengeance and wrath to execute God’s just and righteous judgment upon the world, the nations, and every soul — both the living and the dead. | Matthew 24:27-51 • Matthew 25:1-46 • Revelation 1:11, 17-18 • Revelation 5:5-13 • Revelation 19:11-21

We believe God’s just and righteous judgment will be revealed in the resurrection (a.k.a. rapture) at the return of Christ, and at the final judgment when the Lamb’s Book of Life is opened. | Matthew 24:29-31 • 1 Corinthians 15:13-28 • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 • 2 Thessalonians 1:4-10 and 2:1-12 • Revelation 19:11-21 • Revelation 20:11-15

We believe those who believe in Christ and repent of their sin are born-again in Christ through His Spirit, being written in His book, which is the Lamb’s Book of Life. They are one with Christ They are the redeemed who will receive eternal salvation and will be spared the second death, which is the last enemy to be overcome.  Christ’s redeemed, whose sins are forgiven, will be granted eternal life in God’s presence to live and reign with Him forever in His Kingdom (the New Jerusalem), which is without end. | John 3:1-21 • Revelation 21:27 • John 17:1-26 • Ephesians 1:1-23 • Colossians 3:3-4 • Galatians 2:20 & 3:28 • Revelation 20:6 • Revelation 14 • Revelation 21:1-27

HOLY SPIRIT (Holy Ghost or Spirit of God): We believe in the fullness of the Holy Spirit and the absolution of His power and authority in the believer’s life as the third person of the Holy Trinity. | Colossians 2:9-10 • 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 • Romans 8:1-30

We believe the Holy Spirit is given as a seal guaranteeing the redemption of every believer, who raised Christ from the dead. We believe this seal is appropriated as a gift by a genuine saving faith in Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior. | Ephesians 1:10-14

We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit by whom believers are filled with the power to witness, live a holy life, and perform the works of Christ on earth. | John 14:12 • Acts 1:1-11 • Acts 11:16 • Romans 6:1-23; 8:1-2

We believe the Holy Spirit is the manifest presence of God who dwells in and with each believer. He is the Spirit of Truth, the Helper, Comforter, and Wonderful Counselor. He is the very Spirit of Jesus Christ. | John 14:15-21 • John 16:7-15

We believe the Holy Spirit provides the grace and power of Christ to every believer, performing the work of redemption, sanctification, justification, and final glorification. | Romans 8:29-31 • Ephesians 2:18 • Thessalonians 2:13 • 1 Peter 1:2 & 22-23 • Titus 3:5

We believe the Holy Spirit can be grieved, quenched, and insulted by willful sin, and that the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is an unpardonable sin. | Ephesians 4:30 • 1 Thessalonians 5:19 • Hebrews 10:29 • Matthew 12:32

We believe the Holy Spirit is fully manifest in the seven Spirits of God as revealed in Isaiah and Revelation, by whom Christ was anointed during His earthly ministry. | Isaiah 11:1-3 • Revelation 3:1 • Revelation 4:5 • Revelation 5:6

We believe in the distinct baptism of the Holy Spirit, which Christ performs by fire for the purpose of purification and refinement of believers. We believe in His infilling, His gifts, His fruit, the fullness of His power, and His intimate and ongoing discipleship of every believer who is called to walk in Him and obey Him explicitly. | Luke 3:16-17 • Acts 1:5-8 • Ephesians 5:18 • 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 • Galatians 5:22-25 • Colossians 1:8-14 • 1 John 2:20-29 • John 7:37-39

We believe in the distinct omniscience and omnipotence of the Holy Spirit who is resident and active throughout the world, performing God’s work and will on earth as it is in heaven by (1) His sovereign will and command, and (2) through His people in whom He dwells, who choose to obey Him and walk in His revealed will through His anointing and power upon their life. | Genesis 1:1-2 • Job 33:4 • Isaiah 55:8-11 • John 15:1-27 • Romans 8:14 • 1 Corinthians 2:11-14 • Galatians 2:20

We believe the Holy Spirit is the one who teaches and reveals the Word of God in opening the scriptures. We believe He is the one who authored, breathed and inspired the Word of God. He is the one who anoints, performing signs, wonders, and miracles by which the Word of God is validated when preached according to the truth of the Gospel of Christ. | John 14:26 • Ephesians 1:17-20 • Colossians 1:8-27 • 1 Corinthians 2:13 • 2 Peter 1:21 • 2 Timothy 3:16 • Hebrews 2:4 • Romans 15:19

We believe the Holy Spirit operates in perfect unity with the Father and Son, performing God’s perfect will at all times as the third person of the Holy Trinity. |  Matthew 1:18, 20 • John 5:19 • John 5:30 • John 8:28 • Romans 14:17

UNITY OF THE CHURCH: We believe there is only one God, one LORD, one baptism, and one Body of Christ. | Romans 12:4-5 • 1 Corinthians 12:13 • Ephesians 2:11-22; 4:4

WORD OF GOD: We believe the Holy Bible in its original texts and tongues, in whole, is absolutely perfect, being God-breathed. We believe the Holy Bible is authored by God Almighty, being written by chosen men who penned it under the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  As such, we believe the Holy Bible is the final authoritative, inerrant, and eternal Word of the one true living God, which is comprised of the sixty-six canonized books. |  Psalm 18:30 • John 1:1 • 2 Timothy 3:16 • 1 Peter 1:24 • Matthew 24:35 • 2 Peter 1:21

DOCTRINE: We believe the Holy Bible cannot be added to or subtracted from in any manner, and that there are just punishments reserved for those who do so. We believe the transliteration of the Holy texts into other languages, according to their original Hebrew, Greek, and Chaldean tongues, are to be handled with pristine accuracy, with the utmost fear and reverence of God through the Berean approach. We believe those who teach falsehood, lies, error, and heresy will be held accountable for their deception according to the holy scriptures. | Acts 17:10-12 • 2 Timothy 2:15 • Galatians 1:8-9 • 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 • 2 Timothy 3:13-16 • 1 Peter 2: 6-8 • 2 Peter 2:1 – 3:18 • Jude 1-25 • Revelation 22:18-19

THEOLOGY: We believe the Holy Bible, as the final authority, is not subject to the interpretation of man, but is only revealed by Christ through the Holy Spirit, to whom all men are subject. | Galatians 1:10-12 • 2 Peter 1:16-21 • John 14:26

ETERNAL SALVATION: We believe Jesus Christ came to offer complete salvation to all of mankind, both to Jews and Gentiles, in body, soul, and spirit, precisely as God prophesied, promised, and foretold, through His one and only Son’s perfect and finished work on the cross. The proclamation of His salvation was predicated by a preaching of repentance by John the Baptist who initially prepared the way of the LORD for His chosen people, Israel. Jesus Christ made it clear that unless we repent of our sins we cannot be saved. A saving faith in Him will always be accompanied by repentance. Salvation is extended to mankind by grace through faith in Him. It is God’s gracious gift to all mankind which cannot be earned, lest any man boast. The fruit of salvation is a holy life that bears Christ’s character and His works.  Upon receiving salvation, the rebirth of the believer is performed by the Holy Spirit by which one becomes “born again”. We are then sealed with the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ promised He would not leave us as orphans, but promised us the indwelling Holy Spirit. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit we have constant communion and unbroken fellowship with Jesus Christ. We are called to be ever filled with the Holy Spirit, walking in the Spirit of God even as Jesus Christ did. Jesus Christ proclaimed that those who believe in Him would perform the same works He did, and works even greater than those He performed. Those who inherit salvation are known as “saints”. They are citizens of Heaven. They no longer belong to this world, but to God. Christ says those who inherit true salvation will be few, and that the path is narrow that leads to life. He says few will find it. Christ tells all who would follow Him to “count the cost” and to take up their cross, deny themselves, and follow Him daily. Paul exhorts all who profess Jesus Christ to test themselves in the faith and to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. Jesus Christ makes it clear that all those who come to Him, He will in no wise cast out. He also says that many are called, but few are chosen. Those who remain faithful to Him and endure to the end will be saved. That end may be our own death, or His glorious return — to whichever we are predestined. We believe salvation can be lost through a life of iniquity (lawlessness), transgression (willful unrepentant sin) and/or apostasy (renouncing, leaving the faith, or denying Christ), of which Christ and His apostles sternly warn. Such a life is chosen, and is never accidental. Jesus Christ will confess before His Father and the holy angels all who confess Him. He will deny before His Father and the holy angels all who deny Him. He knows those who are His, and He is able to keep them. | Luke 3:1-22 • Mark 1: 14-15 • Luke 13: 3 & 5 • Ephesians 2: 8-9 • James 2:14-26 • John 3:3 • Ephesians 1:13 • Ephesians 4:30 • John 14:16-21 • Romans 8:26-27 • Ephesians 5:18 • 1 John 1:7 • 1 John 1:3-6 • John 14:12 • Ephesians 4:12 • Philippians 3:20 • John 17:14 • Matthew 7:14 • Luke 14:28-33 • Philippians 2:12 • John 6:37 • Matthew 20:16 • Matthew 22:14 • Matthew 10:22 • Matthew 24:13 • 1 Timothy 4:1 • 2 Timothy 2:19 • Jude 1:24 • 2 Timothy 1:12 • Matthew 10:32-33 • Revelation 3:5 • John 10:27-30 • 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

ETERNAL DAMNATION (Condemnation): We believe Christ came to seek and to save “the lost”. God also graciously promises to be found by all those who seek Him. We believe the lost are those who have not sought God, or who have refused the revealed knowledge of God, either by creative evidence or the testimony of His witnesses. Consequently, when the knowledge of Christ is refused, the opportunity to believe on Him, and repent and be saved is forfeited. Therefore, they are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and the just punishment for sin is enacted. All those who are not found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will receive eternal damnation with the devil and his angels, and will suffer everlasting torment as a just punishment for their sin, being forever separated from God to dwell in the lake of fire. Christ’s will is that all repent and be saved from their sin, and has made abundant provision for all mankind through His atonement on the cross for those who would believe upon Him, repent of their sin, and receive His gift of eternal life. | Luke 19:10 • Matthew 9:13 •  2 Peter 3:6-18 • Deuteronomy 4:29 • Psalm 14:2 •  Psalm 27:8 •  Jeremiah 29:11-14 • John 6:37 • Romans 3:10-18 • Psalm 10:4 • Acts 1:8 • Romans 1:18-20 • Luke 24:47 • Acts 16:31 • Acts 26:15-31 • Romans 1:16 •  Romans 3:22 •  Romans 10:4 • 1 John 3:23 • Revelation 13:8 • Revelation 20:15 • Matthew 25:1-46 • Revelation 20:11-15 • Acts 26:18 • Romans 6:23 •  2 Peter 3:6-18 

You do not have to suffer damnation.
You can be saved today and know Jesus Christ personally.

YOU CAN RECEIVE CHRIST’S SALVATION RIGHT NOW. CLICK HERE.

The Nashville Statement is founded by The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Coalition for Biblical Sexuality, being drafted and signed on August 25, 2017 by inter-denominational Evangelical Church leaders in Nashville, Tennessee. It serves as a public document, delineating clear biblically cohesive precedents regarding the issues of gender, sex, and marriage. 

Appointed Time Press, LLC has officially signed and adopted The Nashville Statement into our organizational constitution.

The Nashville Statement contains 14 articles which set very clear cohesive biblical precedents. Since its inception tens of thousands of signatories, laymen and clergy alike, have signed The Nashville Statement. You may read and sign the statement by clicking the title link, or conveniently view our copy below.

The Nashville Statement

© Council for Biblical Manhood & Womanhood: A Coalition for Biblical Sexuality | CBMW.org

“Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves…” -Psalm 100:3

Preamble

Evangelical Christians at the dawn of the twenty-first century find themselves living in a period of historic transition. As Western culture has become increasingly post-Christian, it has embarked upon a massive revision of what it means to be a human being. By and large the spirit of our age no longer discerns or delights in the beauty of God’s design for human life. Many deny that God created human beings for his glory, and that his good purposes for us include our personal and physical design as male and female. It is common to think that human identity as male and female is not part of God’s beautiful plan, but is, rather, an expression of an individual’s autonomous preferences. The pathway to full and lasting joy through God’s good design for his creatures is thus replaced by the path of shortsighted alternatives that, sooner or later, ruin human life and dishonor God.

This secular spirit of our age presents a great challenge to the Christian church. Will the church of the Lord Jesus Christ lose her biblical conviction, clarity, and courage, and blend into the spirit of the age? Or will she hold fast to the word of life, draw courage from Jesus, and unashamedly proclaim his way as the way of life? Will she maintain her clear, counter-cultural witness to a world that seems bent on ruin?

We are persuaded that faithfulness in our generation means declaring once again the true story of the world and of our place in it—particularly as male and female. Christian Scripture teaches that there is but one God who alone is Creator and Lord of all. To him alone, every person owes gladhearted thanksgiving, heart-felt praise, and total allegiance. This is the path not only of glorifying God, but of knowing ourselves. To forget our Creator is to forget who we are, for he made us for himself. And we cannot know ourselves truly without truly knowing him who made us. We did not make ourselves. We are not our own. Our true identity, as male and female persons, is given by God. It is not only foolish, but hopeless, to try to make ourselves what God did not create us to be.

We believe that God’s design for his creation and his way of salvation serve to bring him the greatest glory and bring us the greatest good. God’s good plan provides us with the greatest freedom. Jesus said he came that we might have life and have it in overflowing measure. He is for us and not against us. Therefore, in the hope of serving Christ’s church and witnessing publicly to the good purposes of God for human sexuality revealed in Christian Scripture, we offer the following affirmations and denials.

Article 1

WE AFFIRM that God has designed marriage to be a covenantal, sexual, procreative, lifelong union of one man and one woman, as husband and wife, and is meant to signify the covenant love between Christ and his bride the church.

WE DENY that God has designed marriage to be a homosexual, polygamous, or polyamorous relationship. We also deny that marriage is a mere human contract rather than a covenant made before God.

Article 2

WE AFFIRM that God’s revealed will for all people is chastity outside of marriage and fidelity within marriage.

WE DENY that any affections, desires, or commitments ever justify sexual intercourse before or outside marriage; nor do they justify any form of sexual immorality.

Article 3

WE AFFIRM that God created Adam and Eve, the first human beings, in his own image, equal before God as persons, and distinct as male and female.

WE DENY that the divinely ordained differences between male and female render them unequal in dignity or worth.

Article 4

WE AFFIRM that divinely ordained differences between male and female reflect God’s original creation design and are meant for human good and human flourishing.

WE DENY that such differences are a result of the Fall or are a tragedy to be overcome.

Article 5

WE AFFIRM that the differences between male and female reproductive structures are integral to God’s design for self-conception as male or female.

WE DENY that physical anomalies or psychological conditions nullify the God-appointed link between biological sex and self-conception as male or female.

Article 6

WE AFFIRM that those born with a physical disorder of sex development are created in the image of God and have dignity and worth equal to all other image-bearers. They are acknowledged by our Lord Jesus in his words about “eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb.” With all others they are welcome as faithful followers of Jesus Christ and should embrace their biological sex insofar as it may be known.

WE DENY that ambiguities related to a person’s biological sex render one incapable of living a fruitful life in joyful obedience to Christ.

Article 7

WE AFFIRM that self-conception as male or female should be defined by God’s holy purposes in creation and redemption as revealed in Scripture.

WE DENY that adopting a homosexual or transgender self-conception is consistent with God’s holy purposes in creation and redemption.

Article 8

WE AFFIRM that people who experience sexual attraction for the same sex may live a rich and fruitful life pleasing to God through faith in Jesus Christ, as they, like all Christians, walk in purity of life.

WE DENY that sexual attraction for the same sex is part of the natural goodness of God’s original creation, or that it puts a person outside the hope of the gospel.

Article 9

WE AFFIRM that sin distorts sexual desires by directing them away from the marriage covenant and toward sexual immorality— a distortion that includes both heterosexual and homosexual immorality.

WE DENY that an enduring pattern of desire for sexual immorality justifies sexually immoral behavior.

Article 10

WE AFFIRM that it is sinful to approve of homosexual immorality or transgenderism and that such approval constitutes an essential departure from Christian faithfulness and witness.

WE DENY that the approval of homosexual immorality or transgenderism is a matter of moral indifference about which otherwise faithful Christians should agree to disagree.

Article 11

WE AFFIRM our duty to speak the truth in love at all times, including when we speak to or about one another as male or female.

WE DENY any obligation to speak in such ways that dishonor God’s design of his imagebearers as male and female.

Article 12

WE AFFIRM that the grace of God in Christ gives both merciful pardon and transforming power, and that this pardon and power enable a follower of Jesus to put to death sinful desires and to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.

WE DENY that the grace of God in Christ is insufficient to forgive all sexual sins and to give power for holiness to every believer who feels drawn into sexual sin.

Article 13

WE AFFIRM that the grace of God in Christ enables sinners to forsake transgender selfconceptions and by divine forbearance to accept the God-ordained link between one’s biological sex and one’s self-conception as male or female.

WE DENY that the grace of God in Christ sanctions self-conceptions that are at odds with God’s revealed will.

Article 14

WE AFFIRM that Christ Jesus has come into the world to save sinners and that through Christ’s death and resurrection forgiveness of sins and eternal life are available to every person who repents of sin and trusts in Christ alone as Savior, Lord, and supreme treasure.

WE DENY that the Lord’s arm is too short to save or that any sinner is beyond his reach.

Initial Signatories

Institutional affiliation for identification purposes only

Denny Burk – President, Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

John Piper – Founder & Teacher, Desiring God Chancellor, Bethlehem Seminary and College

James Dobson – Founder, Focus on the Family

Russell Moore – President, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission

J. I. Packer – Professor of Theology, Regent College

Wayne Grudem – Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies, Phoenix Seminary

R. Albert Mohler, Jr. – President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Tony Perkins – President, Family Research Council

D. A. Carson – Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

John MacArthur – Pastor, Grace Community Church President, The Master’s Seminary and College

Sam Allberry – Speaker & Apologist, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries

R. C. Sproul – Founder & Chairman, Ligonier Ministries

Rosaria Butterfield – Author of The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert

Francis Chan – Author & Pastor, We Are Church

Marvin Olasky – Editor in Chief, World Magazine

Ligon Duncan – Chancellor & CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary

Steve Gaines – President, The Southern Baptist Convention Pastor, Bellevue Baptist Church

Andrew T. Walker – Director of Policy Studies, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission

H. B. Charles, Jr. – Pastor, Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church

Christopher Yuan – Speaker & Author, Moody Bible Institute

Dennis Rainey – Founder & Former President, FamilyLife

Frank Page – President & CEO, Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee Former SBC President

Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth – Author & Speaker, Revive Our Hearts

Daniel L. Akin – President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Kevin DeYoung – Senior Pastor, Christ Covenant Church

Alistair Begg – Reverend, Parkside Church

Heath Lambert – Executive Director, Association of Certified Biblical Counselors

Jerry A. Johnson – President & CEO, National Religious Broadcasters

Mark Dever – Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church

Randy Alcorn – Director, Eternal Perspectives Ministries

Scripture References*

Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-24 • Ex. 20:14; 20:17 • Lev. 18:22; 20:13 • Dt. 5:18, 21; 22:5 • Jdg. 19:22 • 2 Sam. 11:1-12:15 • Job 31:1 • Ps. 51:1-19 • Prov. 5:1-23; 6:20-35; 7:1-27 • Isa. 59:1 • Mal. 2:14 • Matt. 5:27–30; 19:4-6, 8-9, 12 • Acts 15:20, 29 • Rom. 1:26–27; 1:32 • 1 Cor. 6:9–11, 18-20; 7:1-7 • 2 Cor. 5:17 • Gal. 5:24 • Eph. 4:15, 20–24; 5:31–32 • Col. 3:5 • 1 Thess. 4:3-8 • 1 Tim. 1:9–10, 15 • 2 Tim. 2:22 • Titus 2:11-12 • Heb. 13:4 • Jas. 1:14–15 • 1 Pet. 2:11 • Jude 7

* Scripture texts are not a part of the original document but have been added subsequently for reference

Cessationism

Cessationism is the formal doctrinal belief that God no longer speaks “rhema” words to His people due to an inappropriate application of Sola Scriptura (the “logos” of God), and that signs and wonders, and the spiritual gifts accompanying the preaching of the Word and the presence or activity of His Spirit have ceased with the twelve apostles.

This is a sad and unfortunate deception, as God Himself proclaims that He does not change (Hebrews 13:8-9), and that He speaks to His sheep and His sheep know His voice (John 10:27). He also clearly says that we will perform His works by His Spirit as His Spirit wills (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). God is well-able to perform miracles, signs, wonders, and give spiritual gifts as He wills to His children, to enact and perform His will on earth as it is in Heaven. By these Omnipotent and Providential acts, even those performed through His servants, we see the progression of God’s kingdom and Christianity in the earth during the Church age (Age of Grace), both at large and in individual lives, since Christ’s ascension and the outpouring of His Spirit in the book of Acts. The evidence of such in the world is indeed undeniable. In this, Cessationism could potentially become a dangerous denial of Christ.

Please see our FAQ and blog post for a full discussion on Cessationism.

Charismatic Movement

The Charismatic Movement has a wide spectrum of belief. For the sake of this article, it is notoriously marked by the explicit seeking of signs and wonders, the explicit worship of angels, and the engagement of hyper-emotional worship that shuns biblical humility, the fear of the Lord, repentance, or servanthood. The Charismatic Movement employs the Word of Faith doctrine, and has been known to unwittingly operate in the demonic realm, which is often camouflaged and disguised, being mistaken for acts of the Holy Spirit or angelic ministry. Spiritual activities are seldom tested. People who bark like dogs, have seizure-like fits, and the like are not scripturally supported. Prophetic utterances are seldom questioned, and they are often sought after, even with payment, for which there is little to no accountability. The Charismatic Movement has come under scrutiny for a vast array of theological complaints which have thrown believers worldwide into a state of doubt, disillusionment, shipwrecked faith, and even apostasy. Many have complained their lives were completely derailed, wasted, and even destroyed when these lying wonders and prophecies did not come to pass.

The Charismatic Movement is widely known for leadership that is rogue, self-employed, self-aggrandizing, and highly insular against any accountability from those whom it serves, or other leaders who would propose questions.

Authentic moves of the Holy Spirit, which still exist today, produce genuine fruit whereby Christ is honored, the Word of God is proven, individuals are born again and sanctified in Christ, the Body of Christ is truly edified, and the Kingdom of God advances.

The Lord Jesus Christ called those who seek signs a wicked and adulterous generation, warning them that the only sign to be given them is the sign of Jonah (Matthew 16:4).

Christian Deconstruction

The practice of Christian Deconstruction is the intentional and methodical tearing down one’s individual faith, theology, and personal belief systems in a critical manner that seeks to prove or disprove the Word of God and/or God’s existence. This is not a mere “testing of all things” which Christians are exhorted to do. Nor is it merely asking genuine questions from a heart of faith which longs to believe, learn, grow, and understand. Christian Deconstruction is not a Berean practice whereby scripture is used to validate scripture. Instead, we believe this destructive practice is borne of doubt and unbelief instead of faith, which the Lord calls an “evil heart” (see Hebrews 3:12). The fruit of Christian Deconstruction has led many astray and into a state of apostasy.

Cover-Up Culture

Cover-Up Culture stealthily staves off biblical accountability, giving sin and nefarious actors a place to hide within the Body of Christ. It is comprised of dangerous yet popular beliefs and practices which carefully insulate Church leadership against those whom they serve. This has given way to heresy, predatory behaviors, manipulative tactics, injustices, and criminal acts that cause various moral injuries, traumas, and abuses. Cover-Up Culture is largely embraced within the Church today among various Christian movements, organizations, and mainline denominations (both Protestant and Catholic).  It’s effects are broad, being pervasive among believers and non-believers alike, shaping how people view and experience Jesus Christ, His Church, the Bible, and the Kingdom of God.

God’s word calls us to be accountable to one another and to God. We all must seek righteous judgment and the correction that accompanies it, or we end up with deception and destruction en masse, such as what we see today. We cannot allow Cover-Up Culture to continue sweeping through the global Church and changing the landscape of Christianity. Therefore, we maintain that proper accountability is not merely a suggestion — rather, it is an obligation among all believers.

When pastors and leaders do not know their sheep, they cannot be held accountable to them. Nor can they hold their sheep accountable in areas of sin and moral failure. Most notably, Cover-Up Culture has carefully established heretical teachings that have allowed stealthy and nefarious actors to creep into the Church — completely unchecked. This has led to a litany of fallen leaders, both those who are genuine as well as predatory. It has also led to a mass of broken, abused, deceived, and even apostate believers for whom these leaders were entrusted a solemn stewardship of soul. Furthermore, the immense shame and embarrassment brought upon the name of Jesus Christ and His Church has led to many non-believers abstaining from Christianity, the doctrine of Jesus Christ and His salvation, and even the Bible — which is an irreparable harm for which the Church will suffer judgment.

Please read our comprehensive essay on Cover-Up Culture to fully understand how it operates and how to protect yourself and those you love.

Cultural Relativism

Every culture in the world must address Cultural Relativism when following Christ. Cultural Relativism is based upon conformity, in which the Gospel of Christ is made to conform to one’s own culture. One of the most prominent examples of Cultural Relativism has been the many post modern revisions of the Bible.

Having performed missionary work among Native American peoples and groups, and having interacted at large with other cultures in ministry, it has long been argued that culture is a “right of way” in the Church to practice long-standing traditions and beliefs — even if they transgress scriptural boundaries or are incongruent with following Christ. Again, Cultural Relativism is the belief that Christianity conforms to our culture, instead of Christianity clarifying the boundaries of our culture. Cultural Relativism is something every culture among mankind must address when following Christ. It is worth stating that some cultures in this world are more Christ-honoring or dishonoring than others. Cultural Relativism makes the argument that we can indeed fully embrace our cultural norms despite clear scriptural boundaries or areas of transgression that proclaim them sinful or unclean. Arguments that “we were made this way” or “God gave us our culture” are often used to justify culturally relevant practices.

Christ demands that saving faith be accompanied by repentance. The Holy Spirit and His work of sanctification in the believer does not permit sinful practices or beliefs, irrespective of how honored, treasured, beloved, or sacred they may be esteemed. As Christians we all must address areas where we take up our cross daily, die to self, and follow Christ. Areas in our lives where there are erroneous or unclean practices demand acknowledgment, correction, and repentance. As followers of Christ we put away practices (cultural or otherwise) that offend the Lord, transgress God’s Word, or grieve His Holy Spirit. We are called to holiness — not normative cultural behaviors. Many Christians, especially in Native American circles, where culture was systematically and strategically destroyed and there was subsequent trauma or genocide, this area is rightfully a very sensitive one and must be addressed accordingly. Some Native Americans have chosen to abandon traditional cultural beliefs and customs, while others “mix” their traditions and beliefs with Christianity. This has resulted in confusion and theological debates of various kinds which consequently end in broken fellowships or even enmity.

Some cultural norms and practices can be questionable, as scripture does not always clearly identify them. For cultural areas that remain unclear or ambiguous, we maintain that biblical principles and ethics should be the governor, and that when in doubt we should err on the side of caution, being willing to put away anything in question which would not be of faith. For the Word of God says, if it is not of faith, it is sin (Romans 14:23).

Grave-Sucking

The touching, lying upon, or prostrating oneself (a.k.a. “soaking”) upon the gravesite of the deceased to obtain their anointing or spiritual power. This is blatant witchcraft. This practice was employed by Bill Johnson’s Bethel ministry in Redding, California. However, grave-sucking was first practiced by Benny Hinn when he visited the graves of Kathryn Kuhlman and Aimee Semple McPherson. This practice is determined to be necromancy, which is a type of sorcery, and is considered an abomination to God (Leviticus 20:27, Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Galatians 5:19-20).

MESSIANIC MOVEMENT

Our stance on the Messianic Movement is conditional. This one is delicate. Navigating the Messianic Movement, can well… be messy. This otherwise glorious fulfillment of Christ’s prayer in John 17 is troubled by some worthy arguments, which we will address here in this article. We must be clear here about the Messianic Movement. There are two areas specifically which we must reject, which we will address here in this article:

#1. The strict order of following the Law of Moses as a means of righteousness, sanctification, and holiness before God, insomuch that it becomes inextricable to the path of salvation.

#2. Christians who suddenly believe or think they are Jews, OR who believe they should need to become Jews to fulfill their faith in Christ.

Many Christians with good intentions become part of the Messianic movement in discovering the Hebraic roots of Christianity. Hebraic roots can open the understanding of God’s Word in ways nothing else will — precisely because it is a Jewish book, cover to cover. For centuries, God’s Word was understood through Gentile eyes, and largely interpreted by Anglo-Saxon minds which have rendered inaccuracies theologically by way of misconstruing Hebraic texts. We both support and teach Hebraic Roots in our biblical studies. However, there is far too often a grave misunderstanding among Messianic believers in regard to what Christ truly accomplished in His finished work. The Galatians, for example, had been bewitched by false teachers who told them they had to follow the Law if they were going to be made righteous before God. Paul delineates his argument with them here:

6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:  7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.  8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.  10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.  11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.  12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ,” (Galatians 1:6-12, KJV).

Christ came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. Righteousness does not and cannot come by the Law (Romans 3:20).

If you want to ask why, James says this:

10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all,” (James 2:10, KJV).

Paul made it clear in Romans 3 that none of us are righteous — not one, irrespective of following the Law. Faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work is the only means of salvation. He is the only One who can make us righteous before God. Time and space constrain me from expounding upon the exhaustive arguments made by the Apostle Paul against those who sought to follow the Law as a means of righteousness, holiness, or justification before God. There is no such thing. We therefore maintain that righteousness comes by faith in Christ and His finished work. That faith is what allows us to be sanctified in Christ as we daily grow in our relationship with Him, living a holy life of obedience as we walk in His Spirit, following Him. That does not happen accidentally. This is a deliberate daily decision. Therefore, Christ tells us to take up our cross daily and follow Him. That life is a process that we grow into with Him, as we work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

The Messianic Movement is a truly a glorious prophetic fulfillment within the Body of Christ happening today. It is a place where Jews and Gentiles come together to worship Jesus Christ, our Messiah. That fulfillment is something very special and sacred in the Body of Christ, which He prayed for explicitly in John 17. That prophetic fulfillment is one in which we wholeheartedly rejoice. Here, Christians begin to better understand their Christian roots, and Jews better understand the fulfillment of their Messiah, and begin to see the purpose of their Abrahamic faith. It’s beautiful to witness.

However, Christians who discover the significance of Christianity’s Hebraic roots can soon become seduced into Old Covenant teachings, losing themselves in a desire to “become Jewish”. Many Messianic Jews find it difficult to shed the Old Covenant ways, and continue to adhere to the Law. Paul warned against this as well by exhorting Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:16. I have even witnessed Christians who eventually deny Christ, as they were sucked into studying the Law under Orthodox Jewry as a means to better understand Old Testament texts. Beware. As Paul said:

6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love,” (Galatians 5:6, KJV).

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15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature,” (Galatians 6:15, KJV).

There can be a great many errors here. Again, the Messianic movement has done much to bring Jewish and Gentile believers together in a unity never before witnessed in history, all who love and worship our Messiah, Jesus Christ. However, there is a biblical illiteracy among many Christians today that can lead to grave misunderstandings when Gentile believers suddenly want to become Jewish, and when Jews fail to understand the place the Law holds in trying to persuade Gentiles to follow it.

30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.  31But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.  32Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;  33As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed,” (Romans 9:30-33, KJV).

Paul’s epistles address these areas exhaustively. I would recommend reading the following New Testament texts: Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews, among others. Christ Himself fulfilled the Law and Prophets.

We do not condemn the Messianic Movement itself, but would like to draw a clear distinction within it. In short, here is where we stand with regard to these two troublesome areas:

#1. The Law has been fulfilled. We are not bound by the Law. We are free to serve Christ by His indwelling Spirit. The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life (2 Corinthians 3:6).

#2. Christians are not Jews, unless by blood. They are engrafted branches (Romans 11). Gentiles should not seek to become Jews. It is entirely unnecessary, and is of no benefit to them in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28, and Colossians 3:11).

For more information on the Messianic Movement and where we stand, please see our FAQ article.

For more information on how we view the Law of Moses and whether or not it should be followed, please see our FAQ article.

New Age Christianity

The use of various mediums, spiritual arts, artifacts, magic, mysticism, horoscopes, spiritual acts or chants, divinations, and the like to enhance one’s personal spiritual experience, validate their faith, or to manipulate and influence the LORD, or the spiritual experience of others. Such practices are an abomination to God and met with strict condemnation (Acts 19:19).

New Apostolic Reformation (N.A.R.)

The New Apostolic Reformation is one of the most dangerous and diabolical movements ever conceived in Christendom. It’s doctrine is known as “The Seven Mountain Mandate” whereby believers obtain a pinnacle of power in the following spheres of influence:

#1. Family (society)
#2. Religion
#3. Education
#4. Media
#5. Arts and Entertainment
#6. Business
#7. Government

Leadership within the movement, and those who attain this power in a specific area are deemed “apostles” and/or “prophets” by their own right. These leaders hold positions and wield power in self-aggrandizing ways that essentially have no oversight, except by peers who insulate and protect them. Although Christian influence in the above areas is not bad, the doctrines accompanying the NAR movement are far from biblical. In fact, we maintain they are heretical. They employ various means that cannot justify their end, by which they transgress the Word of God and the commands of Christ. Many believers have suffered spiritual abuses which have resulted in broken lives and departures from Christ and the whole Christian faith.

The NAR movement upholds the Word of Faith doctrine and is a part of the larger Prophetic Movement and the Charismatic Movement.

For more on the NAR movement and further scriptural support, please read our FAQ article.

Progressive Christianity

Also known as Liberal or Left-Wing Christianity, which welcomes sinful practices often associated with sexual perversions of various kinds. Progressive Christianity gives license to various sins, many of which God deems to be “abominations” which incur a searing of one’s conscience (1 Timothy 4:1-2), the curse of a reprobate mind (Romans 1:18-32), strong delusion from the Spirit of the Lord whereby repentance is forfeited (2 Thessalonians 2:11), and finally, swift destruction and condemnation (Jude 1-25, and 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

The Prophetic Movement

The Prophetic Movement was largely heralded by the Kansas City Prophets and Mike Bickle, the founder of IHOPKC. It is one of the most heretical, cultic, and dangerous movements ever conceived in Christendom. It is even widely held to be demonic.

The belief that all can and should prophesy, that prophecy is the greatest gift and is to be extolled and sought after, and that it is something which can be taught and therefore learned succinctly defines the prophetic movement. Prophecy within this movement is abused, being used as a catalyst for change, spiritual growth, awakening, spiritual power, and various manifestations of God that are wielded at the will of man instead of the Holy Spirit. Prophecy is leveraged to elevate people into a prophetic office and various positions of power whereby they obtain spiritual control and influence. Prophecies are summoned, purchased, sold, manufactured, and divined by manipulative means. People who have been investigated have been discovered to use occultic practices, internet stalking, and data-mining for registered attendees at gatherings and conferences for the sake of “prophecies”. Even when these false prophecies and practices were proven, there has been no repentance. These prophets remain in power regardless of any sin or falling from grace that would scripturally disqualify them from future ministry. Prophets are coined either by themselves or others with little accountability for what they say or proclaim. Error is seldom judged. Prophetic utterances are rarely tested biblically, nor are they practiced in the strict biblical order or manner outlined in scripture by the Apostle Paul. Many who have engaged in the prophetic movement have left disillusioned, with lives derailed and/or destroyed. Some have even abandoned the faith, becoming apostate. All the while, leaders enjoy the ability to manipulate the words of God and their utterances for both spiritual and monetary profit as well as celebrity status. Because prophets are taught to be feared and that they cannot be touched or harmed, very little accountability has been accomplished within this movement to reveal error, heresy, or sinful practices.

Prophecy is indeed of God and He does give prophetic gifts and utterances (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). Prophets do exist, however they are extremely rare. Even so, there are strict biblical guidelines wherein prophecy can be properly practiced. According to God’s word there is no room for error with the gift or office of prophecy, which can only come from the Spirit of God (Deuteronomy 13 and 18:20-22). This is why it is so highly esteemed by God. There is rightful Fear of God that accompanies this gift. Prophecy is the testimony of Christ Himself, precisely because He is the Word and He cannot lie (Revelation 19:10). False prophets incur a judgment of condemnation and were of old killed according the Law of Moses, which sets a clear scriptural precedent. Those who practice prophecy of their own imaginations and divination are condemned by God, and God stated He will prove them to be liars. Liars are held to be children of the devil, or Satan, by Christ’s standard, and all liars will have their end in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 21:8).

The prophetic movement is one of the most dangerous and destructive the Church has ever seen or known. The spiritual abuse is horrific. It is widespread globally. It has borne horrific fruit that has destroyed lives, ministries, and the faith of many who are now sadly broken and/or apostate.

For more on IHOPKC please read our FAQ article.

Prosperity Gospel

The Prosperity Gospel and its practices are incredibly deceptive and destructive. It’s one of the most dangerous and damaging the Church has ever seen, and it continually bears bad fruit — fruit so bad it’s leading people to hell. The Prosperity Gospel is the unofficial doctrine of the Charismatic Movement. The Prosperity Gospel is a narcissistic self-glorifying gospel which focuses upon and exalts the believer instead of Christ and His kingdom.

Health, Wealth, and Prosperity are the core doctrinal beliefs espoused by those who believe and practice the prosperity gospel. Their entire life of faith is focused upon these core elements, and is one that eventually emulates narcissism. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life, and the love of this world are all sought and fulfilled in this doctrine, which God strictly condemns (1 John 2:15-16). Money is used to manipulate God, justify greed, and receive the abundance of blessings of wealth God has laid up for His children. Tithes and offerings are commanded with the promise of either blessing and cursing. Tithes and offerings are done publicly, and the blessing given is in direct proportion to the amount offered. Health is seen as a spiritual covenantal right, irrespective of any personal lifestyle choices or consequences to sin, and those who often encounter disease or illness are reprimanded for a lack of faith if they are not healed. Those who are disadvantaged or impoverished, or those who are merely struggling are encouraged to “give more to God” in their most dire times of need to open the windows of heaven. Followers of this doctrine are not inclined to give to those in need, but rather entice those who are struggling to give their all instead because “they cannot out-give God”. They are often taught that apart from giving money they cannot be blessed, and that they remain under a curse.

God is not against health, wealth, and prosperity. Many of His servants are wealthy, healthy, and hold positions of significant power. However, with the prosperity gospel and its movement these elements become the focus, being spiritually manipulated, becoming a means for control and spiritual abuse. The scriptural adultery practiced is damnable (James 4:4).

The Prosperity gospel and its movement have grown throughout the world at large, especially in Western civilizations. Its leadership is focused upon obtaining wealth, power, and influence over others, often ignoring humanitarian needs, including that of their own congregants. Instead they make lavish and daring financial demands of those who need and seek ministry. Leaders are often likened to celebrities who are untouchable. Their titles are self-proclaimed, and they are notoriously insulated from any biblical accountability through a deep and vast network of leaders, or private selection of people.

Followers are encouraged to live with riches and ease, and their faith practices revolve around their own needs and desires instead of those of others or Christ’s kingdom. Often the needs, desires, and sufferings of others are leveraged for money, as those who are desperate for God are willing to do just about anything for relief. Repentance, sanctification, suffering, servanthood, and persecution are shunned, being viewed as a curse from God. There are seven P’s the prosperity gospel espouses: Pride, Pomp, Prestige, Power, Position, Perversion, and Privilege. Many of their mantras such as “money cometh”, “I’m blessed and highly favored”, “I’m the head and not the tail”, “I live under an open heaven”, “touch not thine anointed and do thy prophets no harm”, and the like are commonly proclaimed in gatherings. Leadership often quells questions from their followers, labeling them rebellious and insubordinate. Those who have genuine gifts of the Spirit are often shunned, shut down, or even outcast as they provoke jealousy in those who are masquerading. Followers are taught to never judge or rebuke authority, and many who even dare question leadership are ostracized. Despite any proof of error, leadership is commonly insulated and exonerated from any private or public scrutiny by carefully selected henchmen and their obscene monetary wealth. True believers in Christ who propose any liabilities to leadership are known to have been shunned, condemned, or even physically removed.

We maintain the Prosperity Gospel to be heretical.

Song of Solomon Theology | The Bridal Paradigm

This doctrine was borne of Mike Bickle and the Kansas City Prophets. It is the express belief that Christ fulfills the Song of Solomon as a prophetic book toward His Church in which the Bridal Paradigm is fully realized. Christians obtain marriage to Christ, a change of name, obtain full marital rights in the Church, engage in sexual acts with Christ through worship and alternative or esoteric spiritual experiences that bring a consummation between Christ and His Bride. This is a gross and abominable perversion of God’s Word.

The Song of Solomon, which was ordained to be a book outlining the joyous progression of romantic love, courtship, betrothal, marriage, and the sexual union between two consenting adults, is one which has been long held by Jewish orthodoxy to be expressly read within the marriage covenant. The Song of Solomon is a celebratory poetic book that upholds the doctrine of marriage and the sacred blessings ordained and bestowed specifically within the marriage covenant. It gives poetic scriptural parameters for romantic love, courtship, marriage, the sexual union, and the conduct of virgins.

For more on the Song of Solomon theology and its Bridal Paradigm, please see our blog post.

Specific Church Denominations (Protestant and Catholic)

As Christians who spread the Gospel of Christ and who seek to advance His Kingdom, our sole allegiance is to Jesus Christ who is the Word made flesh. We do not endorse or practice any specific man-made doctrine of beliefs associated with any specific church denomination. We are Berean in our practice, testing all things by the Word of God, which is perfect and infallible.

We strongly caution believers before aligning with any specific man-made doctrine or church denomination.

For questions about Catholicism, please see our FAQ article.

Theology of Sound

The use of sound waves to determine, enhance, influence, or read an atmosphere spiritually. This is blatant witchcraft.

Word of Faith Movement

The Word of Faith Movement, (a.k.a. “speak, believe, and receive”, “blab and grab”, “name it and claim it” doctrines) encourages Christians to lay rightful claim to specific wants, desires, needs, and promises in the Word of God at their own behest. This doctrine is commonly based in lust, greed, and/or covetousness (2 Peter 2:3) and does not assume a heart position of humility or submission to God’s perfect sovereign will (James 4:3). Their faith is used to obtain worldly possessions, solicit signs and wonders from God’s Spirit, and secure positions of worldly or spiritual power. The art of wielding God’s word for selfish gain or profit is sorcery and witchcraft, and is not the true practice of sanctified prayer, humble petitions, or requests made in faith, all which are led by the Holy Spirit in surrender to God as a servant of Christ. We are to seek God according to His will, so His will may be done on earth as it is in Heaven (John 5:19). The Word of Faith movement is essentially the opposite, often being driven by carnal and worldly appetites, and desperate attempts to experience God’s power or “glory” for selfish purposes.

We believe that when we put childlike faith in God’s word and His promises (according to truth), believing Him and submitting to His perfect will, He honors that faith (Hebrews 11:1-40). We cannot employ manipulative tactics that force our will upon God. God is only obligated to His Word and will honor our faith in Him accordingly. Jesus Christ demonstrated perfect obedience to His Father. He calls us to submit to the Father’s will in the same manner. He calls us to abide in Him, teaching we can do nothing apart from Him (John 15). He teaches us to pray that His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, which is a prayer of perfect alignment and submission to God and His will, instead of our own (Matthew 6:10).

We maintain that believers who would inappropriately use God’s Word to exert their will over God’s perfect will, to subvert or manipulate the freewill of other people, to manipulate circumstances, or to gain control in areas they have not been given rightful authority are perverting faith in God’s Word. It is instead a type of sorcery, divination, witchcraft, and rebellion that further leads to a host of other spiritual dangers, seducing spirits, and demonic doctrines.