Carrying Out The Great Commission With Compassion and Passion - A Pastoral Care and Community Outreach Ministry

  1. Hello friend(s) and welcome to Gospel Impact's website. Our desire is to be present; to be here for you and to walk with you as we journey through life. We understand being present physically is not always practical, therefore we have created this site hoping that we can visit with you from time to time using a Virtual Presence platform. We trust you will find a sense of hope, peace and purpose as you read our blogs and learn more about our ministries. We hope you find these blogs informative, encouraging and motivational as together, we grow in Christ. 

  Our desire is to be more like Jesus Christ by serving others. 

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'"  

- Matthew 25: 40

 Blessings from us to you.       

OPERATION CODE RED - Introduction Blog

GIM - BLOG

Log Date - December 2024 

Topic Code R.E.D. - A message for the people of God.

“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these.”

 2 Timothy 3: 1- 5 NASB 

"Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy." - Romans 13: 11-13 NASB 

A CODE RED is a very serious security warning; it indicates an emergency situation or threat of danger where the situation has deteriorated drastically. The world is in such a state. Evidence that we are living in perilous times and in the last of the last days is all around. Perhaps the case can be made that  complacency within the Church, and one can even say apathy within the Church, has played a part in the condition of the world. We, the people of God, are to be a light, a beacon of hope pointing people to a safe harbor, a refuge we can only have in a relationship with God through Jesus the Messiah. We are to be salt, offering people the savoring message of the Gospel without which there is no power leading to salvation. Therefore, the Church must be awakened, given a new spark to ignite our passion to carry out the Great Commission. We must become burdened for the lost and renew our compassion for the hurting souls all around us.  Our communities are desperate for the local church, the body of Christ, to BE the church, to be the hands, the feet ,the mouth AND the ears of Jesus. We, the Church, must be intentional about our tasks and we must renew our vigor as we carrying out the 'GREAT COMMISSION'.    I call this much needed process ‘Operation Code R.E.D’ which stands for;

  •  Revival: Real revival begins with repentance and leads to... 
  •  Evangelism: Effective evangelism is a result of, and is followed up with...

  •  Discipleship: True discipleship requires devotion and dedication.

Revival - Repentance 

Now, I admit, it can be easy to be an Armchair Quarterback; a person who, on Monday morning scrutinizes and analyzes all that would have, could have or should have been done in this way or that way. But, what is needed is people who are willing to roll up their sleeves, strap on their boots and take the gloves off and get in the fight.  In other words, we need the soldiers of Christ to do exactly what the apostle Paul instructed us to do;  "...be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God..." (Ephesians 6: 10-11a), get in the fight and stand and continue to stand.  

Theodore Roosevelt put it this way:

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." 

Now, I confess in agreement with the apostle Peter, “for the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household” (1 Peter 4:17a). 

As one of the founders of GIM I believe that the process of ‘Operation Code RED’ must start with personal repentance. Therefore, I confess and repent of my own complacency and apathy. I confess that I need a renewed sense of compassion for the lost and wayward and a renewed passion for God's Word. I admit that I can be that "Armchair Quarterback" from time to time. Therefore, I desire a revival in my own spirit so that I might have a renewed sense of vigor and urgency to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 16 - 20). 

My desire is to follow our Lord's instructions by first removing the 'log' out of my own eye so that I can help my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to see and remove the 'speck' from their eyes (Matthew 7:3-5).

[*Below was Edited January 16, 2025]  

*So, let me pose a question to YOU.  What is holding you back from being a true disciple, a sold out follower of Jesus? What do you say we begin the journey back to being on fire for the things Jesus taught us by reading and examining the words of Jesus found in the Gospels

First, turn to the gospel according to Matthew and read chapters 5, 6 and 7, commonly known as The Sermon on The Mount. There is SO MUCH there as it relates to being a true and sincere disciple of Jesus. We could obviously continue reading through the entire gospel of Matthew but for our exercise in being REVIVED for the things Jesus taught us let's focus on chapters 5, 6 and 7. For this blog, I'm not going to attempt to do a study on the many lessons Jesus taught just in these three chapters, I'm only going to suggest that we allow the Holy Spirit to remind us of what it means to be "blessed" and what is required of us to be "blessed". I'm also going to suggest that our relationships with our fellow-man should be examined under the microscope of the inspired Word of God and that we must allow the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts regarding forgiveness, how we feel and what we think towards our fellow-man.  RECONCILIATION (where possible), FORGIVENESS and HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS are critical for REAL REVIVAL to occur  within the body of believers.  And finally, lets ask the Holy Spirit to examine our faith. Ask: Does my faith line up with my actions and lifestyle? Is my genuine faith? Are my motives pure? Is my prayer life authentic and consistent and do I listen to the Word of God and act accordingly? 

READ - Matthew 25: 31 - 46. Allow the Holy Spirit to examine your heart regarding COMPASSION for others. A good definition for compassion:  the ability to sense the needs and hurts of others combined with a deep heart felt desire to empathize with them and to act upon that empathy with care.    

READ - Luke 14: 25 - 35. As we read this passage, lets allow the words of Jesus to penetrate our hearts and lets allow the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts and therefore convict each of us to repent of anything holding us back for being a true follower of Jesus. ASK: In MY life, are there any relationships taking a prominent role; distracting ME from prioritizing the Kingdom of God? Are there any activities or habits taking a prominent role; distracting ME from prioritizing the Kingdom of God?* [Edited January 16, 2025]    

 Will YOU join me and GIM in the process of ‘Operation Code RED’? 

Continue reading more blogs on this sight. And please reach out to us so that perhaps, together we can continue this journey in person. 

At Gospel Impact Ministries, we desire to be the Church on the Go; people of God devoted to taking the saving grace of the Gospel to a lost and dying world. All our ministries are Scripture - Based, Christ - Centered and Kingdom -Oriented. We are a newly formed COMMUNITY OUTREACH and PASTORAL CARE Ministry. We, like the early believers, are “devoted to the apostles teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper / breaking of bread), and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).   

Our MISSION is to carry out the GREAT COMMISSION.

Our GOAL is to WIN SOULS; To Reach to Teach and To Teach to Reach.

Our PURPOSE is to GLORIFY GOD by ADVANCING HIS KINGDOM.   

In His Service,

Rev. Todd E. Ketner

PS. KEEP READING our blogs and please reach out to us, we'd love to hear from YOU! 



GIM - Blog - CODE RED - Effective Evangelism

GIM - Blog

Date - December 18, 2024 

Title - CODE RED - Effective Evangelism

God gave me a very interesting  'acrostic' using the word 'WITNESS'. This blog will develop this acrostic. My desire is to use the acrostic with the word, 'WITNESS' to teach you some fundamental principles on how to be a bold and effective witness as you share the GOOD NEWS with others. Below is the acrostic but please continue to log in from time to time as it may take me some time to develop these principles. 

Willingness: Our will must be yielded to and in tune with the Holy Spirit.

Individual:  Each individual life has intrinsic value and each person needs salvation resulting in a loving and meaningful relationship with God. 

Trust:  We must trust in the Holy Spirit to teach us and guide us as we evangelize and we must trust the Holy Spirit to do the work of salvation.

Needs:  As we carry out the Great Commission we must see and be sensitive to the needs of others. Look around you and you will see that physical, emotional and relational needs abound but the greatest need people have is our spiritual need for salvation. Addressing the basic needs of others is important and doing this may lead to an opportunity to address the most important need of all. 

Essential: Jesus is ESSENTIAL for salvation (See Acts 4:12 and 1 Timothy 2:5).

Study: An effective and bold evangelist is a STUDENT of the Word. 

Steady:   A bold and effective witness WALKS the WALK that he talks. 

TUNE BACK IN AS WE CONTINUE developing these principles using the story of Philip and the Ethiopian found in Acts 8: 26-40. For now, your homework is to read this account.         

...... CONTINUE....

Willingness: 

Okay, did you read Acts. 8:26-40? I trust you did. Now read Acts 8: 5 - 8. Notice the 'crowds', and that 'many' who had unclean spirits were delivered and that there was 'much' rejoicing in that city.  The back story of this encounter is very interesting as it relates to the question at hand; are YOU willing to be a WITNESS for the Gospel? I'm guessing that many of us would probably be quick to say, "I AM WILLING TO GIVE MY LIFE FOR THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST". But how many of you reading this blog are willing to go next door, to get out of the easy chair on a Sunday afternoon, to approach a total stranger, to get out of our 'comfort zone' to go knock on doors in a local neighborhood to go share the GOOD NEWS? 

And preachers, pastors and evangelists, here's the BIGGIE for YOU. So you lead a huge congregation and 'crowds' of people are following your ministry. 'Many' people are coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus through your ministry and 'much' rejoicing is happening to God be the glory. And I agree and join with those saying, "TO GOD BE THE GLORY"! But when was the last time YOU did as Philip did? Are YOU willing to leave the 'BIG crowd crusade' to go to that one individual?  Or, after you preach to your HUGE CONGREGATION, are YOU willing to lead by example and go to THAT INDIVIDUAL who needs the Gospel? 

Notice in our biblical account (Acts 8:26 - 40) that Philip was willing, willing to leave the 'big crusade' to go to the one.   

*[New Entry: DATE - January 16, 2025] I find it very interesting that Luke, the human author of the Book of Acts, devoted an entire chapter in the his gospel, chapter 15, on the topic of how God is WILLING to save and restore that ONE INDIVIDUAL.*  

(Entry DATE: January 11, 2025)

INDIVIDUAL:  

So, this brings me to the 'I' in the word WITNESS. A Bold and Effective WITNESS is Willing to approach the INDIVIDUAL with the Gospel, and has a 'personal' testimony.   

Notice in our narrative (Acts 8:26-40) that Philip approached an individual who was a man from Ethiopia, and who was 'an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Queen of the Ethiopians.' Notice also that this individual 'had been to Jerusalem to worship' AND that he was sitting in his chariot reading the 'Book of Isaiah the prophet.

Each person has intrinsic value or inherent, eternal value. This value however doesn't come form our position, our possessions or even from our power. This man from Ethiopia had all those things; position (important official), possessions (his chariot and a scroll to name only two), and power (in charge of all the treasury), yet he was still searching for meaning and value as he 'had been to Jerusalem to worship and was reading from the Book'.  As witnesses and evangelists of the gospel we mustn't ever assume that a person has discovered their 'intrinsic value', their 'eternal worth' or 'purpose in life' based upon what they have or who they are in society. Nor should we assume they are 'true followers' or 'true believers' based on his or her 'church affiliation'. Just like this Ethiopian eunuch, we all must discover the truth that God so loved the world that he gave His only Son, Jesus, (John 3:16), to purchase our salvation and that the price of Jesus' blood redeemed us so that we might be God's masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the things he planned for us long ago, (Ephesians 2:10). Therefore, as witnesses we must tell each individual that God loves them enough and values them enough that God would spare nothing, not even His very own Son, so that we can belong to the family of God. Knowing this truth will bring a person to understand their eternal value, their true identity, and that their 'intrinsic value' isn't based on anything else but their position in Christ. 

          Be sensitive to the Spirit's voice as He may be leading you to WITNESS to an Individual on the path. 

Continue (Entry DATE January 12, 2025)....As you listen for the Spirit's voice, prepare your own personal testimony. Be prepared and ready to explain how God rescued YOU. What is YOUR INDIVIDUAL testimony? After all, no one can take that story from you and no one can dispute your personal experience of encountering the ONE True God!! 

TRUST: 

Notice in our story account (Acts 8:26-40) that Philip, after hearing the voice of the 'angel of the Lord', "got up and went".  "Then the Spirit said to Philip, '"Go up and join this chariot"' (v29). Notice what Philip did next, he, "Philip ran up...(v30a). 

Obedience and trust go hand in hand. Trust requires a spiritual gift called discernment. Discernment is the ability to perceive and understand or to have clear judgment with a view towards obtaining spiritual guidance. Philip, being one of the original 'deacons' chosen by the disciples and the congregation, was a man of 'good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom' ( Acts 6:2-3). He was a man with a heart to serve others and who was guided by and controlled by the Holy Spirit. Philip was a wise man; a man who understood how to apply knowledge according to righteousness and according to the mind of God. This is 'discernment'. 

To be a bold and effective WITNESS requires trust. To have boldness or confidence is to trust and obey the voice of the Spirit. I often tell myself and others to "have your spiritual antenna up". This  simply means to be aware of the needs of others and to tune into God's voice.  Philip was aware of the needs of others and particularly of the spiritual need of the Ethiopian. Philip,  hearing the Ethiopian reading Isaiah the prophet, said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" For Philip to ask this question required a lot of trust.  In fact, to be willing to engage in any dialogue concerning a person's needs, especially their spiritual needs, requires trust. As witnesses we must trust the Spirit to do what Jesus promised He, the Spirit of Truth, would do; to lead and guide us into all truth (John 16:13). It is the job of the Holy Spirit to lead the believer to a full understanding of God's truth and to reveal His will for our life. For example, it is the will of the Father that all would come to repentance and not perish (see 2 Peter 3:9), and as believers,  we are given the 'ministry of reconciliation' and we are to be 'ambassadors of Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us;...( 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). 

To trust is to not doubt. You see doubt leads to hesitation or even paralysis (No movement at all), as a result of being unable to make a decision /  or take action due to excessive overthinking and uncertainty. Basically, doubt can lead to becoming frozen in indecision. The Bible is clear about such a person; "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do" (James 1: 7-8). Hesitation is based on worry or the fear that we will fail. And isn't this the whole 'crux of the matter', that God can be trusted not to fail? After all, God will do His part. The Spirit of God will do the saving; the convicting of sin, and of righteousness and of future judgement (see John 16:8-11). Philip the deacon turned evangelist did not hesitate because he did not doubt, rather he trusted; he took God at His word. As a result, he did his part and God did His.            

CONTINUE USING THE WORD WITNESS: NEED

NEED: (Entry Date: January 13, 2025)

Let's take a look at the needs of the Ethiopian eunuch in our story account (Acts 8:26-40). Like every other human being, the man from Ethiopia has basic needs like food, water, shelter and clothing. As well, the eunuch from Ethiopia would also have basic emotional and social needs, like the sense of safety and security, and a sense of belonging and purpose.  However, let's take an even deeper look at this person's emotional needs from his perspective. 

What do we know about this person? He is a 'eunuch', a man who was emasculated or castrated, he was a 'court official'  who was 'in charge of the queen's treasure', and he had 'come to Jerusalem to worship', and he was 'sitting in his chariot', and 'was reading the prophet Isaiah' (v27, v28).  Would you agree that his basic physical needs, like food, water, shelter, transportation and clothing were met? But what about his mental well-being, his physical health, or his sense of belonging and love, or even his sense of purpose? 

Perhaps, and I admit this is 'speculative', but perhaps, being a 'eunuch', this man from Ethiopia may have been dealing with some sense of societal stigma or even shame to some degree. 'Speculative' or not, the emotional feelings associated with any type of physical impairment are real and the feelings of inadequacy and shame are experienced by a lot of people. This 'eunuch' had gone to Jerusalem to "worship" but what we don't know is what that "worship" looked like. According to Hebrew Scripture, of which he most likely had full access to, his "worship" may have been restricted due to his physical infirmity to him being a foreigner. (See Deuteronomy 23:1).  But according to Isaiah 56:3-6, there was hope for this man! AND, "Coincidentally", he "just so happen" to be reading  a certain place in that same Hebrew Scripture (Isaiah 53), where he will discover the prophesy, and the understanding of the prophesy, (thanks to one bold and effective witness named Philip), of the provision of his greatest need. This eunuch foreigner would be given full access to the Holy of Holies and he was about to discover this truth and just how the provision was met in Jesus Christ.

[Entry DATE: January 16, 2025]

Being sensitive to the needs of others around us is critical to the process of being a bold and effective witness.  This is why it is extremely important, being the body of Christ, to be the hands, feet, arms, legs, mouth AND ears of Jesus. Being a good *LISTENER is a critical part of being the body of Christ. To *L.I.S.T.E.N. is to Learn In Silence To Enter a New nature. (I will develop this *acronym in a future blog).  To be Christ like is to be godly. One of the character qualities of being godly is being sensitive and compassionate. In the 34th Psalm we read: "The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry (15). The righteous cry, and the LORD hears And delivers them out of their troubles(17). The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit" (18).  

Philip opened up a dialogue by asking a key question (Acts 8:30). By asking this question, Philip was able to have an opportunity to listen to and hear from the eunuch from Ethiopia about his needs. We too must be willing to ask key and critical questions so we can address the needs of others. Sometimes those needs are basic and physical needs. But sometimes the needs of others are deeper; more emotional and relational in nature. Addressing these needs will often lead to an opportunity to address the person's greatest need; that of being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. 

THIS WILL BRING US TO THE NEXT WORD IN OUR ACROSTIC W.I.T.N.E.S.S. - Essential. 

ESSENTIAL: Absolutely necessary.   

[Entry Date: January 20, 2025]

Read Acts 8: 26-37 (The focal verses are 32-35 and *37)  

Perhaps a backdrop regarding the Ethiopian’s faith or religion would be helpful as our story unfolds. The eunuch from Ethiopia had been to Jerusalem to worship. Though the passage doesn't say explicitly, I believe we can safely presume one of two things about this particular man as it relates to his religious beliefs or his faith background. The first presumption is this, even though he was a foreigner, that is he was not a citizen of Israel, he could have been of Jewish descent making him a displaced Jew. And even though he was a eunuch, a man who had been emasculated by having his genitalia removed, probably because of cultural practices as a requirement to serve in the royal court, he may still have been circumcised on the eighth day as the Jewish faith required. The second presumption is that he could have been a God fearing Gentile and one who agreed with monotheism and the Jewish religious practices. After all, the Jewish traditions were most likely brought to the Ethiopian regions from as far back as the days of Solomon when the Queen of Sheba came to visit him (1 Kings 10:1-12). From that visit and the subsequent alliance perhaps the Jewish traditions were followed by the people of Ethiopia.   

Nevertheless, what is most important is that the Ethiopian eunuch needed salvation by grace through faith.  

I think the backdrop is important to contemplate because each scenario points us to the fact that religious traditions can’t accomplish salvation. The truth is our position, our possessions, our popularity, our power, our prestige, or even our religious practices can never gain a right relationship or earn favor with God. So, the big question remains; what must be done for a person to have a right relationship with God? The short answer is that Jesus Christ had to die! 

Now is that all you need to know in order to be “a bold and effective witness”? Well, yes and no. Even though the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the right answer and that answer will get you a passing grade, I think a little short study in the doctrines of our faith is critical in order for us to be an even bolder and more effective witness. 

Now, I’m not suggesting you need to use the following theological terms when you are witnessing. I’m not even sure Philip used these terms as he was explaining the Gospel of Jesus to the Ethiopian. However what I am suggesting is that to know certain doctrines of salvation and the significance of what they mean is critical if we want to be the most effective ambassador of reconciliation we can possibly be. And so here they are:

  • The doctrine of the vicarious atonement: Jesus paid the penalty of sin on our behalf. The debt we owed Jesus pain for us. Jesus died in our place.   

  • The doctrine of propitiation. Jesus’ death on the cross satisfied God’s wrath and provided the basis for the forgiveness of sin therefore reconciliation was made possible. 

  • The doctrine of justification. Because Jesus died on the cross, satisfying the penalty of death, God pardons the believing sinner and declares him/her righteous through faith in Jesus Christ.  

  • The doctrines of righteousness and imputation. God gives righteousness to sinners through Jesus Christ. This righteousness is a gift from God that justifies people before a Holy and Just God and thus restores a right relationship with God. In other words, our sins and sin nature was placed on Jesus and His righteousness was placed on us. 

 Isn’t this GOOD NEWS? Not only did Jesus pay our sin debt, which was required for forgiveness, but God also added to our account the righteousness of Jesus which is also required in order for us to stand before God. 

Now, here is the really fascinating thing about Philip and the Ethiopian and this whole true story. Along the journey, while riding along in the carriage, using the Old Testament passage of Isaiah which speaks of Jesus, Philip explained the gospel using these doctrines. Again, we don’t know the exact details of this dialogue or the exact wording but what we do know is that Philip told the eunuch everything he needed to know for him to believe and put his trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Somewhere along that journey Philip explained that “for our sake God made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). The Ethiopian eunuch fully understood what was required of him to be fully reconciled to God had nothing to do with an annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem, being circumcised or not, being a foreigner or being a full citizen of Israel, being physically impaired or completely healthy, or being or doing anything other than being repentant and forgiven by the grace and mercy of God through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ!!       

You see, Jesus is Essential for salvation because “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin” (Hebrews 9:22).  “For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:23).  This is why “Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture (Isaiah 53:7-8) he preached Jesus to him” (Acts 8:35 with emphasis added). 

*Now, let's look very briefly at Acts 8:37 which is Philip’s response to the Ethiopian’s request to be baptized. It says, [“And Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”’] Then verse 38 recounts the Ethiopian's water baptism performed by Philip.  

I realize that the earliest manuscripts do not have verse 37 and that it was added later. The reason why it was added later is still debated among biblical scholars. What is important to realize is how and when a person is saved and when and why water baptism occurs. 

Now, some personal study is required here. Read John 3:3-8, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 2:41, Matthew 28:19, Romans 10:8-13 and Ephesians 2:8-10. 

When we allow Scripture to interpret Scripture we find the order of salvation by grace through faith is first, receiving the word, then being convicted of sin, then repentance and believing, then confessing or calling on the name of the Lord which leads to salvation then baptism in obedience to our Lord and Savior's command.  ALL of this is a work of the Holy Spirit of God and ALL of it is by God’s grace; His unmerited favor. Baptism comes after salvation and is a sign of our having become a saved and redeemed disciple of Jesus. Salvation is all about Jesus and what He did on the cross of Calvary lest we should have boasting rights when we get to heaven. 

Jesus is ESSENTIAL for salvation. When the Ethiopian eunuch encountered this truth and received it he was then baptized and this then gave him reason to go “on his way rejoicing” (vs 39b emphasis added).  What Jesus did for us all is reason to rejoice!! 

This now brings us to the next word in our acrostic using the word WITNESS: 

STUDY

A Bold and Effective Witness is a Student of the Scripture. 

The following two verses are outright inspirational, in fact they are inspired therefore they are intended to inspire the believer to STUDY and STUDY some more. I hope you will agree. 

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NASB (Emphasis added) 

*… “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”... 1 Peter 3:15 NASB (Emphasis added)

2 Timothy 2:15 was the inspiration behind a ministry that has been used by God in a mighty way. The name of the ministry, I believe you will recognize, is AWANA which stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. AWANA’s mission is “to equip leaders to reach children with the gospel and to engage them in lifelong discipleship. AWANA’s vision is that all children and youth will come to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ. Their primary task is to help children, youth and church leaders to develop Scripture memory skills. WOW! I think that’s pretty awesome. I hope that same verse inspires YOU to become a diligent student of the Bible so that YOU will be enabled to be a BOLD AND EFFECTIVE WITNESS. 

1 Peter 3:15 is the inspiration behind the ‘Christian Apologetics movement’. As you may know, Christian Apologetics is the art and science of intellectually defending the Christian faith. It involves using reasoned argumentation to respond to the objections of the Christian message. Studying Christian Apologetics will help equip YOU as you become a BOLD AND EFFECTIVE WITNESS.        

*The context for 1 Peter 3:15  is important. Peter wrote this letter to the churches scattered throughout Asia Minor to give them encouragement as they were bearing up under unjust suffering and to instruct them on how to respond to the hardships they were facing because of their faith. The modern day Church would do well to read both epistles from Peter as we too will be facing very similar persecution and hardships because of our faith and because we are living in the end times (see 2 Peter 3). 

You may be asking why are these passages important to the narrative we are looking at in Acts 8:26-40 and to the topic of “Being a Bold and Effective WITNESS”?  Well, the short answer is because if we don’t apply what these verses are teaching us to do then we can’t be a “Bold and Effective WITNESS.” Right? If we aren't “diligent” in being a Student of the word then how can we “accurately handle the word of truth”? And if we don’t sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts then how can we be ready to defend the faith?    

Now let's get back to Philip and the Ethiopian. But before we move forward, let's look back in time as the context is very important as we examine this idea of becoming a Bold and Effective WITNESS by being a STUDENT of Scripture. Read Acts 8:1-5.

 WOW!! Did you catch that? Did you read Acts 8:1-5? The church was being “persecuted” as Saul, and his cohorts were going around “ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, putting them in prison.” The new converts to the Christian faith were scattered but “went about preaching the word”, however the apostles had remained in Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Philip had “went down to the city of Samaria”. Fast forward to verses 14 - 25. So Philip and the apostles are traveling back to Jerusalem from the city of Samaria with stopovers in the villages to preach the gospel to the Samaritans. 

So, what's the point? And what is the relevance or connection? So here it is. Being a “diligent” Student will make YOU ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope YOU have, even in the face of hardships. Being a Student of the word will enable YOU to accurately handle the word of truth in the face of potential persecution just as Philip and the apostles did. You see, Philip and the apostles were obviously Students of the word which gave them confidence and boldness because they trusted in the promises of God. And they were prepared to explain the gospel using the Scriptures of the Old Testament. They were confident and they were BOLD AND EFFECTIVE WITNESSES because they were students of God’s Word. 

Now, I’m not suggesting that a person must be an Old Testament scholar or even a New Testament scholar to be a Bold and Effective WITNESS. However, what I am suggesting is that it wouldn’t hurt to invest your time STUDYING the written Word. After all, isn’t that exactly what 2 Timothy 2:15 and 1 Peter 3:15 instruct us to do? Now let those words inspire YOU to become a BOLD AND EFFECTIVE WITNESS as YOU study. 

We will deal more with the topic of being a STUDENT of God’s Word when we get to the D. in the CODE R.E.D. which stands for Discipleship. For now I want to highly suggest some good reading materials:  (Apologetics For a New Generation, Apologetics For An Ever-Changing Culture and Evidence That Demands a Verdict. Authors are Josh and Sean McDowell. 

 THIS NOW BRINGS US TO THE FINAL WORD using are acrostic WITNESS: 

STEADY - 

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.”  Ephesians 4: 1 NASB 

Lets keep this short, sweet and to the point. My pastor, Jeff Rasnick of First Baptist Shelbyville Tenn, often says, “people, it matters how you live”. Our testimony of God’s grace is expressed and demonstrated by how we live. Therefore it matters that we love. It matters that we love God and that we are devoted to the ways of God. It matters that we love “The Way, The Truth and The Life” and that we love His ways. It matters that we love the Word of God and that we love His Church. And it matters that we love others!!    

In our Bible story, the account of Philip and the Ethiopian, Acts 8: 26-40, wouldn’t you agree that Philip lived by the principle we read about in Ephesians 4:1?  We can also read about the character of Philip in Acts 6:3-5. Philip was one of the original deacons chosen by the disciples and his peers. Philip was known by his peers to have a ‘good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom’. We also know Philip was a good father and was hospitable according to Acts 21:7-9. So according to these passages we can ascertain that Philip “walked in a manner worthy of the calling with which ‘he had’ been called”. 

As witnesses it is of the utmost importance that we have a walk, or a lifestyle that aligns with our verbal testimony. You’ve heard it said, “actions speak louder than words”, and this is so true. In other words, it is vital that our words and our walk are in harmony. 

Now let's focus on our key passage in Acts 8 as we conclude this study on the importance of walking STEADY.  The word steady can be interchanged with the words stable, balanced, firm, consistent and constant, unchanging and undeviating. A person who has a steady walk is reliable. Philip was reliable. A person can count on Philip to be consistent with his calling, both as a deacon and as an evangelist. Look closely at Acts 8:40: “But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.” And you can safely presume he continued proclaiming the gospel there and everywhere he went. See Acts 8:25 also. Philip was preaching prior to and after his divine appointment with the Ethiopian. Philip was consistent and reliable, he was STEADY. His character and his lifestyle matched what he preached. In other words his walk proclaimed the gospel as much as his words did. People, it matters how you live and that we love the ways of God!!  

To be a BOLD and EFFECTIVE WITNESS requires that we be STEADY in our walk before God and others.      

CONCLUSION on the word Evangelism in our CODE RED blog series… 

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NASB)

It is vitally important to recognize the source of our ability to evangelize. You see the source of the Christian’s life comes from none other than that of the person of the Holy Spirit. To share the message of the gospel requires that we tap into His power.To be a bold and effective witness requires that we yield to the power of the Holy Spirit for He is the source of our strength, our knowledge, our wisdom, our compassion, our ability and even our desire to evangelize. Everything that is required to witness comes from God, from His word and His Spirit. Your willingness will come as you yield to the Spirit of God. And as you yield to the Spirit He will lead you to the Individual(s) who need the gospel. As you remain yielded to the Spirit and rely on Him more and more, you will soon discover that the promises Jesus made about the Holy Spirit will begin to manifest and this will cause you to put your trust in Him completely. By putting your trust in the Holy Spirit, He will enable you to discern the needs of others and He will enable you to have compassion on others which, in turn, will cause you to have a desire to share the gospel. The gospel is all about JESUS. Jesus is essential for our salvation and He fulfilled all that is required for salvation and the abundant life that comes from salvation. Salvation is that all inclusive work of redemption and reconciliation whereby the person who places their trust in the finished work of Jesus on the cross of Calvary is saved from the wrath of God and saved unto a new and living relationship with God therefore the person who is saved will experience the abundant life promised by Jesus. 

Part of that abundant life is found as you study the Word of God. As you study the Word of God you will become more and more knowledgeable about God and His ways and this knowledge will enable you to share the Good News more effectively. 

And because the Word of God is active and alive it will empower you to have a steady walk, a walk worthy of your calling to evangelize; to share the Good News and to be that Bold and Effective WITNESS as all followers should strive to be.   

      And such was Philip, *a man of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, the deacon turned evangelist, as he boldly witnessed to the Ethiopian eunuch, telling him the Good News that Jesus saves everyone who would believe and place their trust in Him (Acts 8:26-40). 

*(See Acts 6:3 and 5b)     

I hope you enjoyed this study on being a Bold and Effective WITNESS. This concludes the section on Evangelism in the CODE RED series. 

Now lets move forward as we continue the CODE RED series. The next blog we will examine what it means to be a dedicated and devoted Disciple.   

[Blog date: January 31, 2025] 

Keep scrolling to finish the CODE RED blog....MEANWHILE... PLEASE ENJOY THIS MOVIE 

https://youtu.be/XPB_GDg9qnk?si=yhJzox-MQ9DY8TNR

...In the days to come (today being February  18, 2025) I'll share here in this space a personal encounter of evangelism so tune back in.  

...but for now,

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Almost there...

    

CODE RED - Dedicated and Devoted Discipleship

[Blog date: January 31, 2025]

CODE RED continues with...

Discipleship: True discipleship requires devotion and dedication.

"They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." (Acts 2:42 NASB)   

Q: Is the Word of God, held up, stood upon, embraced and applied in your life?

This blog will be dedicated to the examination of this question as it relates to the topic of discipleship and the need for the people of God to be awakened by a CODE RED alarm.  Meanwhile your reading assignment is to read Psalm 119

Dedicated and Devoted Discipleship (Continued blog date - February 4, 2025)

“...for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But… (Philippians 3:3-7a NASB). 

Don’t you love a good cliffhanger? Don’t read the rest of Philippians chapter 3 just YET. Let us pause first and consider Paul’s or Saul’s ‘dedication’ and ‘devotion’. He was dedicated as a child, for he was “circumcised on the eighth day”. As he grew up he devoted his life to his family heritage; to being of the nation of Israel and to that of being a devout Jew. He was a “Hebrew of Hebrews” being of the “tribe of Benjamin”. This means he religiously devoted himself to the study of the Law and to following the teachings of the Law. According to the standards of the Law, Saul was found to be “blameless” and considered to be “righteous” by his peers. But…

…before his encounter with the living God, Saul, aka Paul, had no relationship with God. And isn’t that what true discipleship should be about? True discipleship is about following closely, step by step, right behind Jesus, or rather with Jesus, as He leads the way forward in our walk as Christians. But…

 His devotion was so misguided that Saul felt this new movement was a threat to the Jewish ways. Saul, aka Paul, was so devoted to ‘the Law’ that he hated Christians, those “belonging to the Way.” 

But God had plans for this ‘misguided’ devotion and dedication to the Law. In Acts 9 we read about his conversion, his experience of encountering the living God. On the road to Damascus, while on his way to persecute more Christians, Saul, aka Paul met Jesus. At midday Saul was suddenly blinded by a light, a light brighter than the sun, and he fell to the ground. Jesus confronted Saul with the truth. Recorded again in Acts 26:12-18 Paul re-tells the event to Agrippa: Picking up in verse 14, “And when we all had fallen to the ground I heard a voice saying to me in Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”’ The goads, that is the Law, in this case, were meant to provoke or stimulate action towards grace, mercy and forgiveness. You see, the Law was always intended to drive God’s people towards recognizing their need for Christ. The Law was only a foreshadowing of the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Like *goads are to cattle, a *spiked stick used to guide and train, the Law was intended to guide or train, to tutor the Hebrew people. We read about this in Galatians 3. “But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 3:23-26 NASB) 

And so…,

Don’t you love a good cliffhanger?  Tune back in for the rest of the story.

[BLOG DATE: February 10, 2025]

…here we are, hanging on to our religiosity, our dedication to following a set of rules. So let's pick up where we left off in Philippians 3. In verse 7 Paul continues, “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness that come from God on the bases of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3: 7 - 11 NASB - Emphasis added)   

WOW!! I hope you caught what I caught. Here, Paul is describing a dynamic relationship with God. You see, the believer has the privilege of walking with and talking with God. This fellowship is based not upon our own righteousness but is based on God’s righteousness which is offered to us. We are made to be righteous or counted as righteous, not by following a set of rules, and not by being devoted to the study of the Law, and not by being of a certain tribe of people, no, “but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the bases of faith” (vs 9b). And this faith is manifested through a living and dynamic relationship…, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering, being conformed to His death” (vs 10). You see, being devoted to being a disciple of Jesus is all about a relationship. Being a follower of Jesus equates to fellowshipping in His life, including His suffering even unto death. This intimate and dynamic relationship offers the ‘power of His resurrection’ to all those who will receive it by faith. Not only does this mean that we have eternity to look forward to, but it also means that we are enabled to know and do the will of the Father in our daily lives. With the power of His resurrection, the disciple of Christ can overcome temptations, and with grace, we can work through any trials this world has to offer, and he can take captive any thoughts or strongholds that may come from our enemy. And through the power of His resurrection the disciple of Christ can know, in part, the mind and will of God through the study of His Word. To me, this is a WOW moment. 

Therefore we should not ‘kick against the goads’, that is the Law, rather we should embrace the Law. Much like a student would embrace a tudor who is instructing him on how to be more like himself, the disciple of Jesus Christ must embrace the Law, to seek to understand it that it might lead him to know and understand God so that he might become more like Him. This is exactly why the early believers “were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). 

Let’s break that verse down so we can better understand what it means to be devoted to discipleship. Let's also examine the question, “Is the Word of God held up, stood upon, embraced and applied in your life?  Now, bare in mind, this is a relational question and has nothing to do with obeying a set of rules in order to earn favor with God. Let's let the Word of God examine our relationship with God, our relationship with His Word and our relationship with other fellow believers. You see, what we believe about the Bible is directly associated with what we believe about its source. Furthermore, what we believe about God’s fellowship, His people, is directly associated with what we believe about the Bible. It's all interconnected relationally. But before we break down Acts 2:42 we might also ask and answer the question, what makes this interconnected, dynamic relationship seem so absurd or crazy to the world, and some might say, we have lost our mind to think we can have the  power of His resurrection and can therefore know and do the will of God. The answer is found in 2 Corinthians 5: 14 - 15 which says, “For the love of Christ controls (compels) us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.” You see, the world knows nothing of this love and that's precisely why we must share it so that they too can know it and it's source.  

So let’s take a look at Acts 2:42 in light of this love that controls the believer and that caused the early believers to be so devoted to discipleship.             

Continue here for another episode of CODE RED as we dissect Acts 2:42.  

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42 NASB).

These new believers had become one big life group. The first ‘mega church’ had formed and had become a living organism, thriving and pulsating with fervor and love; love for people and love for the word of God (see Acts 2:43-47). 

Their devotion to the ‘apostles’ teaching is what we will examine first as this is the first phrase we see in verse 42. Mind you, though they had all experienced it first hand, live and in person, the Gospels had not yet been written at this time in church history, for the Church was brand new. Likewise, nor had the rest of the ‘New Testament’. So, these new believers were not sitting around with the Bible opened studying the ‘Gospels’ or the ‘Epistles’ or the ‘book of Revelation of Jesus Christ’. Although, that is exactly what the modern day ‘New Testament’ live groups ought to be doing. So, just what were these new believers devoted to learning and teaching? Well, it was a combination of two things, and each one complimented the other. You see, Jesus’ promise of the  Holy Spirit, and what He would do was being manifested. Jesus said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14: 26).  So the first thing that was being taught came directly through the Holy Spirit. By the power and aid of the Holy Spirit, the apostles would remember the teachings of Jesus and then recall and recount them to the people. Likewise, the people would recall and would testify about their own ‘God story’, sharing with one another how the teachings of Jesus and those of the apostles transformed their lives. The second thing, which is complimentary of the first thing that was being taught, was the historical accounts of the Old Testament. The people accepted both teachings as coming directly from God. Although the following verses had not yet been written, the apostles and the new believers understood and accepted the following truths;

 “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world” (Hebrews 1:1-2 NASB).  

And

 “So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:19-21 NASB).  

The new believers and the apostles were experiencing, in real time, the prophecy of Joel being fulfilled, which says;

 “It will come about after this, That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days” (Joel 2:28-29 NASB).  

Therefore, the new believers were devoted to God and His word. You see, ‘the Day’ had come and the ‘Morning Star’ (Revelation 22:16) had risen in their hearts and the Spirit of God had been poured out, therefore their devotion to the apostles’ teachings (Acts 2:42) was synonymous with being devoted to God. This devotion was both relational and mutual. This my friend is a dynamic relationship.  

The early church believed and accepted the apostles’ teachings as being the inspired and authoritative word of God. Likewise, the modern day church believes that the Bible is the inspired and authoritative word of God. As well, most believers accept the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture. Although both terms might be used interchangeably among most believers each term might mean something slightly different. The important thing is that we accept the Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, as being authoritative and reliable as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. 

After all, we must believe that,

 “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB).  

As a side note, but being of the utmost importance as it relates to the subject of ‘the apostles’ teachings’, sound doctrine must be adhered to. We must accept that what the early believers were devoted to was indeed “sound doctrine”. In his letter to Titus, the apostle Paul exhorts Titus to be certain to guard “sound doctrine”.  In this short letter, which is only three short chapters long, Paul mentions the importance of God’s word and sound doctrine no less than thirteen times. He expressly says why sound doctrine is so vitally important to teach and to guard. One such statement, found in the first chapter of Titus is;

 “...holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.” (Titus 1:11 NASB)     

So, I hope you will agree with the apostle Paul on just how vitally important devoted discipleship is to all believers, both newly converted and to the mature believer.  

The second part of Acts 2:42 is, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings AND to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”. 

Fellowship” is vital for the new believer and for the mature believer. Growth requires fellowship with other believers. Now, I would agree with those who would say that solitude, getting alone with God, is good and even needed for believers as they seek to grow in the Lord. After all, Jesus Himself would retreat to a solitude place so He could be alone with the Father and to gain wisdom and instructions for the tasks of the day. (Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:46 - 47, Luke 6:12, and John 6:15). However, solitude and isolation are two very different things. Christians are never to live in isolation. To isolate oneself from other believers is to be disobedient to the Lord. And being disobedient is contrary to being a disciple. In as much as being isolated is equivalent to being disobedient, isolation will leave a believer more vulnerable to the attacks of our enemy. 

So being devoted to fellowship is vital. Not only is fellowship with other believers vital for spiritual maturity and growth in the knowledge of the word, fellowship is also vital for spiritual activity within the body of believers. As it pertains to community outreach and growth, adding to the body of the church in sheer numbers, fellowship with other believers is equally important. Let's examine another passage that speaks to this truth. And although the following verse had yet to be written, the new believers were living it out in real time. 

“...and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10: 24-25 NASB)

As the church was living out Acts 2:42 and Hebrews 10:24-25 the body of Christ was doing life together. You see, the Church had been birthed, As such it was a living breathing organism; a body of believers with Christ as the head and...

... it was growing. Not only was it growing in spiritual maturity and in the knowledge of God’s word but it was growing in number. Some might refer to this kind of growth as “growing deeper and wider”. Nevertheless, this kind of growth comes only through devotion, devotion to the ‘apostles’ teaching and devotion to fellowship.   

Therefore, being devoted to fellowship is not only important, it is vital.

 Wouldn’t you agree? 

But wait…,

…isn’t there yet another thing mentioned in Acts 2:42 to which the new believers were devoted? Well, yes. Let’s take another look at the verse. 

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42 NASB Emphasis added). 

After his conversion the apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote the following passage to the church at Corinth.

“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘“This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, ‘“This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”’ For as often eat the bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (Corinthians 11:23-26 NASB)  

Again, it is understood that although this letter to the church at Corinth had not yet been written, the new believers knew from the original apostles’ teachings that the Lord had spoken these words for they themselves had experienced it first hand at the ‘Last Supper’ (Matt,26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:17-20). 

The new believers understood the importance and significance of breaking bread together. It was the devotion to this tradition that united the brethren. They also understood the act of breaking bread and taking the cup together was proclaiming the gospel. You see, the sacrifice of Jesus was what brought them together in the first place, and they were always eager to proclaim the good news of salvation by breaking bread together. 

And I can just imagine that the same effect took place, each time they broke bread, as did when the two men, one named Cleopas, as they were on their way to Emmaus,...

…“When He (Jesus) had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, broke it and He began giving it to them…,Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him….They said to one another, “‘Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?’” (See Luke 24) 

In other words, each time the apostles would retell the account of the last supper while teaching the new believers about the Passover (Exodus 12), and then break the bread with their fellow believers, they would all have an eye opening experience and would once again experience ‘heartburn’ but… in a good way, of course!!      

So, being devoted to discipleship included the ordinance of communion and still should today. Wouldn’t you agree? But wait…, 

Yes, there is one last thing to which the new believers were devoted and that is the act of praying together. So let's visit the verse one last time for good measure.

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayers” (Acts 2:42 Emphasis). 

  E.M. Bounds, a well respected author on the topic of prayer, wrote: “Prayer should not be regarded as a duty which must be performed, but rather as a privilege to be enjoyed, a rare delight that is always revealing some new beauty.”  

As we conclude this study on the topic of ‘Dedicated and Devoted Discipleship’, in particular being devoted to prayer, please take a moment to read Acts 2:43 - 47

So, can you imagine the accounts recorded in verses 43 through 47 becoming reality without prayer? Nor can I. Prayer is essential to discipleship. Prayer is essential to growing as a Christian. Prayer is essential to unified fellowship, to church growth and to understanding every doctrine of the Christian faith. Prayer is essential to the practicing of the Christian doctrines and faith. Prayer is essential to Christian life. E.M. Bounds put it this way: 

“No man can do a great and enduring work for God who is not a man of prayer, and no man can be a man of prayer who does not give much time to praying.” 

Jesus Himself taught us to pray and He was the ultimate example of how we are to pray. I could reference many Scriptures on this topic however, as we conclude the study on the overall topic of ‘Code RED’, I’ll refer to only one passage: 

“Then He (Jesus) said to His disciples, “‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech (pray) the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest”’ (Matthew 9: 37-38). 


Code RED Church, Code RED!!     

Eternal souls are in the balance!                 

Let's pray together for lost souls and for more willing disciples to GO. 

Call me at 770-331-7778 


   

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Hi! We are Gospel Impact Ministries - The Church On The Go

About us / What we believe / Staff Info.

MISSION: To Carry out the Great Commission with Compassion, Power and Passion.

GOAL: To Win Souls - To Reach to Teach and Teach to Reach. 

PURPOSE: To Glorify God by Advancing HIS Kingdom; To Demonstrate the Transforming Power of The GOSPEL.   

Doctrines of Gospel Impact Ministries, Inc.

Who we are: Gospel Impact Ministries is a non-profit 501c3, faith based group of Christ followers compelled by the love of Jesus Christ to carry out the Great Commission. We are a Pastoral Care - Community Outreach Ministry providing pastoral care with compassion and opportunities to serve with passion. Our collective desire is to proclaim the Gospel of Peace with clarity, certainty and compassion.  Our beliefs and doctrines are most closely aligned with the Baptist Faith and Message.  We adhere to the FIVE SOLAS of the Protestant Reformation which say that the work of salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone according to Scripture alone to the glory of God alone.  

Our MISSION: To Carry Out The Great Commission with Passion and Compassion.

Our GOAL: To Win Souls - To Reach to Teach and Teach to Reach.  

Our Purpose: To Glorify God by Advancing HIS Kingdom; To Demonstrate the Transforming Power of The GOSPEL.   

NOTE: Please scroll to end of this page/section to see our Board Of Directors.

*The following information is quite lengthy and somewhat comprehensive and is to be read per-topic.  Please read each topic or simply scroll to the desired topic.  

Gospel Impact Ministries, Inc. embraces the following statements concerning the truth. The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice.  This Statement of Fundamental Truths is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us (i.e., that we all speak the same thing; I Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42).

  No claim is made that it contains all biblical truth, only that it covers our need as to these fundamental doctrines.  We do not presume to say the phraseology employed in this Statement of Fundamental Truths is inspired or that it is the final work on Bible truth.  However, we are persuaded it is proper and consistent with the Holy Scriptures to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us” (Luke 1:1).

- Abortion

We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child in a mothers womb is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject teachings that the abortions of pregnancies is an acceptable and godly practice. (Deuteronomy 18:9; Ecclesiastes 5:18; Psalms 139:13; Jeremiah 1:5; Exodus 21:22; Hebrews 13:8)

- Adultery / Sexual Immorality 

"But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself." - (Proverbs 6:32) 

We believe adultery is a sin (an offence against God) of a married man or women having sexual relations with anyone other than his/her married spouse. Adultery is one of the most frequently mentioned and severely condemned sins in the Bible. Adultery is mentioned at least 52 times, including the Ten Commandments, all four Gospels, and ten other books of the Bible. Jesus Christ brings the act and sin of adultery to an even deeper meaning or understanding when He declared it to be a matter of the heart and mind; "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a women lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." - (Matthew 5: 27-28) Further teachings in the Bible declare all sexual activities outside of the sanctity of biblically defined marriage to be immoral. Jesus declared all such sin begin in the heart; "For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defiles you." - (Matthew 15: 19 -20a)     

(Exodus 20: 14,  Matthew 5:28, 1 Corinthians 6:18, Galatians 5:19, Ephesians 5:3, Hebrews 13:4)  

- Alcohol

The Scriptures speak often of the destructive power of alcohol. Noahs drunkenness brought shame to his family (Gen. 9:20-27). Lots drunkenness resulted in an incestuous relationship with his two daughters (Gen. 19:30-38).  The consumption of alcohol impairs judgment, inflames passions, and invites violence (Leviticus. 10:8-11; Prov. 20:1, 23:29-35, 31:4,5). 

- Angels and Demons

God created the angels to be His servants and messengers (Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 148:2; Hebrews 1:14).  Satan is a fallen angel who led a group of angels in rebellion against God (Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:12-15). He is the great enemy of God and man, and the demons are his servants in evil. He and his demons will be eternally punished in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

- Anointing Oil is Administered for Healing

The anointing oil is administered for both physical and spiritual restoration with the laying on of hands when required (Mark 16:18; James 5:14).  If sins have been committed against Christ or His Body they are to be confessed. 

- Assurance of Salvation

Assurance means that you, a believer in Jesus Christ, have confidence that you are in the family of God and therefore have eternal life. Assurance looks at our eternal salvation from mans viewpoint. The central passage is 1 John 5:13. Each clear verse about eternal salvation, such as John 3:16, stresses the basis for assurance because God keeps His Word.



- Baptism  

Baptism - Ordinance

Baptism by immersion shall be observed as commanded in the Scriptures by all who have repented of their sins and have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls and who give clear evidence of their salvation (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12).  Following Jesus' example, those who have become partakers of Christ by faith in His shed blood are commanded to be water baptized (by immersion) in obedience to Christ. Having received the circumcision of the heart and repented of sin by the power of the Holy Spirit, the act of water baptism is the act of faith whereby we identify with and participate in Christs death, burial and resurrection. (Genesis 17:1-4; John 3:1-6; Romans 2:28-29; Romans 6: 3-5, Colossians 2: 12, I Peter 3:18-22; I John 5:8).

Baptism in the Holy Spirit / Being under the Control and Influence of the Holy Spirit.   

 The *baptism in the Holy Spirit is a vital part of the believer's experience. Evidences of this experience are both private and public. Though not the only evidence, one such evidence is by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.  In addition, the Spirit's power and control in the believer can be witnessed by others. We believe the 'baptism is the Holy Spirit' is synonymous with receiving our spiritual gift(s) as we yield full control to the power of the Holy Spirit. Some consider this as a 'second baptism' or a second experience different from receiving the Holy Spirit at the moment of regeneration. We give liberty to that point of view and do not consider that view to be a point of departure or division as we seek the unity of the brethren. We believe all believers should seek their spiritual gift(s)to be used in the church for the furtherance of God's Kingdom. One such gift is speaking in unknown languages / tongues. Though this gift is a viable and vital gift it is not necessarily for every member of the body of Christ. In the seeking of gifts, every believer 'should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts' (1 Corinthians 12: 27-31).  Those who seek the *fullness of the Spirit shall receive prayer for the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:15-17; 19:2-6). 

We believe the desire of every believer should be to allow the Holy Spirit to empower us to walk according to the Spirit, enabling us to bare the fruit of the Spirit, and be filled with that same Spirit; singing songs among the brethren and making music to the Lord from a grateful heart to the glory of God. Furthermore we agree with the apostle Paul's instruction to the church at Corinth; "If I could speak all the languages of the earth and of angles, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal". (1 Corinthians 13: 1 NLT.) Therefore all gifts should be used and exercised with love. We therefore believe "There is one Lord. one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all" (Ephesians 4: 5-6).      

(Galatians 5:16-23 and Ephesians 5:15-20


- Blessed Hope


The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and the blessed hope of the church (I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; I Corinthians 15:51). 

- Carnality

Carnality comes from the word for flesh, sarkikos, and by extension often refers to man living apart from Gods power and Word, whether a believer or unbeliever. When one lives by his own power, he is living by his human fallen nature, which works through the flesh or body. The believer who lives by his human nature instead of by the Holy Spirit is said to be carnal. The central passage is 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 where believers are living like unbelievers and are called carnal. Galatians 5:16-21 states the conflict between the flesh and the Holy Spirit, and gives some works of the flesh that are sins. Carnality is opposite to spirituality. Confession of sin to God restores the believer to walking in the light, to fellowship (1 John 1), and to walking by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5). 

- Christian Service

Christian service is serving God and believers through the power of the Holy Spirit, mainly in the area of ones spiritual gift, through godly love, when abiding in Christ, and to Gods glory. This is the application and expression of the Christian life (John 15:1-5; 1 Peter 4:10-11; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

- Confirmation

Confirmation is administered by the laying on of hands of the presbytery to confirm the believer in the faith and service of Christ.  This is done after the believer has been instructed and established in the doctrines of Christ (John 7:17; II John 9; Acts 8:17; 14:21-23; 15:32, 41; 19:6, Galatians 2:9, I Timothy 5:24). 

- Creation

Of the World:  God spoke into existence the world and all things that it contains, for His own pleasure, and the enjoyment of His creatures (Revelation 4:11; I Timothy 6:17).

Of Man: God created man in His image according to Genesis 1:26 as a triune being consisting of spirit, soul (which is made of the mind, will, and emotions), and a body.  

- Death

As a result of original sin, all mankind is subject to the death of the body.  The soul does not die with the body, but immediately after death enters into a conscious state of happiness or misery according to the character here possessed either by rejection or acceptance of the Savior (Romans 5:12; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Philippians 1:23). 

- Dedication of Children


 [God’s plan for salvation is intended for all of humanity and is a gift from God. (John 3: 16). This plan includes imparting the truth through the teaching and preaching of God’s Word (Romans 10: 13 - 17). Although the dedication of children and discipling them in the faith are not absolutely essential for the salvation of their eternal soul, we believe these play a critical role to that end. In addition, the righteousness of God, required to enter His presence, is imparted by the grace of God to those who place their trust by faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ and is therefore an unmerited gift of God. This teaching refers to the doctrine of imputation (Romans 5: 18 - 19). Therefore, a child who passes into eternity prior to having the ability to understand such matters, if or as the soul of that child is saved or safe, that salvation is an unmerited gift of God and is offered by His grace alone.] See Salvation of Man

The dedication of children is the dedication of a child to God, and therefore establishes a covenant between God and parents. God promises blessings and protection to the child whose parents are faithful to rear him/her in the services of the Lord. Children are commanded to obey their parents in godliness and in so doing are promised, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Children are a heritage from the Lord, created by Him, in His image. Therefore the parents are responsible to bring them up with discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. *By the grace of God such a child is dedicated unto God and is part of the covenant family of God and is believed to be safe or saved until he/she reaches a certain time whereby he/she is made aware of their sinful nature, convicted of sin by the Spirit of God, and is therefore at an age of accountability, whereupon he/she becomes responsible as an individual before God and is commanded to repent, allowing the same Spirit to draw him/her unto Salvation. 

*This statement is not to be interpreted as a belief in the transference of the righteousness of the parents onto the child. This would be a meritorious based faith and would negate the grace of God. We believe the Scriptures declare the righteousness of man is unworthy but the righteousness of God must be imparted by grace through faith in Christ alone (Isaiah 64: 6 and Philippians 3: 4 - 11).] 

As parents under the New Covenant, we only want to act in accordance with what we believe Scripture requires of us in dedicating and discipling our children in the Lord thereby creating conditions conducive for their sanctification and salvation. 

 (Psalms 34:11; Isaiah 54:13; Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-16; I Corinthians 7:14).: Deuteronomy 6: 1 - 8, 1st Samuel 1, Psalm 127, Psalm 139: 13 - 16,  Proverbs 22:6, Acts 16: 29 - 34,  1st Corinthians 7:14, Ephesians 6: 1 - 4). 

NOTE: We believe and trust in the atoning work of Jesus Christ for salvation for all who believe. (Romans 3: 22, Ephesians 2: 8 - 10, and Hebrews 9 and 10). Regarding the eternal soul of human babies still in the womb, infants and young children and those with undeveloped cognitive abilities, if or as their eternal souls are saved or safe from God’s eternal punishment, that salvation would be by the saving grace and mercy of God. 


- Deliverance

The need for deliverance is manifested by an inability to be free from bondage: e.g. mental (emotional), physical, or spiritual normally associated with demon activity.  It is Gods desire to bring deliverance to His people (Job 5:19; Psalms 91:3; II Timothy 4:18; Hebrews 2:15; II Peter 2:9).  We have been granted the authority in the name of Jesus to bring deliverance to others (Mark 16:17; John 14:12; I Corinthians 12:8-11).  We must understand that our warfare is with the forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12), our weapon is the Word of God, our authority and power are from Jesus Himself (Mark 16:17; Acts 1:8) and that the battlefield is in the spiritual realms (Ephesians 6: 10-18; II Corinthians 10:3-5; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:22-23).

- Divine Healing

Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers.  The ministration of the laying on of hands accompanied with the anointing of oil for the healing of the sick shall be granted as request is made and the need may require (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 16:17-18; James 5:14-15). 

- Dress Code

The obedience of a child of God is not measured by what clothing we wear but by our walk in the Spirit. A believer is to dress modestly with the Christian simplicity that becomes holiness, not to indulge of pride in dress or behavior (Proverbs 29:23; 1 Timothy 2:8-10; James 4:6; 1 Peter 3:3-4; 1 John 2:15-17; Galatians 5:16). 

- Economics

Biblical economics is a free enterprise system with the ownership of private property, the right to accumulate wealth, and proper taxation (Leviticus 27:30-33; Proverbs 3:9; Proverbs 6:6-11; Proverbs 10:5; Proverbs 10:11, 26; Proverbs 13:22; Proverbs 22:22; Proverbs 24:30-34; Ecclesiastes 5:18-20; Matthew 22:17-22.)

- Education 

As Christians, one of our responsibilities is to make sure that our children and we are educated in the godliest manner possible.  God has entrusted us with children and He will require an accounting of what we did with them (2 Chronicles. 17:9; Psalm 78:1; 2 Tim. 3:1617; Romans. 1:20; Ephesians. 6:4; John 1:17).

- Eternal Covenant

The Eternal Covenant leads to the Covenant of Grace.  Whereas the Eternal Covenant was made between the Father and the Son, the Covenant of Grace is made between God and man.  This latter covenant is where God promises eternal salvation to man based upon Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.  The manifestation of that covenant occurs in our world in a sequence of additional covenants that God made with individuals: Adam (Gen. 2:1517),

Noah (Gen. 9:12-16), Abraham (Gen. 17), the Israelites at Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28), 

and believers in the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-37).


- Eternal Security

Eternal security means that when a person believes in Jesus Christ as Savior, he can never lose his eternal life. The Bible clearly teaches that once we believe in Jesus Christ as Savior, our eternal destiny is fixed and secure. Security looks at our eternal salvation from Gods viewpoint (Romans 8: 38-39, Ephesians 1:13-14; John 10:27-30).

Note: The assurance of eternal security or the doctrine of grace is not a license to live as we please according to the carnal nature as some wrongly believe (See doctrine of Carnality above). Rather, the believer's eternal security is, to the true believer, motivation and inspiration to live for Christ more fully and freely, knowing he has been set free from the power and bondage of sin (Romans 6: 1-11).  

Furthermore, we believe that there may be those among us that may leave the church to follow their own ways leading to eternal destruction. However, these are those who, like Judas Iscariot, are not, nor ever was truly one of us (Matthew 7: 21-23, 1 John 2: 18-19).

(Matthew 10:4, Mark 3:19, Luke 6:16, John 6: 64, 71, II Timothy 3:1-5)      

- Evangelism

Evangelism, the communication of the gospel message, includes a warning, an explanation,

and a call.  Evangelism includes warning people about sin and the consequences of sin (John 16:8; Acts 24:25; Revelation 20:11-15).  It includes an explanation of Gods remedy for sinthe gospel (Acts 8:29-35; Romans 3:21-26; 2 Corinthians 5:21), and it includes the clear call to repent (to turn from sin and to turn toward God) and believe the gospel, by faith (Mark 1:15; Luke 13:15; Acts 17:29-31; Romans 1:17; Romans 10:9-13).


- Fasting

Fasting is to abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink and or to abstain from physical needs or pleasure for a time. Fasting may be done for a variety of reasons, however, for the purpose of this doctrine, fasting is for the purpose of growing spiritually. Believers may fast as long as our motive and attitude is right before God; humility, recognition and expression of our dependence and need for God in our lives, intercessory prayer for others and ourselves, and focusing ourselves on Gods will and our ministry for Him. 

To show genuine humility, repentance, confession of sin, and need of the Lord (1 Samuel 7:6; Jeremiah 36:9; Ezra 10:6; Nehemiah 9:1-2; Joel 2:12; Daniel 9:2-20; 10:2-3). 

To pray for others, especially those ill (Psalm 35:13; 2 Samuel 12:15-23).

To pray for guidance and safety (Esther 4:3, 16; Ezra 8:21-31).

At the hour of ones death (Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:12; 3:35).

To concentrate on service for the Lord (Acts 13:1-4; 14:23).



- Family

The family is the first and most important classroom and training ground for society. The family provides the security, the heritage, and the perpetuation of morality without which no society can survive (Genesis 4:1-2; Ephesians 6:1-4).

- Fellowship with God

Fellowship with God emphasizes the friendship relationship with God the Father and the Son. Sin breaks the fellowship; confession of sin restores the fellowship. When in fellowship with God, believers partner with God in service and enjoy a close friendship. The central passages are 1 John 1 and John 13. Since one is no longer walking in darkness (sin), the Holy Spirit also leads and controls the believer as Galatians 5 teaches. John 15:1-9 uses the term abide” which also refers to fellowship with Jesus Christ. 

- Final Judgment and Eternal State

We believe that at death the spirits and souls of those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ pass immediately into His presence and there remain in conscious bliss until the resurrection of the glorified body, when Jesus Christ comes for His own.  Whereupon soul and body reunited shall be with Him forever in glory; but the spirits and souls of the unbelieving remain after death conscious of condemnation and in misery until the final judgment of the Great White Throne when soul and body reunited shall be cast into the lake of fire, not to be annihilated but to be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power (Luke 16:19-26; 23:42; II Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; II Thessalonians 1:7-8; Jude 6, 7; Revelation 20:11-15).  

There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works.  Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8).

- Five-Fold Ministry

The church is to be taught and led by the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for the purpose of every believer seeing and exercising his/her priestly and kingly ministry as outlined in I Peter 2:5,9 and Revelation 16.  The five-fold ministry is to teach and train its people to do the work of the ministry with maturity and unity in mind.  Working with these ministries will be elders, deacons, and the gifted men and women of the church (Romans 12:3-8; I Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:11-13; I Timothy 3:2-12; Titus 2:1-15).

- Gifts of the Spirit

The nine gifts of the Spirit set forth in I Corinthians 12 should be and must be operative in the church to enjoy the fullness of God.  These gifts are imparted by the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit and only work or are operated by this one and the self-same Spirit (I Corinthians 12:11).

- Giving

Biblical giving is the giving of self and wealth to God and His work, and doing so voluntarily and out of love for God and His work.

Central passages of Scripture for giving: Matthew 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 6:6-8; Philippians 4:10-19, 1 Timothy 5:8, 17-18; 3 John 5-8.

- Godly Love or Christian Love

This is God's kind of love in us for others, especially for believers. John 3:16 and Romans 5:8 demonstrate that Gods love is sacrificial. Since this is true, godly loveChristian loveis also sacrificial. The Holy Spirit produces it in a believer who is controlled by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 5:5). Christian love is not dependent on the person who is loved. It depends on the source. Godly love pleases God (2 John 5-6). The basic idea in godly love is sacrifice for othersthinking of others first and doing for them that which is in accordance with Gods will and Gods good, and that which is needed. Furthermore, it includes responsibility, which is being accountable to God, to doctrinal principles, and to one's level of spiritual growth; protection of others by way of verbal protection (what we say), mental protection (our thoughts), and physical protection; self control which relates to sacrifice, responsibility, and protection; and thankfulness. First Corinthians 13:4-7 personifies love by saying what it is and does, and what it is not and does not do. Godly love contrasts with friendship love which is for certain people.

- Help of the Poor

We believe that it is the intent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to feed the hungry (Matthew 25:34-40; Isaiah 58:7-8); to care for the poor (Matthew 19:21; Psalm 112:9; II Corinthians 9:6-9); and to care for the widows and orphans (James 1:27).  We further believe that such ministry should be toward His name to both saints and unbelievers (Hebrews 6:10). 

- Homosexuality

This organization is opposed to homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle.  Additionally, this organization holds that a homosexual lifestyle is contrary to Gods Word and purpose for humanity (I Timothy 1:10). The Bible instructs that it is a sin that leads to death.  Moreover, this organization is instructed to love those living such lifestyles, while abhorring their sin.  1 Cor. 6:9 says the following: Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders.”  Members of the church are forbidden to practice such sin.  Any member found to be in such sin and unrepentant shall be subject to dismissal. Furthermore, we believe Scripture informs us that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to transform our lives, therefore we must teach with all diligence, love and grace that change is available to all who place their trust in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6: 9 - 11).  



- Infallible Word of God

We believe that the Holy Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, were written by holy men inspired by the Holy Spirit and are Gods revealed word to man.  They are the sufficient, infallible rule and guide to salvation and all Christian worship and service (II Peter 1:20-21; II Timothy 3:15-17; I Thessalonians 2:13).  The Bible is the inspired Word of God, equally in all parts and in the whole; it is totally inerrant in the original manuscripts.  It is the supreme revelation from God and of God, superior to conscience and reason, though not contrary to them; and it is therefore our infallible rule in all manners.  All the Scriptures center about the Lord Jesus Christ and hence, no portion is properly read nor understood until it leads to Him.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Son of Man

Jesus was born miraculously of the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1: 23; Luke 1:31, 35).

He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 7:26; I Peter 2:22). 

He came into the world to save men from the guilt and condemnation of sin (John 3:16), offering His blood as atonement (I Corinthians 15:3; II Corinthians 5:21) and making it available to all who exercise faith in Him.  

He resurrected from the dead (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; I Corinthians 15:4).  

He is exalted to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9, 11; 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1-3).   

His divinity is proved from His titles, His attributes, and His works (John 1:14; Luke 1:26-35; Acts 4:12; Acts 16:31).  

He is presently seated at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for His redeemed.  

We also acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord over all things in Heaven, and in Earth, and under the Earth (John 1:12-14; I Timothy 3:16; Acts 7:37-38; Philippians 2:9-10; Hebrews 7:25). 

- Justification

Justification is the legal act whereby God declares the sinner to be innocent of his or her sins.  It is not that the sinner is now sinless, but that he/she is "declared" sinless.  This declaration of righteousness means the person is justified before God.  This justification is based on the shed blood of Jesus, "...having now been justified by His blood..." (Rom. 5:9) where Jesus was crucified, died, buried, and rose again (1 Cor. 15:1-4).  God imputed (reckoned to our account) the righteousness of Christ at the same time our sins were imputed to Christ when He was on the cross.  That is why it says in 1 Pet. 2:24, "And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed."  Also, 2 Cor. 5:21 says, "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."  Additionally, we are justified by faith (Rom. 5:1) apart from works of the Law (Rom. 3:28).


- Kingdom Citizenship

Sovereign God rules all creation, but He favors those that are in faith relationship with Him.  He puts them in His kingdom by grace through faith (1 Chronicles 29:11; Psalms 2: Jeremiah 50:17-20; Daniel 4:17, 25, 32: Haggai 2:21-22; Luke 8:22-36).  

All believers are citizens of Gods kingdom and commanded to be patriotic toward His Kingdom (Philippians 1:27; 3:20).

- Laying on of Hands

 We adhere to a simple belief that power or anointing of any other necessary quality can be transmitted from one person touching another.  The Levitical priesthood first practiced this (Numbers 8:10-11, 27:22-23).  Jesus practiced it as a blessing, (Mark 10:13-16) and He, as well as others, used it for healing (Mark 5:22-23; 16:18; Acts 14:3; 19:11-12; 28:8; Luke 4:40), conferring office (Acts 8:16-18), receiving anointing (I Timothy 4:14) and for ordination (I Timothy 4:14).

We believe in the doctrine of the laying on of hands for:

The confirming of believers to commitment and ministry in the local church.

The confirming of ones call by God to special ministry in the local church (Acts 13:1-3).

The imparting of spiritual gifts (I Timothy 4:14; II Timothy 1:6).

The experiencing of the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17-18).

The ministry of healing of the sick through the Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16).

The blessing and dedicating of children to the Lord (Mark 10:16).

We further believe that, in obedience to the Holy Scriptures, we should lay hands on no man suddenly, but that the laying on of hands confirms a ministry, which is already observable and has been proven (I Timothy 5:22). 

- Law and the Gospel

The Law is the dos and donts of moral behavior.  God gave the Law so that people would have a guide to live by and a standard by which they might recognize Gods purity and their sinfulness.  There are 613 commandments in the Old Testament.  They oversee moral, judicial, and religious behavior.

The Law is a reflection of the character of God, because the Law comes forth from the very heart of God.  Since it is not possible for us to keep the Law and therefore earn our position with God, we then need the holiness of God given to us --‐ because there simply isnt any way for us to attain to the standard of God.  Therefore, "...The law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith," (Gal. 3:24).



- Liberty or Freedom

Liberty or freedom includes privacy and personal responsibility, and is the direct application of Gods sovereignty and human volition. The Bible teaches both spiritual freedom and human freedom (John 8:31-36). God created man in His image and man therefore received moral freedom and volition, with the result that he was created to live in freedomto live with free choice or freedom (Genesis 1:26-31). The exercise of freedom requires free people to grant freedom and privacy to others. Personal responsibility, therefore, goes hand in hand with freedom. Tyranny and slavery often occurred due to the sin nature of man, but God willed for human freedom to predominate. For example, when an Israelite was enslaved, "Every Israelite (man or woman) who had become a slave might not only be redeemed at any time by his relatives but, if this did not take place, was bound to receive his freedom without payment in the seventh year, with a present of cattle and fruits (Exodus 21:2; Deuteronomy 15:1215). Indeed all slaves of Hebrew descent, with their children, obtained freedom without ransom in the Jubilee year (Leviticus 25:3941)." (The New Ungers Bible Dictionary, 1988. 444) The very fact of volition and authority argue for human freedom. The Law of Moses outlines human freedom for Israel, Gods priest nation (Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 146:7; 119:45; Isaiah 61:1; 1 Peter 2:16).

- Lords Supper

The Lords Supper is a memorial of the covenant made with God through the blood of Christ.  It is a continuation of the Passover Feast, which God commanded His covenant people to observe.  Those who have made covenant with God through the blood of Christ and have been water baptized are instructed to participate.  The church participates in the Lords Supper as a body or family, with each covenant partner in fellowship adding to the blessedness of the experience (Exodus 11, 12; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:19-20; I Corinthians 10:16; 11:23-26). 

- Marriage

God created marriage (Gen. 2:22).  It is a covenant made between a man and a woman that makes them one (Gen 2:24).  The marriage covenant requires the married parties to be faithful, loving, and helpful to each other as long as they both shall live (Mark 10:3-10). Christians are not to marry unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14-18).  Those whom God has directed to be joined together shall, after counseling with the pastor concerning what God requires of them, be joined in Christian marriage (Malachi 2:13-16; Matthew 5:32; 19:5-6,9; Romans 7:2-3; I Corinthians 7:10-11, 15; II Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 5:22-23).

This church observes the wedding ceremony as holy and unto God.  It is a religious ceremony and cannot be conducted in this church without pastoral consideration.  Any couple wishing to conduct their wedding ceremony in this church must first submit to pastoral counseling that is approved by this church.  The couple must also live a lifestyle that is consistent with this churchs doctrinal views.

  Definition and Meaning of Marriage: Marriage is the picture of Christ and His Bride, the Church, is a representation of the Gospel and is intended to be for procreation of mankind

and the proclamation of the Gospel. (Genesis 1: 27-28; Malachi 2: 14b-15; Ephesians 5:22-33; Revelations 19: 6-9) 

 The covenant of marriage was established by God at creation. It is a gift from God. Therefore it is a sacred and honored institution.

 Marriage is a covenant between a man and a women and God, therefore it is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, realizing the obligations and the responsibilities of such a covenant.

Marriage is the institution God ordained to be the foundational building block upon which our society is built. Marriage is the beginning thread of a fabric that when woven together creates a beautiful, diverse and vibrant culture. Marriage provides the ideal avenue for procreation. Marriage establishes a home; a safe haven for raising and nurturing children; securing a wholesome and vibrant culture and society for future generations. 

 Marriage unites a man and a woman in body, mind, heart and soul. In this way the man and woman become one. Therefore, the married couple will experience intimacy on every level; physically, spiritually, intellectually and emotionally.

This union is intended for mutual joy and pleasure; for the support and comfort given to the couple throughout all of life’s journey; through the good times and bad, through the easy and the difficult. 


- Millennial Reign of Christ

The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, and is followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one thousand years (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6).  This millennial reign will bring the salvation of the national Israel (Ezekiel 37:21-22; Zephaniah 3:19-20; Romans 11:26-27) and the establishment of universal peace (Isaiah 11:6-7; Psalm 72:3-8; Micah 4:3-4). 

- Ministry and Distribution

The Bible relates that covenant partners of the Levitical order were to be paid from the tithes and offerings presented (Numbers 18:21-24; Deuteronomy 12:19; 18:1-2) by the people to the men/women of God at the church.  The church believes that the Word of God sets forth that the sacerdotal functions to be performed by the Levites are:(a) The care of the sanctuary (Numbers 1:49-53; 18:2-4; I Chronicles 6:48; 23:27-32); (b) The ushers in the temple (I Chronicles 9:17-27, 26:12-19); (c) Treasurers (I Chronicles 26:26-28); (d) Singers (I Chronicles 9:33-34); (e) Instructors in the law (Leviticus 10:10; Ezekiel 44:24); (f) Assistants to the priests (Numbers 3:9; I Chronicles 23:28-32); (g) Secretaries (I Chronicles 2:55; II Chronicles 34:13); (h) Overseers of building and repairing the temple (I Chronicles 23:2-4; Ezra 3:8-9); (i) Inquirers of God (Exodus 28:30, Numbers 27:21, Ezra 2:63, Nehemiah 7:65); (j) Ministers before the ark (I Chronicles 16:4); (k) Musicians 

(1 Chronicles 15:16, 16:42); (l) Protectors of the tabernacle (Numbers 1:53); (m) Ministers of God (Numbers 3:12, 39-49); (n) Prayers ( II Chronicles 30:27; I Chronicles 23:30); (o) Teachers (II Chronicles 35:3, Nehemiah 8:9); (p) Praisers (II Chronicles 8:14); and (q) Providers of music for worship (II Chronicles 5:12; 7:6; 29:30; 30:15-27). 

Therefore all persons participating in the above functions of the Levites in the church shall be candidates for commissioning into the ministry and shall be eligible for receipt of the Levitical distribution from the church.  The senior pastor with the counsel of the board of directors shall determine the amount of such distribution. 

- Missions 

Missions are the whole task, endeavor, and program of the Church of Jesus Christ to reach out across geographical and/or cultural boundaries by sending missionaries to evangelize people who have never heard or who have little opportunity to hear the saving gospel.

- Music 

Music and song are a product of, reflection of, and appreciation of Gods word, works, and person inside a believer. Biblical music honors God, teaches and recalls Bible doctrine, and encourages people. Biblical music expresses the thinking, free will, emotion, conscience, and self-consciousness, though it especially joins the learned doctrine in the soul and human spirit with the emotion of the soul and human spirit. In church assembly, the ministry of music prepares the congregation for the ministry of Gods Word (Psalm 30:4, Psalm 57:9, Colossians 3:16, 1 Chronicles 15:16; 25:1, Exodus 15:1-18, 1 Samuel 16:23, Acts 16:25, James 5:13).

- Nationalism

God planned that people would live in groups called nations. These nations would have similar culture including language, geography, and heritage. Each of these national distinctions provides for a balance of power among nations and protects against a monolithic power over many groups. We can look at Genesis 10 and 11 for the beginnings of human government in the post-flood civilization (Genesis 10:32-11:9; Acts 17:26-27).

- New Covenant

This is the new covenant of the Messianic age where the law of God is written upon the hearts of men (Jeremiah. 31:31,33); it was promised in Eden (Gen. 3:15); it was proclaimed to Abraham (Gen. 12:3), and it was fulfilled in Christ (Luke 1:68-79).

New Heavens and New Earth

We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness (II Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:22). 

- Of the World to Come

We believe that the end of this age is rapidly approaching (I Peter 4:7).  We believe in That 

Blessed Hope” -the personal, imminent return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:13-18).  We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and of the unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved, and the everlasting punishment of the lost without Christ (Acts 24:15; Matthew 24:31-46; Revelation 22:11). 

- One God

We believe that Scripture teaches there is one and only one true and living God, who is self-existent, and the eternal I AM,” the creator of heaven and earth, and the redeemer of mankind.  We believe that He has chosen to reveal Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the same in essence, though distinct in personality (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Matthew 28:18-19; Luke 3:22).  These three are one God, having the same nature, attributes, and perfection and are worthy of the same homage and obedience (Mark 12:29; John 1:14; Acts 5:3, 4; II Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 1:4-6).  The mode of His existence, however, is a subject far above the understanding of man.  He is the fountain of all perfection and happiness.  He is glorified by the whole of creation and is worthy to be loved and served by all intelligence.  He, therefore, is the only proper object of worship (Jeremiah 10:10; Exodus 3:14; Psalms 90:2; Matthew 28:19, 20; Job 11:7; Psalms 19:1, 2; 145:10; 150:6; Exodus 34:14). 


- Ordinances of the Gospel  

Baptism in Water: We believe water baptism is commanded of every believer, and a necessary requisite for going on to spiritual maturity.  When done in faith, it is the means whereby those who have been justified by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ receive a circumcision of the heart, are made participants in the death and resurrection of Christ and thus are delivered from the dominion and rule of sin.  The ordinance of baptism is a burial with Christ, to be observed, whenever physically possible as commanded in the Scriptures by all who have repented and truly believed in their heart on Christ as Savior and Lord.  The method of baptism will be by immersion.  They declare to the world that they have died with Jesus and that they have also been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. It is the circumcision of the heart by faith and through the working of the Spirit of God. Water baptism is the taking on of a great responsibility, because in it a person makes an everlasting commitment to God (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 10:47-48; Colossians 2:11-12).

The Lords Supper:  The Lords Supper, consisting of the elements, bread and the fruit of the vine, is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ, a memorial of His suffering and death, and a prophecy of His second coming.  It is enjoined on all believers until He comes’ (John 6:48, 51, 53-57; Luke 22:19-20; I Corinthians 2:11-12). 

- Ordination

The Bible relates that those who are chosen by God to a specific work should be recognized

by appointment and ordination to the work (Mark 3:13-15; I Chronicles 9:22; II Chronicles 11:15; 23:18; I Corinthians 7:17; Titus 1:5; I Timothy 2:7).  Thus are those to be set in order in their function as Levites for the ministry of the work and so those in the church might know and receive those who have a position in the work of the ministry.

- Primitive Man and His Fall

Our first parents, in their original state, were upright.  They naturally preferred and desired to obey their creator, and had no preference or desire to transgress His will until they were influenced and inclined by Satan to disobey Gods commands.  Previous to this, the only tendency of their nature was to do righteousness.  In consequence of their first transgression, the state under which the posterity of Adam came into the world is so different from that of Adam that they have not that righteousness and purity which Adam had before the fall; they are not willing to obey God but are inclined to do evil.  Hence, none, by virtue of any natural goodness and mere work of their own, can become the children of God (Genesis 1:26-31; 3: 1-7; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Psalms 51:5; John 6: 44; Romans 5:12-21; I Corinthians 2:14). 

- Promise of the Father

All believers are entitled to, and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the Promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ.  This was the normal experience in the early Christian church.  With it come the endowment of power for life and service, and the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5; I Corinthians 12:1-31).  This wonderful experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth (Acts 2:38; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-8). 

- Repentance 

Repentance means to decide to turn from ones sin; it is not a condition of salvation; faith in Christ as Savior is the only condition for salvation (John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8-9).

- Responsibility of the Believer

We believe that it is essential that each believer lay a foundation of Biblical truth and experience upon which he/she builds his/her life.  These foundation stones are: repentance from dead works, faith toward God, doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment, all of which are prerequisites to going on to perfection (spiritual maturity) (Hebrews 6:1-2).  

We believe each Christian is called and chosen in God to be a priest unto God to offer up the sacrifice of praise (the fruit of the lips), to give of their time, strength, and material possessions to the service of the Lord.  All believers have been purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ and are no longer their own, but belong to the Father to be used for His glory; and as possessions of the Lord, must give themselves to serving Him, finding their place in the church, His body, and making themselves available by being present when the church comes together, that they might be able to minister their gifts and talents for the building 

up of the Body of Christ (John 15:16; Ephesians 1:4-5, Ephesians 4: 11-13; I Corinthians 6:20; 12:18; Hebrews 10: 23-25; Hebrews 13:15; I Peter 2:5,9).  We believe that the whole purpose of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.  Therefore, we believe in the act of praising and worshiping God with ones total being as set forth in the Holy Scriptures.  We also believe that praising God is a form of spiritual warfare (Psalms 149; 150; Mark 12:29-31; Ephesians 5:18-21). 

- Salvation of Man

Mans only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the only Son of God.  Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ.  By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life.  The inward evidence of salvation is direct witness of the Spirit and the outward evidence to all men of a life of righteousness and true holiness (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-l5; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7; Romans 8:16; Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12).

Salvation is an inclusive word, which gathers into itself all the redemptive acts and processes, i.e., justification, redemption, deliverance, imputation, sanctification, glorification, etc.  The Hebrew and Greek words for salvation imply the ideas of deliverance, safety, preservation, healing, and soundness.  Salvation is by grace through faith, is a free gift, and wholly without human works (Romans 3:27-28, 4:1-8, 6:23, Ephesians 2:8).  Salvation is in these three tenses: 

Condition of Salvation - The grace of God, which brings salvation, hath appeared to all men, through the preaching of repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ; man is saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, and, being justified by grace through faith, he becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Romans 10:13-15; Luke 24:47; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7; Ephesians 2:8-9).

Evidences of Salvation - The inward evidence to the believer, of his salvation, is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16).  The outward evidence to all men is a life of unconditional love, righteousness, and true holiness, demonstrated by the fruit of the Spirit (John 13:35; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:24).  

- Final Result of Salvation - The spirit of the believer who dies in Christ immediately goes to be with the Lord (Ecclesiastes 12:7; Luke 23:42-43; II Corinthians 5:8). 

- Sanctification

Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we become partakers of His holiness; that it is begun at regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the continual use of the appointed means, especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer (I Thessalonians 4:3; I John 2:29; Romans 8:5; Philippians 2:12-13).  Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and a dedication unto God (Romans 12:1-2; 

1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12).  The Scriptures teach a life of holiness without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).  By the power of the Holy Ghost we are able to obey the command: Be ye Holy, for I am Holy” (I Peter 1:15, 16).  Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection and by faith reckoning daily upon the fact of that union, and by offering every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6: 1-11, 13; 8: 1-2, 13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 12:12-13; I Peter 15).

- Scientific Accuracies in the Bible

Science is merely that branch of discovery that categorizes, discovers, and utilizes the knowledge woven into the fabric of the universe by a Sovereign, All Powerful, and Omniscient, Creator. Science is not the end of all things, but merely one of the means by which man may glorify God. This is because God is the creator of all that is. He has hidden the treasures of his ominous glory in the very universe in which we exist. The power in the atom, momentum, energy, mass, time, etc. are all creations of God and, therefore, under his authority. The more the Christian learns of these things, the more he can glorify God. Science must be subservient to Him, not the other way around. Science is not God's replacement. This is not to say that the Bible is vindicated by science; rather, it is science that is vindicated by the Bible (Genesis 7:11, 15:5, , 8:22, 28; Isaiah 40:22; Job 26:7-8; 2 Samuel 22:16; Psalm 8:1,3,6,8, 102:25-26; Ecclesiastes 1:6-7).

- Smoking 

The Bible commands us not to allow our bodies to become "mastered" by anything. Smoking is undeniably strongly addictive. Scripture teaches us to care for our bodies, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body". Smoking is undoubtedly very bad for your health. Smoking has been proven to damage the lungs and the heart (1 Corinthians 6:12, 6:19-20). 

- Spirituality

The ministry of the Holy Spirit emphasizes function in our lives. One needs the Holy Spirit to live correctly.  A believer is either spiritual or carnal. Personal sin takes one out of spirituality and into carnality. Confession of sin changes one from living by the flesh and puts one into living by the Holy Spirit. We continue on living by the Holy Spirit by faith. Spirituality is attained through a believers walk with the Spirit, by not grieving the Spirit , and by quenching not the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19; Ephesians 4:30; Galatians 5:16-6:1, 1 John 1).

- Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth refers to the progressive advancement in the biblical faith. This depends on the ministry of the Holy Spirit, fellowship, learning God's Word, faith, testing, and application (Ephesians 4:12, 14, 15; 2 Peter 3:14-18, 1 Peter 2.2, Hebrews 5:11-6:6).

- The Church & The Body of Christ

The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission. Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the general church, which is written in heaven (Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:22, Hebrews 12:23). 

- The Church and the Ministry

We believe that all who are united by the new birth to Jesus Christ are covenant partners of the Universal Church, the Body of Christ.  We also believe that the local congregation of Christian believers is divinely instituted and is the chosen instrument of God for the furtherance of Gods work here on Earth.  While appreciating the work of para church groups, we believe that the local church is Gods chosen vehicle for world evangelization and the nurture of Christians.  We further believe in the spiritual unity of all believers and in working together with others who believe in salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ for the causes of evangelism, missions, and benevolence (Matthew 16:16-18; John 17:21; Ephesians 1:20-23; 4:3-10; Colossians 3:14-15).  The church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfillment of her great commission and purpose.  Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the Church of the Firstborn, whose name is written in heaven in the Lambs Book of Life.  As such, the Bible reveals that we are covenant partners one of another and the basis of our fellowship is in Christ in the power of the Spirit (Ephesians 1:22; 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23).  A divinely called and Scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the three-fold purpose of leading the church in: (1) Evangelization of the world, (2) Worship of God, and (3) Building a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (I Chronicles 16:29; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 14:23; John 4:23-24; Ephesians 4:11-16; Colossians 1:28).

- The Holy Spirit

The Scriptures ascribe to the Holy Spirit the acts and attributes of an intelligent being.  He guides, knows, moves, gives information, commands, forbids, sends forth, reproves, as the instrumental segment of the God Head in the liberal dispersion of spiritual gifts, and can be sinned against (John 16:13; I Corinthians 2:11; Genesis 1:2; Acts 10:19; 13:2; 16:6; 13:4; John 16:8; Mark 3:29; Acts 7:51; Ephesians 4:30; I Corinthians 12).

The works of God are ascribed to the Holy Spirit; creation; inspiration, giving of life, and sanctification (Job 33:4; II Peter 1:21; I Peter 3:18; I Corinthians 6:11). 

- Tithing, Offerings, and Alms

Both the Old and New Testament Scriptures teach tithing as Gods financial plan for the support of His work.  These are to be practiced continually by all believers and are outward expressions of the unity of the church, the Body of Christ, as it joins together in support of the work of the Lord (Malachi 3:8-10; I Corinthians 16:2; Genesis 28:22; Matthew 23:23; Deuteronomy 26; 14:28-29; 15:7-11; Numbers 18:8-11; Ezekiel 44; Proverbs 14:21; 29:7; Luke 11:41; 12:33).



- Total Prosperity of God

We believe that the gospel of the kingdom is Gods absolute answer to mans total need and total prosperity NOW:

Spiritually:  John 3:3,11; II Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 10:9-10

Mentally:  II Timothy 1:7; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 26:3

Physically: Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:17; I Peter 2:24

Financially: 3 John 2; Malachi 3:10-11; Luke 6:38; II Corinthians 9:6-10; Deuteronomy 28:1-14

Socially: Proverbs 3:4; I Samuel 2:26; Romans 14:18; II Corinthians 8:21

- Volition

God gave mankind volition, the right and ability to make choices, good and bad (Genesis 2:16-17; Isaiah 1:16-20; Luke 6:27; John 17:17; Acts 17:27, 30).

Meet our staff

Todd Ketner Reverend / Lead Minister / CEO

Rev. Todd Ketner

Todd is a graduate of Southwest Bible College and Seminary with an associate’s degree in Biblical theology. Todd is studying for a Bachelor’s degree in ministry and family counseling.

Todd also holds certificates in the following areas from Light University: Mental and Behavioral Health Disorders, Foundations of Mental Health Coaching, and Mental Health Coaching Advanced Skills.

Todd is happily married to his wonderful wife, Becky, since June of 1983.  Together they have three biological children, an adopted a  boy from the Philippines. They are also proud grandparents of seven marvelous grandchildren.

  As an ordained minister of the Gospel, my passion is to preach the Gospel and to serve others. As a wedding officiant and relational counselor, it  is my desire to see couples enter into a  covenant relationship that truly represents the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I  believe the wedding and the journey of marriage is a dynamic picture of  Christ and His bride, the church. 


Officiant Rev. Todd Ketner

Timothy Garret Secretary

Graduated North Hall High School in 1992 and currently enrolled in Online Courses at Toccoa Falls College. He and his WONDERFUL wife of 29 years, Sarah, have four children and six grandchildren (one is resting at peace in Heaven).  He lives in the home his father WC and his mother Liz built in the beautiful mountains of Hiawassee Ga. 

Tim served in the US Army and where he also served as a Chaplain's Assistant. As a Lay Minister, he has applied himself to several tasks including Prison Ministry, a Book Ministry and writing articles to share with local jail inmates. During the Christmas holidays Tim enjoys playing the role of Ole Saint Nick, giving him the opportunity to share the TRUE meaning of the the Gospels; which tells the story of the greatest gift to mankind, Jesus Christ. 

Tim was in business with Rev. Todd and served as the office manager for several years back in their hay day of the insurance business. Tim is now...(More to come) 

Kenneth Reach Treasurer / Lead Minister

Happily married to Susan Reach. They have 4 married children and are proud grandparents. Ken is the Director of Engineering and Infrastructure at Cigna Healthcare. He is a graduate of Georgia Tech. 

Tim Mills Advisory Board Director

 Licensed to preach in 1969 and an Ordained Minister sense 1996 , Tim's  educational background includes a Bachelors, multiple Masters degrees and a Doctor of Ministry degree from numerous prestigious universities and seminaries including the University of Southern California, Mid American Baptist Theological Seminary, and Knox Theological Seminary. Tim served in the US Air Force as a civil engineer for 25 years. He has served in multiple churches as  deacon, pastor and is currently serving as an interim / supply preacher, proclaiming the Gospel when called upon.  

Tim and his wife Carol were married in 1972. They have been blessed with three children. One son, Dennis, is now resting in the arms of his redeemer. They have one son-in-'love'. They enjoy having two grandchildren and rest in the blessed hope and peace in knowing that three other grandchildren were carried away to heaven at birth. 

Tim's  spiritual strengths are Exegesis, Homiletics and Preaching and he has a passion for mentoring and counseling. 



Del and Diana Ketner Ordained Minister / Ministers of Discipleship and Outreach

Del and Diana have been married for  61 years. They have 3 biological children and have fostered others. They have 10 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Del was Ordained at First Baptist Church Hermitage MO in 1968. They and their young family were part of a church start at Lake Pomme de Terre MO. From that congregation came Pomme de Terre Southern Baptist Church of which Del and Diana were instrumental in forming. Together Del and Diana have served the Lord in various ways including Circle of Love and Jail Ministries where each enjoy the fruit of their labor. Del has served as deacon, teacher, youth pastor and head pastor of a few churches over the many years. Del proudly served in the US Marine Corp in the 1st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion 1st Marine Division Pacific Fleet, Camp Pendleton Calif. (Active 1956 - 1959 / Reserves 1960 - 1962).   

Del retired as a General Agency Manager with Old American Insurance Company  where he served for over 30 years.   

GIVING to Gospel Impact Ministries - The Church On The Go

GIVING

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRIES. TOGETHER OUR IMPACT IS GREATER FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.  Your Prayers and financial gifts help to support the following ministries: 

  1.  Community Outreach: SOLOMON'S PORCH. Free to the public, Solomon's Porch is an open air pavilion community outreach offering a friendly and welcoming environment where praise, worship, fellowship and the proclamation of the Gospel is experienced. Solomon's Porch outreach is strategically preceded by our GOSPEL BLITZ PROJECTS - Street Evangelism, Neighborhood Visitations, Park Prayer Walks and One on One Evangelism.  (See community banner on this site for continuing updates)   

      2.  *Headwaters Christian Family Ministry: Relational and Behavioral Counseling from a biblical world view, Headwaters Christian Family Ministry's purpose is to assist families and individuals to become healthy, happy and harmonious in relationships. 

 *(See us on Facebook) TEXT the word "STORY" to 770-331-7778 for more information. 

      3.  Cozy Cottage / Holy Huddles: 

A place of belonging, connection and discipleship; Cozy Cottages / Holy Huddles create an intimate environment where relationships are forged and bonded for life. Each life has a story to tell and God is the author. So come and tell your story and allow the BIBLE to inform you.

Psalm 107: 1-2 says, "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story, those He redeemed from the hands of the foe,.."

 HIStory in the making, a place where YOUR story meets HIS

      4. Rising Son Ministries: A Community of Men offer mentoring and discipleship to the next generation of men. RSM has four key components: 

* Outdoor Adventures and Community Service: When our skills and abilities are tested and challenged our faith grows. 

*  Large Group Rallies: Rallies create an exciting atmosphere where the community of men are encouraged and motivated by key note speakers.   

* Small Group Settings: Vulnerability and Transparency are critical as men help each other grow and progress in their spiritual journey. In small groups we take two Proverbs very seriously;

"If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home with the wise." - Proverbs 15:31  

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17

* Rites of Passage Ceremonies: Acknowledging and celebrating achievements and milestones. Here the community of men are bonded together as fellow soldiers of the cross and our identity as men are defined according to Scripture. 

We are very GRATEFUL for any size contribution and for all the prayer support. 

Gospel Impact Ministries is a 501(c3) non-profit organization registered in Bedford County, Shelbyville Tennessee.     

Giving on line is safe and secure through Stripe OR Give by mail to

PO Box 822

Shelbyville TN. 37162 

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Gospel Impact Ministries - The Church On The Go

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