Bethlehem United Church

Bethlehem United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) is the continuation of the great revival that began at Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, A.D. 33, and is established "upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone." (Acts 2:1-12; Eph. 2:19-20). Although the true followers have been little known, yet from that time until now there have always been earnest contenders for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."

Our chief aim is to glorify God our Savior through Jesus Christ His Son, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works; that we should show forth the praises of Him who hat called us out of darkness into His marvelous light; and that we may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom we shine as lights in the world, holding forth the Word of Life, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide their feet into the way of peace. (Titus 2 :13-14; I Pet. 2:9; Philippians 2:15-16; Luke 1:79).

Our duty is to lift the fallen visit the sick, strengthen the weak, comfort the feebleminded, point the lost to the way of salvation, and urge all believers to seek a Spirit-filled life, and prepare for the coming of the Lord. (Eph. 5:18; Acts 19:16; James 1:27; 1 Thess. 5:4; Mark 16:15-18; Matt. 25:1-1).

Bethlehem United Church of Jesus Christ is committed to the wholesome teachings of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. It being the command of Christ, that every man must repent of their sins, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. He then exhorts that all men everywhere to live holy.


WE ARE COMMITTED

To the development of each individual, to teach them to be useful thinkers, and to shape each lives to become useful in our society.

To the networking with other support groups, fellowships, for the purpose of creating peace and harmony, and to increase the moral awareness within our society.

To treat each individual with respect, despite their age, colour, religion or race

To instruct youth in christian ideal marriages and family living and problem involved in producing biblical sound and creative home life.

To preach and teach on the subject of christian education and encourage parents in the importance of educating their children to the end that they may engage in vocations in keeping with the highest christian ideals.


WHAT WE BELIEVE ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE

Bethlehem United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) accepts as its creed, discipline, rules of order and doctrine the Word of God as taught and revealed by the Holy Ghost. (John 14:26; I Cor. 2:9-13)

"All scriptures are given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God maybe perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (II Timothy 3:16-17). We stand for all scripture when rightly divided.


THE UNITY OF THE DIVINE BEING

"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and truth." (John 4:24 RSV).

There is but one God, in essence and in person, from whom and in whom there is a divine threefold manifestation and relationship made known as the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. As Father, God is Creator, Source, Origin, and progenitor of all that is, things and souls. He is the self-existent, omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent one.

As Son, God becomes the perfect Man that He intends all men to be like. Thus, as Son He redeems man from sin, coming into the world and redeems man from sin, coming into the world and assuming personality through the miracle and mystery of the virgin birth. "In His own body He bore our sins" and wrought redemption through death for all mankind. "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." As Holy Ghost, God is regenerator and perfector of those who believe, the organizer and baptizer and sustainer of the church, the divine executor of the world. God as Father is Creator and first cause of all existence; as Son He is the Redeemer in time, and as the Holy Spirit He is Regenerator-The Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour, and "this is the true God and eternal life." "And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, to know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life." I John 5:20. Thus we believe that Jesus was both human and divine; God manifest in the flesh, the Eternal Father made visible, apart from whom there is no God.


MEMBERSHIP – HOW OBTAINED

As members of the Body of Christ, which is the true church (Eph. 1:22-23), the Word of God declares that there is one way of entrance therein-"By one spirit are we all baptized into one body." Believers are added to the church and believers accept His Spirit, His Name and His Nature. Thus they are born of "water and the spirit." (I Cor 12:12-27; Gal. 3:26-28; Romans 6:3-8; John 3:5; Acts 2:38).


GOD’S STANDARD OF SALVATION

We believe in and earnestly contend for God’s Standard of Salvation. The Word of God reveals nothing short of a Holy Spirit filled life with signs following as on the day of Pentecost. (Mark 16:16-17; Acts 2:4; 8:14-17, 9:17-18, 10:44-48; 19:1-6; Romans 12:1-2; Heb. 12:14; Matt. 5:48; I Peter 1:15).

Those admitted to membership must subscribe to God’s standard of salvation in full accord with the teaching of the same as set forth in the Bible.