Beliefs
Denomination
En Agape Christian Fellowship is a non-denominational body. This means that while we practice Christianity, we do not adhere to any formal liturgy, ceremony, or denominational creeds.
Is this rebellious? No.
By being unaffiliated with a particular denomination we find ourselves in a better position to break bread with other Christians and believers no matter what denomination they belong to.
The Bible
We believe that the Bible is God's unadulterated Word. Divinely inspired to God for the use of our study, correction, and moral measure. We believe that the Old Testament and New Testament are written literally, for the whole consumption of those with faith in God. We believe that any doctorine or theology must be tested and verifiable from both books (Old and New) and must occur more than a singular verse. We must understand the Old Testament in order to be able to fully understand the importance of the New Testament.
marriage
As a church, we do not condone any marriage aside from that between a woman and a man. It is our belief that this is the union that God intended. We, however, do not take it upon ourselves to condemn homosexuals or their lifestyles, but to endeavor to love EVERYONE to wholeness and to a closer relationship with the Lord. We all fall short of God's perfect will to live a sin free life, but we are called to love one another, and not to condemn, but to bring correction and restoration.
God
the Father
We believe that God the Father is the creator of all things, that he dwells in Heaven, and that His will is done on Earth, as it is in Heaven. God has always wanted to have a relationship with his creation, particularly mankind. Beginning with Adam and Eve, God set the rules for us to be able to communicate and have a relationship with Him. Due to the disobedience of man, God had to set forth laws for us all to follow. When we could not live up to that standard, all sacrifice and offerings required for the forgiveness of sin, trespass, and iniquities, as well as the things needed for our peace, was placed upon His son, Jesus Christ. God the Father is ultimately supposed to be the one worshiped, as Jesus Christ is said to be the doorway to the Father, John 14:6 echoes this statement in saying;
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Jesus was crucified in order for us to be cleansed and holy enough, in God's eyes, to be able to communicate with Him and have a relationship. God's ultimate purpose is to have a relationship with us because we "are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:" 1 Peter 2:9
Jesus Christ
the Son
Jesus is the son of God, born of a woman, Mary, and the Holy Spirit; he is both God and man in nature. To understand the full impact of who Jesus is, we must first understand the law of God, which is stated throughout the Old Testament. The consequences of breaking the laws of God in the Old Testament required a sacrifice of an animal; for it's blood to be shed, and the animal killed for sin, transgression, and iniquity. Even though this standard was in practice for the forgiveness of sins between man and God, man still fell short and failed to follow the law of the Lord. Therefore, God gave the ultimate sacrifice up for all, His son, Jesus Christ, to die for every man, every sin, every transgression, every iniquity. This act was only able to be accomplished by Jesus Christ himself as he was a man, and also divine. Being that sin is an offense unto God, only God could take the debt of sin from us, which is death, therefore, Christ died fulfilling the penalty of sin for all, it is up to us to appropriate that sacrifice and to enjoy a fulfilling relationship with God, our Father.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the spirit of God Himself. The Holy Spirit is referred to throughout the scripture. In John 14:26, Jesus says "But the Comforter, [even] the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things." Paul refers to the Holy Spirit numerous times in his writings. From 1 Thessalonians 4:8 says, "God, who giveth his Holy Spirit unto you" we deduce that the Holy Spirit is something given to us. Paul also says in Romans 8:4 and 8:11: "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you." In this reference we see the affirmation of the Holy Spirit as a gift given to the believer, as well as a supernatural force that can create, regenerate, or heal. Mathew 26:41 references the Holy Spirit while Jesus is at the Garden of Gethsemane; "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." The spirit mentioned here is the Holy Spirit, and this example shows how we must be willing to work in cooperation with the Holy Spirit.