FOUNDATION
Kaufman County Christian Center is built on three foundational tenets:
Restoration
Renewal
Rebirth
We believe that Jesus Christ provides through His Word, the way to restoration in our homes and daily lives. We believe that through restoration comes renewal of life, and ultimately, rebirth by accepting Jesus as your personal Savior.
Kaufman County Christian Center is built on three foundational tenets:
Restoration
Renewal
Rebirth
We believe that Jesus Christ provides through His Word, the way to restoration in our homes and daily lives. We believe that through restoration comes renewal of life, and ultimately, rebirth by accepting Jesus as your personal Savior.
1. THE SCRIPTURES ARE INSPIRED
The Scriptures of the Bible, in their original form, are the inspired Word of God. It was not just the concepts that were inspired; the choices of words were inspired as the original writers were anointed by God to write. The sanctity and reliability of the Scriptures have been preserved for all generations by the work of the The Holy Ghost through faithful servants of God. We believe; 1) the Scriptures are God’s revelation of Himself to mankind, 2) they are infallible (never wrong), and 3) they are the Divine guide for our faith, belief, and manner of living. Scripture is the true guide for Christian life and growth. The Scriptures are always superior to conscience and reason but not contrary to reason.
(2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 1:21)
2. ONE TRUE GOD
There is one true God revealing His nature and Eternal Existence in The Trinity. He has revealed Himself as having always existed without any outside cause or agent bringing Him into being (Isaiah 43:10). He is the I AM (Exodus 3:14), the Creator of heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1), and the One who redeems mankind from sin and its painful consequences (Isaiah 43:11). God has further revealed Himself as a single Being (Deuteronomy 6:4) consisting of three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22). This concept of one God or Being, embodying the principles of relationship and association of three persons, is called the Trinity.
There is one true God revealing His nature and Eternal Existence in The Trinity. He has revealed Himself as having always existed without any outside cause or agent bringing Him into being (Isaiah 43:10). He is the I AM (Exodus 3:14), the Creator of heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1), and the One who redeems mankind from sin and its painful consequences (Isaiah 43:11). God has further revealed Himself as a single Being (Deuteronomy 6:4) consisting of three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22). This concept of one God or Being, embodying the principles of relationship and association of three persons, is called the Trinity.
3. THE WORK AND IDENTITY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
The Lord Jesus Christ, fully God, the Son of God, has always existed. He too is without beginning or end (Revelation 1:8). In order to complete His earthly sacrificial mission, He became human by being born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31; 35). He lived a perfect life, without committing sin against God (Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22). While on earth, He worked many miracles through the anointing of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:22, 10:38). In order to restore fallen mankind, He died on the cross as a substitute for the sins of every person (1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21). He was raised from the dead by the supernatural power of God (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 6:14, 15:4). Since His resurrection, He has been exalted (honored) and is set at the right hand of God (Acts 1:9, 11, 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3).
The Lord Jesus Christ, fully God, the Son of God, has always existed. He too is without beginning or end (Revelation 1:8). In order to complete His earthly sacrificial mission, He became human by being born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31; 35). He lived a perfect life, without committing sin against God (Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22). While on earth, He worked many miracles through the anointing of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:22, 10:38). In order to restore fallen mankind, He died on the cross as a substitute for the sins of every person (1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21). He was raised from the dead by the supernatural power of God (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 6:14, 15:4). Since His resurrection, He has been exalted (honored) and is set at the right hand of God (Acts 1:9, 11, 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3).
4. THE FALL OF MANKIND
Mankind was created good and upright; for God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” However, mankind by free and willful choice ignored God’s instructions choosing to engage in what they knew was wrong and evil. As a result, mankind fell from innocence and goodness and thereby incurred not only physical decay and death, but also spiritual death, which is separation from God. The nature of man became sinful as a result of this Fall requiring redemption in accordance with the Word of God.
(Genesis 1:26-27, 2:17, 3:6; Romans 5:12-19; Ephesians 2:3)
Mankind was created good and upright; for God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” However, mankind by free and willful choice ignored God’s instructions choosing to engage in what they knew was wrong and evil. As a result, mankind fell from innocence and goodness and thereby incurred not only physical decay and death, but also spiritual death, which is separation from God. The nature of man became sinful as a result of this Fall requiring redemption in accordance with the Word of God.
(Genesis 1:26-27, 2:17, 3:6; Romans 5:12-19; Ephesians 2:3)
5. THE SALVATION OF MANKIND
Salvation is deliverance from spiritual death and enslavement by sin. God provides salvation for all who believe and accept His free offer of forgiveness. Mankind’s only hope of redemption from the fallen sinful state is through the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Christ shed His Holy Blood as God’s perfect sacrifice and died on the cross at Golgotha. The Grace of God, which bringeth 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 the renewing power of the Holy Ghost, and being justified by Grace through Faith, man becomes an heir of God through Jesus Christ to the hope of eternal life. (John 3:1-17; 19:17; Mark 15:22; Titus 2:11; Romans 10:13-15; Luke 24:27; Titus 3:5-7; Galatians 4:7)
Salvation is deliverance from spiritual death and enslavement by sin. God provides salvation for all who believe and accept His free offer of forgiveness. Mankind’s only hope of redemption from the fallen sinful state is through the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Christ shed His Holy Blood as God’s perfect sacrifice and died on the cross at Golgotha. The Grace of God, which bringeth 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 the renewing power of the Holy Ghost, and being justified by Grace through Faith, man becomes an heir of God through Jesus Christ to the hope of eternal life. (John 3:1-17; 19:17; Mark 15:22; Titus 2:11; Romans 10:13-15; Luke 24:27; Titus 3:5-7; Galatians 4:7)
6. THE TRANSFORMED LIFE OF THE BELIEVER
The Christian believer should exhibit the nature of a renewed, restored and reborn life in God. This life is free from the condemnation of the sinful flesh but renewed by the Spirit of God. (Romans 8:1) The inner evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Holy Spirit giving one the assurance God has accepted him or her. (Romans 8:16) The outward evidence is a transformed life manifesting the fruits of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-24; Ephesians 6:10-18)
The Christian believer should exhibit the nature of a renewed, restored and reborn life in God. This life is free from the condemnation of the sinful flesh but renewed by the Spirit of God. (Romans 8:1) The inner evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Holy Spirit giving one the assurance God has accepted him or her. (Romans 8:16) The outward evidence is a transformed life manifesting the fruits of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-24; Ephesians 6:10-18)
7. BAPTISM IN WATER
The ordinance of Baptism in water in typifying burial and resurrection with Christ, should be observed as commanded in Scripture. All who have genuinely repented of their sins, truly believed in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior, and experienced the transformation of regeneration should follow Him in the ordinance of Baptism. This is the public demonstration of one’s agreement or outward symbol of cleansing while the heart, or inner man, has been cleansed by the shed blood of Christ through faith. This agreement declares the Believer has died to this world’s lust and risen anew in Christ to walk after His teachings and His will for one’s life. (Mark 1:9; Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48, 20:21; Romans 6:4; Hebrews 10:22).
The ordinance of Baptism in water in typifying burial and resurrection with Christ, should be observed as commanded in Scripture. All who have genuinely repented of their sins, truly believed in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior, and experienced the transformation of regeneration should follow Him in the ordinance of Baptism. This is the public demonstration of one’s agreement or outward symbol of cleansing while the heart, or inner man, has been cleansed by the shed blood of Christ through faith. This agreement declares the Believer has died to this world’s lust and risen anew in Christ to walk after His teachings and His will for one’s life. (Mark 1:9; Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47-48, 20:21; Romans 6:4; Hebrews 10:22).
8. THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER
All Believers and entitled to, should ardently expect and earnestly seek the Promise of the Father, The Baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire, with the initial physical evidence of speaking in new tongues, according to the command of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of the early Christian Church. With the receiving of this Promise comes the endowment with Power for life and service, the evidence and bestowment of the gifts of the Spirit for the purpose of ministry and service unto man and God. The experience of the Baptism in the Holy Ghost is a separate event from the new birth. (Luke 24:29; Acts 1:4; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; Acts 10:44-46, 11:14-16, 15:7-9)
All Believers and entitled to, should ardently expect and earnestly seek the Promise of the Father, The Baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire, with the initial physical evidence of speaking in new tongues, according to the command of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of the early Christian Church. With the receiving of this Promise comes the endowment with Power for life and service, the evidence and bestowment of the gifts of the Spirit for the purpose of ministry and service unto man and God. The experience of the Baptism in the Holy Ghost is a separate event from the new birth. (Luke 24:29; Acts 1:4; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; Acts 10:44-46, 11:14-16, 15:7-9)
9. THE LORD’S SUPPER (COMMUNION)
The Lord’s 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 (2 Peter 1:4); a memorial of His sufferings and death (1 Corinthians 11:26), and the prophecy of His return in victory (1 Corinthians 11:26). Lastly, it is enjoined by all believers “Until He comes”, and we do not believe any Body of Believers should reserve the right to “close” communion to any who have made Jesus Christ Lord of their life and participate worthily in the sacrament (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). The Communion of the Lord’s Supper was initiated by Christ at the Passover remembrance in view of His Passion (Matthew 26:26-28).
10. THE SANCTIFICATION OF THE BELIEVER
The Holy Scriptures teach the life of the believer is to be one lived in Holiness unto God, without which no man may see the Lord. By the power of the Holy Ghost, one is able to obey the command, “Be ye Holy, for I am Holy.” Entire sanctification is the stated will of God for all believers, and should be earnestly pursued by walking in obedience to God’s Word. (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 1 John 2:6)
11. THE DOCTRINE OF THE “CHURCH”
The Church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Holy Ghost. The Church is comprised by all people who have placed their faith in Christ Jesus for remedy of sin with divine appointments for the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Each believer, regardless of age, race, gender or denomination, born again by the power of the Holy Ghost, is an integral part of this Body of Believers; The Church, whose names are recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:22; Hebrews 12:23)
12. THE MISSION OF THE “CHURCH”
The Church is activated and challenged by the “Great Commission.” This most high calling ushered in by Jesus Christ the Lord (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15), calls on His Church to actively carry the message of renewal, restoration and rebirth to the entire world. God’s purpose with mankind is to seek and to save the lost in sin (Luke 19:10), to be worshipped by mankind (Revelation 19:10), 22:9), and to build His Church, a body of unified believers mature in the knowledge and faith as His Son Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 4:12). The age of the Church is to be marked by evangelizing the world (Acts 1:8), to gather without prejudice as a corporate body of faithful believers where all may worship God (1 Corinthians 12:13) and to be the agency or channel whereby God may build, by the anointing of the Holy Ghost, the saints of God into the perfected image of His Son Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:28, 14:12). The Church should actively pursue and demonstrate the Gifts of the Spirit taught in the New Testament with signs following. (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 4:29-31). All believers should join together according to the call of Scripture (Hebrews 10:25). One of the most integral portions of the faith walk is corporate worship with other believers at our local body of faith.
13. THE CALL OF ALL BELIEVERS TO SERVANT LEADERSHIP
We believe by the endless examples of scripture, record of history and evidence of the fruit of lives well-lived, all believers are called to the Servant Leadership mode of life Jesus Christ patterned in the New Testament record. Jesus’ loving sacrifice and model of piety toward all, the early Christian Church reaching the Gentile world and the record that God’s gifts are pure and honorable among all men, leads all believers to practice the principles of God first, others second and ourselves last. Servant leaders provide their “Reasonable Service” unto God (Romans 12:1) by observing the principles of Stewardship, Servanthood and Discipleship. (Leviticus 27:3-32; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 6:33, 22:37-40; Mark 12:30-31, 10:43-45)
14. THE MINISTRY
The Divine calling placed upon believers to serve God in the capacity He would enrich, empower and design for each individual’s walk with Him. The Ministry is God’s gifting designed to: 1) Lead the Church in evangelizing the world (Mark 16:15-20), 2) Leading the church to worship God (John 4:23-24), and 3) building a body of believers conforming to the life of Christ (Ephesians 4:11, 16). The priesthood of all believers should be the prompting call to edify the Body, apply one’s faith in servant leadership and see to the needs both within and without the Church of ministers and those needing ministry.
15. DIVINE HEALING
The deliverance from sickness is recorded in Scripture, witnessed by Scriptural authors and seen as applicable practice for the Church. This blessing is provided for in the atonement (Isaiah 53:1-5) and confirmed in the New Testament (Matthew 8:16-17) and taught to be sought as a practice of prayer and ministry (James 5:13-15).
16. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST (BLESSED HOPE)
The resurrection of those that have “fallen asleep” in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to this earth is the scriptural promise and the believer’s hope. All Christians who died in the faith will one day rise from their grave in a glorified body to “meet the Lord in the air”. The remaining Christians who are alive will join them, in like manner, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Philippians 3:20-21; Titus 2:13)
17. THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST
The second coming of Christ will be crowned with His triumphant return for a 1000 year reign on this earth at the end of the Great Tribulation (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7, 19:11-14, 20:1-6). During this reign, we will rejoice with the salvation of Israel as a nation (Ezekiel 37:21-22; Zephaniah 3:19-20; Romans 11:26-27) and the setting up of universal peace. (Psalm 72:3-8; Isaiah 11:6-9; Micah 4:3-4)
18. THE LAKE OF FIRE
“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of burning fire burning with brimstone.” (Revelation 19:20). The Final Judgement will have as a witness of the authority of God the eternal separation from God in the place of torment described as a Lake of Fire. (Revelation 20:10-15)
19. THE NEW HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH
The scriptures proclaim and offer as a hope of the faithful Church, the impartation from God of a new Heaven and new Earth. There will be no Temple there for God and the Lamb are the light and are in the midst of it. (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1, 21:22)
20. THE FINAL JUDGEMENT
We believe there will be a final judgement in which the wicked dead – those who rejected Christ unto death – will be raised and judged according to their manner of life. Anyone whose name is not found recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life, together with Hell, death, the devil, the beast and the false prophet will be sent to eternal punishment without the hope of deliverance. The Scriptures refer to this lake of fire as the second death. (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20, 20:11-15, 21:8)
The Lord’s 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 (2 Peter 1:4); a memorial of His sufferings and death (1 Corinthians 11:26), and the prophecy of His return in victory (1 Corinthians 11:26). Lastly, it is enjoined by all believers “Until He comes”, and we do not believe any Body of Believers should reserve the right to “close” communion to any who have made Jesus Christ Lord of their life and participate worthily in the sacrament (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). The Communion of the Lord’s Supper was initiated by Christ at the Passover remembrance in view of His Passion (Matthew 26:26-28).
10. THE SANCTIFICATION OF THE BELIEVER
The Holy Scriptures teach the life of the believer is to be one lived in Holiness unto God, without which no man may see the Lord. By the power of the Holy Ghost, one is able to obey the command, “Be ye Holy, for I am Holy.” Entire sanctification is the stated will of God for all believers, and should be earnestly pursued by walking in obedience to God’s Word. (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 1 John 2:6)
11. THE DOCTRINE OF THE “CHURCH”
The Church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Holy Ghost. The Church is comprised by all people who have placed their faith in Christ Jesus for remedy of sin with divine appointments for the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Each believer, regardless of age, race, gender or denomination, born again by the power of the Holy Ghost, is an integral part of this Body of Believers; The Church, whose names are recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:22; Hebrews 12:23)
12. THE MISSION OF THE “CHURCH”
The Church is activated and challenged by the “Great Commission.” This most high calling ushered in by Jesus Christ the Lord (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15), calls on His Church to actively carry the message of renewal, restoration and rebirth to the entire world. God’s purpose with mankind is to seek and to save the lost in sin (Luke 19:10), to be worshipped by mankind (Revelation 19:10), 22:9), and to build His Church, a body of unified believers mature in the knowledge and faith as His Son Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 4:12). The age of the Church is to be marked by evangelizing the world (Acts 1:8), to gather without prejudice as a corporate body of faithful believers where all may worship God (1 Corinthians 12:13) and to be the agency or channel whereby God may build, by the anointing of the Holy Ghost, the saints of God into the perfected image of His Son Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:28, 14:12). The Church should actively pursue and demonstrate the Gifts of the Spirit taught in the New Testament with signs following. (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 4:29-31). All believers should join together according to the call of Scripture (Hebrews 10:25). One of the most integral portions of the faith walk is corporate worship with other believers at our local body of faith.
13. THE CALL OF ALL BELIEVERS TO SERVANT LEADERSHIP
We believe by the endless examples of scripture, record of history and evidence of the fruit of lives well-lived, all believers are called to the Servant Leadership mode of life Jesus Christ patterned in the New Testament record. Jesus’ loving sacrifice and model of piety toward all, the early Christian Church reaching the Gentile world and the record that God’s gifts are pure and honorable among all men, leads all believers to practice the principles of God first, others second and ourselves last. Servant leaders provide their “Reasonable Service” unto God (Romans 12:1) by observing the principles of Stewardship, Servanthood and Discipleship. (Leviticus 27:3-32; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 6:33, 22:37-40; Mark 12:30-31, 10:43-45)
14. THE MINISTRY
The Divine calling placed upon believers to serve God in the capacity He would enrich, empower and design for each individual’s walk with Him. The Ministry is God’s gifting designed to: 1) Lead the Church in evangelizing the world (Mark 16:15-20), 2) Leading the church to worship God (John 4:23-24), and 3) building a body of believers conforming to the life of Christ (Ephesians 4:11, 16). The priesthood of all believers should be the prompting call to edify the Body, apply one’s faith in servant leadership and see to the needs both within and without the Church of ministers and those needing ministry.
15. DIVINE HEALING
The deliverance from sickness is recorded in Scripture, witnessed by Scriptural authors and seen as applicable practice for the Church. This blessing is provided for in the atonement (Isaiah 53:1-5) and confirmed in the New Testament (Matthew 8:16-17) and taught to be sought as a practice of prayer and ministry (James 5:13-15).
16. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST (BLESSED HOPE)
The resurrection of those that have “fallen asleep” in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to this earth is the scriptural promise and the believer’s hope. All Christians who died in the faith will one day rise from their grave in a glorified body to “meet the Lord in the air”. The remaining Christians who are alive will join them, in like manner, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Philippians 3:20-21; Titus 2:13)
17. THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST
The second coming of Christ will be crowned with His triumphant return for a 1000 year reign on this earth at the end of the Great Tribulation (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7, 19:11-14, 20:1-6). During this reign, we will rejoice with the salvation of Israel as a nation (Ezekiel 37:21-22; Zephaniah 3:19-20; Romans 11:26-27) and the setting up of universal peace. (Psalm 72:3-8; Isaiah 11:6-9; Micah 4:3-4)
18. THE LAKE OF FIRE
“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of burning fire burning with brimstone.” (Revelation 19:20). The Final Judgement will have as a witness of the authority of God the eternal separation from God in the place of torment described as a Lake of Fire. (Revelation 20:10-15)
19. THE NEW HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH
The scriptures proclaim and offer as a hope of the faithful Church, the impartation from God of a new Heaven and new Earth. There will be no Temple there for God and the Lamb are the light and are in the midst of it. (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1, 21:22)
20. THE FINAL JUDGEMENT
We believe there will be a final judgement in which the wicked dead – those who rejected Christ unto death – will be raised and judged according to their manner of life. Anyone whose name is not found recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life, together with Hell, death, the devil, the beast and the false prophet will be sent to eternal punishment without the hope of deliverance. The Scriptures refer to this lake of fire as the second death. (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20, 20:11-15, 21:8)