Church Services Online Near Kenosha WI
The Church of God in Kenosha WI invites you to come as you are and experience the love and grace of Jesus of Nazareth. The Church has a several fold reason for existing in the world today. These important purposes are divinely originated and are found in the New Testament.
The Bible declares that Christ came to “…gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad” (John 11:52); see also Ephesians 1:10. Jesus set His Church in order as that “one fold” (John 10:14-16) in which is embodied and will be manifested all of His fulness (Ephesians 1:22, 23). Therefore, it is imperative that the world know about The Church of God, “…the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).
Church Services Online Near Kenosha WI
The faith of the gospel has been committed solely into the hands of the Church and thus the responsibility for keeping and guarding the faith rests upon the Church’s shoulders.
It is The Church of God’s duty to keep the faith pure and unadulterated and to defend it against all enemies. One phase of keeping and guarding the faith is the searching out and putting into operation God’s laws for the Church, the full restoration of the New Testament doctrine and governing principles.
These teachings are all based on the Scripture; they were taught and practiced by the early Church; and they have been searched out in these last days by godly men and women not concerned with their own opinions. However, the Church does not make a “hobby horse” of any one teaching or group of teachings, but accepts the whole Bible rightly divided with the New Testament as the only rule for government and discipline. These teachings of the Church do not constitute a creed or statement of beliefs, for The Church of God accepts the whole Bible as the inspired Word of God.
All those who become members of the Church assume the following obligation:
“Will you sincerely promise in the presence of God and these witnesses that you will accept this Bible as the Word of God—believe and practice its teachings rightly divided—the New Testament as your rule of faith and practice, government and discipline, and walk in the light to the best of your knowledge and ability?” This is a “perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.”
Regeneration is an act of God performed in the justified heart whereby new, spiritual life is generated. Man is dead in trespasses and sin through Adam; he must be quickened or regenerated through Christ. It is a vital part of the plan of salvation by faith. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Titus 3:5). Other Scriptures are Matthew 19:28; Ephesians 2:1, 4, 5. Regeneration is simultaneous with the new birth.
The gifts of the Spirit were set in the Church to be operated by the Spirit according to the will of God. They are manifested through individual members but individuals do not personally possess the gifts. Therefore, since the gifts are given to the Church and not to individuals, a spiritual gift cannot be taken away by one who leaves the Church. These gifts were all operating in the Church before it went into the dark ages, and were all restored to the Church when it arose out of darkness. Fist Corinthians 12:28, “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” Read 1 Corinthians 12:1; 4-11; 14:1.
Feet washing was instituted by Jesus on the night of the Last Supper and is a New Testament ordinance we are enjoined to observe in addition to communion. Its observance was taught by the apostles and practiced by the early Church. Charity and good works do not fulfill this obligation. “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). Read John 13:4-17; 1 Timothy 5:10.
All the dead, both righteous and wicked, will be resurrected. The righteous dead will be raised in the first resurrection which is at Christ’s appearing. The resurrection of the wicked dead will occur after the thousand year’s reign of Christ on earth. “And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust” (Acts 24:15). Read Daniel 12:2; Isaiah 26:19; John 5:28, 29; 1 Corinthians 15:12-23; 41-58; Revelation 20:5, 6.
The use of tobacco in any form is forbidden as well as the habitual use of narcotics. These sinful practices defile the body, the temple of the Holy Ghost, and are outward evidence of an impure heart. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). Read Isaiah 55:2; 1 Corinthians 10:31, 32; Ephesians 5:3-8; James 1:21.
The taking of an oath is a vain thing and condemned by the Scripture. An affirmation to the truth of anything is sufficient. Matthew 5:34, “But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne.” Also, the use of profanity is forbidden. Read Exodus 20:7; James 5:12.