Trintiy House Ministries Worship Center

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is a perfect treasury of heavenly instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture or error (II Tim. 3:15-17).

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We believe there is one, and only one, living and true God; an infinite and intelligent Spirit whose name is Jehovah; the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness; worthy of all honor, confidence, and love. In the unit of the godhead there are three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct and harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (Psalms 83:18; John 10:30, 14:28; I Tim. 2:5; I John 5:7-8).

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We believe in the Deity of Christ, His Virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His personal return in power and glory (John 20:30-31; Isaiah 7:14; Matt. 1:21; I Peter 2:21-22; Rom. 5:11; Acts 1:10-11, 7:36; Heb. 9:28).

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We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is able to live a Godly, holy, and sanctified life (John 16:13-14; II Thess. 2:13).

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We believe that for the salvation of the lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential

(John 1:11, 13, 3:5,7; Tit.3:5).

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We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost--they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:28-29; Dan. 12:2).

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We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in Christ (John 17:21; Eph. 4:3-5).

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The Holy Bible. We believe that the Holy Bible is composed of 66 books, commonly known as the Old and New Testaments, and that they are the revealed words of God written by holy men as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (II Tim. 3:16-17; II Peter 1:21).

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The Fall of Man. We believe that man was created in holiness under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression, fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but by choice, being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse (Gen. 1:27-31, 3:1-12; Ecc. 7:29; Rom. 5:12).

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Original Sin. We believe that original sin is that corruption of the nature of all offspring of Adam, by which we are separated from original righteousness, and that in the scriptures it is described as "the carnal mind," "our old man," "the flesh," "sin that dwelleth in me," and such like. It continues to exist until destroyed by the Holy Ghost,



through the blood of Christ (I John 2:15-16; Rom. 7; Psalms 51:5).

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Atonement. We believe that the atonement made by Jesus Christ through the shedding of His blood for the remission of sins is for the whole human race and that whosoever repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ is justified, regenerated, and saved from the dominion of sin (Rom. 3:22-26, 5:9; Heb. 2:9).

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Repentance. We believe that repentance is a sincere change of mind, involving a sense of personal guilt of sin and a turning away from sin, and that the penitent heart is graciously helped by the Spirit of God (Acts 2:38, 3:19, 26:18; Matt. 21:28-29; II Cor. 7:10).

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Justification. We believe that justification is God's

work done for us, by which full pardon is granted to all who believe and receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (Rom. 3:24, 5:1, 8:29-30; Acts 10:43).

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Regeneration. We believe that regeneration is the new birth, i.e., God's work done in us by which the believer is given a spiritual life and rectifies the attitude of the will toward God and holy things (John 3:6-7; Tit. 3:5; Eph. 2:8-9).

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Sanctification. We believe that sanctification is that instantaneous act of divine grace, whereby we are made holy. Sanctification must be definitely experienced to fit us to see the Lord (I Thess. 5:23; Heb. 1:14, 12:1-14; Rom. 15:16; II Thess. 2:13; II Cor. 5:17).





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Resurrection. We believe that Christ truly rose from

the dead, ascended into heaven, and is now sitting at the right hand of God, the Father, making intercession for us (I Cor. 15:14-20; Heb. 7:25, 9:24).

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The Second Coming. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will return to judge the quick and the dead and that we who are alive at His coming shall not precede them that are asleep in Christ Jesus (I Thess. 4:13-18; John 14:3; Acts 1:10-11, 17:31; II Tim. 4:1).

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Baptism. We believe that baptism is commanded by our Lord and that it belongs to the believer of the gospel, not "infants who cannot believe," and that the Bible's way of administering it is by immersion (Matt. 3:16, 28:19-20; Mark 16:14-16; Rom. 6:1-7; Gal. 3:27; Acts 8:38-39).

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The Lord's Supper. We believe that the Lord's Supper is a New Testament ordinance, that it was instituted when our Lord celebrated His Last Passover with His disciples, that it consists of bread and the fruit of the vine, and that as often as we take it we show forth the Lord's death until He comes again (Matt. 26:26-29; Luke 22:19-20; I Cor. 11:23-24; Isaiah 62:8-9).

Its Significance. The Lord's Supper was designed to commemorate the death of Christ for human redemption and to be a perpetual memorial in His churches and to His people of His sacrifice for men. It also points the Christian onward to the triumph and glory of Christ's second coming. It is a king mediator, a middle link, binding the shadowy past, the radiant future, and the joyous present in one. He who was dead is alive again. "...I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine until ... I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom" (Matt. 26:29). "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come" (I Cor. 11:26).

The Bible neither specifies a definite time of day nor frequency to take communion. It may be taken during morning worship. We customarily observe this ordinance once a month.

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Feetwashing. We believe in feetwashing as an act of obedience in following the example given by our Lord Jesus Christ (John 13:2-17; I Tim. 5:9-10). It should be administered after the Lord's Supper, but it is not a prerequisite for administering the Lord's Supper.

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The Gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe that every true believer is heir to the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38-39, 5:32; John 7:38-39; I Cor. 12).

We believe that He is the gift of God in Christ Jesus to the children of God sanctifying, quickening, guiding into all truth, and giving power to obey God's word and by witnesses (John 14:16-26; Acts 1:8).

We believe that the initial receiving of the Holy Ghost occurs at conversion (Acts 8:14-16, 19:1-4).

We believe that the Holy Ghost baptized the whole church on the Day of Pentecost, thereafter, He is referred to as a gift (Acts 2:38-39); a receiving (Acts 19:1-2); a filling (Eph. 5:18); and an anointing (John 2:27; II Cor. 1:21).

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Spiritual Gifts. We believe that Spiritual Gifts are set forth in the 12th, 13th, and 14th chapters of first Corinthians:

No one gift is the specific (sign) or evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence, but faith (Heb. 11:1) and love (I Cor. 13) are the evidence. Not even power alone is the evidence for that may be of Satan (I John 4:1-3).

These gifts, though they may be of use to edification,

may be counterfeited and are not to be trusted as evidence (II Thess. 2:7-12; I John 4:1-3).

We believe the "speaking in tongues" is a gift of God; however, it should be exercised in accordance with the guidelines in I Cor. 14. In the early church, it was manifested as a sign that one had received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

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Divine Healing. We do not condemn physicians and medicines because the Bible does not (Prov. 17:22; Mark 16:18; Jas. 5:14; Acts 3:1-6). We believe and teach Divine Healing according to the scriptures. We believe it is a gift set in the church, and that the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up (Jas. 5:14-16; I Cor. 12:19).

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General. According to the scripture, the Church of God is the Body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; I Cor. 12; Rom. 12:4-5). In this body, as in His human body before His crucifixion, the will of God is done on earth (Heb. 10:8-9). There is one body, the universal church or Christ's body in any particular community. Strictly speaking, the Church of God Sanctified, Incorporated is composed of persons who have been "born again" (Acts 14:27; Eph. 2:18-22; John 3:3-5).

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Church Duty. It shall be the duty of the Church of God Sanctified, Incorporated to seek the fellowship of Christians who are sound in the faith and doctrine of Christ, the conversion of sinners, the sanctification of believers, and the preaching of the gospel to every creature (Eph. 4:11-13).

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Avowals of Belief. All persons seeking fellowship with the Church of God Sanctified, Incorporated must believe in and accept the following;

The Holy Trinity: "The Father, Son and Holy Ghost";

The Old and New Testament scriptures are divinely inspired;

The above-named scriptures contain all truth necessary to Christian living;

Believers are to be sanctified through faith in the Lord Jesus; and

In the ARTICLES OF FAITH in this manual.

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Divorce and Remarriage. When it comes to the issue of divorce and remarriage, it has always been a very touchy subject, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. As a matter of fact, it has divided the Church world--the reason being, the way various passages of scripture on this subject have been interpreted.

We, The Church of God Sanctified, Incorporated hold that the civil law is not always in accordance with the word of God in granting a divorce. Consequently, there are approximately fifty allowable causes for divorce throughout our nation and the world which are not biblical (Matt. 19:9).

The Church of God Sanctified, Incorporated does not believe that a person can obtain a divorce for every cause and subsequently remarry. However, we do believe that there are specific clauses in the Word of God that will allow the innocent person to divorce and remarry.

Adultery. It has been taught in the Church of God Sanctified, Incorporated that a man or a woman who has more than one living wife or husband is living in adultery, regardless of whether this marriage took place before or

after he or she accepted Jesus Christ as his or her personal Savior. However, after discussion, much prayer, fasting, and seeking God's guidance, we believe that He has answered our prayers concerning the issue of adultery.

Therefore, we believe that whatever individuals have done before accepting Jesus into their lives is covered by the blood after they accept Christ as their Savior (John 1:11-12, 3:3, 8:11; I Cor. 2:14; I John 1:9; Titus 3:5; Psalms 103:11-12).

We believe that the Blood of Jesus Christ is not limited to forgiving part of our past sin, but all. God said through the prophet Isaiah, "Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18). Remember now, this only pertains to those who had unfortunately become involved in more than one marriage before they were saved, not those who were saved and went against God's Word.

In regulation of marriage between believers, "And unto the married I command, yet not I but the Lord, let not the wife depart from her husband; but if she departs, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband; and let not the husband put away his wife" (I Cor. 7:10-11). Those who are saved, get a divorce, and subsequently remarry cannot be excused of Jesus' commandment unless they did so according to God's Holy Word (Matt. 19:9).

Therefore, those who are in violation of God's Word may confess and repent, but will not have the privilege to hold any church office or participate in any functions in the Church of God Sanctified, Incorporated. They can only be a pew member.

Jesus said: "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery; and whosoever marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery" (Matt. 19:9).

After much prayer and study of God's word, we, the Executive Board of Elders of the Church of God Sanctified, Incorporated agree that the word "fornication" which comes from the Greek word "pornea" includes not only premarital sex, but all forms of sexual immorality. Therefore, fornication/pornea which includes premarital sex, adultery, homosexuality, beastiality, etc., will give the innocent person biblical grounds for divorce and remarriage.

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The Perseverance of the Saints



We believe in the perseverance of all true believers in Jesus Christ who have been genuinely born again by the Holy Spirit via the New Birth (John 1:12-13, 3:3,5; I Peter 1:23).

We do not believe that the Holy Scriptures should be interpreted according to a personal experience of an individual who professes to have been saved, but is not living according to God's word. Rather, we believe that the Holy Scriptures, which is God's Word, will speak for itself:

John 5:24 I John 2:19, 27-28

John 8:31 I John 3:8-9

John 10:26-29 I John 4:4

Rom. 8:28-30 I John 5:18

Phil 1:6 I Peter 1:3-5

Phil 2:12-13 Eph. 4:30

Jude 1:24

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Tithing

Every member of the Church of God Sanctified, Incorporated, including the children, should be taught that

the Bible's way of supporting the church is by tithes and offerings. This should be taught by the Pastor and all official heads and it should be emphasized until all members realize that this is God's plan.



Tithing is the paying of one-tenth of our increase into the treasure of the Church. It began with Abraham and continued under the law and Christ's approval. The tithe was God's in the Old Testament time. The tithe is the Lord's in our time. "And he gave them tithes of all" (Gen. 14:20). "All thou shall give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee" (Gen. 28:22). "Will a man rob God?" (Mal. 3:8-9). "Ye pay tithes of mint and anise and cummin...these ought ye to have done" (Matt. 23:23). "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be not gathering when I come." In Heb. 7:5-6 the Old Testament tithing is approved. Tithing rests on a solid biblical and historical basis. It was practiced first by Abraham and Jacob. Later it became part of the law which God gave Moses, was practiced by God's people through Moses, and was practiced by God's people throughout the Old Testament period. Jesus endorsed tithing and in the history of the church it has been upheld as a guide for giving to the Lord. Regular, proportionate giving out of loving hearts is a grace to be activated by all Christians.

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The New Testament Church

Jesus Christ is the founder of the New Testament Church. "And Jesus answered and said unto him, blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:17-18).

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY THIS WORD CHURCH?

Answer: It is from the Greek word, ecclesia, (ekot of, kaleo "to call") therefore, we conclude that the New Testament Church is an assembly of called out ones.

But ye 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 marvelous light; which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God; which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy" (I Peter 2:9-10). Therefore, the New Testament Church is an assembly of people called out of sin by the Gospel. "But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto He called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II Thess.2:13-14). He also called us with a holy calling (II Tim. 1:9-10). Generally speaking, the Church is the Body of Christ of which He is the Head (Eph. 1:22-23).

HOW MANY CHURCHES OR BODIES DO WE HAVE ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES?

Answer: Just one. "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Eph. 4:4-5). Therefore, we conclude that there is only one church or body of Christ.

UNDER WHAT NAME DOES THIS NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH EXIST?

Answer: Christ said "Upon this rock I will build my Church" (Matt. 16:17-18). Well, does it exist under the name, the Church of Christ? Jesus prayed to His Holy Father for the Church to exist in His (God's name) (John 17:9-12). So it is not the question, who does it

belong to; but as to what name does this New Testament Church exist according to the scripture. Jesus prayed to His Father "All mine are thine, and thine are mine" (John 17:10). Therefore, He prayed to the Father to keep the church in His name.

WAS THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH KEPT IN GOD'S NAME?

Answer: It was. "Take heed to thyself and to all of

the flock over which the Holy Ghost has made thee overseers to feed the church of God, which He has purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28). The apostles called it the church of God. There were different local congregations of worshippers geographically distributed. This gave rise to the plural use of the term church; hence, we read of the seven churches in Asia, etc. They were not different kinds of churches, but were simply local congregations of the one universal church of God (I Cor. 1:10). Paul tells them to be joined together in the same mind and all to speak the same thing. Therefore, the church was known, and called by the name of the church of God (I Cor. 1:2). Paul calls it the church of God. Paul said that he persecuted the church of God (Gal. 1:13; II Cor. 1:1; II Cor. 11:22). He said not to despise the church of God, and not to give no offense to the church of God (I Cor. 10:32; I Tim. 3). Paul tells how to care for the church of God (I Tim. 3:5, 15) and how to behave ourselves in the church of God.

HOW DO WE BECOME MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH OF GOD?

Answer: (1) We must be born again. "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God" (John 3:3). (2) After being born of the water and of the Spirit, he is placed in the body or church by God Himself (I Cor. 12:12-13, 18). God sets the members

in the body or church as it pleases Him. The officers are set in the church of God (I Cor. 12:27-30).

THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH OF GOD HAS A

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CLASS BOOK, AND GOD IS THE WRITER.

"...The Lord will count when He writeth up the people

that this man was born there. Selah" (Psalms 87:4-6). This book is known as the book of life. These women's names are in the book of life (Phil. 4:3). That book is kept in heaven (Luke 10:20) and if we practice sin, God will blot our names out of the book of life. And if our names are not in the book of life then we cannot enter heaven (Exo. 32:32-33). "...Whosoever's name was not found written in the book of life, was cast into the lake of fire" (Rev. 20:12-15).

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Women in Ministry

Those women among us who evidence their gift and anointing of God to teach, shall have the privilege to teach and conduct religious services in the churches under the direction of the Pastor in charge. We do require them to teach from the floor and not the pulpit. The Church of God Sanctified, Incorporated does not license or ordain women as Pastors because we find no evidence of this in the word of God (Rom. 16:1-2; Tit. 2:3-5; I Tim. 2:11-15; I Cor. 14:33-40).

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Special Advice

(Christian Conduct)

IV. Taking the name of the Lord in vain.

V. Profaning the Lord's Day, in any form.

VI. The use of either strong drinks or tobacco.

VII. Quarreling and returning evil for evil.

VIII. Gossiping, slandering, and spreading false reports.

IX. Dishonest and taking advantage in buying or selling.

X. The practice of homosexuality, bisexuality, or sexual behavior in any form that is contrary with scripture.

XI. Going to any kind of obscene entertainment, as is not to the glory of God.

XII. Reading literature that is not wholesome.

XIII. Oathbound secret orders or fraternities.

XIV. Lotteries and games of chance.

XV. Looseness and impropriety of conduct.

XVI. Rebellion, stubbornness, and conspiracy.

XVII. Slothful and neglect of duty.

XVIII. Going to any kind of extreme in dress or conduct.

What is the determining factor in labeling something as being "of the world" or how can one say this is worldly and this is not? In the Bible, the term "the world" when used in an offensive sense is a translation of the Greek word which means the present world order or system as opposed to the divine order. For example, to eat or drink is not worldly, because that is not against the divine order. But when the philosophy comes in that men are to eat and drink as much as they choose, for human pleasure regardless of expense to one's own health, or other people's happiness, then this is worldly. It is not wrong for one to dress neatly, carefully and attractively. But when one's mind gets set on vanity and anxiety to please the world and keep up with the unconverted and the wicked, then dress tends to be immodest or costly, and the attitude is worldly. It is not wrong to have pleasure. Many "games" are proper and right. But when the games and recreation come to be dominated by carnal, unchristian attitudes, then this is worldly and wrong. It is not wrong to play games but it is wrong to gamble on games, or to play games which encourage gambling. There is nothing wrong with playing tennis, swimming or bowling, but when the clothes worn are especially planned to arouse sexual interest, then this is worldly and should be avoided.

The Bible never condemns games or recreation. In fact, the Apostle Paul refers several times to the Grecian games with which he was familiar: racing, boxing and wrestling. Games are no more wrong than taking a walk, having a friendly conversation, or taking a ride. Christians ought to be happy and they need recreation the same as others. Christians are to avoid games that are usually associated with gambling. Recreation is good for the mind and body. Paul spoke of the Olympic games and referred to wrestling (Eph. 6:12); and running races (I Cor. 9:24; Heb. 12:1-2). Again, he speaks of "fighting a good fight" (II Tim. 4:7). The Greeks in the time of Christ had developed great athletes, and the Olympic games were of world renown. Yet every reference to them in the Bible is a friendly reference, and they are nowhere discouraged or condemned. Training for these athletic events, young men were taught to abstain from every kind of excess or sin that would weaken the body. They were taught good sportsmanship, self-denial and steadfastness. Paul holds up the virtues of a good athlete as a model for Christians. We, too, should run a good race, should fight a good fight and should put on the whole armour of God. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness..." (Eph. 6:12). Paul said, "For bodily exercise profiteth little..." (I Tim. 4:8), but even if it profits a little, then we should keep our bodies in good condition. Games are not nearly as important as eternal matters, like the salvation of a soul and getting out the gospel, but games are not necessarily wrong. However, circumstances alter cases. There are certain sporting games Christians ought not to patronize: horse racing (nearly all bets), bingo, dancing, mixed swimming (nudity is still wrong). But every Christian must remember that pleasure is incidental and Jesus comes first. After all, "...bodily exercise profiteth little..." compared with the great profile of spiritual exercise. Remember Paul said, "...I am made all things to all men,

that I might by all means save some" (I Cor. (;22). So it is right to use every legitimate means to get out the gospel.

Recreation (the right kind, supervised) is not wrong, and it should be incidental and not major. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (I Cor. 10:31). Work to the glory of God and sing to the glory of God. Then Jesus suggested they get away from the crowds for a while and rest, for so many people were coming and going that they scarcely had time to eat (Mark 6:31).

Any member guilty of any of the above mentioned things may be "brought to council" (Tit. 3:10-11; II Thess. 3:6; Phil 3:16; Rom. 16:17-18).