Dogma

Our dogma revolves around the great biblical truth that there is One God, also called “monotheism.” In his book, The Oneness of God, David K. Bernard, J.D. defines monotheism in this manner: “The belief in only one God is called monotheism, which comes from two Greek words: monos, meaning alone, single, one; and theos, meaning God.” Ralph V. Reynolds simply stated that “there is only one Supreme Being who is God; He cannot be multiplied nor pluralized.” He further declared, “There are over fifty passages of Scripture that teach that God is one and that there is no other.”

In fact, the Word of God naturally assumes this universal truth. Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created..." God here is the transliterated form of Elohim, which means “plenitude of might,” or more simply, “one God whose characteristics are many.” This thought is carried further in Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God is one LORD." In Colossians 2:9 we are told that in Jesus dwells all the fullness of the Godhead (all the characteristics of God) bodily, and we (the Church) are complete in Him (Jesus).

When addressing Timothy, Paul wrote of a mystery, but then he further explained what that mystery was, "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Timothy 3:16). Only Jesus Christ fulfills those six points. Therefore, Jesus Christ of the New Testament is Elohim of the Old Testament, which further explains why we are told that Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God and that all things exist and consist by him, Colossians 1:12-17.

So, we are dogmatic in our belief that there is only one God and Jesus is His name. He is our Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Savior. Isaiah 9:6, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Only Jesus fulfills this messianic prophecy. He is the Father in Creation, the Son in Redemption, and the Holy Spirit in us today. Keep this great truth in mind and heart as you celebrate this Christmas season. Merry Christmas!


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SOURCES:

Bernard, David K. J.D. The Oneness of God. St. Louis: Word Aflame Press, 1983.



Reynolds, Ralph V. Truth Shall Triumph. Hazelwood, MO: Pentecostal Publishing House, 1965.

Engraved In the Palms of His Hands - E. S. Harper

Christmas is nearly upon us and I have been remiss in actually writing anything this year.  So, in the spirit of the season and in consideration of my lack of literary presence, here's my gift to you this Christmas -- a sermon, which my pastor (Edwin S. Harper) preached earlier this year.



 Title:
Engraved in the Palms of His Hands.mp3

Also:
http://k007.kiwi6.com/hotlink/08338g98sb/Engraved_In_the_Palms_of_His_Hands

OR:
http://kiwi6.com/file/08338g98sb

Speaker:
Rev. E. S. Harper

Text:

Bishop & Mrs. E. S. Harper

Isaiah 49:14-16, "But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."

John 20:25, "The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe."