WHAT WE BELIEVE
The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice. This Statement of Fundamental Truths is intended simply as a basis of fellowship among us (i.e., that we all speak the same thing, 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42). The phraseology employed in this Statement is not inspired nor contended for, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to a full-gospel ministry. No claim is made that it covers all Biblical truth, only that it covers our need as to these fundamental doctrines.
About God
God is the loving Creator of all that exists, both seen and unseen. God is eternal and completely good, knowing all things, having all power and majesty. God exists as the Trinity, in three distinct persons, yet one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God passionately desires a relationship with us and towards this end continually invites us into a relationship of faith, friendship, learning, and service. (Genesis 1:1; John 14:6-9; 15-17; 16:7-15; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 4:9-10)
About Jesus Christ
God expressed himself in human form through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus Christ is fully man and fully God. He is the perfect reflection of God’s character and glory. Born of the Virgin Mary, he lived a sinless life and offered himself as the only perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. All who believe in him are declared righteous on the basis of his death. He rose physically from the dead, ascended to heaven and will return again to earth to reign forever with those who are his. (Colossians 1:13-23; 2:8-14; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Matthew 22:36-40; 1:18-25; John 1:1; 8:40,58; 11:33; 14:1-3; Hebrews 1:1-8; Acts 1:9-11; 10:42-43; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Romans 5:8-10)
About The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, sent from God to live inside all who believe in Jesus Christ, teaches, comforts, and empowers us, giving each follower diverse gifts, fostering unity, interdependence, productivity, Christ-like character, and love among Christians. The believer receives the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. The empowering of the Holy Spirit, the promise of the Father, is available for every Christian. (Acts 1:8; 2:4; Romans 5:5; 8; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 3:16; 4:3-4; 5:18; John 14:26; 16:7-14)
About The Bible
We believe that God speaks to us in the Bible, which is completely without error. It is our privilege to seek to understand God’s message and apply it responsibly to our lives. The Bible is our standard and authority in all we say and do. We believe that God inspired the authors of the Bible and they are therefore completely trustworthy. The Bible is the final authority on all matters to which it speaks. We believe that God’s unchangeable Biblical message ought to be presented in relevant and contemporary ways, free of religious jargon so it can be understandable to the people of our community. (Matthew 5:17-19; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2; Peter 1:16-21; 2 Peter 3:14-18; Joshua 1:7-8; Acts 17:11; Psalms 19:7-11; 119:9-16,105)
About Salvation
All people are created with dignity and value in the image of God, to live in a vital relationship with God. Through our sin (failing to live by God’s moral standards), we break our intended relationship with God. On our own we fall short, and experience the destructive consequences of that broken relationship. We see the effects spiritually and socially, in this life and beyond. However, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to rescue us from those consequences and to restore our broken relationship with God and others. Through Christ’s atoning death on the cross, we are redeemed. Salvation comes to people on the basis of God’s grace through faith in Jesus alone, not by any works we could do ourselves. We receive the free gift of forgiveness and are spiritually reborn through repenting of our sin and believing in Jesus Christ. Good works and a holy life, although totally unable to save us, become the natural product of repentant, believing people. (I Peter 2:24; 3:18; Romans 3:9-28; 6:23; 10:9-10; John 3:16; 5:24; Ephesians 2:1-10; Titus 3:3-8; James 2:14-26)
The 16 Fundaments of Faith we believe as part of Assemblies of God Fellowship
FAQs
How is Baptism addressed at SFA?
The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded by the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. Sign up for baptism.
How is Child Dedication addressed at SFA?
We believe that water baptism is an important and obedient act that follows an individual’s decision to follow Christ. However, we don’t baptize infants until they are of an age when they can make a decision for themselves to follow Christ and then to be baptized. For infants, we embrace the tradition of Child Dedication which flows directly from Hannah’s (the Prophet Samuel’s mother) decision to dedicate her son back to God. Sign up for Child Dedication.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SFA TEAM
How do I join the SFA Church Internship Program?
The SFA Church Internship Program runs from August to May and/or June and July (summer) each year. The purpose of the Internship Program is focused on developing the call God has put on your life to pursue church ministry. contact us for more info at firstassembly@sfanj.com.
Are any jobs available at SFA Church?
If you are interested in finding out more about employment opportunities at SFA Church, contact us for more information at firstassembly@sfanj.com.