Core Beliefs
These are the foundational beliefs of Agape Social, supported by Scripture in the King James Version (KJV).
1. About the Bible
The Bible is the infallible Word of God and the authority for salvation and Christian living.
2 Timothy 3:15-17 (KJV)
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
According to 2 Timothy 3:15-17, the Bible is not just a collection of stories but God's inspired Word. It can make us wise and lead us to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. The Bible contains instructions for living a righteous life and guides us on the path to perfection.
The Importance of Reading the Bible
Reading the Bible deepens our understanding of God and His will for our lives. Through the Bible, we can learn about God's love, mercy, grace, and plan of salvation for humanity. It also teaches us how to live a life that pleases God and brings glory to His name.
Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Reading the Bible can guide our lives, just like a lamp illuminates our path. It helps us make difficult decisions and navigate life's challenges.
The Power of God's Word
The Bible is not just a book; it holds power and authority. It can transform our lives and renew our minds.
Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The Word of God can penetrate deep into our hearts and reveal our true thoughts and intentions. It can bring conviction, encouragement, and transformation in our lives.
The Importance of Studying the Bible
Studying the Bible involves digging deeper into its meaning, context, and application. It helps us understand God's will and purpose for us. It also strengthens our faith and equips us to share the Gospel with others.
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Studying the Bible allows us to interpret and apply its teachings correctly. It also helps us avoid being misled by false teachings and doctrines.
The Bible is a precious gift from God. It holds great power and authority and guides us to live a holy life. We should prioritize reading and studying the Bible daily, allowing it to transform our lives and draw us closer to God. Let us approach the Word of God with reverence and allow it to lead us into a deeper relationship with Him.
2. About God
There is one God, who has revealed Himself as Father in creation; through His Son, Jesus Christ, in redemption; and as the Holy Spirit, poured out upon His people. Jesus Christ is God manifested in flesh. He is both God and man.
Deuteronomy 6:4 (KJV)
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
The Bible teaches that only one God exists and is the Creator of all things. He has revealed Himself to us through His Son, Jesus Christ, who came to redeem us from our sins.
John 1:14 (KJV)
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He perfectly represents God's love, grace, and truth.
Ephesians 4:4-6 (KJV)
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
These Ephesian verses echo the central theme of unity and oneness in the body of Christ. As believers, we are united in one Spirit, under one Lord, sharing one faith and baptism. The foundation of our unity is the one true God, the Father of all, who works through us all and lives in us all.
Colossians 2:9 (KJV)
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Apostle Paul emphasizes Jesus Christ's divine nature in the book of Colossians. Through Jesus, the fulness of God was manifested in human form, providing us with a clear picture of God's character and love.
1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
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.
This verse captures the profound mystery of godliness embodied in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ's manifestation in the flesh, His justification by the Spirit, His ministration witnessed by angels, His message spread among Gentiles, His faith inspiring belief worldwide, and His ascension into glory represent the comprehensive fulfillment of God's redemptive purpose.
3. About Sin and Salvation
Everyone has sinned and needs salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:23-25 (KJV)
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
No one is exempt from sin; we have all fallen short of God's glory. However, through the grace of Jesus Christ and our faith in His sacrifice, we can be justified and receive redemption for our sins.
Romans 6:23 (KJV)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The consequences of sin are death, both physical and spiritual. But God's gift to us is eternal life through Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again, conquering death.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Salvation is a gift from God, not earned through our efforts. We can receive it only through faith in Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:9 (KJV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Confessing and acknowledging our sins before God is essential for receiving forgiveness and being cleansed from all unrighteousness. Through Jesus, we can find true repentance and restoration with God.
4. About the Gospel
The saving gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. We obey the gospel by repentance (death to sin), water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (burial), and the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial sign of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance (resurrection).
2 Thessalonians 1:8 (KJV)
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
The Gospel is not just about believing in Jesus; it also involves obedience to His teachings, including repentance from sin and being baptized in water and the Holy Spirit. Those who reject or disobey the Gospel will face eternal judgment.
1 Peter 4:17 (KJV)
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
As believers, we are held to a higher standard because we have accepted the Gospel. Therefore, we must follow and obey the Gospel in its entirety so we may not be judged like unbelievers. May we always remember the good news of Jesus Christ and share it with others so they may experience the Gospel's transformative power in their lives.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (KJV)
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
The Gospel is a one-time message to receive salvation and a continual truth we must hold onto and stand firm in our faith. Through Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, we have been saved from our sins and can experience new life in Him. May we always remember and proclaim this good news to the world.
Acts 2:4, 37-39 (KJV)
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
Holy Spirit baptism with evidence of speaking in tongues is part of obeying the Gospel, just as repentance and water baptism are. God's gift empowers us to live a victorious Christian life and spread the Gospel with boldness.
Romans 6:3-4 (KJV)
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Water baptism symbolizes our spiritual burial and resurrection with Christ. It is an act of obedience and a public declaration of our faith in Jesus. Through baptism, we are united with Christ and receive the power to live a new life free from sin's grip.
May we never take the Gospel for granted but hold onto it dearly and share it boldly with others. The Gospel of Jesus Christ transforms life and offers true salvation. Let us continue to spread this message and bring glory to God alone.
5. About Christian Living
As Christians, we are to love God and others. We should live a holy life inwardly and outwardly and worship God joyfully. The supernatural gifts of the Spirit, including healing, are for the church today.
Mark 12:28-31 (KJV)
28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Our Christian walk is about following God's commandments and living a life rooted in love for God and others. This love should overflow in our thoughts, words, and actions, bringing glory to God in all we do.
Colossians 3:17 (KJV)
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Faithful Christian living involves living every aspect of our lives in obedience to God and giving thanks for all He has done for us through Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV)
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.
As we continue to follow Christ and grow in our faith, striving for holiness is important. It involves purifying our thoughts and actions and living a life that reflects God's character. Let us continually surrender ourselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit and strive for holiness in all aspects of our lives.
Hebrews 12:14 (KJV)
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Let us strive for peace and pursue holiness in our relationships with others, knowing that we can genuinely reflect His character through Christ's love and grace. As we continue to walk in obedience to God and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, may our lives be a living testimony of the Gospel's transformative power, and may others come to know and experience the love of Christ through us. Let us continue to press on towards holiness and fulfill our calling as followers of Christ, spreading His love and message to all we encounter.
1 Corinthians 12:8-10 (KJV)
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are still present and active in the church today. Let us continue to seek these gifts and use them to build up the body of Christ and for His glory. May we never forget to live out our faith with love, holiness, and boldness, always giving thanks to God for His amazing grace and love.
6. About the Future
Jesus Christ is coming again to catch away His church. In the end will be the final resurrection and the final judgment. The righteous will inherit eternal life, and the unrighteous eternal death.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (KJV)
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
There is hope and assurance of our future with Christ as we eagerly await His return. Those who have died in Christ will be raised first, followed by those alive in Him. We will meet the Lord in the air and live with Him forever.
Revelation 20:11-15 (KJV)
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
The final judgment will come when the books are opened, and all will be judged according to their works. Those whose names are not found in the Book of Life will experience eternal punishment in the lake of fire. At the same time, those saved through Jesus Christ will inherit eternal life.
As believers, let us eagerly await our future with Christ and continue to spread the Gospel until His return. And for those who have not accepted Christ, may you find salvation and hope in the Gospel's good news. The choice is yours, but know that there is a loving God who desires to give you eternal life through Jesus Christ.