Fresh Bread Ministries Inc.
“STATEMENT OF FAITH”
The Statement of Faith was adopted by the Directors of Fresh Bread Ministry. Remember you can find us on LinkedIn and Facebook!
1. THE SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instructions, and is the revealed will of GOD. The Holy Bible, consisting of sixty-six (66) books, including thirty-nine (39) Old Testament and twenty-seven (27) New Testament, is the inspired Word of GOD. This is the revelation from GOD to Man, concerning the will of GOD in all things necessary for our faith, conduct, and salvation. [2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:19-21]
2. THE TRUE GOD
We believe the Scriptures teach us that there is one, and only one, living and true GOD, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, existing in and functioning as three co-equals, glorious in holiness, and worthy of all honor and love, GODHEAD. GOD who is the Father, GOD who is the Son, and GOD who is the Holy Spirit; equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the magnificent work of redemption. [Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 12:29]
3. THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON
We believe that Jesus Christ is the only Begotten Son of the Father, conceived of the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary; that Jesus died on the cross, and was buried and raised from the dead on the third day with all power; that He ascended to Heaven and is today at the right hand of the Father as our intercessor. [Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 3:16-17; Ephesians 1:20-22; Acts 7:55]
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third function of the GODHEAD. He acts as our Helper, Counselor, Guide, and Comforter, coequal and co-eternal with the Father and Son. He is actively involved in and present by convicting the world of sin, regenerating believers, by sanctifying and empowering the Church (Children of GOD) with spiritual gifts for service, guidance, and truth. The Holy Spirit upholds the Word of GOD (Jesus) and validates His true existence. [John 14:26; John 16:8; Acts 1:8; John 16:13]
5. THE FALL OF MAN
We believe that the Bible teaches us that Man was created in holiness under the law of his Maker GOD; however, by voluntary transgressions Man fell from that holy and blissful state; in consequence of which all man therefore, now sinners, not by constraint or external forces 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 and judgement to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse. [Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3:1-7; Genesis 3:22-24; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:18]
6. THE WAY TO SALVATION
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation for sinners is the Grace of GOD through the mediatorial office of the Son of GOD (Jesus); who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Himself our nature, yet without sin; He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His shed blood and death on the Cross, where He made a full atonement for our sins once and for all; then having risen from the dead on the third day, He finished the work of redemption and completed His Ministry of reconciling souls back to His Father, as the compassionate and suitable Savior and Redeemer. [John 3:16; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Titus 2:14; Ephesians 1:7]
7. THE GIFTS TO THE CHURCH
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the Son of GOD (Jesus Christ) gave to the Church (Children of GOD) five distinct gifts designed to equip the believers, promote unity, and bring the Church to maturity. These roles work and function together collaboratively as a team to build up the Body of Christ. The Five Function Roles (Ephesians 4:11)
- Apostles (Visionary): Focus on pioneering, oversight, order, structure, and establishing the foundations for the church.
- Prophets (Spiritual Advisor): Deliver timely words from GOD, offering vision, foresight, foretelling, and spiritual direction.
- Evangelists (Persuasive Communicator): Focus on outreach, sharing the Gospel, and bringing people to the saving knowledge of Christ.
- Pastors (Shepherd/Counselor): Provide care, protection, and oversight for the spiritual health of the Children of GOD (Community).
- Teachers (Instructor/Builder): Focus on instructing believers in the Word, ensuring sound doctrine, and focusing on their understanding.
Not Titles, but Gifts: These are functional Gifts given to the Church and not hierarchical titles.
8. REGENERATION
We believe that the Scriptures teach to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in our repentance, faith, and the newness of life. [John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5]
9. REPENTANCE AND FAITH
We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, formed in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of GOD; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to GOD with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest and King, and relying on Him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour. [Mark 1:15; Acts 3:19]
10. SANCTIFICATION
We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of GOD, we are made partakers of His Holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of Believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially the Word of GOD, self-examination, watchfulness, and prayer. [John 17:17; Hebrews 10:14]
11. BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of the believer, in the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit; to show our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, identifying with the death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation, and the Lord’s Supper, in which the believer’s participating in the taking of the bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ Jesus; preceded always by solemn self-examination. [Mark 1:7-11; Luke 22:14-16]
12. THE SABBATH / DAY OF REST
We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, and is to be kept sacred, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful activities, and by the devout observance of all the means of Grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest ordained for the people of GOD. [Genesis 2:2-3; Leviticus 23:3; Mark 2:27-28]
