Text "FIRST PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF BATESVILLE About Us."

OUR CORE BELIEFS

We believe the name of Jesus reveals the fullness of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19; John 5:43, 10:30, 14:8–9; Philippians 2:9–11). Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God — in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9).
Salvation is available to all through obedience to the gospel: repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues (Acts 2:38, 4:12, 10:44–48; Ephesians 2:8; 4:5). We are called to live a holy and separated life, inside and out (1 Peter 2:9; 2 Corinthians 6:17–18).

THE BIBLE

We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God — infallible, Spirit-breathed, and authoritative in all matters of life and doctrine. It is the final rule for what we believe, teach, and practice (2 Timothy 3:15–17).

THE ONENESS OF GOD

We hold firmly to the biblical truth that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). Jesus is the full manifestation of that one God in flesh (Colossians 2:9). The New Testament affirms this: “One Lord, one faith, one baptism — one God and Father of all…” (Ephesians 4:5–6; Isaiah 44:6–8, 45:5).

SIN & SALVATION

All have sinned and are in need of salvation (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23, 6:23). Salvation comes by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, who paid the price through His death, burial, and resurrection (Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 3:24–25).

THE GOSPEL

The gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). We respond by obeying this message: repentance (death to sin), water baptism in Jesus’ name (burial), and receiving the Holy Ghost (resurrection power). This was the consistent pattern in the early church (Acts 2:38, 8:14–17, 10:44–48, 19:1–6; Romans 6:3–4; 2 Thessalonians 1:8).

CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

We are called to love God and love people (Mark 12:28–31). The Holy Ghost empowers us to live in holiness — not just outwardly, but from the heart. Our words, choices, and conduct should reflect Christ. The gifts of the Spirit are still active and available to every Spirit-filled believer (1 Corinthians 6:19, 12:4–11; Galatians 5:22–25; Romans 8:13–14; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Corinthians 7:1).

DIVINE HEALING

Healing was made available through Christ’s atonement. The Bible says, “By His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Healing comes through faith, prayer, and the laying on of hands. We anoint the sick with oil and pray in every service, believing in the power of God to heal (James 5:14–15; Matthew 8:16–17; Acts 19:11–12; Mark 16:17–18; 1 Corinthians 12:9).

ETERNITY

Heaven is the eternal reward for those who obey the gospel and live a holy life (John 14:1–3; 1 Peter 1:4; Revelation 21:1–4).
Hell is a literal place of eternal separation from God, described as a lake of fire, a place of torment, and divine judgment (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:11–15, 21:8).

THE RETURN OF JESUS

Jesus will return for His Church. The dead in Christ will rise first, then those who are alive and ready will be caught up to meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). This is the blessed hope of every believer. The righteous will inherit eternal life; the wicked will face eternal judgment (Acts 1:11; Revelation 20:12–15).