WHAT WE BELIEVE
16 Tenants of Faith of Our Full-Gospel,
Pentecostal Church
We assert that the Bible supplies all that is necessary for teaching, correction, and Christian living, and that it embodies the power of God for salvation.
At Glad Tidings, we are a Christ-centered, Pentecostal church of believers committed to worshiping God, growing in faith, and serving others through the power of the Gospel. Our foundation is built on the truth of Scripture and the unchanging character of God, who has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—three distinct persons, yet one divine essence.
We believe the doctrine of the Trinity is not just a theological concept, but a profound truth that shapes every aspect of our faith. God the Father is the Creator and Sustainer of all life, full of love and sovereignty. God the Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer, who took on human flesh, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again to offer us eternal life. God the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer, empowering us to live holy lives, guiding us into all truth, and uniting us as the body of Christ.
The Trinity reflects the perfect relationship of love, unity, and purpose within the Godhead, and it serves as a model for how we are to live in community with one another. Our worship, our mission, and our identity as a church flow from this essential truth: that our God is one in essence and three in person—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
At GTC, we exist to glorify this Triune God by making disciples, proclaiming the Gospel, and living out our faith with boldness, humility, and love.
The 16 Fundemental Truths of What We Believe
1. The Scriptures Are Inspired
The Scriptures are inspired by God and declare His design and plan for mankind.
2. Only One True God
There is only one true God - revealed in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (commonly known as the Trinity).
3. The Deity of Christ
We believe in the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. As God's son, Jesus was both human and divine.
4. Man's Fall to Sin
Though originally created good, mankind willingly fell to sin, bringing evil and death - both physical and spiritual - into the world.
5. Restored Fellowship Through Salvation
Every person can have restored fellowship with God by accepting Christ's offer of forgiveness for sin.
6. The Ordinances of Faith
We practice two ordinances: Water Baptism by immersion after repenting of one's sins and receiving Christ's gift of salvation, and Holy Communion (the Lord's Supper) as a symbolic remembrance of Christ's suffering and death for our salvation.
7. Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a special experience following salvation that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service, just as it did in New Testament times.
8. Speaking in Tongues as Initial Evidence
The initial physical evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues, as experienced on the Day of Pentecost and referenced throughout Acts and the Epistles.
9. Sanctification
Sanctification begins at salvation. It’s not only a declaration that the believer is holy, but it continues as a lifelong process of growing closer to God and becoming more Christlike.
10. The Mission of the Church
The Church is called to seek and save all who are lost in sin. The Church is the Body of Christ and is made up of all who have accepted God's offer of redemption (regardless of religious denomination) through the sacrificial death of His son Jesus Christ.
11. Scriptural Leadership in the Church
A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry serves the Church. The Bible teaches that each of us under leadership must commit ourselves to reach others for Christ, to worship Him with other believers, and to build up or edify the body of believers - the Church.
12. Divine Healing Through Christ
Divine Healing for the sick is a privilege for Christians today and is made possible through Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
13. The Blessed Hope
We eagerly anticipate the day Jesus raptures His Church prior to His return to earth (the second coming). At this moment, all believers - living and deceased - will be caught up to be with Him forever.
14. The Millennial Reign of Christ
Jesus will return with His saints at his second coming to rule the earth for 1,000 years. This millennial reign will bring salvation to the nation of Israel and establish universal peace.
15. The Final Judgment
A final judgment will take place for those who reject Christ. They will be judged for their sin and consigned to eternal punishment in the lake of fire.
16. The New Heavens and New Earth
We look forward to the perfect New Heavens and New Earth that Christ is preparing for all believers. We will live with Him forever after His millennia reign on earth.