Misunderstood Terms

Since the definition of these misunderstood terms can vary greatly, we have tried to provide the most common, or when possible, the most Biblical explanation.

1. Bible-Believing
   This statement means that we believe the Bible is the first and final authority in all matters of faith, belief, and conduct. We believe that the Bible contains the very Words of God and that they are to be obeyed because they came from God Himself. (See “Our Beliefs” #1)Bible References: 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:19-21; John 17:17; Psalm 12:6; Psalm 19:7; 1 Corinthians 4:6; Deuteronomy 29:29; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12
2. Born Again
   To be Born Again means to be “born from above” or to “experience new birth”. Jesus used the term and explained it to Nicodemus, a religious leader during the time Jesus lived on the earth. Nicodemus thought he would have to climb back into his mother’s womb and be born again. But Jesus explained that a man is born the first time “of water” which means natural birth or being born of a woman. At the moment of your “natural” birth you become part of your earthly family.When a person is “born again” they experience “rebirth” through the Holy Spirit and become part of God’s family; they are “born again” into His family. This occurs when someone confesses their sin, believes that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, and willingly puts their faith in Jesus Christ making Him their Savior and Lord.Being born again is synonymous with becoming a “Christian”, being “saved”, experiencing “salvation”, being “regenerated”, and becoming a “child of God”. (See #8, “Saved”)

   Bible References: John 3:3-8, Titus 3:5-6; 1 Peter 1:3, Romans 10:9-10, John 1:12, 1 John 3:1

3. Charismatic
   The most common meaning when a person or church is referred to as “Charismatic” is that they believe in, and practice, the “manifestation gifts” of the Spirit in their services. The purpose of these gifts is for the common good of the church: to strengthen, encourage, and comfort. Charismatics believe that the supernatural manifestation of spiritual gifts began when the church was born on the Day of Pentecost and are still available to the church today.Bible References: 1 Corinthians 12; Acts 2:1-4; Acts 2:39; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17
4. Christian
   A Christian is a person who is a disciple of Jesus Christ. This relationship begins when a person is “born again” and is a growing process throughout life. A Christian will live for Jesus Christ and bear the fruit of the Spirit. Everyone who says, “I am a Christian” is not a Christian. Jesus said that you will “know a tree by its fruit.” (See #2, “Born Again” and #8 “Saved”)Bible References: Matthew 28:18-20; Galatians 5:22-23; Luke 9:23; Matthew 12:3
5. Evangelical
   An Evangelical Christian believes and emphasizes salvation by grace through faith in the atoning death of Jesus Christ; the absolute authority of Scripture; and the responsibility of sharing the truth of the gospel with those who do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
6. Inter-Denominational
   The term “inter-denominational” means that people of all Christian denominations and those without denominational affiliation are welcome to worship. We worship and fellowship on the basis of salvation through Jesus Christ.
7. Pentecostal
   By “Pentecostal” we mean that we believe that the infilling/baptism in the Holy Spirit which occurred for the first time on the “Day of Pentecost” is still available today. Peter made this clear in Acts 2:39 when, explaining to those who witnessed the effects of the powerful event, he said, “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call.”Most Pentecostals DO NOT believe that a person must speak in tongues to be saved. Salvation is solely through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We believe that any denomination, church, or group that believes speaking in tongues is required for salvation is in error.

   Most Pentecostals DO believe in the Trinity, that the God of the Bible is one God expressed in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that any group that does not believe in the triune God is in error.

   Bible References: Luke 24:49; John 7:37-39; Acts 1:4-8; Acts 1:4-8; Acts 2:1-4; Acts 8:14-16; Acts 9:17-18; 1 Corinthians 14:18; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 11:15-17; Acts 19:1-7; Matthew 3:16-17; John 14:26; 15:26; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:4-6

8. Saved
   A person who is “saved” has been saved from the consequences of their sin which are eternal separation from God and eternity in hell. A person is saved by placing their faith in Jesus Christ. You must believe that He died on the cross and rose from the dead; you must repent of your sin; and you must ask Him to save you. Then you must surrender your entire life to Him making Him your Savior and Lord. (See #2, “Born Again”)Bible References: Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:21, 47; 4:12; 11:14
9. Spirit-Filled
   Being “Spirit-filled” is synonymous with being “Pentecostal”. On the Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit was poured out for the first time as prophesied in the book of Joel and the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist had said this would happen; Jesus said it was the “promise of the Father”; and Jesus Himself said they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came on them.A “Spirit-filled” church is a church that worships, prays, and praises as they did throughout the book of Acts. They believe that the same power and gifts available to the early church are still available to us now. This type of church is often very joyous, upbeat, exuberant, and lively. (See #7, “Pentecostal”)

   Bible References: Acts 2:1-4; Joel 2:28-29