How do I know if this church is right for me?
If you are looking for a church that teaches you the Bible, but also helps you learn how to apply it to your everyday life, than you may be in the right place!Choosing a church is a very serious decision that should be done through prayer, discussions, and questions. While there is no such thing as a "perfect church," we cannot emphasize strongly enough how important learning and understanding the Word of God (the Bible) is. In general, we recommend,4-6, Sunday services before you make up your mind about Any church. The best way to learn about us, is to attend a few times.
Do you serve communion every Sunday?
As for Communion EVERY SUNDAY. Although we do believe in the Sacrament of Communion, we do not take Communion every Sunday for two reasons;
1. What does the Bible say? 1 Corinthians 11:26 "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
In a careful reading of this verse and other supporting verses, one would be hard pressed to say that; "As often as you eat this bread and drink the cup" Has to mean every time you meet? i.e. Every Sunday. It say's as often as you eat, NOT, as often as you meet.
We have no problem with churches that take Communion every Sunday and we have never found this to be a reason to break fellowship with those churches.
Which leads to the second reason we do not take Communion EVERY Sunday.
2. We hold the Sacrament in such high regard that we try to avoid the Human nature of approaching Communion and it becoming so routine (every Sunday) that our attendees are so used to taking Communion, they could (figuratively speaking) take Communion in their sleep! We don't want that to ever happen, yet we know, such is our human nature.
Part B of the second reason is that we do not teach that Communion can either SAVE your Soul or keep you "Holy" Ephesians 2:8-9
As for Communion EVERY SUNDAY. Although we do believe in the Sacrament of Communion, we do not take Communion every Sunday for two reasons;
1. What does the Bible say? 1 Corinthians 11:26 "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
In a careful reading of this verse and other supporting verses, one would be hard pressed to say that; "As often as you eat this bread and drink the cup" Has to mean every time you meet? i.e. Every Sunday. It say's as often as you eat, NOT, as often as you meet.
We have no problem with churches that take Communion every Sunday and we have never found this to be a reason to break fellowship with those churches.
Which leads to the second reason we do not take Communion EVERY Sunday.
2. We hold the Sacrament in such high regard that we try to avoid the Human nature of approaching Communion and it becoming so routine (every Sunday) that our attendees are so used to taking Communion, they could (figuratively speaking) take Communion in their sleep! We don't want that to ever happen, yet we know, such is our human nature.
Part B of the second reason is that we do not teach that Communion can either SAVE your Soul or keep you "Holy" Ephesians 2:8-9
What version of the Bible do you and use?
One of the biggest quirks people seem to have today is what the Bible refers to as; “straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel.” Matthew 23:24 What this means essentially is; that many people tend to focus on things of lesser importance and completely forget the things of most importance. While choosing the right Bible for YOU is very important, it is NOT important that everyone else agree with YOU on this personal decision. Fifty years ago the King James, or Authorized, Version of the Bible was considered by many to be the only reliable translation. Today, dozens of English translations are available. So, how does one decide which is best?
First, we need to recognize that there is no one translation that is the best. Even the writers of the New Testament books quote from several Greek translations of the Old Testament. Today we have no perfect translation, but there are a number which are very good. The real question is: Which is best for our particular needs? Generally, Pastor Steve teaches and preaches from the NEW King James version. If you decide to make SOAZCC your church home, you are welcome to use any version that you are comfortable with.
While we hold to the belief that the Bible is the inherent, perfect, WORD OF GOD, and we recognize that there are flaws in all English translations, this does not dissuade us from the belief that the Bible is still GOD' S WORD to us! When questions arise regarding the differences in translations, we simply go to the original Greek or Hebrew text for clarification. Remember, when searching original Hebrew and Greek texts, CONTEXTS MEANS EVERYTHING! II Timothy 3:16
*Note The NIV 2011or newer by Zondervan and any Wycliffe bible are no longer used or accepted by this church! They contain heresy.
One of the biggest quirks people seem to have today is what the Bible refers to as; “straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel.” Matthew 23:24 What this means essentially is; that many people tend to focus on things of lesser importance and completely forget the things of most importance. While choosing the right Bible for YOU is very important, it is NOT important that everyone else agree with YOU on this personal decision. Fifty years ago the King James, or Authorized, Version of the Bible was considered by many to be the only reliable translation. Today, dozens of English translations are available. So, how does one decide which is best?
First, we need to recognize that there is no one translation that is the best. Even the writers of the New Testament books quote from several Greek translations of the Old Testament. Today we have no perfect translation, but there are a number which are very good. The real question is: Which is best for our particular needs? Generally, Pastor Steve teaches and preaches from the NEW King James version. If you decide to make SOAZCC your church home, you are welcome to use any version that you are comfortable with.
While we hold to the belief that the Bible is the inherent, perfect, WORD OF GOD, and we recognize that there are flaws in all English translations, this does not dissuade us from the belief that the Bible is still GOD' S WORD to us! When questions arise regarding the differences in translations, we simply go to the original Greek or Hebrew text for clarification. Remember, when searching original Hebrew and Greek texts, CONTEXTS MEANS EVERYTHING! II Timothy 3:16
*Note The NIV 2011or newer by Zondervan and any Wycliffe bible are no longer used or accepted by this church! They contain heresy.
Do you believe the Gifts of Holy Spirit are for today?
In deciding whether this church is right for you or not, you can save yourself a great deal of time by keeping in mind one thing; if an issue is in the Bible and not deleted, corrected, or otherwise modified, (as in old testament law versus new Covenant) then we believe it! It seems to us that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are listed in the Bible, therefore, although we may not openly practice them as much as other churches, we DO believe they are biblical. As stated earlier, our emphasis is on teaching the Bible, and teaching YOU how to teach others. I Corinthians 12
Is it okay to clap or raise your hands during Worship?
Once again, in keeping with our answer about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, you are welcome to Worship any way you are comfortable. We only ask that you be considerate of others, not trying to draw attention to yourself, but giving ALL GLORY TO GOD!
I Corinthians 14:40
In deciding whether this church is right for you or not, you can save yourself a great deal of time by keeping in mind one thing; if an issue is in the Bible and not deleted, corrected, or otherwise modified, (as in old testament law versus new Covenant) then we believe it! It seems to us that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are listed in the Bible, therefore, although we may not openly practice them as much as other churches, we DO believe they are biblical. As stated earlier, our emphasis is on teaching the Bible, and teaching YOU how to teach others. I Corinthians 12
Is it okay to clap or raise your hands during Worship?
Once again, in keeping with our answer about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, you are welcome to Worship any way you are comfortable. We only ask that you be considerate of others, not trying to draw attention to yourself, but giving ALL GLORY TO GOD!
I Corinthians 14:40
What is your Theology?
This is the question of the day for many churches. If pressed to name a specific “theology” we would not give it a name, but would rather answer you with the Bible itself: 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
Do you have Sunday School for children?
Yes, we provide Children's Bible Time and babysitting for children 1-8 years.This are general ages and are subject to modification. Older children are requested to stay in the service with the adults. Don’t worry about them making noise, Pastor is used to his 11 grandchildren and does not get disturbed while he is teaching!
This is the question of the day for many churches. If pressed to name a specific “theology” we would not give it a name, but would rather answer you with the Bible itself: 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
Do you have Sunday School for children?
Yes, we provide Children's Bible Time and babysitting for children 1-8 years.This are general ages and are subject to modification. Older children are requested to stay in the service with the adults. Don’t worry about them making noise, Pastor is used to his 11 grandchildren and does not get disturbed while he is teaching!
Do you believe in homosexual “Marriage”?
The topic of “gay rights” has become extremely divisive, especially in Christian churches! Although societal norms are subject to change based on relevance, times, cultures, and desires of the world. The Bible and our beliefs in this specific church do not change. The Bible is very clear; any sexual activity outside of marriage is sin.
Mathew 5:27-28
This is why those who carry the torch for radical “gay rights” have worked so hard for many years to re-define the definition of what a Marriage is. True godly Marriage always has been and always will be that of; one man and one women, LEGALLY bound by their marriage.
Didn’t God make them “gay”?
Joseph Goebbels once said; if you “tell a lie often enough, the masses will soon believe you”. Nobody is born with same sex attraction(s) Homosexuality is a learned behavior based on; failure to bond with same sex parent as a child and or early childhood sexual abuse. Because radical homosexuals have worked so hard, for so many years, the acceptance of this lifestyle has become nearly universal. This leads many to either “experiment” later in life and or choose the lifestyle for their own (selfish) sexual gratification(s). Once again, learned behavior.
Are you saying that “gay” people don’t go to heaven?
What we believe is that anyone who commits sexual sin as a lifestyle (including adultery and fornication) has no appreciation or willingness to accept Christ’s sacrificial death to atone for those sins. We also believe that without repentance (turning from their sin) they will be separated from God for all eternity. The good news is; Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved! Acts 2:21- Romans 10:13
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – Galatians 5:19-21
Are people who are “gay” allowed to attend your church?
YES! Everyone who attends our church is expected to be respectfully of others and of the services. Those who wish to disrupt the service or cause commotion will be required to leave.
The topic of “gay rights” has become extremely divisive, especially in Christian churches! Although societal norms are subject to change based on relevance, times, cultures, and desires of the world. The Bible and our beliefs in this specific church do not change. The Bible is very clear; any sexual activity outside of marriage is sin.
Mathew 5:27-28
This is why those who carry the torch for radical “gay rights” have worked so hard for many years to re-define the definition of what a Marriage is. True godly Marriage always has been and always will be that of; one man and one women, LEGALLY bound by their marriage.
Didn’t God make them “gay”?
Joseph Goebbels once said; if you “tell a lie often enough, the masses will soon believe you”. Nobody is born with same sex attraction(s) Homosexuality is a learned behavior based on; failure to bond with same sex parent as a child and or early childhood sexual abuse. Because radical homosexuals have worked so hard, for so many years, the acceptance of this lifestyle has become nearly universal. This leads many to either “experiment” later in life and or choose the lifestyle for their own (selfish) sexual gratification(s). Once again, learned behavior.
Are you saying that “gay” people don’t go to heaven?
What we believe is that anyone who commits sexual sin as a lifestyle (including adultery and fornication) has no appreciation or willingness to accept Christ’s sacrificial death to atone for those sins. We also believe that without repentance (turning from their sin) they will be separated from God for all eternity. The good news is; Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved! Acts 2:21- Romans 10:13
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – Galatians 5:19-21
Are people who are “gay” allowed to attend your church?
YES! Everyone who attends our church is expected to be respectfully of others and of the services. Those who wish to disrupt the service or cause commotion will be required to leave.
What about Muslims, don’t they believe in the same God as we do?
From the Quran, the Muslim “bible”: “Allah has NO son”- Those who believe that Allah has a son must be admonished since this is a monstrous blasphemy and falsehood (18:4-6). Allah has never begotten a son and there are no deities beside him (23:91). May Allah destroy them. Sura 72-98
Not only was Jesus God in the flesh, He is the SON of God that’s what separates Christians from Muslims. Regardless of the fact that the President of the United States once said they do, they do not worship the same God!
From the Quran, the Muslim “bible”: “Allah has NO son”- Those who believe that Allah has a son must be admonished since this is a monstrous blasphemy and falsehood (18:4-6). Allah has never begotten a son and there are no deities beside him (23:91). May Allah destroy them. Sura 72-98
Not only was Jesus God in the flesh, He is the SON of God that’s what separates Christians from Muslims. Regardless of the fact that the President of the United States once said they do, they do not worship the same God!
- Does your church support or encourage the use of Daily Devotionals?
daily devotions. That would be an insurmountable task! Any daily devotional written by any individual that presents un-biblical teaching, or attempts to add to Scripture, must be discounted entirely, and the use of it will be discouraged by our Church leaders (Galatians 1:8)
Conclusion:
Our Church believes that reading the Bible is nourishment to one's soul. In keeping with Romans 14:5, We encourage individual Believers to ask themselves honestly if they are spending more time reading a daily devotional than they are reading the actual Scriptures in the Bible. If the answer to that question is in the affirmative, we strongly recommend partaking of the actual “Meat and Bread of Life” (the Bible) rather than consuming “quick snacks” or “desserts” in the form of a daily devotional, which may hinder a person's growth as a Believer. “Quick snacks” or “desserts” may have their place (especially for new Believers), but they will not promote strong, long term, healthy growth. Feed your soul with the “Meat and Bread of Life” - the Bible!