Christian House of Prayer - San Angelo
"Lift Up A Standard For The People" - Isaiah 62:10
Christian House Of Prayer - San Angelo is committed to supporting traditional family values, providing and enhancing quality education for children and sound Biblical application for adults.
Statement of Faith
1. The Scriptures
The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is the product of holy men of old who spoke and wrote as the Holy Spirit moved them. The New Covenant, as recorded in the New Testament, we accept as our infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct and doctrine. (II Timothy 3:16, I Thessalonians 2:13, II Peter 1:21)
2. The Godhead
Our God is One, but manifested in three persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Philippians 2:6, Matthew 3:16-17)
3. Man, His Fall, and Redemption Through Christ
Man was created in the likeness and image of the Father, but through Adam's transgressions and fall, sin came into the world. Consequently, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". As it is written, "There is none righteous, no, not one". Jesus Christ came into this world to redeem mankind back to the Father and undo the works of the devil. His blood was shed to pave the way of salvation for all that will believe and accept Him. (John 3:16-17, Romans 3:23, 6:23, and 10:9-10)
4. Eternal Life and New Birth
Man's first step toward God is godly sorrow that worketh repentance. The new birth is necessary to all men, and when it is fulfilled, it produces eternal life. (John 3:3-5, John 3:16, II Corinthians 7:10, I John 5:12)
5. Water Baptism
Baptism in water is by immersion at CHOP-SA and is for believers only. This ordinance is a symbol of a Christian's identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. It is an outward show of an inward change, which has taken place in the life of the believer. (Matthew 28:19, Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12, Acts 8:36-39)
6. Baptism in the Holy Ghost
The Baptism in the Holy Ghost is a gift from God as promised by Jesus Christ to those who are believers. The "initial" evidence of speaking in tongues accompanies this experience as the Holy Spirit gives utterance. (John 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, 19:1-7, and 2:4)
7. Sanctification
The Bible teaches that "Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord". We believe in the doctrine of sanctification as a definite progressive work of grace, which commences at the time of regeneration and continues until Jesus' return. It is a lifestyle necessary to keep you free from lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and the pride of life. (Hebrews 12:14, I Thessalonians 5:23, II Peter 3:18, II Corinthians 3:18, Philippians 3:12-14)
8. Divine Healing
Healing is for the physical illness of the human body and is worked by the power of God through prayer, faith, and by the laying on of hands. It was provided through the Atonement of Christ and is a privilege of every believer. (Isaiah 53:4-5, James 5:16, I Peter 2:24)
9. Tithing
We believe God's economic plan of prosperity starts when a person begins to tithe. Tithing is one-tenth of a person's gross (not net) salary or increase; it represents the "firstfruits" of your income. Tithing differs from offerings in that offerings are freewill gifts that add to the ministry; tithing, however, is commanded by God. (Genesis 28:22 and 14:18-20, Malachi 3:9-10, Proverbs 3:9, Matthew 6:19-21, Deuteronomy 14:22)
10. Hell and the Eternal Resurrection
The person who dies in his sins without Christ is hopelessly and eternally lost in the Lake of Fire and unfortunately has no further opportunity to hear the Gospel for repentance and salvation. The Lake of Fire is literal; we do not ascribe to a "holding place" where someone can pray for a more final determination as to where a person will spend eternity. (Hebrews 9:27, 6:1-2, Revelation 19:20, Isaiah 11:1)
11. Communion
We partake in the Lord's Supper to "show the Lord's death until He comes" (I Corinthians 11:23). The bread symbolizes the Lord's body broken (Isaiah 53:5). The cup represents the new covenant of His blood, which provides us forgiveness and relationship with God. Before partaking in communion, a person should first "examine himself" and repent from all uncleanness. (I Corinthians 11:27)
12. Laying on of Hands
This is a simple belief that the power of God and anointing or any other necessary quality can be transferred from one person to another. The Levitical Priesthood practiced laying-on of hands. Jesus did it Mark 10:13-16. We also practice it for healing (Mark 5:22, James 5:16); to confer an office (Acts 6:2-6); to impart or receive the anointing and for ordination or to receive ministry tools (gifts). (I Timothy 4:14)
