At Emanuel Romanian Pentecostal Church Tampa, we stand firmly on the foundation of our faith in Christ and the infallible Word of God, as revealed in the Holy Bible. Our Statement of Faith reflects the fundamental beliefs that guide our church community and shape our walk with God.
The Holy Scriptures
We believe that the entire Holy Scriptures, including both the Old and New Testaments, are divinely inspired by God and are the ultimate authority for our faith and actions. We rely on the King James Version and the Cornilescu Romanian Bible as faithful translations of the original manuscripts, providing timeless wisdom and divine guidance.
Our Faith
We confess our belief in the one true God. We believe in God the Father, in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
The Deity of Jesus Christ
We affirm the deity of Jesus Christ, that He is the Son of God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was born here on earth of the virgin Mary. Jesus Christ lived a sinless life. He was crucified for our sins, rose from the dead, and was ascended to the right hand of the Father (Colossians 2:9; Matthew 1:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Salvation through Faith
We believe in salvation, and that is salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It is by God's grace that we are saved, not by our own works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). We also believe that faith without works is dead, as stated in James 2:20 KJV - "But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?"
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers for service and ministry. This baptism is accompanied by speaking in tongues or other spiritual gifts, and that the Spirit of God gives to every man according to the will of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 12:11).
Spiritual Gifts and Ministry
We recognize the operation of spiritual gifts within the body of believers, equipping us for service and edification. These gifts, including prophecy, healing, and tongues, are given by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
Divine Healing
We affirm the biblical teaching on divine healing, both physical and emotional, as part of Christ's redemptive work. We believe that God still heals today in response to faith-filled prayer (James 5:14-15; Isaiah 53:5).We also believe that true and divine healing of any kind, either physical, mental, emotional or spiritual, comes from God directly. Psalm 103:3 KJV – “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;”
Sovereignty of God
We believe in the Sovereign God who is supreme, has ultimate power and control and exercises His ruling power over all His creation.
Psalm 103:19 KJV – “The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.”
Psalm 147:5 KJV – “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.”
The Second Coming of Christ
We eagerly and patiently await the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who will come again in power and glory to judge the living and the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 22:12).
Eternal Life
We believe in the resurrection of the dead and the eternal life that awaits believers in the presence of God. Those who are in Christ will enjoy everlasting communion with Him, while those who reject Him will face eternal separation (John 3:16; Revelation 21:3-4).
In accordance with these foundational truths, we are committed to worshiping God in spirit and in truth, nurturing believers in their faith journey, and sharing the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ with the world. As we gather in unity and love, we seek to honor God in all we do and to fulfill the Great Commission of making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with each and every one of us now and forevermore.
Bible Verse References (KJV):
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."