as a church, we believe…
THE BIBLE
We believe the Bible is God’s word to us. It was written by human authors supernaturally inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is without error in the original manuscripts and is trustworthy. It applies to every area of life and is the authority in all matters on which it speaks.
Psalm 19:7-11, 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5,
2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21
GOD
There is one true God who has existed and will exist forever in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These are equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Deuteronomy 6:4, Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; Colossians 1:15-17, 1 Peter 1:2;
2 Corinthians 13:14
JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is fully man and fully God. He is the living Word who became flesh through His miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and virgin birth. He lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He rose physically from the dead to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended into heaven and will return again to earth to reign as King.
Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:1-5, 14, 8:58; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Colossians 1:15-17; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Hebrews 4:14-15
THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is coequal with God the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Christ. He convicts of sin and draws sinners to Christ. He provides Christ followers with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right and pleasing to God. He gives every believer spiritual gifts when they are saved. These gifts are given to equip us to minister in the world in which we live. As Christ followers, we are to seek to live under His control every day so that we will not carry out the desires of the flesh, but will bear fruit that will glorify God.
Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Galatians 5:25; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13, 5:18
HUMAN BEINGS
Humans are created in the image of God, but each one has fallen short of God’s perfect standard. We have all sinned by being disobedient toward God. Because of our sin, we are separated from God and are all in need of salvation.
Genesis 1:26-27; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2; Ephesians 2:1-3, 4:18-19
SALVATION
Salvation from our sinful condition and destination is a free gift to us from God. You can never make up for your sin through good works. Salvation is not earned and we do not deserve it. It is offered in grace and we receive it by faith in Jesus Christ alone. When we turn from our self ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. We are made right with God and are given eternal life.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 3:28, 5:1, 10:9-10; John 3:16
ETERNITY
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell where His full wrath will be experienced. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16, 14:3; Romans 6:23, 8:17-18, Revelation 20:15, 1 Corinthians 2:7-9
worship etiquette
“Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well being.” 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
The following etiquette guidelines are established by the pastors/elders of Emmaus to promote the freedom of worship expressed in a proper and orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:40). It is our heart that Emmaus would be a people unafraid to be passionate in worship and uninhibited in their expression of love to our Father. However, these principles of decorum are established to ensure that individual expressions of worship do not distract the church body as a whole. While rules and guidelines may be helpful, ultimately love for God and one another must be our guide. Please keep in mind your brothers and sisters in Christ as you worship alongside them.
tongues
We believe that tongues are a legitimate and healthy expression of worship in the church today. While we maintain that not everyone is given this gift, we agree with scripture that speaking in tongues edifies the speaker and, when interpreted, the church as a whole and those with the gift should be given freedom to express this spiritual gift.
The guidelines for tongues at Emmaus:
No more than three shall speak in tongues in a service and each shall speak in turn.
Interpretation shall be given, whether by the speaker himself/herself or from someone within the congregation. If no interpretation is given, then the one speaking in tongues shall cease.
Praying or singing in the Spirit is encouraged. Please keep your volume at a level that does not cause confusion as to whether or not your expression is meant for the church as a whole or for you as an individual.
prophesy
We believe that prophecy is a vital expression of worship in the church. Prophecy is given for edification, exhortation, and consolation. While it may include foretelling, it more often is an expression of God’s thoughts and desires toward the hearers. Prophecy is to be desired, but it is to be tested.
Before sharing a prophecy for the whole church we ask that you would first speak with an elder/pastor in order that the prophecy may be tested. They will then determine how and when the prophecy shall be shared. Please, understand that if your word is not shared that it doesn’t mean that it wasn’t believed to be legitimate. The elders take very seriously what we hear from the congregation.
The guidelines for prophesy at Emmaus
We very much encourage the sharing of prophecy and encouragement to one another as individuals. We would only ask in sharing that, when appropriate, it would be given in the presence of another witness. We would also ask that prophecy meant for a person of the opposite sex be given in a public place, preferably during the time set aside for encouragement within the Sunday morning worship service.
When prophesying over someone else, be aware that it is not your responsibility to change someone’s heart. Give opportunity for the spirit to work. If the hearer decides not to listen, it is not your responsibility to make them listen. Share, then pray that the spirit would move.
other expressions
Dancing : Dancing is encouraged as long as it is done with respect to the rest of the congregation. Space is limited, so please be aware of crowding those around you. Also, please refrain from anything that might seem suggestive and please wear modest clothing.
Shouting, clapping, etc : Everyone is encouraged to make a joyful noise before the Lord, as long as it is done with respect with the rest of the congregation. Please be aware of the different “moods” of the service. There are times for shouting and times for stillness.
Testimony : From time to time, the congregation will be asked for volunteers to testify. Please keep your testimony brief and appropriate for all ages and sexes. Also, refrain from too much teaching while you speak. Your testimony is your story. Let the spirit do the teaching as you share.