The Apostolic Doctrine

The Apostolic Doctrine

Continuing in the Apostles’ Doctrine

At New Heights Apostolic Church, we believe the Church today is called to continue in the same doctrine that was preached and practiced by the apostles of Jesus Christ.

The Apostolic doctrine is not a new teaching, nor is it simply a denominational tradition. It is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the message His apostles preached after receiving the Holy Ghost.

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Acts 2:42 KJV

We believe that if the apostles preached it, taught it, and practiced it under the direction of the Holy Ghost, the Church should continue steadfastly in that truth today.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
Hebrews 13:8 KJV

The Apostolic Message Began With Jesus Christ

The apostles did not establish their own religion. They were chosen, taught, commissioned, and sent by Jesus Christ.

Before His ascension, Jesus commanded His disciples to preach repentance and remission of sins among all nations:

“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
Luke 24:47 KJV

Jesus also told them to wait in Jerusalem until they received power from on high.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…”
Acts 1:8 KJV

That promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost.

The Day of Pentecost

Acts chapter 2 records the birth of the New Testament Church.

“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Acts 2:4 KJV

When the people witnessed what was happening and heard Peter preach Jesus Christ, they were convicted and asked:

“Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Acts 2:37 KJV

Peter answered:

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Acts 2:38 KJV

This is the Apostolic message of salvation that New Heights continues to preach.

Baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ

We believe in water baptism by complete immersion in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.

The apostles consistently baptized converts in the name of Jesus Christ.

The Samaritans:

“…only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Acts 8:16 KJV

The household of Cornelius:

“And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.”
Acts 10:48 KJV

The believers at Ephesus:

“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Acts 19:5 KJV

Paul was instructed:

“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
Acts 22:16 KJV

Therefore, we follow the Apostolic pattern and baptize in the saving name of Jesus Christ.

The Holy Ghost Is for the Church Today

We believe the baptism of the Holy Ghost was not limited to the apostles or the first century.

Peter declared:

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
Acts 2:39 KJV

We believe the initial biblical evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost is speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.

This occurred on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 and was also witnessed when the Gentiles received the Holy Ghost:

“For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.”
Acts 10:46 KJV

The Apostolic Church is not merely a church that talks about Pentecost. We believe in experiencing Pentecost.

One God Revealed in Jesus Christ

The Apostolic doctrine declares the absolute oneness of God.

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:”
Deuteronomy 6:4 KJV

The New Testament reveals this one God manifested in flesh.

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh…”
1 Timothy 3:16 KJV

Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 KJV

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…”
John 1:14 KJV

Jesus is the image of the invisible God:

“Who is the image of the invisible God…”
Colossians 1:15 KJV

And Scripture declares:

“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
Colossians 2:9 KJV

Therefore, we boldly proclaim Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh.

Apostolic Doctrine Produces Apostolic Living

Being Apostolic is not only about what we believe concerning baptism, the Godhead, or speaking in tongues. The doctrine of the apostles also produces a transformed way of living.

We believe those who have experienced the New Birth are called to continue growing in grace, obedience, holiness, prayer, and the Word.

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;”
1 Peter 1:15 KJV

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”
Hebrews 12:14 KJV

We believe the Word continually washes and sanctifies the believer:

“That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.”
Ephesians 5:26 KJV

The Holy Ghost gives us power, but we must continually submit ourselves to God’s Word and allow Him to transform our minds, character, conduct, and lives.

Prayer, Fellowship and Breaking of Bread

Acts 2:42 does not only mention doctrine. The early Church continued in fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers.

Therefore, we believe an Apostolic church should be a praying church.

We believe in corporate prayer, personal prayer, fasting, fellowship among believers, caring for one another, serving one another, and building a strong community of faith.

“They continued stedfastly… in prayers.”
Acts 2:42 KJV

Doctrine gives us a foundation, but our doctrine should also be demonstrated through the way we live and love one another.

The Power and Gifts of the Holy Ghost

We believe the Holy Ghost is still operating in the Church.

We believe in divine healing, miracles, prophecy, tongues and interpretation, discerning of spirits, and the other gifts of the Spirit described in Scripture.

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”
1 Corinthians 12:7 KJV

We believe these gifts should operate according to Scripture, in biblical order, and for the edification of the body of Christ—not for the exaltation of individuals.

The Five-Fold Ministry

We believe Jesus Christ gave ministry gifts to His Church:

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;”
Ephesians 4:11 KJV

Their purpose is:

“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”
Ephesians 4:12 KJV

Ministry is not about titles or recognition. It is about serving, equipping, teaching, reaching souls, and building the body of Christ.

We Must Earnestly Contend for the Faith

We believe the Church has a responsibility to preserve and proclaim biblical truth without changing the message to accommodate the culture.

“…earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”
Jude 3 KJV

Our methods of reaching people may develop with time, but the Gospel itself does not change.

We will continue preaching repentance.

We will continue baptizing in Jesus’ name.

We will continue preaching the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

We will continue teaching holiness.

We will continue believing in the power and gifts of the Spirit.

We will continue reaching for souls.

And we will continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine as we prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ.

THE MESSAGE HAS NOT CHANGED.

“One Lord, One faith, One baptism.”
Ephesians 4:5 KJV

APOSTOLIC IN DOCTRINE.
PENTECOSTAL IN EXPERIENCE.
HOLINESS IN LIVING.
JESUS CHRIST AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL.