Our Core Beliefs

1. Jesus’ Teachings Above All

Jesus’ words have ultimate authority. In any conflict between the apostles and Jesus’ direct teachings, Jesus’ words hold final authority.

“A disciple is not above his teacher,

nor a servant above his master”

— Matthew 10:24

“No servant is greater than his master,

nor is an apostle greater

than the one who sent him”

— John 13:16

Most bible versions has mistranslated “apostle” to “messenger” in this verse, but the Greek word is ἀπόστολος apostolos, Strong’s 652, which means “apostle”.

“For I tell you truly, until Heaven and Earth pass away,

not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen,

will disappear from the Law

until everything is accomplished”

— Matthew 5:18

Jesus’ teaching on salvation, obedience, and living according to God’s commandments takes precedence over any tradition or reinterpretation.

2. God’s Commandments and Obedience

Salvation is about obedience to God’s commandments. While grace is the starting point, true salvation and discipleship include living according to God’s commands, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

“For from His fullness,

we have all received

grace upon grace”

— John 1:16

It is important to acknowledge what “grace” means. The Greek words for grace in this sentence are χάριν charin and χάριτος charitos, Strong’s 5485, which could mean “the act of graciousness and being generous in manner” as well as “benevolence”. However, the main and most important translation of the Greek word for “grace” is “the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in life”.

The word “grace” actually means that God has changed a person’s heart and that this change is shown in that person’s life. This person follows God’s commandments and has also received the ability to understand and recognize the truth through Jesus and through the Holy Spirit. This is a person with the ability to distinguish good from evil. This is revealed in the next verse:

“For the law was given through Moses;

grace (the divine influence upon the heart,

and its reflection in life)

and truth came through Jesus Christ”

— John 1:17

“If you love me,

keep my commandments”

— John 14:15

Jesus emphasized that good works (obedience to God’s commands) are evidence of true discipleship and an indicator of a person’s faith.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’

will enter the kingdom of Heaven,

but only he who does the will

of My Father in Heaven”

— Matthew 7:21

3. The Narrow Gate

The way to eternal life is narrow, and it requires personal sacrifice, obedience, and the rejection of worldly values.

“Enter through the narrow gate.

For wide is the gate and broad is the way

that leads to destruction,

and many enter through it.

But small is the gate and narrow the way

that leads to life, and only a few find it”

— Matthew 7:13-14

4. Equality of All People in Christ

Reject hierarchical structures that place certain groups in subordinate roles. Jesus made it clear that all people, regardless of gender, social status, or background, are equal in God’s eyes.

5. The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is essential for living out the commandments and the will of God. Without the Holy Spirit, good works are meaningless.

6. The Apostles and Their Role

The teachings of the apostles, though valuable, should not overshadow the teachings of Jesus. Some aspects of the apostles’ letters appear to prioritize worldly concerns or practices that go against the simplicity of Jesus' call.

Jesus’ commands on love, humility, and forgiveness often challenge the apostolic view of hierarchy and worldly power structures.