Foursquare

[Jane]

This is the Foursquare Delcaration of Faith "in a nutshell". The entire declaration is available on the website at [ftp]http://www.foursquare.org[/ftp]

THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
We believe the Bible is God-inspired (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

THE ETERNAL GODHEAD
We believe God is Triune: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14).

THE FALL OF MAN
We believe that man was created in the image of God, but that by voluntary disobedience he fell from perfection (Romans 5:12).

THE PLAN OF SALVATION
We believe that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, signing the pardon of all who believe on Him (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).

SALVATION THROUGH GRACE
We believe that we have no righteousness and must come to God pleading the righteousness of Christ (Ephesians 2:8).

REPENTANCE AND ACCEPTANCE
We believe that upon sincere repentance, and a whole-hearted acceptance of Christ, we are justified before God (I John 1:9).

THE NEW BIRTH
We believe that the change which takes place in the heart and life at conversion is a very real one (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20).

DAILY CHRISTIAN LIVING
We believe that it is the will of God that we be sanctified daily, growing constantly in the faith (Hebrews 6:1).

BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
We believe that baptism by immersion is an outward sign of an inward work (Matt. 28:19). We believe in the commemoration of the Lord's Supper by the symbolic use of the bread and juice of the vine (I Corinthians 11:24, 25).

BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is to endue the believer with power; and that His incoming is after the same manner as in Bible days (Acts 2:4).

THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE
We believe that it is the will of God that we walk in the Spirit daily (Ephesians 4:30-32).

THE GIFTS AND FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit has gifts to bestow upon the Christian; and that we should show spiritual fruit as evidence of a Spirit-filled life (I Corinthians 12:1-11; Galatians 5:22).

MODERATION
We believe that the experience and daily walk of the believer should never lead him into extremes of fanaticism (Philippians 4:5).

DIVINE HEALING
We believe that divine healing is the power of Christ to heal the physically sick in answer to the prayer of faith (James 5:14-16).

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
We believe that the second coming of Christ is personal and imminent (I Thessalonians 4:16, 17).

CHURCH RELATIONSHIP
We believe it is our sacred duty to identify ourselves with the visible Body of Christ (Acts 16:5; Hebrews 10:25).

CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that rulers should be upheld at all times except in things opposed to the will of God (Romans 13:1-5).

THE FINAL JUDGEMENT
We believe that all shall stand some day before the judgement seat of God, and there receive eternal life or death (2 Corinthians 5:10).

HEAVEN
We believe that Heaven is the glorious eternal home of born-again believers (John 14:1-3; Revelation 7:15-17).

HELL
We believe that hell is the place of eternal torment for all who reject Christ as the Savior (Revelation 20:10,15).

EVANGELISM
We believe that soul winning is the most important responsibility of the Church (James 5:20).

TITHES AND OFFERINGS
We believe that the method ordained of God for the support and spread of His cause is by giving of tithes and free-will offerings (Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:7).

[Jane]

Below is a list of Foursquare's core values as stated by Foursquare's current president, Dr. Paul Risser.

1. Placing a high priority on evangelism
2. Exalting Christ
3. Cultivating Spirit-filled churches
4. Pursuing cutting-edge ministry
5. Maintaining a balance of doctrine and conduct
6. Nurturing a passion for world missions
7. Emphasizing teaching and preaching that guide, instruct, and encourage
8. Upholding an interdenominational spirit
9. Embracing diversity in cultures, genders, and generations
10. Fostering churches that reproduce ministers and ministries
11. Promoting a church environment that focuses on life, joy, and hope
12. Providing places to serve
13. Valuing a team perspective
14. Contending for fresh vision that lends direction and purpose
15. Practicing humility
Paul Risser, President, ICFG
May 2002

[Jane]

Here is the position of the Foursquare church on some current issues.  There are 16. Here is the first eight.  The denominational statement is long, so if you want to review specific areas, please go to the website and investigate the whole thing.

MEDICAL PROCEDURES:

1. Abortion - Refer to denominational statement.
2. Birth Control (Conception Prevention) - This is left to the individuals concerned, however, following conception we are opposed to the use of abortifacients.
3. Healing of the Sick and Injured - We believe in Divine Healing through the providence of God in response to prayer and encourage all people to believe the Lord for deliverance. We also recognize the medical profession as an instrument in God's hands.
4. Operations and Organ Transplants - These are considered to be a personal choice for the individuals concerned.
5. Dissection, Autopsies and Donations to Organ Banks - These are left to the individuals concerned.
6. Prolongation of Life and "Right to Die" (Removal of Life Support) - These are left to the individuals concerned.
7. Dietary Laws - We have no dietary restrictions.
8. Sterilization - Sterilization should be left up to the individual. It should not be mandatory.

***check the next post for the rest of them***

[Jane]

The last eight current issues position:

9. The Role of Government in Requiring Specific Courses in Public Education - We object to certain courses, like evolution and the liberalities used in sex education. We believe it is the responsibility of the government to see that a good general education is provided for all.
10. View on Sex Education in Public/Private Schools - Sex education should be the primary responsibility of the parents with schools being secondary. This responsibility should extend to encourage acceptable educational programs in both private and public schools.
11. View on Women in Leadership in Church Offices - We believe that God calls both men and women equally into the ministry. The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel was founded by a woman, Aimee Semple McPherson. The Foursquare Church has continually been blessed by the ministry of men and women. Please refer to the denominational statement on women in ministry.
12. Position on Racial Integration in Church Membership and Church Offices - Please refer to the denominational statement of the 1992 International Convention. Please refer to the denominational statement on racism.
13. Position regarding to Operating or Subsidizing Institutional Services - Many such activities are carried out by individual churches. These are encouraged, providing the churches' initial ministries are kept dominant.
14. Position on Public Funding of Parochial Schools - We would favor this if it could be guaranteed freedom from government restrictions.
15. Position on Prayer in Public Schools - We favor prayer in public schools.
16. Civil Disobedience - We believe the Scripture teaches we are to be good citizens of our nation, living in obedience to the laws, "except only in the things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ." (See DECLARATION OF FAITH, Section XVII.)

[vieja47]

Well, as it is easy to see, the A/G and Foursquare doctrines are identical. The reason for two different denominations is predominantly church government. It's my understanding that Foursquare congregations hire pastors of their choosing, whereas in A/G it is the decision of the Board.

Do you know of any other differences between our denominations, Jane?  I can't think of any.

Comparing A/G to Baptist, we agree with 3 of the 5 Baptist distinctives (excluding #2 and #5), and of course, Baptists would not agree with most of the A/G distinctives I've noted in my post with an *asterisk.

In the subsequent 5 general core beliefs LH posted, A/G denomination agrees with ALL 5.

[Jane]

Vieja,

We have an "Episcopal" form of government.

What is A/G?

I knew we were close in many, many foundational beliefs.

Jane

[Geleeze]

Unless a new group is using this, A/G is shorthand for Assembly of God.

God bless

[Don]

My community church is considering having foursquare provide some sort of covering, but not (yet) become a official foursquare church, as far as I know.

Do you know what this might mean?
Some people from my church went to a multiday day conf. in VA and just returned, saying it was good.
Don

[Jane]

Hi, Don!

I have found Foursquare to be one of the most balanced denominations out there.

I've been to function after function after function, many District Conventions, and I've always been blessed. The Women's Conventions are always awesome.

It's a wonderful denomination to belong to.

Keep me posted!

Jane
lafsmuch

[Don]

My non-denom church voted to join 4 square last Sunday, I was not there and voted absentee. Now we petition them to join. I hope to find out more tonight.
Don