Beliefs
The River at Smyrna is a fellowship member of the Assemblies of God. We adhere to the 16 Fundamental Doctrines of the fellowship. These doctrines are essential to the growth of the Church and reaching the community and world for Christ and the move of His Spirit.
The Scriptures Inspired
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and declares His plan and guide for mankind.
– 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13: 2 Peter 1:21
The One True God
We believe there is One True God revealed in three persons; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
– Deuteronomy 6:4; John 14:16-17
The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ
We believe in the full deity of Jesus Christ, who was both man and completely God.
– Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3
The Fall of Man
We believe man willingly fell in to sin. Because of that, evil and death (both physically and spiritually) were introduced to the world.
– Gensis 1:26-27, 3:6; Romans 5:12-19
The Salvation of Man
We believe the only way to restore fellowship with God is by the forgivness of sins through Jesus Christ which leads us to a full relatonship with Him.
– Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8
The Ordinances of the Church
We believe in two ordinances that show our true commitment to God: water baptism by immersion after receiving salvation and communion as a symbolic remembrance of Christ’s suffering and death for our salvation.
– Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
We believe in the free gift of the baptism of the Holy Spirit for all believers. It is a unique experience which follows salvation and empowers the believer to live an effective and fulfilling life in Jesus and as a witness to those who don’t believe.
– Acts 1:8; Matthew 3:11; Acts 10:44-46
The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
We believe in the baptism in the Holy Spirit through speaking in tongues as demonstrated on the Day of Pentecost and referenced throughout Acts and the Epistles is the initial evidence of this experience.
– Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 12:28
Sanctification
We believe sanctification is a lifelong process of separating the believer from sin and death and drawing them to become more Christ-like.
– Romans 6:1-4, 12:1-2; Philippians 2:12-13.
The Church and Its Mission
We believe there is one Holy Church, regardless of denomination, whose mission it is to seek and save all who are lost in sin.
– Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
The Ministry
We believe a God calls and ordains leadership who serve in ministry to the Church. The Bible teaches us to commit ourselves to this leadership by reaching others for Christ, worshipping Him in corporate unity, building each other up through discipleship, and to meet others where they are through acts of love and compassion.
– Ephesians 4:11-13; Galatians 6:9-10; James 1:27
Divine Healing
We believe in the divine and miraculous healing of the sick which is given to us through Christ’s atonement.
– Isaiah 53:4-5; James 5:14-16
The Blessed Hope
We believe with great expectancy in the Blessed Hope: Christ’s glorious return to claim his Church.
– 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52
The Millennial Reign of Christ
We believe Christ will reign supreme on the earth with those who follow Him and bring about universal peace.
– Matthew 24:27-31; Revelation 19:11-14; Micah 4:1-5
The Final Judgment
We believe that God is the ultimate judge, and those who did not choose to have a relationship with Him will suffer eternal separation.
– Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 20:11-15
The New Heavens and the New Earth
We believe that we will live eterntally with God in a new Heaven and new Earth that Christ is preparing for all believers.
– 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21-22
Statement of Fundamental Truths is the official delineation of the Assemblies of God’s 16 doctrines. These truths are non-negotiable beliefs that all Assemblies of God churches adhere to. For a more detailed explanation of our beliefs, you can download the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God.