Coast Chapel’s Declaration of Faith,

1. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES

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

2. THE ETERNAL GODHEAD

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

3. 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).

4. 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).

5. SALVATION THROUGH GRACE

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

6. 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).

7. 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).

8. 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).

9. 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).

10. 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).

11. THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE

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

12. 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).

13. MODERATION

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

14. 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).

15. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

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

16. CHURCH RELATIONSHIP

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

17. 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).

18. 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).

19. HEAVEN

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

20. HELL

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

21. EVANGELISM

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

22. 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).

Below is a list of Coast Chapel’s core values

• 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

MEDICAL PROCEDURES:

1. Abortion - we express our commitment to support the God-given right of each child to live out his or her full life from conception to natural death. We believe that abortion on demand is a moral and spiritual evil which strikes at the very foundations of decency, human responsibility and godliness.

Furthermore, we express strong conviction against so-called "partial birth abortion" which is a crime against the child and the family. Our support for the life of each child embraces, but is not limited to:

1. Prayer - as the first and most powerful weapon the people of God have in defeating wickedness;

2. Ministry - as our call to serve any and all who have be en impacted by the events surrounding an abortion and who have found themselves damaged by such hurtful circumstances; and

3. Abortion Prevention - as our concern by offering prayer, counsel and scriptural instruction, encouraging adoptions and making crisis pregnancy intervention available to those seeking our help; and

4. Civic Responsibility - as our constitutional right to peacefully protest the immorality of abortion according to our convictions.

Trusting our Creator, we commit ourselves to reverence, to responsible living and to loyal participation in governmental processes.

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.

9. Burial/Cremation of Fetus - This matter is left to the individuals concerned.

10. Burial/Cremation - This matter is left to the individuals concerned.

11. Attitudes toward Medication, Vaccines and Blood - We are sympathetic to medication including blood transfusions and vaccines. We are opposed to the use of narcotics, except under strict medical supervision.

12. Hypnosis - We are opposed to any form of hypnosis.

13. Occult Practices - We are opposed to all occult practices, including communication with spirits and altered states of consciousness.

14. Attitudes toward Therapies - Generally, we approve of professional therapeutic treatment in recognized and legitimate forms. There probably would be restrictions in "off-beat" practices.

POLITICAL, MORAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES:

1. Homosexuality - We are opposed to homosexuality. Based on the teaching of the Holy Scripture, it is declared to be sin. We encourage those engaged in homosexuality activity to cease such acts, and to seek forgiveness and deliverance through Jesus Christ. The Scripture declare that God created mankind male and female. The partner for man is woman, and the partner for woman is man. Together they are to be one flesh. Furthermore, the Biblical record shows that sexual union was established exclusively within the context of a male-female relationship and formalized in the ordinance of marriage. In the New Testament, the oneness of male and female in marriage pictures the relationship between Christ and His Church.

Everywhere in Scripture the sexual relationship between man and woman within the bonds of marriage is viewed as something natural and beautiful, from which children are born. However, homosexual activity, like adulterous relationships, is clearly condemned in the Scriptures. God declares the practice of homosexuality an abomination in His sight. The practice of homosexuality involves a personal choice and is described as a degrading and unnatural passion. The Scriptures identify the practice of homosexuality a sin that, if persisted in, brings grave consequences in this life and excludes one from the Kingdom of God. As Christ's Church, ministers and congregations should compassionately proclaim the Good News of Christ's forgiveness and encourage those involved in homosexual activities to accept His forgiveness, to pray for their deliverance and to cease those practices. With God nothing is impossible. Further, upon confession of faith in Jesus Christ and demonstration of a true and lasting repentance, as with any other forgiven sinner, the hand of fellowship should be extended, encouraging them in spiritual growth and discipleship.

Biblical Foundation (quoted from the New King James Version):

1. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24)

2. Wives submit to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.

3. You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22) If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination (Leviticus 20:13a.). For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of his bones. ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:22-32)

4. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchange the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. (Romans 1:26, 27)

5. Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. (I Corinthians 6:9, 10)

6. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (I Corinthians 6:11)

2. Divorce - We encourage strong marital relationships and discourage divorce, except in extreme cases and then only as a last resort. We believe in healing for crumbling or broken marriage. Divorced and remarried persons are accepted in love and grace as members, provided they have received Christ as their Savior and demonstrate the Christian life. We believe God alone is the final judge. High standards have been set for ministerial credentials. The Corporate Bylaws cover the subject of divorce and remarriage relating to clergy. There are ethics committees established to consider individual cases upon appeal.

3. Premarital/Extra-Marital Sexual Activity - The Holy Bible declares such activities to be sin. We are opposed to all sex outside of marriage. We encourage those engaged in these relationships to cease such acts, and to seek forgiveness and deliverance through Jesus Christ.

4. Dress and Conduct - We encourage modesty and moderation. We have no published regulations as such. We approve of good, clean, healthy recreation and entertainment.

5. Death Penalty - The Bible authorizes the death penalty, but permits mercy. No one is beyond the redemptive grace of our Lord.

6. The Role of Government in Requiring Medical Treatment - Generally, we are in agreement that all should receive treatment, but we recognize the individual's right to refusal.

7. Position on the Tax Status of Property Owned by Religious Groups - We believe in exemption from taxation of all properties used for religious purposes, but not those used for unrelated business purposes.

8. Position on Religious Services, Personnel and Facilities in State Institutions - We favor this and participate at several levels.

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.

12. Position on Public Funding of Parochial Schools - We would favor this if it could be guaranteed freedom from government restrictions.

13. 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."

13. 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."