Pastor Gus Flaherty, A Word From Your Shepherd, Fair Haven Assembly of God Church

"A Word"
From Your Shepherd

Dr. Leland (Gus) O. Flaherty

January 2008

    It is my conviction that the reason Fair Haven Assembly of God exists is to bring glory to God by becoming a strong voice for Jesus Christ in Central Wayne County. We are helping people come to know Jesus as we all become His fully devoted followers. Statistics reveal that our American culture is becoming more and more secularized. Fewer and fewer people are seeing a need for the God of the Bible or the organized church in their daily lives. In addition, Fair Haven finds itself in the midst of a growing population of Arabic Muslims. If there ever was a time when there needed to be a strong voice for Jesus in Central Wayne County, now is the time.
    One thing that is vitally important for all of us, to collectively be that voice, is for us to know what we believe. As an Assembly of God church, there are 16 fundamental beliefs to which we subscribe. In the coming year, instead of attempting to memorize a Bible verse each month, I am planning to have us memorize one or two of these 16 fundamental beliefs, so that if anyone were ever to ask you, "So, what is it that you believe anyway?" you could provide a meaningful answer. As sort of a preview of what's to come, here is a summary of our 16 fundamental beliefs.
1. WE BELIEVE…the Scriptures are Inspired by God
2. WE BELIEVE…There is only One True God
3. WE BELIEVE…In the Deity of Jesus Christ
4. WE BELIEVE…Man Willingly Fell into Sin
5. WE BELIEVE… Everyone can be restored to fellowship with God through accepting Christ's offer of forgiveness for sin
6. WE BELIEVE…and practice 2 ordinances: Water Baptism and Holy Communion
7. WE BELIEVE…In the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
8. WE BELIEVE…The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is Speaking in Tongues
9. WE BELIEVE… Sanctification Initially Occurs at Salvation and continues throughout our lives
10. WE BELIEVE…The Church has a Mission to seek and save all who are lost in sin
11. WE BELIEVE…The Church is served by Divinely called and scripturally ordained Leaders
12. WE BELIEVE…Divine healing of the sick is a Privilege for Christians today
13. WE BELIEVE…In the Blessed Hope - The Second Coming of Jesus
14. WE BELIEVE…In the Millennial (1000 years) reign of Christ
15. WE BELIEVE…In a Final Judgment for all
16. WE BELIEVE…and look forward to the perfect New Heavens and a New Earth
    Throughout 2008 we will continue to examine what is needed for us to be a strong voice for Jesus in Central Wayne County. And by the end of the year, I trust we all will have a good understanding of the 16 Fundamental Beliefs that help shape our lives.
God Bless!
Pastor Gus Flaherty