Ira First Church of God
is affiliated with the
Church of God Reformation Movement
headquarters in Anderson, Indiana.

QUESTIONS MOST ASKED

WHY THE NAME CHURCH OF GOD?

We use the name Church of God because it is biblical. In scripture the name Church of God is used to describe the body of Christ. (I Corinthians 1:2; 10:32; 11:22; 15:9; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:13; and I Timothy 3:5.)

The Church of God with general offices in Anderson, Indiana makes no claim to the exclusive use of the biblical name and we believe that using the name brings a responsibility to worship, fellowship, and serve in ways that honor God and his church.


HOW DO YOU BECOME A MEMBER?

We like the way the Church of God identifies its members. No person decides that another will or will not be admitted to membership in a local group. Neither congregations nor congregational leaders vote on who shall be received as members.

The Church of God believes that when one accepts Jesus Christ as Savior, God places that person in the Church (Acts 2:47; I Corinthians 12:18). Salvation is the criteria for membership in a congregation of the Church of God. One maintains membership by participating in the worship services and fellowship of the congregation.


WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ABOUT THE BIBLE?

The Church of God movement has maintained a sure belief that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. We believe the Bible is the foundation for instruction in the Christian faith.


WHAT ORDINANCES DO YOU PRACTICE?

Ordinances are worship and faith disciplines which have been specifically been ordained by Jesus in his instructions to his followers. We believe the ordinances are symbolic of something that is happening in the believer as a direct act of God's spirit.

The ordinances we practice are:

Children Dedication is not considered an ordinance, but it is consistent with the instructions of Jesus in Matthew 19:14. Infant baptism is not practiced in the Church of God. We believe a child is innocent and already in the grace of God, but in some stage of his or her growth and training, will come to a time when he or she responds to the conviction and leadership of the Holy Spirit and will have an opportunity to accept Christ as Savior. It is at that time the child, youth, or adult will be baptized.


ARE YOU CHARISMATIC? ARE YOU PENTECOSTAL?

Yes! and no! We are charismatic if by that you mean persons and churches are empowered by the Spirit for the edification of the church on mission in the world. Yes, we are Pentecostal if by the term you mean the Holy Spirit was given to the early church and continues to come, empower, and call the church to servant ministries.

No, if you mean by charismatic or Pentecostal an emphasis on speaking in tongues as the sign of a spirit-filled life or the freedom for persons to speak in tongues at their own discretion in public worship.


DO YOU BELIEVE IN DIVINE HEALING?

Yes. We believe that in a broader sense all healing is divine. We therefore encourage consultation with medical professionals in matters of physical health and with other professionals in matters of emotional and relational problems. We believe these professionals can be used by God to bring health to ill and injured persons.

We put into practice James' instructions to the church in James 5:14. "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord."


WHAT ABOUT JESUS' SECOND COMING?

We believe that Jesus will come again, but we have no idea about the date and time (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32-37). Our study of last things emphasizes that when Jesus comes to receive his bride the church, all things of this world will end, and those who have believed on Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will go with him to live eternally.

Our view of the Kingdom of God is that it is a present reality. We believe that when Jesus came to earth he launched his Kingdom and his Kingdom is in the hearts of men and women who give him their allegiance.