Chestnut Assembly of God Statement of Position on Current events
Due to the recent events in our nation, I feel compelled to clarify our position in the light of the current political climate that we find ourselves in.
Romans 8:28 NKJV - And we know things work together for good to those who love God to those who are called according to His purpose.
Because I feel like I may not have been clear enough on what our position, as the body of Christ, at Chestnut Assembly of God is, I want to make sure that I clarify any misconceptions that may have been misunderstood by perceived silence. Furthermore, the leadership at Chestnut Assembly of God desires to educate and to shed light on the current events that have the potential to negatively affect the Church of the Living God.
Our intent is not to offend anyone but instead to take a clear stance against evil knowing that according to Ephesians 6:12 we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Proverbs 29:2 NKJV - When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
The recent actions of many unruly American citizens, both in Washington, D.C and across our cities during the summer months, are an utter disgrace and abomination to the fabric of our society.
Let us be clear, division in this house cannot and will not be tolerated. Matthew- 12:25 reminds that “A house divided against itself… will not stand”.
We are a pro-God, pro-Jesus, pro-Holy Spirit, pro-Bible, pro the Word of God, pro- the Kingdom of God, and pro-Israel. Genesis 12:3 reminds us “I will bless those who bless you (Israel) and I will curse him who curses you”. In this house, we are committed to advancing and establishing the Kingdom of God in the city of Vineland and as the Lord leads.
Instead of murmuring and complaining…
Instead of gossiping and back biting…
Instead of getting angry at each other…
Our response to all the social and political tension is found in the precious scriptures.
2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV - If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
The bible was, is, and will always be our moral compass. The Word of God shall be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path according to Psalm 119:105.
We come into agreement with God’s Word and as such
We denounce and condemn any and all acts of violence,
We denounce and condemn any and all forms of racism and discrimination,
We denounce and condemn any and all attempts to violate our freedoms and expression of religion,
We denounce and condemn any and all hindrances to preaching the full Gospel from our church’s pulpits,
We denounce and condemn the slaughtering of millions of unborn babies at any stage,
We denounce and condemn same sex marriage and all opportunities for children to determine their own gender and sexuality,
We denounce and condemn the legalization of anything that harms and contributes to the deterioration of the family unit…alcohol, marijuana, gambling, pornography, etc.
We denounce and condemn ANYTHING that goes against and compromises the Word of God,
We denounce and condemn all forms of division in our families, communities, and churches,
We must keep our eyes, attention, desires and passion fixed on Jesus.
In conclusion, the question I have for the body of Christ, Chestnut Assembly of God, is what should our response be in the next season? Psalm 133 is very clear that God’s blessing is commanded when brethren dwell together in unity. Unity is a must.
So as we move forward in 2021 under the banner of “Exceedingly, Abundantly & Above”, we will faithfully pray for the new administration as God instructs us to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4), but we will also not neglect our role and responsibility as the church to stand up for righteousness in our land, confront evil, be a voice for the voiceless, and serve as a bright and shining light to all those who come in contact with us.
May God Bless You and May God Bless the Unites States of America.
Isaiah 26:3 NKJV - You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You.
Respectfully Submitted,
Reverend Tony Cotto
Pastoral Staff, Elders & Deacons of Chestnut Assembly of God
January 17, 2021
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Our Purpose
We exist to create a harmonious, united, and impactful body of believers for the Kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:10 (TLB) But, dear brothers, I beg you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so that there won’t be splits in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.
What We Believe
This "Statement of Fundamental Truths" contains the 16 doctrines of the Assemblies of God. These are non-negotiable tenets of faith that all Assemblies of God churches adhere to. Four of these, Salvation, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Divine Healing, and the Second Coming of Christ are considered Cardinal Doctrines which are essential to the church's core mission of reaching the world for Christ.
Please click the link below to view the “16 Fundamental Truths”
