About Us

Calvary Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church

What do we believe?

For many people, “Pentecost” is an unfamiliar word. Although it is growing more in recent times, it actually carries roots all the way to an Old Testament feast. It celebrates the giving of the law of Moses. In the New Testament it celebrates the initial outpouring of the Spirit which took place in Acts chapter 2 which came with the evidence of speaking with other tongues. Those who received this experience became known as Pentecostals. The book of Acts is the works of the apostles and is the guide and history of how they lived out their Christian faith. It gives us a clear view of how to live out our Christian faith and to worship Jesus.

A Biblical Foundation

Pentecostals believe that as the sons of God it is important to be led by His Spirit, Romans 8:13. But this does not conflict with the Word of God being our source for truth in Christian living. The written Word of God is God’s love letter to his people to draw them into relationship with Him. When we read, study and practice the principles of God’s word it’s the same as God speaking to us today. If we will receive its message it will transform our lives and guide us into an eternal life with God.

Knowing Jesus

The apostle Paul in Philippians 3:10 made this statement “that I may know Him”. Knowing God has been man’s quest throughout the centuries. The Same God who created the heavens and earth was made flesh and dwelt among us or literally tabernacled among us John 1:14. This God of the Old Testament became our Savior in the New Testament. Hebrews 5:10 says a body hast thou prepared me. According to the scriptures, without shedding of blood there is no remission Hebrews 9:22. He gave His life once and for all that through him we can have forgiveness of sins and eternal life. And He became the indwelling Spirit that we receive not just to be with us but in us. He breathed on his disciples and said “receive ye the Holy Ghost” John 20:22 and in Acts 2 they received His presence just as Adam received it in Genesis. Jesus Christ is the one God incarnate and is everything we need in this life. And in him (Jesus Christ) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily Colossians 2:9.

Salvation

Hebrews 9:17 states that a testament is of force after men are dead and is of no strength at all while the testator lives. The gospels cover the birth, life, ministry and death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His Will went into affect after that which is the book of the Acts of the apostles. This sets the biblical pattern of salvation. As we respond to the gospel and believe on Jesus Christ, we will repent of our sins, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts chapters 2, 8, 10, 19). We do not reject those who have not received the complete New Testament experience, but we encourage them to receive everything God has for them. Ultimately, each of us is accountable to God for our response of faith. The Bible is the sole authority for salvation; the basis of salvation is Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection; salvation comes only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ; and the application of grace and the expression of faith come as a person obeys Acts 2:38, thereby receiving the new birth promised by Jesus.

Holiness

Holiness is an important part of the salvation of our being from the effects of sin and the world. It is a joyful privilege; a part of abundant life; a blessing from God’s grace; a glorious life of freedom and power. The life of holiness fulfills God’s original intention and design for humanity. For the Spirit-filled believer who loves God, holiness is the normal and indeed the only the way to live.

Worship

Worship is evident and coming forth from the life of every individual. It’s not a question of do we worship, but who or what do we worship. Jesus’ response to being tempted to give His life and worship to something other than God said this “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Matthew 4:10. Our love and adoration is expressed to God in our worship. As we read of the ministry of Jesus Christ, when individuals came and fell at His feet and worshipped the received life changing miracles. Our worship should be heart-felt and spontaneous. He is worthy of our praise and worship.

The Gifts of the Spirit

The admonition of the apostle Paul to a young man, Timothy was “stir up the gift of God, which is in thee…” 11 Timothy 1:6. God has given to all Spirit-filled believers gifts. They are given to edify and strengthen the church and to forward the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are present in the church today. It’s the place where I yoke up with Jesus and He works with us confirming the word with signs following Mark 16:20.

This Generation

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter reminded his audience that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh. He promised that the Pentecostal experience was for “all those afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:39). This life-changing promise still holds true today. Around the world and across racial, ethnic, and socio-economic boundaries, people are embracing Pentecostalism. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that people are encountering the power of the Holy Spirit.

Since 1998

We believe that God can change the lives of each and every member of our community just as he has changed the lives of all of us here at Calvary. By focusing our efforts outside the four walls of our church building we are able to touch and reach people in a real, tangible way.

Rev. Dennis McCartney

Senior Pastor