Baptism, Spiritual Gifts, and Communion

At CCSL, we Affirm that Grace through faith in Jesus saves, we also Affirm that Baptism saves (when one also has faith), preferably both accepting Jesus and a proper Baptism in GOD the father, Jesus Christ, and The Holy Spirit. (Which usually a proper baptism also involves some sort of profession of faith). We are perfectly okay with infant Baptisms. However we strongly believe one should, when old enough (Ten years old +) one should profess that they Accept Jesus as their lord and savior, if one was baptized as an infant (Sponsored by saved parents and/or godparents). And vice-versa, If one has professed with the mouth, their Belief in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, but has yet to be formally baptized, one should still be baptized, in order to consecrate and secure.

(When professing and or being baptized, one must also truly believe it)

PROPER FORMS OF BAPTISM

Any proper baptism involves using water.

One should be baptized In the whole trinity "GOD the Father, Jesus Christ the son, and the Holy Spirit" and variations on this statement, that are still truly calling upon all three aspects of the trinity in good faith, are also ok

so long as all three Spirit, Son, and Father are whats being called upon.

One should be baptized preferably in front of other Christians, by another Christian, who has also themselves been Baptized. (Preferably a baptized and ordained Minister, but not required) also if one cannot get an audience for their baptism, that is also ok. Also the person baptizing, does not inherently need to be a baptized believer or true believer, though preferred,so long as they are truly acting on behalf of the kingdom of heaven, IE: A non believer whos dear friend is a newly professed Christian and this Non believer really loves their friend and their friend has no other people to baptize them, and the non believer fully understands how important and genuine this act is to their Christian friend, so they earnestly and honestly declare that they are Baptizing a Christian into the Christian faith in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit. It is preferable that they are baptized in front of other Christians but again, not required.

Methods:

For Infants and toddlers only: Sprinkling with droplets.

For old enough youth and adults, either immersion or pouring, even if the "pouring" is a small amount of water).

We accept that if one was baptized in another church, and the baptism was "proper " according to the rules we stated.

Then they do not need to be rebaptized, and should not be rebaptized.

If they have professed with their tongue that they believe in Christ Jesus, then they should be baptized formally,if they have not already.

If they were baptized improperly, or in a heresy. Then if they wish, they definitely and arguably SHOULD, be rebaptized.

WHILST THE ELCA ACCREDITED BRANCH 'EDMONDS LUTHERAN CHURCH', IS BOTH THE CHURCH THAT FOUNDER AND LEAD MINISTER, PRIESTESS NOEL-ANN MCCREARY, ATTENDED BOTH PRE-NONDENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN ORDAINMENT AND DURING HER HIATUS FROM CHURCH WORK, AND IS ALSO THE CHURCH THAT FINALLY GAVE HER A FORMAL AND PROPER BAPTISM , EDMONDS LUTHERAN CHURCH, and THE ELCA (EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH in AMERICA) DENOMINATION HAS NO OFFICIAL AFFILIATION WITH THE CHURCH OF CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALISM & LIFESTYLE

Spiritual Gifts, Baptism of the Spirit, and Tongues.

Spiritual gifts:

Leadership: Properly encouraging and helping others to build the kingdom of God (Romans 12:8 NRSV ue)

Administration: helping with long term goals and remaining on task ( 1 Cor. 12:28 NRSV ue)

Teaching: instructing in truths and doctrines of God’s Word

Knowledge: teaching and discipleship. The ability to learn, know and explain God’s Word

Wisdom: the ability to discern works of the Holy Spirit and apply teaching and actions

Prophecy: proclaiming the Word of God with boldness and potentially being shown visions from GOD (Romans 12:6 Numbers 12:6 NRSV ue)

Discernment: being able to recognize the truth about a situation

Exhortation: people with this gift are enthusiastic about the Lord and they can motivate others

Shepherding: looking out for the spiritual welfare of others

Faith: trusting God to fulfill His plan. People with this gift are encouragers

Evangelism: the building up of the church so others will be led to Christ

Apostleship: motivators, church planters, missionaries: people who look beyond the walls

Service/Helps: helping those in need of practical assistance (Romans 12:7 NRSV ue)

Mercy: The person with this gift shows acts of compassion

Giving: People with this gift will give freely and with joy to further His kingdom

Hospitality: Making people feel welcome, appreciated, and wanted (1 Peter 4:9 NRSV ue)

Tongues: Speaking in "Tongues", in relation to scripture. (Acts 2 2-21 NRSV ue)

Spirit Baptisms And Doctrine about Tongues and Spiritual Gifts

Many Christians, usually Pentecostals and Charismatics, but also others. Believe in what is called a Spirit baptism or a third baptism also sometimes called a final baptism. Almost all are usually referring to what they at least agree is a Baptism of the holy spirit.

Whilst we believe in Baptism of the Holy Spirit. We believe it happens when a true believer is baptized, whether before, after, or during the profession of faith. We believe TRUE belief, saves, and that Baptism saves, and that the two fused together are what makes way for the Holy Spirit to connect to one's soul.

Whilst we believe that this Spirit baptism both can and will happen. We do not believe that absence of Tongues is evidence that one has not experienced this, nor do we believe that manifestation of the gifts is required for salvation. Rather we believe that GOD is still present on this earth and in heaven, And that miracles and gifts of the spirit are both possible, and present. And that not every single Baptized true believer will be blessed with full access to them, and that does not mean they are doing anything wrong, rather GOD intends to work through them in ways that simply do not require use of these gifts. We do not believe in frivolously assigning the term 'Miracle' to certain happenings. But we DO in fact believe in miracles. And We also believe that in true accordance with Acts 2. That Tongues are most LIKELY, not a mushed form of words but rather an ability to speak and be understood by others regardless of language barriers. However we will not discourage or deny if one feels they are speaking in a form of "Angelic Tones or tongues", we do respectfully stick to our definition as official doctrine and teaching. If a member speaks in a form of tongues that no one else understands we will not formally call it that, but will not deny their right to call it, and believe it as such, nor deny others the right to believe that's what they were witnessing. We also believe that ANY of these spiritual gifts listed, can be signs of a said "Spirit Baptism". Including visions from GOD, such as Moses and Joseph received. (Joseph in Genesis 37:9). We believe that teaching in a rather effective way, or profound way (Where a person or several persons, remember and often reference back to said teaching and or teacher and or teaching method), as well as being hospitable in an "above and beyond" fashion, as well as several other happenings that can happen in relation to the list of spiritual gifts above. All are valid and active forms of the holy spirit working through us. However in regards to prophecies or visions. We will definitely not use any that any minister or member may receive to write additional doctrine. We believe in the Bible, specifically the 66 book Protestant canon. We recommend but do not necessarily endorse as our official version, the NRSV ue (NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION updated edition). As in relation to our 16 tenets. They remove the words "Homosexual" "Homosexuality" and "Homosexuals", from it, as academically speaking we know these words NEVER appear in the ancient text.

Communion

Now looking back on the very early "Baby" Stages of the church, when The founder (Priestess Noel-Ann), was making online sermons and postings. She did not have a communion section. This is because of a mix of lack of ability to do as such via the internet, as well a lack of true exposure to it, via the way she was brought up (In a heretical cult). After getting in touch with her roots (Old school High church style Protestantism) she rediscovered and decided to adopt Communion.

The act of receiving communion is viewed as a source of spiritual nourishment and renewal. In partaking of the bread and wine, believers are reminded of Christ's sacrificial love and are invited to experience a profound sense of grace and forgiveness. This spiritual nourishment sustains and strengthens individuals in their faith journey, offering solace, hope, and a tangible encounter with the divine. We believe similar to Lutherans, that it (the bread and juice or wine) is literally somehow transformed into the blood and body of Christ as it goes into our bodies. We do not believe you have to take it for salvation, but that it is an important Sacrament, and will have a "Renewal" Effect on us as we consume it. We do not necessarily disavow those who do not see it as such (literal) and who instead see it as merely symbolic. We do not know how the Bread and drink is turned into these things, but rather than try to understand it, simply acknowledge that GOD is mysterious and then enjoy it together.

PROCEDURE:

After instructed, have Silent meditation and self examination. (Whilst quiet is required, the meditation and self exam is simply a recommendation)
Ministry helpers and or Lead Minister, Pass out the bread
Leader: "...the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me."
Have everyone hold up the bread. Leader offers prayer over the bread then instruct members to partake: ("You may partake" or other similar variations)
Pass out the beverage which will be, Juice of Grape, and or wine. (Many forms of this can take place. Intinction , non-intinction, every Sunday, or reserved for specific days. Again, its not required for salvation, but strongly urged)
Leader: "After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had this supper, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: do this will you, and as often as you drink of it, have remembrance of me."
Have everyone hold up the cup. Leader offers prayer over the beverage and instruct members to partake: ("You may partake")
Read verse 26 of 1 Cor.: ²⁶For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (NRSV ue)
This concludes the Lord's Supper.
- Afterward Suggestion: Say a prayer, sing a hymn or contemporary Christian song and close.

Various alterations of this can and will exist and all are valid within reason, so long as they incorporate the same or similar prayers, are Christian, and involve the partaking of the body and blood of Christ whether literally or symbolically.

The United, Universal, Spiritual, Church of true believers.

We believe, that ALL true believers in Jesus Christ's ressurection, in the trinity, and in the bible. Are a shared collective worldwide metaphysical church body. If A Methodist, or a Baptist, a Pentecostal, or Anglican, or Lutheran, are in fellowship with one another on an occasion, and all are those who believe the essentials. Then That is still the United church in action. Do you love and serve Jesus? Do you believe he rose from the dead? And that GOD is the one true GOD? And that, that GOD is in fact the Holy trinity (Father GOD, Jesus Christ the son, and the Holy Spirit)? Then Hallelujah! In our opinion you are saved. You should if you havent already, profess as such and be baptized. But in all regards we value and acknowledge the Marco Antonio de Dominis quote, which was also repeated by St. Augustine, John Wesley, and Sister Aimee McPherson, "In all things Essential, Unity, In all things non-essential, Liberty, in all things Charity." Yes, doctrine and practice matter, however, So long as you are not heretical. We all are brothers, sisters, and siblings in Christ. Saved by grace through faith. "At the time of writing this post, I (Priestess Noel-Ann), Am on a Hiatus from Church work. I currently attend an Edmonds Lutheran Church, who also baptized me, and ive met with a minister of a Foursquare Pentecostal Church, And do intend to honor my word and someday soon, attend a service or two. I am open to attending many a church during my hiatus to grow as a woman of the lord. And No matter how my doctrine evolves during this healing, educational, and spiritually hungry, time period in my life, I value absorbing the spirit ,and fellowship with fellow members of the United, Universal, Spiritual, Church of true believers. AMEN." - Priestess Noel-Ann 06.12.2024

An example of the above philosophy is the video featured below.

Prominent figures in The Church's Philosophy.

Sister Aimee McPherson (Founder of Foursquare Pentecostals)

Aimee Semple McPherson, also known as Sister Aimee, was a Canadian Pentecostal evangelist and media celebrity in the early 20th century. She played a significant role in shaping Pentecostalism and Christian theology during her time, about her, Founded the Foursquare Church: Aimee Semple McPherson is famous for founding the Foursquare Church. This denomination emphasizes four cornerstones: Regeneration, Baptism in the Spirit, Divine Healing, and the Second Coming.
Media Pioneer: McPherson pioneered the use of modern media to spread her religious message. She effectively utilized radio broadcasts to reach a wider audience and incorporated stage techniques into her sermons at Angelus Temple, an early megachurch.
Faith Healing and Public Demonstrations: She conducted public faith healing demonstrations, involving tens of thousands of participants. Her charismatic preaching style and extensive charity work significantly influenced 20th-century Charismatic Christianity.

Aimee Semple McPherson’s legacy extends beyond her time, shaping both Pentecostalism and the way we think about faith, healing, and media outreach. She passed in her home.

Keith Green (Revivalist Pentecostal, Founder of Last Days Ministries and prominent Musician)

As many people know, Keith ran his entire ministry by faith – by the love offering. He would not allow money to “hinder” the gospel, and he very Famously refused to charge people for his gospel music if they could not afford it. Though from Southern California, His wife and himself both founded a prominent church and radio program ministry in Texas, called "Last days Ministries". They also famously rented out whole housing blocks and used the residentials to help house and assist homeless folks in getting back on their feet. His music is extremely powerful. Most would recommend "The sheep and the Goats/Asleep in the light" Combo, or "My eyes are dry", however he also had more "Catchy" tunes that are also good. Such as "Love in my heart" and "So you wanna go back to egypt?" As many may realize Priestess Noel-Ann frequently would use Keith Green songs during worship portions of her early "Baby" Church days. Keith Green mysteriously was killed in a plane crash. Some say he knew he dreamed it would happen the night before but went anyways. As if that was "GOD's plan" then it should happen. Though his legacy of serving GOD lives on in his long body of work.

Martin Luther

(One of if not the first Active revolutionary in the Reformation movement, Founder of Lutheranism, and Famed Theological writer/historical figure)

Martin Luther, Famously studied by christians and Non Christians alike, is essential, to Protastentism (Where all non Catholic or Orthodox Churches come from), Known for his establishment of "Sola Scriptura" (The belief that the bible and GOD has far more authority than the Church itself.), and a prominent believer in "Sola Fide" (Latin for Faith Alone), which established the Grace through Faith belief structure that shaped all Protestant Trinitarian Churches.It is sure that, though John Wesley and others are prominent figures, without GOD using Martin Luther, there very well might not have ever been a Protestant Movement. Also as there is video footage of, As she has stated, Priestess Noel Ann McCreary is Baptized as a Lutheran. And Highly values the beauty and liturgical structure of The Lutheran Practice.