What We Believe
What does this symbol stand for and what is a Foursquare Church?
The term "foursquare" is taken from the Scriptures where it is used to describe the balanced and symmetrical design of many of the important implements of worship in the Old Testament. In the New Testament it is used to describe the eternal city where we will dwell with the Lord Jesus Christ forever. Its use in the name of the "foursquare" Church intends to focus on the value of balance.
By dictionary definition, "foursquare" means bold, forthright, unequivocal, taking a firm stand. Our firm stand pertains to boldly, forthrightly and without equivocation presenting the basic elements to the Gospel of Jesus Christ who is our only source of life and hope and health. We emphasize the four essential ministries of our Lord Jesus to those who will believe.
CROSS: Jesus the Savior -- John 3:16; Acts 4:12
The first and foremost aspect of the Foursquare Gospel is Jesus Christ, the only hope of mankind. The salvation He brings is set forth in His inaugural address, where He quoted the prophet Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor, He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18-19). Salvation is so much more than merely "getting saved." It is decision, yes, but it involves a lifetime of being healed, being restored, being delivered from oppression and being set free to stand in broad place of effective ministry.
DOVE: Jesus Christ the Baptizer -- Mark 1:18; Acts 2:4
While we face a great challenge termed "The Energy Crises", there is no energy shortage in the spiritual realm! The early church was commanded not to attempt ministry in their own power, but to wait in the city of Jerusalem, "until ye be endured with power from on high" (Luke 24:49). Jesus' last words to His disciples concerned power. They were given the promise of it, and the purpose for it: "Ye shall receive power...and ye shall be witnesses of me."
You see, Jesus the Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, the All powerful, Almighty God, confined Himself to a body when He came to earth to die for us. Yet, as He ascended to the right hand of the Father, He once again confined Himself to a body, the body of Christ. That's us! In baptizing us with the Holy Spirit, He permeates every fiber of our being with His presence. He calls us to do a task, but follows through making the power available to do it.
CUP: Jesus Christ the Healer -- Hebrews 13:8; James 5:14-15
The symbol of modern medicine is brazen serpent, a replica of the very one Moses lifted to stay the plague on Israel. Jesus said, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to me." He draws us to Himself in love, then touches us with healing power. Jesus provided a double cure for a double curse. When man fell in the garden, he opened himself up to sin, and to sickness. Jesus paid for our sins on the cross, He took stripes for our sickness just before He was crucified.
Isaiah looked ahead and saw the Son of God as both Savior and Healer: "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus not only fulfilled that prophecy, He continues today, "casting out evil spirits with a word, and healing all who are ill, in order that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, 'He Himself took our infirmities, and carried away our diseases' " (Matthew 8:16-17).
CROWN: Jesus Christ the Coming King -- John 14:3; I Thessalonians 4:16-17
He's coming back! We live in a kingdom, a spiritual territory with well-established boundaries. Jesus Himself said, "The Kingdom of God is within you." We have been given the authority to do the Father's business, to take charge of the affairs of the Kingdom. But one day soon our King is returning! "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God" (I Thessalonians 4:16). He will rule from earth, the government will be upon His shoulders.
As if that isn't enough to look forward to, Jesus is coming as the Bridegroom for His bride! "The dead in Christ shall rise first, then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (I Thessalonians 4:17). He fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament concerning His first coming. Just as perfectly He will fulfill the more than 300 New Testament references to His Second Coming. Our hearts echo the writer of Revelation, saying, "Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus."