About the Bible
The Bible is the inspired Word of God, giving a true history of the creation of heaven, earth, and humanity and containing a correct prophecy of the ages to come regarding heaven, earth, and the destiny of humanity. Moreover, there is no salvation outside of what is taught in its pages.
About God
There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). He is the creator of heaven and earth, and of all living beings. He has revealed Himself to humanity as the Father (Creator), in the son (Savior), and as the Holy Ghost (indwelling Spirit).
About Sin and Salvation
All have sinned and need salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-25; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9).
About the Gospel
Repentance: Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Repentance is to feel sorry or self-reproachful for what one has done. To feel so contrite over one's sin as to change, or decide to change one's ways.
Baptism in Jesus Name: We believe in baptizing the only way the scripture records. They were all baptized in the name of Jesus. The apostles understood that Jesus was the name to use at baptism, and from the day that the church of God was established (the Day of Pentecost) until the end of their ministry, they baptized all nations (Jews--Acts 8:16; Gentiles--Acts 19:5) in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Water baptism is to be only by immersion. Paul said, "We are buried with him [Jesus Christ] by baptism (Romans 6:4; see Colossians 2:12), Jesus came up "out of the water" (Mark 1:10), and Philip and the eunuch went down "into the water" and came up "out of the water" (Acts 8:38-39).
The baptism of the Holy Ghost: Was prophesied by Joel (Joel 2:28-29) and Isaiah (Isaiah 28:11), foretold by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:11), purchased by the blood of Jesus, and promised by Him to His disciples (John 14:26; 15:16). The Holy Ghost was first poured out on the Day of Pentecost upon the Jews (Acts 2:1-4), then upon the Samaritans (Acts 8:17), and later upon the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-46; 19:6). "The promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:39).
About Christian Living
As Christians we are to love God and others. We should live a holy life inwardly and outwardly, and worship God joyfully. The supernatural gifts of the Spirit, including healing, are for the church today (Mark 12:28-31; II Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14; I Corinthians 12:8-10).
About the Future
Jesus Christ is coming again to catch away His church. In the end will be the final resurrection and the final judgment. The righteous will inherit eternal life, and the unrighteous eternal death (I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:11 15).
Our Story
Courts of Praise began as a congregation of seven in a storefront building in Tempe, Arizona. The congregation has expanded and as a result has had to find other places to worship. The church is now meeting in the Celebration of Life Presbyterian Church on Alma School Rd.
Although our church is relatively new and our story is just beginning, our heritage is tremendous. We can trace our beginnings all the way back to the book of Acts in the second chapter. Our church is a part of the United Pentecostal Church International and with that brings many stories of success. Even though our story is in the early stages, we believe there will be many chapters written with stories of “Look what God has done.”
Our City
Welcome to Phoenix. Incorporated in 1881, Phoenix is young by historical standards but now ranks as one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Visitors, residents and businesses will find that Phoenix offers just about everything in the way of sports, recreation, arts, culture, dining, lodging and financial opportunities. Because of our beautiful weather, activities can be enjoyed year-round.
Phoenix covers more than 516 square miles and has a population of 1.5 million, ranking it the fifth largest city in the country. Our city is a premier destination, with more than 300 sun-filled days a year and average temperature of 72.6 degrees. More than 50 percent of the population is between 18 and 54 years of age, which is younger than the national average. Phoenix also was named the “Best Run City in the World” in 1993 by the Carl Bertelsmann Foundation and has earned numerous other awards for efficient government operations.
The greater Phoenix area is a $50 billion marketplace driven by technology. World-leading companies such as Intel, Avnet, Motorola, AlliedSignal, Honeywell and Boeing Company have chosen Phoenix for their corporate and regional headquarters.
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