The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith has its roots in the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith in 1919, breaking away from that body in the early 1930s.
Bishop Sherrod C. Johnson founded the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith. Ordained by Bishop R.C. Lawson of the Church of Our Lord Jesus of the Apostolic Faith, he was an integral part of a Pentecostal church, but he was concerned that the whole truth was not being preached. Although he accepted the main points of Lawson's theology, he disagreed with some of the COOLJC practices, such as permitting improper attire during worship services.
In 1932, he separated from Bishop Lawson's church and formed his own organization, using a similar name for the new body, substituting "the" for "our" in the title. In regular usage, the denomination is generally referred to as the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Bishop Johnson was charismatic, ruling the denomination with "an iron fist and a velvet tongue" until his death in 1961.
The doctrine and practices of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ are similar to that of the church body that it came out of.
Theologically, the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a Oneness Pentecostal Church, holding that there is one God, a single divine entity, who manifested Himself as the Father, the Son, and as the Holy Ghost. Believers are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ rather than using the Trinitarian formula.
The church teaches that baptism in water is required for salvation, citing the Scriptural example of baptism following belief and repentance. Baptism and observance of the Lord's Supper are ordinances of the church. The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ also practices foot-washing, prior to communion, but does not consider it to be an ordinance.
As a Pentecostal body, the church believes that the gifts of the Spirit that came upon the apostles at Pentecost during New Testament times are relevant for today. Those who repent and are baptized should expect to receive the gifts, which are made evident through speaking in tongues.
When the Holy Ghost comes upon the believer, they are empowered to live a life of holiness.
The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, holds to a premillennial view of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. At that time, Christ will reign over the earth for a thousand years. After that period, the dead will rise to be judged, and the wicked will be cast into the lake of fire.
Like the COOLJC, the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ enforces a conservative dress code, including head coverings for women, and is even more conservative in its approach than its parent body.
The church opposes divorce, the only exception being if a man marries a woman with the expectation that he is marrying a virgin, and finds that she has deceived him. He can then divorce her and marry another. Otherwise, divorce and remarriage are prohibited.
The church does not ordain women to be preachers.
Members of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ do not celebrate Christmas in any manner.
The focus of this category is on the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith. Websites representing the denomination or any of its affiliated districts, missions, ministries, associations, or corporations are appropriate for this category. Those representing local churches should be submitted to the appropriate Local & Global category, however.
Recommended Resources
Bishop Shelton Rapha Chabash Luke, Apostle and General Overseer
The general overseer of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith is introduced, along with an epistle on the subject of the rights of succession, a statement of apostolic policy, and a history of the church. Schedules of the Whole Truth Radio broadcasts are posted, along with sermon archives, downloadable tracts, directions, and contacts. Prayer requests may be made online, and a calendar of events is included.
http://www.apostolic-faith.org/
Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith
Organized by Sherrod C. Johnson, the small denomination separated from the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith in 1930, largely over the doctrine of holiness. The official denominational site offers a mission statement, biographies of its bishops, a directory of member churches and other locations, and its departments and associated organizations. Sermons may be purchased from the site.
http://www.tcljc.com/
Affiliated with the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ Assemblies of the Apostolic Faith is based in Atlanta, Georgia. An overview of the church is set forth, including a statement of beliefs, its document of faith, and a message from the apostle. Doctrinal literature, radio and television broadcasts, reports on its overseas missions, and a calendar of events are included.
http://www.ministersofjesuschrist.com/
The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the association includes congregations in Dallas and Lufkin, Texas, as well as a congregation in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Driving directions and contacts are posted to the site, along with church schedules, a calendar of events, denominational and local histories, and a statement of faith. An audio archive of radio broadcasts and past sermons, as well as several informational articles, are included.
http://www.thechurch-apostolicfaith.org/
