MAKE-UP SESSIONS
If you missed any sessions of the new members' class, you can download the class handouts below. A one-time make-up session will be held Monday, December 9, 2024 on Zoom for those who missed previous sessions or wish to review the material. To receive the Zoom link, email Dr. Graves at wgraves@westa.org. The review schedule is as follows:
- Session 1: 6:00 PM
- Session 2: 6:45 PM
- Session 3: 7:30 PM
CLASS SESSION 1
Introduction
The three topics covered in Session 1 are presented here in greater detail than what is included in the class handout. Use this material alongside your handout to refresh your memory on what we discussed. If you have any questions or issues you'd like to explore further, please feel free to use the contact information provided below.
Topic 1: A Brief History of the Church of God in Christ
The COGIC story began in the late 19th century with Charles Harrison Mason and Charles Price Jones, two Baptist ministers influenced by the Holiness Movement. This movement emphasized sanctification, which is the process by which the Holy Spirit makes believers more like Jesus.
In 1896, the National Baptist Convention decided to separate from Mason, Jones, and others who taught what was called the doctrine of entire sanctification. This Wesleyan doctrine proposed that Christians could reach a state of sinless perfection, which differed from the prevailing Baptist belief that sanctification was a lifelong process, and that sinless perfection was not attainable in this life. Despite this setback, Mason and Jones remained determined to spread the message of holiness, as they understood it.
In 1897, Mason, Jones, and their followers founded a Holiness church that would later become the Church of God in Christ. Mason believed that the name “Church of God in Christ,” taken from 1 Thessalonians 2:14, was divinely revealed and biblically inspired.
A pivotal moment in COGIC’s history occurred in 1906 when Mason attended the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, led by the African American preacher William J. Seymour. During the revival, Mason received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. This experience solidified the church's identity as a Holiness-Pentecostal denomination. Most Pentecostals understand the baptism of the Holy Spirit as the initiation of the Spirit-filled life, marked by the operation of spiritual gifts such as tongues, healing, and prophecy.
Not everyone embraced these new Pentecostal aspects, though. Charles Price Jones did not agree with the new direction that the church was going and parted ways with Mason.
In 1907, with ten congregations, the Church of God in Christ became the first legally chartered Pentecostal body incorporated in the United States. Under Mason's leadership, it continued to grow and eventually became—and still is—the largest Pentecostal denomination in the country.
Despite the challenges of racial segregation and discrimination, many found hope and inspiration in COGIC’s message. The Holiness-Pentecostal body became a place where people could experience deep spiritual renewal and meaningful fellowship. Guided by Mason’s vision, the Church of God in Christ focused on evangelism, established new congregations, and trained leaders. It grew steadily, especially in urban areas, and became known for its vibrant worship and robust community involvement.
By the time Mason passed away in 1961, the Church of God in Christ had become a major American Protestant denomination. Events like the national convocation in Memphis unified and expanded its reach. Over the years, the Church of God in Christ has had many strong leaders who have built on Mason's legacy.
One of the most influential leaders was Bishop Charles E. Blake, who served as the pastor of West Angeles Church for decades. Under his leadership, West Angeles grew to be one of the largest and most influential churches in the denomination. Blake’s tenure as the Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ strengthened its global impact through a focus on social justice, education, community service, and expanding its international presence. Our current Presiding Bishop, J. Drew Sheard, also leads the Church of God in Christ with vision and dedication, emphasizing spiritual growth, community development, and furthering global outreach.
Today, the Church of God in Christ has millions of members in the U.S. and around the globe. We honor the legacy of leaders like Bishop Mason, Bishop Blake, and Bishop Sheard by continuing their work. The Church of God in Christ remains committed to spreading the Gospel, empowering individuals through education, advocating for social justice, and fostering a spirit-filled community where everyone can grow in their faith.
Our history is rich and vibrant, a living testament to God's ongoing work through the dedication and faith of our members. As members of the Church of God in Christ, we carry this legacy forward with gratitude and responsibility. We continue to build on the strong foundation laid by our founders, embracing our mission to spread the Gospel and serve our communities.
Topic 2: Eight Core Beliefs of Christianity
Christians believe in the Bible, the Triune God, Jesus’ death and resurrection, salvation through Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Church, the Second Coming, and Eternal Life. These core beliefs are central to our faith and provide a strong foundation.
1. The Bible
Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God. It guides our faith and how we live. The Bible includes the Old and New Testaments and contains history, prophecy, poetry, and teachings that reveal God's plan for salvation and holy living. (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)
2. The Triune God
At the core of Christian belief is the understanding of God as a Trinity—one God in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This belief highlights the relational nature of the one God, who exists in a loving community of three distinct persons. (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
3. Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
Central to the Christian faith is the belief that Jesus Christ, God's Son, died for our sins and rose from the dead. His death on the cross was a sacrifice, taking the punishment for our sins. His resurrection demonstrated his victory over sin and death, offering hope and eternal life to all who believe. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 4:25)
4. Salvation through Jesus
Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, Christians believe that he is the only way to salvation. Salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. By trusting in his death and resurrection, we are forgiven, made new, and brought into a right relationship with God. (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8-9)
5. The Holy Spirit
After receiving salvation, Christians believe that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, plays a vital role in their lives. The Holy Spirit empowers, guides, and sanctifies believers. The Spirit helps Christians live out their faith, and also gives gifts and fruits to help them grow spiritually and serve both the Church and the world. (Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:22-23; John 16:13)
6. The Church
The Church is the community of believers, the body of Christ on earth. Christians gather for worship, fellowship, and to support each other in their faith journey. The Church is called to share the Gospel, make disciples, and serve the world, reflecting God's love and grace through their actions. (Ephesians 1:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14)
7. The Second Coming
Christians believe in the return of Jesus Christ. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and to establish his eternal kingdom. This promise of Jesus’ return gives believers hope and motivates them to live faithfully. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Matthew 24:30)
8. Heaven and Eternal Life
Christians have the hope of eternal life in heaven. Through Jesus, they have the promise of everlasting life with God. This belief in eternal life shapes how Christians live today, offering hope to face the challenges of this world. Christians also believe that those who do not accept Jesus as their Savior will face eternal separation from God. (John 3:16; Revelation 21:1-4)
There are many other important beliefs that Christians hold, such as the importance of prayer, the power of God's grace, and living a life that reflects Christ's love and teachings. Pentecostal Christians also emphasize the baptism of the Holy Spirit, often evidenced by speaking in tongues. However, most key Christian doctrines are connected to the core teachings mentioned above.
Topic 3: The God of the Bible
The Bible tells us that God is the Creator. In Genesis 1:1, it says, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This means that everything we see around us—nature, the stars, even our very lives—originates from God.
The Bible also reveals many attributes of God. For example, God is good, meaning He is the source of all that makes life possible and worthwhile. He is also holy, perfect, and full of grace. He knows everything and is present everywhere at all times. God is all-powerful and can do anything that aligns with His holy nature. God is truly awesome, and words cannot adequately capture His profound greatness and majesty.
One of the most foundational attributes of God is that He is Triune, meaning He is one God who eternally exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit.
God the Father is the sovereign Creator and sustainer of the universe. His power and providence are evident in all of creation. He created humanity in His image for a relationship with Him. Throughout history, He has revealed Himself as the ultimate provider and protector, guiding His people through trials, meeting their needs, and overcoming their enemies. From making covenants in the Old Testament to sending His Son in the New, God's character remains steadfast—righteous in judgment, abundant in love, and full of grace.
God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the central figure of our faith. He came to earth to reveal the Father’s love and to provide a way for us to be reconciled with God. John 1:14 says, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, taught about God's Kingdom, and ultimately sacrificed His life on the cross for our sins. But the story doesn't end there. Three days after His crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. This is the cornerstone of our faith. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only way to God the Father. Jesus reveals God’s nature to us and acts as the Mediator between God and humanity. Through Him, we have access to the Father and the promise of eternal life.
The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity and is sometimes referred to as the Comforter or Advocate. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the lives of believers. He indwells or lives inside the people of God. He guides, teaches, and empowers us to live according to God’s will. In John 14:26, Jesus says, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." The Holy Spirit helps us understand the Scriptures; He convicts us of sin and produces Christlike character within our lives. According to Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The Holy Spirit also bestows believers with spiritual abilities that build up the church and meet various human needs. These special abilities are called spiritual gifts. Some of these gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, speaking in tongues, and interpreting tongues. Spiritual gifts may vary in scope or intensity, but they all originate from the Spirit and serve the common good.
Understanding God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is essential for our spiritual growth. The Bible is our primary source of knowledge about them. When we read and study the Scriptures, we learn about God’s nature, His promises, and His plan for our lives (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Prayer is also vital for deepening our relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, we communicate with God, express gratitude, seek guidance, and ask for help. It allows us to experience God’s presence and draw closer to Him.
Our understanding of the Triune God is nurtured not only individually but also in community. Through worship, Bible studies, and fellowship with other believers, we support each other’s growth in knowledge and love of God.
In summary, knowing God as our Creator, Jesus as our Savior and Lord, and the Holy Spirit as our Comforter and Guide forms the foundation of our faith. This knowledge guides our lives as Christians, helping us grow in faith and embody God’s love daily.
Connect with West Angeles Church
- Website: https://westa.org
- Email: hello@westa.org
- Phone: (323) 733 – 8300
- To contact Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr., you may call the main church number or send an email directly to him at wgraves@westa.org.
Wilfred Graves Ministries, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Your gift is tax-deductible as a charitable contribution.
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