These inspiring paintings are a visual reminder
of the defining truths of our faith. Fine Art
Reproductions make strikingly beautiful additions
to any church foyer, office, home, or sanctuary.
For more on the
Defining Truths plus
helps for teaching
them visit WWW.AG.ORG/TOP/BELIEFS
Why We Believe
Four Defining Truths of the Assemblies of God by Wes Bartel
o the casual observer it was just a pile of stones. They had been there on the banks of the Jordan
River since Israel had first crossed into the land of Canaan. However, to the father and his son, they meant
more...much more.
This simple pile of stones had been placed there by direct command of God. They provided an indispensable
bridge from one generation to the next. Seated beside his father, the son would hear the exciting
stories of the miraculous exodus of God’s people from Egypt. He would hear about the years of wandering
in the wilderness and of God’s miraculous provision. The father could point to a place on the opposite bank
where the Priests had entered the water and describe how they had miraculously crossed into the promise
land on dry ground. Then, nodding toward the pile of stones, he would describe how they had been stacked
on the bank of the Jordan to serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness. It would be an illustration he would
never forget.
Every generation needs a “pile of stones!” We need something to remind us of what we believe and why
we believe it. The paintings you see serve that purpose. They point us to Jesus who came to earth to show
to us what God was like. Why is this important? It is because our view of God provides the context for our
doctrine.
In the scenes selected by artist Ron DiCianni we witness four amazing events in the life of Christ. These
events reveal the biblical context for the “Cardinal Doctrines” of our church.
In the amazing scene of Jesus Christ on the cross, we witness redemptive doctrine. He represents “God
our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-6 NIV).
At the cross, every person is forced to confront the reality of personal sin and their need for a Savior. Salvation
is a central doctrine that must be reaffirmed to each generation.
We then view Jesus Christ as the Healer. It is important that we center this great doctrine in the work
of Christ because it is through his death and suffering that divine healing is provided. “But he was pierced
for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon
him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53: 5 NIV). We are commanded, “Is any one of you sick?
He should call the elders of the church to pray over him...And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick
person well.” (James 5:14, 15 NIV). Divine Healing is a gift to be received by anyone who, like the woman
in Luke 8, reaches out to touch Christ.
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the third Cardinal Doctrine we see. It is unique in that we do not see
Christ Himself depicted in the scene, but He is represented by the cross in the background. Yet we know
Him as the Great Baptizer. The Apostle John testified of Christ, “After me will come one more powerful
than I...I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (John 1:7, 8 NIV). The Baptism
of the Holy Spirit is a promise to all believers and is an imperative if the church is to be effective (Acts
2:14-21 NIV).
The night before Christ died he made a promise. He said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in
God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me” (John 14:1-3 NIV).
In this final scene we view Christ in all His glory! This is not a science fiction story but a divine promise
that will be fulfilled. It is a hope and expectation that must be passed from one generation to the next and it
brings us full circle back to the foot of the cross. After all, the cross is what prepares us for this great event.
And so, our pile of stones is actually 4 pictures. The pictures provide us with an opportunity we dare not
miss...”In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, ‘what do these stones mean?’ tell them...He
did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you
might always fear the Lord your God.” (Joshua 4:21-24 NIV)
Wes Bartel is the director of the Assemblies of God national Sunday School office. He has been active in Christian education for
over 30 years. A successful pastor, he used Christian education to help build and strengthen his churches.
o the casual observer it was just a pile of stones. They had been there on the banks of the Jordan
River since Israel had first crossed into the land of Canaan. However, to the father and his son, they meant
more...much more.
