We Believe
1. That there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
We believe in the Trinity—one God in three distinct persons. God the Father is the Creator, who sustains all things. God the Son, Jesus Christ, is the Savior who came to redeem humanity through His sacrifice. God the Holy Spirit is the Comforter and Guide, who dwells within believers, empowering them to live a holy life. This triune God is co-equal and co-eternal, perfectly united in purpose and essence.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:19 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
2. In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, and in His bodily resurrection.
We affirm that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. His birth was miraculous, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose bodily from the dead, conquering death and providing a way for us to be reconciled with God. His resurrection assures us of our future resurrection and eternal life.
Scripture Reference: John 1:1, 14 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... 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."
3. The Bible to be the inspired and infallible Word of God.
We believe the Bible is God’s written revelation to humanity, inspired by the Holy Spirit and without error in its original manuscripts. It is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. The Scriptures provide guidance, instruction, and wisdom for living a life that honors God.
Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
4. In salvation by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human effort but received by faith in Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus offers forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all who believe. This grace is unmerited and is the only means by which we can be saved and reconciled to God.
Scripture Reference: Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
5. In the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and the resurrection of both the saved and the lost: the saved unto eternal life, living eternally in the presence of God, and the lost unto eternal damnation.
We hold to the blessed hope of Christ’s return, when He will come again to judge the living and the dead. Those who have placed their faith in Him will be raised to eternal life, enjoying the fullness of God’s presence forever. Those who reject Him will face eternal separation from God, which the Bible describes as eternal damnation. This belief calls us to live with urgency and purpose, sharing the gospel with others.
Scripture Reference: John 5:28-29 "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned."
Al Baskaron
Pastor Al's Journey of Faith and Ministry
Pastor Al's journey with Jesus Christ began on July 4th, 1991, at a church retreat, where at 19 years old, he made the life-changing decision to accept Christ as his Lord and Savior. This pivotal moment ignited a deep passion for God's Word and a calling to ministry that has shaped his life ever since. Alongside his wife, Dalia, and their two beloved daughters, Pastor Al has devoted his life to serving the Lord and His people.
In 2004, Pastor Al graduated from Cottonwood Leadership College, equipping him with the theological foundation and leadership skills necessary for ministry. Dalia followed suit, graduating in 2008. Pastor Al’s passion for teaching led him to join the faculty at Cottonwood Leadership College in 2005, where he began imparting biblical wisdom and guiding future leaders in their spiritual journeys. His dedication to sound doctrine and practical teaching was further recognized when he was licensed and ordained by Cottonwood Church in May 2009.
On September 13, 2009, Pastor Al and Dalia, together with a core group of faithful believers, founded Arise International Church. The ministry was birthed with a clear mission: to teach through the Bible and impact the community with the life-transforming truth of Jesus Christ. Pastor Al is driven by a passion to see lives changed through the power of God's Word. His teaching ministry is marked by a commitment to walk through the Scriptures, ensuring that every believer is rooted in the truth and equipped to live out their faith.
The heart of Arise International Church is to reach people from all backgrounds, bringing the light of the gospel to the diverse communities of Norwalk and beyond. Pastor Al believes in the power of the local church to be a beacon of hope, a place where the truth of Jesus Christ is proclaimed, and lives are transformed. His vision is to strengthen and train disciples, empowering them to grow in their knowledge of the Lord and Savior, and then to go out and make other disciples, fulfilling the Great Commission one person at a time.
Arise International Church is committed to being a community where the Bible is taught faithfully, lives are changed radically, and the gospel is spread passionately. Whether through in-depth Bible studies, community outreach, or personal discipleship, the team at Arise is dedicated to impacting the community with the truth and love of Jesus Christ.
