Statement of Faith

 

I.   The Holy Bible
II.   The Lord Jesus Christ
III.   The Creation and Fall of Man
IV.   Salvation
V.   Satan
VI.   The Holy Spirit
VII.   Separation
VIII.   The Holy Trinity
IX.   The Future Life, Bodily Resurrection, and Eternal Judgment
X.   The Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ , which takes place in two parts
XI.   The One True Church; The Mystical Body and the Bride of the Lord Jesus Christ
I.  The Holy Bible
 
    A.

 

 That every word of the original autographs (consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments with no Apocrypha) was given to the prophets and apostles by inspiration of the Holy Ghost in such a manner that every word might be said to have come from the mouth of God. At the same time, God's choice of words reflected the personalities of the prophets and apostles in literary style, vocabulary, etc.

 

Exodus 20:1; Isaiah 59:21; Jeremiah 30:2; John 17:8; Acts 28:25; Galatians 1:12; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1; II Peter 11:21; 3:2; Revelation 1:1

 
    B. That the doctrine of inspiration is of little value apart from the doctrine of the preservation of God's "words."

 

Exodus 24:3; Deuteronomy 6:6,7; 18:18; 27:3,8; 29:29; Joshua 3:9; 8:32-35; Job 22:22; 23:12; Psalms 12:6, 7; 78:1; 119:89, 103, 130, 140; Proverbs 22:21; 30:5, 6; Matthew 4:4; John 6:63; 17:8; I Corinthians 2:13; I Thessalonians 2:13; Revelation 22:18, 19

Since no one living today holds (or has ever seen) the original autographs, the Bible we believe in is one that is available to man today. We believe God has preserved the holy word of God ("the scriptures") for the last period of the Church Age in the King James 1611 Authorized Version. Every word therein is inerrant and infallible with no need of correction. Not only is the Authorized Version superior to all other versions and translations, but it is superior to any Greek text in existence.

The King James 1611 Authorized Version will be the final authority in all matters of faith and practice above the opinions of man, tradition or any other source.

Mark 7:9,13; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Timothy 3:16-17
 
C. That the word of God is eternally existent.
 
Psalms 119:89; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Hebrews 11:3; I Peter 1:23-25
 
Though given to men at a point in time, the word of God has and always will exist incorruptible.

 
D. That only those foreign translations made from the King James 1611 Authorized Version or from the Textus Receptus Greek Text shall be considered reliable. All others should be used with caution and compared with the King James Version.
 
E. That other versions and paraphrases that change the words of the King James Version are considered to be the work of Satan to undermine the believer's confidence in the authority of God's holy word.
 
Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:6; Jeremiah 8:8,9; Revelation 22:19
 
F. That understanding of the scriptures comes only to the born-again child of God. While one may obtain knowledge of the Bible through study at a Bible school or seminary, understanding comes only by the illumination of the Holy Spirit.
 
Psalms 119:130; Luke 24:45; John 16:13; I Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 1:17,18
 
G. That unsaved men, not possessing the gift of the Holy Spirit, can have no understanding of the word of God except the understanding of the plan of salvation which is a work of the Holy Spirit outside of man.
 
Matthew 22:29; John 8:43,47; 16:13; II Corinthians 2:17; II Peter 3:16
 
H. That having authority and power over all things, the word of God is also the only way to salvation.
 
Matthew 22:29; John 1:12; 5:24; 6:63,68; Romans 10:14,17; Ephesians 6:17; Philippians 2:16; I Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 4:12,13; I Peter 1:23
 
I. That a Bible-believer is one who subjects himself to the pure word of God (the King James 1611 Authorized Version).

 

The Bible-believer is exhorted to:
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

 

 Study the word of God (II Timothy 2:15)
Memorize it (Psalms 119:11)
Obey it (Psalms 119:9)
Cleanse himself with it (Psalms 119:9)
Love it (Psalms 119:140)
Regarding authority, a Bible-believing Christian puts the word of God above everything. All others put some thing above the Bible.
 
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II.  The Lord Jesus Christ
 
    A.

 

 That he is fully God.

Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1,14; 20:28; Philippians 2:6; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:8; I John 5:20
 
    B. That He is the second person of the Trinity and not a lessor Diety.
 

Matthew 3:16,17; 28:19; Philippians 2:6; Colossians 2:9; I John 5:7
 
C. That without any essential change in His divine Person:

Hebrews 13:8
 
1.  He became man by the miracle of the virgin birth-
 
 Matthew 1:23; John 1:14; I Timothy 3:16

 

2.

  Thus to continue forever as both true God and true man.
 
 Philippians 2:6,7; Colossians 1:15; 2:9; Revelation 22:16
 
D. That as man, He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin (John 8:46; Hebrews 4:15), that as the perfect Lamb of God, He gave Himself in death upon the cross, bearing the sin of the world and suffering its full penalty of divine wrath in our stead.

Isaiah 53:5-7; Matthew 20:28; John 1:29; Galatians 3:13
 
E. That:
 
1. He was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

Luke 24:46; I Corinthians 15:4
 
2. His resurrected and glorified body was a physical one of flesh and bone.

Luke 24:36-43; John 20:25-28
 
3. As our great High Priest, He ascended into heaven, there to appear before the face of God as our Advocate and Intercessor.

Hebrews 5:1-10; 9:24; I John 2:1
 
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III.  Creation and Fall of Man
 
A.

 

 That he was the direct creation of God, spirit, soul and body, not in any sense the product of evolutionary development, but made in the image of God.

Genesis 1:26-28; 2:7, 18-24; Matthew 19:4; I Thessalonians 5:23
 
B. That by personal disobedience to the revealed will of God:
 
1. Man became a sinful creature and the progenitor of a fallen race (Genesis 3:1-24; 5:3; Romans 5:12).
 
2. Who are universally sinful both in nature and practice (Romans 3:23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:3)
 
3. Who are alienated from the life and family of God (John 8:42-44; Ephesians 4:18).
 
4. Who are under the righteous judgment and wrath of God (Romans 1:18; 3:19,20; John 3:36)and
 
5. Who have within themselves no possible means of recovery or salvation (Matthew 19:25,26; Mark 7:21-23; Romans 7:18).

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IV.  Salvation
 
    A.

 

 That it is by grace-
John 1:17; Acts 15:11; Romans 4:16; 5:15-17; Ephesians 2:8,9;

-and therefore is a free gift of God.

Romans 5:15-18; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8
 
    B. It is by faith
Romans 3:22; 4:5; 10:8; Galatians 3:22; Ephesians 2:8,9

and merited neither in part nor the whole by any virtue or work of man.

Romans 4:4,5; 10:3; Titus 3:5
 
C. It is by the blood.

Matthew 26:28; Acts 20:28; Romans 5:9; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; I Peter 1:18,19; I John 1:7; 2:2; Revelation 1:5

The believer is washed from his sins by the precious, incorruptible blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, by which he is forgiven, cleansed, purchased, justified, redeemed, sanctified and washed.
 
D. And by the word of God.


Luke 8:11; Romans 10:13-15, 17

All that men know about salvation comes from this one source (John 5:24). It is itself alive (Hebrews 4:12) and able to impart life (James 1:18) to those who hear the preaching of the gospel (I Corinthians 1:18, 21; I Peter 1:23-25; James 1:21)
 
E. We reject the modern trend of easy believism. Salvation is the result of true repentance that comes from godly sorrow for sin.

Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19; 17:30; 20:21; II Corinthians 7:9-10; II Peter 3:9
 
F. We believe that God (in His absolute sovereignty), gave man a free will to accept or reject the salvation He has provided. Still, God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9).

Ezekiel 33:11; Acts 10:34, 35; I Timothy 2:4
 
G. That salvation is a threefold process that begins with:
 
1. Justification, being the instant and complete deliverance from the penalty of sin forever (John 5:24; Romans 4:5-9).
 
2. Sanctification, being a progressive deliverance from the power of sin daily (I Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 4:7, 12, 13; I Thessalonians 4:3; I John 1:9).

 
3. Glorification, our final deliverance from the presence of sin forever (II Corinthians 1:10; 5:8; I Thessalonians 4:17; I John 3:2).
 
H. That all born-again believers are eternally secure.
The Bible teaches that:
1. True believers never perish (John 3:15,16).
 
2. Neither shall any man pluck them out of the Father's hand (John 10:28,29).
 
3. They are "kept by the power of God" (I Peter 1:5)
 
4. Sealed until the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30).
 
5. Delivered from all condemnation (John 3:18; 5:24).
 
I. Simply stated, we belive that "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" are the only conditions for salvation. "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3).

Acts 20:20,21
 
J. That while in no sense having anything to do with obtaining or retaining salvation,

Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16; Titus 3:5),

righteous living and good works are the proper evidence and fruit of salvation.

Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 2:14; I Peter 2:12
 
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V.  Satan
 
    A.

 

 That he was originally created a holy and perfect being, but through pride and ambition rebelled against God (Isaiah 14:13,14; Ezekeil 28:13-17; I Timothy 3:6), thus becoming:
 
1. Utterly depraved in character (John 8:44).

 
2. The great adversary of God and His people (Matthew 4:1-11; Revelation 12:10).
 
3. Leader of all other evil angels and spirits (Matthew 12:24-26; 25:41).
 
4. The deceiver and god of this present world (II Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12:9).
 
    B.

That his powers are supernaturally great (Luke 4:6; II Corinthians 4:3; Ephesians 6:12; II Thessalonians 2:9), but strictly limited by the permissive will of God (Job 1:12; Luke 22:31,32).
 
C. That he was defeated and judged at the cross, and therefore his final doom is certain (John 12:31,32; 16:11; Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 20:10).
 
D. That we are to resist and overcome him only in the armor of God and by the blood of the Lamb (Ephesians 6:1-18; Revelation 12:11; Zechariah 3:2).
 
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VI.  The Holy Spirit
 
A.

 

 That he is:

 
1. Fully God (Acts 5:3,4)
 

 
2. The third person of the Trinity and not an impersonal force or influence (Matthew 28:19; I John 5:7).
 
3. The divine agent in:
 
a. Creation (Genesis 1:2, 3; Job 33:4; Psalm 33:6; 104:30; John 16:13-15).
 
b. Revelation, wherein He reveals new truth (Luke 2:25,26; John 16:13; I Corinthians 2:9-14).
 
c. Inspiration, wherein He communicates truth to men (Jeremiah 36:2; Acts 1:16; II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:21).
 
d. Illumination, wherein He gives understanding of truth (John 16:14-15; I Corinthians 2:9-14; Ephesians 1:17).
 
B. That the Holy Spirit is a person with personal attributes of:
 
1. Will (Acts 16:6-11; I Corinthians 12:11)
 

 
2. Knowledge (Isaiah 11:2; Romans 8:27; I Corinthians 2:10-12)
 
3. Wisdom (Isaiah 11:2; I Corinthians 2:10-12; Ephesians 1:17)
 
4. Power (Isaiah 11:2; Romans 15:13,19; Ephesians 3:16; I Thessalonians 1:5; Acts 5:3-5) and
 

 
5. Love (Romans 15:30)
 
C. That born-again believers must be careful not to offend the Holy Spirit who can be:
 
1. Grieved (Ephesians 4:30)
 

 
2. Vexed (Isaiah 63:10)
 
3. Tested (Acts 5:9)
 
4. Resisted (Acts 7:51)
 

 
5. Insulted (Hebrews 10:29>
 
6. Lied to (Acts 5:3) and
 

 
7. Quenched (I Thessalonians 5:19)
 
D. That in this dispensation, the work of the Holy Spirit upon the unbeliever is conviction (John 16:8-11), of sin (John 16:9), righteousness (John 16:10) and judgment (John 16:11).
 
E. That all who become the sons of God by believing on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:12), the Holy Spirit:
 
1. Regenerates (John 3:3-5; 6:63; II Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5)
 

 
2. Baptizes (I Corinthians 12:12-14; Ephesians 4:4,5)
 
3. Indwells (John 7:37-39; 14;17; Romans 8:8-10; I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; I John 3:24)
 
4. Seals (II Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13,14; 4:30)
 

 
5. Fills (Luke 1:15; Acts 4:8, 31; 6:3, 5; 9:17; 11:24; Ephesians 5:18)
 
6. Empowers (Acts 1:8; Romans 15:13; I Corinthians 2:4)
 

 
7. Sanctifies (I Peter 1:2)
 
8. Anoints (Luke 4:18; I John 2:20,27)
 

 
9. Teaches (Luke 12:12, John 14:26; 16:13; I Corinthians 2:13)
 
10. Guides (John 16:13; Acts 8:27-29; 13:4; 16:6; Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:16,25)
 
11. Calls to service (Acts 13:2-4; 20:28)
 

 
12. Intercedes for (Romans 8:26,27)
 
F. We reject the modern day Charismatic movement with its overemphasis on the person and work of the Holy Spirit, and its doctrinal aberrations. This movement is carnal and demonic in origin.
 

Howbeit when he the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself... he shall testify of me." (John 16:13; 15:26).
 
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VII.  Separation
 
    A.

 

 That all true believers should be separated:
 
1. From all worldly amusements and unclean habits which defile mind and body (Luke 8:14; Ephesians 5:3-11; Colossians 3:17; I Thessalonians 5:22; I Timothy 5:6; I Peter 2:11).
 
2. From unbelievers (II Corinthians 6:14-18) in spiritual matters.
 
3. From modernists, liberals and false teachers (Matthew 5:19; 15:9; I Timothy 1:7; 4:2; 6:3; II Timothy 3:5; 4:3; Titus 1:11; II Peter 2:1).
 
4. From the world itself. While we are in this world, we are not to be of this world and are to have "no fellowship with its evil ways." (Romans 12:2; II Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:11; Philippians 3:18,19).
 
    B. That Christians caught up in the things of the world can be the enemies of God (James 4:4) and can be guilty of spiritual adultery (James 4:4).
 
C. That the believer's proper position should be crucified unto the world and the world crucified to him (Galatians 6:14), not conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2).
 
D. That the believer can expect to be hated by the world (John 17:14) and persecuted by them when he separates himself from the world.
 
E. True separation from the world is also separation unto God and is exemplified by a love for, and a desire to know more about the word of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, a fear of God, obedience to the word of God and an earnest expectation for the second coming of Jesus Christ to deliver us from this present evil world.
 
F. That the church and the state should be separate. That neither has the authority to govern the other. That civil government is of divine appointment; that rulers are to be prayed for, honoured and obeyed, except only in those things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ as found in the word of God. All members waive any right to bring before civil court any matter of church relations and business, assenting to the authority of the church in all such matters.

 

Exodus 18:21-22; II Samuel 23:3; Psalms 72:11; Daniel 3:17-18; Matthew 10:28; 22:21; 23:10; Acts 4:19,20; 23:5; Romans 13:7; Philippians 2:10,11; Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13, 14, 17
 
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VIII.  The Holy Trinity
 
    A.

 

 That there are three persons in the Godhead but they are only one God (I John 5:7). While it is a mystery to man, the doctrine of the Trinity is clearly taught in the New Testament.
 
1. The baptism of Christ (Matthew 3:16,17)
 
2. In the baptismal formula (Matthew 28:19)
 
3. The apostolic benediction (II Corinthians 13:14)
 
4. Christ Himself teaches it (John 14:6)
 
5. The New Testament sets forth a Father who is God (Romans 1:7), a Son who is God (Hebrews 1:8; Titus 2:13), a Holy Spirit who is God (Acts 5:3, 4).
 
    B. That this one triune God is perfect in His:
 
1. Holiness (Leviticus 11:44, 45; I Samuel 2:2; Psalms 99:9; Isaiah 6:3)
 
2. Righteousness (Psalms 50:6; 111:3; Isaiah 51:8; Matthew 6:33)
 
3. Faithfulness (Psalms 36:5; Lamentations 3:23; I Corinthians 1:9; I Thessalonians 5:24; Revelation 19:11)
 
4. Mercy (Numbers 14:18, 19; II Samuel 24:14; I Chronicles 16:34; Psalms 103; Lamentations 3:22)
 
5. Love (Psalms 146:8; Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16; I John 3:16; 4:8-19)
 
C. That He is:

 
1. Omniscient (having all knowledge) (Job 37:16; Proverbs 16:3, 11; Psalms 139:1-6; 147:4, 5; Hebrews 4:13)
 
2. Omnipotent (having all power) (Job 37:23; Psalm 147:5; Isaiah 40:21-26; Matthew 28:18; Romans 13:1; Revelation 19:6)
 
3. Omnipresent (everywhere present) (I Kings 8:27; Psalms 139:7-10; Isaiah 66:1; Jeremiah 23:23, 24)
 
4. Eternal (having no beginning or end) (Psalms 41:13; 90:1; 102:12, 24-27; Isaiah 44:6; Romans 1:20) and
 
5. The Creator and sustainer of all things (Genesis 1:1; Nehemiah 9:6; Job 38:4-10; Psalm 104:2-6; Isaiah 40:12; John 1:1-3; Revelation 4:11)
 
D. That man's approach to God should always be with reverence and fear. The levity of God's people concerning God and His word is abominable and is one reason for the lack of power in Christian work today.

Deuteronomy 4:10; 5:29; Joshua 24:14; Job 28:28; Psalms 2:11; 15:4; 19:9; 34:7; 89:7; 99:1; 112:1; Proverbs 1:7; 8:13; 10:27; 15:6; Isaiah 8:13; 33:6; Jeremiah 5:22; Hebrews 11:7; 12:28
 
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IX.  The Future Life, Bodily Resurrection, and Eternal Judgment
 
    A.

 

 That at death (in this dispensation), the souls of the saved go immediately to be with Christ in heaven (II Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:21-23) where they abide in joyful fellowship with Him until the pre-tribulation rapture, when their bodies shall be raised from the grave and changed into the likeness of His own glorious body (I Corinthians 15:35-38; Philippians 3:20, 21; I John 3:2), at which time their works shall be brought before the judgment seat of Christ for the determination of rewards, a judgment which may issue in the loss of rewards but not the loss of salvation (I Corinthians 3:8-15), which has been eternally secure for all believers by the blood atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ for all sin.
 
    B. That the souls of the unsaved at death descend immediately into hell where they are kept under punishment until the final day of judgment of all unsaved dead before the Great White Throne (Luke 16:19-31; II Peter 2:9) at which time their bodies shall be raised from the grave, they shall be judged according to their works, and cast into the lake of fire for everlasting punishment with the devil and his angels (Mark 9:43-48; Jude 13; Revelation 20:11-15)
 
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 X.  The Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, which takes place in two parts
 
    A.

 

 That the first part is the rapture, the coming of the Lord "for" His saints.
 
1. That the period of time preceding the rapture will be characterized by general apostasy within the church (II Thessalonians 2:1-3)
 
2. That while no one knows the day and hour of the rapture, (Matthew 24:36-42; Acts 1:7), true believers may know the "times and seasons," (Luke 21:29-33; I Thessalonians 5:1-8). It could take place anytime. When it does occur, it takes place in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye (Matthew 24:44; I Corinthians 15:52).
 
3. That when He comes, He will first by resurrection and translation remove from the earth His waiting church (I Thessalonians 4:16-18) who will be caught up to meet Him in the air. "So shall they ever be with the Lord." He will not set foot on earth at that time.
 
4. That the dead in Christ shall rise first and then they which are alive and remain. As they are caught up to be with the Lord, they will receive their glorified bodies which are conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. So shall they ever be with the Lord. (Romans 8:29; I Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:20, 21; I Thessalonians 4:16, 17; I John 3:2)
 
5. That shortly after the rapture, a seven-year period of time will begin variously known as "the tribulation", "time of Jacob's trouble" and "Daniel's seventieth week," during which time God's wrath will be poured out in righteous judgment upon the unbelieving world as in no other time in history. No born-again believer will enter this period of the great tribulation. (Jeremiah 30:6, 7; Daniel 9:24-27; 12:1; Matthew 24:21, 29)
 
    B. That the second part of Christ's second coming is His revelation and glorious return "with" His saints at the end of the great tribulation. He will then destroy the armies of the antichrist at the battle of Armageddon (Joel 3:11-14; Titus 2:11-13; Jude 14; Revelation 16:13-16; 19:11-14).
 
1. That the Lord Jesus Christ will descend "in like manner" as the disciples "beheld Him going into heaven." (Acts 1:11). "And His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives" (Zechariah 14:4, 5, 9; Revelation 1:7). At this time, the whole house of Israel will be restored to the land given to Abraham in Genesis 12, 13 and 15.
 
2. That at His coming, He will establish His glorious and literal kingdom of heaven on earth and execute the judgment of the nations (Matthew 25:31-46). He will rule and reign for a thousand years during which Satan will be bound in the pit. The Lord will rule with a rod of iron as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in perfect peace (Isaiah 9:7; Hosea 2:18; Micah 4:3; Revelation 20:1-7).
 
3. At the close of His thousand year reign, the Lord Jesus Christ will raise the unsaved dead and call them before the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:5, 11-15). Finally, as the Son of David, He will deliver up His Messianic Kingdom to God the Father (I Corinthians 15:24-28) in order that as the Eternal Son, He may reign with the Father in the New Heaven and the New Earth throughout the dispensation of the fullness of times (Luke 1:32, 33; Ephesians 1:10; II Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1; 22:5).

 

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XI.  The One True Church; the Mystical Body and the Bride of the Lord Jesus Christ
 
     

 
Romans 12:5; I Corinthians 12:12-24, 25-27; Ephesians 1:22,12; 4:4; Colossians 1:24
 
    A.

 

 That He began to build at Pentecost (Acts 2:4, 5; 47) and will complete at the pre-tribulation rapture (I Thessalonians 4:16, 17) and into which all true believers of the present age are baptized immediately by the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12:12,12; Ephesians 4:5).
 
1. From all worldly amusements and unclean habits which defile mind and body (Luke 8:14; Ephesians 5:3-11; Colossians 3:17; I Thessalonians 5:22; I Timothy 5:6; I Peter 2:11).
 
2. From unbelievers (II Corinthians 6:14-18) in spiritual matters.
 
3. From modernists, liberals and false teachers (Matthew 5:19; 15:9; I Timothy 1:7; 4:2; 6:3; II Timothy 3:5; 4:3; Titus 1:11; II Peter 2:1).
 
4. From the world itself. While we are in this world, we are not to be of this world and are to have "no fellowship with its evil ways." (Romans 12:2; II Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:11; Philippians 3:18,19).
 
    B. That a Bible-believing congregation of baptized (immersed in water) believers are associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship in the gospel and the Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 1:9; Philippians 1:4, 5) observing the ordinances of the church, which are two: (1)baptism, and (2) the Lord's supper.
 
C. That Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:13-16; 28:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 8:36-39). It is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12) and is prerequisite to membership in a local church congregation (Acts 2:41).
 
D. That the Lord's supper is the remembrance of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ by partaking of unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine. It is always to be preceded by solemn self-examination on the part of each participant. This blessed ordinance is to be observed as often as the local assembly of believers desires, until Jesus comes (Matthew 26:17, 26-29; Mark 14:1, Luke 22:15-20; I Corinthians 11:23-29). We emphasize the fact that baptism and the Lord's supper are ordinances and not sacraments.
 
E. That's it's scriptural officers are two: Bishop (I Timothy 3:1, 2 and Titus 1:7) and Deacon (Acts 6:3-5; Philippians 1:1; I Timothy 3:8)
 
1. The bishop is the pastor and the presiding elder of the individual flock that God has set him over. Being selected according to the spiritual requirements set forth in I Timothy 3:2-11 and Titus 1:5-7, he is to lead the flock with the counsel of the other ordained elders of that local assembly of believers according to the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:11). He is to "preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (II Timothy 4:2) and do the work of an evangelist (II Timothy 4:5).
 
2. Deacons are to be selected according to spiritual qualifications set forth in I Timothy 3:3-13, and are to serve the church under the leadership of its bishop as he shall call upon them for the administration of business and spiritual matters concerning the church (Acts 6:2-4).
 
3. These two and any other members ordained by a local church are the elders of that assembly of believers and are to be overseers of the flock, to feed its members with the word of God, and to be examples before them (Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5; I Peter 5:1-3).
 
F. That the true mission of the church is found in the concept of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
 
1. First, to carry the gospel to all the world
 
2. Second, to baptize them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost
 
3. Third, to teach them the word of God
 
4. Fourth, to instruct all believers to do these things also
 
 
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