THE ARTICLES OF FAITH AND PRACTICE OF THE
KING JAMES BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH
PREAMBLE
Whereas: we, an assembly of believers in Jesus Christ, organized for the purpose of spreading the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the infallible words of the Holy King James Authorized 1611 Bible, and promoting spiritual growth and understanding that “all things may be done decently and in order”, and the policies of our church carefully guarded and maintained.
Therefore: Be it resolved, that beginning September 8, 1991 we shall be guided by the following ARTICLES OF FAITH AND PRACTCE
ARTICLE I
Name, Statement of Purpose and Character
1. The name of this organization shall be King James Bible Baptist Church.
2. The purpose of King James Bible Baptist Church is to bring glory, honor, and praise to God the father and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. As an independent Baptist church, we shall accomplish this by (1) our gathering together as an assembly of believers to preach, teach, sing and fellowship around the Bible and the Savior (2)
exhorting one another to a godly, holy life that we may please our heavenly Father and be effective witnesses to the unconverted (3) supporting any Biblical method of evangelism and growth of true Christianity in our community and world, by this we mean that we reject and oppose any compromise effort with theological liberals.
This purpose is further expressed in the Church Covenant (Article X). This Covenant shall be read occasionally in the presence of the assembly and shall be accepted by each member.
3. Being in agreement with the historical position of Independent Baptist Churches, we choose to be called a “ Baptist Church”, and governed by the principles below:
A.) The pre-eminence of Christ as our Divine Lord and Master.
B.) The supreme authority of the Bible and its sufficiency as out only rule of
faith and practice.
C.) The competency of the individual soul to approach God and to interpret the Word of God according to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
D.) The absolute separation of Church and State but obeying magistrates and governors in all matters that do not annual scriptural Christian responsibility.
E.) A regenerated Church Membership, based upon faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as God’s only way of salvation.
F.) The beautiful, symbolic ordinance of believer’s immersion in water as a figure of the salvation experience, a testimony of dying to self and the world, and depicting visibly the invincible event of spiritual baptism.
G.) The complete autonomy of the local congregation.
H.) The pre-millennial return of Jesus Christ to establish and reign over a 1000-year kingdom on this earth.
I.) A world-wide program of missionary fervor and evangelism in accordance with Pauline ministry and doctrine, in cooperation with other Baptist Churches of like faith.
ARTICLE II
The Bible-Explanatory
The Bible is the collection of sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation, which as originally written, and as translated and preserved inerrant in the authorized 1611 King James Bible (according to Psalm. 12:6-7 and Isaiah. 59:21 and Proverbs. 22:12), does not merely contain or convey the word of God, but is the very Word of God. Hereafter in this document it shall be simply referred to as “ The Bible”.
ARTICLE III
The Authority of the Church
The authority of the church in its various ministries is vested in the active body of believers of which the church is composed and is overseen by its undershepherd the Pastor/Bishop. The church, in its various ministries is subject to the control of no other ecclesiastical body, or the government agency. Federal, State, County, or City. The supreme head of the church is the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23), and His instructions to it are contained in the Bible.
ARTICLE IV
Membership
1. RECEPTION
A.) Any person professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ according to the Article XI of this document, and giving evidence of a change of heart, and an attitude of submission toward the Bible, may be received into membership upon his baptism by immersion.
B.) Any qualifying person may be received by the following method.
(1) His or her names shall be listed for two consecutive Sundays in the church
Bulletin. From the first appearance of candidates name, any member may object to the pastor and deacons during the next two weeks. In the event no objections are raised, the candidate shall be publicly welcomed into the church membership on the third Sunday in the morning worship service, subject to candidate’s willingness to be baptized.
(2) In the event of some objection, the candidate shall be informed of the
nature of the objection. The matter may then be handled by the officers in one of the following ways:
Immediately resolved
Postponed
Canceled
(3) In the event some candidate is not received, he (she) may again seek membership not earlier than 60 days later.
C.) Members whose names for any reason have been erased from the membership roll, may be restored to membership upon expression of repentance and renewal of covenant obligations, and upon a 75% majority church vote of those present, by closed ballot.
D.) All members shall be expected to support this church by prayer, attendance at its regular meetings, and by contributions to its local expenses and missionary projects.
2. DISMISSAL: The membership may be terminated by
A.) Death
B.) Letter of dismissal and recommendation
C.) Exclusion
A member who desires to unite with another church shall receive a “ letter of dismissal and recommendation”, and a member who desires to unite with a church of another denomination shall be released from our church roll. Except in the extreme cases, such letters will be forwarded directly to the church with which the member is uniting. The pastor of this church may send to the Pastor of the receiving church a confidential note indicating the member’s activity or inactivity while a member of this church. The church may, upon the recommendation of the Pastor, and Deacons, following the instruction of Matthew 18 and by a two- thirds majority vote of the active membership of the church present for such a meeting called for this purpose, exclude any member for gross immorality or breach of covenant obligations, or violation of the church’s policies, by-laws or articles of faith. Any such member so charged shall have the right to appear in his own defense. Any member under charge will automatically be out of any office or position, elected or appointed, until the charges are cleared and the person is declared innocent. Such a charged member will have no vote or voice in church decisions until he is cleared of the charges.
3. INACTIVE MEMBERS:
A person shall be declared inactive who shall absent himself from the services of the church for more than four consecutive weeks or refuse to contribute to its financial support continually without sufficient cause. The Pastor shall cause the church secretary to remove the names from the active roll and place the names on he inactive roll of the church. Such persons may be restored to the active membership provided they renew their covenant obligations to the satisfaction of the Pastor and Deacons. Inactive members will have no vote or voice in church decisions. A twelve month period of unjustified activity will be treated as a formal resignation.
ARTICLE V
Church Officers
Their scriptural names and qualifications, tenure of office, those with power of attorney, their discipline, and their call and duties.
1. SCRIPTURAL NAMES:
A.) Bishop: Otherwise known as Pastor, Overseer, and Presiding Elder.
B.) Deacon
2. SCRIPTURAL QUALIFICATIONS:
A.) Bishop: He must qualify according to Ephesians 4:11-12; I Timothy 3:1-7;
and Titus 1:5-8.
B.) Deacon: They must qualify according to Acts 6:1-4 and I Timothy 3:8-13.
3. TENURE OF OFFICE:
A.) Bishop: This office is of indefinite term when meeting the above
qualifications.
B.) Deacons: Deacons shall be selected by congregational vote of active adult members, and appointed by the pastor on a minimum 3-year basis. Any deacon may be re-elected and serve an additional term or terms if he chooses to accept the office again. NO deacon may serve longer than one three-year term unless he is re-elected. There will be elections held annually. Each year a different portion of the Deacons will face re-election in order to insure a measure of experience among the Deacons at all times. Nominations for the office of deacon shall be accepted from the Pastor, other Deacons and the congregation. The standing officers shall approve all nominations. Once nominations are closed, ballots shall be prepared and distributed to every adult church member. Whenever possible, the number of nominees shall exceed the number of positions open. Election of a deacon(s) shall occur one week following the closure nominations.
NO member of the church (including the pastor, deacon or nominee) shall engage in any outward attempt whatsoever to persuade others to vote for a particular nominee.
4. OFFICERS WITH POWER OF ATTORNEY:
The following officers shall have the power of attorney for the King James Bible Baptist Church. Power of Attorney may only be exercised by a minimum of two officers as listed below, in concert with proper congregational approval beforehand.
A.) The Bishop
B.). One Deacon elected from the Deacons by the Deacons and Pastor.
C.) In the event of there being only one Deacon, he shall have the power of attorney.
D.) In the event there are no Deacons, the Church Treasurer-Financial Secretary may qualify for power of attorney.
5. DISCIPLINE OF OFFICERS:
A.) Deacons: The Deacons shall be disciplined just as any other member according to ARTICLE IV Item Number 2 letter “C” of this document.
B.) Bishop: Any discipline deemed necessary of the Pastor shall be conducted according to I Timothy 5:19-20, upon completion of Matthew 18 guidelines. Any active member with two or more eyewitnesses can prefer charges at any decisory meeting of the church called for this purpose, if the previously declared methods fail to correct the situation.
6. CALL AND DUTIES OF OFFICER:
A.) Bishop:
(1) The Pastor/Bishop shall be a duly ordained preacher of the Baptist faith, and in fellowship and good standing with those churches which we refer to as “Sister” congregations, being specifically King James Bible believing, separatists, Independent, and holding the same doctrinal values.
(2) The Pastor/Bishop shall be chosen by the following process:
(a.) A pulpit committee shall be organized, consisting of the Deacons, and possibly the current pastor, if he can possibly remain long enough to assist in the selection of his successor.
(b.) Any active member may submit nominations of candidates to the pulpit committee.
(c.) The pulpit committee shall review and approve and nominations.
(d.) Candidates shall be considered one-at-a-time, completing the process with each individual before another is invited.
(e.) The selected candidate shall be invited to preach by the pulpit committee.
(f.) When the pulpit committee is persuaded that a particular candidate is God’s choice for pastor, a ballot/questionnaire shall be distributed to the congregation. Notice of balloting must be given in writing to all active members at least one week in advance.
(g.) Voting results will be evaluated by the pulpit committee, and a full disclosure of the results made to the congregation.
(h.) A rejection of any candidate by the balloting process will be final. In the event of a majority vote in favor of a candidate, the congregational decision will be upheld unless the pulpit committee providentially discovers some valid objection to calling that candidate. If such a decision is made, the pulpit committee must give an acceptable explanation to the congregation for their decision against a candidate.
(i.) We believe this process to be most like the Biblical model in Acts 6:1-6 where the congregational selection and appointment by the already functioning officers was necessary to instate an officer of the church.
B.) Once chosen, there will be no further voting on the Pastor/Bishop except in the case of disciplinary action according to this document. Pastors financial needs can be considered at his request.
(1) The Bishop shall have charge of all stated services of the public worship. He shall administer the ordinances of the church and perform all duties common to such office in Baptist churches. He shall have general oversight of the spiritual welfare of the church membership. He shall be the ex officio member of all groups, committees, or boards, such as there may be need of organizing. NO committee or board meeting may be held without the Pastor present. NO decisory meeting of the church may be held without the Bishop/Pastor in attendance.
C.) DEACONS:
(1) The deacons shall consist of a group of two or more men if so many can qualify from among the active membership according to ARTICLE V and section two, item “B” of this document, and as many men in excess of this number as the Pastor may request from the church membership.
(2) The primary meaning of the word deacon being servant, the Deacons shall have the charge of the Lord’s Supper and Baptismal services of the church, together with the supervision and custody of the “Deacons Fund”, or “Benevolent Fund”. Offerings for this fund will be taken at each Lord’s Supper and remain in the Church Finances until administered by the Deacons and Pastor to those considered in need of financial aid, and deserving it from this church. The Deacons will be accountable to the church for this fund only to the extent of reporting annually the total receipts and total disbursements, considering the private nature of what this money may go towards. Money may be diverted from this fund only upon congregational approval. The Deacons, in cooperation with the Bishop, call on the sick and absent membership of the church, and actively participate in some evangelistic program of the church. The Deacons shall be expected to, whenever possible demonstrate exemplary attendance at all ordinary and extraordinary functions of the church such as Prayer Meetings, Revivals, Evangelistic and Soul Winning Campaigns, Social Gatherings and any other like activity. They and their families should be expected to actively participate in the planning and conducting in some of these events. They shall supply the pulpit in the event the pastorate is vacant. A simple majority of the Deacons present shall consist a quorum. The Deacons by no means constitute a governing body of the church, and as individuals, or as a unit they do not possess any authority superseding that of Pastor/Bishop.
ARTICLE VI
Other Positions of the Church
1.CHURCH TREASURER/FINANCIAL SECRETARY:
A.) This officer shall have responsibility of counting all monies received by the church, with the assistance of some other person approved by the church, preferably a Deacon, provided that there are Deacons in office. She or He shall be responsible for depositing all monies received in a bank and keep a record of all deposits made.
B.) This officer shall also be responsible for making a quarterly and an annual report, in writing, to be read at a mid-week service, of all income and expenses for the previous year or quarter.
C.) This officer will have the responsibility of writing and delivering payment of all bills, obligations, love offerings, and any other expenses of this church.
2. SUNDAY EDUCATION SUPERINTENDENT:
A.) This officer shall be appointed by the Pastor and shall have oversight of all the various divisions of Sunday classes for the instruction of the Bible. This officer will have the responsibility for ordering all necessary materials for the instruction of Sunday Education students.
B.) This officer shall work in cooperation with and under the authority of the Pastor.
3. CHURCH SECRETARY:
The Church Secretary shall be appointed by the Pastor and approved by the Deacons and shall act as Secretary of all decisory meetings of the church. This office shall also maintain an accurate record of church membership, an active and inactive roll; shall sign all letters of dismissal, submit all letters of request for transfer of membership.
4. TRUSTEES:
The trustees of the church shall normally be the Pastor and Deacons. In the event of there being less than two standing officers at any time, an emergency trustee shall be selected by a 75% majority vote of the congregation.
ARTICLE VII
Other Officers Not Specified here
Any other offices or positions not detailed here, but deemed necessary or advisable at a later time may be added by amendment to this document subject to approval of the Pastor and Deacons.
ARTICLE VIII
Meetings
1. This church may, in its various ministries, meet every day of the week according to Acts 5:42. Thus includes Sunday, both morning and evening, for the instruction and public worship. On the last Sunday of every month (unless otherwise arranged by the Pastor and Deacons), the church will observe the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper. Baptismal services may be held on Sunday in either service, or at specially scheduled services in the afternoon. This may include Monday through Friday of each week educational services to be held for the children of the members of this church. Church meetings may also include nightly revival meetings or Bible conferences, prayer meetings, or Saturday workdays for the maintenance of the church properties.
2. Classes for the instruction of the Bible will be held every Sunday, and possibly on any other day of the week as deemed necessary to maintain a high level of spiritual life in the congregation.
3. At least one evening of the week the church shall hold a meeting for the purpose of prayer and Bible study.
4. Matters of covenantal agreement may be decided at any regular service of the church except for the daytime educational services for the church children. A meeting for the purpose of making covenantal decisions may be called by the Pastor at any time. If the Pastorate is vacant, one Deacon, chosen from among the Deacons by the congregation may exercise this power. One time a year a financial stewardship report shall be made to the male heads of households during a specially called service. The director of all services and meeting shall always be the Pastor. If the Pastorate is vacant the moderator shall be one of the Deacons. The first decision in order then will be to select, from those present, a moderator for the remainder of the meeting. In order to vote a member must be active in status and have attained the age of eighteen. In order to have voice, he must be a male member of active status and of the age of at least twenty-one. A meeting of covenantal decision may be requested by a 75% majority of the active membership above the age of eighteen years by asking for the same by written petition, provided notice of the same is publicly read at two regular services of the church, not including daytime educational services for children, one of which shall be on a Sunday, and the purpose stated.
NO church decision or covenantal agreement may be discussed at a special meeting other that that which was specified in the petition submitted. Any individual who fails to conduct himself in a disciplined and polite fashion at any meeting of the church, or who is guilty of “politicking” or manipulative tactics prior to any meeting of covenantal decision shall loose his or her voice and vote and be expelled from the meeting. A member who finds it unnecessary to attend regular services, or other special services such as Revivals, Prayer gatherings, or Bible conferences shows hypocrisy by preferring to attend church covenantal decision making meetings over the others may be subject to church discipline by so doing.
ARTICLE IX
Acquisition and Disposal of Properties
1. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTIES OTHER THAN REAL ESTATE OR AUTOMOBILES:
A.) Properties may be acquired in these manners.
(1) As a gift from an individual, or another church, or an organization existing for the benefit of churches, or from any other body friendly to the independent autonomous church.
(2) Items may be purchased by the church on a cash basis by either legal tender currency or bank drafts and checks.
(3) Charge accounts may be maintained with local merchants but all purchases made must be made only if there is a sufficient amount of money available in the church budget to pay the obligation incurred immediately.
2. ACQUISITION OF REAL ESTATE:
Refer to Articles of Incorporation.
3. ACQUISITION OF AUTOMOBILES AND OTHER MOTOR VEHICLES:
These items may be acquired under the provision of Section 1 above, or by financing arrangement.
4. DISPOSAL OF PROPERTIES:
Refer to Articles of Incorporation.
ARTICLE X
Church Covenant
This church accepts the Authorized King James Bible of 1611 as the only and all sufficient guide to faith and practice. A summary of principles for Christian conduct is contained in the following Church Covenant, to which all members shall subscribe and seek conformity with as we grow into Christian maturity.
Having been led, as we believe, by the spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus
Christ as our Savior, and on the public profession of our faith, having been immersed in water in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
We do now in the presence of God and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter in this covenant.
We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Ghost, to walk together in Christian love:
To strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, service, fruitfulness, holiness, and comfort;
To promote its prosperity and spirituality;
To faithfully attend its services and functions;
To sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines;
To give it sacred pre-eminence over all institutions of human origin;
To contribute cheerfully and regularly as God has prospered us to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor members, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We also engage to endeavor to maintain family and secret devotions:
To religiously educate our children at home, or by a Monday through Friday educational program in the word of God and in our Christian heritage, including and especially a thoroughly Christian world-view encompassing the academic subjects. This may take place either in our church facilities or elsewhere that is consistent with our beliefs.
To seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances;
To walk circumspect in the world;
To be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our conduct;
To avoid all tattling, backbiting, slander, gossip, and unrighteous anger;
To abstain from the sale and use of intoxication drinks; alcohol as a beverage; narcotic substances as a means of recreation; tobacco in all forms; pornography, adultery, theft, blasphemy, or any other fleshly or worldly activity which dishonors the Lord Jesus Christ, causes another believer to stumble or hinders the winning of Souls to Christ;
To be zealous in our efforts to advance the cause of our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ, giving him Pre-Eminence in all things.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love:
To remember each other in prayer;
To aid each other in sickness and distress;
To cultivate Christian sympathy in felling and courtesy in speech;
To be slow to take offence, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of the Savior, to secure it without delay;
To exhort and encourage one another in the blessed hope of the imminent return of Christ;
We moreover engage, that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s word. If there be no such church, we shall endeavor by God’s help to attempt to establish one.
ARTICLE XI
Statement of Faith
1. THE SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Holy Bible, as originally written, was verbally inspired and the product of Spirit- filled men and has been divinely preserved to date the Authorized Version of 1611, and therefore, is the truth without any admixture of error for its matter.
We believe the Bible to be the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried. We believe the interpretation and understanding of the Bible may be revealed to any believer by the Holy Spirit.
A.) By “ The Holy Bible”, we mean that collection of sixty-six books, from Genesis to Revelation, which as written and preserved in the Authorized Version of 1611, does not only contain and convey the Word of God, but is the Word of God.
B.) By “inspiration”, we mean that the books of the Bible were written by holy men of old, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit in such definite way that their writings were supernaturally and verbally inspired and preserved, free from error, as no other writings have ever been or will be. II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:19-21; John 17:17 and Psalm 12:6-7.
C.) We believe that for true Christian growth to occur, we must attend to the public exposition of the scriptures by preaching and teaching as stated in Ephesians 4:11-12; I Corinthians 1:17,18, 23; 2:1-7 and I Thessalonians 1:5.
D.) Whereas there are a number of other versions of the Bible in circulation, all pf which are not reliable due to their omission of words and their being translated from corrupt manuscripts, we consider it, therefore, a necessity and privilege to use only King James A.V. 1611 in our pulpit and in our classrooms. Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:5,6; Revelation 22: 18, 19.
2. THE TRUE WORD OF GOD
We believe that there is one and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the Creator and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth: inexpressively glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons-the Father, the Son, and the Holy ghost or Spirit- equal divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. Isaiah 44:6, 57:15, I Corinthians 8:6; Revelation 4:11, I John 5:7.
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that he was active in the creation; that he convicts of sin, or righteousness, and of judgment; that he bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in our preaching and testimony; that he is the agent of the New Birth; that he seals, fills, leads, intercedes, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and comforts the believer. II Corinthians 3:17; John 14:16,17; Hebrews 9:14; John 14:16,26; Luke 1:35; John 1:12,13; Genesis 1:1-3; John 16:8-11; Acts 5:30-32; John 3:5-8; Ephesians 1:13,14; John 1:33; Romans 8:14-16,26-27; I Corinthians 2; 10-13; 6:11; 12:13.
4. JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Ghost in a miraculous manner,
born of Mary, a virgin; and that He is both completely man and completely God. He was subject to temptation yet was without ANY sin. He is Messiah for Israel, the Savior of the world, the ONLY way any man came to God the Father for forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. He is to be worshipped and glorified as the LORD.
Isaiah 7:14; 9:6,7; Luke 1:31-35; Matthew 4:1-11; Hebrews 4:15; I Peter 2:22; John 4:42; 14:6; 20:28; Luke 24:52; John 16:14; Philippians 2:9-11.
5. SATAN OR THE DEVIL
WE believe he was created perfect, as a Cherub called Lucifer, in the original creation, and because of pride, rebelled against God and became the author of sin. After the recreation of heaven and earth, he appeared as an angel of light to Eve in the Garden of Eden and tempted her to willfully disobey God’s command, resulting in the fall of man. We believe he was then cursed, to be henceforth referred to as serpent, or the dragon. Now as a great red dragon he abides in the great deep and as the devil appears on earth and in heaven as the god of this world to fulfill the ultimate will of God in judging, killing, deceiving, hindering, tempting, and accusing. During the fulfillment of Daniel’s 70th week, antichrist is destroyed; he will be chained in the bottomless pit for 1000 years, at the end of which he will be loosed to assemble an army of sinners for his last attempt to overthrow God. He and his army will be destroyed and cast into a lake of fire forever.
Ezekiel 28:12-19; Isaiah 14:12-15; II Peter 3:3-7; Genesis 1:1-3,28; II Corinthians 4:3,4; 11:14; Genesis 3:1-6:14-19: Romans 5:12; Revelation 12:3,9; Job 41:31-34; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Jeremiah 51:20-25; John 8:44; I Thessalonians 2:18; II Thessalonians 2:3-9; Revelation 19:11-20; 1-10.
6. THE CREATION
We believe that Genesis account of creation as being neither allegory nor myth, but a literal, historical account of the direct, immediate creative acts of God in the person of Jesus Christ without and evolutionary process; that man made of spirit, soul, and body, was created by a direct work of God and not from previously existing forms of life; and that all men are descended from the historical Adam and Eve, first parents of the entire human race. Genesis 1&2; Colossians 1:16,17; Matthew 19:4; John 1:3.
7. THE FALL OF MAN
WE believe that man was created in the state of innocence as a free moral agent under the law of his Maker; but5 by voluntary transgression Adam fell from his sinless happy state, as a result of whish all men are totally depraved (excluding the will), are partakers of Adam’s fallen nature, and are sinners by nature and conduct therefore, are under just condemnation without defense or excuse. Genesis 2:17; 3:1-6; Psalms 51:5; Romans 3:10-19; Ezra 7:13.
8. CHRIST’S ATONEMENT
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him a body of flesh, yet without sin. Honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins by his death, which reconciles the sinner to God; that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by his death as a martyr, but was a voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner’s place, the just dying for the unjust; Christ, the Lord, bearing our own sins in His own body on the tree; that having risen bodily from the person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection.
He is in every way qualified to be suitable, compassionate and all sufficient Savior and only High Priest for the believer. We believe this atonement is not limited but effectual to any sinner accepting it by faith. We believe this atonement is eternal and, therefore, covers all sins, past, present, and future of the redeemed. Therefore, and individual under this atonement is eternally saved from eternal condemnation because of atonement of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24-26; John 3:16; II Corinthians 5:18-21; Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:14; Isaiah 53:4-7; I John 4-10; I Corinthians 15:3,4; II Corinthians 5:21; I Timothy 2:5; I John 2:2; Hebrews 9:14; John 5:24; Romans 5:8-11.
9. THE NEW BIRTH
We believe that the new birth (being born again) is the regenerative act of the Holy Spirit upon a sinner when he repents of his sins and believes the Gospel according to the Scriptures, receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. As a result of the new birth, the sinner is made a new creature in Christ Jesus, partaking of the divine nature and receiving eternal life as a free gift of God. Regeneration of the spirit is brought about in a manner above comprehension, solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth. John 3:3, 6-8; II Corinthians 5:17; I John 5:1; John 1:12,13; I Corinthians 4:15; I Peter 1:23; II Peter 1:4; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1,15; 4:24; Colossians 2:13; Titus 3:5.
10. JUSTIFICATION
We believe that justification is the judicial act of God whereby He declares us to be just and righteous through faith in Christ Jesus; that justification includes the pardon of sin and the imputation of God’s righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood. Acts 13; 39; Isaiah 53:11; II Corinthians 5:18-21; Romans 3:24-25; 5:1,9.
11. SALVATION
We believe that the salvation of a soul requires a belief in God, repentance towards God, which involves genuine sorrow for sin and a willingness to turn from it; and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that this salvation is thereafter permanent and eternal to the believer. Hebrews 11:6; Acts 16:31; 20:20 II Corinthians 7:9,10; I Thessalonians 1:9; John 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30.
12. SANCTIFICATION
We believe sanctification is the divine setting apart of the believer unto God accomplished in the threefold manner, first, an eternal act of God, based upon redemption in Christ, establishing the believer’s spirit, or “new man” in a position of holiness at the moment he trusts the Savior; second, a continuing process in the soul of the saint as the Holy spirit applies the Word of God to the inner man; third, the final accomplishment of this process at the Lord’s return when the body or old man, will then be changed and transformed into a perfect sinless body in the image of Christ. I Corinthians 1:30; 6:11; 15:51-54; Hebrews 10: 10-14; I John 3:2,9; Ephesians 4:24; 5:25,26; John 17:17; I Thessalonians 4:3,4; 13-17; 5:23,24; Philippians 3:21; II Corinthians 3:18; 4:16.
13. ADOPTION
We believe that adoption is the gracious act whereby the father, for the sake of Christ, places new believers into the honored position of mature son, in contrast with regeneration whereby the believer receives the nature of God and becomes a child of God The full benefit of the position accorded by the adoption as the sons of God awaits the glorification of the believer at the coming of the Lord and the redemption of the body. Ephesians 1:5,13,14; Galatians 4:1-7; John 3:1,2; Romans 8:15,23.
14. THE CHURCH
We believe in the unity of all true believers in the Church which is the Body of Christ, which was established on the day of Pentecost, and that all believers, from Pentecost to the Rapture, both Jews and Gentiles, are added to this Church by the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the exact same time that they trust in Jesus as Savior. We believe that this Church is manifested through the local Church which is the congregation of immersed believers associated by covenant of faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws in accordance with Pauline Revelation, exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by his Word; and that its officers are Pastors, also called elders, and Deacons, whose qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the Scripture. We believe the true mission of the church s for the edification, perfection, exhortation and comfort of its members in spiritual matters; the church has the absolute right of self-government free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; that the one and only head and shepherd of the local church is the God-called and spirit led Pastor, just as Jesus Christ is the head and Chief Shepherd over the entire church; that is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the gospel; that each matters of membership, of policy, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the influence of the Pastor is PARAMOUNT and the will of the local church is final.
Ephesians 1:10,22,23; 3:1-6; Galatians 3:26-28; I Corinthians 12:12,13; Acts 1:5; 2:4,41,47; I Corinthians 11:2 Titus 1:5-7; Ephesians 4:11-16; Acts 20:17-28; I Timothy 3:1-7; I Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13,7,17; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23,24;
Acts 15:13-18.
15. BAPTISMS AND THE LORD’S SUPPER
We believe that the Christians baptism is the immersion of the believer in water, under the authority of the local church, to show forth in a like figure or emblem our submission to and faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, through whom we died to sin and rose to a new life; that this baptism is to be administered by the under shepherd or Pastor and thereby is witness that the believer is in subjection to the rule of the church; that only one baptism is necessary in the life of the believer; that baptism is prerequisite to the privileges of the church membership. We believe that the Lord’s Supper is the commemoration of His death until He comes, and should be preceded always by serious self-examination and confession. Acts 8:36-39; Romans6: 3-5; I Peter 3:21; I Timothy 1:1,6; Acts 9:18; I Corinthians 9:25; 10:1-2; 11:23-32; Matthew 28:19,20.
16. CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed, except in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the only Lord of the conscience and coming King of Kings. Romans 13:1-7; I Peter 2:13-16; I Timothy 2:1-2; Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:29; 4:19-20.
17. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, MIRACLES, SIGNS AND WONDERS
We believe the gifts of the Spirit in I Corinthians 12 were of a temporary and transitional nature especially those known as revelational and those gifts, which are specifically, called “signs”. Those gifts, which are signs, wonders, or miracles, were given by the Spirit during the beginning of the church in the book of Acts for these purposes: (1) To identify an “Apostle” (2) To get the Jews to listen to the gospel or to believe a new revelation (3) to confirm the Word of Scripture that was being spoken by the apostles, but not yet written form as we have the Scriptures today. Since there are NO Apostles present today and that the gospel ministry is almost totally to the Gentiles and we have a complete Bible, we reject “ speaking in tongues”, “ supernatural healing” as found in the apostolic ministry (we believe God heals today in accordance with his Word and Divine will through faith and confession) and any other “sign” or “wonder” as heresy and “lying signs and wonders” produced by Satanic power in theses last days to deceive the whole world. I Corinthians 12:1-11; Mark 16:17,18; Acts 2:4-5,43; 3:7,12; 5:12; II Corinthians 12:12; I Corinthians 1:21-22; 14:21-22; Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3,4; James 5:14-16; I Corinthians 11:20-32; II Thessalonians 2:8,9; I Timothy 4:1-2; Matthew 24:5,11,24.
18. ISRAEL
We believe in the sovereign selection of Israel as God’s eternal covenant people, that she is now dispersed because of her disobedience and rejection of Christ, and that she is being regathered to Palestine and, after the Rapture of the Church, will be saved as a nation at the second advent of Christ. Genesis 13:14-17; Romans 11:1-32; Ezekiel 37.
19. THE RESURRECTIONS, JUDGMENTS, PRE-MILLENIAL RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST AND RELATED EVENTS
A.) We believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:6,7;
Luke 24:39; I John 20:27; I Corinthians 15:4; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:2-6.
B.) The ascension of Jesus Christ. Acts 1:9-11; Luke 24:51; Mark 16:19.
C.) The imminent pre-tribulation resurrection of all born again believers at the end of this dispensation. Philippians 3; 20; I Thessalonians 1:10; 4:13-17; 5:6,11;
Titus 2:13; Revelation 4:1; I Corinthians 15: 51-53.
D.) The judgment seat of Christ after the rapture of the Church, before the throne
of God, where the believer’s works and motives for service will be tested by fire, with the promise of literal rewards and inheritance during the millennial reign.
Romans 14:10; II Corinthians 5; 10; II Timothy 4:1; I Corinthians 3:9-15; 4:5; Colossians 3:23-24; II timothy 2:1-12; Luke 19; 11-26.
E.) The future conclusion of Daniel’s 70th week, called the great tribulation determined on the nation of Israel, involving the coming world church, a one-world government both of which will be dominated by the antichrist.
Daniel 9:24-27; Matthew 24:4-26; Revelation 6-19.
F.) The personal visible return of Jesus Christ to this earth to destroy the antichrist and all his enemies either at Armageddon or the judgment of the nations and then to establish the 1000 year reign with the Jew in Palestine as the head of the nations, the earth regenerated, and himself the King of the earth ruling with a rod of iron on the throne of David in Jerusalem. Revelation 19:11-21; Acts 1; 10,11; Revelation 16; 12-16; Matthew 25; 31-46; Revelation 20:1-6; Romans 11:25-27; Deuteronomy 28:13; Isaiah 9:6,7; 11-1-10; Luke 1:32-33; Isaiah 24:23.
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