Our Faith

Bible Baptist church holds the following Statement of Faith as being a summary of Christian doctrine whose authority consists only in its agreement with the Bible.

1. The Scriptures
We believe the Holy Bible, consisting of thirty-nine books in the Old Testament (2 Corinthians 3:142 Corinthians 3:14
But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ., 2 Corinthians 3:62 Corinthians 3:6
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life., Hebrews 9:15-20Hebrews 9:15-20
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people.) and twenty-seven books in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 3:62 Corinthians 3:6
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life., Hebrews 9:15-20Hebrews 9:15-20
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people.), was recorded by sinful men who were inspired by God to speak and write what they saw and heard (Exodus 34:27Exodus 34:27
And the Lord said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel., Job 32:8Job 32:8
But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding., 2 Timothy 3:162 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness., 1 Peter 1:211 Peter 1:21
Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God., 1 John 5:101 John 5:10
He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son., Revelation 1:2, 11Revelation 1:2, 11
Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

Verse 11: Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.).

We believe the Bible is a pure collection of God’s words (Psalms 12:6, 7Psalms 12:6-7
The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever., Psalms 19:7Psalms 19:7
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple., Psalms 119:140Psalms 119:140
Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it., Proverbs 30:5Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.) preserved for us to profit from today (Matthew 24:35Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away., 2 Timothy 3:16, 172 Timothy 3:16-17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.) in the King James Authorized Version (Ecclesiastes 8:4, 5Ecclesiastes 8:4-5
Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.).

2. God
We believe there is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4Deut 6:4
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:, Isaiah 44:8Isa 44:8
Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any., 1 Timothy 1:171 Tim 1:17
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.), among many false gods (Genesis 3:5Gen 3:5
For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil., Exodus 20:3Exod 20:3
Thou shalt have no other gods before me., Joshua 22:22Josh 22:22
The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,), Jeremiah 10:11Jer 10:11
Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens., 1 Corinthians 8:4, 51 Cor 8:4, 5
:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
:5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)) whose supreme attribute is holiness (Exodus 15:11Exod 15:11
Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?, Leviticus 22:2Lev 22:2
Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow unto me: I am the LORD., Matthew 6:9Matt 6:9
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.) and whose name is Jehovah (Psalm 83:18Psalm 83:18
That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.).

We believe God exists eternally (Deuteronomy 33:27Deut 33:27
The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them., Hebrews 9:14Heb 9:14
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?, 1 Peter 5:101 Pet 5:10
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you., Revelation 4:8Rev 4:8
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.) and is manifested in three united Persons of the Godhead (Acts 17:29Acts 17:29
Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device., Romans 1:20Rom 1:20
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:, Colossians 2:9Col 2:9
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.), as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19Matt 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:, Mark 1:10, 11Mark 1:10, 11
:10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
:11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased., John 14:26John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you., Acts 10:38Acts 10:38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him., 1 John 5:71 John 5:7
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.).

A. God the Father
We Believe God the Father is the Father of Israel (Jeremiah 31:9Jer 31:9
They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.), he is the Father of Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21Mat 7:21
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven., Luke 2:49Luk 2:49
And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?), and he is the Father of those who become his children through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:15Rom 8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father., 1 Corinthians 8:61Co 8:6
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him., Galatians 4:6Gal 4:6
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.).

B. God the Son
We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son who is one with the Father (Matthew 1:23Mat 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us., John 10:30-33John 10:30-33
:30 I and my Father are one.

:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

:33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God., 1 John 5:71Jn 5:7
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.), equal to God (John 10:30-33John 10:30-33
:30 I and my Father are one.

:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

:33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God., Philippians 2:6Phi 2:6
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:) from the beginning (John 17:5John 17:5
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.), and does all things in submission to the Father’s will (Matthew 26:39Mat 26:39
And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt., John 8:26-29John 8:26-29
:26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.

:27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.

:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him., Philippians 2:8Phi 2:8
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.).

We believe Jesus Christ is the Word (John 1:1-3John 1:1-3
:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

:2 The same was in the beginning with God.

:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made., Revelation 19:13Rev 19:13
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.) that was made flesh (John 1:14John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth., 1 Timothy 3:161Ti 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.), was born of a virgin named Mary (Matthew 1:18Mat 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.), lived a righteous and completely sinless life (John 7:18John 7:18
He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him., 2 Corinthians 5:212Co 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him., 2 Peter 1:12Pe 1:1
Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:), and was killed by wicked men (Luke 23Luk 23
:1 And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.

:2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

:3 And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.

:4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.

:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

:6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.

:7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

:10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.

:11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.

:12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

:13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

:14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:

:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.

:16 I will therefore chastise him, and release him.

:17 (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)

:18 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:

:19 (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)

:20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.

:21 But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.

:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.

:23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

:24 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.

:25 And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

:26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.

:27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.

:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

:29 For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.

:30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.

:31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

:32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

:35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

:36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,

:37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.

:38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

:45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

:48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

:49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

:50 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:

:51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

:52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

:53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.

:54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.

:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment., Acts 2:23Act 2:23
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:) which allowed his blood (God’s blood [Acts 20:28Act 20:28
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.]) to be shed to make payment for the sins of anyone (Romans 3:25Rom 3:25
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;, Hebrews 9:22, 26, 28Heb 9:22, 26, 28
:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation., 1 John 2:21Jn 2:2
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.) who chooses to accept the payment (1 Timothy 1:151Ti 1:15
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.).

We believe Jesus Christ’s body was buried in a tomb (Matthew 27:57-61Mat 27:57-61
:57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

:58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

:59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

:60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

:61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.), his soul descended into hell (Psalm 16:8-11Psa 16:8-11
:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore., Acts 2:25-31Act 2:25-31
:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

:28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption., Ephesians 4:8-10Eph 4:8-10
:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)), and his spirit went to the Father (Luke 23:46Luk 23:46
And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.).

We believe Jesus Christ rose from the dead three days after he was crucified (Matthew 16:21Mat 16:21
From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day., Matthew 28:5-7Mat 28:5-7
:5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

:7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you., 1 Corinthians 15:3-41Co 15:3-4
:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:), appeared to his disciples and over 500 others (John 20:20John 20:20
And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord., John 21:1, 14John 21:1, 14
:1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead., 1 Corinthians 15:6-81Co 15:6-8
:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.), ascended bodily into heaven forty days later (Mark 16:19Mar 16:19
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God., Acts 1:9-11Act 1:9-11
:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.), and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father (Mark 16:19Mar 16:19
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God., Colossians 3:1Col 3:1
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God., Hebrews 1:3Heb 1:3
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;) where he makes intercession for (1 Timothy 2:51Ti 2:5
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;) and spiritually indwells the believers (Ephesians 3:17Eph 3:17
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,, Colossians 1:27Col 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:).

C. God the Holy Spirit
We believe that God, who is an eternal Spirit (John 4:24John 4:24
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth., Hebrews 9:14Heb 9:14
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?), interacts with his creation primarily through the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:2Gen 1:2
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters., Isaiah 57:15Isa 57:15
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones., Romans 1:20Rom 1:20
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:, 1 Timothy 1:171Ti 1:17
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.) who is God (2 Corinthians 3:172Co 3:17
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.).

We believe the Holy Spirit works in the world today by reproving of sin, of righteousness and of judgment (John 16:7-11John 16:7-11
:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged., Acts 7:51Act 7:51
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.), by leading men to testify of Jesus Christ (John 15:26-27John 15:26-27
:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

:27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning., Acts 18:5Act 18:5
And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.), and by inviting men to get saved (1 Thessalonians 1:51Th 1:5
For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake., Revelation 22:17Rev 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.).

We believe the Holy Spirit works in the life of the believer today by regenerating him at salvation (1 Corinthians 6:111Co 6:11
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God., Titus 3:5Tit 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;), baptizing him into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:131Co 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit., Ephesians 4:4Eph 4:4
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;), indwelling him (Romans 8:9Rom 8:9
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his., Galatians 4:6Gal 4:6
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.), sanctifying him (Romans 15:16Rom 15:16
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost., 2 Thessalonians 2:132Th 2:13
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:, 2 Peter 1:22Pe 1:2
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,), sealing him (Ephesians 1:13-14Eph 1:13-14
:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory., Ephesians 4:30Eph 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.), guiding and teaching him after salvation (John 14:26John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you., 1 Corinthians 2:10-131Co 2:10-13
:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual., 1 John 2:271Jn 2:27
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.), and filling him to do the work of the Lord (Acts 4:31Act 4:31
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness., Ephesians 5:18Eph 5:18
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;) in the power of the Lord (1 Corinthians 2:41Co 2:4
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:, 1 Thessalonians 1:51Th 1:5
For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake., 2 Timothy 1:72Ti 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.).

3. Creation
We believe God created the heaven and the earth according to the accounts of creation in the Bible and these accounts are literal and accurate descriptions of the beginning of time, space, matter, and life (Genesis 1Gen 1
:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
:4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
:6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
:8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
:10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
:11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
:12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
:13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.
:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
:15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
:16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
:17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
:18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
:19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
:20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
:21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
:22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.
:23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
:24 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
:25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
:30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day., Genesis 2 Gen 2
:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
:4 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,
:5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.
:6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.
:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
:10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
:11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
:12 And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.
:13 And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia.
:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
:19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
:20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
:22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. , Job 33:4Job 33:4
The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life., Psalm 148 Psa 148
:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.
:2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.
:3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.
:4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
:5 Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.
:6 He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
:7 Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
:8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word:
:9 Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
:10 Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
:11 Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:
:12 Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
:13 Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
:14 He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD. , Isaiah 42:5Isa 42:5
Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:, Hebrews 1:3, 10-13Heb 1:3, 10-13
:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

:10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

:11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;

:12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?).

We reject secular evolution, the day-age theory, progressive creationism, and theistic evolution and rather believe that God made the heavens and the earth which are now (2 Peter 3:72Pe 3:7
But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.) in six literal twenty-four hour days (Genesis 1Gen 1
:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
:4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
:6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
:8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
:10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
:11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
:12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
:13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.
:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
:15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
:16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
:17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
:18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
:19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
:20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
:21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
:22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.
:23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
:24 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
:25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
:30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day., Exodus 20:11Exo 20:11
For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it., John 11:9John 11:9
Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.).

4. The Devil

We believe the devil is a cherub (Ezekiel 28:11-16Eze 28:11-16
:11 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

:12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.

:13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

:14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

:15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.

:16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.), originally named Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-15Isa 14:12-15
:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

:15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.), now named Satan (Job 1:6Job 1:6
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them., Revelation 12:9Rev 12:9
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.) who desired to exalt himself above God and was cast down from his position in heaven (Luke 10:18Luk 10:18
And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.).

We believe the devil desires to deceive (2 Thessalonians 2:92Th 2:9
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,, 1 Timothy 4:11Ti 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;), to destroy (Job 2:4-5Job 2:4-5
:4 And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

:5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face., Luke 22:31Luk 22:31
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:), to discourage (Acts 10:38Act 10:38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.), to hinder (Luke 13:16Luk 13:16
And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?, 1 Thessalonians 2:181Th 2:18
Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.), and to steal glory from God through worship (Deuteronomy 32:17Deu 32:17
They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not., Matthew 4:8-9Mat 4:8-9
:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.).

We believe the Christian’s responsibility toward the devil is to resist him (James 4:7Jas 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you., 1 Peter 5:7-81Pe 5:7-8
:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:) with God’s words (Matthew 4:1-11Mat 4:1-11
:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.).

We believe the devil will one day be bound for 1,000 years (Isaiah 14:15Isa 14:15
Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit., Revelation 20:1-3Rev 20:1-3
:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

:3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.) and, after he is loosed for a little season to deceive nations (Revelation 20:7Rev 20:7
And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,), he will be condemned to the lake of fire forever (Ezekiel 28:18-19Eze 28:18-19
:18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.

:19 All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more., Revelation 20:10Rev 20:10
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.).

5. Man
We believe man was created by God in the likeness and image of God (Genesis 1:26-27Gen 1:26-27
:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them., Genesis 5:1-2Gen 5:1-2
:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;

:2 Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.) on the sixth day of creation (Genesis 1:24-31Gen 1:24-31
:24 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.

:25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

:30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.) with the chief purpose of bringing pleasure to God (Revelation 4:11Rev 4:11
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.).

We believe the woman was made from the man (Genesis 2:18, 21-23Gen 2:18, 21-23
:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

:22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man., 1 Corinthians 11:8-121Co 11:8-12
:8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.

:9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

:10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

:11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

:12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God., 1 Timothy 2:131Ti 2:13
For Adam was first formed, then Eve.) and both were in a state of innocence (Genesis 2:25Gen 2:25
And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.) with the instructions to choose to obey God (Genesis 2:16-17Gen 2:16-17
:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.).

We believe the man and the woman voluntarily chose to disobey God (Genesis 3:6Gen 3:6
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.) which caused them to fall from their innocent state to a spiritually dead (Genesis 2:17Gen 2:17
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die., Ephesians 2:1Eph 2:1
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;, Romans 7:8-12Rom 7:8-12
:8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.

:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

:10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.

:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.) and sinful state (Romans 5:12, 19Rom 5:12, 19
:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.).

We believe that the image of God that man possesses today (Genesis 9:6Gen 9:6
Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man., 1 Corinthians 11:71 Co 11:7
For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.) as a spirit, a soul, and a body (1 Thessalonians 5:231Th 5:23
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ., Hebrews 4:12Heb 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.) is a fallen display of God’s three part being (Genesis 1:26-27Gen 1:26-27
:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them., 1 John 5:71Jn 5:7
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.).

6. Sin
We believe that sin is the transgression of God’s commands (Exodus 34:7Exod 34:7
Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation., 1 Corinthians 15:561 Cor 15:56
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law., James 2:9James 2:9
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors., 1 John 3:41 John 3:4
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.) that makes a man guilty (Leviticus 6:1-5Lev 6:1-5
:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
:2 If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;
:3 Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein:
:4 Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,
:5 Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering., Numbers 5:6Num 5:6
Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;, Romans 3:19Rom 3:19
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.) against God (Genesis 20:6Gen 20:6
And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her., Genesis 39:9Gen 39:9
There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?, Psalm 51:4Psa 51:4
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest., 1 Corinthians 8:121 Cor 8:12
But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.).

We believe sin began with the devil (1 John 3:81 John 3:8
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.), entered the world through Adam’s disobedience (Romans 5:12-14Rom 5:12-14
:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come., Romans 5:19Rom 5:19
For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.), and brought death into the world (Romans 5:21Rom 5:21
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord., Romans 6:23Rom 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord., Romans 7:13Rom 7:13
Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful., James 1:15James 1:15
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.).

We believe offences against God condemn a soul to eternal punishment (Daniel 12:2Dan 12:2
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt., Matthew 18:8Matt 18:8
Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire., Matthew 25:41Matt 25:41
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:) unless pardoned by God (Isaiah 55:7Isa 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon., Micah 7:18-19Mic 7:18-19
:18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.
:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea., Romans 4:7Rom 4:7
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered., Ephesians 1:7Eph 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;, Colossians 2:13Col 2:13
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;) through the offering of a sufficient sacrifice (Hebrews 11:4Heb 11:4
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh., Leviticus 4:1-3Lev 4:1-3
:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them:
:3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering., Hebrews 9:26Heb 9:26
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself., Hebrews 10:12Heb 10:12
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;).

We believe the Old Testament requirements of restitution (Exodus 22:1-12Exod 22:1-12
:1 If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
:2 If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
:3 If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.
:4 If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
:5 If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man's field; of the best of his own field, and of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution.
:6 If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.
:7 If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man's house; if the thief be found, let him pay double.
:8 If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour's goods.
:9 For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.
:10 If a man deliver unto his neighbour an ass, or an ox, or a sheep, or any beast, to keep; and it die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing it:
:11 Then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.
:12 And if it be stolen from him, he shall make restitution unto the owner thereof., Leviticus 6:4-5Lev 6:4-5
:4 Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,
:5 Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering., Leviticus 24:21Lev 24:21
And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death., Ezekiel 33:15Ezek 33:15
If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.), confession (Leviticus 5:5Lev 5:5
And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing:, Numbers 5:7Num 5:7
Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed., Psalm 32:5Psa 32:5
I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.), and animal sacrifices (Exodus 30:10Exod 30:10
And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the LORD., Leviticus 17:11Lev 17:11
For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.) were replaced with the New Testament requirement to accept the sacrifice of the man Christ Jesus (Hebrews 10:4Heb 10:4
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins., Hebrews 10:10Heb 10:10
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.) for the remission (Matthew 26:28Matt 26:28
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins., Hebrews 9:22Heb 9:22
And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.), forgiveness (Colossians 1:14Col 1:14
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:), and propitiation of sins (Romans 3:25Rom 3:25
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;, 1 John 2:21 John 2:2
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.).

7. Hell
We believe Hell is a literal place of fire, pain, and torment (Matthew 8:29Matt 8:29
And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?, Matthew 13:42Matt 13:42
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth., Luke 16:23-28Luke 16:23-28
:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
:27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment., Jude 7Jude 7
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire., Revelation 14:10-11Rev 14:10-11
:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.), located in the heart of the earth (Psalm 55:15Psa 55:15
Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them., Amos 9:2Amos 9:2
Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down:, Matthew 12:40Matt 12:40
For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.), prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41Matt 25:41
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:, 2 Peter 2:42 Pet 2:4
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;), but also occupied by conscious souls of men (Ezekiel 32:21Eze 32:21
The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell with them that help him: they are gone down, they lie uncircumcised, slain by the sword., Luke 16:23Luke 16:23
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.) who rejected God’s righteousness and blood atonement in the Old Testament (Leviticus 17:11Lev 17:11
For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul., Ezekiel 18:24-28Eze 18:24-28
:24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
:25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
:26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.
:27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.
:28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.) and who rejected the righteousness of Jesus Christ and his blood atonement in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 5:212 Cor 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him., 2 Thessalonians 2:122 Th 2:12
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness., 1 Peter 3:181 Pet 3:18
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:, Revelation 1:5-6Rev 1:5-6
:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.).

We believe individuals today must find salvation in Jesus Christ in order to escape God’s wrath (John 3:36John 3:36
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him., Revelation 14:10Rev 14:10
The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:) of everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46Matt 25:46
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal., 2 Thessalonians 1:92 Th 1:9
Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;) in hell (Psalm 9:17Psa 9:17
The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God., Luke 12:4-5Luke 12:4-5
:4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
:5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.).

We believe hell will one day be opened (Revelation 20:13Rev 20:13
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.) and the dead will be judged by God (2 Timothy 4:12 Tim 4:1
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;, Revelation 20:12-13Rev 20:12-13
:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.) whereafter they will be forever condemned to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:12-15Rev 20:12-15
:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.).

8. Salvation
We believe salvation is a free gift (Romans 5:18Rom 5:18
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life., Romans 6:23Rom 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord., Ephesians 2:8-9Eph 2:8-9
:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.) that is available to anyone today (1 Timothy 2:3-61 Tim 2:3-6
:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time., 2 Peter 3:92 Pet 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.) who will receive the Lord Jesus Christ’s payment for sins (2 Corinthians 5:212 Cor 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him., 1 John 3:51 John 3:5
And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.).

We believe this payment was made by Jesus Christ by the shedding of his blood (Romans 5:8-11Rom 5:8-11
:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement., Hebrews 9:12, 22Heb 9:12, 22
:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission., Revelation 5:9Rev 5:9
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;) and the payment must be received by believing on him alone (Acts 4:12Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved., John 14:6John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.) without trusting in personal works (Romans 4:5Rom 4:5
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness., Romans 9:30-32Rom 9:30-32
:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;, Galatians 2:16Gal 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.), religious affiliation (Matthew 5:20Matt 5:20
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven., Philippians 3:5-8Phil 3:5-8
:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ), water baptism (Acts 8:36-38Acts 8:36-38
:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him., 1 Corinthians 1:171 Cor 1:17
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.), or claiming to maintain some arbitrary level of spirituality (Romans 6:14-15Rom 6:14-15
:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid., Galatians 3:1-3Gal 3:1-3
:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?).

9. Free Will
We believe Jesus Christ came to save all men (John 6:44John 6:44
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day., John 12:32John 12:32
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me., Acts 17:30Acts 17:30
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:, Romans 5:18Rom 5:18
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life., 1 Timothy 2:3-61 Tim 2:3-6
:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time., 1 Timothy 4:101 Tim 4:10
For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.), but all men have a free will to choose to accept or reject the Holy Spirit’s reproof of sin (John 16:8John 16:8
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:, 1 Corinthians 14:241 Cor 14:24
But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:) and the testimony of Jesus Christ (John 15:26John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:).

10. Eternal Security
We believe that once a person is “born again” (John 3:3John 3:3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.) he is “saved” (Acts 16:31Acts 16:31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house., Romans 5:9-10Rom 5:9-10
:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.) and he cannot be “un-born again.” We believe that just as being born places you into a family, and being adopted places you into another family, unsaved individuals are in the devil’s family with other “children of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2Eph 2:2
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:) and “children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3Eph 2:3
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.), and have the devil for their spiritual father (John 8:44John 8:44
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it., 1 John 3:81 John 3:8
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.), but God takes those who believe on him out of that family of “darkness” (Colossians 1:13Col 1:13
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:) and places them into his family (Ephesians 3:14-19Eph 3:14-19
:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.) by a spiritual adoption (Romans 8:15Rom 8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.) and a spiritual new birth (John 3:3-7John 3:3-7
:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again., Galatians 4:29Gal 4:29
But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now., 1 Peter 1:231 Pet 1:23
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.).

We believe that a saved individual still commits sin (Romans 7:18Rom 7:18
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not., Romans 7:24-25Rom 7:24-25
:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.) and is waiting for the physical adoption and redemption of his body (Romans 8:23Rom 8:23
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.), but one who is saved is now seen as sinless by God because he is not “in the flesh” (Romans 8:8-9Rom 8:8-9
:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.), he is “in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:172 Cor 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new., Ephesians 2:6Eph 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:) and has a “born again” spirit (1 John 3:91 John 3:9
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.) that is in-dwelt with and sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14Eph 1:13-14
:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory., Ephesians 4:30Eph 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.).

11. Local Church
We believe the local church, as for the purposes of this constitution, is the local congregation of believers covenanted with one another, associated by common membership, and assembled together (Acts 11:26Acts 11:26
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch., Acts 20:8Acts 20:8
And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.) for the following: edification through preaching (Acts 20:7Acts 20:7
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight., 1 Corinthians 14:31 Cor 14:3
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.), fellowship (Acts 20:11Acts 20:11
When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.), worship (Acts 18:7Acts 18:7
And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.), singing (1 Corinthians 14:151 Cor 14:15
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also., Ephesians 5:19Eph 5:19
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;), prayer (Acts 16:13Acts 16:13
And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.), praise and testimony (Acts 14:27Acts 14:27
And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.), evangelizing (Acts 18:8Acts 18:8
And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.), teaching the scriptures (Acts 18:11Acts 18:11
And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.), and strengthening disciples (Acts 18:23Acts 18:23
And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.).

We believe the members of the local church have the responsibility to promote biblical authority (Ephesians 4:11-13Eph 4:11-13
:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:, Hebrews 13:17Heb 13:17
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.), personal accountability (Hebrews 13:17Heb 13:17
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you., 1 Peter 5:2-3, 51 Pet 5:2-3, 5
:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.), spiritual profitability (1 Corinthians 10:331 Cor 10:33
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved., Hebrews 13:17Heb 13:17
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.), practical instruction (2 Timothy 2:252 Tim 2:25
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;), and continuing spiritual nourishment (1 Peter 2:21 Pet 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:, 1 Peter 5:21 Pet 5:2
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;).

12. Water Baptism
We believe the immersion in water (Acts 8:36-38Acts 8:36-38
:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.) of a consenting believer in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19Mat 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:) is a visible representation of what happened spiritually the moment the individual received Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

We believe water baptism in any form is NOT salvation, nor any necessary part of salvation (1 Corinthians 1:14-171 Cor 1:14-17
:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.).

We believe water baptism is a physical symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and also symbolizes that the believer’s present spiritual condition as crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6Rom 6:6
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.), that the old man is buried (Romans 6:4Rom 6:4
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life., Colossians 2:12Col 2:12
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.), and that the new man is resurrected (Galatians 2:20Gal 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me., Colossians 3:9-10Col 3:9-10
:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:).

We believe water baptism also pictures the future resurrection of the believer’s physical body (1 Corinthians 15:29, 35-581 Cor 15:29, 35-58
:29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
:35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?
:36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
:37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
:38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.
:39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
:40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
:41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
:43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
:48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.).

13. Communion
We believe communion (1 Corinthians 10:161 Cor 10:16
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?), or “the Lord’s table” (1 Corinthians 10:211 Cor 10:21
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.), or “the Lord’s supper,” (1 Corinthians 11:201 Cor 11:20
When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper., Luke 22:20Luke 22:20
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.), consists of believers partaking of the unleavened bread and the unfermented fruit of the vine (Matthew 26:29Matt 26:29
But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom., Isaiah 65:8Isa 65:8
Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.), as a symbol (1 Corinthians 5:7-81 Cor 5:7-8
:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.) of our being members simultaneously with Christ and all other believers in the “body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:281 Cor 11:28
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup., 2 Corinthians 13:52 Cor 13:5
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?) through salvation that was made available by the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:26-271 Cor 12:26-27
:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.).

We believe all saved individuals are in the body of Christ and are therefore eligible to partake in communion (1 Corinthians 12:121 Cor 12:12
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.) according to their own profession of faith (Luke 22:14-23Luke 22:14-23
:14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
:15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
:16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
:17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
:21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
:22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
:23 And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.).

14. Giving
We believe that every Christian, as a steward of the portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to financially support his local church (1 Corinthians 9:141 Cor 9:14
Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel., 2 Corinthians 9:12-132 Cor 9:12-13
:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;).

We believe that God has established the tithe (Genesis 14:18-20Gen 14:18-20
:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
:19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.) as a basis for giving, but that every Christian should give offerings (2 Corinthians 9:72 Cor 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.).

We believe these tithes and offerings should be given sacrificially (2 Corinthians 8:1-92 Cor 8:1-9
:1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
:3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
:5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
:6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.), cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:6-72 Cor 9:6-7
:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.), and as God hath prospered him (2 Corinthians 16:1-21 Cor 16:1-2
:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.) to the support of the church (1 Corinthians 9:9-141 Cor 9:9-14
:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
:13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.), for the relief of those in need (Romans 15:26Rom 15:26
For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem., Philippians 4:14-17Phil 4:14-17
:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
:16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account., Ephesians 4:28Eph 4:28
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.), and for the spreading of the gospel (Romans 10:15Rom 10:15
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!, 2 Corinthians 9:1-52 Cor 9:1-5
:1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
:2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
:3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
:4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
:5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.).

We believe that an individual relinquishes all rights to direct the use of his tithe or offerings once the gift has been made (Matthew 6:3Matt 6:3
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:).

15. Dispensations
We believe that the Scriptures being read in their natural, literal sense reveal God’s dispensations that specify mankind's varying relationships and responsibilities toward God.

Although we do not sharply label time periods which result in disassociation of passages and disruption of the continuity of the Bible, we believe the Bible must be "rightly divided" (2 Timothy 2:152 Tim 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.), in order to understand God's dispensing of grace (Ephesians 3:1-8Eph 3:1-8
:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;), at "sundry times and in divers manners” (Hebrews 1:1Heb 1:1
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,), throughout successive ages (Ephesians 3:5Eph 3:5
Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;).

16. Future Things
We believe Jesus Christ ascended bodily into heaven (Mark 16:19Mark 16:19
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God., John 20:17John 20:17
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.), after his resurrection and will return “in like manner” (Acts 1:9-11Acts 1:9-11
:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven., Titus 2:13Titus 2:13
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;), when the dead in Christ rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:15-171 Thess 4:15-17
:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.), and all the living saints are “caught up together with them.”

We believe those in Christ will receive new physical bodies (Romans 8:23Rom 8:23
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body., 1 Corinthians 15:51-521 Cor 15:51-52
:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed., Philippians 3:21Phil 3:21
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.), when they are caught up and will receive new clothing (2 Corinthians 5:2-42 Cor 5:2-4
:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
:3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
:4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life., Ephesians 5:27Eph 5:27
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish., Revelation 19:8Rev 19:8
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.), and rewards (1 Corinthians 3:8-91 Cor 3:8-9
:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building., Colossians 3:24Col 3:24
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ., 2 John 82 John 8
Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward., Revelation 22:12Rev 22:12
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.), when they arrive at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10Rom 14:10
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ., 2 Corinthians 5:102 Cor 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.).

We believe a tribulation period (Matthew 24:21Matt 24:21
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be., Revelation 7:14Rev 7:14
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.), of God’s judgment will be poured out on earth for “Jacob’s” descendants (Jeremiah 30:6-7Jer 30:6-7
:6 Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?
:7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.) and those who fight against Jerusalem (Isaiah 26:19-21Isa 26:19-21
:19 Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
:20 Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.
:21 For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain., Zechariah 12:1-4, 8Zech 12:1-4, 8
:1 The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.
:2 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.
:3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
:4 In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.
:8 In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them., Zechariah 14:2-3Zech 14:2-3
:2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
:3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.), after which the saints in heaven will return bodily with Jesus Christ (Joel 2:1-4, 11Joel 2:1-4, 11
:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;
:2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.
:3 A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.
:4 The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.
:11 And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?, Matthew 25:31-34Matt 25:31-34
:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:, Revelation 19:11-14Rev 19:11-14
:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
:12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean., Revelation 19:8Rev 19:8
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.), to live and reign (Revelation 20:4Rev 20:4
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.) with all the resurrected saints of the “first resurrection” (1 Corinthians 15:23-251 Cor 15:23-25
:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet., Revelation 20:6Rev 20:6
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.), for a 1,000 year time of “rest” (Genesis 2:2-3Gen 2:2-3
:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made., 2 Peter 3:82 Pet 3:8
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day., Revelation 20:1-3Rev 20:1-3
:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
:3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.), and “safety” (Ezekiel 34:23-25Eze 34:23-25
:23 And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.
:24 And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it.
:25 And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.).

We believe Jesus Christ (Zechariah 14:8-9Zech 14:8-9
:8 And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.) will seat himself on the throne of David (Isaiah 9:7Isa 9:7
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this., Jeremiah 30:9, 20-21Jer 30:9, 20-21
:9 But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.
:20 Their children also shall be as aforetime, and their congregation shall be established before me, and I will punish all that oppress them.
:21 And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD., Luke 1:32-33Luke 1:32-33
:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end., Acts 2:30, 34-35Acts 2:30, 34-35
:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.), and rule the nations (Psalm 2:6-12Psa 2:6-12
:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
:8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
:9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
:10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
:11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him., Revelation 19:15Rev 19:15
And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.) from Jerusalem (Psalm 2:6-10Psa 2:6-10
:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
:8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
:9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
:10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth., Zechariah 14:16Zech 14:16
And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.).

We believe the “second resurrection” (Revelation 20:5-6Rev 20:5-6
:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.) will take place after “the thousand years are expired” (Revelation 20:7Rev 20:7
And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,), and all the rest of the dead will be brought up and judged at the “great white throne” judgment (Revelation 20:11Rev 20:11
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.).

We believe these individuals will be judged according to their works (Revelation 20:13Rev 20:13
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.) and—if not found written in the book of life—cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15Rev 20:14-15
:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.) with the devil, the beast and the false prophet (Matthew 25:41Matt 25:41
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:, Revelation 20:10Rev 20:10
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.).

17. Civil Government
We believe it is the responsibility of believers to submit to man's governmental authorities in all matters (Romans 13:1-7Rom 13:1-7
:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour., Titus 3:1Titus 3:1
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,, 1 Peter 3:13-171 Pet 3:13-17
:13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.), inasmuch as they do not contradict God’s instructions (Exodus 1:15-21Exo 1:15-21
:15 And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:
:16 And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.
:17 But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.
:18 And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?
:19 And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.
:20 Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.
:21 And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses., Acts 5:28-29Acts 5:28-29
:28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.).

18. Separation and Morality
We believe every saved individual should be separated first unto God (Acts 13:2Acts 13:2
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them., Romans 1:1Rom 1:1
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,), and thereby from the world (2 Corinthians 6:172 Cor 6:17
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,, Galatians 6:4Gal 6:4
But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.), while being present in the world and continuing to work with unbelievers (John 17:15John 17:15
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil., 1 Corinthians 5:9-101 Cor 5:9-10
:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.).

We believe that in order to work together in unity (Ephesians 4:3, 12-13Eph 4:3, 12-13
:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:, Philippians 1:27Phil 1:27
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;), in the body of Christ it is wrong to join together with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-182 Cor 6:14-18
:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty., Titus 3:10-11Titus 3:10-11
:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.), and unrepentant believers (Romans 16:17Rom 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them., 1 Corinthians 5:1-51 Cor 5:1-5
:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
:2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.), in performing the Lord’s work.

We believe every believer should maintain a Christian testimony in public and in private by abstaining from the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:221 Thess 5:22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.), and we believe any participation in the following are strictly forbidden: homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, and incest (Romans 1:18, 26-27, 31Rom 1:18, 26-27, 31
:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:), rape (1 Corinthians 6:91 Cor 6:9
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,), pedophilia (Matthew 18:6Matt 18:6
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.), fornication (Acts 15:20, 29Acts 15:20, 29
:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well., 1 Corinthians 5:9, 11, 6:13, 181 Cor 5:9, 11, 6:13, 18
5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
6:13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.), adultery (Proverbs 6:32Prov 6:32
But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul., Hebrews 13:4Heb 13:4
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.), pornography (Job 31:1Job 31:1
I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?, Matthew 5:28Matt 5:28
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart., 2 Peter 2:142 Pet 2:14
Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:), gender alteration (Hebrews 13:5Heb 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.), drunkenness (Proverbs 23:20-21, 23:29-31Prov 23:20-21, 23:29-31
:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
:21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
:31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright., 1 Corinthians 5:111 Cor 5:11
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.), and substance abuse (Titus 2:6Titus 2:6
Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded., 1 Peter 4:7-91 Pet 4:7-9
:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.).

19. Marriage
We believe marriage between believers is an honourable and undefiled union (Hebrews 13:4Heb 13:4
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.), established by God, for one man and one woman to separate from the authority of their parents and be joined to one another (Genesis 2:23-24Gen 2:23-24
:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh., Matthew 19:4-6Matt 19:4-6
:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.), under Christ's authority (1 Corinthians 11:31 Cor 11:3
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God., Ephesians 5:23Eph 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.).

We believe a man must honour (1 Peter 3:71 Pet 3:7
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.), and cherish (Ephesians 5:25, 27-28Eph 5:25, 27-28
:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.), his wife, understanding she is the “weaker vessel” (1 Peter 3:71 Pet 3:7
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered., 1 Timothy 2:12-131 Tim 2:12-13
:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
:13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.), and a woman must submit to (Ephesians 5:22Eph 5:22
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord., Colossians 3:18Col 3:18
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.), and reverence (Ephesians 5:33Eph 5:33
Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband., 1 Peter 3:61 Pet 3:6
Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.), her husband as her “head” (1 Corinthians 11:31 Cor 11:3
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God., Ephesians 5:23Eph 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.), in order, for both, to be pleasing unto God.

20. Gifts
We believe the diverse spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:41 Cor 12:4
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.), in the New Testament, given severally to all believers (1 Corinthians 12:111 Cor 12:11
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.), are for the use of edifying (1 Corinthians 14:121 Cor 14:12
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church., 2 Corinthians 12:192 Cor 12:19
Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.), exhorting (Romans 12:8Rom 12:8
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.), and comforting (1 Corinthians 14:3, 311 Cor 14:3, 31
:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.), others (1 Corinthians 12:71 Cor 12:7
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.), ultimately for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 6:201 Cor 6:20
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.).

We believe these gifts are not to be used to edify oneself (1 Corinthians 14:41 Cor 14:4
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.), boast of falsely (Proverbs 25:14Prov 25:14
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.), bring glory to oneself (Proverbs 25:27Prov 25:27
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory., 2 Corinthians 12:52 Cor 12:5
Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.), or lift oneself up in pride (Matthew 23:12Matt 23:12
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.).

We believe there are no “tongues” (languages) spoken anywhere in the Bible that are not understood by either the speaker or the hearer or both (Mark 16Mark 16
Mark 16 references Jesus telling his disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel, including to those who would speak in new tongues., Acts 2, 10, 19Acts 2, 10, 19
Acts 2: The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost, and the apostles speak in different languages.
Acts 10: Peter’s vision and the Holy Spirit coming upon the Gentiles.
Acts 19: Paul at Ephesus, where disciples receive the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues and prophesy., 1 Corinthians 141 Cor 14
Paul discusses the gift of speaking in tongues and emphasizes the importance of interpretation so the church may be edified.), We reject glossolalia as foolishness at best (Ecclesiastes 10:11-12Eccl 10:11-12
:11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
:12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.), and as devil possession at worst (Acts 19:13-16Acts 19:13-16
:13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
:14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
:16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded., 1 Corinthians 14:321 Cor 14:32
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.).

21. Lawsuits
We believe that when any apparent breach of Christian conduct by any believer causes an apparent offence to any member of the body of Christ there shall be a personal attempt to determine the validity of the offense (1 Corinthians 6:3-51 Cor 6:3-5
:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
:5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?), and—if found to be valid—a personal attempt to bring the offending brother or sister to restoration with the body of Christ (Matthew 18:15Matt 18:15
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother., Galatians 6:1-2Gal 6:1-2
:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.).

We believe that this attempt at restoration may fail and a second attempt shall be made with “one or two” more brought into the restoration attempt (Matthew 18:16Matt 18:16
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.). We believe any “fault” or “offence” or “trespass” shall not be disclosed publicly to the church unless the first two attempts at restoration are rejected (Matthew 18:17Matt 18:17
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.).

We believe that if a third attempt at restoration before “the church” is rejected then the believer must be treated as an unsaved “heathen” (Matthew 18:17Matt 18:17
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.), and is no longer protected by the instructions for offended individuals to “suffer yourselves to be defrauded” by your “brother” (1 Corinthians 6:6-81 Cor 6:6-8
:6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
:8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.).

22. Restoration
We believe that determining the sincerity of another believer’s repentance is subjective (2 Corinthians 7:9-102 Cor 7:9-10
:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death., 2 Timothy 2:25-262 Tim 2:25-26
:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.), but restoration to acceptance and fellowship with believers (1 John 1:3, 71 John 1:3, 7
:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.), and restoration to unity in the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:3, 13Eph 4:3, 13
:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:), shall be extended to any believer professing an appropriate repentance—private matters discussed in private and public matters confessed in public—in the spirit of love, forgiveness, and comfort (1 Corinthians 5:1-51 Cor 5:1-5
:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
:2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus., 2 Corinthians 2:5-72 Cor 2:5-7
:5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.
:6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.
:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.).

We believe that restoration, and acceptance, and forgiveness by the body of Christ does not equal immediate restoration to the same level of trust, responsibility, and privilege as previously enjoyed (Galatians 3:1Gal 3:1
O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?, Galatians 4:20Gal 4:20
I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you., Galatians 6:3-4Gal 6:3-4
:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.).

23. Love
We believe that a proper love for God first (Deuteronomy 6:5Deut 6:5
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.), and a proper love for one another second (John 15:12, 17John 15:12, 17
:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another., Romans 13:8Rom 13:8
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.), will prevent and solve every relationship problem in life (Matthew 22:37Matt 22:37
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind., Romans 8:28Rom 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose., 1 Corinthians 131 Cor 13
1 Corinthians 13 describes the attributes and importance of love, often referred to as "charity" in the King James Bible, emphasizing that love is essential above all spiritual gifts.).

We believe that we should not only love other believers, but we should follow Jesus’ example in loving the lost to bring them to God (Mark 10:21Mark 10:21
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me., Ephesians 2:12Eph 2:12
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:), and follow Jesus’ example in loving each other to show the world what love is (John 15:12John 15:12
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.).

We believe love is shown by putting others ahead of ourselves (Romans 12:10, 13:9Rom 12:10, 13:9
12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.), serving others (Galatians 5:13Gal 5:13
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.), persuading others to do good (Hebrews 10:24Heb 10:24
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:), praying for others (Romans 15:30Rom 15:30
Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;), and exemplifying the attributes of charity (1 Corinthians 13:1-131 Cor 13:1-13
1 Corinthians 13 describes the attributes and importance of love, often referred to as "charity" in the King James Bible, emphasizing that love is essential above all spiritual gifts.).

24. Fellowship
We believe the most important thing in the Christian life is to maintain our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:3-5John 15:3-5
:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing., 1 Corinthians 1:7-91 Cor 1:7-9
:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord., Hebrews 11:6Heb 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.).

We believe this relationship is developed and maintained by reading and studying the Bible (Psalm 119:97Psalm 119:97
O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day., Acts 17:11Acts 17:11
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.), by learning to follow the Lord (Luke 9:23Luke 9:23
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.) by talking and listening to him daily in prayer (Psalm 143:10Psalm 143:10
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness., Galatians 5:16Gal 5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.), by following other Christians as they follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:11 Cor 11:1
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ., 1 Peter 2:211 Pet 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:), by confessing our sins to the Lord to stay spiritually “clean” (Ephesians 5:26-27Eph 5:26-27
:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish., 1 John 1:91 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.), and by acting in faith on the direction God gives (Genesis 24:27Gen 24:27
And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren., Romans 8:14Rom 8:14
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.), to lead and guide us.

We believe fellowship with the Lord directly affects our fellowship with other believers (Philippians 2:1-4Phil 2:1-4
:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others., 1 John 1:3, 6-71 John 1:3, 6-7
:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.), and is essential for unity with other believers in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-271 Cor 12:12-27
:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
:14 For the body is not one member, but many.
:15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
:17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
:19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular., Ephesians 4:1-3, 12-16Eph 4:1-3, 12-16
:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.).

The above Statement of Faith is intended to be a reference guide for understanding the doctrinal positions of Bible Baptist Church and does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs.