Doctrinal Statement

SECTION 1 • STATEMENT OF FAITH

We recognize that any doctrinal statement is but a fallible human attempt to summarize and systematize the vast riches of an infallible divine revelation. But in order that all who may be interested might know our doctrinal position, we offer this statement of faith. This statement, while not intended to be an exhaustive treatment of the doctrines covered, reflects the beliefs that we hold and promote in the areas of general Bible doctrine, and is intended to provide a framework for all preaching and teaching of God’s Word in this church. Furthermore our intent is for this church to be in doctrinal agreement and unity, while allowing for personal convictions and preferences on appropriate matters. The Scriptures cited with the following statements are often only representative of many that could apply.

(A) Concerning the Doctrine of The Bible
(1) Inspiration
We believe that the Bible, that is the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is the verbal-plenary Word of God, inspired as the Holy Spirit directed the human writers to write the very words He intended (Exodus 34:27; II Timothy 3: 16; II Peter l :21). Therefore, we believe the words breathed out by God are without error and incapable of error (Psalm 12:6; 19:7-14; Proverbs 30:5). We believe the Bible is God’s objective and sufficient revelation for man today, and therefore is the sole authority in every area of faith and practice, and in any area that it touches (Proverbs 30:6; Matthew 4:4; I Corinthians 13:8-10; II Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; I Peter 1:23-25; II Peter 1:19-21).

(2) Preservation
We further believe God has preserved all of His Word (Psalm 12:7*; 33:11; 119:89-96; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18; 24:35; John 10:35,b; Hebrews 4:12; I Peter 1:25) in the Traditional Texts of Scripture; that is the Masoretic Hebrew Text of the Old Testament, and the Received Greek Text of the New Testament. We believe these texts are faithfully, accurately, and unquestionably represented in the English language by the Authorized (King James) Version. Therefore we promote and defend only these Traditional Texts (often referred to as the Textus Receptus or simply the TR), and the faithful and accurate translation of these texts into the languages of the world, as God’s authoritative Word. We also reject the modern English versions of the Bible as corruptions (to one degree or another) of God’s Word, along with the critical original language texts upon which they are founded (Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18-21). We further affirm that the official Bible of this church is the Authorized (King James) Version, and is the only English Bible to be used in all ministries of this church. Only for ministries requiring another language, and for situations of “critical evaluation” will exceptions be allowed to this rule; but the pastor
shall approve these first (Hebrews 13:17). All decisions of the pastor regarding this are to be in good keeping with this Statement of Faith.
*We recognize that some good men disagree with using this verse to support preservation.

(3) Interpretation
We moreover believe in a literal, grammatical-historical interpretation of the Scriptures, based on God’s progressive revelation of Himself, and His divine plans and purposes (I Corinthians 2:6-16; II Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 1:1). We also believe God’s direct revelation to man culminated with the completion (I Corinthians 13:8-10; Revelation 22:18-21) of the Scriptures.
We believe that the Scriptures interpreted in their natural, literal sense reveal divinely determined
dispensations or rules of life, which define man’s responsibilities in successive ages. These dispensations are not ways of salvation, but rather are divinely ordered stewardships by which God directs man according to His purpose. Three of these dispensations-the law, the church, and the kingdom-are the subjects of detailed revelation in Scripture (Genesis 1:28; I Corinthians 9:17; II Corinthians 3:9-18; Galatians 3:13-25; Ephesians 1:10; 3:2-10; Colossians 1:24-25, 27; Revelation 20:2-6).

(8) Concerning the Doctrine of God
(1) The Trinity
We believe in the one and only living and true God, eternally self-existing in three persons (I John 5:7): God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Exodus 3:14; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-7; Jeremiah 10:10; Matthew 28:19). God is one in essence, in His attributes, and in His perfection (John 14:7- 18; John 16:7; Ephesians 4:6). The ”Three Persons of the Trinity,” being distinct in personality, are equal in every divine perfection, power and attribute, and function in perfect harmony to accomplish the manifold works of God (Matthew 28:19; II Corinthians 13:14; Jude 20,12).

(2) The Creation
We believe in the direct and personal creation of all the universe and life by God in six literal,
historical days (Genesis 1 and 2; Exodus 31:17), and that He personally initiated all time, space, matter, and energy. God rested on the seventh day, demonstrating that His creative acts were
complete, and that everything He created was very good as He created it (Genesis 1:31). We affirm that God created all things for His Own honor and glory (Genesis 1,2; Exodus 31:17; Psalm 19:1-6; Isaiah 40:28; I Corinthians 15:28; Philippians 2:11; Hebrews 11:3; Revelation 4:9-11).

(3) God The Father
We believe that God the Father is both personal and absolutely sovereign, and that all things were created for His honor and glory (Numbers 14:21; I Corinthians 15:28; Philippians 2:11; Revelation 4:11). He independently rules over and providentially cares for all His creation (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 5:45), but in His sovereignty God has allowed man and angelic beings to make moral choices (Genesis 2: 16, 17; Job 1 :6-12; Job 2:1-6; Isaiah 1:18; John 3:16-21; Romans 8:28-39; Revelation 12:7-9). God has neither authored sin (Genesis 1 :31) nor approves of sin (Habakkuk 1: 13 ). He holds all His creation accountable to Himself (Genesis 3; Numbers 32:23; Romans 1:18-20; 2:1; 3:10-31; Revelation 19:20; 20:10-15). He is perfect in holiness (Leviticus 11:44-45; Isaiah 6:1-5; I Peter 1:15-16), infinite in wisdom (Isaiah 43:10-15;
I Corinthians 1:21,25; Ephesians 3:10), and measureless in power (Job 42:1-6; Revelation 19:6). He is merciful (Micah 7: 18-19; Ephesians 2:4-10) as well as just (Romans 3:21-26), and He concerns Himself in the affairs of men (Genesis 11:5-9; Exodus 1:20; 2:7-10; Romans 5:8; Romans 8:28-33; Ephesians 1:17-23). He hears and answers prayer (Isaiah 59:1-3; Jeremiah 33:3), and saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Christ Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30; John 3:16; Romans 6:23; 10:9-17).

(4) God The Son
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ was self-existing as God, with the Father and Spirit from eternity past (John 1:1-18; 8:58; 17:5; Hebrews 1:3). We believe He is both God (John 10:30; Hebrews 1:13) and man (I Timothy 2:5) through the incarnation (John 1:14), which was brought to pass through the Holy Spirit’s supernatural conceiving in the virgin Mary’s womb (Matthew 1:20), at which time both His divine nature and a perfect human nature were miraculously united in one glorious Person (Philippians 2:5-8). We do believe in His Virgin Birth (Matthew 1:18-25), and His sinless life and impeccability (II Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:14-15; I Peter 2:22-25). We affirm that He made atonement for the sins of the world by the shedding of His blood in His death upon the cross at Calvary (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 1:3; 8:1-6; 9:12,14,22; I Peter 1:18-20;
I John 2:1,2; Revelation 1:5*). We moreover affirm that the Lord Jesus is the one and only Savior of men and way of salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). We believe in His literal, glorious
bodily resurrection from the grave (Matthew 28:5-6; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20; I Corinthians 15:3,4), His bodily ascension into Heaven some forty days later (Acts 1 :3-9) where He is at the right hand of the Father to be the believer’s advocate before God. We also believe He is coming soon to call out His own from this world (John 14:3; I Thessalonians 1:9-10; 4:13-18; II Thessalonians 2:1).
*See our statements concerning the doctrine of salvation for more details.

(5) God The Holy Spirit
We believe in the eternal deity and personality of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 9:14), whom God has sent forth to convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:7-15). We affirm that He is true God (Matthew 28:19), being equal with the Father and with the Son (II Corinthians 13:14; Jude 20-21; Ephesians 4:4-6). We believe He regenerates (John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5), sanctifies (II Thessalonians 2:13; I Peter 1:2), seals (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30), indwells (John 7:37-39; 14:17; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 6:19), comforts (John 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7), aids (John 14:16-17; Romans 8:2,26-27; Philippians 2:13), leads (John 14:26; 16:13; Romans 8:14; Philippians 2:13), and teaches (I John 2:20,27; John 16:13; I Corinthians 2: 10) all those who are genuine believers. He empowers for Christian service (Acts 1 :8; John 15:26,27; Philippians 2:13), bears witness to the truth (Romans 8:16; Hebrews 9:14), and testifies concerning Jesus Christ (John 16:14). We do believe He never leads anyone at any time contrary to the teaching of the Bible, of which He is the author (II Samuel 23:2-3; Matthew 22:43; John 14:26; 16:13; Acts 1:16; II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20,21).

(6) The Filling of The Spirit
We believe it is the sacred responsibility (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16) of every Christian to be consciously yielded to the direct control of God’s Spirit and God’s Word (compare Ephesians 5:15-6:20 with Colossians 3:16-4:6). We also believe the filling of the Spirit, as seen in the New Testament, is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit in one’s life (Galatians 5:22-23), by victory over the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17), by an abounding in hope (Romans 15:13), by spiritual wisdom (Ephesians 1:17-18) and strength (Ephesians 3:16), by a confident witness for Christ (Acts 4:8-12,31), by a good reputation and heavenly mindedness (Acts 6:3,5; Acts 7:55-56), by sound doctrine (1 John. 2:27), and by standing against false teaching (Acts 13:8-10). We believe that neither the Spirit’s filling nor baptizing should be mistaken today for charismatic-type experiences.

(7) Gifts of the Spirit
We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowment of all His gifts (Romans 12:3,6; I Corinthians 12:11), and we believe that the gifts of evangelists and pastor-teachers are sufficient for the perfecting of the saints today (Ephesians 4:8-16), and that speaking in tongues and the working of sign miracles gradually ceased as the New Testament Scriptures were completed and their authority became established (I Corinthians 13:8-10).

(C) Concerning the Doctrine of Angels
(1) Origin
We believe that angels are spiritual beings (Hebrews 1:14) created by the Lord Jesus (Colossians 1:16), and are therefore not to be worshiped at all (Hebrews 1 :5; Revelation 19: 10). They are of a higher order than man (Psalm 8:5), have superhuman powers (II Kings 19:35; Psalm 103:20), and were created to worship and serve God (Luke 2:9-14; Hebrews 1:6,7,14; Hebrews 2:6-7; Revelation 5:11-14; Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:9). The word “angel,” which means messenger, does not always refer to an angelic being. It can refer to humans (Revelation 2,3.; compare with Matthew I :20; Mark 1 :2; Luke 7:24; 9:52; James 2:25). Angelic beings are called by other names in the Bible, as well.

(2) Good and Evil Angels
We believe the Bible speaks of two distinct groups of angels: holy (Matthew 25:31) or elect angels (1 Timothy 5:21), which did not join Lucifer’s rebellion, and continue to serve and worship God; and the fallen angels (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:9), which did join Lucifer’s rebellion, and are sometimes referred to as demons (“devils” -KJV) or evil spirits, etc.

(3) Satan
We believe in the reality of Satan as a distinct personality, although created as a heavenly angel – Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-17). He incurred the judgment of God (Ezekiel 28:11-19) by rebelling against his creator, by taking numerous angels with him in his fall, and by introducing sin into the human race (Genesis 3:1-15). We affirm that Satan is the open and declared enemy of God (Matthew 4:1-11) and man (II Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12: 9-10), the prince of this world who has been defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (John 16:11; Romans 16:20; I Corinthians 15; Hebrews 2:14; I John 2:13; 5:4; Revelation 12:11), and that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

(D) Concerning the Doctrines of Man and Sin
(1) Innocence and Fall
We believe that God created man on the sixth day of creation in His own image and likeness (Genesis 1 :26-27). We affirm that man was totally innocent before God, but willfully chose to reject God’s Word and revealed will (Genesis 2:15-17 and 3:6-12).

(2) Depravity
We believe that in Adam’s sin the human race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God (Romans 5:12-19; Ephesians 2:1). We believe that all human beings are born with a totally depraved and sinful nature (Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9), and in the case of those who reach moral responsibility, are sinners in thought, word, and deed (II Samuel 12:14-23; Romans 3:10-20, 23); demonstrating sinfulness in their lives by committing acts of sin (Romans 5:12-19).

(3) Judgments
We believe sin brought the judgment of God upon mankind, which involves both physical death and spiritual death (Romans 5:12-19; 6:23; Colossians 3:6). Spiritual death is separation from God, and, if not cured by God’s salvation, will eventually result in the second (or final) death (Revelation 20:14-15). We believe that the Lord Jesus judged sin, and Satan in His atoning work (Isaiah 53:10; John5:24; 16:11; I Corinthians 15:55-57). We believe, therefore, that all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will rejoice forever in God’s presence, and those who do not accept Christ will be forever separate from God in Hell (John 3:16; Romans 3:21-28; Romans 10:9-13; II Corinthians 5:6-7; Philippians 1:21-23). The Bible teaches that the Judgment Seat of Christ is a place of reward, or loss of reward for Christians (Romans 14:10,12;
II Corinthians 5:10); and that the unsaved will appear before the Great White Throne, before
being consigned in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15). We believe that both heaven and hell are literal places, as described in the Bible, and will be bodily inhabited (Luke 16:23; 23:42; Revelation 19:20; 20:10, 14-15; 21:1-5, 8, 9-22:6).

(4) Authority
We believe that God is a God of order, and in keeping with this He has established several authoritative institutions. These are the Home, the Church, and the State. Each of these has God-given authority, jurisdiction, and leadership in its own realm. In keeping with the principles of His Word, all of God’s creation is subject to the authorities He has established, including the authorities themselves. We believe we are to follow the laws of these authorities (in proper jurisdiction) unless these laws supplant the laws of God Himself, at which time we are to follow His laws directly (Genesis 9:1-7; Proverbs 21:1; Acts 5:29; Romans I 3: 1-7; Ephesians 5:22-24; 6:1-4; I Timothy 3: 15; Hebrews 13:7, 17; I Peter 2: 13-14; 3: 1-7).

(5) Abortion
We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of human life. Therefore abortion is murder. We further reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection,
birth or population control, or the well being (even mental) of the mother are acceptable (Job 3: 16; 33:4; Psalm 51:5; 139: 14-16; Isaiah 44:24; 49:l,5; Jeremiah l:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44).

(6) Human Sexuality and Behavior
We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should be engaged in outside the holy and legal bounds of matrimony between one man and one woman. We further believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2; I Corinthians 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23). We affirm that any form of fornication or immorality, whether it be pre-marital sex, promiscuity, adultery, homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, pornography, or any such like are sinful perversions of God’s gift of intimacy and must not be engaged in or practiced by the members of this church (Genesis 2:24; 19:5-13; 26:8-9; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1:18-32; I Corinthians 5:1-13; 6:9; I Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4). We further believe that God clearly intends there always be a clear distinction of the two sexes, both in role and appearance, and that He commands men to look and act like men, and ladies to look and act like ladies (I Tim. 2:8-15; I Peter 3:1-7). This includes but is not necessarily limited to hairstyle, clothing, jewelry, as well as behavior and deportment (Deuteronomy 22:5; I Corinthians 11:3-16). The Christian’s appearance should always honor God and avoid even the appearance of evil* (I Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17; I Thessalonians 5:21-22). The definite Bible standard for dress and appearance is the clear distinction of gender, and absolute modesty (Deut 22:5; I Tim 2:8-10; I Peter 3:3-4). We also believe that the gender of a person given by God at conception is the gender He clearly intends for him or her to be, and no person should ever seek to surgically, cosmetically, or in any other way, change this (Gen 1:27 and 31; 2:7-25).
*This church is also opposed to the practices of body piercing, body art, and the like.

(7) Divorce
We believe that’God has always intended for marriage to be “until death do us part.” God did not ‘create’ divorce, but His Word does regulate it. Although not wanting to advocate divorce unnecessarily, we realize, as with any sin, God can, and will forgive divorced persons. We further realize that divorcees need ministered to, and ministries to be active in; and do not consider divorce itself reason for one to be
ineligible for membership in this church, or to work in the church’s ministries. We do affirm, however, that no divorcee shall be considered for the offices of Pastor or Deacon (Genesis 2:18-25; Deuteronomy 22; Jeremiah 3:8; Malachi 2:14-17; Matthew 19:3-12; I Corinthians 7;
I Timothy 3:2,12; Titus 1:6).

(8) Lawsuits Between Believers
We believe the Bible prohibits Christians from bringing civil lawsuits against fellow church members or the church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander (1 Corinthians 6: 1-8; Ephesians 4:31-32).

(E) Concerning the Doctrine of Salvation
(1) Salvation By Grace
We affirm that because man is in a condition of sin he needs salvation. We believe salvation is totally the gift of God brought to men by grace and received through repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of sins. Salvation is solely through faith in that shed blood, and cannot be earned by any good works (John 1:12-13; Acts 20:21; Romans 3:24-25; Ephesians 2:8-9).
(2) Unlimited Atonement
We affirm that the shedding of Christ’s blood in His death provided sufficiently for God to be propitiated (satisfied) concerning the sins of all men, but is only effectual for those who place their trust in Him. (John 1:12,13; Romans 3:25; 10:9; I John 2:1-2; Revelation 22:17)

(3) The Work of Salvation
We believe that all men are completely unable to save themselves and thereby need a Savior, and that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only Savior of men (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:9). We also believe that God is sovereign in salvation, but that all men are responsible to receive God’s gracious gift of salvation through repentance and faith (Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3,5; John 3:16; John 6:37,44,65; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 10:41-43; Acts 13:48; Acts 17:30; Acts 26:20; Romans 8:28-30; Romans 10:13; Ephesians 1:3-14; Revelation 22:17). We further believe that all those who receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior are, at that moment of salvation, regenerated, become sons of God, have peace with God, and thereby have a new standing before God which is secure (Romans 3:21-31; Romans 5: 1-5; Ephesians 1:1-14; Titus 3:5).

(4) Christian Living
We believe the Christian life is to be one of continued spiritual growth and dedication to the Lord, although the saved individual’s state of living may not always match his standing or position with God. We affirm that confession of sin and walking in continual fellowship with the Lord should be the practice of every born again believer. We believe God has given to the believer all he needs to live a godly life at the time of salvation (John 10:10; Romans 6:1-23 *(11-13); Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 2:10; II Peter 1:3,4; I John 1:9 and Proverbs 28:13).

(5) Security
We affirm the eternal security of the true believer, because of the keeping power of God. We believe it is the privilege of the genuine Christian to rejoice in the assurance of his salvation through the testimony of God’s Word, which, however, clearly forbids the pursuance of Christian liberty as an occasion for sinful living and carnality (John 10:27-30; Romans 5:1-11; Romans 6:1-23; Romans 8:29-39; Galatians 2:20-21; Galatians 3:1-5; Galatians 5:13-26; I Peter 1 :5; Jude 1, and 24-25).

(F) Concerning the Doctrine of The Church
(1) Constitution
We believe the New Testament church is a visible and recognizable assembly of genuinely saved
individuals; who have been Biblically immersed in water as a testimony of their salvation, and as a public commitment to their Lord and to His church; who are organized together by Biblical commands to carry on the Lord’s work as His body in a given location; and who are joined together for the purposes of worship, evangelism, indoctrination, exhortation, observance of the two ordinances, and for fellowship and prayer (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:4; Acts 2:41-47; I Timothy 3:15; I Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 10:23-25; Revelation 2:1-3:22). We further believe the New Testament church is the Lord’s congregation, that it is a living spiritual organism, and that it is God’s only ordained and authoritative institution to carry on His work for this present age (Matthew 16:18; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-47; I Corinthians 12; I Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 10:23-25; Revelation 1:9-20; Revelation 2:1-3:22).

(2) Mission
We believe each New Testament assembly has the solemn responsibility and privilege of doing its part in carrying out the Great Commission, and in upholding Biblical truth and earnestly contending for “the faith” which was “once (for all time) delivered unto the saints”-(Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-48; I Timothy 3:15; Jude 3).

(3) Government and Affiliation
We believe that each church is to be fully autonomous; answerable only to its Head (The Lord Jesus Christ), completely responsible for its own government, unity and purity (Matthew 18:15-19; Matthew 22:21; Acts 1:12-26; Acts 5:29; Acts 6:1-6; I Corinthians 5:2-13; II Corinthians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:18; II Thessalonians 3:14-15; I Timothy 5:20). We believe each church has the privilege to voluntarily cooperate and fellowship with other churches of its own choosing, provided there is no surrender of independence or sovereignty of participating churches. We further reject ecumenical efforts as being unscriptural, whether for the purpose of evangelism or otherwise. A Biblical position affirms there can be no real unity without doctrinal and practical agreement (Acts 11:22-30; Romans 15:30; I Corinthians 16:19; II Corinthians 6:14-
7:1; II Corinthians 8 and 9; Galatians 1:2; Eph. 4:1-16). Also see Article VIII, Section 3.

( 4) Ordinances
We believe there are only two Scriptural ordinances, which the church is responsible to carry out,
Believer’s Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41-42; I Corinthians 11:2, and 23-26).
This church practices “restricted communion.”

(5) Church Leadership
We believe the only Biblical officers in the church are pastors (or bishop/elders) and deacons (Philippians 1:1; I Timothy 3:1-13). We affirm that God’s Word allows for only men (I Timothy 2:12) to hold these two offices in the church, and that any man who serves as Pastor or Deacon shall meet all the Biblical qualifications for his office (as given in I Tim 3: 1-13; Titus 1 :6-9).
We believe the pastor is called and ordained by God to be the leader of the church in all matters, and should ultimately be concerned with the ministry of the Word and Shepherding the flock. The church is responsible before God to follow the leadership and teaching of the pastor, as long as it is Biblical. The church should support the pastor through prayer, through esteem and love, through encouragement, and through finances (I Corinthians 9:7-14; Galatians 6:6; I Thessalonians 2:13; I Thessalonians 5:12-13; I Timothy 5:17-18; Hebrews 13:7 and 17).
We believe that deacons are to serve the church and assist the pastor, so that he can give his attention to his God-called ministry (Acts 6: 1-8). Since the testimony of a church is often judged by the testimony of its leadership, and since the effectiveness of a church in its God-given ministry is often largely determined by the spiritual quality of its workers, we believe that it is imperative that those who· teach, lead, minister in music, play instruments, direct, etc. have an exemplary testimony among those within the church family as well as those without the
church.

(6) Support
We believe the church (including all of its ministries) is to be supported with the giving of tithes and offerings by its members along with active and prayerful participation (Malachi 3:10;
I Corinthians 16:2). We also believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to support his church financially. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving, but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the church, the relief of fellow members in need, and the spread of the Gospel. We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of the tithe or offering once the gift has been made (Genesis 14:20; Proverbs 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Galatians 6:6; Eph. 4:28; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 1 John 3:17).

(G) Concerning the Doctrine of Last Things
(1) Rapture
We believe in the personal, imminent, and pre-tribulation rapture of all the living believers of this present age, and the bodily resurrection of all deceased believers of this present age by the Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:51-57; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; II Thessalonians 2:1; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 4:1). (By ”this present age” we mean the Church Dispensation. See Article II, Section 1, Subsection (A), (3) –
both paragraphs, on page 3.)

(2) Tribulation
We believe the rapture is followed by a seven-year period of tribulation, on this earth, in the literal fulfillment of Daniel’s 70th week, at which time the “man of sin” or “the anti-Christ” will be revealed and will rule the earth (Matthew 24:15-26; II Thessalonians 2:3-12; Revelation 6:1).

(3) Second Coming and the Millennium
We believe in the pre-millennial second coming of Christ to this earth. At the end of the seven year tribulation the Lord Jesus Christ will triumphantly return with His armies to subdue His enemies, and He will literally rule and reign on this earth for a thousand year time span. This Millennial Kingdom will fulfill all the Old Testament prophecies and covenants to the nation of Israel concerning the kingdom (Daniel 2:44-45; Daniel 7:9-14; Zechariah 14:1-4; Matthew 24:27-31; Revelation 19:11).

(4) Eternal State
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men; the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46; John 5:28-29; 11:25-26; Revelation 20:5-6, 12-13). This “first resurrection” takes place in several stages and over time (I Corinthians 15). We also believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss
they await their resurrection, when spirit, soul and then glorified body are reunited to be forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; II Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; 3:21; I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 20:4-6). We further believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious punishment and torment until the “second resurrection,” when, with soul and body reunited, they shall appear before the Great White Throne Judgment. There they will be judged “according to their works” and shall be cast bodily into the Lake of Fire; not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment and torment for their sins (Mat 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; II Thes 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Rev 20: 11-15).

SECTION 2 – AUTHORITY OF STATEMENT OF FAITH
The above statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing statement of faith accurate!y represents the teaching of the Bible, and therefore, is binding upon all members.