Our Doctrine

(“Things which are most surely believed among us”    Luke 1:1)

The Scriptures of Truth
We believe the Bible is in the truest sense the very Word of God, given by inspiration of God (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Tim. 3:16) in-errant, authoritative, and all sufficient (Psa. 119:89,160; 2 Tim. 3:1 7), being the supreme and final word in all matters of faith and Christian behavior. (Deut. 6:6; Josh. 1:81; Psa. 19:7-11; Psa. 119:9, 30, 98, 99, 105; Jer. 23:28-29; Rom. 15:4).

The God-Head
We believe in one God (Deut. 4:35-39; Isa. 45:5-21; 1 Cor. 8:4-6) eternally existing in three persons - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Rev. 1:4-6) - the same in substance, equal in power and glory.

Christ’s Perfect Manhood
We believe in the whole incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:14), who always was the "only begotten ” Son of God, the eternal “Word” that was with God, and was God (John 1:1; Mic. 5:2) but who, that He might do the will of his Father, condescended to become man (Phil. 2:5-9), being sinlessly conceived of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:35), and of her brought into the world (Luke 2:11; Gal. 4:4-5); very God yet truly man (1 Tim. 3:1 6; 1 John 5:20).

The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Personality of the Holy Spirit of God - the third person if the Trinity (Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 2:9-11; 1 Cor. 12:11); and that it is He who quickens into life (John 6:63); and regenerates the sinner (John 3:5); making him a child of God through faith in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:26); producing in him the fruits of righteousness, as manifested in a changed manner of life,-- “old things passed away", “all things become new ” 2 Cor. 5:17).

Creation and the Fall of Man
We believe that man was created by God in His own image and likeness, a perfect specimen of manhood, and not "evolved "from some lower forms of life (Gen. 1:26-27). Through disobedience to the command of God, he fell from his high estate, and became a sinner in nature and by practice (Gen. 2:1 7; 3:1 -7; Rom. 5:12). Because of this disobedience, he became alienated from God and "dead in trespasses and in sins” (Rom. 3:9-19; Col. 1:21; Eph. 2:1-3).

The Death of Christ
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died as a substitutionary Sacrifice for our sins (Rom. 5:6-8; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; 1 Peter 3:18); satisfying the demands of God’s holy Law against us as sinners, and putting away sin by the sacrifice of Himself (Heb. 9:24-26; 10:4-14), He made it possible for God to be just and yet be the Justifier of all who believe in the Lord Jesus as their own personal Savior (Rom. 3 :24-26). Therefore, because of the value that God's Word attaches to the finished work of Christ on Calvary 's Cross, the sinner who believes is now eternally saved from the penalty of his sin (John 19:30; Acts 13:39-41; Heb. 5:9), not on the ground of his prayers and works, but alone through the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:8-9). Good works are the fruit of salvation, -- the “things that accompany” it (Heb. 6:9); God's purpose being that His people should be “Zealous of good works", and “careful to maintain" them (Titus 2:14; 3:8).

The Resurrection and Enthronement of Christ
We believe in the literal resurrection of the crucified body of the Lord Jesus Christ. Of this He gave indisputable evidence, appearing unto many, and companying with them for a period of forty days after the resurrection (Luke 24:1-32; John 20:19-29; 1 Cor. 15: 3-9; Acts 1:3). Then He, in the presence of credible witnesses, ascended up to Heaven (Acts 1:7), where He is now enthroned at the Father's right hand and engaged for us as our Advocate and Great High Priest; ever living in the presence of God to make intercession for us (Heb. 1:1-3; 1 John 2:1-2; Heb. 4:14-16; Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25).

The Church and Christ’s Coming

We believe this present Church Age began with the advent of the Holy Spirit of God on the day of Pentecost (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:1-4; 1 Cor. 12:13), and that it will continue until the Second Coming of Christ for his people (1 Cor. 15:50-58; 1 Thes. 4:16; 1 Thes. 2:3-80; -- which, in fact, may be at any time and at any moment that the Church is complete. Then the living saints changed, the dead Church saints raised, will be caught up together, to be with and like Christ forever (1 John 3:2).

The Church - The Body Christ

We believe in the unity of the Church as the Body of Christ, of which He is the living Head, that all believers in Christ from the Day of Pentecost until the present are members; they enter into it at conversion (1 Cor. 12:13), and can never be severed from it (Eph. 5:29-30); nothing false can enter it (Eph. 5:23-27); Satan cannot prevail against it (Matt. 16:18); and when it is complete, the “dead in Christ” (Church saints) and the living believers on earth will be caught up together and be presented to Christ in faultless purity (1 Cor. 15:51; Eph. 5:27).

The Local Church or Assembly

We believe in the truth of the local church or assembly as God 's testimony on earth during this present Chursh Age; that it is a local company of believers gathered unto the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, baptized by immersion and believing and practicing the apostles doctrine, that is, all the New Testament teachings. (Acts 2:41-42).
The purity of the assembly must be maintained and when moral or doctrinal evil is committed or practiced the guilty person must be put away (excommunicated), in order that the glory of God may be maintained and the erring one put outside the local church where the restoring grace of God can reach him. (1 Cor. 5:13; 2 Cor. 2:3-8)
Reception of a Christian into the fellowship to experience the privileges and responsibilities of the local Church is by either of two ways: (1) after personal interview with the elders to determine the moral, spiritual and doctrinal fitness of the individual and announcement of the individual’s name to the whole assembly, or, (2) by verbal or written commendation giving assurance that an individual already is in the fellowship of another scripturally gathered assembly of Christians.
Fellowship between local assemblies is based on conformity to the Word of God in faith and practice alone and not upon any man-made association or circle of fellowship.
Separation from the world in its associations and ways is enjoined upon the saints (2 Cor. 6:14-18; I John 2:15-17).
The headship of Christ is acknowledged in the church gatherings by the uncovered heads of the men, by the long hair, covered heads and silent participation of the women, and by a reverent attitude of all (1 Cor. 11:1-16; 14:34-35, 40).
Gatherings of the local church are for the celebration of the Lord's Supper, prayer, the ministry and study of the Word of God, the preaching of the gospel and for Sunday School activities.

The Priesthood of All Believers

We believe that all true Christians are constituted by God a “holy priesthood ” and as such are privileged to approach Him in worship (1 Peter 2:5; Heb. 10:19-22), which as God is a Spirit, must be in spirit and truth (John 4:24; Phil. 3:3). they are also made of God a “royal priesthood”, that they may serve Him, in showing forth the true virtues of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:9). In their privileges of worship, all stand alike before God there being no such distinctions as “clergy” or "laity" known to the New Testament Scriptures, nor is there any Scriptural authority for the use of a divine title, such as “Reverend” by any man (Psa. 111:9; Matt. 23:8). We find in Scripture that while as to worship all are equal, yet in the service of the Lord and in the ministry of the Word each one has his own place and sphere. Women, for instance, who have an honorable sphere of service that no man can fill, are yet forbidden to take a public place in the preaching and teaching of the Word (I Cor. 14:34-36; l Tim. 2:11-12; Titus 2:3-5).

The “Gifts" of the Spirit
We believe that God, for the perpetuation and edification of the Church, has by his Holy Spirit, distributed “gifts" among men (1 Cor. 12). Embodied in the writings of the New Testament Scriptures, we have the work of the Apostles and Prophets, while those doing the work of an Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher are with us still in active service. (Eph. 4:11-12). Such are by the saints to be acknowledged and received when through their work they are recommended as those who are seeking to carry out the Word of God. And while it is the responsibility and privilege of Christians to give of their substance for the care of such work and workers (1 Cor. 9:7-19; Gal. 6:6), yet there is no scripture for a hired ministry, either arranged or implied. Nor will a true Servant of Christ allow the thought of remuneration to influence him in his service in the gospel or among God’s people. As the Lord's bond-servant, he looks alone to the Master he serves for the support of himself, his family if he has one, and his work, and is not disappointed; for God who is ever faithful to his Word supplies the need to his servant (1 Peter 5:4-5; Phil.-1:6-19).

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe the Lord Jesus left for the obedience of His people two ordinances, memorial in character, which are to continue through the Church Age (Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Cor. 11:26); Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is by immersion in water, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19-20), showing our union with Christ in death and resurrection (Col. 2:11-12). The Lord 's Supper, when we partake together of the bread and wine, is symbolic of His body and His shed blood. We do this during his absence in remembrance of the Lord who died for us, looking forward, according to His promise, to His return. As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we do show the Lord's death till he come. This memorial feast is to be held weekly, --on the first day of each week (Acts 20:7); -- and is for believers in the local assembly fellowship only.

Responsibly as to God’s Work
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the work of God should be supported by the people of God alone (Ezra 4:1-3; 1 Chron. 29:10-16; John 5:8), and that those who are not Christians are to hear the gospel freely (Matt. 10:8; 2 Cor. 11:7; Rev. 22:17). The scriptural way of raising money for the support of God’s work, whether in the gospel or for the benefit of the needy, is by voluntary contributions, or offerings of God 's people, -- all schemes violating this principle being wrong (Ex.35:5-29; 2 Cor. 8:12; 2 Cor. 9:6-10).

Marriage and Divorce
We believe the marriage relationship to be holy, being ordained by God for His glory, our comfort, and the perpetuating of the human family (Gen. 1:26-28; Heb. 13:4). Its duration is terminated according to the purpose and intent of God by death only. Divorce, which under the Law of Moses, was granted by God because of the hardness of the people's heart, is surely to be avoided if possible, under grace; and in extreme cases, allowable for one cause only. - fornication (Matt. 5:31-32; Matt.19:3-9; Luke16:18). Marriage between the children of God and those who are unsaved is condemned in Scripture as an “unequal yoke” (2 Cor. 6:14-28; 1 Cor. 7:39), and any violation of this principle brings sorrow and spiritual disaster in its wake. (Deut. 7:3-4; Josh. 23:13-14; Neh. 13:26-27).

Satan, His Person, Work and Destiny
We believe in the personality of Satan, as a real, active and malicious being, --the arch enemy of God and man (Job 1:6; 1 Chron. 21:1; Zach. 3:1 ), who, having fallen from his state in which God created him (Isa. 14:12-19; Ezek. 28:11-19; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6), encompassed the ruin of our first parents (Gen. 3) and is now engaged in seeking to defeat God's purposes in the world and among His saints by all manner of subtle and diabolical devices (Matt. 13:19-25; 1 Peter 5:8). His judgment is that he shall be thrust into the bottomless abyss during the Millennial Age, and later to be cast into the Lake of Fire, forever (Rev. 20:1-10).

Conscious Existence after Death
We believe in the conscious and eternal punishment after death of the unrepentant wicked (Psa. 9:17; Matt. 25:41; Mark 9:43-49; Luke 16:19-31). As the spirits of the righteous at death go to be with Christ in Heaven, they being “absent from the body and present with the Lord (Phil. 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:1-8; Acts 8:2), their bodies are left behind until Christ 's second coming, when they will be raised from the dead incorruptible, reunited with their spirits, and so be "forever with the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:51-57; 1 Thess. 4:14). In like manner, the spirits of those who die out of Christ, descent into Hell (Luke 16:22-23) their bodies being raised and reunited with their spirits, at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-13), their eternal destiny from there being the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:15; Rev. 21:8). In either case, the departed spirit, in the interval between death and resurrection, is not "asleep" -- the body alone being so spoken of (John 11:11) - - but fully conscious whether in bliss or woe.
This solemn truth we consider of very grave importance affecting the foundations of the Faith and in view of the widespread effort of Satan to deny it we take our stand upon the Word of God in which we have the plain statements of the Lord Jesus and believe anyone holding or teaching non eternity of punishment should be denied a place in the fellowship of God's people (2 John 9:11).