Church Beliefs

Membership

2023 07 03


Contents

Church Concept

Importance of Church

Church is important to Jesus

Jesus loves the church, died for the church, values the church and is active in the church even now
Mat.18:20. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Act.20:28. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood
2 Cor.11:2-3. For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ
Eph.5:25. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her
Eph.5:27. that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish
Rev.1:11. saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” ... 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man
Rev.1:20. The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches
Rev.2:1. “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands

Church is important to Father

The church belong to God, and it is His temple, family, household, flock, field, priesthood, and mystery now revealed
1 The.1:1. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: ...
1 Cor.3:16. Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
1 Tim.3:15. but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth
1 Pet.5:2. Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly
1 Cor.3:9. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building
1 Pet.2:5. you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ
Eph.3:4. by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel ...
Eph.3:10. to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places

Church is important to Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit gives power to witness, build the church, baptizes us into His body, raises leadership, and imparts spiritual gifts.
Acts.1:8. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth
Eph.2:19. Now, therefore, you are ... members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit
1 Cor.12:13. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit
Act.20:28. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood
1 Cor.12:7. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all ... 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills

Church is important to Apostels

Apostle Paul wrote to Corinthians Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ (1 Cor.11:1). What we have to imitate Paul is how he as a disciple served the served the Lord's church
1 Cor.3:10. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it
Act.14:21. And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” 23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed
Col.1:24. I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church

Church is important to Angels

Local Church

Church is a community of believers: all those who have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. Church is not a building or a property; church is God's people, called in the Scriptures as the Body of Christ, the Temple of God and the Household of God, and army of Christ. The world understands church as a building, not necessarily with people.
1 Cor.12:27. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually
1 Cor.3:16. Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
Eph.2:19. Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God

Local Church Pattern

  1. The establishment and continuity of local churches is clearly taught in the New Testament Scriptures.
    Acts.14:23-27. So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. 27 Now when they had come and gathered the church [Antioch] together, they reported all that God had done with them ...
    Acts.20:17-28. From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
    Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 To the church of God which is at Corinth ....
    Gal.1:2. and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia
    Eph.1:1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus
    Phi.1:1. Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons
    Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ..
  2. Therefore,every believer ought to be a part of a local church. Although ther is the universal church, a believer ought to be a member of a particular local church and grow with others in the church body. Church gathering is not an option but a clear command from the Scripture. Therefore, a believer should not neglect church fellowship or meetings, and ought to make every effort to be a part of its regular gathering.
    Acts.2:42. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers
    1 Cor.11:18. For first of all, when you come together as a church
    Heb.10:25. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching
  3. Independence of the local church: The local church is autonomous, free from any external authority or control, with the right of self-government and freedom.
    Tit.1:5. For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking,and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you
  4. Interdependence of the local church. However, churches can cooperate with each other for one another for edification and propagation of the gospel.
    Rom.16:16. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you
    1 Cor.16:20. All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss

Small Community

  1. Small community churches are ideal for proper overseeing and discipleship, for intimate fellowship and mutual encouragement, and for the exercise of spiritual gifts by every member. Church of Jesus Christ functions best in smaller and decentralized setting. Further, small settings are simple, easy to reproduce, intimate, personal,equipped, and inexpensive.
    Acts.2:42. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers
    Acts.20:28. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood
    Heb.3:13. but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin
    1 Pet.4:10. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God

  2. When the number of believers outgrow, causing the above characteristics difficult to practice, the church has to multiply, forming another gathering. The purpose of small community church is to grow and multiply effectively, not simply to remain small, complacent and stagnant.

Loving Community

  1. Church is not a program or a service; it is a loving community, a spiritual family and hence relationship based. Therefore, we make every effort to cultivate family atmosphere within the church, urging church members to walk in love for one another.
    Acts.2:46. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart
    Rom.12:10. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another
    Rom.16:5. Likewise greet the church that is in their house
    Col.4:15. Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house
    1 Tim.3:15. but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth
    1 Tim.5:1. Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity

  2. Church has to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation; to be mindful of being humble,gentle and patient, bearing with one another in love.
    Rom.12:13. distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality
    Rom.12:16. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
    Heb.3:13. but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin
    Gal.6:10. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith
    Eph.4:1. I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with long suffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
    Eph.6:18. praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
    Col.3:12. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long suffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do

Baptism

  1. Baptism is an immediate act after genuine repentance and belief in Christ Jesus.
    Acts.2:38. Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” 40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them
    Acts.8:12. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized
    Acts.8:36-38. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” 37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him
    Acts.9:17-18. And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized
    Acts.10:47. “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days
    Acts.16:31. So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized
    Acts.19:4. Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus

  2. Although baptism is not a requirement for salvation, a saved person should not neglect taking baptism, for it is the command of Christ to those who put their faith in Him.
    Mat.28:19. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

  3. It is also a sign of fellowship and identification with the visible Body of Christ.
    Acts.2:41. Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers
    Therefore, those who have taken infant baptism or baptism without salvation should still undergo valid baptism after their genuine conversion.

  4. Baptism does not save anyone. Salvation is by the finished work of Christ alone on the cross. Baptism is a symbolic and an external act, confirming internal commitment and change
    Rom.6:1. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord

  5. An unbaptized person can be a part of the church activities but we do not consider him as a formal member of our church and in the decision-making.

  6. Baptism should be administered by immersion in water according to the biblical pattern and as conveyed by the meaning of the word
    Acts.8:36-38. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” 37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him

  7. Any committed and growing believer can give baptism, not necessarily an elder or pastor. However, baptism is also an entry to the church membership. Hence, someone who is qualified to represent the church is desirable to conduct it.
    John.4:1. Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples),
    Acts.8:12. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized
    Acts.8:38. So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him
    Acts.9:17. And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized
    1 Cor.1:17. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect

The Lord's Supper

  1. The Lord's Supper is the commemoration and proclamation of His death until He comes
    1 Cor.11:28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world
    .

  2. Lord's Supper is observed in the regular gathering of the church, knowing that it is one of the chief purposes of its meeting.
    Acts.20:7. Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight
    1 Cor.11:18-20. For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you. 20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper

  3. Celebrating the breaking of bread followed by a fellowship meal is desirable as it would reverentially remember the Lord's death and relish the fellowship of one another.
    Acts.2:42. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers
    Acts.2:46. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart
    1 Cor.11:20. Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk
    Jude.1:12. These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots
    This way, the Lord's Supper also reflects the future marriage supper of the Lamb.
    Acts.2:46. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart
    Luke.22:28. “But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
    Rev.19:6. And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”
  4. Lord's Supper is to be observed by those who are officially recognized as members of our local church. Visitors to our church can partake in the breaking of bread, provided they are born-again and are committed to their local church.

  5. Lord's Supper should be partaken in a worthy manner. When believers have interpersonal conflicts, including husband and wife, the elders encourage them to settle their disputes and then partake in the Lord's Supper
    1 Cor.11:17. Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you. 20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.33 Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
  6. Lord's Supper is a reminder of church's vertical relationship with the Lord, i.e. remembering Christ's atonement and victory on the cross, and of its horizontal relationship with one another, i.e. mutual fellowship and encouragement.
    Acts.2:46. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart
    Luke.22:15-18. Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer;16 for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”17 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves;18 for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
    Luke.22:30. that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
    1 Cor.11:26. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.
    Acts.2:42. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
    1 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?

  7. Any committed and growing male member of the church can administer the Lord's Supper, not necessarily an elder.

Leadership

  1. Church must be led by a plurality of elders.
    Acts.14:23. So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
    Acts.20:28. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
    Phil.1:1. Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
    1 Tim.3:1. This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.
    Heb.13:17. Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
    James.5:14. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
    1 Pet.5:1-2. The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

  2. Biblically designated leaders serving under Christ and over the assembly are elders, also called bishops, pastors, shepherds and overseers
    Acts.20:28. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
    Eph.4:11. And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers
    , with deacons assisting them, both of whom must meet and live by biblical qualifications
    1 Tim.3:1-13. Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
    Tit.1:5-9. The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
    1 Pet.5:1-5. To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

  3. Church elders lead as servants of Christ and have His authority in leading the church with servant attitude.
    1 Tim.5:17-22. Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. 22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.
    Mat.20:25-28. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
    Believers must submit to their leadership so that their work will be a joy, not a burden.
    Heb.13:7. Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.
    Heb.13:17. Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

  4. Deacons
    Acts.6:1-6. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists,because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

  5. Elders of the church to be preferably (not necessarily) bi-vocational, i.e. serving the church by supporting themselves through a job or business. Of course, some elders might be financially supported, particularly those who labor in preaching and teaching.
    Acts.20:33-35. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
    1 Tim.5:17-18. Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

  6. Church leadership exists to oversee the welfare of believers, i.e. discipline them in their walk with God, equipping them for ministry,and protecting them from false doctrines.
    1 Pet.5:2-3. Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;
    Eph.4:11-14. And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,

  7. Though elders have a significant role in the body of Christ, all-important decisions are to be made by considering the consensus of the church,not by the elders alone. An elder-led congregationalism is the biblical pattern.
    Mat.18:17. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
    Acts.15:22. Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.
    .

    I have a doubt reagrding 1 Cor. 5 what is the verse in this chapter

    1 Thes.5:12-15. And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

Every-Member Ministry

  1. Every believer should be an active,functioning and participating member of a local church, not a mere spectator, attendee and passive member.
    1 Cor.12:14-27. For in fact the body is not one member but many.15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
    1 Pet.4:10. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

  2. The primary purpose of church gathering is mutual edification. Encouragement is a great ministry that believers can give to one another.Therefore, the church urges every believer to become a part of the church with this purpose.
    1 Cor.14:26. How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
    Heb.10:24-25. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
  3. Every member is called to ministry and that each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
    1 Pet.4:10. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

    This does not mean every member is called to leadership but to some definite ministry of the church. This also does not mean every member has to do some role in the forefront, but whether on the forefront or behind the scenes, a believer has to employ his/her gift for the church's edification and for the glory of God.

    1 Pet.4:11. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

  4. One great ministry of the church is to practice hospitality towards both fellow believers and outsiders
    Mat.25:34-40. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
    Rom.12:13. distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
    1 Tim.6:18. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
    Tit.3:8,14. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
    Since this is a missing virtue in our self-obsessed culture, the church therefore encourages believers to open their homes to share their love with others.

  5. All members of the church comprise a fully functioning priesthood and deny clergy/laity distinction in the traditional sense.
    Heb.13:15-16. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
    1 Pet.2:5,9. you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
    Rev.1:6. and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Spiritual Power And Gifts

  1. Being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit is necessary for effective Christian living and witnessing. A Spirit-filled life is a continuous experience, not just a one-time event,and a believer has to experience this reality in his/her daily life.
    Acts.4:31. And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
    Eph.5:18. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
    Baptized by the Holy Spirit = born again (one-time event), Filled (controlled) by the Holy Spirit = growth (continuous process) filling means controlled by the HS.

  2. God gives unique spiritual gifts to each member of the Body of Christ
    Rom.12:5-8. so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
    1 Cor.12:4-31. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
    1 Pet.4:10-11. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

    Therefore, every believer should pray, know and exercise their God-given gift[s]. Teaching, helping, giving,showing mercy, evangelism, knowledge, wisdom, etc.Regarding the miraculous spiritual gifts, we take a "cessationist" view. This means that the sign gifts like miracle, healing, tongues and interpretation were in operation during the formation of the Scripture in the first century.

Discipleship

  1. Every believer in the church should be discipled or mentored, whether by an elder or a mature believer. We encourage believers to cooperate in this matter, for this helps in the effective growth of one's Christian life.

  2. Holding believers accountable with love in regard to their obedience to spiritual disciplines, such as consistent personal devotions, regular family devotions, commitment to purity and integrity, healthy interpersonal relationships and witnessing to the unbelieving world.
    Mat.28:20. Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Discipline

  1. Church must hold each other responsible in the obedience of faith through biblical discipline. Church discipline helps to purify the church, to restore the sinning believer, to prevent the church from sin, to warn others to maintain credible witness before the world.Disciplining the sinning members of the church in accord with the standards of Scripture is a function of the church.
    Mat.18:15. Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
    1 Cor.5:1. It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you 2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?
    2 Cor.2:6. This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.
    Acts.5:1. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.
    2 Thes.3:6. But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.
    1 Tim.1:19-20. having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. Tit.1:10. For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons. 13 This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith

  2. Serious discipline should be applied to the following sins:

    1. Sexual Immorality [Habitual use to watching Pornography, engaging in Fornication, Adultery, Homosexuality] ( 1Cor. 5:11. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, not even to eat with such a person)

    2. Greedy: apparently obsessed with excessive materialism and/or advocating and promoting materialism.

    3. Idolatry: practicing of occult, mystical, or pantheistic systems.

    4. Slander: bringing divisions within the church through slandering and gossiping tongue.

    5. Drunkenness: habitual use of intoxicating drinks/ material.

    6. Swindling: Stealing, deceiving, cheating and borrowing money without repayment.

    7. Idleness: reluctance to work to earn one's living and thereby being a burden to others] ( 2 The.3:6. But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.)

    8. Divisive: Bringing divisions in the church and rebelling against church leadership ( Tit.3:10,11. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned).

    9. False Teaching: In regard to central doctrinal issues ( 1Tim.1:20. of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.; Tit.1:10-11. For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.; Rom.16:17. Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.).

  3. In addition, other sins not specifically mentioned may call for serious discipline as well. Examples include:

    1. Various types of social violence such as rape, assault, and domestic violence.

    2. Abortion because from conception to birth it is a baby and abortion is murder. We only see abortion as necessary when it proves a significant threat to the mother such as ectopic pregnancy.

    3. Drug abuse, which is implied in the term "drunkard".

    4. Certain kinds of unbiblical divorce and remarriage.

    5. Conflict between believers: Since we are vulnerable to interpersonal problems, church encourage every believer to solve their problems by following Jesus' teaching
      Mat.18:15-17. “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector
      Failure to do so and engaging in gossip and bitterness would call for church discipline. The goal is to preserve the bond of unity
      Eph.4:3. endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
      endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace).

  4. The steps of church discipline are as follows and applied depending on the intensity of sin:

    1. The individual living in sin is personally confronted/ admonished with the goal of correction, reconciliation, and restoration.
      Gal.6:1. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

      Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself (lest you also be tempted) If the individual does not listen, then step ii.

    2. The individual living in sin is confronted/ admonished again, with two or three witnesses present, with the goal of correction, reconciliation, and restoration. If the individual does not listen, then step iii.

    3. After giving sufficient time and chances, the matter will be finally brought to the entire church at a regular/special fellowship gathering. The church will be instructed to seek after the individual to bring about repentance and reconciliation. If the individual does not listen to the church's admonition to repent, then resort to the next step.

    4. If the individual does not repent even after all the above efforts, the individual is to be excommunicated and can no longer participate in the fellowship of the community. Remember, when a person is excommunicated from the church, no one in the community must fellowship with them, except to talk about repentance and restoration.

    5. If the individual repents later, he can certainly be restored back to the fellowship.

Offerings

  1. It is biblical for believers to be generous, regular, and cheerful in giving to the mission and ministries of the church.

  2. Believers should give voluntarily as God had blessed them and as they had purposed in their heart. The New Testament does not teach Old Testament tithing but generous giving ( 2 Cor.8:3-4. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints; 2 Cor.9:7. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver).

  3. Giving should be done in secret to please the heavenly Father, not making it public to please folks and to receive their praise ( Mat.6:1-4. Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly).

  4. Giving should be done out of love and care, not out of greed to receive more of material things in this world. ( 1 Cor.16:14. Let all that you do be done with love). God does bless those who give generously, and He does meet all our needs but not necessarily all our wants and wishes but according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus ( Phi.4:19. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus). However, the church strongly denies the teachings of prosperity gospel which turned giving as a business transaction for worldly prosperity and earthly riches.

  5. Church offerings should be primarily used to relieve the needy, to assist Christian workers and for gospel work ( Gal.6:9-10. Therefore, as we have opportunity,let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.; 1 Tim.5:17-18. Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain, and, The laborer is worthy of his wages.; 1 Cor.9:14. Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.; 2 Cor.8:3. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.; Phil.4:15. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.; Luke.12:33-34. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.; Eph.4:28. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.).

  6. There should be accountability and above reproach in all our financial dealings ( 2 Cor.8:20. And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, 19 and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind, 20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us 21 providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men).

  7. Generally, designated brothers/deacons under the supervision of spiritual leadership/elders handled the accounts.

  8. The offering collected is accounted for and spent for various needs of the church, missions and charity. Missions supported by the church are primarily by the sister churches mainly because of the accountability and quality of the mission confirming to convictions of the church.

  9. It is not desirable to accumulate the offering and hence, about 80% of the offering collected in a calendar year is spent in the same year and the same is presented before the whole church gathering.

Family

  1. The spiritual condition of the church is dependent on the spiritual condition of families. The church will be as strong as her family. For this reason, the church encourages believers to build a strong family life by being faithful in their roles that are laid explicitly in God's word.
    Eph.5:22. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
    Eph.6:4. And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
    Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged..

  2. Husband is the head of the family and his leadership ought to be exercised with love and wisdom. Wife should learn to be submissive to their husbands and respect them. And parents should bring up their children in the knowledge and obedience of God's word.
    Eph.5:22-33. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
    Eph.6:4. And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
    Deut.6:6-7. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

Women

  1. Both men and women are together created in the image of God and are therefore equal before God as persons, possessing the same moral dignity and value, and have equal access to God through faith in Christ.
    Gen.1:26-27. Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
    Gen.2:18. And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”
    Gal.3:28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

  2. Men and women are together the recipients of spiritual gifts designed to equip and empower them for ministry in the local church and beyond.
    1 Cor.12:1-11. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He.
    1 Pet.4:10. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

  3. God has ordained the principle of male headship in both the home and in the local church and that certain governing and teaching roles are restricted to men.
    Eph.5:22-33. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
    Col.3:18-19. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them
    1 Pet.3:1-7. Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
    1 Cor.11:2-16. Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. 6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. 10 For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. 12 For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.13 Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? 15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.
    1 Tim.2:11-15. Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
    1 Tim.3:1-7. This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
    Having stated this, women can participate in worship, can share testimonies, can lead children's meeting, can lead women's discipleship group, can teach in women's conference [can assist in the celebration of both baptism and the Lord's Supper, can serve as deaconesses?] can help in evangelistic outreach, can be consulted by the local church eldership when decisions are being made, and can contribute to virtually every other capacity of local church life. Women should be encouraged to pray in corporate church meetings
    1 Cor.11:5. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved.
    and should be given every opportunity to develop and exercise their spiritual gifts in the roles wherever the Scripture does not explicitly prohibit.

  4. Women should dress modestly, with decency and propriety, avoiding clothing which entices men to lust or to impress others.
    1 Tim.2:9-10. in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.
    1 Pet.3:3-4. Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
    But all these things should be done with a focus on cultivating one's inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
    1 Pet.3:4. rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

  5. Women's head covering during their participation in the church is to be followed as a sign of submission to man (church leadership), not simply as a ritual
    1 Cor.11:1-16. Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. 6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. 10 For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. 12 For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God.13 Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? 15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.

Children

  1. Children should be present with their parents in church meetings. This helps them to learn about church life closely and prepares them even to become responsible members of the church as they grow and get saved. It is the responsibility of parents to teach and lovingly discipline their children to maintain appropriate conduct in church meetings.

  2. Parents are primarily responsible for the spiritual upbringing of their children.
    Deut.6:6-7. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
    They should not cast this responsibility entirely on church but can receive help from the community.

Boys And Girls

  1. It is our responsibility to protect boys and girls from sexual immorality. Normal communication between a boy and girl is fine in church fellowship, but the church does not encourage among them intimate communication, close physical contact and isolated meeting. This rule is good to apply in all the other aspects of life.

  2. Young people should see church as a community through which they grow in the fellowship of God and with one another and not see it as a platform to cultivate affairs with opposite sex. Of course, as they grow in fellowship, they may like the opposite sex and consider marriage. Although they have this freedom, we caution them not to behave in a way that would bring disgrace to God's name and His church, thereby incurring church discipline.

  3. Youngsters must take the help of elders and mature believers when considering life partner, for many young folks make emotional choices in this regard without using prayer, counsel and discernment, and later experience a miserable marital life.

Marriage

  1. A believer should not marry an unbeliever
    1 Cor.7:39. A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.
    2 Cor.6:14-15. Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?

  2. Demanding dowry in marriage is an act of greed and covetousness and is strongly condemned.
    Ex.20:17. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
    This is also against the law of the land.

  3. Caste system is a dehumanization of human dignity who are created in God's image
    Gen.1:27. So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
    Gal.3:28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
    Hence, the church condemns the caste system and encourage believers to live as one body of Christ.

  4. Church is not responsible to solemnize marriage if a believer desires to marry an unbeliever or demands dowry or prefers marrying a person from the same caste.

  5. Divorce is not God's will for married couples. Divorce may be permitted only when a spouse (unbeliever) deserts the relationship, commits persistent adultery (believer or unbeliever), or is dangerously abusive
    1 Cor.7:15. But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.
    Mat.19:9. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”
    1 Cor.7:10-11. Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.

  6. Remarriage is possible only on the grounds of spouse's death
    Rom.7:2-3. For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man.
    1 Cor.7:39. A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.
    Divorce is not a ground for remarriage
    Mat.19:9. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”
    Except for this ground, any person who gets divorced must remain unmarried or be reconciled.
    1 Cor.7:10-11. Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.

The Great Commission

  1. Every believer is responsible to fulfill the Great Commission, i.e. to preach the gospel and to make disciples by baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that Christ commanded.
    Mat.28:19-20. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

  2. Every believer must be active in personal and local church evangelism.

  3. Church ought to be mission oriented and should be passionate to send church planters who are either bi-vocational or full-time, spreading the kingdom of God in different parts of the world.

Church Membership

  1. Church membership is gravely misunderstood by many Christians and pastors of our day. They have an aversion to the concept of membership. This may be due to wrong perspectives which they have cultivated by watching wrong practices. There is a need to commit themselves to study this crucial subject in the light of Holy Scripture. Consider studying the articles suggested at the end of this page.

  2. Church membership is essentially making a commitment or a covenant with Christ and His church. In this age, wherein, there is so much of irregular attendance to church meetings, superfluous shifting of churches, casual view of church, and non-committed members, we believe that church membership would help prospective members to become committed members of church. The covenant of the church contains conditions that are Scriptural only.

  3. We consider only those who have born-again experience with an appropriate understanding of the gospel of Christ and are baptized in obedience to Christ's commandment as members of the church.

  4. To become a member of the church, we encourage the prospective members to commit themselves to regularly attend church meetings, faithfully partake in the weekly breaking of the bread, pray regularly for the church, love one another as God's family, and pursue holiness in daily Christian life
    Heb.10:25. not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
    Acts.2:42,46. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
    Eph.4:2. with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
    Luke.9:23. Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
    Mat.5:13-16. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
    Please read the "Church Covenant" portion below.

  5. All prospective members must attend membership class in which we teach the essential matters of faith and practices of the church.

  6. The elders will sit with the prospective member to hear and evaluate their born-again testimony and to answer their queries about the church's beliefs and practices.

  7. We take generally few months to evaluate a person's testimony, commitment to the church and then confirm church membership, which is affirmed by church elders and members.

  8. If at any time an individual member consistently breaks the church covenant, after giving sufficient time and encouragement, the church is free to take a decision to remove this person from church membership. If at any time an individual member feels to withdraw church membership and seek membership in another church,his person on the righteous grounds (not in the case of church discipline) can request for church transfer.

  9. If you have any questions on church membership, please feel free to discuss with the church leadership. We would be happy to help you clarify your doubts.

Church Covenant

  1. A covenant is generally defined as a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action. The covenant of the church contains conditions that are Scriptural.

  2. To become a member of the church, we encourage the prospective members to commit themselves to regularly attend church meetings,faithfully partake in the weekly breaking of the bread, pray regularly for the church, love one another as God's family, and pursue holiness in daily Christian life.

  3. We consider only those who have born-again experience with an appropriate understanding of the gospel of Christ and are baptized in obedience to Christ's commandment and have committed themselves to our church covenant as members of the church. We take few months to evaluate a person's commitment and then confirm church membership, which is affirmed by church elders and church members.

  4. Only the members are required to partake in the Lord's Supper and are given ministry responsibilities. Having stated this, visitors and prospective church members can still partake in the Lord's Supper, if they have taken believers baptism.

  5. If at any time an individual member consistently breaks the church covenant, after giving sufficient time and encouragement, the church is free to take a decision to remove this person from church membership. If at any time an individual member feels to withdraw church membership and seek membership in another church, this person on the righteous grounds (not in the case of church discipline) can apply for church transfer.

  6. We do not claim of living precisely according to all our beliefs mentioned above.However, it is our desire and determination, striving to live by what we believe and teach.

  7. We do not claim infallibility in all that we believe on church life; we sincerely believe our beliefs to be true and if we are Scripturally convinced otherwise, we are willing to change our position.

  8. We do not claim that one has to agree with us in everything about our beliefs in Regard to the Functioning of Church in order to become a part of our local assembly. Although this is our standard of church function, we nevertheless welcome those who differ from us without trying to bring divisions and conflicts in the church.

  9. We do not believe that all things in this affirmation of faith are of equal weight, some being more essential, some less. We do not believe that every part of this affirmation must be believed in order for one to be saved.

  10. In stating the above convictions, we do not intend to imply factiousness, elitism, spiritual superiority, nor arrogance. We appreciate all those who belong to Christ, regardless of how they live out their church life (Baptist, Methodist, CSI, Pentecostal, Brethren, Hebron etc.). Yet these are deeply held convictions by us, and we humbly present them in hope of persuading our brothers and sisters to enjoy the benefits of New Testament church practice along with us!

Covenant Statement

  1. We are created by God for His glory, made alive together from our deadness in sin through the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, and are sealed with the Holy Spirit until we possess our eternal inheritance.
    Col.1:16. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
    Eph.2:5. even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
    Eph.1:13-14. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

  2. We will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as a church for the purpose of learning God's Word, breaking bread, praising God, praying together, and fellowshipping and encouraging one another in the Lord.
    Heb.10:25. not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
    Acts.2:46. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,

  3. We will walk together with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
    Eph.4:2. with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

  4. We will hold one another accountable in Christian love, and submit ourselves to both the encouragement and the correction of our fellow believers, so that we would not be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
    Heb.3:12-13. Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

  5. We will not live an individualistic life, but pray regularly for one another, rejoice at each other's happiness, and with love bear each other's burdens and sorrows.
    Eph.6:18. praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
    Rom.12:15. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

  6. We will contribute cheerfully, generously, and regularly to support the various ministries of the church.
    2 Cor.8:9. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich

  7. We will work together for the spread of the gospel, and seek the salvation of our family members, friends, relatives, neighbours, colleagues, and of our nation.
    Mark.16:15. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
    Mat.28:19-20. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
  8. We will, by God's gracious help, seek to live carefully in this sinful world, and deny ourselves to live a holy life. This we do for the purpose of glorifying God's name, and guarding the good testimony of the church
    Luke.9:23. Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
    Mat.5:13-16. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

  9. We will, when we have to leave this church, so far as it depends on us, leave on peaceful grounds, and as soon as possible unite with a biblical church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant.

  10. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.
    2 Cor.13:14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

Note:

We, as a church (and I as a member of the church), re-commit ourselves (and myself) to this covenant regularly (preferably every Sunday after breaking the bread).

About this document ...

Compiled by tfrdn7@gmail.com on 2026-04-14 13:09 for the glory of the Lord