Beliefs

Beliefs


First is a summary of our doctrine. Following that is our Statement of Faith, which provides specific details and references.

Doctrine

The doctrine of the church is based on a literal interpretation of the Bible, which is recognized as God-inspired, infallible, and inerrant. New Testament teachings are carefully followed, and counsel and advice are sought from examples found in the Old Testament.

We believe salvation is obtained by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. True faith is evidenced by obedience to God's Word, which instructs a soul to do as the Lord Jesus emphatically taught, "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 1 The biblical pattern of repentance is observed, which includes godly sorrow 2 for a past sinful life, confession of sins, restitution for past wrongs, and becoming dead to sin. The wonderful and matchless grace of God is given to those who are humble in heart, along with peace and forgiveness from God.

Following conversion, which is manifested by a new walk of life in Christ, the convert gives a testimony of his or her faith and conversion experience to the congregation. This is followed by water baptism by immersion. 3 Baptism symbolizes the burial of the old sinful nature into the death of Christ, and the subsequent rising of a soul out of the baptismal waters as a new creature in Christ Jesus. This is followed by the laying on of hands, whereby a church elder prays over the new member. This prayer acknowledges and entreats the presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer's heart, and consecrates the new child of God into a life of service for him. The new member is thus formally united with the church, which is Christ's body.

Self-denial, separation from sin and unfruitful works, and nonconformity to worldliness are integral parts of the Christian walk of life and they lead to a life of peace and joy.

This new life in Christ is exemplified by sincere effort to reflect his virtuous character in one's thoughts, words and deeds. Despite trials, temptation, and potential sorrow, God's grace is sufficient for humble hearts to walk with happiness and contentment in the love of Christ and to rejoice in the hope of heaven-if they are true and faithful until life's end.

1. Matthew 4:17
2. 2 Corinthians 7:10
3. Romans 6:4

Statement of Faith

  1. The Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God to man. The New Testament serves as the foundation of the doctrine of the Apostolic Christian Church. The authorized King James version is embraced.
    1. John 1:1
    2. 2 Timothy 3:16
    3. 2 Peter 1:20-21
    4. Revelation 22:18-19
  2. There is one eternal God, the Creator of all things, who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
    1. Genesis 1:1
    2. Matthew 28:19
    3. Colossians 1:16-17
    4. Revelation 1:8
  3. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was begotten by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life.
    1. Isaiah 7:14
    2. Matthew 1:23
    3. Hebrews 1:1-8
    4. Hebrews 7:26
  4. Man was created in God's image, but by man's transgression, he became separated from God. All who reach the age of accountability are responsible for their sinful deeds.
    1. Genesis 1:26
    2. Genesis 3:1-24
    3. John 3:3
    4. Romans 3:10
    5. Romans 3:12
    6. Romans 3:23
  5. Jesus Christ gave His life on Calvary's cross and His precious blood was shed as a ransom for all. He was buried, and He rose again the third day for our justification.
    1. Romans 4:25
    2. Romans 5:8
    3. I Corinthians 15:3-4
    4. I Timothy 2:6
    5. I Peter 1:18-19
  6. Both the saved and the lost will be resurrected: the saved unto eternal life and the lost unto eternal damnation.
    1. Daniel 12:2
    2. John 3:16
    3. John 5:28-29
    4. 2 Peter 3:7-9
    5. Revelation 20:12-15
  7. Faith in Christ's redemptive work on Calvary which results in repentance is the beginning of a true Christian life. The fruits of repentance are a humble and contrite heart, prayer, godly sorrow, confession to God in the presence of man, forsaking of all sin, restitution, and a forgiving spirit.
    1. Psalms 34:18
    2. Proverbs 28:13
    3. Matthew 3:6-8
    4. Matthew 18:21-35
    5. Luke 14:33
    6. Luke 19:8
    7. Acts 17:30
    8. Acts 19:18
    9. 2 Corinthians 7:10
    10. Ephesians 2:8-9
    11. Hebrews 11:6
    12. 1 John 1:9
  8. A true conversion is evidenced by a spiritual rebirth, restoration of peace with God and man, the fruit of the Spirit, and obedience to God's word.
    1. 1 Peter 1:23
    2. Romans 5:1
    3. Galatians 5:22-26
    4. 1 John 2:3-6
  9. Following a testimony of faith and conversion, a covenant of faithfulness to God is made. Baptism of faith (by immersion) is administered in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
    1. Hebrews 10:16-17
    2. Matthew 28:19
    3. Romans 6:3-4
    4. 1 Peter 3:21
  10. The believer is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. This is acknowledged and symbolized in a prayer of consecration (following baptism) by the laying on of hands of the elder. As a member of the body of Christ, the believer experiences spiritual growth and edification within the church.
    1. Romans 12:5
    2. Ephesians 1:13
    3. Ephesians 4:15
    4. 1 Timothy 4:14
    5. Hebrews 6:1-2
  1. The New Testament Church appears in two distinct aspects:
    1. A fellowship of converted men and women (known as Brothers and Sisters), with Christ as Head, functioning in accord with New Testament teachings.
      1. Matthew 18:20
      2. 1 Corinthians 1:10
      3. Colossians 1:18
    2. The glorious Church, the Bride of Christ, including all saints of all ages, to be manifest fully at the return of Christ Jesus.
      1. 1 Corinthians 15:52
      2. Ephesians 5:27
      3. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
  2. Brethren who are sound in faith, doctrine, and example serve as elders, ministers, and teachers. They are chosen from the congregation for the furtherance of the Gospel of the grace of God to all people.
    1. Matthew 28:19-20
    2. Ephesians 4:11-12
    3. 2 Timothy 2:2
    4. Hebrews 13:7
    5. Hebrews 13:17
  3. The bread and the fruit of the vine in Holy Communion symbolize the body and the blood of Christ. A closed communion is observed by the church following self-examination by the members.
    1. 1 Corinthians 10:16
    2. 1 Corinthians 11:17-32
    3. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
  4. The Holy Greeting, a kiss of charity, is practiced among brethren as a symbol of love for one another.
    1. Romans 16:16
    2. 1 Corinthians 16:20
    3. 1 Peter 5:14
  5. Sisters wear a veil or head covering during prayer and worship as a symbol of their submission according to God's order of Creation.
    1. 1 Corinthians 11:1-16
  6. The believers live separated, sanctified lives and are not conformed to the world. Discipline of erring members is administered for their spiritual welfare and for the preservation of the church.
    1. Matthew 18:15-17
    2. John 17:14-16
    3. Romans 12:2
    4. 1 Corinthians 5
    5. Galatians 6:1
    6. 1 Thessalonians 5:22
    7. 2 Thessalonians 3:6
    8. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15
    9. James 1:14-15
    10. James 4:4
    11. 1 Peter 1:14-15
    12. 1 John 2:15-17
  7. Governmental authority is respected and obeyed. Members serve in a non-combatant status in the military. Oaths are not taken, but truth is affirmed.
    1. Matthew 22:21
    2. Luke 3:14
    3. Romans 13:1-10
    4. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
    5. Hebrews 12:14
    6. James 5:12
    7. 1 Peter 2:12-14
  8. Marriage is a lifelong union ordained of God in which a man and a woman of like mind, faith, and fellowship are united in the Lord in Holy Matrimony.
    1. Mark 10:9
    2. 1 Corinthians 7:39
    3. Ephesians 5:21-33
    4. Colossians 3:18-19
    5. Titus 2:2-6
    6. 1 Peter 3:1
    7. 1 Peter 3:7
  9. Although the gift of eternal life is a present possession of every true believer, it is possible for a believer of his own free will to forsake his faith, return to sin, and consequently forfeit eternal life with Christ.
    1. Matthew 25:24-30
    2. John 3:36
    3. John 15:1-7
    4. Romans 6:16
    5. Romans 8:35-39
    6. 1 Corinthians 9:27
    7. 1 Timothy 1:18-20
    8. 1 Timothy 4:1
    9. 2 Peter 2:22
    10. 1 John 5:11-13
    11. Revelation 2:10
    12. Revelation 3:5
    13. Revelation 3:16
    14. Revelation 3:21
  10. Built upon the Lord Jesus Christ, the church is a closely knit body of believers sharing each other's joys and sorrows in the true spirit of brotherhood. The church seeks to grow in the love of Christ and the understanding of His Word. The church extends a gracious invitation to all to come and worship in spirit and truth.
    1. Luke 24:47
    2. John 4:24
    3. 1 Corinthians 1:10
    4. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26
    5. Ephesians 4:16
    6. Philippians 1:21 
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