The following is a synopsis of our beliefs and statements of faith and practice.
A complete version of the Articles of Faith and Practice of the Missionary Church, Inc. is available at:
What We Believe
- In essential beliefs — we have unity.
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6
- In non-essential beliefs — we have liberty.
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.” Romans 14:1 (NIV)
- In all our beliefs — we show love.
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2 (NIV)
THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE:
- About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
- About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4;
Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13
- About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He give every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13;
Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
- About Sanctification and Filling with the Holy Spirit
We believe that sanctification is the work of God in making people holy. It is the will of God. It is provided in the atonement, and is experienced through faith by the operation of the Holy Spirit through the Word and the blood. While the divine work of making people holy begins at conversion, believers must surrender to the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying power in their lives as they battle the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Furthermore, through a subsequent decisive experience, believers are to deny self, be purified in heart, and be filled with the Holy Spirit that they may be separated wholly unto God to serve Him in righteousness and holiness. Their progressive growth in Christ-likeness will be accelerated and deepened through continually submitting to His Lordship in every aspect of life until they are called to heaven.
Ps. 4:3; Matt. 16:24; John 17:17; Acts 15:8-9; Rom. 6:19 and 22, 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 7:1; Gal. 2:20, 6:14; Eph. 5:26; Col. 3:3, 1 Thess. 4:3, 5:23; 2 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 12:14, 13:12; 1 Pet. 1:2 and 15-16; 2 Pet. 3:18; 1 John 5:6
- About the Gifts of the Spirit
The Missionary Church believes that all of the spiritual gifts are current and viable today. According to 1 Corinthians 12:7 every Christian has at least one gift: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good”. Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit “just as He determines” (1 Corinthians 12:11). Christians should not expect to receive or to exercise any one particular gift, several gifts, or all the gifts. With this fact in mind Paul asked, “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?” (1 Corinthians 12:29-30). It is clear, grammatically and contextually, that the intended answer to these questions is, “No.” Therefore, Christians need each other. Gifts are always related to service and are not to be used as a measure of Christian experience. Gifts are not to be exercised selfishly, but are for the profit of the whole body.
The gift of tongues, in particular, has been a source of controversy in the Church. This gift is referred to in scripture both in corporate and private worship. The guidelines for speaking in tongues in a corporate setting are found in 1 Corinthians 14 and state that no more than two or, at the most, three may speak in a tongue during a service, and that there must be one present who can interpret. Paul says that in the church he would rather speak five intelligible words than ten thousand in a tongue. Private speaking in tongues refers to a private conversation with God. Paul sees some value in this, but generally the benefit consists only in the personal edification of the speaker—not the edification of the entire body (1 Corinthians 14:2, 4). The gift of tongues is not intended to be divisive. However, due to the passion people have for their positions, both the acceptance and the rejection of tongues have often caused division in churches, homes, and other groups. Pride and division in the Corinthian church created problems in the unity of the body. The instruction clearly shows that loveless Christianity, unbiblical judgment of others, rifts in a congregation, and refusal to listen to the teaching of Scripture are not of the Holy Spirit.
“Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.” 1 Corinthians 12:1 (NIV)
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 14:2-4 (NIV)
About the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.
2 Timothy 3:15-16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
a. Versions of the Bible
There has been some controversy in recent years about which version of the Bible to use, and in particular whether the King James Version is the sole authoritative version of the Scriptures. There are two primary reasons for the differences in many modern translations from the King James Version. First, the English language has changed significantly in the last 400 years, and this makes it difficult for many to understand the language of the KJV. Second, the New Testament of the King James Version was translated primarily from Greek manuscripts known as the Textus Receptus. But, since 1611, many other older manuscripts have been discovered. Since these manuscripts are older and therefore most likely closer to the original manuscripts written by the writers of the New Testament, they are also very important to consider when translating the Bible. There are no places where there are theological differences, but there are some passages that are slightly different or in some cases omitted. Most good modern translations will indicate in notes where there are discrepancies. The King James Version is still a very good translation, but we also recommend the NASB (New American Standard Version) and ESV (English Standard Version), which are the most literal translations, as well as the (NIV) New International Version, which is easy to read and reliable.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
- About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2
- About Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
- About the Assurance of the Believer
The Scriptures teach both divine sovereignty and human responsibility. They teach, on the one hand, the adequacy of God’s provision in grace to save us, and on the other hand, the need of exercising and maintaining faith to make the provision of salvation effective. Through faith the believer may enjoy the assurance of both present acceptance and God’s keeping power. But a lapse of vital, operative, obedient faith can lead to tragedy. New Testament Christians are warned that there is no escape from the consequences of persistent backsliding and that the possibility of apostasy is a biblical reality. Throughout the New Testament, Christians are urged to maintain a steadfast faith in and fidelity to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom. 8:16; 1 John 3:24; Heb. 11:5-6; Rom. 8:37-39; Matt. 26:41; 2 Pet. 3:17; 1 Tim. 1:18; Titus 3:8; Phil. 4:1; Luke 14:34-35; John 15:6; Col. 1:23; 1 Tim. 6:10; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Heb. 3:12-13; Heb. 10:26-31; James 5:19-20; 2 Pet. 2:20-22; Rev. 2:4-5
a. Calvinism and Arminianism
The complementary truths of divine sovereignty and human responsibility have not always been kept in balance. John Calvin based his understanding on the principle of the sovereignty of God with five main points (TULIP): (1) Total depravity and moral inability; (2) Unconditional election; (3) Limited atonement; (4) Irresistible grace; and (5) the Perseverance of the saints. Calvin held that God predestinated some, including babies, to be saved; others to be condemned. The difference in destinies was found not in any human response to or rejection of the gospel but in the inscrutable will of God. Some of his followers have carried these principles to fatalistic extremes. They have opposed any evangelistic or missionary effort as an affront to God’s sovereignty. Many so-called Calvinists today hold greatly modified views of the system even though they still hold to the capstone of the structure “Once in grace, always in grace” or “Once saved, always saved.”
Jacobus Arminius, on the other hand, attempted to counter the Calvinistic system by insisting upon (1) election conditioned upon God’s foreknowledge of individual response to the gospel; (2) atonement with the world in view; (3) moral good only through regeneration based on the faith of the individual; (4) possibility of resisting grace; (5) perseverance through the help of the Holy Spirit by the response of faith. Historically the Missionary Church has been in agreement on these five points. However, some of those who followed Arminius went much further. They built their system on the principle of human freedom to the exclusion of divine sovereignty.
The final arbiter of truth is the Word of God, to which the Missionary Church is committed. The Word sets forth both the truth of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. God in His sovereignty chose to create man a free being to exercise choice within His sovereign purpose. (For further details, see the Missionary Church Position Paper on “The Assurance of the Believer”.
- About Eternity
We believe that Jesus will come again and His church will be caught up to meet Him. People were created to exist forever, and all will be judged by God. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9
- About the Church
We believe that the church is composed of all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. The local church is a body of believers who are voluntarily joined together and who meet together at regular times for prayer, worship and teaching of the Word, evangelism, fellowship, and discipleship.
Psalm 86:12; Matthew 16:18; John 17:4; John 17:20-26; Acts 2:42-47; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Philippians 2:2; Colossians 1:18; Colossians 3:17
- Social Issues
Abortion
Abortion has been catapulted into the forefront of the ethical problems confronting Christians today. The issue has been nurtured in a general climate of moral relativism, a growing sexual permissiveness, and a threatening population explosion. The moral issue of abortion is more than a question of the freedom of a woman to control the reproductive functions of her body. It is rather a question of those circumstances under which a human being may be permitted to take the life of another. We believe that all life is a gift of God, so that neither the life of the unborn child nor the mother may be lightly taken. We believe that, in Scripture, God Himself has conferred divine blessing upon unborn infants and has provided penalties for actions which result in the death of the unborn.
The Missionary Church believes that abortion, for reasons of personal convenience, social adjustment or economic advantage, is morally wrong. Consequently, we urge our pastors and people to become well informed concerning alternatives to abortion. At the same time, we recognize certain medical conditions which pose a serious threat to the life of the mother and which may necessitate therapeutic abortion. In these cases, the decision for abortion should be made only after there has been medical, psychological and spiritual counseling of the most sensitive kind. We also recognize certain traumatic conditions such as rape and incest which may result in pregnancy and which can create a serious threat to the psychological wellbeing of the mother and any existing family. We do not believe that the scriptural answer is to end the new life which may have resulted from such traumatic circumstances. Rather, we do strongly urge that total and continual Christian understanding and support be shown by the membership of the local church to the mother and any family involved during the pregnancy and following the birth. Furthermore, the Missionary Church believes that local congregations and individual members must accept responsibility, under God, for the acceptance and loving care of all those born into this world as a result of our strong stand against abortion and that ministries should be offered to such persons within and without the church fellowship.
Homosexuality
The Scriptures declare that God created us male and female. Furthermore, the biblical record shows that sexual union was established exclusively within the context of a male-female relationship (Gen. 2:24), and formalized in the institution of marriage. The partner for man was woman. Together they were to be one flesh. In the New Testament, the oneness of male and female in marriage pictures the relationship between Christ and His church (Eph. 5:22-23). Everywhere in Scripture, the sexual relationship between man and woman within the bonds of marriage is viewed as something natural and beautiful.
Homosexual activity, like adulterous relationships, is clearly condemned in the Scriptures. In Leviticus 18:22, God declares the practice of homosexuality an abomination in His sight. In Romans 1:26-27 the practice of homosexuality is described as a degrading and unnatural passion. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 identifies the practice of homosexuality as a sin that, if persisted in, brings grave consequences in this life and excludes one from the kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul, strong in his condemnation of the practice of homosexuality, also testifies that those once engaged in homosexuality were among those who were forgiven and changed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 6:11). This declaration offers hope both for forgiveness and for healing. Individual Christians, ministers, and congregations need to maintain the belief that all human beings have sinned, and that all Christians have received God’s mercy while helpless, ungodly, and hostile to God. In the name of Christ we proclaim forgiveness, cleansing, restoration and power for godly living for all who repent and believe the gospel.
We believe that homosexuality is not an inherited condition in the same category as race, gender, or national origin, all of which are free from moral implication. We believe that homosexuality is a deviation from the Creator’s plan for human sexuality. While homosexuals as individuals are entitled to Civil Rights, including equal protection of the law, the Missionary Church opposes legislation which would extend special consideration to such individuals based upon their “sexual orientation.” Such legislation inevitably is perceived as legitimatizing the practice of homosexuality and elevates that practice to so-called “Gay Rights” legislation. Where such legislation has been enacted into law, the Missionary Church strongly urges that churches and organizations be exempted from compliance by amendment to the law. The position and practice of such organizations regarding homosexuality is determined by their religious convictions. This we hold to be a grave matter of religious freedom.
Individual Christians, ministers, and congregations should compassionately proclaim the good news of forgiveness and encourage those involved in homosexual practices to cease those actions, accept forgiveness, and pray for deliverance, as nothing is impossible with God. Further, we should accept them into fellowship upon confession of faith and repentance, as we would any other forgiven sinner (1 Cor. 6:11). We further call upon pastors and theologians, along with medical and sociological specialists within the Christian community, to expand research on the factors which give rise to homosexuality and to develop therapy, pastoral care and congregational support leading to complete restoration.
Pornography and Obscenity
Definitions:
Pornography: From the Greek words porne (harlot) and graphos (writing). Webster’s Dictionary defines pornography as: (1) originally a description of prostitutes and their trade; (2) writings, pictures, etc. intended to arouse sexual desire.
Obscenity: From the Latin word obscaenus (“ob” means to, “caenum” means filth). Webster’s Dictionary defines obscene as: (1) offensive to modesty or decency, lewd, impure; (2) foul, filthy, repulsive, disgusting.
WHEREAS the multi-billion-dollar pornography industry in America has grown and continues to grow in epidemic proportions and is invading and affecting every segment of society; and
WHEREAS the lifestyle advocated by the pornography industry is in direct conflict with the holy living that is taught in the Word of God; and
WHEREAS family, church and community values and relationships are being seriously affected by this industry; and
WHEREAS the Supreme Court in 1973 reaffirmed that a community does have the right to establish and protect its standards; and assaults upon women and children, and the demeaning of persons in direct proportion to the degeneration of biblical moral values;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that members and adherents of the Missionary Church unite their efforts and energies with organizations such as the National Consultation on Pornography, Inc., National Federation of Decency by Law, and other like agencies to defeat all forms of pornography.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we urge our people to become aware of the magnitude of the problem and become involved in community plans to exercise a positive voice through actions such as the boycotting of products, publications, TV programs and places of business that promote this cancer on our society; and finally
BE IT RESOLVED that our people write to the president of the United States–
- Thanking him for his own stand against the porno-graphic industry in this country.
- Requesting him to order the Justice Department to enforce obscenity laws which are already on the books.
- Assuring him of our prayers and support in this effort.
Gambling
The Missionary Church reaffirms its opposition to gambling and lotteries, including those run by government. These are socially, morally and economically destructive. They are rooted in covetousness and violate the biblical work ethic.
We believe that gambling in any form is potentially addictive. It is a social evil that feeds upon greed and sells a set of fantasy values that exploit people. It especially harms the poor who can least afford to forfeit their financial resources on the promise of instant wealth. The tragic end result is often deepened poverty and increased welfare rolls, to say nothing of the emotional damage and disillusionment experienced by the vast numbers of planned losers. Gambling undermines the economic base of a nation in that it reduces the purchasing power of people. Money gambled by wage earners cannot be spent to purchase goods and services of constructive and productive businesses. Compulsive gambling may cause the individual’s character to be further weakened and to disintegrate. It may lead to indolence and self-delusion, the break up of families, crime, loss of jobs and even suicide.
Since we deplore the exploitation of the weaknesses of humanity, the Missionary Church calls upon all who are in positions of influence and decision-making to seek other means by which to raise revenue. We further call upon the churches and schools to conduct programs that will inform people of the evils of gambling.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a growing epidemic that may surpass the ravages of any plague in human history. In this decade, tens of thousands of North Americans have contracted AIDS and more than a million North Americans are carriers of the AIDS virus. For those who have contracted AIDS, currently there is no known medical cure, and thus the disease is fatal. The evidence is not clear concerning the long-term results of those who are carriers of the AIDS virus.
We extend Christian compassion to all who have acquired this disease by whatever means (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2; Luke 10:25-31). We urge the provision of spiritual, emotional, and even physical care for them to the same degree that patients with other life-threatening diseases receive. Christians, following the example of Christ, should seek to minister to HIV infected persons. In keeping with our historical precedents (e.g., the furtherance of medical missions, retirement homes, inner city missions, etc.) we urge our local churches to become involved with the development of new ministries to provide compassionate care for persons with AIDS. They need the hope and peace that only the gospel of Jesus Christ can give them.
We are concerned for both the confidentiality of the infected and the protection of the uninfected. Failure by one who is HIV positive to inform any person who may be exposed to the virus is as morally reprehensible as is discrimination against an identified HIV positive person. We believe that the interests of the uninfected (including an uninfected spouse) have priority over the confidentiality of persons who are HIV positive and persist in high-risk behavior. Furthermore, AIDS is first and foremost a public health concern, not a civil rights issue. Hence, any proposed legislation that would confer special “civil rights” on persons afflicted with AIDS but threatens the health of others is totally unacceptable.
The Missionary Church reaffirms the sanctity of marriage and deplores nonmarital sexual intercourse, homosexual practices, and intravenous drug abuse. While we acknowledge that there are innocent sufferers of the disease, the fact remains that the two primary groups of individuals with AIDS in North America to date are practicing homosexual men and drug addicts who share needles. Family life teaching and sexual education is a God given responsibility of parents. The church’s task is to assist both parents and youth in understanding their sexuality in the context of biblical values. Sexual education alone, however, will not stop the spread of AIDS. Our society needs to understand and acknowledge that there are compelling emotional, philosophical, medical, sociological, historical and biblical reasons for practicing abstinence before marriage and fidelity within marriage. Since God has designed sexual intercourse for monogamous heterosexual marriage alone, and since this form of sexual practice will ultimately help to solve this problem, the Missionary Church calls her people and her world to teach and live by biblical sexual morals.
In conclusion, the Missionary Church recommends the following three responses:
- Confront the disease as Christ and His disciples dealt directly with the issues of their day (Matt. 8:2-3 and 9:35-36). 2. Care for those stricken, with the love of Christ and the good news of hope, forgiveness and salvation (Mat thew 22:39; Galatians 6:2; Matthew 7:12).3. Promote the biblical lifestyle which minimizes the spread of this infection (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4; 1 Corinthians 6:13, 18-20). Amos, Williams E., When Aids Comes to Church, Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1988. Dobson, James, “Dr. Dobson Answers Your Questions,” Focus on the Family, February 1986, p.5. Hayner, Stephen A., “AIDS: Ethical and Moral Questions,” May 1, 1987. “Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome,” A Christian Medical Dental Society Statement. Passed unanimously by the CMDS House of Delegates, April 29, 1988, Seattle, Washington.
“National Association of Evangelicals Resolution on A.I.D.S.” Adopted by the N.A.E. General Session, March 9-10, 1988, Orlando, Florida.
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
The intent of this position paper is to address euthanasia and assisted suicide. It is not intended to address every issue of human suffering related to death.
We believe that human life is a gift from God and has absolute, not relative, value. Death is a significant transition that everyone faces. Suffering that may precede death can be very grievous. It also affords the opportunity for personal reflection and reconciliation. The ultimate test of our life’s priorities may well be how we deal with suffering in the face of death. Such was the case for our Savior in the garden of Gethsemane. He was “overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Mark 14:34) and zealously prayed to be spared from suffering that would only intensify. At the same time, He affirmed His commitment to the larger purpose of the Father, whatever suffering that might involve. The absence of suffering is good, which is why Jesus prayed for it. At the same time, it is not the highest good, which is why He was willing to endure substantial suffering.
The Missionary Church opposes any intervention with the intent to produce death for relief of pain, suffering or economic consideration, or for the convenience of the patient, family or society. We believe that secular arguments for physician-assisted suicide are superseded by a biblical view of a sovereign God who places a limit on human autonomy. We further believe there is a profound moral distinction between allowing a person to die, on the one hand, and taking of a life on the other (Ex. 20:13, Deut. 5:17). In order to affirm the dignity of human life, the Missionary Church advocates the development and use of adequate pain management to relieve suffering, provide human companionship and encourage spiritual support and intercessory prayer.
While for the believer to die is gain (Phil. 1:21), it is wrong to impose upon God’s prerogative by advancing that day. Rather, we look to our Lord Jesus Christ to sustain us until we meet Him face to face (1 John 3:2).
“Physician-Assisted Suicide”: a position paper of the National Association of Evangelicals, 1997.
“Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia: Theological Perspectives”: a position paper of Trinity Seminary: The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, n.d.
“Euthanasia”: a position paper of the Christian Medical and Dental Society, approved by the CMDS House of Delegates, May 1, 1992.
OUR LIFESTYLE STATEMENT
What We Practice
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following practices:
- Baptism and Communion
As mentioned earlier, baptism and communion, sometimes called “ordinances”, are symbols of salvation. They are not essential for salvation, but we practice them in obedience to the Lord’s commands. Therefore, we ask all members of First Missionary Church to have been baptized since their conversion. In regard to communion, Scriptures do not indicate how often believers should observe communion. At First Missionary Church, communion is not offered every Sunday, but rather as the elders feel led by the Holy Spirit. Communion is open to all attenders, but we follow the command of Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:28 that “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.”
Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20a
The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:23b-32
- Healing
In the redemptive work of Christ, provision has been made for physical healing. According to the conditions described in His Word, God may bring about healing.
Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. Matthew 15:30 (See also Genesis 3:16-19, Job 2:7; Isaiah 53:4-5)
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. James 5:14-15 (See also Mark 6:13; Acts 10:38; 1 Peter 2:24)
- The Lord’s Day
Sunday is not the Old Testament Sabbath, but rather a remembrance of the day that Jesus rose from the dead. The first day of the week has been kept as the Lord’s Day since the early church.
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” John 20:19
On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. Acts 20:7 (See also 1 Corinthians 16:2.)
- Christian Stewardship
Christian stewardship involves the giving of our entire selves to the Lord including our time, talents, and material goods. While tithing (giving 10% of our income to the church) is an Old Testament law, we believe that it remains an important and Biblical principle for believers to practice in order to support Christ’s body, the church, as God commands.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1 (See also Genesis 14:20; Matthew 23:23.)
“A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” Leviticus 26:30 (See also Malachi 3:8; 2 Corinthians 8:9; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.)
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 1 Corinthians 16:2
- Marriage and the Home
Marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God as the union of one man and one woman until parted by death. Marriage is the foundation of the family and the Christian home, and accordingly, a believer should not be united with an unbeliever. In accordance with the Scriptures, the husband is to be the head of the home, but serves his family in love. Divorce is viewed in the Scripture as contrary to God’s will, although it is not an unforgivable sin. Christians are to do all they can through love and forgiveness to preserve the marriage bond.
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” Matthew 19:4-6 (See also Genesis 2:24; Deuteronomy 7:3; 1 Corinthians 7:7, 39; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17)
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:22-25 (See also Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 78:4-6; Colossians 3:18-21)
- Dedication of Children
We practice believer’s baptism a symbol of salvation, but we also recognize God’s love and concern for little children. Therefore, we encourage the formal dedication of little children to the Lord in a public service.
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (See also 1 Samuel 1:24-28; Matthew 19:13-15.)
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” Mark 10:14b-16
- High Standards in Christian Conduct
The Scriptures teach that Christians are not to conform to the world and its lifestyle, and so we encourage believers to set Biblical standards in their actions.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
“Everything is permissible for me”–but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”–but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12 (See also Isaiah 5:22; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1.)
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.
(1 Corinthians 6:19-20) (See also 1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:2-4.)
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. Proverbs 20:1
- Attitude Toward Government
Civil government is ordained by God, and it is the duty of Christians to pray for those in authority over us and give due respect to them. If, however, the demands of civil law are in conflict with the will of God, Christians should obey God rather than man. We also believe that Scripture clearly teaches us to love our enemies, and so it is not fitting for the Christian to promote strife between nations, classes, groups, or individuals. In the area of military service and participation in war, however, we exercise tolerance and understanding, and respect the individual conscience.
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1 (See also 1 Peter 3:2-4)
Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Matthew 22:21b