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Bible Baptist Church Doctrine

Bible Baptist Church adheres to the following doctrines.

1. The Word of God is essential, sufficient, without error, trustworthy, and completely authoritative. The Bible reveals God, the fall of man, the way to receive salvation, and God’s plan and purpose in the past, in the present, and in eternity. We believe that the 66 books of the Bible are plenary and God’s inspired revelation to man. They are the very word of God. It is our constant privilege to read, study, teach, obey, and model God’s Word in order to be truthful and loving ambassadors for Christ to our world.

  • Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:89,105, 140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-48; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; II Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; I Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21;

2. There is only one God, eternally existing in three equally divine Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God is an intelligent, spiritual, and knowable personal being. He is infinite and unchanging in all His attributes. He is supremely powerful and knows all things exhaustively in one eternal moment.

  • Genesis 1:1, 2-23; Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 44:6-8; 46:9-11; 48:16; 46:9-11; Daniel 4:34-35; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19; Luke 3:21-22; Acts 10:38; II Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:6; I John 5:7

Father – We believe God the Father is the creator and sustainer of all things. He is infinitely good, perfectly holy, and boundless in His love. He is the loving Father, always available to those who, through faith in Christ, call upon Him in truth. Having brought all creation into existence His glory is fully displayed. Ultimately, His purpose will be fulfilled because He is sovereign over all things.

  • Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11; 20:2-3; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; 32:6; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; Matthew 6:9; 7:11; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; I Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; I Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; I Peter 1:17; I John 5:7.

Son – We believe that Jesus Christ is God the Son through whom all things were created and sustained. He is fully human and fully divine. Jesus was sent by God the Father to pay sins debt for the redemption and restoration of people. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He took on all human attributes yet lived a sinless life. He gave over the independent use of His divine attributes to the Father but retained His divine essence. In complete obedience to God the Father, He died on the cross as a vicarious substitute for all who accept Him. He came seeking to save the lost. He rose from the dead with a bodily resurrection and ascended to the right hand of God where He intercedes for the redeemed. His redemptive work was complete and sufficient for all. He has been given a name which is above every name. He receives and will receive forever glory and honor. He will return one day in power and glory to judge the world and consummate His redemptive mission. One day every knee will bow before Jesus the Son, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord of all.

  • Psalms 2:7-12; 110:1; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53:1-12; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16, 27; 17:5; 20:28; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18, 29; 10:30, 38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16, 28; 17:1-5, 21-22; 20:1-20, 28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5, 20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:22-26; 4:19-25; 5:6-21; 8:1-3, 34; 10:4; I Corinthians 1:1-5; 30; 8:6; 15:1-8, 19, 21-22, 24-28; II Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9; Galatians 4:4-6; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 3:3-4;I Thessalonians 4:14-18; I Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16; 2 Timothy 4:1; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15, 24-28; 12:2; 13:8; I Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; I John 1:7-9; 2:1-2; 4:14-15; 5:7-9; II John 7-9; Jude 1; Revelation 1:5-11; 5:6-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.

Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. God the Spirit was sent by the Father and the Son to glorify Jesus Christ. He convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. By His powerful and mysterious work, He regenerates spiritually dead sinners through the Gospel, awakening them to repentance and faith for godly living and is the seal of the believer’s promised inheritance. In Him, believers are baptized into union with Jesus Christ. By the Holy Spirit’s power, believers are illuminated, sanctified, comforted, adopted into God’s family, and gifted for service. God the Spirit indwells and fills each Christ-follower. By the Holy Spirit, we have understanding of the Word of God, providing mankind with truth, illumination of God, and the Gospel message. The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of Scripture that we may know God and His ways.

  • Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Nehemiah 9:20; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; 139:7; Isaiah 11:2; 61:1-3; Ezekiel 36:27; Joel 2:28-32; Zechariah 4:6; Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; 12:36; Luke 1:35; 4:1,18-19; 11:13; 12:12; John 4:24; 14:6-13, 16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4, 38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17,39; 9:31; 10:44; 13:2; 16:6; 19:1-6; Romans 8:9-11,14-16, 26-27; I Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11, 13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; I Thessalonians 5:19; I Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 3:7ff; 9:8,14; II Peter 1:20-21; Jude 20-21; I John 4:13

3. The Scriptures plainly teach a literal six-day creation of the earth and universe as written in the account given in Genesis 1:1-28. That account is completely and scientifically correct. The Genesis account of creation is not allegorical or figurative. At creation God established the laws and practices of nature that continue. God created all life forms and established divine law that all things shall bring forth only “after their own kind.” God is the sustainer and has power over natural laws. When God created man, He created male and female; in so doing, He established the family as husband, wife, and children. He gave man dominion over the earth and gave him instructions to subdue it.

  • Genesis. 1:1; 2:1-25; 1:26-28; Exodus 20:11; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Nehemiah 9:6; Job 26:10; 38:4-41; Psalm 19:1-6; 33:7; 104:9; 148:4-10; Proverbs 8:29; Jeremiah 5:22; 10:12; Matthew 27:27; Mark 4:39; John 1:3; Acts 4:24; 17:23-26; Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 11:3; Revelation 4:11;10:6

4. The Bible is clear that the family is to be a husband (dad), wife (mom), and children. Many passages of Scripture give instructions on the home. The emphasis on family from the Bible is an indication of the importance of a godly family. The parents have a God-given responsibility to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Children are to obey and honor their parents. The family is crucial to a good, righteous, and productive society. God sets for the principles in Scripture for a wise husband (dad), thoughtful wife (mom), and honoring children.

  • Genesis 1:26-28; 2:24-25; Deuteronomy 6:1-12; Psalm 78:1-8; 127; 128; Proverbs 1:8; 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:13-21; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 4:9-13; 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32; 18:5-6; 19:3-13; Mark 10:6-13; I Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8-16; II Timothy 1:5; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; I Peter 3:1-7

5. Man is the special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them male and female as the crowning work of His creation. We are intentionally designed as male and female to bear His image. Adam and Eve were created without sin to worship God in obedience, care for His creation, and populate the world with children. Because of God’s unending mercy for mankind after Adam’s willful rebellious and sinful act, God promised to send a Redeemer. According to that promise, God sent His only begotten Son in order to redeem us. This promise fulfilled made it possible to establish a personal relationship with Him. As humans who bear His image, all humanity now has access to a relationship with Him. by trusting (accepting) the work of Jesus. This relationship shows itself in obedience and humble worship.

  • Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; Job 33:4; Psalms 8:5; 139:14; 139:14; Isaiah 6:5-7; 43:7; 45:18; 64:8; Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 10:21; 25:40; Luke 12:6-7; Acts 17:26-29; Romans 6:6-9; 8:1; I Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:21-22; II Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11; Titus 1:2; James 3:9; I Peter 2:9; I John 3:1

6. The Fall of Man was by willful disobedience when the head of humanity, Adam, voluntarily transgressed God’s clear commandment, therefore marring the image of subsequent generations. Adam knew exactly what he was doing when he disobeyed direct instructions from God. By this disobedience the spirit of man at conception is dead as described in Ephesians 2:1 and Psalm 51:5. Man is created eternal and immortal. There is therefore the need in all people for regeneration by the new birth. Man’s soul is tied to his sin until it is freed from the flesh by spiritual regeneration of the Holy Spirit. This sin nature is on the whole human race from the time of Adam through to the end of time. This willful disobedience brought damnation and eternal separation from God. Mankind needs salvation and redemption because nothing unclean or profane can be in God’s presence. Though God’s eternal attributes and divine power are clearly seen in creation, sinful humanity suppresses that truth in their unrighteousness.

  • Genesis 3:6-24; 6:5,12; Ps 51:1, 3, 5, 9; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Isaiah 53:6; 59:2; Jeremiah 17:5; Ezekiel 18:19-20; Matthew 16:26; John 3:3-7; Romans 1:18-32; 2:1-16; 3:9-18, 23; 5:6,12,19; 7:14; 8:6-8; Galatians 3:2, 10; Ephesians 2:1-3; Hebrews 4:14; 7:26-28; I Timothy 2:14

7. The biblical description of Satan describes him as an adversarial spirit. He is a tempter and accuser. He is an enemy of the work of God in Creation and human affairs. Scriptures plainly reveal a spiritual being whose desire is to deceive mankind and turn them away from the simple plan of salvation and force them to live in the darkness of their sins until they join the devil in his eternal judgment. As the prince and power of the air, he is the author of confusion, is the father of lies, and seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. He took one-third of the angels with him in his fall and seeks to destroy people as well. Satan’s fate is already established – He will be cast into the lake of fire for all eternity.

  • Genesis 3:1-5; 13-15; Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:14-18; Matthew 4:1-3; 13:25; 39; 25:41; Luke 22:3-4; John 8:44; 10:10; 14:30; II Corinthains 11:13-15; II Peter 2:4; Ephesians 2:2; I Thessalonians 3:5; II Thessalonians 2:8-10; I Peter 5:8; I John 2:22; 3:8; 4:3; II John 7; Jude 6; Revelation 12:9-10; 13:11-17; 20:1-3; 20:10

8. Salvation has been offered because of the mercy of God. God, who is rich in mercy according to that great love, made a way for eternal life through Jesus Christ. As promised, God so loved the world that God “sent His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him [Jesus Christ] shall not perish but have everlasting life.” This salvation is by grace and not of anything we can do. It is a gift of God. It is not of works lest any person should boast. Salvation was accomplished by Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. It is activated by God the Spirit through the Gospel message that Jesus was sent to pay the price of our sin. All who repent of their sins and place their faith in God the Son (Jesus) are brought from death into life, adopted into God’s family, in dwelt by God the Spirit, and kept by God the Father eternally. The conditions of salvation are repentance and faith. People are justified by faith alone and are accounted righteous before God only through the merit of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Salvation is a completed work. Jesus’ death and resurrection brings reconciliation and a new life made in the righteousness of God.

  • Genesis 3:15; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 18:11; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:26-38; 68-69; 2:8-14; 28-32; John 1:11-14, 29-34; 3:3-21, 36; 5:24; 10:9, 28-29; 15:1-16; 20; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3-8; 11; 6:1-23; 8:1-18, 29-39; 10:9-10, 13; I Corinthians 1:18, 30; 15:10; 20-23; II Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-9; Colossians 1:13-14; 3:1-4; I Thessalonians 5:23-24; Titus 1:2; 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:3; 5:8-9; 9:9, 24-28; 12:2-6; I Peter 1:2, 22-23; I John 1:8-9; 2:1-2

The Perseverance of Saints is in Christ and by the Holy Spirit. Believers who have trusted in the salvific work of Jesus Christ endure unto the end; their persevering attachment to Christ is through the sealing of the Holy Spirit. Upon Jesus’ return to heaven, the Holy Spirit was sent to seal, teach, and comfort believers. A born-again believer is completely secure in Christ, and there is absolutely no person who can affect this salvation relationship with God the Father. Salvation is based upon what Jesus Christ did, and not upon what any one else has done. A Christian can affect his or her “fellowship” with God by disobeying clear Biblical commandments and not confessing them or forsaking sin. The believer is kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

  • Psalm 121:3; Hebrews 10:15-18; John 3:16; 33; 8:31-32;10:27-29; Romans 6:23; 8:31-39; 10:9; I Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Galatians 4:6-7; Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 2:19; 2:11-13; Hebrews 2:14-18; 12:1-8; 13:5; I Peter 1:23; 3:18; I John 2:27-28; 4:4; 5:13; Jude 24;

Sanctification is growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The process of sanctification is becoming like Jesus. It begins with understanding that there is no condemnation to those who are Christ Jesus. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. These are not excuses to do wrong but the means by which the believer can grow in his or her spiritual life. In the process of spiritual growth, we find a delight in the law of the Lord, but we also find a war between the spiritual and the body. The process of spiritual maturity for the believer is in conflict with the desires of the flesh. Sanctification requires a believer’s conscious effort to grow spiritually and transform the mind and action to be like Jesus. There are things that contribute to positive spiritual growth:

a) Regular daily reading and study of God’s Word;
b) Continued growth in prayer life;
c) Regular weekly attendance and fellowship with God’s
People.

The evidence of the spiritual rejuvenation process is evidenced in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and His power to make possible the process of sanctification.

  • Exodus 31:3; John 17:17-19; Acts 20:32; 26:18; Romans 6, 7, 8; 12:1-2; 13:11-14;15:16; I Corinthians 1:2; 6:11; Galatians 2:20; 5:22-26; Ephesians 4:7-14, 16-30; 5:1-2, 8-21; Philippians 1:6; 2:12-13; Colossians 2:6,11; 3:23; I Thessalonians 4:3-5; 5:23; II Thessalonians 2:13-17; II Timothy 1:12; 2:21; Hebrews 2:11; 9:12; 10:21-25; 12:2-10; James 1:21; I Peter 1:2-4; I John 3:9

9. For every human being, there is an eternity. This eternity is an everlasting, conscious existence. For those who believe in Jesus, this eternity is in the presence of God. For those who rejected Jesus, the lost, it is eternal separation from God.

  • John 14:1-4; Luke 16.19-26; Revelation 20.11-15

Heaven is a prepared place. God has prepared place for those who are His people those who accepted Jesus as their Savior. That life is time without end with Jesus Christ in a place called the New Jerusalem, more commonly known as “heaven.” God has promised rewards. The rewards received will be based on the works the believer has done to the honor and glory of Jesus Christ.

  • Daniel 12:3; Matthew 5:11-12; 16:27; Luke 6:23; John 14:3; I Corinthians 3:11-14; 15:42-44; II Corinthians 9:6; Ephesians 2:6; II Timothy 4:8; Philippians 1:23; 3:14, 20-21; Hebrews 12:22-29; I Peter 5:4; I John 3:2; Revelation 4-5; 21:2-27; 22:12-13

Hell is a place created for the devil and his angels. It is a physical place where the fire is not quenched. All that defines the goodness of God is absent. Jesus Christ warns us to avoid it and readily explains its torments. We believe that this is a place of darkness, of unquenchable fire, of excruciating pain and torment, and of continual separation from God. Humans will go to hell because of sin. Jesus made a way of escape (Romans 5:8). Those who reject the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross are doomed. Because Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, He is the only way to the Father. Jesus is the only way to escape this eternal damnation. He is the only acceptable payment to God for forgiveness from sin. This judgment is forever and has no annihilation of the soul. Those who do not get saved will join the devil in the “lake of fire” and will be tormented forever and ever (Rev 14:10).

  • Matthew 8:12; 10:28; 13:50; 25:41, 46; Luke 16:19-31; I Thessalonians 1:9-10; Jude 6-7; 14-16; Revelation 14:10-11; 20:10, 14-15

10. The local church was established by Jesus Christ upon the foundation that Jesus is the Son of God sent to provide salvation. It is therefore composed of only born-again believers that have chosen not only to obey Jesus Christ’s command of baptism but also to join with an organized body of believers. The local church should be self-governing and independent from any interference of hierarchy, individuals, organizations, or government. The proper order of the church is given in Scripture, specifically in the pastoral epistles. The Bible instructs and expects those who are saved to attend and participate in a local church. The Holy Spirit brings the church together for the expressed purpose of the Great Commission as given by Jesus. This commission is about soul-winning, and discipleship based upon the doctrines of the Word of God. The church should replicate itself in new churches. The local church is to spread the gospel message through missions at home and around the world. (Acts 1:8)

By the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts are given to all believers for the edification of the church and the building up of the body of Christ. The working of sign miracles gradually ceased as the New Testament Scriptures were completed, and their authority became established. Scriptures are the authority in all matters of the church. There are two offices of church. They are Pastor (I Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-4) and Deacons (Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:8-15). There are two ordinances given to the church as symbols of what Jesus has done for us and for remembrance. These ordinances are baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

  • Matthew 16:15-19; 22:8-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:18; 24:46-53 John 17:15; 20:21-23; Acts 1:8; 2:41-42, 47; 5:23, 25-27; 11:21-26; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15; 12:4-8; 16-17; I Corinthians 3:9; 12:4-11; Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:7-16; 5:23, 25-27; Colossians 1:18; 3:15; I Thessalonians 1:8; Hebrews 10:24-25; I Peter 4:10

The ordinances of the church are not a part of salvation but are for testimony, remembrance, hope, and worship. These ordinances consist of Baptism and The Lord’s Supper.

Baptism is by immersion of the believer in water by the authority of the local church to show (symbolize) the death and burial of the unsaved life and the resurrection to walk in the new life with Christ. It is obedience to the Lord’s command. Baptism is only for those who have first believed in Jesus (Colossians 2:12). Baptism will also identify a believer with the local church. Water baptism can in no wise impute grace or forgiveness of sins.

  • Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:36-37; 16:30-33; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12; I Peter 3:21

The Lord’s Supper is a serious reminder of the cost of our salvation. It is an ordinance given to the local church. Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me…” As a body of believers, we regularly partake to remind our members of the cost of their salvation, the power of the resurrection, and of Jesus’ promised return for His church. In 1 Corinthians 11:28-30, we are told that it is a time for examination to keep the relationship healthy between God and the believer. We believe in a “closed” observation of the Lord’s Supper, meaning that only members are allowed to participate. Jesus Christ exclusively administered the Lord’s Supper to the twelve disciples alone. This means those who are saved, have been baptized, and are members in good standing should participate with us. The Lord’s Supper is required of the believer. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial. It is not a continuation of the crucifixion or a repeat of the sacrifice of the cross.

  • Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14-22; Acts 2:41-42; 20:7; I Corinthians 10:16-22; 11:17-34

11. The only hope for this world is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus returned to the Father after the resurrection to be the advocate of the believer. We are told there will continue to be a downward trend in human depravity. That trend will continue until the physical return of Jesus Christ to rule and reign from His throne. The next event on God’s calendar is the promised “catching away” of Christians (rapture). After the Rapture, Satan will reveal his anti-Christ, and a one-world government will be set up. This seven-year period is called the Tribulation. At the end of the Tribulation, Jesus Christ will return to this earth and defeat the anti-Christ’s army and claim His rightful throne in Jerusalem. Satan will be bound for 1000 years. After a 1000-year reign, Jesus Christ will loose Satan for a short time just before casting him into the lake of fire forever. The final judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) will separate those who have rejected Jesus forever. These final events will lead to a time when time shall be no more, and the new heaven and the earth will be established.

  • II Samuel 7:16; Psalm 72:1-20; Isaiah 2:1-4; 9:6-7; 11:1-16; 65:20-25; Jeremiah 33:15-17, 19-21; 23:5-6; Ezekiel 20:33-38; 37:24-25; Daniel 2:44; 7:13-14; 9:24-27; Hosea 3:5; Amos 9:11-15; Micah 4:1-9; Zechariah 9:10; 14:4, 16-17; Matthew 19:28; 24:4-14; 15-28; 28-35; 36-42; 42-50; Mark 16:19-20; Luke 1:32-34; 24:1-53; John 14:1-4; Acts 1:4-11; I Corinthians 15:4, 35-50; 51-58; Philippians 3:20-21; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; II Thessalonians 2:2; I Timothy 2:5; II Timothy 3:1-9; 4:8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 5:9-10; 8:1, 8; 9:28; II Peter 3:11-12; I John 2:1; Revelation 1:7; 3:21; 10:6; 19; 20; 21:1-5

12. Blessings are given from God. Having received all things from God, we therefore are under obligation to serve Him with all the time, talents, and material possessions for the advancement of Jesus Christ’s cause on earth. God has blessed the believer in order that Jesus Christ can be honored and glorified. After His resurrection Jesus gave the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). His Commission is our responsibility. We are able to complete this Commission because in His blessings He has given us all things necessary. This is our stewardship.

First principle of stewardship is that God owns all things (Psalm 24:1; Acts 17:24-25).

Second principle of stewardship is that God is the source of all blessings, both temporal or spiritual; all we have and are, we received from Him. (Deuteronomy 8:15-18; I Corinthians 4:7; I Peter 1:18-19)

Third principle is we are debtors to God in all things. Believers should recognize all things are entrusted to us (stewardship) for the glory of God and helping others. (Malachi 3:8-12; Luke 12:13-15; Romans 1:14-15; II Corinthians 12:15; Colossians 3:17, 23; 1 Peter 4:10)

  • Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:15-18; Leviticus 27:30-32; Psalm 24:1; 90:12; Proverbs 3:9; Ecclesiastes 3:1-11; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; 23:23; 25:14-29; 28:18-20; Luke 11:42; 12:13-15; 12:16-21, 42-43; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 4:34-37; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35; Romans 1:14-15; 6:15-22; 12:1-2, 3-8; I Corinthians 4:1-2, 7; 6:19-20; 12:8-3; 16:1-4; II Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Ephesians 5:16; Philippians 4:10-19; Colossians 3:17, 23; 4:17; II Timothy 1:6; Titus 2:7; Hebrews 7:2-4; I Peter 1:18-19; 4:10

Stewardship is to be done honestly, faithfully, liberally, and cheerfully. (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; Acts 4:32-5:11; I Corinthians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Colossians 4:17). The following areas are under the stewardship of all believers.

Talent and abilities – Each person has been given talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts. These are given to glorify God and edify the church. These gifts and their combination are as varied as people. But each person is gifted to bring his or her unique talents and abilities for the good of the church and to serve others. (Romans 12:3-8; Colossians 3:17, 23; II Timothy 1:6; Titus 2:7; I Peter 4:10)

Time – We are to redeem the time, to number our days, and to be aware of the brevity of life. The perspective of life must include the truth that eternity is lived by all. We are told that the times of life are common to all. These designs are God’s plans and must cause us to prioritize life’s greatest asset, Time. As stewards we must recognize that God’s gift of time requires wise use if we are to live for His honor and glory. (Psalm 90:12; Ecclesiastes 3:1-11; Ephesians 5:16)

Tithe and Offerings – God commanded tithes and offerings in the Old Testament, Jesus Christ endorsed them in the Gospels, and the Apostle Paul said, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.” God loves a person who gives willingly, cheerfully, and sacrificially. The church is the is the place we are to bring our tithes and offerings. (Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Proverbs 3:9ff; Matthew 6:1-4; Matthew 23:23; Acts 20:35; I Corinthians 16:2; II Corinthians 8:5)

13. We believe the Church and government were established by God and rooted in Scripture (Romans 13:2; Matthew 16:18). We believe religious liberty and the freedom of conscience are the inalienable rights of all individuals with ultimate accountability to God. The purpose of government is for the good order of human society consistent with the common good (II Samuel 23:3). Governments are to be conscientiously honored and obeyed except when contrary to the Word of God.

  • Leviticus 6:27; Daniel 3:14-18; Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1; I Peter 2:12-17

A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal. The church and the state have distinctive concerns and responsibilities, and each is free from control by the other. The state should guarantee religious liberty to all persons and groups regardless of their religious preferences, providing protection for her citizens (Romans 13:1-7). In providing such freedom, no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Believers should therefore pray for civil leaders.

The church has been established to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The church should not resort to civil power for the pursuit of its work.

  • Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Exodus 18:7-27, 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy 10:12; 16:19; 27:17; II Samuel 23:3; Psalm 2:1-12; 72:11; 101:5; Isaiah 1:17; Daniel 1:11-16; 2:21; 3:14-18; Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:13-16, 43-48; 16:18; 22:21, 36-40; 23:10; 25:35; 28:16-20; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff; Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25; John 15:12; Acts 4:16-20; 5:29; Romans 6:1-2; 8:21; 13:1-7; 12–14; 14:4, 9-13; 1 Corinthians 5:9-10; 6:1-7; 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28; 5:1, 13; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 1:15-17; 3:12-17; I Thessalonians 3:12; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; Titus 3:1-2; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8; I Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19; Revelation19:16

In society all Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society (Genesis 1:27; Colossians 1:15-17). The means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of individuals by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ (II Timothy 2:1-4). Christians should strive to preserve good and oppose evil.

  • Exodus 20:3-17; Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:13-16; 22:36-40; Colossians 1:15-20

Every Christian should work and speak to bring industry, government, and society under the sway of the principles of care, righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. The church should hold forth the concept of liberty and sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death.

  • Deuteronomy 10:12; Psalm 101:5; Galatians 3:26-28; James 1:27