What We Believe
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“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls…” Jeremiah 6:16


Who are we?

We are a Independent Baptist Church.
We are a New Testament Bible (KJV 1611) believing Church.
We believe that the Bible is the word of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”

The Holy Bible. We believe the King James AV1611 is the Holy Scriptures of the OLD and New Testament to be the verbally and plenary inspired word of God. The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament are the complete and divine revelation of God to Man. We believe the Holy Bible was written by holy men of God, prepared, inspired, and supervised by the Holy Spirit, so that what was written was word for word and totally what God intended. The Scriptures are given by inspiration of God; therefore, it is inerrant, infallible and God-breathed, and preserved only in the Authorized King James Version for the English-speaking world. Therefore, the King James Version of the Bible shall be the official and only translation used by Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church. The Scriptures shall be interpreted according to their normal grammatical-historical meaning. We believe that the Bible is the sole and final authority in all matters of faith and practice, and sufficient for the full equipping of God’s people for His service (II Timothy 3:15-17; II Peter 1:19-21; Psalms 12:6-7; Psalms 138:2; Matthew 24:35; John 12:48).

Preservation. We believe that the doctrine of inspiration is of little value apart from the doctrine of the preservation of God’s “words.” ( Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Deuteronomy 18:18; Deuteronomy 27:3,8; Deuteronomy 29:29; Joshua 3:9; Joshua 8:32-35; Job 22:22; Psalms 12:6-7; Psalms 18:1; Psalms 119:89; Psalms 103; Psalms 130; Psalms 140; Proverbs 22:21; Proverbs 30:5-6; Matthew 4:4; John 6:63; John 17:8; I Corinthians 2:13; I Thessalonians 2:13; Revelation 22:18-19 ).

Since no one living today holds or has ever seen the original autographs, the “Bible” we believe in is one that is available to man today which as the text conformable to that of 1611, commonly known as the Authorized or King James Version or King James Bible. Therein, God has preserved the “Holy Bible,” “the scriptures,” “the word of God” for the last period of the Church Age. It is inerrant, infallible, in every word as it is written. Any mention throughout our Statement of Faith and Church Constitution to “Bible,” “scriptures,” or “word of God” is understood to refer to the King James Bible.

The King James Bible will be the final authority in all matters of faith and practice abve the opinions of any man, tradition or any other source. ( Mark 7:9; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Timothy 3:16-17 )

We believe that the word of God is eternally existent (Psalms 119:89; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Hebrews 11:3; I Peter 1:23-25 ).

Though given to men at a point in time, the word of God has and always will exist incorruptible and pure.

We believe that only those foreign translations made from the King James Bible shall be considered reliable. All foreign translations should be used with caution and compared with the King James Bible.

We believe that other new versions and paraphrases that change the words of the text of the King James Bible are considered to be the work of Satan to undermine the believer’s confidence in the authority of God’s holy word ( Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:6; Jeremiah 8:8-9; Reveleation 22:19 ).

We believe that understanding of the Scriptures comes only to the born again child of God. While one may obtain knowledge of the Bible through study at a Bible school or seminary, undertanding comes only by the illumination of the Holy Spirit. ( Psalms 119:130; Luke 24:25; John 16:13; I Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 1:17-18 )

We believe that unsaved men, not possessing the gift of the Holy Spirit, can have no understanding of the word of God except the understanding of the plan of salvation which is a work fo the Holy Spirit outside of man. ( Matthew 22:29; John 8:43, 47; John 16:13; II Corinthians 2:17; II Peter 3:16 )

That having authority and power over all things, the word of God is also the only way to salvation. ( Matthew 22:29; John 1:12; 5:24; 6:63, 68; Romans 10:14, 17; Ephesians 6:17; Phillipians 2:16; II Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 4:12, 18; I Peter 1:23 ).

We believe that a Bible-believer is one who subjects himself / herself to the pure word of God as found in the King James Bible. The Bible-believer is exhorted to:

a. Study the word of God II Timothy 2:15
b. Memorize it Psalms 119:11
c. Obey it Psalms 119:9
d. Cleanse himself with it Psalms 119:9
e. Love it Psalms 119:140

Regarding authority, a Bible-believing Christian puts the word of God above everything.

The Father We believe the Father is the one and living God; the infinite and intelligent Spirit. He is perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, and measureless in power. He is merciful as well as just (Exodus 20:2-3; John 4:24).

The Lord Jesus Christ

1. That He is fully God (Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1, 14; 20:28; Phil. 2:6; Titus 2:13; Heb. 1:8; I John 5:20).

2. That He is the second Person of the Trinity and not a lesser Deity (Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; Phil. 2:6; Col. 2:9; I John 5:7 ).

3. That without any essential change in His divine Person (Heb 3:8).
a. He became man by the miracle of the virgin birth (Matt. 1:23; John 1:14; I Tim. 3:16 ).
b. Thus to continue forever as both true God and true man (Phil. 2:6-7; Col. 1:15; 2:9; Rev. 22:16).

4. That as man, He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin ( John8:46; Heb. 4:15 ), that as the perfect Lamb of God, He gave Himself in death upon the cross, bearing the sin of the world and suffering its full penalty of divine wrath in our stead ( Isaiah 53:5-7; Matt. 20:28; John 1:29; Gal. 3:13 ).

5. That:
a. He was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures (Luke 24:46; I. Cor. 15:4).
b. His resurrected and glorified body was a physical one of flesh and bone (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:25-28).
c. As our great High Priest, He ascended into heaven, there to appear before the face of God as our Advocate and Intercessor (Heb. 5:1-10; 9:24; I John 2:1).

6. He is the eternal Son of God who became man, without ceasing to be God (John 1:1).

The Holy Spirit

That He is:
a. Fully God (Acts 5:3-4).
b. The third person of the Trinity and not an impersonal force or influence (Matt. 28:9; I John 5:7).
c. The divine agent in: Creation (Gen. 1:2-3; Job 33:4; Psalms 33:6; 104:30; John 16:13-15), Revelation, wherein He reveals new truth (Luke 2:25-26; John 16:13; I Cor. 2:9-14), Inspiration, wherein He communicates truth to men (Jer. 36:2; Acts 1:16; II Tim. 3:16; II Peter 1:21), Illumination, wherein He gives understanding of truth (John 16:14-15; I Cor. 2:9-14; Eph. 1:17).

That the Holy Spirit is a person with the personal attributes of:
a. Will (Acts 16:6-11; I Cor. 12:11).
b. Knowledge (Isaiah 11:2; Romans 8:27; I Cor. 2:10-12).
c. Wisdom (Isaiah 11:2; I Cor. 2:10-12; Eph. 1:17).
d. Power (Isaiah 11:2; Rom. 15:13, 19; Eph. 3:16; I Thess. 1:5; Acts 5:3-5).
e. Love (Rom. 15:30).

That born again believers must be careful not to offend the Holy Spirit who can be:
a. Grieved (Eph. 4:30).
b. Vexed (Isaiah 63:10).
c. Tested (Acts 5:9).
d. Resisted (Acts 7:51).
e. Insulted (Heb. 10:29).
f. Lied to (Acts 5:3).
g. Quenched (I Thess. 5:19).

That in this dispensation, the work of the Holy Spirit upon the unbeliever is conviction
(John 16:8-11), of sin (John 16:9), righteousness (John 16:10) and judgment (John 16:11).

That all who become the sons of God by believing on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
(John 1:12) and his shed blood, receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit:
a. Regenerates (John 3:3-5; 6:63; II Cor. 5:17; Titus 3:5).
b. Baptizes (I. Cor. 12:12-14; Eph. 4:4-5).
c. Indwells (John 7:37-39; 14:17; Rom. 8:8-10; I Cor. 3:16).
d. Seals (II Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30).
e. Fills (Luke 1:15; Acts 4:8, 31; 6:3, 5; 9:17; 11:24; Eph. 5:18).
f. Empowers (Acts 1:8; Rom. 15:13; I Cor. 2:4).
g. Sanctifies (I Peter 1:2).
h. Anoints (Luke 4:18; I John 2:20, 27).
i. Teaches (Luke 23:23; John 14:26; 16:13; I Cor. 2:13).
j. Guides (John 16:13; Acts 8:27-29; 13:4; 16:6; Rom. 8:14; Gal. 5:16, 25).
k. Calls to service (Acts 13:2-4; 20: 28).
l. Intercedes (Rom. 8:26-27).

We reject the modern day Charismatic movement with its overemphasis on the person and work of the Holy Spirit, and its doctrinal aberrations. This movement is carnal and demonic in origin.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself;…he shall testify of me.” (John16:13; 15:26).

The Godhead commonly called the Holy Trinity

1. That there are three persons in the Godhead but they are only one God (I John 5:7). While it is a mystery to man, the doctrine of the Trinity is clearly taught in the New Testament.
a. In the baptism of Christ (Matt. 3:16-17).
b. In the command to baptize (Matt. 28:19).
c. In the apostolic prayer (II Cor. 13:14).
d. Christ Himself teaches it (John 5:18).
e. The New Testament sets forth a Father who is God (Rom. 1:7), a Son who is God (Heb. 1:8;
Titus 2:13), a Holy Spirit who is God (Acts 5:3-4).

2. That this one triune God is perfect in His:
a. Holiness (Lev. 11:44-45; I Sam. 1:1: Psalms 99:9; Isaiah 6:3).
b. Righteousness (Psalms 50:6; 111:3; Isaiah 51:8; Matt. 6:33).
c. Faithfulness (Psalms 36:5; Lamentations 3:23; I Cor. 1:9; I Thess. 5:24; Rev. 19:11).
d. Mercy (Numbers 14:18-19; II Sam. 24:14; I Chronicles 16:34; Psalms 103;
Lamentations 3:22).
e. Love (Psalms 146:8; Jer. 31:3; John 3:16; I John 3:16; 4:8-19).

3. That He is:
a. Omniscient (having all knowledge) (Job 37:16; Prov. 16:3, 11; Psalms 139:1-6; 147:4-5; Heb. 4:13).
b. Omnipotent (having all power) (Job 37:23; Psalms 147:5; Isaiah 40:21-26; Matt. 28:18; Rom. 13:1; Rev. 19:6).
c. Omnipresent (everywhere present) (I Kings 8:27; Psalms 6:19; I John 3:24; Psalms 139:7-10; Isaiah 66:1; Jeremiah 23:23-24).
d. Eternal (having no beginning or end) (Psalms 41:13; 90:1; 102:12, 24-17; Isaiah 44:6; Rom. 1:20).
e. The creator and sustainer of all things (Gen. 1:1; Nehemiah 9:6; Job 38:4-10; Psalms 104:2-6; Isaiah 40:12; John 1:1-3; Rev. 4:11).

4. That man’s approach to God should always be with reverence and fear (Deut. 4:10; 5:29; Joshua 24:14; Job 28:28; Psalms 2:11; 15:4; 19:9; 34:7; 89:7; 99:1; 112:1; Prov. 1:7; 8:13; 10:27; 15:16; Isaiah 8:13; 33:6; Jeremiah 5:22; Heb. 11:7; 12:28).

Salvation

1. That it is by grace (John 1:17; Acts 15:11; Rom. 4:16; 5:15-17; Eph. 2:8-9) and therefore the free gift of God (Rom. 5:15-18; 6:23; Eph. 2:8).

2. It is by faith ( Rom. 3:22; 4:5; 10:8; Gal. 3:22; Eph. 2:8-9) and neither merited in part or in whole by any virtue or work or man (Rom. 4:4-5; 10:3; Titus 3:5 ).

3. It is by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ ( Matt. 26:28; Acts 20:28; Rom. 5:9; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; I Peter 1:18-19; I John 1:7; 2:2; Rev. 1:5). The believer is washed from his sins by the precious, incorruptible blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, by which he is forgiven, cleansed, purchased, justified, redeemed, sanctified, and washed.

4. It is by the word of God (Luke 8:11; Rom. 10:13-15, 17 ). All that men know about salvation comes from this one source (John 5:24). It is itself alive ( Heb. 4:12 ) and is able to impart life (James 1:18) to those who hear the preaching of the gospel ( I Cor. 1:18, 21; I Peter 1:23-25; James 1:21 ).

5. We reject the modern trend of easy believism. Salvation is the result of true repentance that comes from godly sorrow for our personal sin (Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19; 17:30; 20:21; II Cor. 7:9-10; II Peter 3:9 ).

6. We believe that in God’s absolute sovereignty, God gave man a free will to accept or reject the salvation He has provided, but God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” ( II Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 33:11; Acts 10:34-35; I Tim. 2:4 ).

7. That salvation is a three-fold process that begins with:
a. Justification, being the instant and complete deliverance from the “penalty” of sin forever ( John 5:24; Rom. 4:5-8; 5:9 ).
b. Sanctification, being a progressive deliverance from the “power” of sin daily (I Cor. 10:13; Eph. 4:7; 12-13; I Thess. 4:3; I John 1:9 ).
c. Glorification, our final deliverance from the “presence” of sin forever (II Cor. 1:10; 5:8; I Thess. 4:17; I John 3:2 ).

8. That all born again believers are eternally secure. The Bible says that:
a. True believers shall never perish (John 3:15-16).
b. Neither shall any man pluck them out of the Father’s hand. (John 10:28-29).
c. They are “kept by the power of God” (I Peter 1:5).
d. Sealed “with that Holy Spirit of promise” until the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13; 4:30).
e. Delivered from all condemnation ( John 3:18; 5:24 ).

9. Simply stated, we believe that “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” is the only condition for salvation (Acts 2:20-21).

10. “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?” (Heb. 2:3).

11. We believe that salvation is a free gift of God brought to man by grace through repentance toward God and by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation is solely through faith in that shed blood and it is not earned by any good works whatsoever. All those who receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are regenerated and become Sons of God ( Acts 20:21; John 10:27-30: Eph. 2:8-10 ).

12. We believe salvation results in immediate cleansing of sin, immediate and permanent indwelling by the Holy Spirit of God, a certain home with God in Heaven, and a host of other blessings in this life and the next (Rom. 3:24-25; 5:8; 10:9-13; Eph. 1:7; 2:8-10; Titus 3:5; I Peter 1:18-19).

13. We believe that every person who has received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is a priest of God; through Christ’s blood we are able to enter into the Holy of Holies, God’s presence, and present our praise and petitions in His name; that Jesus Christ is the Great High Priest of
our faith, and that every believer has the spiritual capability and responsibility to discern the wisdom, knowledge, and will of God ( I Peter 2:5,9; Hebrews 10:10-20 ).

Satan

1. That he was originally created a holy and perfect being, but through pride and ambition rebelled against God (Isaiah 14:13-14; Ezekiel 28:13-17; I Tim. 3:6), thus becoming:
a. Utterly depraved in character (John 8:44).
b. The great adversary of God and His people (Matt. 4:1-11; I Peter. 5:8; Rev. 12:10).
c. Leader of all other evil angels and spirits (Matt. 12:24-26; 25:41).
d. The deceiver and god of this present world (II Cor. 4:4; Rev. 12:9).

2. That his powers are supernaturally great (Luke 4:6; II Cor. 4:3; Eph. 6:12; II Thess. 2:9), but strictly limited by the permissive will of God ( Job 1:12; Luke 22:32 ).

3. That he was defeated and judged at the cross and therefore, his final doom is certain ( John 12:31-32; 16:11; Heb. 2:14; Rev. 20:10 ).

4. That we are to resist and overcome him only in the armor of God and by the blood of the Lamb ( Zach. 3:2; Eph. 6:1-18; Rev. 12:11 ).

The Creation and Fall of Man

1. That Adam was the direct creation of God, spirit, soul and body, not in any sense the product of evolutionary development, but made in the image of God, but that in Adam’s sin the human race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became separated from God. ( Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7, 18-24; Matt. 19:4; I Thess. 5:23).

2. That by personal disobedience to the revealed will of God:
a. Man became a sinful creature and progenitor of a fallen race (Gen. 3:1-24; 5:3; Rom. 5:12).
b. Men are universally sinful in both nature and practice (Rom. 3:23; 5:12; Eph. 2:3).
c. Men are alienated from the life and family of God (John 8:42-44; Eph. 4:18).
d. Men are under the righteous judgment and wrath of God (John 3:36; Rom. 1:18; 3:19-20).
e. Men have within themselves no possible means of salvation without God (Matt. 19:25-26;
Mark 7:21-23; Rom. 7:18).

The Church

The Church Purpose. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Founder and Builder of the church – the body and the espoused bride of Christ. We believe in the local church as an assembly of baptized believers gathered together for the purpose of carrying out the great commission. We believe that the local church is the only agency that properly carries out the great commission and its purpose is to exalt the Savior, evangelize the lost, and edify and equip the saints. We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly
taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 2:41-47; 14:27; 20:17, 28-32; Phil. 1:1; I Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11 ).

The Church Members. We believe that the local church is solely made up of saved (born again) persons who, at the moment of salvation, are placed into the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. We believe that saved persons are to be baptized by immersion and instructed to identify with a local assembly of believers, called a church, and to support it by consistent attendance, prayer, giving, and use of their spiritual gifts ( I Cor. 12:12-14; II Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25-27; Heb. 10:23-25 ).

The Church Government. We believe that the local church is autonomous and has the absolute right of self-government, which makes it free from interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations on the outside. We further believe that on all matters of membership, policy, government, or benevolence the will of the local church is final. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Head of each local assembly and that through the Holy Spirit He seeks to administrate all the affairs of that assembly (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 13:1-4; 14:27; 15:19-31; 20:28; Rom. 16:1,4; I Cor. 3:9, 16; 5:4-7, 13; Gal 1:2; I Peter 5:1-4 ).

The Church Offices. We believe that Jesus Christ appoints an under-shepherd for each assembly called a pastor, and raises up men for the office of deacon to care for the temporal matters of the church. We believe there are two biblical offices in the church, Pastor (called bishops, elders, or overseers in the Bible) and Deacon. Pastors are responsible for the care and the feeding of the flock of God, purity of doctrine, and oversight of the operation of the church. Deacons are appointed as servants in the church to help meet the needs of the church, and to free the pastor to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word of God. The church shall also ordain men to the Gospel ministry ( Acts 6:1-7; I Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9 ).

The Church Ordinances. We believe that the two Scriptural ordinances of the local church are baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Baptism: the only Biblical mode of believer’s baptism is by total immersion; in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, by the command of God. We believe that baptism is only for those who have already trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and is a public testimony to that fact and is not a part of salvation (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:41; 18:18; Rom. 6:4-5 ).

The Lord’s Table: the commemoration of the Lord’s death, by the bread and the fruit of the vine, is preceded by self-examination (I Cor. 11:23-28). We believe that the Lord’s table is only for those who are saved, baptized by immersion, a member of a church of like faith, and who are currently in obedience to His divine will. The Lord’s Supper is open to all who after careful self-examination, and under fear of God’s judgment, judge themselves saved, baptized, fit and willing to participate. We do not believe in closed communion (members only) but in closed
communion in those members of a church of like faith who have been saved, baptized, and a member of a church of like faith may join us in the Lord’s Table ( Matt. 26:26-30; 28:18-20; Rom. 6:4-6; I Cor. 10:16-21; 11:17-34 ).

Separation

That all true believers should be separated:
a. From all worldly amusements and unclean habits which defile mind and body (Luke 8:14; Eph. 5:3-11; Col. 3:17; I Thess. 5:22; I Tim. 5:6; I Peter 2:11).
b. From unbelievers in spiritual matters (II Cor. 6:14-18).
c. From modernists, liberals and false teachers (Matt. 5:19; 15:9; I Tim. 1:7; 4:2; 6:3; II Tim. 3:5; 4:3; Titus 1:11; II Peter 2:1).
d. From the world itself. While we are in this world, we are not to be of this world and are to have “no fellowship” with its evil ways (Rom. 12:2; II Cor. 6:14-18; Eph. 5:11; Phil 3:18-19 ).

That Christians caught up in the things of the world can be the enemies of God ( James 4:4; Phil. 3:18) and can be guilty of spiritual adultery ( James 4:4 ).

That the believer’s proper position should be crucified unto the world and the world crucified to him (Gal. 6:14), not conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of the mind ( Rom. 12:2 ).

That the believer can expect to be hated by the world (John 17:14) and persecuted by them when he separated himself from the world.

True separation from the world is also separation unto God and is exemplified by a love for and a desire to know more about the word of God and the Lord Jesus Christ; a fear of God, obedience to the word of God and an earnest expectation for the second coming of Jesus Christ to deliver us from this present evil world.

That the church and the state should be separate. That neither has the authority to govern the other. That civil government is of divine appointment; that rulers are to be prayed for, honored and obeyed, except only in those things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ as found in the word of God. All members waive any right to bring before civil court any matter of church relations and business, assenting to the authority of the church in all such matters ( Exod. 18:21-22; II Sam. 23:3; Psalms 72:11; Dan. 3:17-18; Matt. 10:28; 22:21; 23:10; Acts 4:19-20; 23:5; Rom. 13:7; Phil. 2:10-11; Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13-14, 17 ).

We believe that the local church is autonomous and has the absolute right of self-government, which makes it free from interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations on the outside. We further believe that on all matters of membership, policy, government, or benevolence the will of the local church is final. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Head of each local assembly and that through the Holy Spirit He seeks to administrate all the affairs of that assembly (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 13:1-4; 14:27; 15:19-31; 20:28; Rom. 16:1, 4; I Cor. 3:9, 16; 5:4-7, 13; Gal. 1:2: I Peter 5:1-4 ).

The Future Life, Bodily Resurrection, and Eternal Judgment That in this dispensation, the souls of the saved at death go immediately to be with Christ in heaven (II Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:21-23) where they abide in joyful fellowship with Him until the pre-tribulation rapture, when their bodies shall be raised from the grave and changed into the likeness of His own glorious body (I Cor. 15:35-58; Phil. 3:20-21; I John 3:2 ), at which time their works shall be brought before the judgment seat of Christ for the determination of rewards, a judgment which may issue in the loss of rewards but not the loss of salvation ( I Cor. 3:8-15 ), which has been eternally secured for all believers by the blood atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ for all sin.

That the souls of the unsaved at death descend immediately into hell where they are kept under punishment until the final day of judgment of all unsaved dead before the great white throne (Luke 16:19-31; II Peter 2:9) at which time their bodies shall be raised from the grave, they shall be judged according to their works, and cast into the lake of fire for everlasting punishment with the devil and his angels ( Mark 9:43-48; Jude 13; Rev. 20:11-15).

The Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, which takes place in two parts:

1. That the first part is the rapture, the coming of the Lord “for” His saints.
a. That the period of time preceding the rapture will be characterized by the general apostasy within the church (II Thess. 2:1-3).
b. That while no one knows the day and hour of the rapture (Matt. 24:36-42; Acts 1:7), true believers may know the “times and seasons” (Luke 21:29-33; I Thess. 5:1-8).
It could take place anytime. When it does occur, it takes place in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye (Matt. 14:44; I Cor. 15:52).
c. That when He comes, He will first by resurrection and translation remove from the earth His waiting church (I Thess. 4:16-18) who will be caught up to meet Him in the air. “So shall they ever be with the Lord.” He does not set foot on earth at this time.
d. That the dead in Christ shall rise first and then they which are alive and remain. As they are caught up to be with the Lord, they will receive their glorified bodies which are conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. “So shall they ever be with the Lord.” (Rom. 8:29; I Cor. 3:18; Phil. 3:20-21; I Thess. 4:16-17; I John 3:2).
e. That shortly after the rapture, a seven year period of time will begin (variously known as “the tribulation,” “time of Jacob’s trouble” and “Daniel’s seventieth week”), during which time God’s wrath will be poured out in righteous judgment upon the unbelieving world as in no other time in history. No born again believer will enter this period of the great tribulation ( Jer. 30:6-7; Dan. 9:24-27; 12:1; Matt. 24-21, 29 ).

2. That the second part of Christ’s second coming is His revelation and glorious return with His saints at the end of the tribulation. He will then destroy the armies of the antichrist at the battle of Armageddon (Joel 3:11-14; Titus 2:11-13; Jude 14; Rev. 16:13-16; 19:11-14).
a. That the Lord Jesus Christ will descend “in like manner” as the disciples “beheld Him going into heaven” (Acts 1:11). “His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives” (Zechariah 14:4-5, 9; Rev. 1:7). At this time, the whole house of Israel will restored to the land given to Abraham in Gen. 12, 13 and 15.

b. That at His coming, He will establish His glorious and literal kingdom of heaven on earth and execute the judgment of the nations (Matt. 25:31-46). He will rule and reign for a thousand years during which Satan will be bound in the pit. The Lord will rule with a rod of iron as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in perfect peace (Isaiah 9:7; Hosea 2:18; Micah 4:3; Rev. 20:1-7).

c. At the close of His thousand year millennial reign, the Lord Jesus Christ will raise and judge the unsaved dead as the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:5, 11-15) and finally as the Son of David deliver up His Messianic Kingdom to God the Father ( I Cor. 15:24-28 ) in order that as the Eternal Son, He may reign with the Father in the New Heaven and the New Earth throughout the dispensation of the fullness of times. ( Luke 1:32-33; Eph. 1:10; II Peter 3:13; Rev. 21:1; 22:5 ).

Civil Government We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home, 2) the church, and 3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God ( Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; I Peter 2:13-14 ).

Human Sexuality We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance ( Gen. 2:24; 19:5, 13; 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-29; I Cor. 5:1; 6:9; I Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4 ).

We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman ( Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; I Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23 ).

Family Relationships We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and the church. The husband is to be the leader of the home, and men are to be the leaders (pastors and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for ordination by the church ( Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; I Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12 ).

We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church. The wife is to submit herself to the Scriptural leadership of her husband as the church submits to the headship of Christ. Children are an heritage from the Lord. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle example appropriate discipline, including Scriptural corporal correction (Gen. 1:26-28; Exod. 20:12; Deut. 6:4-9; Psalms 6:4-9; Prov. 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mark 10:6-12; I Cor. 7:1-16; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Col. 3:18-21; Heb. 13:4; I Peter 3:1-7 ).

Divorce and RemarriageWe believe that God disapproves of and forbids divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. Divorce and remarriage is regarded adultery except on the grounds of fornication and desertion ( Mal. 2:14-17; Matt. 19:3-12; Rom. 7:1-3; I Cor. 7:10-16 ).

Abortion We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the physical (non-life threatening) or mental well being of the mother are acceptable ( Job 3:16; Psalms 51:5; 139:14-16; Isaiah 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44 ).

Love We believe that we should demonstrate love for others, not only toward fellow believers, but also toward both those who are not believers and those who oppose us. We are to deal with those who oppose us graciously, gently, patiently, and humbly. God forbids the stirring up of strife, the taking of revenge, or the threat or the use of violence as means of resolving personal conflict or obtaining personal justice. Although God commands us to abhor sinful actions, we are to love and pray for any person who engages in such sinful actions ( Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:31; John 13:34-35; Rom 12:9-10; 17-21; 13:8-10; Phil. 2:2-4; II Tim. 2:24-26; Titus 3:2; I John 3:17-18 ).

Lawsuits Between Believers We believe that Christians are prohibited from bringing civil lawsuits against other Christians or the church to resolve personal disputes. We believe the church possesses all the resources necessary to resolve personal disputes between members. We do believe, however, that a Christian may seek compensation for injuries from another Christian’s insurance company as long as the claim is pursued without malice or slander ( I Cor. 6:1-8; Eph. 4:31-32 ).

Missions We believe that God has given the church a great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic, group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As ambassadors of Christ we must use all available means to go to the foreign nations and not wait for them to come to us ( Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; II Cor. 5:20 ).

Giving We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to support his local church financially. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving, but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. We believe that a Christian relinquishes all rights to direct the use of the tithe or offering one the gift has been made ( Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; I Cor. 16:2; II Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; I Tim. 5:17-18; I John 3:17 ).

AUTHORITY OF STATEMENT OF FAITH

The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible, and therefore, is binding upon all members. All literature used in the church shall be in complete agreement with the Statement of Faith.