Statement of Faith
for Straight
Paths Independent Baptist Church
We believe in:
The Holy Bible
That every word of
the original autographs (consisting of the sixty-six books of the
Old and New Testaments with no Apocrypha) was given to the prophets
and apostles by inspiration of the Holy Ghost in such a manner that
every word might be said to have come from the mouth of God. At the
same time, God's choice of words reflected the personalities of the
prophets and apostles in literary style, vocabulary, etc.
Exodus 20:1; Isaiah 59:21; Jeremiah 30:2; John 17:8; Acts 28:25;
Galatians 1:12; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1;
II Peter 11:21; 3:2; Revelation 1:1
That the doctrine of inspiration is of little value apart from the
doctrine of the preservation of God's "words."
Exodus 24:3; Deuteronomy 6:6,7; 18:18; 27:3,8; 29:29; Joshua 3:9;
8:32-35; Job 22:22; 23:12; Psalms 12:6, 7; 78:1; 119:89, 103, 130,
140; Proverbs 22:21; 30:5, 6; Matthew 4:4; John 6:63; 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. We believe God has preserved the holy word of God ("the
scriptures") for the last period of the Church Age in the King James
1611 Authorized Version. Every word therein is inerrant and
infallible with no need of correction. Not only is the Authorized
Version superior to all other versions and translations, but it is
superior to any Greek text in existence.
The King James 1611 Authorized Version will be the final authority
in all matters of faith and practice above the opinions of man,
tradition or any other source.
Mark 7:9,13; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Timothy 3:16-17
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.
That only those foreign translations made from the King James 1611
Authorized Version or from the Textus Receptus Greek Text shall be
considered reliable. All others should be used with caution and
compared with the King James Version.
That other versions and paraphrases that change the words of the
King James Version 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; 12:32; Proverbs 30:6; Jeremiah 8:8,9; Revelation
22:19
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, understanding comes only by the
illumination of the Holy Spirit.
Psalms 119:130; Luke 24:45; John 16:13; I Corinthians 2:14;
Ephesians 1:17,18
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 of the Holy Spirit outside of
man.
Matthew 22:29; John 8:43,47; 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; Philippians 2:16; I Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 4:12,13; I Peter
1:23
That a Bible-believer is one who subjects himself to the pure word
of God (the King James 1611 Authorized Version).
The Bible-believer is exhorted to:
Study the word of God (II Timothy 2:15)
Memorize it (Psalms 119:11)
Obey it (Psalms 119:9)
Cleanse himself with it (Psalms 119:9)
Love it (Psalms 119:140)
Regarding authority, a Bible-believing Christian puts the word of
God above everything. All others put some thing above the Bible.
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The Lord Jesus
Christ
That he is fully
God.
Isaiah 9:6; John
1:1,14; 20:28; Philippians 2:6; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:8; I John 5:20
That He is the second person of the Trinity and not a lesser Deity.
Matthew 3:16,17; 28:19; Philippians 2:6; Colossians 2:9; I John 5:7
That without any essential change in His divine Person:
Hebrews 13:8
He became man by the miracle of the virgin birth-
Matthew 1:23; John 1:14; I Timothy 3:16
Thus to continue forever as both true God and true man.
Philippians 2:6,7; Colossians 1:15; 2:9; Revelation 22:16
That as man, He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet
without sin (John 8:46; Hebrews 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; Matthew 20:28; John 1:29; Galatians 3:13
That:
He was buried and rose again the third day according to the
scriptures.
Luke 24:46; I Corinthians 15:4
His resurrected and glorified body was a physical one of flesh and
bone.
Luke 24:36-43; John 20:25-28
As our great High Priest, He ascended into heaven, there to appear
before the face of God as our Advocate and Intercessor.
Hebrews 5:1-10; 9:24; I John 2:1
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The Creation and
Fall of Man
That he 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.
Genesis 1:26-28;
2:7, 18-24; Matthew 19:4; I Thessalonians 5:23
That by personal disobedience to the revealed will of God:
Man became a sinful creature and the progenitor of a fallen race
(Genesis 3:1-24; 5:3; Romans 5:12).
Who are universally sinful both in nature and practice (Romans 3:23;
5:12; Ephesians 2:3)
Who are alienated from the life and family of God (John 8:42-44;
Ephesians 4:18).
Who are under the righteous judgment and wrath of God (Romans 1:18;
3:19,20; John 3:36)and
Who have within themselves no possible means of recovery or
salvation (Matthew 19:25,26; Mark 7:21-23; Romans 7:18).
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Salvation
That it is by
grace-
John 1:17; Acts
15:11; Romans 4:16; 5:15-17; Ephesians 2:8,9;
-and therefore is a free gift of God.
Romans 5:15-18; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8
It is by faith
Romans 3:22; 4:5; 10:8; Galatians 3:22; Ephesians 2:8,9
and merited neither in part nor the whole by any virtue or work of
man.
Romans 4:4,5; 10:3; Titus 3:5
It is by the blood.
Matthew 26:28; Acts 20:28; Romans 5:9; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians
1:14; I Peter 1:18,19; I John 1:7; 2:2; Revelation 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.
And by the word of God.
Luke 8:11; Romans 10:13-15, 17
All that men know about salvation comes from this one source (John
5:24). It is itself alive (Hebrews 4:12) and able to impart life
(James 1:18) to those who hear the preaching of the gospel (I
Corinthians 1:18, 21; I Peter 1:23-25; James 1:21)
We reject the modern trend of easy believism. Salvation is the
result of true repentance that comes from godly sorrow for sin.
Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19; 17:30; 20:21; II Corinthians 7:9-10; II Peter
3:9
We believe that God (in His absolute sovereignty), gave man a free
will to accept or reject the salvation He has provided. Still, 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 Timothy 2:4
That salvation is a threefold process that begins with:
Justification, being the instant and complete deliverance from the
penalty of sin forever (John 5:24; Romans 4:5-9).
Sanctification, being a progressive deliverance from the power of
sin daily (I Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 4:7, 12, 13; I
Thessalonians 4:3; I John 1:9).
Glorification, our final deliverance from the presence of sin
forever (II Corinthians 1:10; 5:8; I Thessalonians 4:17; I John
3:2).
That all born-again believers are eternally secure.
The Bible teaches that:
True believers never perish (John 3:15,16).
Neither shall any man pluck them out of the Father's hand (John
10:28,29).
They are "kept by the power of God" (I Peter 1:5)
Sealed until the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30).
Delivered from all condemnation (John 3:18; 5:24).
Simply stated, we believe that "repentance toward God, and faith
toward our Lord Jesus Christ" are the only conditions for salvation.
"How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?" (Hebrews
2:3).
Acts 20:20,21
That while in no sense having anything to do with obtaining or
retaining salvation,
Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16; Titus 3:5),
righteous living and good works are the proper evidence and fruit of
salvation.
Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 2:14; I Peter 2:12
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Satan
That he was
originally created a holy and perfect being, but through pride and
ambition
rebelled against God
(Isaiah 14:13,14;
Ezekeil 28:13-17; I Timothy 3:6), thus becoming:
Utterly depraved in character (John 8:44).
The great adversary of God and His people (Matthew 4:1-11;
Revelation 12:10).
Leader of all other evil angels and spirits (Matthew 12:24-26;
25:41).
The deceiver and god of this present world (II Corinthians 4:4;
Revelation 12:9).
That his powers are supernaturally great (Luke 4:6; II Corinthians
4:3; Ephesians 6:12; II Thessalonians 2:9), but strictly limited by
the permissive will of God (Job 1:12; Luke 22:31,32).
That he was defeated and judged at the cross, and therefore his
final doom is certain (John 12:31,32; 16:11; Hebrews 2:14;
Revelation 20:10).
That we are to resist and overcome him only in the armor of God and
by the blood of the Lamb (Ephesians 6:1-18; Revelation 12:11;
Zechariah 3:2).
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The Holy Spirit
That He is:
Fully God (Acts
5:3,4)
The third person of the Trinity and not an impersonal force or
influence (Matthew 28:19; I John 5:7).
The divine agent in:
Creation (Genesis 1:2, 3; Job 33:4; Psalm 33:6; 104:30; John
16:13-15).
Revelation, wherein He reveals new truth (Luke 2:25,26; John 16:13;
I Corinthians 2:9-14).
Inspiration, wherein He communicates truth to men (Jeremiah 36:2;
Acts 1:16; II Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:21).
Illumination, wherein He gives understanding of truth (John
16:14-15; I Corinthians 2:9-14; Ephesians 1:17).
That the Holy Spirit is a person with personal attributes of:
Will (Acts 16:6-11; I Corinthians 12:11)
Knowledge (Isaiah 11:2; Romans 8:27; I Corinthians 2:10-12)
Wisdom (Isaiah 11:2; I Corinthians 2:10-12; Ephesians 1:17)
Power (Isaiah 11:2; Romans 15:13,19; Ephesians 3:16; I Thessalonians
1:5; Acts 5:3-5) and
Love (Romans 15:30>
That born-again believers must be careful not to offend the Holy
Spirit who can be:
Grieved (Ephesians 4:30)
Vexed (Isaiah 63:10)
Tested (Acts 5:9)
Resisted (Acts 7:51)
Insulted (Hebrews 10:29>
Lied to (Acts 5:3) and
Quenched (I Thessalonians 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), the Holy Spirit:
Regenerates (John 3:3-5; 6:63; II Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5)
Baptizes (I Corinthians 12:12-14; Ephesians 4:4,5)
Indwells (John 7:37-39; 14;17; Romans 8:8-10; I Corinthians 3:16;
6:19; I John 3:24)
Seals (II Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13,14; 4:30)
Fills (Luke 1:15; Acts 4:8, 31; 6:3, 5; 9:17; 11:24; Ephesians 5:18)
Empowers (Acts 1:8; Romans 15:13; I Corinthians 2:4)
Sanctifies (I Peter 1:2)
Anoints (Luke 4:18; I John 2:20,27)
Teaches (Luke 12:12, John 14:26; 16:13; I Corinthians 2:13)
Guides (John 16:13; Acts 8:27-29; 13:4; 16:6; Romans 8:14; Galatians
5:16,25)
Calls to service (Acts 13:2-4; 20:28)
Intercedes for (Romans 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." (John 16:13; 15:26).
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Separation
That all true
believers should be separated:
From all worldly
amusements and unclean habits which defile mind and body (Luke 8:14;
Ephesians 5:3-11; Colossians 3:17; I Thessalonians 5:22; I Timothy
5:6; I Peter 2:11).
From unbelievers (II Corinthians 6:14-18) in spiritual matters.
From modernists, liberals and false teachers (Matthew 5:19; 15:9; I
Timothy 1:7; 4:2; 6:3; II Timothy 3:5; 4:3; Titus 1:11; II Peter
2:1).
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."
(Romans 12:2; II Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:11; Philippians
3:18,19).
That Christians caught up in the things of the world can be the
enemies of God (James 4:4) 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 (Galatians 6:14), not conformed
to this world, but transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans
12:2).
That the believer can expect to be hated by the world (John 17:14)
and persecuted by them when he separates 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, honoured 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.
Exodus 18:21-22; II
Samuel 23:3; Psalms 72:11; Daniel 3:17-18; Matthew 10:28; 22:21;
23:10; Acts 4:19,20; 23:5; Romans 13:7; Philippians 2:10,11; Titus
3:1; I Peter 2:13, 14, 17
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The Holy Trinity
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.
The baptism of
Christ (Matthew 3:16,17)
In the baptismal formula (Matthew 28:19)
The apostolic benediction (II Corinthians 13:14)
Christ Himself teaches it (John 14:6)
The New Testament sets forth a Father who is God (Romans 1:7), a Son
who is God (Hebrews 1:8; Titus 2:13), a Holy Spirit who is God (Acts
5:3, 4).
That this one triune God is perfect in His:
Holiness (Leviticus 11:44, 45; I Samuel 2:2; Psalms 99:9; Isaiah
6:3)
Righteousness (Psalms 50:6; 111:3; Isaiah 51:8; Matthew 6:33)
Faithfullness (Psalms 36:5; Lamentations 3:23; I Corinthians 1:9; I
Thessalonians 5:24; Revelation 19:11)
Mercy (Numbers 14:18, 19; II Samuel 24:14; I Chronicles 16:34;
Psalms 103; Lamentations 3:22)
Love (Psalms 146:8; Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16; I John 3:16; 4:8-19)
That He is:
Omniscient (having all knowledge) (Job 37:16; Proverbs 16:3, 11;
Psalms 139:1-6; 147:4, 5; Hebrews 4:13)
Omnipotent (having all power) (Job 37:23; Psalm 147:5; Isaiah
40:21-26; Matthew 28:18; Romans 13:1; Revelation 19:6)
Omnipresent (everywhere present) (I Kings 8:27; Psalms 139:7-10;
Isaiah 66:1; Jeremiah 23:23, 24)
Eternal (having no beginning or end) (Psalms 41:13; 90:1; 102:12,
24-27; Isaiah 44:6; Romans 1:20) and The Creator and sustainer of
all things (Genesis 1:1; Nehemiah 9:6; Job 38:4-10; Psalm 104:2-6;
Isaiah 40:12; John 1:1-3; Revelation 4:11)
That man's approach to God should always be with reverence and fear.
The levity of God's people concerning God and His word is abominable
and is one reason for the lack of power in Christian work today.
Deuteronomy 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; Proverbs 1:7; 8:13; 10:27; 15:6;
Isaiah 8:13; 33:6; Jeremiah 5:22; Hebrews 11:7; 12:28
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The Future Life,
Bodily Resurrection, and Eternal Judgment
That at death (in
this dispensation), the souls of the saved go immediately to be with
Christ in heaven (II Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 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 Corinthians
15:35-38; Philippians 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 Corinthians 3:8-15), which
has been eternally secure 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; Revelation 20:11-15)
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The Second Coming
of the Lord Jesus Christ, which takes place in two parts:
That the first part
is the rapture, the coming of the Lord "for" His saints.
That the period of time preceding the rapture will be characterized
by general apostasy within the church (II Thessalonians 2:1-3)
That while no one knows the day and hour of the rapture, (Matthew
24:36-42; Acts 1:7), true believers may know the "times and
seasons," (Luke 21:29-33; I Thessalonians 5:1-8). It could take
place anytime. When it does occur, it takes place in a moment, in
the twinkling of an eye (Matthew 24:44; I Corinthians 15:52).
That when He comes, He will first by resurrection and translation
remove from the earth His waiting church (I Thessalonians 4:16-18)
who will be caught up to meet Him in the air. "So shall they ever be
with the Lord." He will not set foot on earth at that time.
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.
(Romans 8:29; I Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:20, 21; I
Thessalonians 4:16, 17; I John 3:2)
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. (Jeremiah 30:6, 7;
Daniel 9:24-27; 12:1; Matthew 24:21, 29)
That the second part of Christ's second coming is His revelation and
glorious return "with" His saints at the end of the great
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;
Revelation 16:13-16; 19:11-14).
That the Lord Jesus Christ will descend "in like manner" as the
disciples "beheld Him going into heaven." (Acts 1:11). "And His feet
shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives" (Zechariah 14:4,
5, 9; Revelation 1:7). At this time, the whole house of Israel will
be restored to the land given to Abraham in Genesis 12, 13 and 15.
That at His coming, He will establish His glorious and literal
kingdom of heaven on earth and execute the judgment of the nations
(Matthew 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; Revelation 20:1-7).
At the close of His thousand year reign, the Lord Jesus Christ will
raise the unsaved dead and call them before the Great White Throne
Judgment (Revelation 20:5, 11-15). Finally, as the Son of David, He
will deliver up His Messianic Kingdom to God the Father (I
Corinthians 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; Ephesians
1:10; II Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1; 22:5).
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The One True
Church; the Mystical Body and the Bride of the Lord Jesus Christ
Romans 12:5; I
Corinthians 12:12-24, 25-27; Ephesians 1:22,12; 4:4; Colossians 1:24
That He began to build at Pentecost (Acts 2:4, 5; 47) and will
complete at the pre-tribulation rapture (I Thessalonians 4:16, 17)
and into which all true believers of the present age are baptized
immediately by the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12:12,12; Ephesians
4:5).
That a Bible-believing congregation of baptized (immersed in water)
believers are associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship in
the gospel and the Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 1:9; Philippians
1:4, 5) observing the ordinances of the church, which are two:
(1)baptism, and (2) the Lord's supper.
That Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in
the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew
3:13-16; 28:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 8:36-39). It is a picture of the
death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans
6:3-5; Colossians 2:12) and is prerequisite to membership in a local
church congregation (Acts 2:41).
That the Lord's supper is the remembrance of the death of the Lord
Jesus Christ by partaking of unleavened bread and the fruit of the
vine. It is always to be preceded by solemn self-examination on the
part of each participant. This blessed ordinance is to be observed
as often as the local assembly of believers desires, until Jesus
comes (Matthew 26:17, 26-29; Mark 14:1, Luke 22:15-20; I Corinthians
11:23-29). We emphasize the fact that baptism and the Lord's supper
are ordinances and not sacraments.
That's it's scriptural officers are two: Bishop (I Timothy 3:1, 2
and Titus 1:7) and Deacon (Acts 6:3-5; Philippians 1:1; I Timothy
3:8)
The bishop is the pastor and the presiding elder of the individual
flock that God has set him over. Being selected according to the
spiritual requirements set forth in I Timothy 3:2-11 and Titus
1:5-7, he is to lead the flock with the counsel of the other
ordained elders of that local assembly of believers according to the
gifts of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:11). He is to "preach the
word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort
with all longsuffering and doctrine" (II Timothy 4:2) and do the
work of an evangelist (II Timothy 4:5).
Deacons are to be selected according to spiritual qualifications set
forth in I Timothy 3:3-13, and are to serve the church under the
leadership of its bishop as he shall call upon them for the
administration of business and spiritual matters concerning the
church (Acts 6:2-4).
These two and any other members ordained by a local church are the
elders of that assembly of believers and are to be overseers of the
flock, to feed its members with the word of God, and to be examples
before them (Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5; I Peter 5:1-3).
That the true mission of the church is found in the concept of the
Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
First, to carry the
gospel to all the world
Second, to baptize them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost
Third, to teach them the word of God
Fourth, to instruct all believers to do these things also.
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