DOCTRINAL
STATEMENT OF FAITH (PAGE
2)
H. Propitiation -- is a doctrine which shows that the death of Christ fully satisfied all God's righteousness demanded from a lost, condemned sinner (I John 2:2; 4:10).
I. Imputation -- is when God gives to us Christ's righteousness and to Christ our sins (II Corinthians 5:19-21).
J. Forgiveness-- is a removal of the charges against a sinner (I John 1:9).
K. Sanctification-- that act of God in setting apart someone for His use (John 17:17; I Thess 5:23; Hebrews 10:14).
L. Spirit Baptism-- is that act of the Holy Spirit when He places a believer into the family of God.(Acts 10:44). This takes place only at the time of conversion.
M. Eternal Life-- Is the doctrine that assures us that a saved person cannot lose his salvation. (John 10:27-28; Eph. 4:30). Keep in mind that all believers are not saved, and some of these will fall away, and go to Hell, because they were never saved (Matt 7:21-23). God will preserve till Redemption. This is because of the power of God, who keeps us (Phil. 1:6) Note- All infants who die, who have not reached accountability are safe and go to Heaven (II Sam 12:23; Num 26:11). This is because original sin (depravity) sends no one to Hell, but causes physical death to all. When a person is old enough to reason (accountability), a person sins by choose, causing them to be Hell bound. Those that become Born Again, become Heaven bound.
VIII. The Doctrine of the Church (Ecclesiology)
1. We believe that because there is no revelation of the church given in the Old Testament, and because it was very young in Christ statement of Matthew 16:18, which reads as follows: "And I say also unto thee. That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build (enlarge) My church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it", that it is strictly a New Testament institution. We believe it was in embryo form, being started by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry, and it was purchased by Christ on the cross of Calvary by His death, and that it was not actually Spirit powered as a modern church until the Pentecost. The local church is the current practical manifestation of the Bride of Christ. We believe there is no universal church in existence today, for it has never met nor observed the ordinances and therefore, it cannot be called a church, but that it is a prospective, church, for one day it shall meet and be assembled, in Heaven. The local true church, visible and organized, is the major emphasis of the New Testament. We believe that all races can worship together in the local church.
A. The church defined - "Ekklesia" A called out assembly, by God's direction. The church is not a building. The church is a New Testament institution. "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place, call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours" (I Corinthians 1:2).
B. The church purchased- "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28) Note - This was Christ own, literal, sinless, human blood and human body, because of no human father. (Heb. 2:14).
C. The church produced- "And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.' And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him. And going on from thence. He saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him." Matthew 4: 18-22. "And I say also unto thee. That thou art Peter, and upon this rock (Christ) I (not Peter) will build (enlarge) My church; and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18
2. We believe that a local church is a congregation of baptized believers associated together by a common faith and fellowship in the Word of God; who observe the ordinances of Christ and are governed solely by His Word, having as its goal the glorification of the Lord Jesus Christ as they seek to extend the Gospel to the ends of the earth. We further believe from the very first a church should support Missionaries for the spreading of the Gospel to all lands. That every able member of the local church should personally witness for Christ.
It is the churches responsibility to get out the Gospel, not a non-local church controlled missions board, evangelist, publishing house, school, organization, etc.
A. Its purpose- "Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."Matthew 28:19-20
B. Its composition- "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers... Praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Acts 2:41,42, and 47.
3. We believe that the local church is God's only divinely-revealed institution for this age, being an indigenous entity (self-governing, self-supporting, and self propagating). The local church is the highest tribunal of appeal on earth (Matthew 16:18; 18:15-17).
Also, the local church must be independent and guided only by the Word of God in its government and structure in order to be classified as a true church of Jesus Christ and therefore, a church constituted by God. All other means of Christian work are an aid to that local body, the members of which are striving for its advancement, promoting its prosperity and spirituality making it preeminent in all their associations, sustaining its doctrines and practices, and contributing to its support. All designated money must be spent where it is designated to go. We also believe that women should not pray, preach, teach, or exercise any authority over a man in a mixed assembly in the church. (I Timothy 2:8-12; 3:2; I Corinthians 14:34-35).
A. An indigenous body
I. Self- governing -"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican." Matthew 18:15-17
II. Self supporting- "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver".
(2 Corinthians 9:7).
III. Self propagating- "Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away." (Acts 13:1-3).
B. A Disciplined Body
I. Working with one another in the church- "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him.... But now are they many members, yet but one body." I Corinthians 12:18, 20
II. Cooperating with the leadership of the church- "And He gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists, and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" Ephesians 4:11-12
III. Promoting the doctrines of the church- "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." I Timothy 3:15
4. We believe that there are only two divinely appointed offices in a New Testament church-- the (Bishop), elders; and deacons (I Timothy 3:1,8; I Timothy 5:17). These are approved by the local church if they meet the qualifications (Acts 1:15-26; 6:1-6; 14:23; I Timothy 3:1-16). . The duties of the elder are reflected in the various New Testament designations for this office.
A. Bishop / Pastor/elder, - the superintendent of a working force, and shepherd of the flock, the overseerer (Titus 1:7; Rev 2:1,8, 12, 18; Rev 3:1,7 and I Tim 3;2; Acts 20:28, the local earthly head.
B. Ruler/Elders- mature saints of the local assembly. The godly and spiritual core of leadership and spiritual counsel in the Church (I Peter 5:5; I Timothy 5:17) . A Church can have several elders in a Church, but can have only one Pastor/Bishop.
C. Preacher- expounder of God's Word
(II Timothy I:11).
D. Teacher- explainer of God's Word
(Ephesians 4:11).
5. We believe in Pastoral leadership, and Authority, in the local church-- Theocratic Republic--organization is a Theocracy, meaning Christ is the head. He is to have the full rule and authority by the authority of the Word of God. Under Christ, the Head, is the Pastor who is the undershepherd, and the elders who are mature men of God serving under the undershepherd. These elders are directed by the church to take the leadership of the church under Christ and the Pastor (I Tim 3:5). The final oversight and guidance on earth, is placed in the hands of the Bishop, in the local assembly by God (Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:2; I Timothy 5:17-22; I Thessalonians 5:12-13; Titus 1:7; I Peter 2:25; 1 Timothy 3:2; Acts 20:28).
6. We believe that the deacon's place in the local church is to be one of service under the direction of the Pastor and elders. Deacons are not listed either in the Scriptures or in the evidences of the early church to be the same as Bishop (overseer) or the same person as the Pastor (shepherd), or elder (mature saints). Acts 6:1-4; I Timothy 3:8-13.
7. We believe that God has always had a true New Testament church in doctrine, as well as practice. We believe that there has never been a perfect church, for man since the fall has always been sinful, except Christ. We do believe, however, that there has always been churches that follow the Bible according to God and not according to man and his traditions. These churches are God's true churches. We believe that down through the ages God's true churches have had many different names, but not different doctrines. We believe that AnaBaptist Churches or Churches like these, are God's true Churches today. True churches of God have both correct doctrine, and practice this doctrine. We further believe that the majority of so called churches are not true churches, but are controlled or deeply influenced by Satan. We do believe that saved members of bad churches will go in the believers rapture with all believers. We believe that all saved should go to true churches. Thus we believe saved in bad churches, should leave their bad so called church, and join by baptism, a true church. We believe at no time the true churches came out of false churches, but all true churches came from Jesus day, continuing in every age, until today. Thus we believe in the historic true AnaBaptist Church position. That is, true churches, not always called AnaBaptist in name, but existing with AnaBaptist doctrine and practice, have always been and shall be, until Christ comes in the rapture. (Matt. 16:18; Galatians 1:6-12; Rev. 3:7-22; Heb. 10:25; II Timothy 3:16-4:4). Note: The true churches doctrine has expanded, as God has given more light. (Acts 15) We agree that true Churches can disagree on various points of doctrine, for there is no perfect Church, until Jesus comes back.
8. We believe that there are only two ordinances in a New Testament church: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
A Baptism is only by immersion for a saved believer, in the water once. This pictures his identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Baptism can only be administered under the authority of a local true church and precedes church membership and the receiving of the Lord's Supper.
I. Its command- "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." Acts 10:48
II. Its candidate- "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" Acts 10:47
III. Its significance- "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: I Peter 3:21
IV.Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:41-42.
B. The Lord's Supper is the commemoration of the Lord's death until He comes, and of our continual fellowship with Him. A careful self examination, should come before the Lord's Supper. The purpose being to humble the soul, in preparation for the Lord's Supper (John 13:1-17). Only baptized, obedient, local Church believers, should partake of the Lord's Supper. It is open to any saved, baptized, right hearted, local Church believer. Its elements being unleavened bread and grape juice (non alcoholic, thus unleavened wine).
I. Its command- "And when He had given thanks. He brake it, and said. Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me.'"
(I Corinthians 11:24)
II. Its significance- "After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying. This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me." ( I Corinthians 11:25)
III. Its testimony- "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till He come." ( I Corinthians 11:26)
IV. Its discipline- "Now I command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us." (II Thess. 3:6)
V. Its warning- "Wherefore whoesoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, (in a ungodly manner) shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, (in a ungodly manner) eateth and drinketh, damnation (judgment) to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world."
(I Corinthians 11:27-32)
IX. The Doctrine of Last Things (Eschatology)
1. We believe the next event in the fulfillment of prophecy
will be the immenient, pretribulational, premillennial, personal
return of Christ in the air, to rapture His family, the saved.
(Romans 5:9;
I Thessalonians 5:1-10; II Thess. 2:1-14). At
this time the bodies of all the church age saints will be resurrected
and reunited with their soul-spirits and all living saved believers,
will be translated immediately. This will be instant; death to life, for these saved living.
Both groups shall go to ever be, with Christ (I Corinthians
15:51, 52; I Thessalonians 4:16-18).
2. We believe the seven years following the Rapture of the Saved is the seventieth week of Daniel, The latter half is the Great Tribulation and the time of Jacob's trouble, a time when there shall be a great outpouring of God's Wrath upon the ungodly and Israel (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 7:25-27; 9:24-27; I Thess. 5:1-9; Revelation 13:3-5; Isaiah 42:24-25; 63:1-10; Ezekiel 20:33). When God allows the Antichrist to persecute Israel, she will turn to the Lord and be saved (Isaiah 45:17; Jeremiah 23:6; 30:7; Romans 11 :25,26). We reject the heresy that Judas is the Antichrist, for the Bible does not teach reincarnation. In Rev. 17:8 the beast is a demon out of the pit, not Judas. Beginning this seven years, all the church age saints will stand before the judgement seat of Christ, to receive rewards according to their works in this life as saved believers (I Corinthians 3:12-15; II Corinthians 5:10). We believe in the middle of the tribulation, the 144,000 Jews from the twelve tribes will also be raptured out to be with the Lord in Heaven. They are known as the man child in the book of Revelation. (Rev. 12 and Rev. 14:1-5) Note- Jesus is not the man child here. We believe the two witnesses, probably, Enoch and Elijah, will be the Gospel witnesses in the last 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation. (Rev. 11)
3. We believe the tribulation will end with the personal, visible return of Christ to earth (Zechariah 14:4; Matthew 24:29-31; Luke 21:25-28; Revelation 17:14; 19:11-16). The times of the Gentiles shall cease as the nations of the world are defeated and judged (Daniel 7:25-27; Luke 21:24; Revelation 11:1,2). Christ will establish His kingdom upon the earth with Israel restored to the land. Satan will be bound (Revelation 20:1-3). Peace and righteousness shall reign throughout the entire world (Isaiah 65:18-25; Daniel 9:24; Zechariah 14:16-21). This period shall last 1,000 years and then final judgement for the lost at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20).The period following this is the New Heaven and Earth without any sin (Rev. 21). This will last forever. (Note- Only the saved, and children who have not reached the knowledge of accountability, will enter the Millennial Kingdom. See- Matt. 25:31-46; Numbers 26:11).
X. The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It is a Christian Institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, and by refraining from secular employments. Work of necessity:1-12; 28:1-7; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3, 6; John 4:21-24; 20:1, 19-28; Acts and mercy only being expected. (Rev. 1:10; Hebrews 7:12; Ex. 20:8-11; Matt. 12 20:7; I Cor. 16:1-2; Col. 2:16; Col 3:16-17 and Psm. 118:24).
XI. Concerning Civil Government and Religious Liberty.
We believe that Civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society. Civil authorities should be prayed for, honored, and obeyed, except, never obeyed, in the things opposed by the Word of God, which reveals the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth (Rom 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-15; Acts 4:19-20; Acts 5:29; Dan 3:18; Dan 6:10; Tit 3:1; Judges 6:11; and 1 Tim 2:1-3).
We further believe that from the Church, the State must be separate, (Matt 22:21) the church having full freedom to operate under God, without Government interference, of any kind (Psm 105:15; and Matt 28:18). We believe, no ecclesiastical group or denomination is to be preferred above another, by the government (1 Cor 1:10-17). We further believe that all forms of Government welfare and Social Insurance, are against the teachings of the Word of God, violating the principal that all men should work until they are dead, or no longer able. That it is the duty of the Church, their family, or the individual, to take care of special needs, never the Government. ( James 1:27; 1 Tim. 5:8; 2 Thess 3:10). We believe like King David, that we can pray for the removal of godless rulers (Psm. 109:4-13). If Government is to be honored by God, it must punish evil and praise good works (Romans 13). Whenever Government fails to follow God, it becomes the servant of Satan, but should never be resisted with force in the name of Christ. (Acts 6:29) If government is to be blessed of God, it must recognize the God of the Bible', as the only final authority (Psm. 2; Ex. 20:3).
XII. Concerning Heresy and Apostasy
We believe in total and complete separation as taught in the Word of God from heresy and ecclesiastical apostasy. We believe the Scripture teaches that we are to (1) try them, I John 4:1; (2) mark them, Rom. 16:17; (3) rebuke them, Titus 1:13; (4) have no fellowship Eph. 5:11; (5) withdraw ourselves II Thess. 3:6; (6) receive them not, II John 1:11; (7) have no company with them, II Thess. 3:14; (8) reject them, Titus 3:10; (9) separate ourselves. II Cor. 6:17. Thus no non-Anabaptist (in doctrine, not name) should ever sing or preach from this church's pulpit.
XIII. Doctrine of Heaven and Hell We believe that all who are truly saved by the blood of the lamb, upon death, will immediately go to be with Christ who is now in Heaven. (Acts 7:55-60; II Cor. 5:8,9; John 14:1-6). The saved will not spend eternity in Heaven, but will spend eternity with Christ (Rev. 21:1-3). We believe that before Christ died on Calvary that all saved went to Paradise, Abraham's bosom, or also called the saved department of Sheol, sometimes called Hell by translation (Luke 16:22; Luke 23:43; Ps. 16:10), and that all of these places are the same place. We further believe that all saved down through the ages stayed in this place before Christ came down during the three Hebrew days (Eph. 4:9,10; Heb. 2:14,15). He finally took all to Heaven during the time of His resurrection with glorified bodies already (Matt. 27:52,53). He then returned to earth and was seen by many witnesses before going back to Heaven, to await the rapture of the saved. (John 20:17-19; I Thess. 4:13-18). We believe that this waiting place for Christ and the O.T. saved, no longer exist, but only existed till the blood sacrifice was completed and the department emptied. We believe that upon death, a person's body stays in the grave, but his soul goes to Heaven or Hades (Hell) (Luke 16:22-23).
This soul is given an intermediate body (Luke 16:23,24). The soul will be united with a glorified body if saved (I Thess. 4:13-18) or a corrupted body again later if lost, for the lake of fire, (Rev.20:15). All persons lost upon death, go to Hades, or the lost department of Sheol translated Hell (KJ). These are one in the same. All lost will leave this place and stand before the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11,12). After this judgment, all lost will be cast in the Lake of Fire forever. All saved, will through eternity, enjoy the new Heaven and Earth with Christ (Revelation 20 and 21).
XIV. Cooperation with other AnaBaptist Churches
We believe that AnaBaptist Churches who hold the same doctrinal stands and practice, should be considered sister churches. That we should do what we can to help one another. That we should fellowship between churches which are AnaBaptist. All other saved groups we should be kind to, but be very careful in any fellowship that might develop. This should be at a very limited basis only. There should be little fellowship between a Non-Anabaptist "so called" church. AnaBaptist Churches with the same doctrinal stands and practices, but who do not regularly fellowship with this Church, may be fellowship with, by any member's discretion. (Eph. 5:2; Rom. 12:2; II Thes. 3:14; II Cor. 6:17; I Peter 2:12).
XV. Doctrine of Holiness (Christian Living)
(Applies to all Leadership, all ministry activities, and the Church membership in general)
We believe that all Christians should live godly lives (Romans 12:1-2) Because of this, Christians should abstain and be against profanity, including misuse in the pulpit (Col. 3:8; Eph. 4:29); from alcoholic beverages, in or out of church (Proverbs 23:20; Proverbs 20:1); fornication (I Thess. 4:3); adultery (Matt. 5:27,28); homosexuality, NOTE: All sodomites are lost, (Rom. 1:26,27); gluttony (Proverbs 23:21); gambling cards (Prov. 10:2); carnal immoral music (Proverbs 23:7); Illegal drugs (Rev. 21:8); smoking and chewing tobacco (I Cor. 6:19,20); witchcraft and astrology (Deut. 18:10,11); gambling (including the lottery ) - (Rom. 12:17; I Thess 5:22); Women should also not wear low tops, splits, see through clothing, or short dresses, (Deut. 22:5; I Tim. 2:9). Men should not have hair on their ears or over their collar (I Cor. 11:14), nor wear anything which pertains to a women (Deu. 22:5). Women should have long hair, for short hair is sin and long hair on a woman is honoring to God (I Cor. 11:15).
We also believe. Women should wear a head covering (veil) to cover the top of her head, when she is meeting to worship (I Corinthians 11:1-15). God wishes in worship, to see His glory, and not the glory of man, or even of Angels. (I Cor 11:1-18; Isaiah 47:2-3; and Isaiah 6:2). We believe Christians should beware of the support of professional sports (I John 2:15-17; Col 3:8). We also believe that musical Instruments in the Church service is honoring to God (Eph 5:19). Note- The Greek word for melody in this verse, is to play a stringed instrument! We further believe that mixed swimming should be done by families only. That all swimming, apart from a family, should only be done by separating the sexes, and then only if modestly dressed. (Proverbs 7:10; I Cor. 8:9). We also believe that Santa Claus, trick or treating, ghosts, haunted houses, Christmas pagianism, the Easter bunny, and things of this sort, should not be taught at all favorably to our children; nor should they be allowed to participate in such an activity. We also believe that Easter baskets, Easter eggs, Halloween costumes, Santa ornaments, and things of this nature, should not be allowed, and songs about them should not be sung by Christians, nor taught to any Christians, whether children or adults. We believe all these things are used by Satan to take away from the importance of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. (Lev. 19:11; Exodus 20:3; 1 John 4:1; Rev. 20:10; Eph.1:8). We believe the Resurrection was Sunday, Christ death was on a Friday (Daniel 9:25-27) and should be celebrated based on the true meaning only (Col. 2:8). We believe that capital punishment is Biblical, and should be used by civil governments only when necessary (Gen. 9:16; Rom. 13:4). We further believe that abortion is murder, for life begins at conception (Luke 1:15,24, 25; Ps. 51:5; Ps. 139:14-16). We believe that a Christian should not belong to any secret organizations (Eph. 5:11-13). We believe public (government) education for our children is sinfully wrong, for the student is to be taught the Truth, and not Satan's lies (Col. 2:8-10; Jer. 10:2) We believe that single AnaBaptist should only practice modern Betrothing.
That all marriage ceremonies in this church, are to be conducted under the authority of God, and never by the authority of any government body. That all such ceremonies are to be by Cov'erture, and never by contract or License. That it is never right to marry lost people, under God's blessings (II Cor. 6:14; I Cor 1:10; Gen. 6:1-5; Gen 24:1-4,67; Gen 34:1-2; Judges 14:1-3; Judges 16:1,4,5). We also believe that Solomon is not the Shepherd, in the Song of Solomon, for his life is not an example of purity. We believe that the use of abortive artificial means, drugs, abortive appliances, and sterilization to prevent conception is sinfully immoral (Gen. 1:28; 4:1; 38:7-10; I Cor. 7:5; Ps. 127:3-5; 128:3-4; Dt. 25:11-12). We also believe in nonretaliation and Heavenly Citizenship. That because of this, Christians should not promote, or stay in the Military as soldiers, or promote Nationalism. (However, all preachers should preach against all sin, whether it be National, local, or an individual's sin). (Matt.5:38-39; Phil.3:20; Luke 12:13-15; Luke 6:24-36; 2 Tim. 2:3-4; 2 Cor. 10:3-4; John 18:36; Eph 6:12; 2 Cor 5:20; Matt. 6:24; Luke 3:14; and 1 John 2:15). This does not preclude however, we as individuals, coming to the aid of the helpless, when they are facing harm. This would include ones family, children, the murder of babies, or any helpless person. However, the aid of the helpless, does not ever mean using force, which could possibly take life. See (Luke 22:36; Luke 3:14; 1Tim 5:8; Proverbs 24:10-12 and Mat. 5:44). We believe that God desires women, and even men, not to wear suggestive clothing, which is condemned in the Bible. God also considers fancy, worldly, head coverings sinful, for they draw attention to the person (Rev 17:4; Luke 16:19; I Tim 2:9-10; I Peter 3:3-4; Isa 3:16-24; and Isa 47:1-3). We also believe in the Biblical greeting in the Bible (Romans 16:16). We believe that the anointing with oil, accompanied by faithful prayer, is a symbol which God honors (when God chooses), in the restoration of physical health (James 5:14,15). We believe further that a Church must have no pagan symbols of Idolatry, such as flags, patriotic symbols, etc. (Ex. 20:3-5) We believe that only AnaBaptist or their descendants should ever sing or Preach, even as a guest, in this Church. Note - All performers in this Church, require Pastoral approval.
XVI. Concerning Governmen Retirement, Welfare, Disability, Identification, and Aid
We believe that Government Social Security, Disability, and Aid, is contrary to the Word of God, and is clearly wrong. A person is to be taken care of by their descendants first, and if necessary, by the Church. (See James 1:27 and 1 Tim. 5:3-10). Further, we believe all Government welfare is wicked and sinful, for God never intended people to get something for nothing (2 Thess 3:10-12). God desires all men to provide for their own needs, with their own hands (1 Thess 4:11-12).
XVII. Church Covenant
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ, as our Savior and Lord, and on the Profession of our Faith, having been baptized by Immersion, by the authority of an Anabaptist Church, organized from a true Church, or baptized by Immersion by a true descendat Church, in the name of the Father , and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemonly and joyfully enter into covenant.