Faith Fellowship Statement of Fundamental Truths

Amongst Christians there are various doctrines and belief systems. The Bible is very clear on fundamental doctrines. The first nine of the following doctrines are among those which are considered by fundamental doctrines of the church and are held to be true by most Protestant Denominations. Believing these doctrines are fundamental to being a Christian, followers of Jesus cannot depart from these. These doctrine are non-negotiable for Faith Fellowship staff,  leaders and members.

 

1. The Scriptures Inspired

The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21).

 

1. The One True God

The one true God has revealed himself as the eternally self-existent “I AM,” the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10,11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22).

 

The Adorable Godhead

                   1. Terms Defined
The terms "Trinity" and "persons" as related to the Godhead, while not found in the Scriptures, are words in harmony with Scripture, whereby we may convey to others our immediate understanding of the doctrine of Christ respecting the Being of God, as distinguished from "gods many and lords many." We therefore may speak with propriety of the Lord our God who is One Lord, as a trinity or as one Being of three persons, and still be absolutely scriptural.

• Matthew 28:19

• 2 Corinthians 13:14

• John 14:16-17

 

                      2. Distinction and Relationship in the Godhead
Christ taught a distinction of Persons in the Godhead which He expressed in specific terms of relationship, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but that this distinction and relationship, as to its mode is inscrutable and incomprehensible, because unexplained.

• Luke 1:35

• 1 Corinthians 1:24

• Matthew 11:25-27

• Matthew 28:19

• 2 Corinthians 13:14

• 1 John 1:3-4

 

                  3. Unity of the One Being of Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Accordingly, therefore, there is that in the Father which constitutes him the Father and not the Son; there is that in the Son which constitutes Him the Son and not the Father; and there is that in the Holy Spirit which constitutes Him the Holy Spirit and not either the Father or the Son. Wherefore the Father is the Begetter, the Son is the Begotten, and the Holy Spirit is the one proceeding from the Father and the Son. Therefore, because these three persons in the Godhead are in a state of unity, there is but one Lord God Almighty and His name one.

• John 1:18

• John 15:26

• John 17:11

• John 17:21

• Zechariah 14:9

 

                   4. Identity and Cooperation in the Godhead
The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are never identical as to Person; nor confused as to relation; nor divided in respect to the Godhead; nor opposed as to cooperation. The Son is in the Father and the Father is in the Son as to relationship. The Son is with the Father and the Father is with the Son, as to fellowship. The Father is not from the Son, but the Son is from the Father, as to authority. The Holy Spirit is from the Father and the Son proceeding, as to nature, relationship, cooperation and authority. Hence, neither Person in the Godhead either exists or works separately or independently of the others.

• John 5:17-30

• John 5:32

• John 5:37

• John 8:17,18

                     5. The Title, Lord Jesus Christ
The appellation, "Lord Jesus Christ," is a proper name. It is never applied in the New Testament, either to the Father or to the Holy Spirit. It therefore belongs exclusively to the Son of God.

• Romans 1:1-3,7

• 2 John 3

                      6. The Lord Jesus Christ, God with Us
The Lord Jesus Christ, as to His divine and eternal nature, is the proper and only Begotten of the Father, but as to His human nature, He is the proper Son of Man. He is therefore, acknowledged to be both God and man; who because He is God and man is "Immanuel," God with us.

• Matthew 1:23

• 1 John 4:2

• 1 John 4:10

• 1 John 4:14

• Revelation 1:13

• Revelation 1:17

 

                      7. The Title, Son of God
Since the name "Immanuel" embraces both God and man in the one Person, our Lord Jesus Christ, it follows that the title, Son of God, describes His proper deity, and the title, Son of Man, His proper humanity. Therefore, the title Son of God, belongs to the order of eternity, and the title, Son of Man, to the order of time.

• Matthew 1:21-23

• 2 John 1:3

• 1 John 3:8

• Hebrews 7:3

• Hebrews 1:1-13

                     8. Transgression of the Doctrine of Christ
Wherefore, it is a transgression of the Doctrine of Christ to say that Jesus Christ derived the title, Son of God, solely from the fact of the incarnation, or because of His relation to the economy of redemption. Therefore, to deny that the Father is a real and eternal Father, and that the Son is a real and eternal Son, is a denial of the distinction and relationship in the Being of God; a denial of the Father, and the Son; and a displacement of the truth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.

• 2 John 9

• John 1:1

• John 1:2

• John 1:14

• John 1:18

• John 1:29

• John 1:49

• 1 John 2:22,23

• 1 John 4:1-5

• Hebrews 12:2

                       9. Exaltation of Jesus Christ as Lord
The Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, having by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; angels and principalities and powers having been made subject unto Him. And having been made both Lord and Christ, He sent the Holy Spirit that we, in the name of Jesus, might bow our knees and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father until the end, when the Son shall become subject to the Father that God may be all in all.

• Hebrews 1:3

• 1 Peter 3:22

• Acts 2:32-36

• Romans 14:11

• 1 Corinthians 15:24-28

                      10. Equal Honor to the Father and to the Son
Wherefore, since the Father has delivered all judgment unto the Son, it is not only the express duty of all in heaven and on earth to bow the knee, but it is an unspeakable joy in the Holy Spirit to ascribe unto the Son all the attributes of Deity, and to give Him all honor and the glory contained in all the names and titles of the Godhead except those which express relationship (see Distinction and Relationship in the Godhead, Unity of the One Being of Father, Son and Holy Spirit , and Identity and Cooperation in the Godhead) and thus honor the Son even as we honor the Father.

• John 5:22,23

• 1 Peter 1:8

• Revelation 5:6-14

• Philippians 2:8,9

• Revelation 7:9-10

• Revelation 4:8-11

3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ

The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. The Scriptures declare:

a. His virgin birth (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31,35).

b. His sinless life (Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22).

c. His miracles (Acts 2:22; 10:38).

d. His substitutionary work on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

e. His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 15:4).

f. His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9,11; 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3).

 

4. The Fall of Man

Man was created good and upright; for God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our

likeness.” However, man by voluntary transgression fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 1:26,27; 2:17; 3:6; Romans 5:12-19).

 

5. The Salvation of Man

Man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

(a) Conditions to Salvation

Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; 3:5-7).

(b) The Evidences of Salvation

The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16). The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12).

 

6.  The Final Judgment

There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-

48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8).

 

7. Marriage

Genesis 2:24 makes it clear God intended marriage to be between one man and one woman. Any other form of marriage is contrary to God’s design and offensive to him. (Matthew 19:1-6, Mark 10: 6-9 Hebrews 13:4)

 

8) Sexual immorality

God created and intended sexual activity experienced within the boundaries of marriage which can only be in God’s eyes between one man and one woman. Any other form of sexual activity, heterosexual or homosexual is forbidden by God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Colossians 3:1-8, Romans 1:24-32, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)

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Faith Fellowship Doctrinal Distinctives

These doctrines are distinctive to classical Pentecostal doctrine. Other fundamental Christian denominations and fellowships may vary in their interpretation of some of these doctrines. While it is not necessary to agree in every point of the doctrinal disinclines to be a member of Faith Fellowship, pastoral staff must hold these distinctive as true. All members of Faith Fellowship are expected to respect the doctrine of the house at all times.

 

1. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit

All believers are entitled to and should earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian church. With it comes the enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4,8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31). This experience is distinct from and subsequent to the experience of the new birth at which time the believer is filled with the Holy Spirit.  (Acts 8:12-17; 10:44-46; 11:14-16; 15:7-9).

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2. The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance (Acts 2:4). The speaking in tongues in this instance is the same in essence as the gift of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:4-10,28), but different in purpose and use.

 

3. The Gifts of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit gives certain gifting to operate within and without of the church to edify the saints and serve as a witness to the unbeliever. Prophecy, tongues, interpretation, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, discernment, faith, miracles and healing are the nine gifts of the Spirit. The Spirit determines to whom He will give them, and dictates how they are to be operation. (1 Corinthians 12)

 

4. Divine Healing

Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the Atonement, and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4,5; Matthew 8:16,17; James 5:14-16).

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5. Sanctification

Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God (Romans 12:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:12). Sanctification is  happens in the life of the believer as they learn to die to self and live unto God, , and by offering themselves to the control of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:1-11,13; 8:1,2,13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12,13; 1 Peter 1:5).

 

6. The Church and Its Mission

The Church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, divinely called to fulfill the Great Commission. Each believer is an integral part of the church. The focus of  Faith Fellowship is to:

1. Preach the Gospel to the world

2. Make disciples of all men

3. To find a place of purpose for every believer

4. Worship the Lord in a unified body

5. Demonstrate the Lord’s love and compassion for the lost

6. ​

 

7. The Blessed Hope (Rapture)

The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed hope of the Church. We believe this event to be just prior to the Great Tribulation. (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51,52).

 

8. The Millennial Reign of Christ

The last coming of Christ will be the time appointed for Christ to set up his kingdom in the earth and will rule in the earth. Christ along with His saints will  reign on the earth for one thousand years (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27,30; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6). This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ezekiel 37:21,22; Zephaniah 3:19,20; Romans

11:26,27) and the establishment of universal peace (Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalm 72:3-8; Micah 4:3,4). At the end of that time Satan will be loosed for a season before ultimately being cast into the bottomless pit.

 

9. The New Heavens and the New Earth

“We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21,22).

 

Faith Fellowship Ordinances

Water Baptism

1. Baptism as a sign

It is the outward sign of an inward work, representing our salvation from sin. Now, this salvation is represented as the work of God (II Tim. 1:8-9), as the work of Christ (Matt. 1:21), and as the work of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5); yet it is a single act, and, therefore, can be appropriately represented only by a single immersion in the threefold name of the Father, the Son and The Holy Ghost.

2) For Believers

The last commission of Christ, as recorded by Mark, is: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15-16). These words clearly designate believers as the only candidates for baptism. Baptism is also limited to those who are capable of hearing and believing the gospel, and this standard was invariably maintained by the Apostles in their ministry. Infant baptism therefore, is not practiced by Faith Fellowship.

3) Conditioned on Repentance

“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching … and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand .… Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins” (Matt. 3:1-2, 5-6). John taught that the people should repent and then be baptized, and refused to baptize them if they did not repent (vss. 7-8).  Therefore Faith Fellowship maintains baptism is subsequent to conversion.

4) Baptism by immersion
Now, whenever the Bible speaks of baptism as a literal Christian rite, it always employs the Greek word that is the equivalent of the English word “immersion.” Baptism is a ceremonial representation of the burial and resurrection of our Lord; therefore, only immersion is appropriate. Baptism thus becomes to the individual an outward sign of an inward work.

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Communion

1. The Lords Supper as a symbol

The New Testament clearly teaches the observance of an ordinance termed “the Lord’s supper.” “When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper” (1 Cor. 11:20).  Paul further wrote “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 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. 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. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come” (verses 23-26). According to the Apostle, the Lord’s Supper is the eating of the bread and the drinking of the cup, after the example set by Christ. Following the example and commandment of Christ, the apostolic church observed the ordinance.

2) As a memorial
The special design of this ordinance is shown in the words of Christ when commanding its observance: “This do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). In the sufferings of Christ for our sins are brought vividly before the mind, thus bringing us into closer fellowship with his sufferings and death. “For as oft as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Cor. 11:26).

3) Only open to believers
“Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, 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, eateth and drinketh damnation unto himself, not discerning the Lord’s body” (1 Cor. 11:27-29). People who do not discern the Lord’s body, and as a result are redeemed from their sins, are unworthy to partake of this ordinance.  If they participate, they can actually, according to scripture, eat and drink damnation to themselves.  We practice open communion, allowing all believers, regardless of denomination or affiliation to participate in the Lord's Supper, but we warn all who participate no to eat and drink unworthily.

Foot washing

1. Expressly commanded by Christ

Foot washing as an ordinance is not generally observed by professing Christians; in fact, by many the doctrine is spurned, misrepresented, and ridiculed as is no other teaching of Christ recorded in the gospel history. Notwithstanding the fact that Christ said we “should” do it, that we “ought to wash one another’s feet,” they never observe it, either as a public ordinance or as a private duty.
“And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; he riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments: and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Then Peter said unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith unto him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:2-17).

2)What It Teaches Us

The ordinance of feet-washing, like the other ordinances, is intended to teach us some important lessons. In the first place, it teaches a real lesson of humility, made very clear to us when we undertake to practice it. It sets forth our position of equality in the church, showing that we all, as brethren and sisters, belong on the same common level. Jesus himself, our Lord and Master, humbled himself and washed the feet of his disciples; therefore how much more reasonable it is that we should wash one another’s feet. And it also shows that we are properly servants of each other, that we must minister to the good of each other. Faith Fellowship observes the proper sex distinctions, as recognized by society. “Let everything be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40), in this observance men washing the feet of men and women washing the feet of women.
 

Faith Fellowship Membership standards of living

SPIRITUAL EXAMPLE

1.Practice of Spiritual Disciplines

Spiritual disciplines involve such practices as prayer, praise, worship, confession, fasting, meditation and study. Through prayer we express our trust in Jehovah God, the giver of all good things and acknowledge our dependence on Him for our needs and for the needs of others (Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11: 1- 13; James 5:13-18). Through both private and public worship we bless God, have communion with Him.  Through periods of fasting we draw close to God, meditate on the passion of Christ, and discipline ourselves to submit to the control of the Holy Spirit in all areas of our life (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14-17; Acts 14:23).

2.Loyalty to God and Commitment to the Church

Sunday is the Christian day of worship. As the Lord's Day, it commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead (Matthew 28:1) and should be employed for worship, fellowship, Christian service, teaching, evangelism, and proclamation (Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5, 6; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Colossians 2:16, 17).

We are to provide for the financial needs of the church by the giving of tithes (Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23) and offerings (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-24; 9:1-15).

It is our duty to respect and to submit to those whom the Lord Jesus has placed over us in the church (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:7, 17). Our exercise of authority must be as a spiritual example rather than as a lord over God's flock (Matthew 20:25-28; 1 Peter 5:1-3). Furthermore, our submission must be a manifestation of the spiritual grace of humility (Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 5:5, 6). Finally, we are to avoid affiliation with oath-bound societies. Such societies may appear to have spiritual character, but by being oath-bound and secretive, they contradict Christian spirituality (John 18:20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

3) Being Good Stewards

In the Scriptures, thrift and simplicity are honored, but the vices of waste and ostentation are solemnly forbidden (Isaiah 55:2; Matthew 6:19-23). The living of a godly and sober life requires the wise and careful use of our  blessings, including time, talent and money.

MORAL PURITY

1.Glorifying God in Our Body

Our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost and we are to glorify God in our body (Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; 10:31). We are to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Examples of fleshly behavior which do not glorify God are noted in Romans 1:24; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8. Sinful practices which are made prominent and condemned in these scriptures include homosexuality, adultery, fornication,  worldly attitudes (such as hatred, envy, jealousy), corrupt communication (such as gossip, angry outbursts, filthy words), stealing, murder, drunkenness and witchcraft. Witchcraft has to do with the practices of the occult, which are forbidden by God and lead to the worship of Satan.

2. Reading, Watching and Listening

What we take into us will profoundly affect the way we feel, think and behave. It is essential that the Christian read, watch and listen to those things which will draw them closer to God. Literature, programs and music which are worldly in content or pornographic in nature must be avoided. A Christian is not to watch on television, movies, or theatrical performances of a demoralizing nature (Romans 13:14; Philippians 4:8). The use of leisure time in the life of a Christian should be characterized by those activities which edify both the individual and the body of Christ (Romans 6:13; 1 Corinthians 10:31,32). We are to avoid places and practices which are of this world. (2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 22; 1 John 2:15-17).

3.Trust and Confidence

A Christian should be trustworthy, dependable and a person of his word (Matthew 5:37; 1 Peter 2:11, 12). Therefore, the swearing of oaths is contrary to a Christian's trustworthiness and should be avoided (Matthew 5:34-37; James 5:12). Christ, by precept and example, taught that we love our enemy and prefer our brother (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:3, 1 John 3:16). We should behave in a way that will point others to Christ (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1).

4.Fruit of the Spirit

If we live in the Spirit, we will manifest the fruit (attitudes and actions) of the Spirit and will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16, 22-25; 1 John 1:7). The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, temperance and faith.  A lack of fruit-bearing in our lives will be judged (Matthew 7:16-20; Luke 13:6-9; John 15:1-8).

FAMILY RESPONSIBILITY

1.Priority of the Family

The family is the basic unit of human relationship and as such is foundational to both society and the church (Genesis 2:18-24). The observance of Christian disciplines should begin in the home (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7). Christian families should establish some pattern for family devotions and should endeavor to provide a Christian environment in the home (1 Timothy 3:3, 4; 5:8).

2.Sanctity of Marriage

Marriage is ordained of God and is a spiritual union in which a man and a woman are joined by God to live together as one (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:7). Because of the divine character of marriage, it is a lifelong commitment with the only clear biblical allowance for divorce being fornication (Matthew 5:32; 19:9). Sexual involvement, either before marriage or with someone other than the marriage partner, is strictly forbidden in Scripture (Exodus 20:14; 1 Corinthians 6:15-18). Understanding the sanctity of marriage, partners should strive to maintain a happy, harmonious and holy relationship. If divorce occurs the church should be quick to provide love and counsel to those involved. The remarriage should be undertaken only after a thorough understanding of and submission to the scriptural instructions concerning this issue (Matthew 19:7-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2, 3; 1 Corinthians 7:2, 10, 11).  Widows or widowers are free to remarry.

3.Divine Order in the Home

When God created man, He created them male and female (Genesis 1:27). He gave them distinctly different characteristics (1 Corinthians 11: 14, 15; 1 Peter 3:7) as well as different responsibilities (Genesis 3:16-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7). The Bible teaches the husband is head of the home (Ephesians 5:22-31; Colossians 3:18, 19), parents are to love and disciple their children (Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21), and children are to obey and honor their parents (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20). God's order of responsibility must be observed if we want his blessings in our homes.

BEHAVIORAL TEMPERANCE

We will practice temperance in behavior and will abstain from activities and attitudes which are insulting to mankind or which lead to addiction or enslavement.

1.Temperance

Temperance or self-control is a guiding principle in the life of a Christian (1 Corinthians 9:25; Titus 1:8, 2:2). It is listed as fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). We are admonished to practice moderation and balance in our behavior (Philippians 4:5). The Scripture indicates that it is within our prerogative to control our thinking (Philippians 4:8), our anger (Ephesians 4:26) and our communication (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:8). To exercise self-discipline reflects the power of God in our life (1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Peter 1:5-11 ).

2.Offensive Behavior

The Bible speaks clearly that we are to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others as an expression of our love for them (Matthew 22:39; Romans 12:9-21, 13:10; Philippians 2:3-5). It is necessary for us to control our behavior so as not to bring offense to others (Romans 14:13-21; 1 Corinthians 8:9-13). Respect and for differences in others should characterize our relationships (Romans 14:2, 3; 1 Corinthians 8:8; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13; 1 Timothy 4:1-5). We strive to respect individuals but not condone sinful lifestyles.

3.Addiction and Enslavement

One of the principal benefits of our liberty in Christ is freedom from  negative forces (John 8:32, 36; Romans 6:14; 8:2). We are counseled not to put ourselves again under bondage (Galatians 5:1). Therefore, a Christian must totally abstain from all alcoholic beverages and other habit-forming and mood-altering chemical substances. Christians must refrain from the use of tobacco in any form, marijuana and all other addictive substance and needs refrain from any activity (such as gambling or gluttony) which defiles the body as the temple of God or enslaves the spirit that has been made free in Christ (Proverbs 20:1; 23:20-35; Isaiah 28:7; 1 Corinthians 3:17; 5:11; 6:10; 2 Corinthians 7:1; James 1:21).

MODEST APPEARANCE

1.Modesty

Modesty is an inner spiritual grace that shrinks back from anything unseemly and impure. Modesty chaste in thought and conduct, and is free of crudeness and indecency in dress and behavior (Ephesians 4:25, 29, 31; 5:1-8; 1 Timothy 2:9, 10).  Modesty includes our appearance, dress, speech and daily conduct.

2.Appearance and Dress

Our life and character are reflected by how we dress. The way we see ourselves is projected in our mode of dress.  "Be not conformed to this world," reminds us that our manner of dress must be modest and decent (Romans 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:22, 23) is an admonition from God.

3.Pride, Elaborateness, Sensuality

As godly people we are to abstain from all lusts of the flesh and avoid dressing in a manner that encourages immoral thoughts, attitudes and lifestyles (Galatians 5:13-21; 1 Peter 2:11, 2 Peter 1:4). Our beauty does not depend on elaborate, showy dress extravagant, costly attire or on the use of jewelry or cosmetics, but on our relationship with Christ. While it is not displeasing to God for us to dress well and be well groomed, we must above all we must seek spiritual beauty, which does not come from outward adornment with jewelry, expensive clothes or cosmetics, but from good works, chaste conversation, and a meek and quiet spirit (Philippians 4:8; 1 Peter 3:3-5). External adornment, whether clothing or jewelry, as an outward display of personal worth, is contrary to a spiritual attitude (James 2:1-4). 

SOCIAL OBLIGATION

1.Being Good Citizens

As Christians, we are members of the kingdom of God as well as a social order of this world. Obedience to God requires us to act in a conscientious manner as citizens of our country (Mark 12:13-17; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). Christians are to support civil law and order; hold our leaders in respect and pray for them; participate in school, community and governmental activities; exercise our voting rights; and speak out on clear-cut moral issues.

When it becomes necessary to disagree with the practices and requirements of government, we should do so in order to uphold righteousness. God's law is absolute we are to obey the laws of our country insofar as they are not in conflict with obedience to God (Acts 5:29).

2.Correcting Social Injustices

All humans are created equal in the sight of God (Acts 10:34; 17:26).  Christians should work to improve the situation of those who are underprivileged, neglected, hungry, homeless persecuted and oppressed (Matthew 22:39; Romans 13:8-10; 1 John 3:17). We must not be given to discrimination. Every person should have the freedom to worship and participate in the life of the church regardless of race, color, sex, social class or nationality if their life is in keeping with the standards of God’s Word.

3.Protecting the Sanctity of Life

God alone confers life and God alone must decide when it is to be ended (Psalm 31:14, 15). Because a human is sacred and blessed of God, we believe that we have the responsibility to protect the life of the unborn (Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:41). It is our firm conviction that abortion and euthanasia of aged, mentally incompetent, terminally ill and otherwise handicapped, for reasons of personal convenience, social adjustment or economic advantage, are morally wrong and reprehensible before God.

4.Caring for the earth

It is the Christian's responsibility to care for the earth and its resources. In the beginning, God gave man dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26-30). This does not give us license to pollute our natural environment or to waste the resources of the earth. We need to be good stewards of all that God has given us, including the earth.