The Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. No decree of men or of any council of churches can supersede the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16,17.
The local church is an independent body accountable only to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church's beliefs or practices. Colossians. 1:18
Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No human mediator is needed between God and man. 1Peter 2:5-9.
The local church should practice two ordinances baptism by immersion in water and the Lord's Supper, or communion. Matthew 28:19,20; 1 Corinthians. 11:23-32
Every individual has the liberty and responsibility to believe as his own conscience dictates, within the framework of the Word of God. No one is forced to assent to any belief against his will. However, this doctrine does not grant a license to sin or to continually oppose the practices of the church. Roman 14:5-12
Local church membership is restricted to individuals who give believable testimony of a personal faith in Christ and have publicly identified themselves with Him in believer's baptism. Acts 2:41-47. .
Only two Biblically mandated offices exist in the church: pastor and deacon. These two offices exist within the local church, not as a hierarchy outside of or over the local church. 1 Timothy 3:1, 13.
God established both the church and the civil government, and He gave each its own distinct sphere of operation. Neither should control the other. Matthew 22:15-22. |