By Danial Waldron

1. CREED
Our creed, discipline and doctrine is the Word of God as revealed by the Holy Ghost. We believe the Bible is the inspired and only infallible and authoritative written Word of God. John 14:26; I Corinthians 2:9-13; II Timothy 3:16,18.

2. FUNDAMENTAL DOCTRINE

The basic and fundamental doctrine of this organization shall be the Bible standard of New Testament salvation, which is repentance, baptism in water by immersion in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. Acts 2:38;8:15-17; 10:44-48;19:2-6.

3. BIRTH OF WATER AND SPIRIT
A. Repentance and Conversion

Pardon and forgiveness of sins is obtained by genuine repentance, a confessing and forsaking of sins according to Acts 2:38

The word “repentance” comes from several Greek words which mean, change of views and purpose, change of heart, change of mind, change of life, to transform, etc.

Jesus said “…except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3

Luke 24-:4-7 says, “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

B. Water Baptism
We believe that the scriptural mode of water baptism (immersion) is only for believers who have fully repented having turned from their sins and a love of the world and should be administered by a duly authorized minister of the Gospel, in obedience to the Word of God, in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the Acts of the Apostles 2:38; 8:16;10:47;19:5, thus fulfilling Matthew 28:19.

C. The Holy Ghost
We believe in the baptism of the Holy Ghost for believers, obtained by obedience and faith, (Acts 2:38,39;5:31,32; John 7:38-39; Galatians 3:14), by asking (Luke 11:13). It is evidenced by speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4). Also that it is the standard of the normal Christian experience since Pentecost.

John the Baptist, in Matthew 3:11 said, “…he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.”

Jesus said “…Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” Acts 1:5.

Luke tells us in Acts 2:4, “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

It is scriptural to expect all who receive the gift, infilling, or baptism of the Holy Ghost to receive the same, physical, initial sign of speaking with other tongues.

The speaking with other tongues as recorded in Acts 2:4, 10:46 and 19:6 and the gift of tongues, as explained in I Corinthians and 19:6 chapters 12 and 14 are the same in essence but different in use and purpose.

The Lord, through the prophet Joel, said “…I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh…”Joe 12:28.

Peter, in explaining this phenomenal experience, said “…having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.” Acts 2:33

Further, “…the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:39.

4. GOD
A. The One True God
God is one who was manifest as the Father in creation, as the Son in redemption and as the Holy Ghost in the believer individually and the Church collectively. Not three persons, but three successive manifestations of the One True God.

We believe in the One Everlasting, Eternal God, Infinite in power, Holy in Nature, Attributes and Purpose; and possessing absolute, indivisible deity. As eternal Spirit, He is everywhere at once, and cannot be seen except in the person and face of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:3, John 14:6-9; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 44:6-8; John 1:1-14; I John 5:20; Matthew 28:18-19; I Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; II Corinthians 5:19; Joel 2:28.

The scripture does more than attempt to prove the existence of God; it asserts, assumes and declares that the knowledge of God is universal, Romans 1:19,21,28,32; Romans 2:15. God is invisible, incorporeal, without parts, without body and therefore free from all limitations. He is Spirit, John 4:24 and “…a spirit hath not flesh and bones…” Luke 24:39.

“…the first of all commandments is, “Hear, 0 Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord” Mark 12:29, Deuteronomy 6:4. “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:6.

This one true God manifest Himself in the Old Testament in divers ways; in the Son while He walked among men, as the Holy Ghost after the Ascension.

B. The Son of God
The One True God, the Jehovah of the Old Testament, took upon Himself the form of man, and as the Son of Man was born of the virgin Mary, As Paul says, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” I Timothy 3:16.

“He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” John 1:11. This One True God was manifest in the flesh, that is, in His Son Jesus Christ,”—God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them…” II Corinthians 5:l9.

We believe that, in Him (Jesus) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9) “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell. “Colossians 1:19. Therefore, Jesus in His humanity was and is man; in His Deity was and is God; His flesh was the Lamb or the sacrifice of God. He is the only Mediator between God and man. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” I Timothy 2:5.

Jesus, on His Father’s side was Divine, on His mother’s side, Human,; thus, He was known as the Son of God and also the Son of Man, or the God-Man. We believe in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension into the presence of God, and in His personal future return to this earth in power and glory to rule a thousand years.

“For he hath put all things under his feet, But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subject unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.” I Corinthians 15:27,28.

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8.

We believe the blood of Jesus Christ is efficacious and that Christ’s blood alone atones for sin. I Peter 1:19, I John 1:7.

C. The Name
God used different titles, such as “God Elohim”, “El Shaddai”, “Jehovah”, and especially “Jehovah Lord”, the redemptive name, in the Old Testament. In the New Testament the final culminating name is Jesus.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us as on is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6. This prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled when the Son of God was named, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21. The name “Jesus” means “Jehovah-salvation” or “Jehovah is become salvation.”

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

5. GRACE OF GOD
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and Godly, in this present world.” Titus 2:11,12.

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” John 1:17.

A Christian, to keep saved, must walk with God and keep himself in the love of God (Jude 21) and in the grace of God. The word “grace” means “favor” and also means “ennoblement to live the Christian life.” When a person transgresses and sins against God, in order to maintain the favor of God, he must repent. If he continues to commit sin and does not repent, he will eventually be lost and cast into the lake of fire. (Read John 15:2,6; II Peter 2:20-21). Jude speaks of the backsliders of his day and their reward. (Also, read Hebrews 6:4-6).

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8.

6. THE CHURCH
There is one Body or Church; and but one way to enter it. Namely, by faith, as evidenced by true repentance; water baptism is Jesus Name; and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, which constitutes the new birth. (Ephesians 4-:4–6; Acts 2:38,39; John 3:1-11).

We are primitive Christians who trace our scriptural history book back to Pentecost, and not just another sect. But rather, a part of that great company of true believers, that hold the scriptural form of doctrine and practice.

7. EVANGELISM
The work of the church is to evangelize or reach all of the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This was expressed by Jesus himself; “Go ye therefore…” Matthew 28:19, “…ye shall be witnesses…”Acts 1:8. This necessary duty of evangelism requires the teaching and training of men and women and should be continued not only in regular church services, but in ancillary schools, both in the course of childhood education and in extended adult education. Acts 5:4-2, I Timothy 4:11, Deuteronomy 6:7.

8. SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification means to be set apart unto God for a holy purpose. It is the result of salvation, rather than the means. Three elements enter into this result: The Blood, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. It begins with a work of grace and continues in a walk of grace. No one may claim to be a Christian who is not sanctified. (Hebrews 13:12; Romans 15:16; I John 1:6-7)

9. HOLINESS
Godly living should characterize the life of every living child of the Lord, and we should live according to the pattern and example given in the Word of God. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” Titus 2:11-12. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” I Peter 2:21-23. See also Hebrews 12:14; I Timothy 2:9-10; I Peter 3:1-5; I Corinthians
11:1-16; II Corinthians 6:13-18, Romans 12:1-2.

In the interest of righteousness and holiness, attendance and/or participation in worldly amusements such as theaters, dances, professional or organized-amateur athletics, listening to lustful and worldly music, gambling,” and such like” (Galatians 5:21) and because of the display of all of these evils on television, members of this church are not to have and/or watch television or video cassette recorders/machines.

Courting or dating outside the church is strictly forbidden.

In the interest of holiness and modesty, dress and/or appearance is to be conducive to good Christianity. The wearing of any type of jewelry, any extreme style of clothing, any apparel that immodestly exposes the body, or any extreme hairstyle is forbidden.

Women are not to cut their hair (or shorten in any way), color their hair (this includes permanents), wear makeup of any kind or wear men’s apparel (including pants). Sleeves are to be of a length below the elbows and dress length below the knees.

Men are not to color their hair, have long hair, and no facial hair, such as mustaches, beards, or long sideburns are to be worn. Sleeves should be below the elbow and no feminine styles are to be worn.

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” I Peter 1:15-19.

In the interest of holiness; and in an effort to promote an example that is above reproach; and due to the preoccupation of the world with lust and sex; our people are not to swim (recreationally) with members of the opposite sex who are not a part of their immediate family.

10. PUBLIC SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
We disapprove of school students attending shows, dances, dancing classes, theaters, engaging in school activities against their religious scruples, and wearing gymnasium clothes which immodestly expose the body.

We disapprove of school students being forced to take co-educational classes which involve boys and girls being mixed together (i.e. involved bodily contact with the opposite sex) in swimming, calisthenics, baseball, and other mixed athletics while clothed in ungodly attire which immodestly exposes the body. (No swimsuits or shorts. Boys should wear sweat pants, girls should wear some form of full skirt.)

11. MORAL ISSUES
Fornication is, by definition, sexual sin. Fornication includes premarital sex, adultery, homosexuality, incest, bestiality and all other forms of sexual uncleanliness. (Act 15:20, I Cor. 7:2, I Thessalonians 4:3) Marriage is an institution founded and sanctioned by God, who intended it to be a monogamous relationship in which each partner is faithful and true to the other. (Genesis 2:22-24)

Homosexuality has always been considered by God as an abomination. In the Old Testament it was dealt with harshly. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of the prevalence of sodomy or homosexuality. Any homosexual relationship is definitely a sin. (Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:21-29, I Corinthians 6:9)

The sanctity of human life in God’s eyes is evidenced by his attitude toward those who take a man’s life unlawfully. One of the commandments is “Thou shalt not kill.” (Exodus 20:13) or, in other words, murder. (Romans 13:9) Murder is be definition the act of unlawfully killing a human. (The only law which applies is God’s law) Euthanasia or so- called mercy killing, including physician assisted suicide of terminallyill or comatose patients, involves the act of unlawfully killing a human. Abortion, which is the taking of human life, is also strictly forbidden in the eyes of God. (Exodus 21:22-23).

12. CONSCIENTIOUS SCRUPLES
We recognize the institution of human government as being of divine ordination, and, in so doing, affirm unswerving loyalty of our Government. However, as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we believe in implicit obedience to His commandments and precepts, which instruct us as follows: “…That ye resist not evil…”Matthew 5:39; “Follow peace with all men…” Hebrews 12:14. (See also Matthew 26:52; Romans 12:19; James 5:6; Revelation 13:10; Matthew 17:24-27; Matthew 22:17-21)

Furthermore, we cannot conscientiously affiliate with any union, boycott or organization which will force or bind any of its members to belong to any organization, perform any duties contrary to our conscience, or receive any mark, without our right to affirm or reject the same.

However, we regret the false impression created by some groups or so-called “conscientious objectors” that to obey the Bible is to have a contempt for law or magistrates, to be disloyal to our Government and in sympathy with our enemies or to be unwilling to sacrifice for the preservation of our commonwealth. This attitude would be as contemptible to us as to any patriot. The Word of God commands us to do violence to no man. It also commands us that first of all we are to pray for the rulers of our country. We therefore, exhort our members to freely and willingly respond to the call of our Government except in the matter of bearing arms. When we say service, we mean service no matter how hard or dangerous. The true Church has no more place for cowards than has the nation. First of all, however, let us earnestly pray that we all, with honor, will be kept out of war.

We believe that we can be consistent in serving our Government in certain noncombatant capacities. We further believe that our military personnel must live in a manner consistent with the articles of faith.

13. MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE
God ordained marriage and solemnized it as binding until death, Matthew 19:3-6. However, because of the hardness of Israel’s heart, Moses granted them a writing of divorcement, Matthew 19:8-9. It is understood that the scriptural purpose of allowing divorce was to allow for remarriage. Christians are not to divorce their mates save for the cause of fornication, Matthew 5:32. After a mate dies, they are free to marry again, only in the Lord, I Corinthians 7:39. However, judgement begins at the house of God and what a man has done before becoming saved should not be held against him, provided he has truly repented.

I Peter 4:17; Romans 7:2-3. Polygamy is not acceptable and constitutes adultery.

14. HEALING
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8.

The vicarious suffering the Lord Jesus Christ paid is for the healing of our bodies, the same as for the salvation of our souls, for”… with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:17 reads, “…Himself took our infirmities and bare our sickness.” See also I Peter 2:24.

We see from this that divine healing for the body is in the atonement. That being true, then it is for all who believe. Jesus said of believers, “…they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.” Mark 16:18. Later, James wrote in his Epistle to all the churches: “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up. and if he have committed sins, they shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:14-16.

All these promises are for the church today.

15. THE FALL AND REDEMPTION
We believe that in the beginning God created man innocent, pure and holy, but through the sin of disobedience Adam fell. Hence by one man’s disobedience sin entered into the world. In the fullness of time, God manifest himself in the form of man and by His death on the cross, as the Son, redeemed man back to Himself. This redemption by His blood was for all men, but only those that accept it on God’s terms are saved from the penalties of sin. Genesis 1:27, Romans 5.

16. ELECTION AND FREE WILL
God does not elect the individual to salvation, but rather the company called the Church. And though He is sovereign, He so exercises that sovereignty as to make man sovereign of his own destiny. Man can choose or reject, therefore, has free will. This has always been the prerogative of God’s creatures. We believe in the conditional security of the believer, but not the security of the backslider. Revelation 22: 17; John 15:1-6; Hebrews 6:4–6; Hebrews 10:26-29.

17. SACRAMENT AND COMMUNION
On the night of our Lord’s betrayal, He ate the Passover supper with His Apostles, after which He instituted the sacrament. “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:19-20. Paul instructed the church how to observe it in I Corinthians 11:23-34.

Thus was instituted the use of literal bread and fruit of the vine, partaken of, literally, as emblems of His broken body and shed blood. There is also a spiritual significance and blessing in partaking of the sacrament.

18. FOOTWASHING
When the Passover supper was ended, we read in John 13:4–5, “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.”

Jesus said, “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.” John 13:14-15.

This first example was given by our Lord, and it is a divine institution. It is well to follow His example and wash one another’s feet; thus manifesting the spirit of humility.

19. TITHING
We believe tithing is God’s financial plan to provide for His work, and has been at least since the days of Abraham. Tithing came with faith under Abraham; Moses’ law enjoined it and Israel practiced it when she was right with God; Jesus endorsed it (Matthew 23:23). Do not rob God of His portion, viz. tithes and offering. (Read Malachi 3:3, Hebrews 6:20; 7:1-24; Luke 11:4-2; I Corinthians 11:23-32)

20. CREATION
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1. The world and all that is in it, including man, was made by Him. The theory that evolution was the method used to create man is incorrect and untenable. Genesis 1, John 1:1-14.

21. SECOND COMING OF JESUS
That Jesus is coming again the second time in person, just as He went away, is clearly set forth by the Lord Jesus Himself, and was preached and taught in the early Christian church by the apostles; hence, the children of God today are earnestly, hopefully, looking forward to the glorious event. (Matthew 24; Acts 1:11; 3:19-21; I Corinthians 11:26; Philippians 3:20-21; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13-14)

22. TRANSLATION OF SAINTS
We believe that the time is drawing near when our Lord shall appear; then the dead in Christ shall arise; and we who are alive and remain shall be caught up with them to meet our Lord in the air. (I Thessalonians 4:13-17, I Corinthians 15:51-54; Philippians 3:20-21)

23. THE MILLENNIUM
Moreover, we believe that the distress upon the earth is the “beginning of sorrows” and will become more intense until “…there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time” Daniel 12:1, also Matthew 24:3-8, and that period of “tribulation” will be followed by the dawn of a better day on earth and that for a thousand years there shall be peace on earth and good will toward men. (Revelation 20:1-5; Isaiah 65:17-25; Matthew 5:5, Daniel 7:27; Micah 4:1,2; Hebrews 2:14; Romans 11:25-27)

24. RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS
We understand the scripture to teach the restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. (Acts 3:21) But we cannot find where the devil, his angels, and all sinners are included. (See Revelation 20:10)

25. JUDGEMENT OF THE WICKED
When the thousand years are finished, there shall be a resurrection of all the dead, who will be summoned before the great white throne for their final judgement, and all whose names are not found written in the Book of Life shall be cast into the lake of fire, burning with brimstone, which God hath prepared for the Devil and his angels, Satan himself being cast in first. (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:7, 15, 21:8).

26. SECRET SOCIETIES, ETC.
According to the Word of God, we firmly believe and hold that the people of God should have no connection whatever with secret societies or any other organization or body wherein there is a fellowship with unbelievers, bound by an oath. (James 5:12, II Corinthians 6:14-18)

27. MINISTERIAL QUALIFICATION
True ministers are called of God and must be sound in doctrine, morally clean, of good report, blameless, the husband of one wife, and able to teach and preach in a manner that will command the gospel. (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus, 2:7-11)