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ABORTION Ten (KJV) Bible Reasons Why It Is Wrong Prior to the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision of 1973, about 500,000 illegal abortions were occurring per year. By 1975, over 1,000,000 babies were being aborted in the United States. Today, about 1,500,000 abortions occur each year. That's over 4000 per day, and nearly three per minute! Ninety-three percent of the abortions in America are for convenience. The mother's health is an issue only three percent of the time, and the baby's health is an issue only three percent of the time. Rape or incest are issues only one percent of the time. Ninety-three percent of all abortions in America are performed just because someone doesn't want a child! There are four basic types of abortion being performed in America today, while two more types may be added in the near future. First, there's the suction type abortion. This is where the unborn child is literally vacuumed from the mother's womb during the early stages of pregnancy. The currette-type abortion is where the child is cut from the mother's womb with a spoon-like object. A third type is similar to a Caesarean operation. The baby is surgically removed from the mother and allowed to suffocate, because the child's lungs aren't developed. The fourth type of abortion is the Salt Brine technique. With this method, the unborn child is literally "pickled" to death by the injection of a strong salt solution. A few days after the injection the child is still born. There is currently much debate about partial-birth abortions. This is where a child is partially delivered, then stabbed in the skull to have his or her brains sucked out. There is also much talk about the RU-486 abortion pill from France, also called "mifepristione" in America. This pill works by inhibiting pregnancy hormones, and is normally used within seven weeks from conception. At the present time, mifepristone is illegal in the U.S., but there is much political pressure to make it legal. Abortion Is An Act of Murder In reference to pregnant women, the term "with child" occurs twenty-six times in the Bible. The term "with fetus" never occurs once. In Luke chapter one, verses 36 and 41, we are told that Elisabeth conceived a "son" and that the "babe" leaped in her womb. God does not say that a "fetus" leaped in her womb! He says THE BABE leaped. This is the exact same word that God uses to describe Christ in the manger AFTER He is born (Luke 2:12, 16). In God eyes, an unborn babe and a newborn babe are the same. They are both living human beings! Dear reader, please answer a question: What is an "infant?" Get the answer in your mind and keep it there for a moment. Do you have it? Okay, please consider Job 3:16: "Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants which never saw light." Did you see that? Job referred to unborn children as INFANTS. Not fetuses! Not masses of tissue! INFANTS! In God's eyes, an unborn child is a living human baby. God never says once that an unborn child is anything less than a human being. David said in Psalm 51:5, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me." He did not say that a fetus was shapen in iniquity and conceived in iniquity. David, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said that HE was conceived. David, not a blob of tissue, was conceived. The same is the case in Psalm 139:13-16: "For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them." Who was in the womb? David! A literal and living person. The Bible never uses anything less than human terms to describe the unborn. Notice that in Jeremiah 1:5 we are told that God KNEW Jeremiah: "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." To further confirm the fact that God views the unborn child as a person, please consider Exodus 21:22-23: "If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life," If the woman has a premature birth and the child lives ("no mischief follows"), then there's no death penalty. However, if the child dies (or the woman dies) God says the death penalty applies: "thou shalt give life for life." Why would God require the death penalty if He didn't consider the unborn child to be a human being? Friend, like it or not, God says that life begins at conception, and the unborn child is a human being. But the Bible isn't alone in declaring this truth. Science also declares that an unborn child is just as much an independent human being as you. The original human cell consists of 46 chromosomes, 23 from each parent. At no point during pregnancy does the mother contribute any new cells to the child. The original cell divides itself and multiplies to provide development and growth for the child. Scientifically speaking, the child is just as independent at six months before birth as he will be six months after birth. Yes, the mother does provide nourishment to the unborn child, but she also provides nourishment to the newborn child! At two weeks pregnancy, the "fetus" can move alone. By four weeks the child has limbs, muscle tissue, a heart and heartbeat. Ears, eyes, and small hands are visible by the fifth week. The child responds to touch sensations by the sixth or seventh week. At eight weeks, the baby sometimes tries to take a breath when removed from the mother. At twelve weeks, the child will often struggle for life two or three hours when removed from the mother. Friend, abortion is wrong because abortion is MURDER! Abortion Involves the Shedding of Innocent Blood Proverbs 6:16-17 says that God HATES those who shed innocent blood! Deuteronomy 27:25 says, "Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen." Who could possibly be more innocent than an unborn baby?! Yet, our society has become so wicked that it condones the slaying of 1.5 million innocent children every year. The Bible says that God HATES people who do this. Abortion Is A Violation of the Golden Rule In Matthew 7:12, the Lord Jesus Christ said, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." Would it be your desire to suffer and die while someone traps you in a cage and literally tears your arms and legs from your body? Abortion is a violation of the golden rule. Abortion Attempts To Destroy A Work of God "I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him." (Ecc. 3:14) God is eternal, so His work is also eternal. Abortion is an attempt to do away with unwanted people--an attempt to make a liar out of God by bringing an end to His work. However, Jesus said you can destroy a person's BODY, but not their SOUL (Mat. 10:28). Parent, if you've had an abortion, your aborted child is in Heaven right now, because you only destroyed the body! Abortion Often Brings Shame, Heartache, and Deep Regret After his sin with Bathsheba, King David confessed these words to God: "For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me." (Psa. 51:3) David was living under constant conviction and regret for what he had done. He couldn't get away from it! Most women who decide to have an abortion spend the rest of their lives regretting it. Are you thinking about an abortion? I challenge you to visit with some woman who have had abortions. Ask them if they would do it again. Ask them if they have any regrets. In the book, The Christian and Social Issues, by Tom Wallace, a reference is made to a full page Washington Post ad, dated June 13, 1983. A lady who had undergone a saline abortion six months earlier describes the mental torments that she now suffers every day. She speaks of her "...everyday hell of never hearing a baby cry without crying within myself; counting days to see how old the baby would have been; wondering what contributions my baby would have made to our desperate society; and wondering if there will ever be another chance for motherhood." Of the abortion itself, the lady recalls, "...sitting in a crowded waiting room studying each others fearful, anxious faces...signing death certificates for what is very much alive within you...seeing crying women given tranquilizers and sent home to recuperate and try to forget." Abortion is wrong because it brings shame, heartache, and deep regret. Abortion Disannuls A Plan of God If God allows a child to be conceived, then God obviously has a plan for that child. Mary's parents didn't know that she'd give birth to the Savior of the world, but she did. God has a plan for unborn children (Jer. 1:5; Lk. 1:13-17; Gen. 4:25; Jud. 13:3-5), so to abort an unborn child is to stop a plan of God. Abortion De-values Human Life God created man to be the highest form of life on earth (Gen. 1:26-28). Human life is very precious to God. In fact, it is so precious that God Himself instituted the Death Penalty for anyone who takes the life of another (Exo. 21:12; Num. 35). God places great value on human life! However, abortion promotes the message that life is NOT so valuable, and that man can do as he pleases with it. How long will it be before our nation decides that the killing of elderly people and sick people is justifiable? Why stop there? How long will it be before it becomes lawful to kill Bible believers who refuse to conform to the world system? It won't be as long as you may think (Rev. 13:16-18; Rev. 20:4). Abortion devalues human life, and it pushes our nation a step closer to that wicked day when it becomes lawful to murder innocent people. Abortion Shows A Lack of Natural Affection Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:3 that the last days will be characterized by people who lack "natural affection." I believe the pro-abortion movement is a perfect example of this. It is NATURAL to conceive a child, grow to love that child, take care of the child during pregnancy, give birth to the child, and then raise the child with the best care possible. That's the natural process that God has ordained. It is NOT natural to kill the child! To commit such an act is to show a lack of natural affection, which is sin. Abortion Encourages Sin "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." (Ecc. 8:11) Why will 1,500,000 women have abortions this year? Largely because it has become popular. It is no longer illegal, and it is no longer considered a shameful sin by our society. Every time a woman has an abortion she helps society to become more comfortable with it. She's advertising it! By her example, she's encouraging others to commit the same sin, and other sins as well. The convenience of abortion will only lead to an increase of other sins such as adultery and fornication. Friend, abortion is wrong because abortion encourages sin! Abortion Shows A Lack of Faith Romans 14:23 says, "...for whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God. To have an abortion is to take matters into your own hands, rather than to trust God to work things out. This shows a lack of faith in God, which the Bible labels as SIN. A desperate woman says, "I can't afford to have a child. I'm not ready for this." Lady, you need to start trusting God and claiming His promises. You need to STOP trying to run your own life for a change and START trusting God. You don't need an abortion, for such will only INCREASE your troubles. The devil has you thinking that abortion is the answer, that it will take care of everything, and you're very close to giving in to his subtle temptation. If you do, you'll regret it forever, and God will hold you accountable! Why not turn your life over to the Lord Jesus Christ right now? Why not make Him the Lord of your life and trust Him to work things out for you?

I 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 existance. 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- 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 lessor Diety. 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- 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). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- 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 belive 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- 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). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- 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). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- 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 reverance 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- 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) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- 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). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- 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 obserbed 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