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Doctrinal Statement Continued
Doctrine of the Church -- Ecclesiology
We believe all believers in local assemblies compose the universal church and these local assemblies or churches organize for worship, prayer, edification, evangelism, education, and fellowship. (Ephesians 3:19-22; I Corinthians 1:2) We believe in the independence and autonomy of the local church. Each New Testament church is free to govern itself without ecclesiastical interference, and should cooperate with other New Testament churches as the Holy Spirit leads, and is directly accountable to God. (Galatians 2:5-6; II Corinthians 5:11-18) The local church observes the ordinances of baptism by immersion and the Lord's Supper as commanded by Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20; I Corinthians 11:17-34) True believers should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord whole separating from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices and associations. (Romans 12:1-2; 14:13; II Corinthians 6:14-17; II Timothy 3:1-5; I John 2:1-17; II John 9-11) We believe that every member of the body of Christ has one or more spiritual gifts. (I Corinthians 7:7) We believe that sign gifts, such as speaking in tongues, miracles, ant eh gift of healing were temporary and are not to be sought in this age. (I Corinthians 12:28; 13:8; 14:21-22)
Doctrine of Satan and Fallen Angels
We believe in the personality of Satan. He is a created being who sinned and in doing so fell from his exalted position. He is the archenemy of God seeking to keep men from salvation and destroy the effectiveness of God's children. To carry out these devious plans, he commands a great host of fallen angel (demons). Satan is not omnipotent, omnipresent, or omniscient and can be overcome by the power of God and His Word. His doom is sealed in the lake of fire forever. (Ezekiel 28:12-19; Isaiah 14:12-14; I Peter 5"8; Revelation 12:10; 20:10)
Doctrine of Last Things -- Eschatology
We believe that both dead and living believers will be given glorified bodies to live in eternity in the presence of the Lord (I Corinthians 15:51-57; I Thessalonians 4:13-18), and that after the world has been thoroughly judged by God (Revelation 4-19), the unbeliever's and Satan will be cast into a place called the "lake of fire" to remain eternally (Revelation 20:11-15). We believe the order of other future events to be as follows:
(1) the rapture of the church to heaven to the judgment seat of Christ for the judging of their lives for rewards and the subsequent "marriage supper of the Lamb" (I Corinthians 3:13-15; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 19:1-10)
(2) the seven year tribulation period upon the earth in which the Gentiles and Jews are punished for their rejection of Christ and during which the Jews through suffering are prepared for the second advent of their Messiah, Jesus Christ (Revelation 4-19)
(3) the ending of this seven year period in the battle of Armageddon, in which God conquers the nations of the earth and forces of darkness (Revelation 19)
(4) the 1,000 year literal reign of Jesus Christ upon the earth (Revelation 20:1-6)
(5) a final rebellion of Satan and men against God which He puts down and ends in Satan being cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10)
(6) the Great White Throne Judgment in which God judges sinners and casts them into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15)
(7) the creation of a new heaven and new earth and the appearance of the heavenly city of Jerusalem as the abode of the saved (Revelation 21:1-22;5)
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