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Doctrinal
Statement of Faith
Bylaws
Preamble
We believe
that a church of Christ is a congregation of believers associated by a covenant
of faith and fellowship,
- Acts 2:41-44 Then
they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were
added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in
the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in
prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done
by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things
common;
observing the ordinances of Christ,
- 1 Corinthians 11:2 Now
I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the
ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
governed
by His laws,
- Ephesians 1:22-23 And
hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all
things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all
in all.
and
exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word.
- Ephesians 4:11-16 And he gave
some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors
and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith,
and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure
of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more
children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by
the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to
deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined
together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the
effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body
unto the edifying of itself in love.
That the
spiritually designated leaders are pastors
- 1 Timothy 3:1-7 This
is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good
work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant,
sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to
wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not
covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in
subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own
house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest
being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall
into reproach and the snare of the devil.
and
deacons
- 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Likewise
must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not
greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure
conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office
of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not
slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of
one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that
have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree,
and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
whose
qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the scriptures.
We
believe that the true mission of the Church is found
in the Great Commission
- To make individual disciples
- To baptize them
- To teach and instruct as He (Jesus)
commanded
- Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye
therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the
end of the world. Amen.
-
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power,
after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me
both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost
part of the earth.
- 2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we
are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you
in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
We
believe that this local church as the absolute right
to self-government, free from the interference of any individual or
organization
- Colossians 1:18 And he is the
head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the
dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
-
Ephesians 5:23-24 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as
Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their
own husbands in every thing.
and that
the one and only true author and finisher of our faith is Christ
-
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and
finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the
cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of
God.
through
the Holy Spirit.
- Ephesians 2:19-22 Now
therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the
saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the
apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In
whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the
Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through
the Spirit.
That it
is scriptural for New Testament churches to cooperate
with each other in the furtherance of the Gospel. Each church will, through
prayer and the leading of the Lord, determine the method and measure of its
cooperation.
- Acts 5:29 Then Peter
and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than
men.
-
Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
-
Philippians 2:1-4 If there be
therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship
of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be
likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let
nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each
esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things,
but every man also on the things of others.
- Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might
be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full
assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and
of the Father, and of Christ;
We
believe that all matters of membership,
- Romans 12:4-5 For as we have
many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we,
being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
of
policy of government,
- Ephesians 2:19-22 And what is
the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the
working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him
from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far
above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name
that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And
hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all
things to the church,
of
discipline,
- 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 And if
any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company
with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish
him as a brother.
will be
governed by this local church.
- 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew
thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth.
The name
of this church shall be called "Luther Bible Chapel", located at 1018 230th
Ave., Newaygo, MI 49337 in Aetna Township of Mecosta County.
This
congregation is formed as an evangelical non-profit corporation for the
following purposes:
- To preach and teach the Word of
God. Matthew 28:19-20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo,
I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." 2
Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto
all good works."
- To provide Christian fellowship
and education. 2 Timothy 4:2 "Preach the word; be instant in season, out
of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
Hebrews 10:23-25 "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without
wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another
to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of
ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and
so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
- To win individuals to a personal faith in
the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20 "Now then we are ambassadors
for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's
stead, be ye reconciled to God." Hebrews 10:39 "But we are not of
them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of
the soul."
- To hold title to property, bother personal
and real, as the need may arise. 2 Chronicles 24:12-14 "And the king and
Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the
LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and
also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD. So the
workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of
God in his state, and strengthened it. And when they had finished it, they
brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made
vessels for the house of the LORD, even vessels to minister, and to offer
withal, and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt
offerings in the house of the LORD continually all the days of Jehoiada."
Ezra 3:6-7, 11 "From the first day of the seventh month began they to
offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the
LORD was not yet laid. They gave money also unto the masons, and to the
carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of
Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the
grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia. And they sang together by course
in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy
endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great
shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the
LORD was laid."
- To send and support missionaries,
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power,
after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me
both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost
part of the earth. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 Moreover, brethren, we do you
to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in
a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty
abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear
record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying
us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the
fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we
hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of
God.
and to license and ordain ministers.
Acts 13:1-3 "Now there were in the church
that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon
that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been
brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the
Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the
work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and
laid their hands on them, they sent them away." 1 Timothy 4:14
"Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with
the laying on of the hands of the presbytery."
- To care for the poor and needy. Isaiah
41:17 "When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their
tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will
not forsake them." Proverbs 22:9 "He that hath a bountiful eye shall
be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor."
- To administer the two (2) ordinances and
conduct the worship services of the church. 1 Corinthians 11:2 "Now I
praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the
ordinances, as I delivered them to you. " Colossians 3:16-17 "Let the
word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one
another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your
hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
- The Bible
- We believe in the verbal inspiration of the Bible. It is without error in
the original writings, and the final authority for all Christian faith and
practices. Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:19-20
- God
- We believe in one God, eternally existing in three (3) persons: the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. They are equal in every Divine attribute
and perfection. Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:6; Genesis 1:1, 26; Matthew
28:19; John 10:30, 14:9,16; 2 Corinthians 13:14
- The
Person of Christ - We believe Jesus is the only
begotten eternal Son of the Father, conceived of the Holy Ghost and born of
the virgin Mary. That He was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead with
a glorified physical body. He ascended to heaven. He is now today, at the
right had of the Father as our intercessor. John 3:16; Isaiah 7:14, 9:6; Acts
1:9; Colossians 3:1; Romans 8:34; Luke 1:34-35; John 1:1-2; Galatians 4:4;
Ephesians 1:7; Philippians 2:6-8; Hewbrews 2:16-17; 1 Peter 1:3-5, 2:24
- Man's
Condition - We believe God created man in His
image, but that in Adam's sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and
became alienated from God; and that repentance is commanded of God for all,
and necessary for forgiveness of sins.
- The
Gift of Salvation - We believe salvation is the
Gift of God to those who receive Jesus Christ as Savior. It is by grace
through faith. Christ (being perfect) willingly went to the cross to shed His
blood as a sacrifice to pay the price for our sins. He is our substitute.
Thos who receive Christ are forgiven of all sins, are eternally secure, being
assured of salvation.
- Church
Ordinances - We believe in two (2) ordinances as
a New Testament Church: 1.) Baptism - We believe Christian baptism is
the immersion of a believer in water. It signifies Christ dying and rising in
new life. The believer, being immersed, dies to old life and rises to new
life. 2.) The Lord's Supper - We believe the Lord's Supper is the
commemoration of His death until He comes, and should be preceded by solemn
self-examination and confession.
-
Premillenial Rapture of the Saints
- A.) We believe Jesus Christ shall come to resurrect the righteous dead and
to catch away the living saints to meet them in the air. B.) We believe the
Tribulation, which follows the Rapture, is a period of judgment from God upon
Israel and the unbelievers. C.) We believe Jesus shall return to reign on
earth for 1000 years following the events of the Tribulation.
- The
Resurrection of the Body - We believe in the
literal resurrection of the body from the grave. A.) The saved shall be
raised to life eternal and rewarded. B.) The unsaved shall be raised to
judgment and eternal unceasing punishment.
- Satan:
Our Adversary - We believe Satan is a creating
being. He is powerful though no omnipotent or omniscient. His present
control is over the air and the children of disobedience. He is the declared
enemy of God, trying to gain men's worship. He is the father of lies. Being
a deceiver, he uses many different methods in his war against God and man. He
is our defeated foe because of Christ's resurrection from the grave, and will
have eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire.
- The Holy
Spirit - We believe the Holy Spirit is a Divine
Person; equal with God the Father, and God the Son. He indwells all believers
at the moment of saving faith, sealing them unto the day of redemption. He
bestows spiritual gifts as He wills. We believe the spiritual gifts are for
service, and not for experience, since God is the the author of confusion, but
of peace. The two (2) sign gifts of healing and tongues ceased at the
completion of the New Testament and death of the apostles. He is our abiding
Comforter. He teaches, guides, and glorifies Christ. Believers are commanded
to be filled (controlled) by the Holy Spirit.
- Giving
- We believe that giving to God is scriptural. God would have us give
cheerfully and freely from the heart as He would lead each individual. We
believe that giving should consist not only of our offerings, but of our
faithful involvement as God's servants. Our giving should be done privately
to bring honor and glory to God and not to man. We believe that the living
saints reap spiritual blessings as they give whole-heartedly to God with
thanksgiving for what He has done for us.
- The
Life of the Believer - We believe that upon
salvation our bodies become the temple of God where His Spirit dwells. God has
called all believers to a life of holiness since we are created in His image,
and He is Holy. God has clearly stated His standards for holy living in His
Word, expecting us to resist and withdraw from evil, showing our faith by our
works. We also believe that chastisement (discipline) is necessary for every
believer as evidence that we are children of the living God. As God's
children, we have His promise to care for us, and to protect us. As we
surrender our problems to Him, we will find peace in our lives.
To receive a copy of Luther Bible Chapel's
Bylaws, please contact the church via
email, or phone directly to (231) 856-4660. Thank you.
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