Doctrinal Statement:

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“If the plain sense makes common sense, seek no other sense.” - unknown

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The Trinity: This term is not found in God’s Word, but accurately attributes to God a oneness between the three persons of His eternal Godhead: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost. Three persons = one God. 

1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

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God the Father:  

The Bible teaches that God is all-knowing:

1 John 3:20  For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 

The Bible teaches that God is all-powerful:

Jeremiah 32:17  Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: 

The Bible teaches that God is omnipresent:

Psalm 139:8-12   If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.  9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;  10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.  11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.  12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. 

The Bible teaches that God is eternal:

Deuteronomy 33:27  The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. 

The Bible teaches that God is holy:

Isaiah 6:3  And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. 
The Bible teaches that God is love:

1 John 4:8  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 
The Bible teaches that God is the just Judge:

Psalm 9:7-8   But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.  8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. 

 

God the Son/Jesus:    
The Bible teaches that Jesus was born of a virgin:

Matthew 1:20-25  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.  21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.  22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,  23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.  24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:  25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. 

The Bible teaches that Jesus was a man: 

John 1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

The Bible teaches that Jesus received worship as God:

John 20:27-29 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.  28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.  29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

The Bible teaches that Jesus was prayed to as God:
Acts 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

The Bible teaches that Jesus is God:

John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

The Bible teaches that Jesus created all things and by Him all things consist (are held together):

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 The same was in the beginning with God.  3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made

Colossians 1:16-17  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
The Bible teaches that Jesus was sinless:

Hebrews 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 

The Bible teaches that Jesus had power over sickness, disease, physical deformities, and death:

Matthew 4:23  And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. 

Matthew 15:30-31  And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many  others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:  31 Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb tospeak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel. 

John 11:41-44  Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.  42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.  43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.  44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. 

The Bible teaches that Jesus had power over nature, and the laws of science:

Mark 4:37-39  And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.  38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?  39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 

Matthew 14:25  And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 

The Bible teaches that Jesus died a substitutionary death for the sins of all mankind:

1 Corinthians 15:3  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

1 John 2:2  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 

The Bible teaches that Jesus resurrected bodily from the dead three days later:

1 Corinthians 15:3-4  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;  4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 

The Bible teaches that Jesus ascended bodily into Heaven forty days later:

Acts 1:1-3  The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,  2 Until the day in which he  was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:  3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 

Acts 1:9  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 

The Bible teaches that Jesus intercedes on the behalf of believers at the right hand of the throne of God:

Hebrews 7:25  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 

Hebrews 12:2-3   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.  3 For consider him that endured such 

             

God the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost:

The Bible teaches that when Ananias lied to the Holy Ghost, He lied to God:

Acts 5:3-4 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the  land?  4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is our Comforter:

John 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit indwells every Christian:

1 Corinthians 3:16   Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 

The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit illuminates Christians’ understanding of God’s Word:

1 Corinthians 2:11-14  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God  knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 

The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit directs believers' lives in accordance with God's Word as they allow Him to:

John 16:13  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 

 

Death:

The Bible teaches that that death is the punishment for sin:

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

The Bible teaches that there are two deaths: physical (separation of soul and body) and spiritual (separation from God forever in the lake of fire):

Revelation 20:13-15 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 

 

Salvation:

The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone:

Ephesians 2:8-10  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.  10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

The Bible teaches that salvation is a spiritual birth into the family of God:

John 3:5-7  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 

The Bible teaches that at the moment of salvation a person is sealed by the Spirit of God until the day of redemption:

Ephesians 1:13  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 

Ephesians 4:30  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 

The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is the earnest of the believers' inheritance:

Ephesians 1:13-14  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. 

 

Baptism:

The Bible precedent for, and the very meaning of the word Greek word for, "baptism" is immersion:

Matthew 3:16  And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the waterand, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 

The Bible teaches that baptism is a step of obedience after salvation for a believer:

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:  20 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 2:41  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 

The Bible teaches that baptism identifies the believer with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection:

Romans 6:3-10  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  4 Therefore we are  buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.  8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:  9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 

The Bible teaches that baptism is an outward testimony of the believers' faith in Christ:

Acts 8:36-38  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?  37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Baptism, by New Testament precedent, is a prerequisite to church membership:

Acts 2:41  Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 

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The Bible:

The Bible teaches that all Scripture is inspired by God - literally "God breathed:"

2 Timothy 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 

The Bible promises to be preserved by God:

Matthew 5:18  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 

Psalm 119:89  LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. 

Psalm 12:6-7  The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.  7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. 

1 Peter 1:23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 

The Bible claims inerrency (to be without error):

Psalm 12:6-7  The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Psalm 18:30   As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. 

Psalm 33:4  For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.
The Bible has been proven repeatedly to be scientifically accurate:

Job 26:7  He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing. 

Isaiah 40:22  It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in.

Leviticus 17:11  For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

The Bible provides the believer with everything needed to know and serve God:

Ephesians 5:25-27  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 

2 Timothy 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 

2 Peter 1:3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 

The Bible is the only trustworthy Book upon Which to base one's life decisions:

2 Peter 1:19 - 2:1  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any  private interpretation.  21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 

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Creation:

The Bible teaches that God created all that is in the universe in a literal six days:

Exodus 20:11  For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it

(Also see Genesis ch. 1)

The Bible teaches that Jesus was the Creator:

John 1:1-3 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 

Colossians 1:15-17 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were  created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 

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Heaven:

The Bible teaches that Heaven is where the believers' rewards are reserved for them:

1 Peter 1:3-5  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,  5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

The Bible teaches that Heaven is where God’s throne is:
Psalms 11:4 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. 
The Bible teaches that God rules over Heaven and earth:
Joshua 2:11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. 
The Bible teaches that there are angels with God in Heaven:
Matthew 22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. 
The Bible teaches that Jesus is coming from Heaven:
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 

The Lord’s Supper:
The Bible teaches that The Lord’s Supper is to be observed as a reminder of Jesus broken body and shed blood:
1 Corinthians 11:24-26 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 
The Bible precedent is that it be observed by saved baptized believers:
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 
The Bible teaches that it is to be partaken of in a discerning manner:
1 Corinthians 11:27-29 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 
 

Hell:

The Bible teaches that Hell is a place of fire that will never be quenched:

Mark 9:43-48 43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: 48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.     

The Bible teaches that Hell is a place of eternal conscious torments:

Luke 16:22-23 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died,  and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 

Revelation 20:13-15 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. 

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Sin:

The Bible teaches that all have sinned:

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

The Bible teaches that the payment for sin is death:

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

The Bible teaches that Christ became sin for mankind so that they could be made the righteousness of God in Him:

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 

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Israel:

The Bible teaches that Israel is God’s chosen people:

Deuteronomy 7:6 For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. 

The Bible teaches that Israel received the Law of God:

Exodus 20

The Bible teaches that God promised Israel (through Abraham) a seed, a land, and to be a blessing to all nations:

Genesis 13:15-17 15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. 16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. 17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee. 

Genesis 12:1-3 1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 

The Bible teaches that Israel will believe on Jesus as their Messiah at the end of the Tribulation period:

Zech 12:9-11 9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. 11 In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. 

Romans 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 

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The Church:

The Bible teaches that the church (in prospect) is the bride of Christ:

Ephesians 5:25-27 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify  and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 

The Bible teaches that the church is the pillar and ground of the truth:

1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of  the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 

The Bible precedent is that each church be autonomous and self-governing:

New Testament churches exercised discipline:
1 Cor. 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. 
New Testament churches sent out their own missionaries:
Acts 13:2 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. 

New Testament churches elected their own officers:

Acts 6:2-5 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 

New Testament churches had officers that rendered decisions:
Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: 

The Bible teaches that the church is responsible to go into the world teaching all nations about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and teaching them to observe the commands of Christ:

Matthew 28:19-20 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 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. 

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 

The Bible teaches that the church has two offices: The pastor and the deacon:

1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 

1 Timothy 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 

The Bible teaches that the church has been given pastors and evangelists for perfection and edification of the body of Christ:

Ephesians 4:11-12 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 

 The Bible teaches that each church is made up of members with various gifts that work together to complete the body: 

Romans 12:4-5 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 

The Bible teaches that every Christian has been given gifts by God to use for Him:

Romans 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the  proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 

The Bible teaches that each Christian should desire the best gifts:

1 Corinthians 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. 

 

Tongues:

The Bible teaches that tongues were understandable languages spoken by men that had not learned them for the furtherance of the Gospel:

Acts 2:4-6 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 

The Bible teaches that tongues were only given for a period of time and that they would cease:

1 Cor. 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.  

The Rapture:

The Bible teaches that Christians will be caught up to meet Jesus in the air, an event referred to as “the Rapture:”
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 
The Bible teaches that the Rapture is an imminent event that could have happened at any point since Jesus’ ascension and could happen at any time in the future:
Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. 
1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 
 

The Tribulation:

The Bible teaches that the Tribulation period is a seven year period that will follow the Rapture:
Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

The Bible teaches that those that rejected the Gospel before the Tribulation begins will believe the lies of the Antichrist after it begins:
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the  truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
 

The Second Coming:

The Bible teaches that Jesus will come again to the Earth at the end of the Tribulation period:
Zechariah 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of  Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
 

The Millenium:

The Bible teaches that Christ will rule on the Earth for 1,000 years after the end of the Tribulation:
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
 

The Judgment Seat of Christ:

The Bible teaches that all Christians will stand before Christ and have their works tried by fire, whether they be wood, hay, and stubble or gold, silver, and precious stones:
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 
 

The White Throne Judgment:

The Bible teaches that all those that do not accept Christ as their Saviour will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment:

Revelation 20:11-15 11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. 

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Tithes:

The Bible teaches that a tithe of all one’s increase should be given back to God:

Malachi 3:8-10 8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are  cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. 

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Offerings

The Bible teaches that free-will offerings should be given joyfully according as a man purposes to give:

2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 

The Bible teaches that he that sows sparingly in giving will reap sparingly, and he that sows bountifully in giving will reap bountifully:

2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 

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Holiness:

The Bible teaches that Christians are to be separate from the unclean world around:

2 Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 

1 Pet 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 

2 Pet 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 

The Bible teaches that Christians are not to be conformed to the world:

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good,  and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

The Bible teaches that Christians are not to love the world or the things that are in the world:

1 Jn 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 

The Bible teaches that Christians are to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them:

Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 
   

Marriage:

The Bible teaches that God’s plan for marriage is: one man for one woman for one lifetime:

Mark 10:5-9 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. 6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. 7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; 8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 

 

The Home:

The Bible teaches that husbands are to love their wives:

Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 

The Bible teaches that wives are to submit to their husbands:

Eph 5:22-24 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 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. 
The Bible teaches that fathers are not to provoke their children to wrath:

Eph 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 

The Bible teaches that children are to honor their father and mother and obey their parents in the Lord:

Eph 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.