ARTICLES OF FAITH
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
OF PIERCETON, INC.
DECLARATIONWe believe that, The Church of Jesus Christ, is the New Testament church that was established by Jesus Christ and the same, bears His name (Matt. 16:18). It is a company of Spirit filled, baptized believers, ones that have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine preached by Jesus Christ and his Apostles (Rom.6:17; Acts 2:38). Associated by the covenant in the Faith and Fellowship of Jesus Christ our Lord; governed by the rules of the New Testament and possessing the Gifts according to Rom. 12:6-8.
We believe that the Bible was written by men truly inspired of the Holy Ghost, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its Author, salvation for its believers; and truth that will never fail; and that it contains the message that will judge us; that it lives forever, and beyond in the heavens, we believe that it is written there (Psa. 119:89; 1Pet. 1:25; Rev. 20:12).
Matthew 16:18 “…Upon this Rock I will build my Church…” the fact that Jesus Christ said, “I will build my church”, is sufficient proof that at the time He was speaking, His church had not been built. For this reason He said, I will build. He had been preaching for more than two years, and had healed the sick, forgiven sins, had already called His disciples, and thy had forsaken all and followed Him, yet, He looked to the future and said, “Upon this Rock I will build my Church”; a church that is not flesh and blood revealed. For He said to Peter, “Flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”
“Truly my soul waiteth upon God, from Him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation (Psalms 62:1-2); and also… for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ” (1Cor. 10:4). This is the rock that Jesus Christ meant when He said upon this “rock” I will build my Church.
These disciples had been baptized by Jesus Christ (John 4:1-20) and were following Him, but the Church had not been built, for the Holy Ghost had not yet been given. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…” (1Cor. 12:13), the one hundred and twenty were baptized into the body (which is The Church of Jesus Christ) on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47), and there has been a continual growth addition ever since, for Jesus Christ said, …”the gates of hell shall not prevail against it…” (Matt. 16:18).
“For thus it is written and thus it behooved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins, should be preached, in His name, among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24: 46-47). The first message that was preached after this Prophecy was preached by Peter on the day of Pentecost.
(Acts 2:36-39), “therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as our Lord shall call.”
The Church of Jesus Christ remains the continuation of the great revival that began in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, A.D. 33, and is founded upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone (Acts 2:1-42; Eph. 2:19-20).
Our chief aim is to glorify God, our Savior, even Jesus Christ, who purifies unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. For this cause, He gave himself for us, that He might redeem us out of darkness, into His marvelous light. That we might be blameless and harmless, the Sons of God, without rebuke, in the presence of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom we shine as lights in the world. Holding forth the Word of Life, to give light to them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death. To guide their feet into the way of peace (Titus 2:13; 1Pet. 2:9; Philp. 2:15-16; Luke 1:79).
Our duty is to lift up the fallen, visit the sick, strengthen the weary, encourage the fainthearted, comfort the feeble minded, point the lost to the way of Salvation, and urge all believers to seek a Spirit filled life (Eph. 5:4; Mark 16:15-17).
Moreover it is our indispensable duty, as partakers of the royal priesthood, (1Pet. 2:9) to offer supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for all men, for Kings, presidents, governors, magistrates, and all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty (1Tim. 2:1-3). And to submit ourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether it be to the King, as supreme, or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by Him for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well, so long as these ordinances do not infringe upon the liberty of the service toward God, according to the dictates of the heart or conscious (1Pet. 2:13,17; Titus 3:1-3; Matt. 22:21).
ARTICLE ONE
WE BELIEVE
We believe in the visible Church of Jesus Christ and that there is no other name for God’s Church, the Bride, the Wife of Jesus Christ, other than The Church of Jesus Christ. We believe that The Church of Jesus Christ is made up of believers who have obeyed from the heart (Acts 2:38); that being, repentance, baptism by immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost according to (Acts 2:4), with the initial sign being that of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance, and the fruit of the Spirit being the abiding sign.
We believe in observing the literal Lord’s Supper as instituted by Jesus Christ on the night of His betrayal and also observing a literal feet washing. This is NOT to be spiritualized in either case.
We believe that any people who are born of water (baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ) and of the Spirit (receiving the Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance) and striving to live a godly, faithful, and Holy Life to be ready for the translation (rapture) of the Saints. We believe the Word of God, Holy Bible, King James Version, to be true and infallible and the only authority on every subject (2Tim. 3:16; 2Pet. 1:20-21).
ARTICLE TWO
ONE GOD
We believe in ONE true everlasting Eternal God, infinite in power, Holy in nature, and in attributes; possessing absolute, indivisible deity. This one true God has revealed himself as Father in Creation (Gen. 1:1); through His Son, in redemption (John 1:1,14); and as the Holy Ghost by emanation (John 14:16-18, 23,26; 1Cor. 3:6, Eph 4:6, 2Cor. 5:19; Joel 2:28; 1John 5:7-8, 20,21).
The scripture does much more than attempt to prove the existence of God; it asserts, assumes, and declares that God is real (Rom. 1:19,21,28,32; Heb. 11:16). God is invisible, incorporeal, without body, and is therefore without limitations. He is Spirit (John 4:24).
“The first of all commandments is, Hear O Israel; the Lord our God is One Lord” (Deut. 6:4). One God and Father of All, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph. 4:6). Our God manifested Himself in the Old Testament in divers ways: in the Son while He walked among men, as the Holy Ghost after the ascension (John 1:1,14;John 14:8-9; John 10:30; John8:19-24; John 14:16-18,26). The Jehovah God of the Old Testament, the great I Am, the First and the Last, of the Old Testament is the Jesus Christ of the New Testament (Ex. 3:13; John 56-58; Ex. 6:3; Isa. 44:6; Rev. 1:17).
ARTICLE THREE
THE SON OF GOD
We believe that in Jesus Christ dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. “For it pleased the Father that in Him should all the fullness dwell” (Col. 2:9). Therefore, Jesus Christ in His humanity was man, but, in His Deity was and is the Almighty God. His Flesh was the Lamb or Sacrifice of God. He is the only mediator between God and man “For there is One God, One mediator between God and Man, the man, Christ Jesus” (1Tim. 2:5; 2Cor 5:19). Jesus Christ on His Father’s side was divine, and on His mother’s side human; thus, He was known as the Son of God and the Son of Man. As Paul says, “And without controversy great is the mystery of Godliness, God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into Glory” (1Tim 3:16). “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the ALMIGHTY” (Rev. 1:8; Isa. 41:4; Isa. 43:10-11; Isa. 44:6,8; Isa. 46:8-10)
ARTICLE FOUR
THE HOLY GHOST
The Holy Ghost is not the third person in the Godhead, but rather, the manifestation of the Spirit of God (the Creator), the Spirit of the resurrected Christ, coming to dwell in the hearts and lives of all men, who will be obedient to the Gospel, as the Comforter, Sustainer, and Keeper. (John 14:16-26, Rom. 8:11) Therefore, there are not three Gods, but, three major manifestations of the One True God. “…These three are one” (1 John 5:7-8,20)
ARTICLE FIVE
THE NAME OF GOD
We believe the name of Jesus Christ, to be the name of the One True God. Although God used many names and titles, such as, God Elohim, God Almighty, El Shaddai, Jehovah, and others in the Old Testament, He did not reveal “His” true “Name” until his incarnation in human flesh; and, then came the revelation of His name, Jesus Christ. “Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulders; and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6)
This prophecy was fulfilled in Luke 2:11,21. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord (take note that this scripture did not read the Christ, which would address a title, but, rather read, which is Christ the, which addresses a particular person by addressing their particular name). “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named by the angel before he was conceived in the womb” (Luke 2:21). He was born with the name Christ and was given the name Jesus, which made His full name Jesus Christ.
The book of Hebrews chapter one and verse four declares; “Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by “inheritance” obtained a more excellent “name” than they;” along with the book of Philippians chapter two and verse nine; “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and “given” him a “name” which is above every name…”. Anyone that has ever been born will tell you that when they were born, they inherited their fathers name. There was no question as to what their last name was going to be, they inherited it, and then they received their given name.
When I was born, there was no question as to what my last or inherited name would be, everyone knew that I would inherit my fathers’ name, however, there was a question as to what my given name was going to be. The same held true for Jesus Christ, He was born Christ, which was His Fathers’ name, (Luke 2:11; I Cor. 10:1-4,9; John 5:43). There was no question as to what His inherited name was going to be, “…as he hath by “inheritance” obtained a more excellent name than they” (Heb. 1:4); and, as for His given name, which He did not receive until “eight days” after His birth, was named by the angel Gabriel, “and thou shalt call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:26-31; Luke 2:21). This was His given name, and is not to be confused as His only name nor His inherited name. The first epistle of John chapter three and verse twenty-three declares plainly and without any doubt, controversy, or confusion; “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the Name of his Son Jesus Christ…”.
“Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth…; Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:10,12; Mic. 4:5; Isa. 62:1-2; Zech. 14:9; Eph. 3:15) .
ARTICLE SIX
PLAN of SALVATION
We believe that the Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4). We believe the plan of salvation to be : Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord (Heb. 11:6); Repentance (2 Cor. 7:10; Acts 2:38; Acts 3: 19; Luke 24: 46-47); Baptism in water by immersion in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:15-16); and, Baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues as the spirit gives the utterance (Acts 2:4; Acts 10: 46; Acts 19:6).
ARTICLE SEVEN
REPENTANCE and REMISSION of SINS
The only condition upon which God will accept a sinner is repentance from the heart, for the sins that he/she has committed, and, being baptized by immersion in water in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission (washing away; Acts 22: 16) of sins. “…a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psa. 51:17).
John preached it (John 3: 1-2); and, before His ascension Jesus Christ commanded His disciples that they preach repentance and remission of sins in His Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24: 47). This is what Peter did on the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two and verse thirty-eight.
ARTICLE EIGHT
DIVINE HEALING
The Lord made our bodies and should it be thought such an incredible thing for Him to make a provision in the atonement for the healing of our bodies? (Ex.15:26; Psa. 103: 2-3). And with His Stripes we are Healed. (Isa. 53: 4-5; James 5:14). This does not mean that we teach against doctors or any of the medical profession, but we do believe that God can also heal.
ARTICLE NINE
THE LORD’S SUPPER (COMMUNION)
Melchizedek, king of Salem, and High Priest of the most High God, gave the first communion to our Father Abraham, consisting of BREAD and WINE (wine has life in it Gen. 14:17-20; Matt. 9:17; John 2:1-11, and as the “new wine” works it changes the contents of the bottle into wine, just as the Holy Ghost does in those that received it, Rom 8:11). Christ being a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, evidently administered the same (Heb. 6:20). WATER and GRAPE JUICE are MODERN SUBSTITUTES that have been INVENTED by the FORMAL CHURCHES of TODAY, of which many have never been regenerated and born of the SPIRIT. We DO NOT use these SUBSTITUTES AND STRONGLY TEACH AGAINST the use of it. Practice the Lord’s Supper the way He did (Matt. 26:26-28; I Cor. 11:23-32)! The night of our Lord’s Betrayal, He ate the Passover Supper with His disciples, after which He instituted the sacrament (communion). “And He took Bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave it unto them, saying this is my body which is given for you: This do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:19-20). Paul instructed the Church how to observe it (I Cor. 11:23-24). The Lord’s Supper is to be taken LITERAL USING UNLEAVENED BREAD AND WINE; and is NOT to be SPIRITUALIZED in any way.
ARTICLE TEN
FEET WASHING
This ordinance is as much a Divine Command as any other New Testament ordinance. Jesus Christ gave us an example that we should do even as He had done. He said that we, “…ought to wash one another’s feet;” and again, “if ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13: 4-17). There is scriptural evidence that the early Church practiced this ordinance in the days of Apostle Paul (1 Tim. 5:10).
ARTICLE ELEVEN
THE COMING of JESUS CHRIST
That Jesus Christ of coming to earth again in person is a Doctrine which is clearly set forth in the Bible. Jesus Christ taught it, the Apostles preached it, and the Saints believed it (Luke 21:27-28; John 14:3; Acts 1:11).
We believe that the Saints which sleep in Jesus Christ will LITERALLY rise from the graves and their BODIES be changed to be like unto His Glorious Body; and this is not to be SPIRITUALIZED nor CONFUSED with the RECEIVING of the HOLY GHOST.
We believe that the time is drawing near when our Lord shall appear; then the dead in Christ shall rise; and we which are alive, and remain shall be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thes. 4:13-17; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; Phil. 3: 20-21).
ARTICLE TWELVE
TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Tithing was practiced 430 years before the Law of Moses (Gen. 14:20; Gen. 28:22; Heb. 7:1-11). It was taught and practiced under the Law of Moses (Lev. 27:30-34; Num. 18:21-26; Deut. 12:6-7; Deut. 14:22-29; Deut. 26:12-14; 2 Chro. 31:12; Neh. 10:37-38; Neh. 12:44; Neh. 13:5; Pro. 3:9-10; Mal. 3:8-10). Tithing was sanctioned by Jesus Christ in the New Testament (Mat. 23:23); and, since Jesus Christ sanctioned tithing then it should be practiced; after all, His teachings were not to confirm the Law for a few days, and then after that time abolish it.
If we do away with this doctrine sanctioned by Jesus Christ just because it was part of the Law, then we on the same basis, can do away with much more of His teachings which were also part of the Old Testament. The only parts of the Law that we have a right to reject as being part of the New Testament are those that are not made a part of it. Tithing was before the Law, in the Law and kept in the Church Law by Jesus Christ. It was never removed from scripture!
No scripture even mentions a substitute program for tithing in the New Testament! The tithes and offerings belong to God by virtue of covenant agreements with man; and to use them for personal gain is robbery of what rightly belongs to God. Apostle Paul condemned sacrilege (Rom. 2:22), or robbing temples (Mal. 3:1-10), and using Holy things that are consecrated to God (tithes and offerings) for personal gain (Lev. 27:1-34). To not pay tithes of offerings was seen as robbing God and His Church, Apostle Paul referred to this act as sacrilege, which is committing an outrageous violation by stealing sacred things; also, gross irreverence toward a hallowed person, place, or thing.
The act of robbing God of tithes and offerings brings a curse; this applied not only to Israel, but, to other nations as well, for He is not respecter of persons. Paying tithes and giving offerings was practiced before the Law of Moses, and commanded by Jesus Christ to be practiced in the New Testament Church.
ARTICLE THIRTEEN
THE MILLENNIUM
We believe that the distress upon the earth is the beginning of sorrows and that it will become more intense, until there shall be a time of trouble such as there never was since there was a nation even to this time (Mat. 24: 3-8; Dan. 12:1); and that this period of tribulation will be followed by the dawn of a better day on earth. That for one thousand years there shall be peace on earth and good will toward men (Rev. 20:1-5; Isa. 65:17). When the thousand years are finished there shall be a resurrection of the dead, who shall be summoned before the Great White Throne of their final judgment; and all, whose names are not found written in the Lamb’s book of Life, shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, burning with brimstone; which God has prepared for the devil and his angels. Satan being cast in first (Rev. 20:7-15; Rev. 21:8; Mat. 25:41-46).
ARTICLE FOURTEEN
WHOLLY SANCTIFIED LIFE
We believe that in order to escape the judgment of God and to have the hope of enjoying glory of Life Eternal, one must be thoroughly saved from his sins; baptized by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ; filled with the Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance; wholly sanctified unto God, and that a wholly sanctified life is the only true standard of a Christian life (Heb. 12:14; 1Pet. 1:15-17; Acts 2:38).
ARTICLE FIFTEEN
BAPTISM of the HOLY GHOST
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is that Spiritual Baptism (John 3:5), that is necessary to put anyone into the Kingdom of God (God’s True Church, the Bride of Christ, The Church of Jesus Christ); and, that the evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is the initial sign of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance (Acts 2:4).
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost was prophesied by Joel and Isaiah (Joel 2:28-29; Isa. 28:11); foretold by John the Baptist (Mat. 3:11); and, promised by Jesus Christ (Acts 1:5). The Jews received it (Acts 2:1-4); the Samaritans experienced it (Acts 8:17); and, the Gentiles received it (Acts 10:44-46). “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:39; 1Cor. 14:2).
ARTICLE SIXTEEN
SERPENT SEED DOCTRINE and SNAKE HANDLING
WE STAND FIRMLY AGAINST THE SERPENT SEED DOCTRINE. We further believe ADAM TO BE THE NATURAL FATHER OF CAIN AND NOT SATAN, AND THAT THE FRUIT THAT EVE WAS TEMPTED WITH WAS NOT A SEXUAL ACT WITH THE SERPENT (SATAN)! Also, we FIRMLY STAND AGAINST the handling of “taking up” of Snakes in a worship service, nor, ARSENIC DRINKING OR THE PRACTICE OF FREE LOVING (which is exchanging of husbands and wives for a period of time to prove ones faith and power over sexual temptation). We believe to participate in such practices is to TEMPT THE LORD and it is FIRMLY CONDEMNED BY THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.
ARTICLE SEVENTEEN
WATER BAPTISM
We believe Peter to have had the Keys to the Kingdom and that he used these Keys on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:38. Therefore, The Church of Jesus Christ stands for and teaches baptism in water by immersion using only: IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS. And, that to us Lord Jesus, Jesus' Name, Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus, or Father, Son, Holy Ghost are GROSS MISINTERPRETATIONS of the ONE true water baptism as instituted by Jesus Christ and taught by His Apostles (Acts 2:38; Eph. 4:5).
ARTICLE EIGHTEEN
STANDARD OF HOLINESS
The Church of Jesus Christ DOES NOT fellowship such things that are of a worldly nature; namely worldly dancing, going to public movie houses (this means drive-ins as well), tattling, backbiting in any way, bathing (swimming) with the opposite sex, filthy talking, the use of snuff or tobacco in any form, the use of alcoholic beverages (this includes non-alcoholic beer), or any other thing that is contrary to the Word of God, concerning a Christian Life.
ARTICLE NINETEEN
STANDARD of HOLINESS for WOMEN
The women are not to cut, trim, change the length or color, or damage their hair in any way, shape or form, as that, the long hair of a women is given to her from God as her glory as a type of the Church as a mantle, veil, or covering (1Cor. 11:5-6, 15; Mat. 5:36). They are not to wear makeup in any form, the wearing of gold, silver, pearls, and jewels in the form of bracelets, ankle bracelets, necklace’s of any type, earrings, multiple rings, body piercing of any type, or tattoo’s (1Tim. 2:9-10; 1Pet. 3:1-5). Acceptable rings are a wedding set and a special ring.
They are not to wear any garment that pertains to a man (Deut. 22:5), NAMELY , any type of pants, pant suits, sweat suits with pants, gauchos (the term gaucho is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as a South American cowboy), shorts of any kind, or bathing suits.
They are to wear skirts, jumpers, or dresses of modest length (below the knee), and these skirts, or dresses ARE NOT to have a SLIT IN THEM OF ANY LENGTH; they are to wear hose (Dan. 3:21) (if their skirt, jumper, or dress length is long enough they may wear “knee high” hose as long as their garment covers the tops of the hose well enough that it cannot be seen when they are sitting.); if a medical condition prevents them from wearing hose they may wear long socks that cover their legs; they are to wear blouses or dresses that COVER THE UPPER PART of their body well enough that when they bend over they will not EXPOSE themselves and that cannot be seen through (a camisole is recommended to be worn under their garments); they are to wear sleeves that extend down to the elbow or below and that does not expose their undergarment when they raise their arms. God is a Holy God and He expects us to be Holy in everything. “…be ye Holy, for I am Holy…” (Lev. 19:28; Dan. 3:21; 1Pet. 1:15-16; 1Pet. 2:9; 1 Thes. 4:7; Luke 1:75; 2Cor. 7:1; Philp. 2:15; 1Thes. 4:4; Titus 2:11-14).
ARTICLE TWENTY
STANDARD of HOLINESS for MEN
The men are to cut their hair so that it is off their collar and their ears, and are not to change the color of their hair in any way, shape or form; the wearing of LONG HAIR is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN, as also saith the Word of God (1Cor. 11:4, 7,14; Mat. 5:36). They are not to wear gold, silver, or pearls and jewels in the form of bracelets, ankle bracelets, necklace’s of any type, earrings, multiple rings, body piercing of any type, or tattoo’s (1Tim. 2:9-10; 1Pet. 3:1-5). Acceptable rings are a wedding set and a special ring. They are not to wear anything that is associated or pertains to a woman, for it is an abomination to the Lord to do so (Deut. 22:5). They are not to wear short pants (cut-offs), shorts, bathing suits, nor roll their pant legs up so as to expose the calves of their legs.
They are not to wear “tank tops” (muscle shirts) as an outer garment; no see through shirts that expose the chest area (the wearing of an under shirt is recommended in such cases), the are not to go without a shirt; they are to wear sleeves that extend to the elbow or below the elbow and that do not expose their underarms when they raise their arms to worship. The shirts should cover the upper part of their body well enough that when they bend over no one can see down their shirt into their chest area. They are to wear socks (Lev. 19:28; Dan. 3:21; 1Pet. 1:15-16; 1Pet. 2:9;1Thes.4:7;Luke 1:75;2Cor. 7:1; Philp. 2:15; 1Thes. 4:4; Titus 2:11-14).
ARTICLE TWENTY-ONE
HOMOSEXUALITY, ADULTERY, and PREMARITAL SEX
We believe that the PRACTICE of homosexuality IN ANY FORM is an ABOMINATION in the sight of God. We do not forbid anyone that is practicing homosexuality from coming to church, however, we will instruct them through the WORD OF GOD, that such practices are an ABOMINATION in the sight of God and will also instruct them to turn from their wicked ways, as we will anyone that is practicing any type of sin including ADULTERY and PREMARITAL SEX. By this statement we are not singling out a certain group or individual for the HOLY SCRIPTURES have stated “that ALL have SINNED, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom.3:23, Rom. 1:18; Rom. 1:21-32; 1Cor. 11:14; 2Cor. 11:21; Rom. 9:21; 1Cor. 15:43; 2Cor. 6:8; 2Tim. 2:20;Gen. 8:21;Gen. 19:1-15;Lev. 20:13; Deut. 23:17; 1Kings 14:24; 1Kings 15:12; 1Kings 22:46; 2Kings 23:7; Joel 3:3; Eph. 5:4; 2Tim. 3:3,13; 2Pet. 2:18; 2Pet. 3:17; 1John 4:6; Jude 11).
