9. The Church1.
We believe that the local church, which is the body and the espoused
bride of Christ, is solely made up of born-again persons. (I Cor 12:12-14;
II Cor 11:2; Eph 1:22-23; 5:25-27.)2. We believe that the establishment
and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in
the New Testament Scriptures. (Acts 14:27; 29:17; 28-32; I Tim 3:1-3;
Titus 1:5-11.)3. We believe in the absolute autonomy of the local church
free of any external authority and control. (Acts 13:1-4; 15:19-31;
20-28; Rom 16:1; I Cor 3:9; I Peter 5:1-4.)4. We believe that all individuals
that express interest in membership must have had been baptized (immersion)
by a local body of like faith and practice or by the local church he/she
wishes to join. (Matt 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 18:18; I Cor 11:23-26.)5.
We believe that the Lord’s Supper is to be recognized by saved
born-again believers administered by a local New Testament Church. We
shall recognize the Lord’s Supper as Close and not as Closed. (Ex
12; I Cor 11:23-26.) |
|