QUOTE ON PERTINENT QUESTIONS AND THEIR BIBLICAL ANSWERS

 

“The Bible is the most relevant book in life because it is the very word of GOD and contains the past, present, and future of humanity and the foundational principles for solving life’s problems.”

–          Dr. Ezra Aniebue

 

 

LESSON 11

 

PERTINENT QUESTIONS AND THEIR BIBLICAL ANSWERS: APPLICATION OF SCRIPTURE TO RELEVANT ISSUES OF THE DAY

 

We believe that GOD and His Holy Word is timeless and that the Bible has answers to all the questions of men and women now and forever. Furthermore, a pastor’s statement of faith should give an insight on what he believes and teaches as biblical. Below are lists of pertinent questions for leaders, Christians, and all humanity and the biblical answers to them:

 

PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING ISSUES STEWARDSHIP

 

We believe that GOD is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are, we owe to Him. Christians are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. They are GOD’s representatives in the world. Christians have a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possession. They are therefore under obligation to serve GOD with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of GOD and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth.

 

Christian stewardship is the responsible employment under GOD of one’s life, talents, time, and material substance in the proclamation of the gospel and in Christian service and material substance in the proclamation of the gospel and in Christian service. In the sharing of the gospel, stewardship finds its highest meaning. Stewardship is based on the acknowledgement that all we are and have comes from GOD as a sacred trust.

 

We believe that according to GOD’s Word, He promised to bless us for our giving.

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye meet withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).

 

“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. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vines cast her fruit before the time in the fields, saith the Lord of HOSTS.” Malachi 3:10-11.

 

“But my GOD shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19.

 

“GOD is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent; hath He said, and shall He not do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?” Numbers 23:19

 

All through the Word of GOD, He teaches us that if we will give to the cause of the gospel of Christ, and the outreaches of the kingdom of GOD, that He would bless us according to these Scriptures and many, many, more throughout the Bible. If we give to any church that is preaching the gospel of Christ, and winning lost souls and doing the work that GOD commissioned the church to do, He would bless us financially. Many times, the reason that people do not receive financial blessings from GOD is because they do not do it GOD’s way. Sometimes, people get the idea that if GOD will give to them, then they will give to GOD. However, that is not what the Word of GOD says to do. In order to receive His financial blessings, we must do it GOD’s way. GOD says for us to give first, then it will be given unto us (Luke. 6:38). He said, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of GOD, and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33)

 

GOD is a righteously jealous GOD (Ex 20:5; 34:14). Throughout the Bible, He always insists on being first in the lives of people.

 

By failing to do according to the Word of GOD for stewardship, we hinder the divine plan of GOD for our lives.

 

Material possessions in themselves are neither good nor evil. The love of money rather than money itself is the root of all kinds of evil. In Christian stewardship, money becomes the means to spiritual ends both for the one who gives and for those who receive. Accepted as a sacred trust, money becomes not a threat but an opportunity. Jesus was concerned that human beings be free from the tyranny of material things and that man use material things to meet his own needs and the needs of others.

 

The responsibility of stewardship applies not only to the individual Christian but also to the church. What is entrusted should be spent wisely in the service of mankind and to the glory of GOD.

 

Christian stewardship conceives the whole of life as a sacred trust from GOD and requires the responsible use of life, time, talents, and substance—personal and corporate—in the service of Christ.

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

A steward is a servant in charge. Only trusted servants would become stewards, in effect, household managers and financial managers. They would be entrusted to use the owner’s resources wisely and to handle matters diligently and with discretion. Eliezer was the steward over all Abraham’s possessions. Joseph was a steward put in charge of Potiphar’s household. GOD has made us stewards—household managers of His church and His kingdom. He has given us three main areas of stewardship: stewardship of finances and possessions, stewardship of

time, stewardship of abilities. A steward is also a trustee, someone who is entrusted and empowered to handle official affairs in the absence of the owner. We must be trustworthy of handling the affairs of the kingdom for the King. We have been given the power of attorney to act on behalf of our King.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES ON STEWARDSHIP

Read each of the Scripture verses cited. For your own benefit, on a separate paper, write notes and insights you receive from reading these verses and parallel them with the stated statement of faith.

 

• And blessed be the Most high GOD, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy And he gave him tithes of all (Genesis 14:20).

 

• And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’s: it is holy unto the LORD. And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof. And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD (LEVITICUS 27:30-32).

 

• But thou shalt remember the LORD thy GOD: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day (Deuteronomy 8:18).

 

• Will a man rob GOD? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have werobbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into thestorehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me nowherewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows ofheaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enoughto receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall notdestroythefruitsofyourground;neithershallyourvinecasther fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call                  you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts(Malachi3:8-12).

 

• Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly (Matthew 6:1-4).

 

• Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me (Matthew 19:21).

 

• Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone (Matthew 23:23).

 

• For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, whocalled his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto onehe gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every manaccording to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then hethat hadreceivedthefive talentswentand tradedwiththe same, andmade them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, healso gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in theearth, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servantscometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talentscameandbroughtotherfivetalents,saying,Lord,thoudeliveredstuntomefive talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lordsaid unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast beenfaithfuloverafew things,Iwillmaketheerulerovermanythings:enter thouintothejoyofthy Healsothathadreceivedtwotalentscameand said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gainedtwo other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good andfaithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make theeruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Then he whichhad received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou artan hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thouhast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth:lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thouwicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not,and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have putmymoneytotheexchangers,andthenatmycomingIshouldhavereceived mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and giveit unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall begiven, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall betakenaway eventhat whichhe hath(Matthew25:14-29).

 

• And he spake a parable unto them, saying, the ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, this will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be But GOD said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward GOD (Luke 12:16-21).

 

• And the Lord said, who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? (Luke 12:42).

 

• And he said also unto his disciples, there was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his And he called him, and said unto him, how is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore. And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. And I say unto you, make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteous-ness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve GOD and mammon (Luke 16:1-13).

 

• And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising GOD, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (Acts 2:44- 47).

 

• But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ 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? 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. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things (Acts 5:1-11).

 

• GOD that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he       giveth to all life, and breath, and all things (Acts 17:24-25).

 

• Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of GOD, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance GOD winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, we will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them (Acts 17:25-35).

 

• 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. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died,  he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto GOD. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto GOD through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto GOD, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto GOD. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? GOD Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But GOD be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to GOD, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life (Romans 6:6-22).

 

• I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of GOD, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto GOD, which is your reasonable service. 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 (Romans 12:1-2).

 

• Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of GOD. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4: 1-2).

 

• What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of GOD, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify GOD in your body, and in your spirit, which are GOD’s (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

 

• And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? (1 Corinthians 12:16)

 

• Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of GOD calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-4).

 

• For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).

 

• And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved (2 Corinthians 12:15).

 

• But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourishedagain;whereinyewerealso careful,butyelacked Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, inwhatsoeverstateIam,therewithtobe content.Iknow bothhowto beabased,and Iknowhow to abound:every whereandinall things Iam instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to sufferneed.I candoallthings throughChristwhichstrengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with myaffliction.Now yePhilippians know also,thatinthe beginning ofthegospel,when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me asconcerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica yesent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but Idesire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: Iam full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent fromyou,anodourof asweetsmell,asacrificeacceptable,well pleasingto GOD.Butmy GODshallsupplyall your needaccordingto his richesinglorybyChristJesus (Philippians 4:10-19).

 

• Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18-19).

 

• 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 (2 Corinthians 5:20).

 

• Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the A city that is             set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under  a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthews 5:13-16).

BIBLICAL PROBLEM RESOLUTION

As Christians, we believe in resolving every problem that arises within the church with the Bible as the final authority in the manner that Jesus teaches (Matt.

18:15-17).

 

Unmet desires often cause conflicts. Relational conflicts occur when our desires are not met by others: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” (James 4:1). Frustrated desires can become demands. Demands can become idols—anything we desire more than what GOD wants or GOD Himself. Then we start to place judgments on those who don’t meet our desires and demands.

 

We often respond to personal conflict by either fight or flight—we go on the attack and defend ourselves or we avoid dealing with the conflict through escape responses—leaving, running away, not wanting to talk about it, giving the silent treatment, cutting off relationship, etc. Neither fight or flight responses are healthy emotionally and spiritually. GOD calls us to love, forbear, and forgive one another. He calls us to healing and reconciliation. These are key to bringing renewal and revival to our lives, our marriages, our families and our church.

 

We want to bring glory to GOD in all our relationships. Let our prayer be, “Search me, O GOD, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me and lead me in the everlasting way” (Psalm 139:23-24).

 

 

THE FOUR GS OF PEACEMAKING¹

 

• Glorify GOD (1 Cor 10:31; Ps 37:106; Mark 11:25; John 14:15; Rom 12:17-21;

Phil 4:2-9; Col 3:1-4; James 3:17-18; 1 Pet 2:12)

 

• Get the Log Out of Your Own Eye (Matt 7:3-5; Prov 28:13; Luke 19:8; Col 3:5- 14; 1 John 1:8-9)

 

¹ From “Pursuing Peace Together: Using Biblical Principles,” Alliance Peace making Brochure

 

 

• Gently Restore (Gal 6:1-2; Matt 18:15-20; 1 Cor 6:1-8; Eph 4:29; 2 Tim 2:24;

James 5:9)

 

Go and Reconcile (Matt 5:23-25; 6:12; 7:12; Eph 4:1-3, 32; Phil 2:3-4)

 

 

THEOLOGICAL ISSUES

 

EVOLUTION AND CREATION

 

The doctrine of Creation is fundamental to the Christian faith. GOD’s Word reveals that He is Creator of all. The material universe did not come into being by itself. GOD spoke it into existence. In the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). Humankind is created by GOD, not evolved by some process natural selection according to Darwinian evolution (Genesis 1). Every human being was created in the image of GOD, not the image of some evolved being. Belief that humans evolved from some ape-like creature or some protoplasm is opposed to belief in being created in the image of GOD. That image has been marred by sin, but it is still the image of GOD.

 

There are many views within evangelical Christianity about how Creation took place and the time frame in which it took place. It is an open question as to which of these views are correct. However, we do not accept any view that does not involve direct creation by GOD: ^“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of GOD, so that the things which are seen were not made of

things which are visible.” (Heb 11:3). Darwinian Evolution denies this verse as well as Genesis 1.

 

• Darwinian Evolution denies that “in the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth” (Gen 1:1).
• Darwinian Evolution denies that human beings were made in the image and likeness of GOD (Gen 1:26).
• Darwinian Evolution denies that the worlds were framed by the spoken word of GOD (Heb 11:3).

 

• Darwinian Evolution denies that creation is direct by the power of GOD (Heb 11:3).
• Darwinian Evolution denies that creation is ex nihilo—made of nothing visible (Heb 11:3).
• Darwinian Evolution denies that Creation is historical and it does not accept without question the historicity of the early chapters of Genesis. Evolution denies a real Adam and Eve and their real fall into
• Bottom line— Darwinian Evolution denies

 

 

 

 

WOMEN IN MINISTRY

Various viewpoints in this association of believers are taken on the spectrum of egalitarian (equal roles for men and women) and complementarian (differing roles for men and women) views of women in ministry. An open question hermeneutic regarding biblical passages means that on issues over which genuine Bible-believing Christian disagree, and over Scripture passages that can be interpreted in different ways, we agree to disagree amiably.

 

Interpretation of certain Scripture texts are thorny and not a sure thing. Sometimes there is a divine ambiguity in Scripture about not only interpretation of texts involving roles of women in ministry, but also such issues as the events and timing surrounding the rapture, variations in church government, biblical support for Calvinism and Arminianism, etc. There are strong

points on both sides, so rather than take sides it is wise to leave many of these issues as open questions. Where ambiguity exists, don’t set absolutes.

 

We hold this position regarding roles of women in ministry. Some passages of Scripture appear to limit the roles of women in ministry; other passages of Scripture seem to permit wide ranges of ministry for women. Rather than pit one passage against another, we should seek to harmonize the passages of Scripture. We recognize the following principles of interpretation:

 

• Certain passages are cultural, dealing with an issue “at that time,” not universally binding for all times.
• Certain prohibitions are not absolute, as evidenced by comparing Scripture with Scripture
• Certain passages are situational principles, not
• Certain passages open to different interpretations by GODly evangelical leaders, so we should respect differences of opinion while maintaining our beliefs

 

We take the position of welcoming women in ministry but respects and welcomes those who interpret Scripture differently.

 

MORAL AND CHARACTER ISSUES

INTEGRITY: ITS IMPORTANCE IN CHRISTIAN LIVING AND MINISTRY

 

Integrity is defined, first of all, as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.” Secondly, as “the state of being whole and undivided.” The two go hand-in-hand. As classic writers of old such as A.B. Simpson and Andrew Murray have said, “Holiness is wholeness.” Jesus declared, ^“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one” (Matt 5:37). In ministry, and for that matter, in all of life, our word should be our bond. We should not promise what we cannot fulfill, and we should follow through on completing our promises.

 

Most important is inner integrity—integrity of our heart: ^“And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” (Mark 7:20- 23). This extends outwardly to every area of our life:

 

• Integrity in our mind—not double-minded (“A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways”—James 1:8)
• Integrity in our finances (Acts 5—Ananias were not honest in their financial dealings and lost their lives over it).
• Integrity in our words and actions: “But no man can tame the It

is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our GOD and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of

GOD. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.” (James 3:8-12)

• Integrity in our moral life: “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers GOD will ” (Heb 13:4).
• Integrity in our preaching and teaching: “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” (James 3:1).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRIBERY

A vital issue in integrity is honesty and justice in one’s dealings. Scripture repeatedly warns against bribery:

 

“And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous” (Ex. 34:8)

 

“You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous” (Deut 16:19)

 

Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the Lord; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. (Psalm 15:1-5)

 

 

RACISM

Racism and tribalism have no place in a Christian’s life, whether white on black, black on white, Asian or Native American on black and white, white and black on Asian or Native American, German or white on Jew, and the list goes on.

Especially Christian leaders must live as examples and models of Christ-like living, loving, and acceptance of all races.

 

Paul declared, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28). Heaven unites in praising Jesus Christ the Lamb: For You were slain, And have redeemed us to GOD by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our GOD; And we shall reign on the earth” (Rev. 5:9-10).

 

Every person of every race has been created in the image of GOD and is of value in GOD’s sight—of equal value. Every believer in Christ, regardless of race–every tribe and tongue and people and nation—is a part of the royal priesthood of Christ (1 Peter 2:9). Those who were not a people, now in Christ are the people of GOD (1 Peter 2:10).

 

It should thus be our desire and earnest endeavor to bring peace and

reconciliation between races: “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.” (Ephesians 2:14).

ABORTION

The issue of abortion-on-demand has emerged out of Darwinian evolution and the denial that human beings are created by GOD in His image (Gen 1:26-27). The historic Christian conviction, based on Scripture, is that life begins at conception. The Word of GOD teaches that each individual is known by GOD in His omniscience from before the foundation of the world, and is formed by GOD in His omnipotence in the womb through the fetal stages (Jer 1:4–5, Ps 139:13–17).

 

GOD, who has declared His blessing upon the life of a child, according to Psalm 127:3–5. Since all life exists for GOD’s purposes and all human lives are equally sacred, all human life, including the life of the unborn child, is blessed of GOD and thus must be preserved and nurtured.

 

The secular world declares that a woman has the right to choose. GOD has given to human beings freedom of choice, but there is a right choice and a wrong choice, not a neutral choice.

 

A woman’s body is not her own. Scripture declares, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from GOD, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify GOD in your body and in your spirit, which are GOD’s.” (1 Cor 6:19–20).

 

We affirm the sanctity of human life upon these biblical foundations. We affirm the unique and sacred personhood of every human, including the unborn, on the evidence of Scripture. GOD told Jeremiah, Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart . . . (Jeremiah 1:5). King David wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit:

 

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth; Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:15–16).

 

HOMOSEXUALITY

GOD created human beings in His own image, thus differentiating humankind from the rest of the animal kingdom.

 

^“Then GOD said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over [^a]all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So GOD created man in His own image; in the image of GOD He created him; male and female He created them.”

(Genesis 1:26-27).

 

GOD’s intention from creation is that a man and a woman alone constitute sexual oneness.

GOD created sex and intended sex to be good in a marriage of a man, a born male, and woman, a born female, never between two men or two women.

 

• ^“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” (Gen. 2:24-25).

 

• “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers GOD will judge.” (Heb. 13:4).

 

This is GOD’s only plan and perfect design. Sexual intimacy and fulfillment in marriage between a man woman is honorable and undefiled and without shame. Anything else—sex outside of marriage between a man and a woman—is dishonorable and defiled and shameful.

 

The Fall of Adam and Eve into sin distorted their sexual relationship. Broken intimacy with GOD due to sin, distorts and breaks intimacy physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They were not only separated from GOD, but separated from one another, and distorted in their minds and understanding of intimacy. Desire for same-sex physical relationships is a result of distorted emotions, desires, and thinking due to the fall. All sexual desire and fulfillment apart from marriage between a man and a woman is being caught in web of sin, slaves to unrighteousness. Not only lustful same-sex attraction, but all forms of lust, including rape and incest, extramarital sexual activity. fantasizing, and/or pornography. Aare all signs of rebellion against GOD (Romans 1:24–27). There is hope for redemption from these sins of the flesh through freedom in Jesus Christ. Rather than judge harshly those so enchained, Jesus came full of grace and truth (John 1:16–17). We must express the truth of Scripture with the spirit of grace found in Jesus Christ, “speaking the truth in love” (Eph 4:15).

 

Scripture is clear, on one hand, that sexual sin is deception and rebellion, but on the other hand, Scripture holds clear hope for redemption and freedom from enslavement to sexual sin:

 

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of GOD? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of GOD. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our GOD. (1 Cor 6:9-11)

 

We share the promise of Scripture that through the name and blood of Jesus Christ, we can overcome the power of sin (Rom 5:17) and Satan (Rev 12:11) by the power of the cross of Jesus Christ:

 

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our GOD, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our GOD day and night, has been cast down. ¹¹ And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (Rev 12:10-11).

 

We overcome sin and Satan our accuser by the blood of Jesus Christ cleansing us from sin and setting us free from bondage; by giving confession of our testimony

of the transforming power of Jesus Christ; and by dying to ourselves, our self- centered soulish desires and lusts.

 

 

POLYGAMY

While polygamy was practiced and permitted in the Old Testament, it was never the biblical ideal. It was the state of affairs in the unredeemed culture of the day, a part of the bondage and rebellion of humankind as a result of the Fall. In the New Testament and following, however, the scriptural standard became one man, one woman in a marriage (1 Tim 3:2). Because polygamy was practiced in the Old Testament is no excuse for polygamy today.

 

CULTURAL, SOCIAL, AND POLITICAL ISSUES

THE CHRISTIAN AND THE SOCIAL ORDER

 

We believe that every Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in his or her own life and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among humankind can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of GOD in Christ Jesus. Christians should, in the spirit of Christ, oppose every form of greed, selfishness, and vice. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the way of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends, Christians should be ready to work with all people of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.

 

 

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES ON CHRISTIANS AND SOCIAL ORDER

 

Read each of the Scripture verses cited. For your own benefit, on a separate paper, write notes and insights you receive from reading these verses and parallel them with the stated statement of faith.

 

• Thou shalt have no other Gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy GOD am a jealous GOD, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy GOD in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy GOD: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 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. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy GOD giveth thee. Thou shalt not

kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s (Exodus 20:3-17).

 

• If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour; Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein: Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found, Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering (Leviticus 6:2-5).

 

• And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy GOD require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy GOD, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy GOD with all thy heart and with all thy soul (Deuteronomy 10:12).

 

• Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen (Deuteronomy 27:17).

 

• He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy GOD? (Micah 6:8)
• These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates (Zechariah 8:16).

 

• Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).
• Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:43-45).

 

• Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy GOD with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions (Matthew 22:36-46).

 

• For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in (Matthew 25:35).

 

• Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me (Mark 10:21).

 

• The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears (Luke 4:18-21).

 

• And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy GOD with all thy heart,and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; andthy neighbour as thyself.And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right:this do, and thou shalt But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus,andwho is myneighbour?AndJesus answeringsaid,A certainmanwent down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which strippedhimofhisraiment,andwoundedhim,anddeparted,leavinghimhalfdead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and whenhe saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when hewasattheplace,cameandlooked onhim,andpassed byontheotherside. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: andwhen he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and boundup his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, andbrought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when hedeparted,he tookouttwopence,andgavethemto thehost,andsaiduntohim, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I comeagain, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, wasneighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He thatshewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise(Luke10:27-37).

 

• And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto GOD the things which be GOD’s (Luke 20:25).

 

• This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you (John 15:12).

 

• I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil (John 17:15).

 

• Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not (Romans 12:14).

 

• I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world (1 Corinthians 5:9-10).

 

• Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? (1 Corinthians 6:1-7)

 

• All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not (1 Corinthians 10:23).

 

• Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

 

• But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of GOD by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:25-28).

 

• Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of GOD given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in GOD, who created all things by Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:5-9).

 

• Put on therefore, as the elect of GOD, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:

even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of GOD rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

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 (Colossians 3:12-17).

 

• And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you (1 Thessalonians 3:12).

 

• Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow labourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from GOD our Father and the Lord Jesus I thank my GOD, making mention of thee always in my prayers, hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him forever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self beside Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow labourers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen (Philemon 1-25).

 

• Pure religion and undefiled before GOD and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world (James 1:27).
• If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well (James 2:8).

 

 

 

 

THE CHURCH AND ITS RELATION TO THE STATE

We believe that both church and state are ordained of GOD and are answerable to Him. Each is distinct; each has a divine purpose; neither is to encroach upon the rights of the other. They are to stand in proper relationship with each other under GOD. The state is ordained of GOD for the exercise of civil authority, the maintenance of order, and the promotion of public welfare.

 

The church is a voluntary fellowship of Christians, joined together under the Lordship of Christ for worship and service in His name. The state is not to ignore GOD’s sovereignty or reject His laws as the basis for moral order and social justice.

 

Since civil government is ordained of GOD, Christians are to accept their responsibilities for the support of the state and for loyal obedience to civil authority in all things not contrary to the clear will of GOD.

 

The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to GOD on the part of all people, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.

 

The state owes the church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. The church owes the state moral and spiritual reinforcement for law and order and the clear proclamation of those truths which undergird justice and peace. The church is responsible both to pray for the state and to declare the judgments of GOD as they relate to government, responsible citizenship, and the rights of all persons. The church must take seriously and practice consistently the principles which it declares should govern the relation of church and state.

 

The Christian is a citizen of two worlds—the kingdom of GOD and the political state—and should be obedient to the law of the land as well as the higher law of GOD. If a choice must be made, the Christian must obey GOD rather than man.

Christians should be respectful to those who interpret and enforce the law and should participate actively in the life of the community, seeking to permeate social, economic, and political life with Christian spirit and principles. The

Christian’s stewardship of life includes such citizenship responsibilities as paying taxes, voting, and supporting worthy legislation. He should encourage Christians to accept civic responsibility as a service to GOD and man.

The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to GOD on the part of all people, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.

 

The state owes the church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. The church owes the state moral and spiritual reinforcement for law and order and the clear proclamation of those truths which undergird justice and peace. The church is responsible both to pray for the state and to declare the judgments of GOD as they relate to government, responsible citizenship, and the rights of all persons. The church must take seriously and practice consistently the principles which it declares should govern the relation of church and state.

 

The Christian is a citizen of two worlds—the kingdom of GOD and the political state—and should be obedient to the law of the land as well as the higher law of GOD. If a choice must be made, the Christian must obey GOD rather than man.

Christians should be respectful to those who interpret and enforce the law and should participate actively in the life of the community, seeking to permeate social, economic, and political life with Christian spirit and principles. The

Christian’s stewardship of life includes such citizenship responsibilities as paying taxes, voting, and supporting worthy legislation. He should encourage Christians to accept civic responsibility as a service to GOD and man.

 

Church and state are both ordained of GOD and are answerable to Him. They should remain separate, but they are under the obligation of mutual recognition and reinforcement as each seeks to fulfill its divine function.

 

Scripture References on the church in relation to state: Gen. 1:27; 2:7; Matt. 6:6- 7, 24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Rom. 6:1-2; 3:1-7; Gal. 5:1, 13; Phil.

3:20; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; James 4:12;1 Peter 2; 12-17; 4:12-19.

 

THE ROLE OF CHRISTIANS, CHURCHES, PASTORS AND CLERGY  IN POLITICS

In the Old Testament some prophets, but not all were actively engaged with the political leaders of their day. The role of the church and church leaders can include the prophetic role, as with Martin Luther King in the United States and William Wilberforce combatting slavery in England in the 18th and 19th century. More often In the New Testament, the role of church and church leaders is to be leaven to infiltrate the world systems with the kingdom of GOD: ³³ Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.” (Matt 13:33). As the church and church leaders become active in influencing and changing society in business, education, music, politics, etc.

 

When confronted with Christ against culture, Scripture gives us these guidelines:

 

• To obey the government when we can (Romans 13)
• To obey GOD rather than man (Acts 5:29)
• To make our voice heard (Ex. 5:1; Esther 4:1)
• To seek justice, equality, and mercy for all (Micah 6:8)
• To seek change through peaceful, non-violent means (Matt 26:52).

 

Martin Luther King modeled for us these standards. He obeyed the government when he could. He obeyed GOD rather than men when it was necessary. He made his voice heard. He sought justice, equality, and mercy for all. He sought change for all in a peaceful, non-violent manner.

 

 

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS

The definition of “political correctness” according to Oxford Languages is “the avoidance, often considered as taken to extremes, of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.”

 

The popular Wikipedia definition is ”a term used to describe language, policies, or measures that are intended to avoid offense or disadvantage to members of particular groups in society. In public discourse and the media, the term is generally used as a perjorative with an implication that these policies are

excessive or unwarranted.”

 

On one hand, Scripture advises us to be sensitive to those who would get easily offended.

 

When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. ²⁷ Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.” (Matt 17:24-27).

 

On the other hand, Scripture also indicates that the Gospel itself is offensive, but that should not stop us from sharing the Gospel.

 

“But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey GOD rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

 

Jesus Himself prophesied, “many will be offended” (Matt 24:10). The Pharisees were offended at Jesus (Matt 13:57; 15:12).

Sometimes there are ways we can share the Gospel in unoffensive ways that do not compromise the Gospel. Paul broke down barriers by identifying with and finding common ground with those who might otherwise be offended: For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward GOD, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some (1 Cor 9:19-22).

 

We must not intentionally be offensive, but not be unnecessarily offensive nor unnecessarily inoffensive.

 

Do not destroy the work of GOD for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak (Rom 14:20-21).

 

The apostle Paul writes of the “offense of the cross” (Galatians 5:11). Ultimately, the Gospel will offend people who are rebelling against GOD’s work and GOD’s will in their lives. In such situations, the apostles asserted, “We ought to obey GOD rather than men.” (Acts 5:29).

 

CANCEL CULTURE

Cancel culture can be a form of political correctness. Cancel culture is defined as a modern form of ostracism in which someone is thrust out of social or professional circles – whether it be online, on social media, or in person. It can be a boycott or removal of financial support or endorsement. Those who are subject to this ostracism are said to have been “cancelled.” The expression “cancel culture” has mostly negative connotations and is commonly used in debates on free speech and censorship.”

 

What is the Christian response to the cancel culture phenomenon? The Bible and the message of the Gospel are cross-cultural and transcultural. GOD uses cultures. However, all human cultures are subject to decay and distortion. Christians are not to be enculturated into culture, but to be in the world, but not of the world: “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one” (John 17:14-15).

 

When people try to cancel the Christian culture, first we should recognize that we will be persecuted for our faith, and Jesus says we are blessed (Matt 5:10-12). Our response, Jesus taught, should be, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matt 5:44-45).

 

By no means should we give in to the temptation to cancel our Christian culture because of political correctness or persecution. We must hold on to our faith and “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3).

 

We must remember, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Rom 15;4). We are called by GOD to honor our biblical history, and our elders:

 

Thus says the Lord:

“Stand in the ways and see,

And ask for the old paths, where the good way is,

And walk in it;Then you will find rest for your souls. (Jer 6:16).

 

 

 

 

TRADITIONS

There are all kinds of traditions: GODLY traditions, church history traditions, human traditions, un-GODLY traditions, and mixed traditions.

 

• GODLY traditions are based on the essentials of the Christian faith passed down through the ages from apostolic teachings: “So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us” (2 Thess 2:15). These are not human traditions (which Jesus opposed), but the apostolic teaching (Acts 2:42) handed down by Paul and the other apostles and New Testament These traditions include: the deity and humanity of Christ, the Trinity, salvation by grace through faith, the atoning death of Christ, the virgin birth, the resurrection of Christ, the authority of Scripture, heaven and hell.

 

• Church history traditions, that is, established theology and practice through church history.. (must conform to Scripture) Four elements to developing theology and practice include Scripture, first of all, then reason, experience, and tradition. Tradition encompasses and is based upon the first three. Church history tradition is sometimes a mixture of Godly, human, and

 

• Human traditions are man’s ways of doing Some are good; some are cultural; some are meant for certain times and places—such as certain ways and methods of doing things, certain ways of dress, certain kinds of music, certain family and clan and religious expectations, certain foods, certain religious customs. They can be good and even valuable at times, but human traditions must never be considered divine traditions. Human traditions include things such as: Sunday School, ties and suits, robes, lighting candles, offering plates, modern musical instruments not in the Bible (piano, organ, guitar, keyboard, etc.), church buildings, youth groups, traditional hymns, contemporary music, a certain version of the Bible (like the King James Version). Just because someone does not follow your traditions (your ways of doing things) does not make the person wrong or inferior:

 

Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.” (Luke 9:49-50).

 

• Un-GODLY traditions. It is a bad tradition when it exalts human traditions as binding: “Youareexpertsatsettingasidethecommandment ofGODin orderto keepyour tradition. Thus invalidatingthewordofGODby your tradition which you have handed down.” (Mark 7:8, 9, 13). A tradition,even a Godly one, when it becomes legalistic—more concerned with theletter of the law than the spirit of the law—can become an un-GODLY

 

• Mixed traditions. In our own human ways of thinking, we can mix our ways with GOD’s ways. Some interpretations of Scripture are based on tradition, not on the requirements of Scripture The Jewish people had compiled 613 laws based on the original laws given by GOD to the Israelites. They had good intentions, but mixed the flesh with the Spirit. Even Peter, when receiving a revelation from GOD in a trance, had a difficult time processing it and accepting the new revelation GOD was giving him on clean and unclean (Acts 10).

 

• Traditions Are Like Wineskins. Jesus compares traditions to wineskins. A tradition can become like an old wineskin, that is brittle and cannot hold new wine (Matt 9:17). A structure is needed to hold the wine, but it needs to be flexible, not Old wineskins of tradition that become brittle cannot hold the new wine. New wineskins means new traditions. Spiritually speaking, as we grow older in our faith, we may become less flexible in the way we look at things. In other words, we become like an old wineskin, that is brittle and cannot hold new wine Our focus becomes fixed, and we lose visual adaptability and become rigid in the traditions of men (Mark 7:3, 8, 9, 13). This affects our ability to discern accurately even though we are mature in our faith.

 

At one time the tradition was a good thing, a new thing GOD was doing, a flexible wineskin to hold the new wine of the Spirit. But if that tradition becomes inflexible—we try to hold onto the past—it cannot hold the new wine of the Spirit in the present. Paul warns of this: “Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?” (Gal. 3:2-3). Sometimes a method, or way that GOD worked in the past is expected to be the way GOD will work in the future. Maybe yes, but maybe no. The Spirit is like the wind: “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8).

 

Virtues and Vices of Tradition: Good and GODLY traditions can be stabilizers, holding things steady and in place. Human, mixed, and un-godly traditions can become vision killers, such as statements like these:

 

• “We’ve never done it that way before”
• “Those were the days”
• “We don’t do things that way here”

 

PRINCIPLES FOR SOUND USE OF TRADITION

 

• Don’t confuse the baggage with the
• To the older generation that means: pass the torch but not the baggage. Traditions that hold us back.
• To the younger generation that means: “Don’t throw out the baby with the ” Don’t throw out all of the past, but learn from and retain the good things from the past.
• Don’t confuse normal with normative. In other words, don’t make a common practice a set standard, doctrine, or command unless other Scripture commands

 

 

OPEN QUESTIONS

 

There are many issues over which Christians divide; we want to emphasize those over which Christians can unite. The ancient motto applies here: “Unity in things essential; liberty in things non-essential; and charity or love in all.” Some of the areas of open questions may include:

 

• Calvinism and Arminianism
• Various kinds of church government
• Various end times beliefs regarding millennialism, rapture, tribulation, events, timing, role of Israel, etc. We unite over the motto, “Jesus is coming again!”
• Various views regarding creation (except for evolution)
• Various worship styles and practices
• Roles of women in ministry
• Various church traditions and denominations
• A myriad of other issues

 

These are important issues, but not faith-dividing issues. We are united on the essentials of the Gospels. We maintain our distinctiveness and agree to disagree amiably on these other issues.

 

 

 

On behalf of our faculty and staff, we thank you for making the time to study our writings and compiled resources on the primary things a Christian should learn, understand and practice in their daily walk with GOD (their statement of beliefs, statement of faith). GOD wants Romans 12:2 actualized in the lives of every Christian, church and clergy.

 

 

THE NEXT STEP

 

To receive the ULS Sound Doctrine Statement of Faith CEU Certificate, please visit our website, register, and take the online exam. The certificate will be instantly available to you free of charge if you pass the exam.

 

The websites:

 

www.sof.church

 

or

 

www.statementoffaith.church

 

Please, share our websites and lectures with others. Our goal is to train one million pastors and Christians on this topic worldwide. May GOD bless you richly in JESUS MIGHTY NAME!

 

Peace and kindness,

 

Drs. Ezra and Soul Aniebue