Our Practices

Beliefs are worth little until translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel strongly about the following practices:

Bible as sole authority

“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right.”

2 Timothy 3:15

Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is: “What does the Bible say?” We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.

Autonomy of each local church

“Christ is the head of his Body, the church. He is the source of the Body’s life...”

Colossians 1:18 (GN)

Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control.

Priesthood of every believer

“Christ loves us, and by his death he has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God.” Rev. 1:6 (GN) “You are...the King’s priest,...God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God.”

1 Peter 2:9 (GN)

The Bible teaches that every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible-reading. A human mediator is not only unnecessary but contrary to what the Bible teaches. Rather, Jesus became our “high priest” and now sits at God’s right hand, talking to Him on our behalf.

Tithing

“A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”

Lev. 26:30

We use the tithe as a ‘norm’ for our giving for the support of Christ’s Body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving.

Immersion

“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ...”

Colossians 2:12 (GN)

We practice baptism by immersion under water - the way Jesus was baptized and the way the Bible commends.

Spirit-led living

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8

We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. So we seek for an infilling of the Holy Spirit (an experience subsequent to and distinct from our salvation experience) which gives us the power to live right and to be bold in our witness to others.

Telling others about Christ

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

1 Peter 3:15

It is the responsibility of every Christian to tell others about Jesus. Therefore, we practice sharing Christ outside the walls of the church. We also practice inviting our friends, family members, and co-workers to church.