MISSION STATEMENT:

To provide an avenue of strength and encouragement for Christians in our environment as

well as a pleasant and inviting forum for others who may have questions about our faith.

PROPOSED GROUND RULES:

1.      The center of our study will always be our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Corinthians 2:1-2; 15:3-4)

Ephesians 4:4-6

4.          There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.

One body refers to the universal church, all believers. (1:23; 2:16; 3:6)

One Spirit is the Holy Spirit who indwells the church. (2:22)

All believers have a common hope regarding their future with God. (1 Peter 1:3; 3:15)

A confidence that began at the time they were called to salvation. (Eph.1: 4,18; 2:7; 4:1)

5.          One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

One Lord (Rom. 10:12) refers to Christ, the Head of the Church. (Eph. 1:22-23;Col.1: 18)

Not of objective faith, that is, the body of truth believed by Christians. (Acts 6:7; 1 Tim. 3:9; 4:1,6; Jude 3)

But subjective faith, which is exercised by all Christians in Christ their Lord. (Col. 2:7)

One baptism may refer to water baptism, the outward symbol of the inward, reality, or it may refer to a believer's identification with Christ and His death. (Rom. 6:1-11; Gal. 3:27)

If it refers to water baptism, then the idea is that by this single act believers demonstrate their spiritual unity.

6.          One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all.

Refers to God the Father and His relationship to all believers.

The fourfold use of all refers to all believers, not all mankind.

God is the Father of all who believe; they are His children (John 1:12; Gal. 3:26)

And He is "over" all as their Sovereign. He lives "through" them and manifests Himself "in" them.

1 Corinthians 2:1-2

1.          And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom,

declaring unto you the testimony of God.

The phrases simply describe a spirit of dependence and subjection to God’s authority (Eph. 6:5; Phil. 2:12)

The only means of salvation.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

3.          For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ

died for our sins according to the scriptures;

The reality of this was verified by the Scriptures (Ps. 16:10; Isa. 53:8-10) and by historical evidence verified by the time in the grave and out of it, in the presence of the living.

scriptures:

2.      Practice common courtesy at all times. (Romans 12:9-11, 17-21; John 15:12)

Romans 12:9-11

9.          Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Love must be sincere (without hypocrisy) to hate is evil; cling to what is good

10.        Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Talks about family affection for one another. Consider others better than yourself.

11.        Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

John 15:12

12.        This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

One primary command was given by Jesus to believers; they must have mutual love. Christian grow by caring for and nurturing each other.

The standard for that love is Christ’s example of humble sacrificial service.

3.      Maintain the confidence of others. (Lev. 19:16; Proverbs 16:28; 17:9)

Leviticus 19:16

16.        Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt

thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.(KJV)

Talebearer is one that spreads gossip or rumors

Habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition

Truth in Old Testament is Faith or Belief in the New Testament.

To take refuge--Ruth 2:12

To lean on--Psalm 56:3

To roll on.--Psalm 22:8

To Stay upon.--Job 35:14

there abide till ye go thence.

let your peace return to you.

that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. (KJV)