This is not an exhaustive list, but contains many of the subjects of the Bible presently mistaught and/or misunderstood by many religious groups.
The Bible is our guide to righteousness, holiness, and heaven, and we reject the notion that any works of uninspired men have any binding effect on the souls of mankind.
The Bible, specifically the New Testament, describes a pattern for worship that is in spirit and in truth and we desire to follow it. Therefore, when we assemble to worship each Lord’s Day, we do the following:
- We observe the memorial feast Jesus instituted (Matthew 26:26-29), also known as the Lord’s Supper. We eat of the unleavened bread which represents His body, and drink of the fruit of the vine (grape juice) that represents His blood. We do this every Lord’s Day because we have a binding example of first century Christians doing so. (Acts 20:7)
- We give of our means, and as we have prospered, and willingly- not grudgingly. (1 Corinthians 16:1,2; 2 Corinthians 9:6,7)
- We pray, for Jesus did so and taught His disciples to do the same.
- We study the Bible, by the preaching and teaching of it.
- We sing praises to God, and sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to teach and admonish one another, and with grace in our hearts (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19). The human voice is the most beautiful instrument ever created and we believe that the New Testament authorizes it, and it alone, to be used in our worship.
The Bible teaches that obedient faith in Christ Jesus, demonstrated in confessing Him before men, repentance of sin, and water baptism, are absolutely essential to the soul’s salvation and that those who refuse to believe and obey these things are lost.
The Bible teaches that full immersion of one who has the capacity to believe is the only correct baptism (Mark 16:15,16).
The Bible teaches that one must remain faithful- not perfect- unto death (Revelation 2:10).
The Bible teaches that the church Christ died for and founded is headquartered in heaven, and He is her Head.
The Bible teaches that each congregation of the church is autonomous, i.e., it is not ruled in any way by any outside authority except for Jesus Christ.
The Bible teaches that an eldership (shepherds, presbyters, bishops) is the correct form of local church government and that there are requirements which must be met by men who would desire to serve as such (1 Timothy 3:1-7). Deacons serve under the eldership and also have certain requirements (1 Timothy 3:8-13). [Twin City is without elders at the present time and the men of the congregation conduct the necessary business of the church.]
The Bible further teaches that the preacher is just that: a preacher. He has no more authority than any other man in the congregation; even less if there is an eldership. In spiritual matters, he typically has a greater education in the Bible and Bible-related subjects, but is not the final authority in either. God is and we have His word.