STATEMENT of FAITH and COVENANT
SECTION 1 – STATEMENT OF FAITH
The following are the Biblical doctrines that all members of GOOD NEWS MESSENGERS CHURCH
(herein after called GNMC) must accept and submit to:
I The Holy Scriptures – We believe the Christian Bible – the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, excluding the apocrypha – to be the only verbally inspired Word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek writings, infallible, and God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; Matt. 5:18; John 16:12, 13), therefore:
II GOD – The Godhead is one Triune God, eternally existing in three Persons – Father, Word, and Holy Spirit– Eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections, yet different in role, character, and authority. This is best understood by seeing that man, who is created in God’s image and likeness, is also triune – soul, body, and spirit – but cannot separate his parts at will, as God can. The Father is the “soul” part, with all authority, as man’s soul is his authority – where the will resides and decisions are made (Deu. 6:4; 2 Cor. 13:14; Titus 2:13; Acts 5:3, 4; John 8:42; Gen. 1:26).
III The Person and the Work of Christ
a. The eternal “WORD,” the “image” and “form” of GOD, “the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature,” “emptied Himself” of His Godly power and attributes and “taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men” became Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, the Son of God, while still God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that he might further reveal God and redeem sinful men (Isa. 9:6; John 1:1, 14; Luke 1:35; Phlp. 2:6, 7; Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3).
b. The Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross and suffering in Hades as our representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:24, 31; Rom. 3:24, 25; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 2:24).
c. The Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, and is now seated at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Mediator, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9-11; Heb. 9:24; 1 John. 2:1, 2).
IV The Person and Work of God the Holy Spirit
a. God the Holy Spirit is He who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and He is the supernatural agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them for the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; 2 Cor. 3:6; 5:5; 1 Cor.12:12-14; Rom. 8:9; Eph. 1:13, 14; 4:30).
b. He is the Divine Teacher who guides all believers in all truth; and it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with (controlled by) the Spirit (John 16:13; 1 John 2:20, 27: Eph. 5:18).
V The Sinfulness of Man – Man was created in the image and likeness of God, but because of sin the race fell, inheriting the sinful nature, and man thus became alienated from God. Although man is guilty in his sin nature (and through his own efforts in 'righteous works' is utterly unable to remedy his lost and fallen condition), God places a portion of "truth" within all men (Rom. 1: 19), and expects each man to respond to this “truth within" by "seeking the Lord" (Acts 15:17; Acts 17:27; Jer. 29:13). If a man "suppresses the truth” (Rom. 1:18), God declares that the man is “without excuse" (Rom. 1:20), and He is not obligated to provide more truth. Sinful man has the responsibility to seek God. He who continues to reject knowledge of God is given over to a depraved mind (Rom.1:28).
VI Salvation – The eternal penalty for our sins is separation from God in a literal flaming torment (HADES, then the LAKE OF FIRE). Salvation from this deserved penalty is provided as a "free gift” purchased by the suffering of the LORD JESUS CHRIST before the cross, on the cross, and in Hades. God's grace offers this "gift of eternal life" to ALL. Man receives this “gift" when he exercises his responsibility to “BELIEVE" that he does and always will deserve to be in hell forever. He must then “BELIEVE” (have faith in, trust, rely on, rest in) the fact that Christ's suffering was sufficient payment of the eternal penalty for ALL of his sins – past, present, and future (John 5:24). No amount of “good works,” or “sacraments,” will get you saved, keep you saved, or prove that you are saved. We reject the TULIP teachings made popular by John Calvin, who (if he died believing what he wrote in Calvin’s Institutes) died an unsaved man.
VII The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers
a. All the redeemed, once saved, are saved eternally by God's plan and power, and thus are secure in Christ forever. You cannot “sin away,” “lose,” “fall away from,” ‘reject,” or “return” that which is ETERNAL – your salvation. (John 6:37-40; John 10:27-30; Rom. 8:1, 38, 39; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; 1 Peter 1:5).
b. It is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God's Word; this privilege however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Rom. 13:13,14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).
c. Those who do not understand or believe in eternal security do not understand or believe the GOSPEL. They are lost (John 10:28-29; Rom. 4:4-8; Gal. 2:4, 3:1-14, 5:1-4; Eph. 1:13-14; Col. 2:10-14; Titus 3:5-7; Heb. 11:1).
VIII Unbiblical Gospel Clichés – GNMC discourages the use of Christian clichés such as “accepting Jesus in your heart,” “opening the door of your heart,” “making a commitment, “ “praying a sinner's prayer,” “giving your life to Jesus,” “asking Jesus into your heart,” etc., which are totally unbiblical in their origin. These clichés only serve to confuse the unbeliever and, since they are unbiblical, they must be viewed as distortions of the true gospel (Gal. 1:6-10; 2 Cor. 11:4).
IX The Two Natures of the Believer – Every saved person possesses two natures, with provision made for the victory of the new (Spiritual) nature over the old (sinful) man, or “carnal” nature through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. All claims to the eradication of the old (sin) nature in this life are unscriptural (Rom. 6:13; Rom. 8:12, 13; Gal. 5:16-25; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:10; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John. 3:5-9). The saved person who is living “carnal” and practicing sin will be disciplined by their heavenly Father (Acts 5:1-10; 1 Cor. 3:15, 10:1-11, 11:30; 2 Cor, 5:10, 11; Heb. 3:7-4:1, 12:5-11; Rev. 2:1-3:22)
X Separation – God commands believers to be separate:
a. The saved are not to be bound or yoked in relationships with unbelievers, e.g., marriage, public school (children), false religions, business partnerships, etc., (2 Cor. 6:14-18: Rev. 18:4).
b. The saved are to “turn away, keep aloof, withdraw, avoid, reject, not associate with, and not even eat with," other saved who refuse correction in their morals or doctrines (Rom.16:17; 1 Cor. 5:11; 2 Thes. 3:6,14; 1 Tim. 6:3-5; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Ti.3:10, 11).
XI The Ministry and Spiritual Gifts
a. God is sovereign in the bestowment of all His gifts. The elders’ teaching gifts of evangelist and pastor are NECESSARY for the complete equipping of all of the saints today (Eph. 4:11-13). However, God has given other gifts to the saints that include: teaching, service, exhortation, giving, leadership, and mercy, (Rom. 12.6-8). It is the proper working of all these gifts that causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love (1 Cor. 12:12-27). The Spirit gifts listed in I Cor. 12:7-11, along with the gifts of apostle and prophet, gradually ceased with the completion of the Bible (1 Cor. 12:4-11, 13:8-10; 2Cor. 12:12; Eph. 4:7-12).
b. God hears and answers the prayers of faith for the sick and afflicted in accord with His own will (John 15:7; 1 John 5:14,15; James 5:14-16).
XII The Church
a. The universal church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual assembly made up of all those who have put their faith in the blood of Christ (His finished work of suffering on the cross and in Hades) as their only means of salvation and thus forever possess eternal life (Acts 2:23-31; Eph. 1:22, 23; 5:24-27; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2).
b. The establishment of local churches with first apostles, then elders as leaders, is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament scriptures (Acts 14:27; 20:17; 1 Tim. 3:1 - 13, Titus 1:5-11).
c. The local church elders (not religious schools, institutes, colleges, universities, or seminaries) are to equip the saints for the work of service (Acts 14:23; Eph. 3:10; 4:11-14; Tit. 1:5).
d. Believers are commanded to submit to and obey church elders (Heb. 13:17).
e. Believers gathered together without elders does not constitute a local church. Those who refuse to follow the Biblical teaching of elder leadership are in sin. (Acts 2:41-42, 14:23; Titus 1:5-11; Heb.13:17)
XIII Church Titles – Jesus commands us to not be called, or to address anyone, as (our spiritual) "father," "rabbi," "master," "leader," "teacher," or "doctor." Leaders in the church are never to be referred to by any of these titles, although they may hold such a position and/or be gifted as a leader or teacher. The following reasons are given: (1) Christ is our Teacher and our Leader -- to be replaced later by the Holy Spirit, and (2) God is our Father. The elders in the church are to be "teachers," and they are to be "leaders.” THEY ARE TO FULFILL THE POSITION, BUT REJECT THE TITLE. A third reason given is that titles of honor may produce haughtiness and arrogance. That is why Jesus condemned them in the church; yet, in the world, these titles are acceptable. We have earthly fathers and grandfathers. We also have those in the medical professions whom we refer to as doctors, and those who are master plumbers and electricians, trail guides and leaders (Matt. 23:6-12; Luke 2:46; Jn. 1:38; 14:16, 17; 16:12-14; Eph. 4:11; 1Tim. 3:2; Heb. 13:17).
XIV Church Ordinances – There are two ordinances instituted by Jesus Christ for the Church Age believers:
a. Water baptism is the immersion, in water, of believers, as a public testimony to their faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior. The believer must be able to communicate an understanding of these truths before baptism. That is why no infants or young children were ever baptized in the Bible (Rom. 6:4, 5; Acts 8:12; 36-38; 10:47, 48).
b. The Lord's Supper is the commemoration of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. It should always be preceded by solemn self- examination, and we should continue to remember Him this way until He comes (1Cor.11:23 -28). [These ordinances are not in any way part of the salvation plan, as erroneously taught by Calvin, Luther, the Roman Catholic Church, and others. There are no other memorials commanded by Christ, taught in the scriptures, or practiced by the apostles. Feasts, festivals, or special holy days like Lent, Christ-Mass, and Eastre, which were invented after the apostolic period, are vain traditions and lies of men. We do acknowledge national holidays where “honor is given to whom honor is due” (Rom. 13:7).]
XV Church Discipline – All personal grievances between believers, whether legal, moral, ethical, or doctrinal, shall be reconciled according to the scriptural rules in Matt. 5:23-25; Matt. 18:15-17; Luke l7:3,4; Acts 15:2-6; I Cor. 5:6-8; Gal. 2:14 and Gal. 6:1. The discipline of those in the local church is entrusted to the elders by the Word of God, and shall be exercised according the principle of Christian love, as in Gal. 6:1.
a. There shall be a discipline committee consisting of at least one elder, and a deacon if possible. The elder shall have sole authority in determining heretical deviations from the statement of faith and violations of Biblical principles. If an elder is the subject of a disciplinary matter, he shall not sit as a member of the discipline committee. The situation shall be governed by the same process and precepts found in Matt. 18:15-17; Gal.2:14 and I Tim. 5:19-20.
b. Members are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one another. When a member becomes aware of any offense that is considered sin, he is to go alone to the offending party and seek to restore his brother (except in the case of a public offense where there is absolutely no question of guilt, e.g. I Cor. 5:6-8 and Gal. 2:14). Before he goes, he should first examine himself. When he goes, he should go with a spirit of humility and have the goal of restoration.
c. If reconciliation is not reached, a second member or two (preferably one a deacon or elder) is to accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter. This second step should also be preceded by self-examination, and exercised in a spirit of humility with the goal of restoration.
d. If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections b. and c. have been taken, the discipline committee, as the church representatives responsible for putting down murmuring, shall hear the matter. If the matter is not resolved during the hearing before the discipline committee, such members who refuse to repent and be restored are to be barred from the fellowship and the assembly of the church.
e. A matter may not be heard by the discipline committee or the church unless the steps outlined in subsections b. and c. have been taken, except in the case of a public offense where there is absolutely no question of guilt, e.g. I Cor. 5:6-8 and Gal. 2:14.
f. If an unrepentant offending party is removed from the church, all further contact with him must be for the sake of restoration (except contact due to authority situations within households, with fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, and children, which cannot be avoided).
XVI The Personality of Satan – Satan is a fallen angel, the author of sin. He is the open and declared enemy of God and man, and he shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire (Job 1:6, 7; Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:11-19; Matt. 4:2-11; Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10).
XVII Dispensationalism – The Bible can only be accurately interpreted, “rightly dividing the Word of truth,” by using the dispensational approach. Dispensations are the different time frames in the Bible, such as when Adam and Eve were in the garden, the time from Moses to Christ’s resurrection, the Church Age, the millennium, etc., where God tests mankind in different ways. All teachings outside of dispensationalism are rejected, such as the extreme teaching known as “hyper-dispensationalism," which is the teaching that opposes either the Lord's Supper or water baptism as a scriptural means of public believers’ testimony for the church of this age (Acts 2:41,42; 16:31-33; 18:8; 1 Cor. 1: 13-17).
XVIII The Second Advent – The Second Advent of Christ is a two-part event. The first part is the "Blessed Hope" -- the personal, imminent, pre-tribulation appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ, coming for His redeemed ones in the clouds -- the “HARPAZO.” The second part is His subsequent return to earth with those saints who are worthy, to establish His millennial earthly Messianic kingdom which was promised to the nation of Israel (Zech. 14:4-11; Rev. 19:11-16; Rev. 20:1-6; 1 Thess. 1:10; 4:13-18, 5:9; Rev. 3:10).
XIX The Eternal State
a. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men -- the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28, 29; 11:25, 26; Rev. 20:5, 6, 12, 13).
b. We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where they consciously await resurrection -- when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be forever with the Lord, inside or outside the Holy City (2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23, 3:21; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17; Rev. 20:4-6, 22:12-15).
c. We believe that the redeemed of both the O.T. and N.T. will be rewarded for their works and holiness as believers. (Forgiveness from the penalty of our sins -- eternal punishment in Hades and the lake of fire -- is not a reward, but a free gift -- eternal life.) The rewards will include things such as the following: special food, special clothing, crowns, new names, returning with Jesus Christ for the millennium, and the right to enter the City -- New Jerusalem. Those saints who have practiced unconfessed sin will be naked, outside the City, and never allowed to enter the City, nor eat of the tree of life (Matt. 5:1-20; 1 Cor. 3:8-15; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 2-3:17; 22:12-15).
d. We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious punishment and torment in Hades until resurrection. Then, with soul, spirit, and body reunited, they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment and shall be cast into the lake of fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment and torment (Matt. 25:41-46; Mark. 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6, 7; Rev. 20:11-15).
XX Creation – We believe that God created the universe in six literal, 24-hour periods. We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day Age Theory, and theistic evolution as unscriptural theories of origin (Genesis 1-2; Ex. 20:11).
XXI Authority and Government – We believe that in this present Church Age God has ordained certain areas of human authority, consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home; 2) the church; 3) the state. The purpose of these institutions is to provide for human needs, authoritatively encourage and enforce obedience to God’s Word -- the Bible, and to appropriately punish disobedience -- or sin. Every person (including the authorities themselves) should be subject to these institutions, as long as the institutions follow Biblical principles. God has given each institution specific Biblical authority and responsibilities and balanced them with the understanding that any transgression of Biblical principles may give the other institutions the right to infringe upon them -- to correct them or administer God’s discipline according to the guidelines of Matt. 18:15-17; Rom. 13:1-7 and 1 Cor.6:1-6. In this present Church Age, neither the home nor the church has the authority to carry out public incarceration or capital punishment. Neither the home nor the state has the authority to determine sound Biblical doctrine. The private homes, being the smallest spheres of authority, make up both the state and the church and are to be subject to them in areas that do not violate Biblical precepts and sound doctrine. The authorities of both the home and the state are to be under the authority of the local church elders, the church being God’s highest authority in this present age. It is the church elders who “keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.” It is only the church that is “the pillar and support of the truth,” the “restrainer of lawlessness” in the world, and has God’s promise that “the gates of Hades shall not overpower it” (Matt. 16:18; Acts 4:18, 19; Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-6:5; 2 Thess. 2:7; 1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13-17; Rev. 1:20, 22:16).
XXII Human Sexuality, Authority, Clothing, and Hair
a. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of the marriage bond between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God's gift of sex (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8, 9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom 1: 26-32; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4).
b. We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman (Gen. 2:24; Rom.7:2; 1 Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23).
c. We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and in the church. The husband is to be the leader of the home and men are to be the leaders (pastors and evangelists – elders, and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12).
d. We believe that there are to be clear distinctions between male and female clothing, and male and female hairstyles. The anti-God, anti-male feminist movement begun by people such as Margaret Sanger and Amelia Bloomer (who launched the practice of wearing men’s trousers as an act of rebellion) is rejected as an abomination. Trousers are men’s wear. Dresses are women’s wear. Cross-dressing is sin (Deut. 22:5; 1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Tim. 2:9;).
e. We believe that there are proper hairstyles for men and women. Long hair covering the ears and the neck of a man makes him dishonorable. The man’s head, neck, and ears are to be exposed because he is the head of the woman. A woman with a hairstyle that exposes her neck and ears is disgraceful. The woman’s head, neck, and ears are to be covered by her hair because she is under authority (Deut. 32:42; I Cor. 11:1-16; I Tim. 2:9; 1Pet. 3:9; Rev. 9:7, 8).
XXIII Divorce and Remarriage – We believe that God hates divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. Separation and desertion are considered divorce. To teach that divorce is allowable for any reason (such as immorality) is sin. To initiate divorce for any reason is sin, and remarriage of a Christian who has initiated a divorce while being a believer is regarded as adultery. One who has been deserted has the right to file for divorce, since their mate has already divorced them. Divorced men, or divorced men who have remarried, may hold positions of service in the church -- such as offices of elder, deacon, or minister -- if they did not desert their mate, or initiate the divorce (Matt. 5:31,32; 19:3-9; Mark 10:11-12;Luke 16:18; I Cor. 7:10-16, 27-28).
XXIV Abortion – We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teachings that abortions of pregnancies are acceptable due to rape, incest, birth defect, gender selection, birth or population control, or the mental well being of the mother. (Job 3:16; Psalms 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44).
XXV Alcohol – The abuse of alcohol is condemned in the Bible as the sin of drunkenness (as the abuse of eating food is the sin of gluttony and the abuse of sex is the sin of immorality). The general consumption of alcohol is NEVER condemned (Num. 6:20; Deut.14:26; Isa. 25:6; Luke 7:33-34; 1 Tim. 3:3, 8; Tit. 1:7).
XXVI Giving – We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God's wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to support his local church financially. We believe that God has established the tithe as a general, but not absolute, basis for giving. Christians should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully for the support of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the gospel. We believe that Christians relinquish all rights to direct the use of their offering once the gift has been made (Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 John 3:17).
XXVII Missions – The saved are obligated and commanded to verbally proclaim the gospel in the “marketplace” to all mankind and to witness by word, works, and lifestyle as to the truths of Holy Scripture. This witness includes modest, discreet dress, and Biblical hairstyles (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 11:4-16; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; I Tim. 2:8-9).
XXVIII Christian Counseling – The Word of God teaches that "all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be ADEQUATE, equipped for every good work (Rom. 15:14; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:2-4). Thus, counseling for Christians is FULLY contained within the Bible. GNMC rejects all pseudo-scientific counseling systems invented by men such as Freud, Rogers, Mowrer, or Skinner, and rejects any and all psychiatry, A. A., N. A., and any other polytheistic, or secular humanistic programs or systems. GNMC also rejects the mood altering psychotropic drugs of the psychiatric community such as Ritalin, Prozac, and the like as sorcery and drug abuse.
XXIX Home School – The public schools present evolution as fact and the sodomite lifestyle as acceptable. They promote sexual immorality by acts such as distributing condoms and denigrate God’s commandments and moral absolutes in general. Christian parents who place their child in a public school are in SIN! For the saved to be obedient to God's commands concerning holiness and separation (see Art. VIII.), their children must be home-schooled. GNMC will provide as much personal and financial support as possible for its members to do this.
XXX Bible Translations – Although the Bible was inerrant in its original manuscripts, the recopying of these manuscripts has produced minor scribal errors in the numerous manuscripts that we have today. The many Bibles translated from these manuscripts all contain minor translation errors, along with the scribal errors. These errors, which make up less than one tenth of one per cent of the total Bible, are included in the translations as a matter of honesty, but in no way confuse any of the Biblical doctrines, nor lessen its supreme authority as the only book that is God’s Word. Although some translations are better than others, we reject any elitist divisive attitude that tries to communicate that there is only one correct, flawless, usable translation, e.g., "KJV only." The teaching in GNM Church, and quotations found in our literature, are most generally from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), which we highly recommend.
SECTION 2 – AUTHORITY OF STATEMENT OF FAITH
This statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing statement of faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible and, therefore, is binding upon all members. All literature representing GNM Church doctrines should be in complete agreement with this statement of faith.
ARTICLE III – ORDINATION and LICENSE
Section A -- When, in the judgment of the GNMC elder(s), a man exhibits the gift of evangelist or pastor (teacher), it shall be within the power of the elder(s) to call and conduct a meeting for the ordination of an elder. The elder(s) are the authoritative teachers in the church. Deacons may also be ordained and ministers licensed for other areas of need such as counseling, building care, etc. Deacons and ministers do not have teaching authority in the church. Deacons may be allowed to teach under the authority of the elder(s) at the elder(s)’ discretion.
Section B – The ordination meeting shall be made up of the body of believers, with all elder(s) presiding.
Section C – The man being considered for ordination or license shall prepare, in written or oral form, information covering the following:
1. A biographical sketch of his life,
2. A statement of evidence of a call to the Christian ministry and of his gift, and
3. An oral exposition covering each of the major Bible doctrines, per the questions of the ordination council, giving his personal viewpoint of each doctrine.
Section D – There shall be a thorough examination of each applicant as to his call to the Christian ministry, Christian experience, education, reputation, character, doctrinal belief, and demonstrated efficiency in Christian service. The minutes and the ordination recommendations shall be recorded as to the results of the examination, with the elder(s) making the final decision. This decision must be unanimous if there is more than one elder.
Section E – GNMC shall be the ordaining authority; however, the council recognizes that all gifts are initially God-given, and therefore God-ordained, and carry within the gift the authority and commission inherent in that specific spiritual gift. The council, as the earthly ordaining authority, merely recognizes and confirms the presence of the gift and the maturity of spiritual character to carry out the divine commission assigned to that gift. Upon an acceptable recommendation of the ordination council, an ordination service may be held.
Section F – The following shall not be ordained or licensed to the ministry:
1. One who has not served at least six months in definite Christian work, in such a manner as to convey reasonable evidence of Christian service.
2. One who is addicted to the use of intoxicating liquor, drugs, or tobacco in any form; or who belongs to a secret society; one who brings disrepute upon his ministry through worldly practices and associations (Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 6:14-1 8; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15).
3. One who holds to false or incorrect doctrine, or associates with those who have such doctrines.
4. Women (1 Cor. 14:34; 1 Tim. 2:12; 3:2-5; Titus 1:5,6)
Section G – It shall be within the province of the directors’ ordination council to recommend the revoking of the ordination credentials of any elder, deacon, or minister ordained under the constitution of GNMC if the said man is found guilty and unrepentant of any of the above practices, after an impartial trial is conducted by the council in the spirit of Matt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 6:1-8; Gal. 6:1, and 2 Thes. 3:6,14,15. Any one refusing to come to trial may still be revoked.
ARTICLE IV – CHANGE OF STATEMENT OF FAITH
GNMC may make any changes or additions to the constitution, which they deem necessary, but such changes or additions must be by unanimous decision of the elder/directors.
ARTICLE V – LOCAL CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1 – QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP (defined) – Although the word “membership” is not found in the Bible, we do see there the concept of church “members” (1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 3:6, 4:25, 5:30) referring to the believer’s position in the universal church. The early Christians were also “devoted” to the local church. They were “together” and of “one mind” (Acts 2:42-46). Paul later encourages the church in Rome to be “devoted to one another in brotherly love” (Rom. 12:10). He admonishes the church in Corinth “that you all agree, and there be no divisions among you, but you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10), and instructs the church at Ephesus to be “diligent to preserve the unity” (Eph. 4:3). For a Christian to have a right relationship with God, that Christian should be “devoted” to a local assembly so that he may become equipped for the work of the ministry through the gifted elders – Acts 14:23, Eph. 4:8-12, Titus 1:5. He should obey and submit to the elders of his church (I Tim. 3:5, Heb. 13:7). Any Christian who is not an elder of a church, and, without good reason, is not in submission to an elder of a church, is in sin and out of the will of God. A Christian becomes a member of a local church when he decides to be “devoted” to that specific church and to obey the commands of God concerning the local church and its leadership.
MEMBERSHIP may be granted to those who agree with the statement of faith contained herein, and desire to be devoted in unity to GNM Church as stated in SECTION 2 – MEMBER AFFIRMATION OF DEVOTION AND UNITY, and upon compliance with any one of the following conditions:
(A) By baptism (immersion) as a true believer in Christ Jesus as personal Savior;
(B) By testimony of faith, having been baptized by immersion; or
(C) By restoration if, after having been church disciplined and removed from membership, confession of the sin(s) involved is made publicly before the church membership.
SECTION 2 – MEMBER AFFIRMATION OF DEVOTION AND UNITY
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on profession of our faith, having been water baptized as a public testimony of that faith, we do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully affirm our devotion to one another, as one body in Christ. We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, unity, discipline, and doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and to the spread of the gospel through all nations. We also engage to maintain family and private devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred, acquaintances, and all others; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful to our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tale-bearing, backbiting, slander, gossip, coarse jesting, vulgar swearing, and anger; to abstain from tobacco, gambling, and ungodly music; to not participate in worldly entertainment or wear unbiblical hairstyles and clothing; to be free from all oath-bound secret societies and partnerships with unbelievers and to be zealous in our efforts of public evangelism to advance the kingdom of our Savior.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love, to remember each other in prayer, to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy of speech, to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and, mindful of the rules of our Savior, to secure reconciliation without delay. We moreover engage that, when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we may carry out this spirit of devotion and unity in accord with the principles of God’s Word. (Acts 2:41, 42; Rom. 12:10; 1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:11-15)
SECTION 3 – DUTIES OF A MEMBER
On becoming a member of this church, in addition to the precepts contained in Article VI, Section 2, each one further affirms to love, honor, and esteem the elders; to pray for them; and to recognize their authority in spiritual affairs of the church; to cherish a brotherly love for all members of the church; to support the church in prayer, gifts, offerings and with other financial support as the Lord enables; and, in accordance with Biblical commands, to support, through his or her life-style and conversation a walk that affirms the beliefs and practices of the church.
SECTION 4 – LIMITATIONS OF MEMBERSHIP
This congregation functions not as a pure democracy, but as a body under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ and under the direction of the elders as the under-shepherds. Membership in this church does not afford those individuals with any property, contract, or civil rights based on principles of democratic government. Determination of the internal affairs of this church is an ecclesiastical matter, and shall be determined exclusively by the church's own rules and procedures. The elder(s) shall oversee and/or conduct all aspects of this church. Deacons or members shall give advice and assistance to the elders as requested by them.
SECTION 5 – NON-MEMBERS, AND UNBELIEVERS
The activities of GNM Church are open to non-members (who have not been church disciplined or are practicing sin) and unbelievers as long as they submit to the authorities of the church regarding proper Christian speech and behavior.
II GOD – The Godhead is one Triune God, eternally existing in three Persons – Father, Word, and Holy Spirit– Eternal in being, co-identical in nature, co-equal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfections, yet different in role, character, and authority. This is best understood by seeing that man, who is created in God’s image and likeness, is also triune – soul, body, and spirit – but cannot separate his parts at will, as God can. The Father is the “soul” part, with all authority, as man’s soul is his authority – where the will resides and decisions are made (Deu. 6:4; 2 Cor. 13:14; Titus 2:13; Acts 5:3, 4; John 8:42; Gen. 1:26).
III The Person and the Work of Christ
a. The eternal “WORD,” the “image” and “form” of GOD, “the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature,” “emptied Himself” of His Godly power and attributes and “taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men” became Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, the Son of God, while still God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that he might further reveal God and redeem sinful men (Isa. 9:6; John 1:1, 14; Luke 1:35; Phlp. 2:6, 7; Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3).
b. The Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross and suffering in Hades as our representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:24, 31; Rom. 3:24, 25; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 2:24).
c. The Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, and is now seated at the right hand of God, where, as our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Mediator, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9-11; Heb. 9:24; 1 John. 2:1, 2).
IV The Person and Work of God the Holy Spirit
a. God the Holy Spirit is He who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and He is the supernatural agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them for the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; 2 Cor. 3:6; 5:5; 1 Cor.12:12-14; Rom. 8:9; Eph. 1:13, 14; 4:30).
b. He is the Divine Teacher who guides all believers in all truth; and it is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with (controlled by) the Spirit (John 16:13; 1 John 2:20, 27: Eph. 5:18).
V The Sinfulness of Man – Man was created in the image and likeness of God, but because of sin the race fell, inheriting the sinful nature, and man thus became alienated from God. Although man is guilty in his sin nature (and through his own efforts in 'righteous works' is utterly unable to remedy his lost and fallen condition), God places a portion of "truth" within all men (Rom. 1: 19), and expects each man to respond to this “truth within" by "seeking the Lord" (Acts 15:17; Acts 17:27; Jer. 29:13). If a man "suppresses the truth” (Rom. 1:18), God declares that the man is “without excuse" (Rom. 1:20), and He is not obligated to provide more truth. Sinful man has the responsibility to seek God. He who continues to reject knowledge of God is given over to a depraved mind (Rom.1:28).
VI Salvation – The eternal penalty for our sins is separation from God in a literal flaming torment (HADES, then the LAKE OF FIRE). Salvation from this deserved penalty is provided as a "free gift” purchased by the suffering of the LORD JESUS CHRIST before the cross, on the cross, and in Hades. God's grace offers this "gift of eternal life" to ALL. Man receives this “gift" when he exercises his responsibility to “BELIEVE" that he does and always will deserve to be in hell forever. He must then “BELIEVE” (have faith in, trust, rely on, rest in) the fact that Christ's suffering was sufficient payment of the eternal penalty for ALL of his sins – past, present, and future (John 5:24). No amount of “good works,” or “sacraments,” will get you saved, keep you saved, or prove that you are saved. We reject the TULIP teachings made popular by John Calvin, who (if he died believing what he wrote in Calvin’s Institutes) died an unsaved man.
VII The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers
a. All the redeemed, once saved, are saved eternally by God's plan and power, and thus are secure in Christ forever. You cannot “sin away,” “lose,” “fall away from,” ‘reject,” or “return” that which is ETERNAL – your salvation. (John 6:37-40; John 10:27-30; Rom. 8:1, 38, 39; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; 1 Peter 1:5).
b. It is the privilege of believers to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation through the testimony of God's Word; this privilege however, clearly forbids the use of Christian liberty as an occasion to the flesh (Rom. 13:13,14; Gal. 5:13; Titus 2:11-15).
c. Those who do not understand or believe in eternal security do not understand or believe the GOSPEL. They are lost (John 10:28-29; Rom. 4:4-8; Gal. 2:4, 3:1-14, 5:1-4; Eph. 1:13-14; Col. 2:10-14; Titus 3:5-7; Heb. 11:1).
VIII Unbiblical Gospel Clichés – GNMC discourages the use of Christian clichés such as “accepting Jesus in your heart,” “opening the door of your heart,” “making a commitment, “ “praying a sinner's prayer,” “giving your life to Jesus,” “asking Jesus into your heart,” etc., which are totally unbiblical in their origin. These clichés only serve to confuse the unbeliever and, since they are unbiblical, they must be viewed as distortions of the true gospel (Gal. 1:6-10; 2 Cor. 11:4).
IX The Two Natures of the Believer – Every saved person possesses two natures, with provision made for the victory of the new (Spiritual) nature over the old (sinful) man, or “carnal” nature through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. All claims to the eradication of the old (sin) nature in this life are unscriptural (Rom. 6:13; Rom. 8:12, 13; Gal. 5:16-25; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:10; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John. 3:5-9). The saved person who is living “carnal” and practicing sin will be disciplined by their heavenly Father (Acts 5:1-10; 1 Cor. 3:15, 10:1-11, 11:30; 2 Cor, 5:10, 11; Heb. 3:7-4:1, 12:5-11; Rev. 2:1-3:22)
X Separation – God commands believers to be separate:
a. The saved are not to be bound or yoked in relationships with unbelievers, e.g., marriage, public school (children), false religions, business partnerships, etc., (2 Cor. 6:14-18: Rev. 18:4).
b. The saved are to “turn away, keep aloof, withdraw, avoid, reject, not associate with, and not even eat with," other saved who refuse correction in their morals or doctrines (Rom.16:17; 1 Cor. 5:11; 2 Thes. 3:6,14; 1 Tim. 6:3-5; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Ti.3:10, 11).
XI The Ministry and Spiritual Gifts
a. God is sovereign in the bestowment of all His gifts. The elders’ teaching gifts of evangelist and pastor are NECESSARY for the complete equipping of all of the saints today (Eph. 4:11-13). However, God has given other gifts to the saints that include: teaching, service, exhortation, giving, leadership, and mercy, (Rom. 12.6-8). It is the proper working of all these gifts that causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love (1 Cor. 12:12-27). The Spirit gifts listed in I Cor. 12:7-11, along with the gifts of apostle and prophet, gradually ceased with the completion of the Bible (1 Cor. 12:4-11, 13:8-10; 2Cor. 12:12; Eph. 4:7-12).
b. God hears and answers the prayers of faith for the sick and afflicted in accord with His own will (John 15:7; 1 John 5:14,15; James 5:14-16).
XII The Church
a. The universal church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual assembly made up of all those who have put their faith in the blood of Christ (His finished work of suffering on the cross and in Hades) as their only means of salvation and thus forever possess eternal life (Acts 2:23-31; Eph. 1:22, 23; 5:24-27; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 11:2).
b. The establishment of local churches with first apostles, then elders as leaders, is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament scriptures (Acts 14:27; 20:17; 1 Tim. 3:1 - 13, Titus 1:5-11).
c. The local church elders (not religious schools, institutes, colleges, universities, or seminaries) are to equip the saints for the work of service (Acts 14:23; Eph. 3:10; 4:11-14; Tit. 1:5).
d. Believers are commanded to submit to and obey church elders (Heb. 13:17).
e. Believers gathered together without elders does not constitute a local church. Those who refuse to follow the Biblical teaching of elder leadership are in sin. (Acts 2:41-42, 14:23; Titus 1:5-11; Heb.13:17)
XIII Church Titles – Jesus commands us to not be called, or to address anyone, as (our spiritual) "father," "rabbi," "master," "leader," "teacher," or "doctor." Leaders in the church are never to be referred to by any of these titles, although they may hold such a position and/or be gifted as a leader or teacher. The following reasons are given: (1) Christ is our Teacher and our Leader -- to be replaced later by the Holy Spirit, and (2) God is our Father. The elders in the church are to be "teachers," and they are to be "leaders.” THEY ARE TO FULFILL THE POSITION, BUT REJECT THE TITLE. A third reason given is that titles of honor may produce haughtiness and arrogance. That is why Jesus condemned them in the church; yet, in the world, these titles are acceptable. We have earthly fathers and grandfathers. We also have those in the medical professions whom we refer to as doctors, and those who are master plumbers and electricians, trail guides and leaders (Matt. 23:6-12; Luke 2:46; Jn. 1:38; 14:16, 17; 16:12-14; Eph. 4:11; 1Tim. 3:2; Heb. 13:17).
XIV Church Ordinances – There are two ordinances instituted by Jesus Christ for the Church Age believers:
a. Water baptism is the immersion, in water, of believers, as a public testimony to their faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior. The believer must be able to communicate an understanding of these truths before baptism. That is why no infants or young children were ever baptized in the Bible (Rom. 6:4, 5; Acts 8:12; 36-38; 10:47, 48).
b. The Lord's Supper is the commemoration of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. It should always be preceded by solemn self- examination, and we should continue to remember Him this way until He comes (1Cor.11:23 -28). [These ordinances are not in any way part of the salvation plan, as erroneously taught by Calvin, Luther, the Roman Catholic Church, and others. There are no other memorials commanded by Christ, taught in the scriptures, or practiced by the apostles. Feasts, festivals, or special holy days like Lent, Christ-Mass, and Eastre, which were invented after the apostolic period, are vain traditions and lies of men. We do acknowledge national holidays where “honor is given to whom honor is due” (Rom. 13:7).]
XV Church Discipline – All personal grievances between believers, whether legal, moral, ethical, or doctrinal, shall be reconciled according to the scriptural rules in Matt. 5:23-25; Matt. 18:15-17; Luke l7:3,4; Acts 15:2-6; I Cor. 5:6-8; Gal. 2:14 and Gal. 6:1. The discipline of those in the local church is entrusted to the elders by the Word of God, and shall be exercised according the principle of Christian love, as in Gal. 6:1.
a. There shall be a discipline committee consisting of at least one elder, and a deacon if possible. The elder shall have sole authority in determining heretical deviations from the statement of faith and violations of Biblical principles. If an elder is the subject of a disciplinary matter, he shall not sit as a member of the discipline committee. The situation shall be governed by the same process and precepts found in Matt. 18:15-17; Gal.2:14 and I Tim. 5:19-20.
b. Members are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one another. When a member becomes aware of any offense that is considered sin, he is to go alone to the offending party and seek to restore his brother (except in the case of a public offense where there is absolutely no question of guilt, e.g. I Cor. 5:6-8 and Gal. 2:14). Before he goes, he should first examine himself. When he goes, he should go with a spirit of humility and have the goal of restoration.
c. If reconciliation is not reached, a second member or two (preferably one a deacon or elder) is to accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter. This second step should also be preceded by self-examination, and exercised in a spirit of humility with the goal of restoration.
d. If the matter is still unresolved after the steps outlined in subsections b. and c. have been taken, the discipline committee, as the church representatives responsible for putting down murmuring, shall hear the matter. If the matter is not resolved during the hearing before the discipline committee, such members who refuse to repent and be restored are to be barred from the fellowship and the assembly of the church.
e. A matter may not be heard by the discipline committee or the church unless the steps outlined in subsections b. and c. have been taken, except in the case of a public offense where there is absolutely no question of guilt, e.g. I Cor. 5:6-8 and Gal. 2:14.
f. If an unrepentant offending party is removed from the church, all further contact with him must be for the sake of restoration (except contact due to authority situations within households, with fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, and children, which cannot be avoided).
XVI The Personality of Satan – Satan is a fallen angel, the author of sin. He is the open and declared enemy of God and man, and he shall be eternally punished in the lake of fire (Job 1:6, 7; Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:11-19; Matt. 4:2-11; Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10).
XVII Dispensationalism – The Bible can only be accurately interpreted, “rightly dividing the Word of truth,” by using the dispensational approach. Dispensations are the different time frames in the Bible, such as when Adam and Eve were in the garden, the time from Moses to Christ’s resurrection, the Church Age, the millennium, etc., where God tests mankind in different ways. All teachings outside of dispensationalism are rejected, such as the extreme teaching known as “hyper-dispensationalism," which is the teaching that opposes either the Lord's Supper or water baptism as a scriptural means of public believers’ testimony for the church of this age (Acts 2:41,42; 16:31-33; 18:8; 1 Cor. 1: 13-17).
XVIII The Second Advent – The Second Advent of Christ is a two-part event. The first part is the "Blessed Hope" -- the personal, imminent, pre-tribulation appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ, coming for His redeemed ones in the clouds -- the “HARPAZO.” The second part is His subsequent return to earth with those saints who are worthy, to establish His millennial earthly Messianic kingdom which was promised to the nation of Israel (Zech. 14:4-11; Rev. 19:11-16; Rev. 20:1-6; 1 Thess. 1:10; 4:13-18, 5:9; Rev. 3:10).
XIX The Eternal State
a. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men -- the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28, 29; 11:25, 26; Rev. 20:5, 6, 12, 13).
b. We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where they consciously await resurrection -- when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be forever with the Lord, inside or outside the Holy City (2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23, 3:21; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17; Rev. 20:4-6, 22:12-15).
c. We believe that the redeemed of both the O.T. and N.T. will be rewarded for their works and holiness as believers. (Forgiveness from the penalty of our sins -- eternal punishment in Hades and the lake of fire -- is not a reward, but a free gift -- eternal life.) The rewards will include things such as the following: special food, special clothing, crowns, new names, returning with Jesus Christ for the millennium, and the right to enter the City -- New Jerusalem. Those saints who have practiced unconfessed sin will be naked, outside the City, and never allowed to enter the City, nor eat of the tree of life (Matt. 5:1-20; 1 Cor. 3:8-15; Gal. 5:19-21; Rev. 2-3:17; 22:12-15).
d. We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious punishment and torment in Hades until resurrection. Then, with soul, spirit, and body reunited, they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment and shall be cast into the lake of fire, not to be annihilated, but to suffer everlasting conscious punishment and torment (Matt. 25:41-46; Mark. 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6, 7; Rev. 20:11-15).
XX Creation – We believe that God created the universe in six literal, 24-hour periods. We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day Age Theory, and theistic evolution as unscriptural theories of origin (Genesis 1-2; Ex. 20:11).
XXI Authority and Government – We believe that in this present Church Age God has ordained certain areas of human authority, consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home; 2) the church; 3) the state. The purpose of these institutions is to provide for human needs, authoritatively encourage and enforce obedience to God’s Word -- the Bible, and to appropriately punish disobedience -- or sin. Every person (including the authorities themselves) should be subject to these institutions, as long as the institutions follow Biblical principles. God has given each institution specific Biblical authority and responsibilities and balanced them with the understanding that any transgression of Biblical principles may give the other institutions the right to infringe upon them -- to correct them or administer God’s discipline according to the guidelines of Matt. 18:15-17; Rom. 13:1-7 and 1 Cor.6:1-6. In this present Church Age, neither the home nor the church has the authority to carry out public incarceration or capital punishment. Neither the home nor the state has the authority to determine sound Biblical doctrine. The private homes, being the smallest spheres of authority, make up both the state and the church and are to be subject to them in areas that do not violate Biblical precepts and sound doctrine. The authorities of both the home and the state are to be under the authority of the local church elders, the church being God’s highest authority in this present age. It is the church elders who “keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.” It is only the church that is “the pillar and support of the truth,” the “restrainer of lawlessness” in the world, and has God’s promise that “the gates of Hades shall not overpower it” (Matt. 16:18; Acts 4:18, 19; Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-6:5; 2 Thess. 2:7; 1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13-17; Rev. 1:20, 22:16).
XXII Human Sexuality, Authority, Clothing, and Hair
a. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of the marriage bond between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God's gift of sex (Gen. 2:24; Gen. 19:5, 13; Gen. 26:8, 9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom 1: 26-32; 1 Cor. 5:1; 6:9; 1 Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4).
b. We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman (Gen. 2:24; Rom.7:2; 1 Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22-23).
c. We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God but that God has ordained distinct and separate spiritual functions for men and women in the home and in the church. The husband is to be the leader of the home and men are to be the leaders (pastors and evangelists – elders, and deacons) of the church. Accordingly, only men are eligible for licensure and ordination by the church (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:18; 1 Tim. 2:8-15; 3:4-5, 12).
d. We believe that there are to be clear distinctions between male and female clothing, and male and female hairstyles. The anti-God, anti-male feminist movement begun by people such as Margaret Sanger and Amelia Bloomer (who launched the practice of wearing men’s trousers as an act of rebellion) is rejected as an abomination. Trousers are men’s wear. Dresses are women’s wear. Cross-dressing is sin (Deut. 22:5; 1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Tim. 2:9;).
e. We believe that there are proper hairstyles for men and women. Long hair covering the ears and the neck of a man makes him dishonorable. The man’s head, neck, and ears are to be exposed because he is the head of the woman. A woman with a hairstyle that exposes her neck and ears is disgraceful. The woman’s head, neck, and ears are to be covered by her hair because she is under authority (Deut. 32:42; I Cor. 11:1-16; I Tim. 2:9; 1Pet. 3:9; Rev. 9:7, 8).
XXIII Divorce and Remarriage – We believe that God hates divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. Separation and desertion are considered divorce. To teach that divorce is allowable for any reason (such as immorality) is sin. To initiate divorce for any reason is sin, and remarriage of a Christian who has initiated a divorce while being a believer is regarded as adultery. One who has been deserted has the right to file for divorce, since their mate has already divorced them. Divorced men, or divorced men who have remarried, may hold positions of service in the church -- such as offices of elder, deacon, or minister -- if they did not desert their mate, or initiate the divorce (Matt. 5:31,32; 19:3-9; Mark 10:11-12;Luke 16:18; I Cor. 7:10-16, 27-28).
XXIV Abortion – We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of unborn human life. Abortion is murder. We reject any teachings that abortions of pregnancies are acceptable due to rape, incest, birth defect, gender selection, birth or population control, or the mental well being of the mother. (Job 3:16; Psalms 51:5; 139:14-16; Isa. 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5; 20:15-18; Luke 1:44).
XXV Alcohol – The abuse of alcohol is condemned in the Bible as the sin of drunkenness (as the abuse of eating food is the sin of gluttony and the abuse of sex is the sin of immorality). The general consumption of alcohol is NEVER condemned (Num. 6:20; Deut.14:26; Isa. 25:6; Luke 7:33-34; 1 Tim. 3:3, 8; Tit. 1:7).
XXVI Giving – We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God's wealth entrusted to him, is obligated to support his local church financially. We believe that God has established the tithe as a general, but not absolute, basis for giving. Christians should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully for the support of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the gospel. We believe that Christians relinquish all rights to direct the use of their offering once the gift has been made (Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Gal. 6:6; Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 John 3:17).
XXVII Missions – The saved are obligated and commanded to verbally proclaim the gospel in the “marketplace” to all mankind and to witness by word, works, and lifestyle as to the truths of Holy Scripture. This witness includes modest, discreet dress, and Biblical hairstyles (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 11:4-16; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; I Tim. 2:8-9).
XXVIII Christian Counseling – The Word of God teaches that "all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be ADEQUATE, equipped for every good work (Rom. 15:14; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:2-4). Thus, counseling for Christians is FULLY contained within the Bible. GNMC rejects all pseudo-scientific counseling systems invented by men such as Freud, Rogers, Mowrer, or Skinner, and rejects any and all psychiatry, A. A., N. A., and any other polytheistic, or secular humanistic programs or systems. GNMC also rejects the mood altering psychotropic drugs of the psychiatric community such as Ritalin, Prozac, and the like as sorcery and drug abuse.
XXIX Home School – The public schools present evolution as fact and the sodomite lifestyle as acceptable. They promote sexual immorality by acts such as distributing condoms and denigrate God’s commandments and moral absolutes in general. Christian parents who place their child in a public school are in SIN! For the saved to be obedient to God's commands concerning holiness and separation (see Art. VIII.), their children must be home-schooled. GNMC will provide as much personal and financial support as possible for its members to do this.
XXX Bible Translations – Although the Bible was inerrant in its original manuscripts, the recopying of these manuscripts has produced minor scribal errors in the numerous manuscripts that we have today. The many Bibles translated from these manuscripts all contain minor translation errors, along with the scribal errors. These errors, which make up less than one tenth of one per cent of the total Bible, are included in the translations as a matter of honesty, but in no way confuse any of the Biblical doctrines, nor lessen its supreme authority as the only book that is God’s Word. Although some translations are better than others, we reject any elitist divisive attitude that tries to communicate that there is only one correct, flawless, usable translation, e.g., "KJV only." The teaching in GNM Church, and quotations found in our literature, are most generally from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), which we highly recommend.
SECTION 2 – AUTHORITY OF STATEMENT OF FAITH
This statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing statement of faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible and, therefore, is binding upon all members. All literature representing GNM Church doctrines should be in complete agreement with this statement of faith.
ARTICLE III – ORDINATION and LICENSE
Section A -- When, in the judgment of the GNMC elder(s), a man exhibits the gift of evangelist or pastor (teacher), it shall be within the power of the elder(s) to call and conduct a meeting for the ordination of an elder. The elder(s) are the authoritative teachers in the church. Deacons may also be ordained and ministers licensed for other areas of need such as counseling, building care, etc. Deacons and ministers do not have teaching authority in the church. Deacons may be allowed to teach under the authority of the elder(s) at the elder(s)’ discretion.
Section B – The ordination meeting shall be made up of the body of believers, with all elder(s) presiding.
Section C – The man being considered for ordination or license shall prepare, in written or oral form, information covering the following:
1. A biographical sketch of his life,
2. A statement of evidence of a call to the Christian ministry and of his gift, and
3. An oral exposition covering each of the major Bible doctrines, per the questions of the ordination council, giving his personal viewpoint of each doctrine.
Section D – There shall be a thorough examination of each applicant as to his call to the Christian ministry, Christian experience, education, reputation, character, doctrinal belief, and demonstrated efficiency in Christian service. The minutes and the ordination recommendations shall be recorded as to the results of the examination, with the elder(s) making the final decision. This decision must be unanimous if there is more than one elder.
Section E – GNMC shall be the ordaining authority; however, the council recognizes that all gifts are initially God-given, and therefore God-ordained, and carry within the gift the authority and commission inherent in that specific spiritual gift. The council, as the earthly ordaining authority, merely recognizes and confirms the presence of the gift and the maturity of spiritual character to carry out the divine commission assigned to that gift. Upon an acceptable recommendation of the ordination council, an ordination service may be held.
Section F – The following shall not be ordained or licensed to the ministry:
1. One who has not served at least six months in definite Christian work, in such a manner as to convey reasonable evidence of Christian service.
2. One who is addicted to the use of intoxicating liquor, drugs, or tobacco in any form; or who belongs to a secret society; one who brings disrepute upon his ministry through worldly practices and associations (Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 6:14-1 8; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15).
3. One who holds to false or incorrect doctrine, or associates with those who have such doctrines.
4. Women (1 Cor. 14:34; 1 Tim. 2:12; 3:2-5; Titus 1:5,6)
Section G – It shall be within the province of the directors’ ordination council to recommend the revoking of the ordination credentials of any elder, deacon, or minister ordained under the constitution of GNMC if the said man is found guilty and unrepentant of any of the above practices, after an impartial trial is conducted by the council in the spirit of Matt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 6:1-8; Gal. 6:1, and 2 Thes. 3:6,14,15. Any one refusing to come to trial may still be revoked.
ARTICLE IV – CHANGE OF STATEMENT OF FAITH
GNMC may make any changes or additions to the constitution, which they deem necessary, but such changes or additions must be by unanimous decision of the elder/directors.
ARTICLE V – LOCAL CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1 – QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP (defined) – Although the word “membership” is not found in the Bible, we do see there the concept of church “members” (1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 3:6, 4:25, 5:30) referring to the believer’s position in the universal church. The early Christians were also “devoted” to the local church. They were “together” and of “one mind” (Acts 2:42-46). Paul later encourages the church in Rome to be “devoted to one another in brotherly love” (Rom. 12:10). He admonishes the church in Corinth “that you all agree, and there be no divisions among you, but you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10), and instructs the church at Ephesus to be “diligent to preserve the unity” (Eph. 4:3). For a Christian to have a right relationship with God, that Christian should be “devoted” to a local assembly so that he may become equipped for the work of the ministry through the gifted elders – Acts 14:23, Eph. 4:8-12, Titus 1:5. He should obey and submit to the elders of his church (I Tim. 3:5, Heb. 13:7). Any Christian who is not an elder of a church, and, without good reason, is not in submission to an elder of a church, is in sin and out of the will of God. A Christian becomes a member of a local church when he decides to be “devoted” to that specific church and to obey the commands of God concerning the local church and its leadership.
MEMBERSHIP may be granted to those who agree with the statement of faith contained herein, and desire to be devoted in unity to GNM Church as stated in SECTION 2 – MEMBER AFFIRMATION OF DEVOTION AND UNITY, and upon compliance with any one of the following conditions:
(A) By baptism (immersion) as a true believer in Christ Jesus as personal Savior;
(B) By testimony of faith, having been baptized by immersion; or
(C) By restoration if, after having been church disciplined and removed from membership, confession of the sin(s) involved is made publicly before the church membership.
SECTION 2 – MEMBER AFFIRMATION OF DEVOTION AND UNITY
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on profession of our faith, having been water baptized as a public testimony of that faith, we do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully affirm our devotion to one another, as one body in Christ. We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, unity, discipline, and doctrines; to give it a sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and to the spread of the gospel through all nations. We also engage to maintain family and private devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred, acquaintances, and all others; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful to our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tale-bearing, backbiting, slander, gossip, coarse jesting, vulgar swearing, and anger; to abstain from tobacco, gambling, and ungodly music; to not participate in worldly entertainment or wear unbiblical hairstyles and clothing; to be free from all oath-bound secret societies and partnerships with unbelievers and to be zealous in our efforts of public evangelism to advance the kingdom of our Savior.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love, to remember each other in prayer, to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy of speech, to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and, mindful of the rules of our Savior, to secure reconciliation without delay. We moreover engage that, when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we may carry out this spirit of devotion and unity in accord with the principles of God’s Word. (Acts 2:41, 42; Rom. 12:10; 1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:11-15)
SECTION 3 – DUTIES OF A MEMBER
On becoming a member of this church, in addition to the precepts contained in Article VI, Section 2, each one further affirms to love, honor, and esteem the elders; to pray for them; and to recognize their authority in spiritual affairs of the church; to cherish a brotherly love for all members of the church; to support the church in prayer, gifts, offerings and with other financial support as the Lord enables; and, in accordance with Biblical commands, to support, through his or her life-style and conversation a walk that affirms the beliefs and practices of the church.
SECTION 4 – LIMITATIONS OF MEMBERSHIP
This congregation functions not as a pure democracy, but as a body under the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ and under the direction of the elders as the under-shepherds. Membership in this church does not afford those individuals with any property, contract, or civil rights based on principles of democratic government. Determination of the internal affairs of this church is an ecclesiastical matter, and shall be determined exclusively by the church's own rules and procedures. The elder(s) shall oversee and/or conduct all aspects of this church. Deacons or members shall give advice and assistance to the elders as requested by them.
SECTION 5 – NON-MEMBERS, AND UNBELIEVERS
The activities of GNM Church are open to non-members (who have not been church disciplined or are practicing sin) and unbelievers as long as they submit to the authorities of the church regarding proper Christian speech and behavior.