Section A The Local Church
The Lord has seen fit to have His saints meet together in local assemblies. The purpose is that they might worship Him, study His Word, sharpen and exercise their spiritual gifts, express love and care for each other, encourage and help each other, and give material gifts for the furtherance of His mission. This mission includes the sending out of missionaries at home and abroad to the far reaches of the world. It also includes the discipleship of those that believe (Rev. 1:4; Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Cor 16:2; Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8).
Section B The Spiritual Church
This church is a spiritual one composed of all who have been united to Jesus Christ by faith. The Spirit of God has placed us in this unique body. This church has no denominational labels. It is to be characterized by love, unity, and peace, for all that are in it are members of the family of God. (Mt. 16:16-18; Jn. 17:20-24; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Gal. 3:26-28.)
Section C Church Ordinances
In obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ, we practice two ordinances. Water baptism for those who can give testimony to their faith in Christ, and desire to show that their old lifestyle is over and that they wish to live a new lifestyle for their Lord. The Lord’s Supper is in remembrance of our Lord’s sacrifice of himself for our sins (Mt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).
Section D Spiritual Gifts
The risen Christ has given spiritual gifts to His Church that it might be spiritually strong and healthy in its ministry and service here on earth. Some of those gifts were specially gifted men (Eph. 4:11-12). Those that were foundational (apostles and prophets) are no longer given since their work is over (Eph. 2:20). Those that continue are the evangelists and pastor-teacher. The other gifts given were for the purpose of performing certain functions or tasks in the body of Christ. Those that were foundational, such as the sign gifts (miraculous gifts) which were given to prove that Christ and His Apostles were of God (Acts 2:22; 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:3-4), are no longer given. The resurrection of Jesus Christ forever validated His Person and work (Rom 1:4). The ministry of the Apostles is over and their witness to the Person of Christ has been forever inscribed in the New Testament (Jn. 17:14, 20; 1 Cor. 14:37). Sign gifts then began to pass away (1 Cor. 13:8-10; 1 Tim. 5:21, 2 Tim 4:20) and ceased with the passing of the Apostolic Age. Ministry gifts do and will continue until the Church is in Heaven. (Rom. 12:3-8, Eph. 4:12-13). Every Believer is given such a gift (or gifts) by the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 12:11).