• BASIC BELIEFS •
This is by no means an exhaustive statement of all the beliefs of the Homeward Bound Pilgrims,
but rather a simple list of beliefs that we hold which are commonly discussed among Christians and
which visitors may find helpful to get a basic understanding of our faith and practice.
but rather a simple list of beliefs that we hold which are commonly discussed among Christians and
which visitors may find helpful to get a basic understanding of our faith and practice.
MISSION STATEMENT
Homeward Bound Pilgrims is a fellowship of believers 'called out' by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a light for Jesus Christ in this dark world.
We are like the first century congregations in that we are a couple that opens our home to be used as a home-based congregation for like-minded believers to worship in the confines of our private dwelling, and join in the homes of other such believers on occasion. To protect our privacy in this dark and perilous time we don’t publish our 'exact' address on line. We ask that visitors that desire to worship the Lord with us, after learning about what we believe the Bible says, and are like-minded, make an appointment ahead of time. As part of the confirmation / invitation we will meet with you publicly for non-alcoholic beverages, paying separately, as we learn more about each other, prior to giving out our address.
We are located in the North Hills area of Reno, Nevada. Check out our Contact page to learn more or ask questions.
Our shared task is to equip followers for the ministry (as Pilgrims that are homeward bound)-- and to work in the highways and hedges as the harvest is ripe and the workers are few.
We are like the first century congregations in that we are a couple that opens our home to be used as a home-based congregation for like-minded believers to worship in the confines of our private dwelling, and join in the homes of other such believers on occasion. To protect our privacy in this dark and perilous time we don’t publish our 'exact' address on line. We ask that visitors that desire to worship the Lord with us, after learning about what we believe the Bible says, and are like-minded, make an appointment ahead of time. As part of the confirmation / invitation we will meet with you publicly for non-alcoholic beverages, paying separately, as we learn more about each other, prior to giving out our address.
We are located in the North Hills area of Reno, Nevada. Check out our Contact page to learn more or ask questions.
Our shared task is to equip followers for the ministry (as Pilgrims that are homeward bound)-- and to work in the highways and hedges as the harvest is ripe and the workers are few.
'Come Out From Among Them', a clear command in 2 Corinthians 6:15-18, is what we believe God demanded of His children in both the Old and New Testaments and still demands of each of His children today (Heb. 13:8) He told us to follow not only the great commandments but in fact ALL that He has commanded. (We have a video that tells all 234 of the commandments of Jesus) By instating the Lords Supper on the first day of each week ( Acts 20:7) as the only way He wished to be remembered He did away with ALL feasts, other sacrifices, holidays or celebrations (Amos 5:21) (so we no longer practice, participate or promote animal sacrifices, or feed into the myths and lies of tooth fairies, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, or any other feast or tradition of man (2 Tim. 4:2-4, 1 Tim. 4:6-8). Since Christ only requires the weekly observance of the Lords Supper as His only feast, that makes all Catholic originated holidays
associated with the harlot on seven hills an abomination....
as also are all of those that are man-made. Thus we obediently abstain for participation).
By commanding that we, as His chosen ones, who have been called out,
He orders us to seek, hunger and thirst for righteousness and truth.
Study the following scriptures to learn more about our stand in Christ and the narrow path He demands.
All NASV 2 Timothy 3:16 & 4:3-4, Psalm 119:160, Romans 10:9, John 14:15, Acts 2:38 & 42, 1 Peter 3:21, 2 Corinthians 6:15-18, Exodus 20:3, Mark 7:8, Colossians 2:8, 1 John 2:15, 1 Timothy 1:3-4, 2 Tim. 4:2-4,
1 Tim. 4:6-8, Titus 1:13-14, 2 Peter 1:16, Revelation 18:4, James 1:21, Mathew 22:19 & 20 & 38,
Revelation 3:16 & 22:18 & 19, Ezekiel 3:18.
Simply Servant replied:
Amen, thank you so much for sharing this, greatly appreciated. I like how thorough and how you used scripture to support. Your comments will help many to understand. Thank you again and God bless you.
associated with the harlot on seven hills an abomination....
as also are all of those that are man-made. Thus we obediently abstain for participation).
By commanding that we, as His chosen ones, who have been called out,
He orders us to seek, hunger and thirst for righteousness and truth.
Study the following scriptures to learn more about our stand in Christ and the narrow path He demands.
All NASV 2 Timothy 3:16 & 4:3-4, Psalm 119:160, Romans 10:9, John 14:15, Acts 2:38 & 42, 1 Peter 3:21, 2 Corinthians 6:15-18, Exodus 20:3, Mark 7:8, Colossians 2:8, 1 John 2:15, 1 Timothy 1:3-4, 2 Tim. 4:2-4,
1 Tim. 4:6-8, Titus 1:13-14, 2 Peter 1:16, Revelation 18:4, James 1:21, Mathew 22:19 & 20 & 38,
Revelation 3:16 & 22:18 & 19, Ezekiel 3:18.
Simply Servant replied:
Amen, thank you so much for sharing this, greatly appreciated. I like how thorough and how you used scripture to support. Your comments will help many to understand. Thank you again and God bless you.
CREATION
WE BELIEVE God literally created the entire universe by His spoken word in six days, resting on the seventh. However on the very day before He rested, He created the first man and woman.
THE TRINITY
WE BELIEVE God exists through eternity as Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
three coequal persons in one triune God (Rom. 8:9-11).
THE FATHER
WE BELIEVE God the Father is the Creator and Ruler of the universe yesterday, today and beyond (Heb. 13:8),
and that He seeks to claim all people as His sons and daughters, (John 3:16) through the initiation of
their free will (Luke 14, Matt. 22) and through the redeeming work of His Son, Jesus Christ (John 1:1).
THE SON
WE BELIEVE Jesus Christ is the first born and only 'begotten' Son of God, who came to rescue, restore and transform us to become joint heirs with Him as part of God's Kingdom. Fully God and fully human, He offered Himself by leaving His Heavenly Kingdom to be born of a virgin, raised with the understanding of His true purpose in life on earth, and through His death on the cross as the only perfect sacrifice for our sins. He arose from the dead in the flesh, claiming victory over death and the Evil One. He shall return to judge the inhabitants of earth, rescue His people, and fulfill His Father's plan. He reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords.
THE HOLY SPIRIT & BAPTISM
WE BELIEVE the Holy Spirit indwells and gives eternal spiritual life to believers through the obedience of full immersion baptism, washing away past sins, as a seal of promise to be assured salvation, enabling them to understand the Holy Scriptures, for a clean conscience, to receive spiritual gifts, to develop spiritual fruit, to experience intimacy with God, and to be empowered for godly
living and serving, (Acts 2:38 ,42) should they bend their free will to His .
THE WORD OF GOD
WE BELIEVE the entire Bible, both the Old and New Testaments are the sum of Gods Word (Ps. 119160), constitutes the revealed and inspired Word of God (Jn. 1:1, Ps. 12:6) and serves as the only infallible guide for teaching, rebuking, correcting, training in righteousness, faith and practice (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
SALVATION
WE BELIEVE that the 'Sinners Prayer' does not save anyone as it is not Biblical. However we do believe that we may receive the conditional gift of eternal life by God's grace and mercy through obedience (to Gods Word, Jesus' commands, and works of submission and change through the Holy Spirit for which we will be judged) and faith (which requires said works) in Jesus Christ. Jesus is God's appointed judge and only provision for human salvation. While good works of obedience are important as the fruit and evidence of our faith, we are instructed to 'work out' our own salvation with fear and trembling by the baptism of immersion, maintaining faith, repentance from sin, continued obedience to His Word, weekly breaking of bread for a weekly cleansing of sin , and following the Great Commission lest we have our names removed from the Book of Life.
HUMAN DESTINY
WE BELIEVE all people exist after death (2 Tim. 1:12), either eternally separated from God by sin,
or living eternally with God (Matt. 25:31-32) through His grace and forgiveness (Eph. 1:7-8)
as we exert our freewill in this matter ( Matt. 22:2-10, Lu. 14:16-24).
THE CHURCH
WE BELIEVE that the church is not a brick and mortar building but instead is the body of believers who have been 'called out' (2 Cor. 15-18) from the world and compromising congregations (Lu. 3:7), as we are to be part of the eternal universal Body of Christ as Homeward Bound Pilgrims (1 Pet. 2:11) walking a narrow path (Matt. 7:13-14), and as members of His Body, Church, Priesthood, Warriors, and Heirs, (Rom. 8:14-17) we have been given a variety of gifts and talents, abilities, jobs, works, and servant roles to preform (Rev. 20:11-15) according to the measure of grace, as He bestows (Lu. 6:38).
SINGING & MUSIC
WE BELIEVE our first aim on this matter is to show people that it is okay to sing praises and thanksgivings to God a Capella. Our second and perhaps most important aim is to show people God simply wants us to worship him from the heart in spirit and in deed. (John 4:24. James 1:27). The early Christians knew what Paul meant by Psalm, Hymn and Song, because they knew how these words were used in the Septuagint. The Septuagint, LXX, is the Greek translation of the Old Testament. This was the transcript they uses the same way we use the modern day Bible. It was used by almost everyone during the time of Christ, which Jesus and His apostles usually quoted from.
We invite you to examine our evidence more closely.
There is no mention in the New Testament of any instruments being used during worship...
they sang praises making melody and grace in their hearts.
Some congregations miss use verses to substantiate that there is to be no more shall the instruments be heard... as stated in Revelation 18:22, but that is taken out of contents and is about those that are condemned.
CHRISTIAN LIVING
WE BELIEVE we are called out by God, first and foremost, to obey His Word, do the works He has planned for us to do, to act with love, to pray faithfully, to embrace the joy and accept the cost of discipleship, to celebrate the with obedience Baptism and the Breaking of Bread, and to share the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ both locally and globally. It is through word and deed as we do the good works He has planned for us while abstaining from alcohol, fornication, lust of eyes, lust of the and pride of life that we will learn to walk the narrow path to the narrow gate. We are also to completely abstain from participating in, supporting or promoting any and all myths, fairy tales, feasts, holidays and celebrations originated by man, the church on seven hills, or that originated in pagan worship of any kind, and those not acknowledged or participated in by the apostles in the the New Testament, as we are not to add or remove anything from the Word of God.
TITHES & OFFERINGS
WE BELIEVE that the financial participation of the congregation is only through designated offerings. No plate is ever passed, no fundraising events are held, no faith promise agreements are expected, and nothing is sold, not even at cost. As the costs of the home that is used for worship services are covered by the residents there is no need for that burden to be on the members of the body unless the residents are hospitalized or an unexpected fate befalls them. A collection container is placed near the door for offerings, and members are encouraged to write down the purpose of their financial offering, and make those submissions on the first day of any week.
There is only one time in our Bible where tithing was a REQUIREMENT and that was during the fifteen hundred years before Jesus came, while Israel was under the LAW. Before that, there was a bigger picture of HONORING God with one’s substance. An honoring occurs when something that is of value, to the one doing the giving, which then and now was and is food is freely or voluntarily giving to someone as a sacrificial gesture of
thanksgiving or appreciation. Is God worthy to be highly esteemed for what He has
done and what He still does in our lives that we would specially HONOR Him for it?
If it was that way before the LAW, how much more should He be esteemed under
the New Covenant where we have been given a BETTER Covenant with all things in Christ.
As the poor is with us always, we, as a body, give IO% OF OUR INDIVIDUAL GROCERY BUDGETS IN THE FORM OF READILY CONSUMABLE FOOD (Deuteronomy 26:12, Luke 11:42, 2 Chronicles 31:5-6, Malachi 3:7-10, Matthew 23:23, Luke 18:12, Hebrews 8:6, Galatians 3:13 ), plus on occasion free-will offerings of clothing, blankets, and personal care items, in sacks or pillow cases, prepared for the body of Christ, homeless strangers considered needy, and deposited on the first day of the week, so marked beside the collection container.
We also, as a body, on rare occasion provide funds that are specifically designated for said purposes
such as moving expenses, unexpected medical bills, and the like, for our members, if individually
urged by the Holy Spirit to deposit those funds so marked into the collection container.
No local minister nor visiting missionary evangelist or any that are sent out from our church receives
any salary, nor any funds whatsoever, except what is specifically designated to them if
individually urged by the Holy Spirit to deposit those funds so marked into the collection container.
All of this follows the examples found in New Testament churches.
WE BELIEVE we are called out by God, first and foremost, to obey His Word, do the works He has planned for us to do, to act with love, to pray faithfully, to embrace the joy and accept the cost of discipleship, to celebrate the with obedience Baptism and the Breaking of Bread, and to share the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ both locally and globally. It is through word and deed as we do the good works He has planned for us while abstaining from alcohol, fornication, lust of eyes, lust of the and pride of life that we will learn to walk the narrow path to the narrow gate. We are also to completely abstain from participating in, supporting or promoting any and all myths, fairy tales, feasts, holidays and celebrations originated by man, the church on seven hills, or that originated in pagan worship of any kind, and those not acknowledged or participated in by the apostles in the the New Testament, as we are not to add or remove anything from the Word of God.
TITHES & OFFERINGS
WE BELIEVE that the financial participation of the congregation is only through designated offerings. No plate is ever passed, no fundraising events are held, no faith promise agreements are expected, and nothing is sold, not even at cost. As the costs of the home that is used for worship services are covered by the residents there is no need for that burden to be on the members of the body unless the residents are hospitalized or an unexpected fate befalls them. A collection container is placed near the door for offerings, and members are encouraged to write down the purpose of their financial offering, and make those submissions on the first day of any week.
There is only one time in our Bible where tithing was a REQUIREMENT and that was during the fifteen hundred years before Jesus came, while Israel was under the LAW. Before that, there was a bigger picture of HONORING God with one’s substance. An honoring occurs when something that is of value, to the one doing the giving, which then and now was and is food is freely or voluntarily giving to someone as a sacrificial gesture of
thanksgiving or appreciation. Is God worthy to be highly esteemed for what He has
done and what He still does in our lives that we would specially HONOR Him for it?
If it was that way before the LAW, how much more should He be esteemed under
the New Covenant where we have been given a BETTER Covenant with all things in Christ.
As the poor is with us always, we, as a body, give IO% OF OUR INDIVIDUAL GROCERY BUDGETS IN THE FORM OF READILY CONSUMABLE FOOD (Deuteronomy 26:12, Luke 11:42, 2 Chronicles 31:5-6, Malachi 3:7-10, Matthew 23:23, Luke 18:12, Hebrews 8:6, Galatians 3:13 ), plus on occasion free-will offerings of clothing, blankets, and personal care items, in sacks or pillow cases, prepared for the body of Christ, homeless strangers considered needy, and deposited on the first day of the week, so marked beside the collection container.
We also, as a body, on rare occasion provide funds that are specifically designated for said purposes
such as moving expenses, unexpected medical bills, and the like, for our members, if individually
urged by the Holy Spirit to deposit those funds so marked into the collection container.
No local minister nor visiting missionary evangelist or any that are sent out from our church receives
any salary, nor any funds whatsoever, except what is specifically designated to them if
individually urged by the Holy Spirit to deposit those funds so marked into the collection container.
All of this follows the examples found in New Testament churches.
MARRIAGE
WE BELIEVE Eden was the scene of the first marriage, ordained by God Himself. The author of Genesis then records the standard by which all future marriages are defined: “A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). This passage of Scripture gives several points for understanding God’s design for marriage. First, marriage involves a man and a woman, born, raised, and remaining the genetic sex they were from birth. The Hebrew word for “wife” is gender-specific; it cannot mean anything other than “a woman.” We encourage all engaged couples to comply with the rules of the land, as instructed in the Bible, when they are ready to make their union official and seek out a local 'Judge', 'justice of the peace' or 'county official', as we do not officiate at weddings or funerals.
We do, however, believe that prior to having sexual relationships, said couples should be 'married'.
NOT UNDER THE BONDAGE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
WE BELIEVE the Bible, which clearly teaches that we are no longer under any part of the Old Testament Law that is not specifically mentioned, ordained, or commanded in the New Testament for the body to follow.
By the same token we also believe the Bible, clearly teaches that we are not to add or subtract any form of worship practiced, used or held by other religions, cults or pagans, prior to the birth of Christ, during the Old Testament, or created and practices at anytime after Jesus death, burial and resurrection, that was not taught by the apostles specifically, or mentioned, ordained, implied, or commanded in the New Testament.
(2 Corinthians 6:15-18, James 1:21, Mark 7:6-8, Romans 7:1-7; 2 Corinthians 2:1-18; Galatians 3:24- 25;
Ephesians 2:13-16; Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 7:12 & 8:7).
FIRST DAY OF WEEK WORSHIP
WE BELIEVE, As well, the Bible is clear that Christians are to worship on the first day of the week.
(Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Revelation 1:10).
ORDINATION & OFFICIATION
WE BELIEVE worldly certification and ordination is not a prerequisite for one to be able to share the Word of God. Neither is it discouraged for those wishing to obtain such documentation if they believe it will help them share the Gospel Message and invitation to life. Christ taught His uneducated disciples personally and was ridiculed by the scribes and wise men of His time, yet He never lost a debate or argument because of His sound teachings. Even in the story of Martha and Mary we see that the better choice in life is to be in submission to Christ, eagerly learning from the Master and not caught up in the worries, pleasures or opinions of others of this world. In stating this we also must inform you that we do not perform weddings (nowhere in New Testament do we see Christ or the apostles in the first century doing this either) but we do and will officiate at funerals, help with baptisms, serve the Lords Supper, pray, teach, and offer fellowship to all. If you desire to be married, as Christ expressed His desire for us to be so to the woman at the well, we suggest that you seek the local Justice of the Peace and follow the laws of the land in which you now reside.
WE BELIEVE Eden was the scene of the first marriage, ordained by God Himself. The author of Genesis then records the standard by which all future marriages are defined: “A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). This passage of Scripture gives several points for understanding God’s design for marriage. First, marriage involves a man and a woman, born, raised, and remaining the genetic sex they were from birth. The Hebrew word for “wife” is gender-specific; it cannot mean anything other than “a woman.” We encourage all engaged couples to comply with the rules of the land, as instructed in the Bible, when they are ready to make their union official and seek out a local 'Judge', 'justice of the peace' or 'county official', as we do not officiate at weddings or funerals.
We do, however, believe that prior to having sexual relationships, said couples should be 'married'.
NOT UNDER THE BONDAGE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
WE BELIEVE the Bible, which clearly teaches that we are no longer under any part of the Old Testament Law that is not specifically mentioned, ordained, or commanded in the New Testament for the body to follow.
By the same token we also believe the Bible, clearly teaches that we are not to add or subtract any form of worship practiced, used or held by other religions, cults or pagans, prior to the birth of Christ, during the Old Testament, or created and practices at anytime after Jesus death, burial and resurrection, that was not taught by the apostles specifically, or mentioned, ordained, implied, or commanded in the New Testament.
(2 Corinthians 6:15-18, James 1:21, Mark 7:6-8, Romans 7:1-7; 2 Corinthians 2:1-18; Galatians 3:24- 25;
Ephesians 2:13-16; Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 7:12 & 8:7).
FIRST DAY OF WEEK WORSHIP
WE BELIEVE, As well, the Bible is clear that Christians are to worship on the first day of the week.
(Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Revelation 1:10).
ORDINATION & OFFICIATION
WE BELIEVE worldly certification and ordination is not a prerequisite for one to be able to share the Word of God. Neither is it discouraged for those wishing to obtain such documentation if they believe it will help them share the Gospel Message and invitation to life. Christ taught His uneducated disciples personally and was ridiculed by the scribes and wise men of His time, yet He never lost a debate or argument because of His sound teachings. Even in the story of Martha and Mary we see that the better choice in life is to be in submission to Christ, eagerly learning from the Master and not caught up in the worries, pleasures or opinions of others of this world. In stating this we also must inform you that we do not perform weddings (nowhere in New Testament do we see Christ or the apostles in the first century doing this either) but we do and will officiate at funerals, help with baptisms, serve the Lords Supper, pray, teach, and offer fellowship to all. If you desire to be married, as Christ expressed His desire for us to be so to the woman at the well, we suggest that you seek the local Justice of the Peace and follow the laws of the land in which you now reside.
OUR SERVICE / STUDY FORMAT
Our Format as stated on our home page has many elements similar to those that you are familiar with when you attend a Protestant Bible-study-type worship service, with a few twists. To begin with we meet in our home as the apostles did and not in a rented or loaned facility. (Acts 5:42) The apostles only went to the temples to teach the Jewish people and those of other faiths of Christ, and how His death, burial and resurrection fulfilled all prophecies because He was the only begotten Son of the Most High God.
We are NOT a normal church body because we have been called out, literally!
The freedom and joy shared in congregational worship and study is a blessing to all,
and Biblicaly follows 1st Corinthians 14:26-30!
We are waiting to invite you into our family.
Church Membership - What It Is and Why It's Necessary
I. The local church is the body of Christ.
1. 1Co 1:2a - Unto the church of God which is at Corinth...
2. 1Co 12:27 - Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
II. The local church, which is the body of Christ, is said to have members like a human body.
1. 1Co 12:12 - For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
2. 1Co 12:13 - For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
3. 1Co 12:14 - For the body is not one member, but many.
4. 1Co 12:15 - If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
5. 1Co 12:16 - And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
6. 1Co 12:17 - If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
7. 1Co 12:18 - But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
8. 1Co 12:19 - And if they were all one member, where were the body?
9. 1Co 12:20 - But now are they many members, yet but one body.
10. 1Co 12:21 - And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
11. 1Co 12:22 - Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
12. 1Co 12:23 - And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
13. 1Co 12:24 - For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked:
14. 1Co 12:25 - That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
15. 1Co 12:26 - And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.
16. 1Co 12:27 - Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
III. A believer becomes a member of a local church by means of water baptism.
1. Act 2:37 - Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
2. Act 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
3. Act 2:41 - Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
4. Act 2:47 - Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
IV. Once a person becomes a church member, they are responsible to:
1. Continue worshiping God with the church on a regular basis including keeping the ordinances of communion and feet-washing.
A. Act 2:42 - And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
B. Joh 13:13-15 - Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14) If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15) For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
C. 1Co 11:1-2 - Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2) Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
2. Be under the instruction and authority of the pastor.
A. Heb 13:7 - Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
B. Heb 13:17 - Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
3. Be subject and accountable to other church members.
A. 1Pe 5:5 - Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
B. Eph 5:21 - Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
4. Love the brethren in the church and bear their burdens with them.
A. 1Pe 1:22 - Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
B. Gal 6:2 - Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
5. Be unified in doctrine with the church.
A. 1Co 1:10 - Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
B. Eph 4:11 - And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
C. Eph 4:12 - For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
D. Eph 4:13 - Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
6. Be held to the Biblical standard to morality and be subject to church discipline when failing to do so.
A. 1Co 5:11 - But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
B. 1Co 5:12 - For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
C. 1Co 5:13 - But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
7. Not forsake the church assembly.
A. Heb 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
- We do not greet each other with a physically Holy Kiss, not because this is an uncommon way of greeting one another in the U.S,A. in this day and age, but to avoid the appearance of evil. Many Christians assume that to "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22, KJV) is to avoid any behavior anyone might perceive as being evil. Not only do we flee from that which is evil, we flee from that which appears to be evil. However, short side-way hugs, handshakes and other forms of welcoming are always the norm.
- Our home is a humble double-wide mobile that is fully paid off on a lot space that we rent month to month in the park. One of the park rules which is stated on signs at the entry is that 'no' street parking is not permitted. There is room enough for our vehicle and one or two others to park on our property. Otherwise there is plenty of parking in front of and down the street from the Main Office which is located just one block over.
- We do not pass an offering plate but have a ceramic building near the front door where people may drop in their offerings, prayer requests, praise reports or requests for personal one-on-one studies. The funds are used to purchase the supplies for the Lord's Supper and an occasional sack or two of groceries, for the body when needed, or when the Holy Spirit presses upon us to supply food to someone He wants blessed.
- The body of believers take turns each week picking the songs that we will sing from our hymnal.
- We offer the Lord's Supper every first day of the week as the apostles did, first the bread followed by the fruit of the vine.
- We ask the body for suggestions for the next weeks Service / Study. This allows us all to study and grow in the word of God on topics needed for daily living by those who are hurting, in need, confused or misguided.
- If no topics are suggested we we study the next 'Discovery Bible Study' lesson from 100+ available to be the one presented.
- The topic may be spear-headed by an elder male but Bible verses, (1 Tim 2:12) the reading of such, congregational questions, and testimonies, and what is perceived regarding the current topic, may be asked or presented by anyone, male or female, young or old, in an orderly fashion, as Paul did while sharing the word with Lydia, (Acts 16:13-15) because Christ is no respecter of persons when it comes to the calling.
- All person from infants to the elderly attend the same service. We are ALL part of His body. This helps parents who are training up children in the way they should go.
- We have a communal prayer after the Lords Supper and right before dismissal with a hymn.
We are NOT a normal church body because we have been called out, literally!
The freedom and joy shared in congregational worship and study is a blessing to all,
and Biblicaly follows 1st Corinthians 14:26-30!
We are waiting to invite you into our family.
Church Membership - What It Is and Why It's Necessary
I. The local church is the body of Christ.
1. 1Co 1:2a - Unto the church of God which is at Corinth...
2. 1Co 12:27 - Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
II. The local church, which is the body of Christ, is said to have members like a human body.
1. 1Co 12:12 - For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
2. 1Co 12:13 - For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
3. 1Co 12:14 - For the body is not one member, but many.
4. 1Co 12:15 - If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
5. 1Co 12:16 - And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
6. 1Co 12:17 - If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
7. 1Co 12:18 - But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
8. 1Co 12:19 - And if they were all one member, where were the body?
9. 1Co 12:20 - But now are they many members, yet but one body.
10. 1Co 12:21 - And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
11. 1Co 12:22 - Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
12. 1Co 12:23 - And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
13. 1Co 12:24 - For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked:
14. 1Co 12:25 - That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
15. 1Co 12:26 - And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.
16. 1Co 12:27 - Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
III. A believer becomes a member of a local church by means of water baptism.
1. Act 2:37 - Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
2. Act 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
3. Act 2:41 - Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
4. Act 2:47 - Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
IV. Once a person becomes a church member, they are responsible to:
1. Continue worshiping God with the church on a regular basis including keeping the ordinances of communion and feet-washing.
A. Act 2:42 - And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
B. Joh 13:13-15 - Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14) If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15) For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
C. 1Co 11:1-2 - Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2) Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
2. Be under the instruction and authority of the pastor.
A. Heb 13:7 - Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
B. Heb 13:17 - Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
3. Be subject and accountable to other church members.
A. 1Pe 5:5 - Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
B. Eph 5:21 - Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
4. Love the brethren in the church and bear their burdens with them.
A. 1Pe 1:22 - Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
B. Gal 6:2 - Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
5. Be unified in doctrine with the church.
A. 1Co 1:10 - Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
B. Eph 4:11 - And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
C. Eph 4:12 - For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
D. Eph 4:13 - Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
6. Be held to the Biblical standard to morality and be subject to church discipline when failing to do so.
A. 1Co 5:11 - But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
B. 1Co 5:12 - For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
C. 1Co 5:13 - But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
7. Not forsake the church assembly.
A. Heb 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
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If you are at a distance and unable to commute to attend services with us but desire to learn more about being a Non-Resident Member of of our body please:
- Verify that you agree with our Basic Beliefs as stated herein just above,
- Have viewed the videos to understand what a Biblical Non-Resident is and that it it describes you...
- and desire to conduct yourself as one of us
- then contact us to join our fellowship.