Faith Tabernacle of Fresno

SECTION 1 - CREED

Our creed, discipline, and doctrine is the Word of God as revealed in the text of the Holy Bible. We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

SECTION 2 - INERRANCY OF THE HOLY BIBLE

We believe that the Bible is the inerrant and Holy Word of God. We adopt as part of our Articles of Faith, the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy produced by the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy.

SECTION 3 - GRACE OF GOD

The precious gift of salvation has been afforded to mankind by the grace of God. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8). A Christian, to keep saved, must walk with God and keep himself in the love of God (Jude 21) and in the grace of God. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and Godly, in this present world.” (Titus 2:11-12). The word "grace" means "favor" and also means "that which enables one to live the Christian life." When a person transgresses and sins against God, he loses his favor. If he continues to commit sin and does not repent, he will eventually be lost. (John 15:2, 6; Romans 11:22; 2 Peter 2:20 21).

SECTION 4 - SALVATION BY FAITH

The basic and fundamental doctrine of this organization shall be “salvation by grace through faith” by Jesus Christ our Lord (Ephesians 2:8). We believe that faith is more than just “mental assent,” but rather a complete submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every area of life.

SECTION 5 - THE DOCTRINE OF GOD

We believe in the one everlasting, eternal God; infinite in power; holy in nature, attributes and purpose; and possessing absolute, indivisible deity. As the eternal Spirit, He is everywhere at once, and cannot be seen, except in the person and face of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:3, John 14:6 9, Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 44:6 8, John 1:1 14, 1 John 5:20, 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 5:19).

The scripture does more than attempt to prove the existence of God, it asserts, assumes and declares that the knowledge of God is universal (Romans 1:19-21, Romans 2:15, Psalm 53:1). God is Spirit (John 4:24) and He is therefore invisible, incorporeal, without parts, and without a body. God is free from all limitations and His power, ability, and knowledge are beyond any human conception.

SECTION 6 - THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST

The One True God, known as Jehovah in the Old Testament, revealed Himself in the form of man, and as the Son of Man was born of the virgin Mary. "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (1 Timothy 3:16).

We believe that, in Jesus “dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” (Colossians 2:9). "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell." (Colossians 1:19). Therefore Jesus, in His humanity, was and is man, yet in His Deity He was and is God. His flesh was the Lamb, or the sacrifice of God, and He is the only mediator between God and man. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5).

We believe that the reality that Jesus Christ is, at once, both God and man is a true unexplainable mystery. For how can one know how Jesus could be both God and man? While we cannot comprehend this fact, we believe that we can apprehend it, meaning that we can have confidence in its truth because of the testimony of scripture.

Since Jesus was simultaneously human and divine, He was known as the Son of God and also the Son of Man. We believe in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension into the presence of God, and in His personal future return to this Earth.

We believe the blood of Jesus Christ is efficacious and that His blood alone atones for sin (1 Peter 1:19, 1 John 1:7) and that Jesus, as the Son of God, lived a sinless life.

In short, the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ was God incarnate who possessed “all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9); that he was and is the very “image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15); that He is the “word made flesh” who “dwelt among us” (John 1:14); and He is “the brightness of [God’s] glory, and the express image of his person” (Hebrews 1:3).

SECTION 7 - THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST

God used different titles, such as "Elohim," "El Shaddai," and especially "Jehovah,” the redemptive name, in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, the final culminating name is Jesus. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6). This prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled when the Son of God was named, "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21). The name, "Jesus" means "Jehovah salvation" or, "Jehovah has become our salvation." The name of Jesus is therefore the name whereby we must be saved. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12).

There is no efficacy for salvation in the name Jesus by itself (nor in its exact pronunciation), for there have been many who have possessed this name, but Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the only one who literally “became the name.” Jesus Christ is “Jehovah Salvation” and we therefore recognize that wonders, signs, miracles, and salvation come through his name and faith in that name (Acts 3:16).

SECTION 8 - THE FALL AND REDEMPTION

We believe that in the beginning God created man innocent, pure, and holy. Unfortunately, by disobeying God’s law, Adam sinned and mankind fell. Hence, by one man's disobedience, sin entered into the world (Romans 5:12). In the fullness of time, God revealed himself in the form of man and by His death on the cross, as the Son, redeemed man back to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19). This redemption by His blood was for all men, but only those that have faith in God and His Word will be saved from the penalties of sin (Genesis 1:27, Romans 5).

SECTION 9 - ELECTION AND FREE WILL

God does not elect the individual to salvation, but rather the company called the Church. And though He is sovereign, He so exercises that sovereignty as to allow man to be sovereign over his own individual and eternal destiny. Man can choose or reject obedience to God’s law and therefore has free will. We believe in the conditional security of the believer, but not the security of the backslider. (Revelation 22:17, John 15:1 6, Hebrews 6:4 6, Hebrews 10:26 29).

SECTION 9 - CREATION

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. " (Genesis 1:1). God is the creator of all things in the universe including mankind. The theory that evolution was the method used to create man is incorrect and untenable. Furthermore, we believe that the chronology connected with the account of Genesis (and the Bible as a whole) is accurate and divinely inspired. The Bible’s account of a relatively recent creation, approximately 4000 years before the birth of Jesus Christ demands that we reject all notions of millions or billions of years in the history of the universe.

SECTION 10 - SECOND COMING OF JESUS AND THE RESURRECTION

That Jesus is coming again the second time in person, just as He went away, is clearly set forth by the Lord Jesus Himself, and was preached and taught in the early Christian church by the apostles. Hence, the children of God today are earnestly and hopefully, looking forward to that glorious event. (Acts 1:11; 3: 19 21; 1 Corinthians 11:26; Philippians 3:20 21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13 18; Titus 2:13-14).

We believe that the time will come when our Lord shall appear, and the dead in Christ shall arise; and those who are alive and remain shall be caught up with them to meet our Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13 17; 1 Corinthians 15:51 54). We believe that at this time, the church shall partake of the resurrection and shall put on new bodies that are glorious and eternal, like the resurrected body of Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20 21, 1 John 3:2).

SECTION 11 - THE NEW HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH

We believe that the resurrection shall culminate in the “restitution of all things” (Acts 3:21) and the restoration of God’s perfect creation to a state like it was before the fall of man. By the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, all things will be made brand new and God will bring forth the “new heavens and the new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness,” (2 Peter 3:13) where God’s people will live with Him for eternity (Isaiah 65:17, Isaiah 66:22, Revelation 21:1).

SECTION 1 - THE CHURCH

There is one Body or Church and only one way to enter into it. Namely, by faith, as evidenced by true repentance and the progressive manifestation of Christian fruit in the life of a believer.

We seek to be primitive Christians who trace our scriptural history back to the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts chapter two. We do not claim to be another sect or denomination, rather, a part of that great company of true believers that hold the scriptural form of doctrine and practice as the original church, “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” (Ephesians 2:20).

SECTION 2 - EVANGELISM

The work of the church is to evangelize the entire world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This mandate was given by Jesus himself, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations..." (Matthew 28:19), and “preach the gospel to every living creature,” (Mark 16:15). This necessary duty of evangelism requires the teaching and training of men and women and should be continued not only in regular church services, but also in ancillary ministries and para-church organizations. (Acts 5:42, 1 Timothy 4:11, 2 Timothy 2:2, Deuteronomy 6:7).

SECTION 3 - MINISTERIAL QUALIFICATION

True ministers are called of God, and must be sound in doctrine, morally clean, of good report, blameless, the husband of one wife, and able to teach and preach in a manner that will commend the gospel. If ever found guilty of immorality, heresy, dishonesty, or division, he shall be disqualified to further serve as a minister/elder. (1 Timothy 3:1 7; Titus 2:7-11).

SECTION 4 - THE MAN’S RESPONSIBILITY TO HIS FAMILY

According to the Word of God, it is a man’s responsibility to provide for his family, spiritually and naturally. “But if any provide not for his own and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.” (1 Timothy 5:8). Being the head of the house, the man should see that the general needs of his family are provided for (housing, food, clothing, etc.) It is also the man’s responsibility to lead in his family’s spiritual needs and disciple his own family. A man is to love his wife like Christ loved the church and gave himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). The church government structure should never usurp a man’s authority over his own family.

SECTION 5 - A WOMAN’S POSITION

The place of a woman is clearly outlined in the Scriptures. The aged women are to teach the younger women, “…to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands…” (Titus 2:3-5). A Godly woman does not maintain authority over a man (1 Timothy 2:12), but is to be in subjection to her own husband and to have a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price (1 Peter 3:1-4). The place of a biblical woman is one of honor, glory, and virtue, as she is the special prize of her husband and is to be particularly cared for by him. The Christian faith is unique in its care, protection, and exaltation of the woman, for she serves as the allegorical figure for the object of Christ’s affection; that is, the church (Ephesians 5:32).

SECTION 6 - HEALING

We believe the vicarious suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ is for the healing of our souls and bodies, for "with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 8:17, 1 Peter 2:24).

Supernatural healing is both possible and expected in the Kingdom of God. The gospel tells us that the people of God "shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:18). James wrote in his Epistle to all the churches, “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:14 16). We believe that all these promises are for the church today and for all time.

Furthermore, we believe in healing through Christian dominion. Christians should “take dominion” and learn the art and science of healing through medicine, surgery, nutrition, exercise, etc. We believe that Christians should be skilled in the area of healing the sick and should use these skills as a ministry to heal the nations in the name of Christ.

SECTION 7 - TITHING

We believe tithing is God's financial plan to provide for His work. Tithing came with faith under Abraham, it was commanded in the law of Moses, and Jesus did not annul it but rather endorsed it (Matthew 23:23). The Bible is complete in its teaching regarding the paying of tithes and true Christian believers should give 10% of their increase to the ministry of Jesus Christ (Malachi 3:8-10; Luke 11:42).

SECTION 8 - CHRISTIAN DOMINION

The purpose for mankind’s existence is to bring God pleasure (Revelation 4:11) and we believe that this purpose is primarily fulfilled by exercising “Christian dominion. “ In the beginning, God himself gave mankind the duty of taking dominion over the Earth (Genesis 1:26) for the purpose of ruling over God’s creation unto His glory. This original “dominion mandate” has never been withdrawn or abolished by the fall of man, the corruption of the devil, or the teachings of the New Testament. Jesus Christ taught in harmony with the Dominion Mandate in his famous Sermon on the Mount when he admonished his followers to be “salt and light” so that the world would see our “good works and glorify [our] Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16). Therefore, Christians ought to fulfill the Dominion Mandate and work diligently to build and advance the Kingdom of God by influencing our families, communities, cities, states, and nations with the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ in every area of life. This would include, but is not limited to: advancing individual education, knowledge and thought; teaching and educating our families, friends, and nations to alleviate the scourge of ignorance; endeavoring to learn about God’s creation through scientific inquiry; operating businesses and enterprises for the Glory of God; promoting Christian participation in government, politics, and law; developing, promoting, and supporting new technologies; tending to the sick, needy, and poor through the ministry of healing, medicine, and education; and by promoting and defending the Biblical principles of self-government and individual freedom to the nations of the world.

SECTION 1 - COMMUNION

On the night of our Lord's betrayal, He ate the Passover supper with His Apostles, after which He instituted the sacrament of communion, "And he took bread, and gave thanks and brake it. and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you." (Luke 22:19 20). Paul instructed the church how to observe it in his epistle to the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 11:23 34). Thus was instituted the use of literal bread and wine, partaken of, as emblems of His broken body and shed blood. There is also a spiritual significance and blessing in partaking of this sacrament.

SECTION 2 - FOOT WASHING

When the Passover supper was ended, we read in John 13:4 5, "He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded." Jesus said, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." (John 13:14 15).

This first example was given by our Lord, and it is a divine institution. It is well to follow His example and wash one another's feet; thus manifesting the spirit of humility and obedience.

SECTION 3 - WATER BAPTISM

We believe that water baptism is a standard part of the Christian experience. Those who profess faith in Jesus Christ ought to be baptized in fulfillment of the scriptures. Baptism is part of the salvation experience not because of the “putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God.” (1 Peter 3:21-22). Baptism ought to be administered by full immersion invoking the name of Jesus Christ just as it was done by the original church in the Bible (Acts 2:38, Acts 8:15-16, Acts 19:5).

SECTION 4 - SPEAKING IN TONGUES AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS

The Bible declares that “speaking in tongues” was a normative experience for New Testament believers. This supernatural gift and experience continues to this day and should not be discouraged. However, Christians should tether their “speaking in tongues” experience to God’s Word and ensure that they follow the Bible’s teachings concerning its use. Namely, Christians (1) may pray in tongues unto themselves (1 Corinthians 14:4), (2) may bring forth a message in tongues amongst the church only if there is an interpreter available (1 Corinthians 14:27-28), (3) ensure that the giving of such “tongues messages” if given, are given in order and not all at once (1 Corinthians 14:27), (4) not allow women to give such messages (1 Corinthians 14:34), (5) not think of themselves more highly than their brethren who do not operate with such a gift (1 Corinthians 12:30, 1 Corinthians 14:37-40).

Furthermore, we recognize that the Spirit of God can work through special gifts that operate through believers for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ and as a sign to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:3; 22). Among these gifts are: supernatural healing, the gift of tongues, interpretation of tongues, working of miracles, word of knowledge, etc. (1 Corinthians 14:8-10, Mark 16:17-18). While there are “diversities of operations” (1 Corinthians 14:6), it is the same Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 14:11) that is the source of these gifts and therefore the operation of these gifts in the church should not be prevented so long as they operate in a manner that is consistent with Biblical order. “Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:39-40).

SECTION 1 - THE SPHERES OF GOVERNMENT

The Bible indicates that there are four spheres of government that have been ordained by God to bring forth an orderly society. They are: state government, church government, family government, and self-government. Each of these spheres of government are distinct from another and should not intrude upon the jurisdiction of the other spheres.

Christian men and women should willingly submit themselves to each of the spheres of government so long as they do not demand anything that is contrary to scripture. In such cases where unscriptural demands are made, Christians are required to be “subject to the higher powers,” (Romans 13:1) which ultimately is God’s Word. “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29).

For American Christians, the ultimate authority of state government resides in the Constitution of the United States. It is the “highest law of the land.” Any lesser government order which defies or abridges the rights preserved in the Constitution is unlawful and should not be obeyed. And any rule or order of an amended Constitution that is contrary to the Word of God must also not be obeyed. We are subject “to the higher powers.”

SECTION 2 - THE ROLE OF STATE GOVERNMENT

State government is ordained by God’s Holy Word and is charged with protecting its citizens and punishing evildoers (Romans 13:2-7). Christians should recognize that these duties must be financed by taxes and should not attempt to withhold their own taxes from the government(s) which protect them. We should render unto Caesar that which is Caesars’s (Luke 20:25). This does not preclude however, the diligent work that Christians should undertake to ensure that taxes are not burdensome and egregious. Generally speaking, we feel that the Word of God gives a reasonable tax at 10% of the increase of the people (1 Samuel 8:15-17).

We recognize that God ordained the state government to execute justice and punish evildoers (Romans 13:2-7). To this end, Christians may not take the law into “their own hands” and act like vigilantes attempting to execute justice outside of the sphere of state government.

SECTION 3 – PARENTAL RIGHTS

We recognize that parents are the ultimate source of authority over their own children. Indeed the 5th commandment is to honor one’s parents. The Bible expressly teaches that obeying this commandment is the first commandment with a promise associated with it (Ephesians 6:3) and that obeying one’s parents brings longevity of life.

The training and provision of one’s child is one of the most basic duties and responsibilities of adult parents (Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 23:13-14), so much so that a man is considered worse than an infidel if he does not provide for his own family and children (1 Timothy 5:8).

Any force or government entity which would seek to usurp parental rights to take control over one’s children must be resisted and denied at all levels.

It is an abridgement of the religious rights and conscience of every Christian to have their parental rights taken away from them. State government and external forces have no power or authority to force or determine a child’s medical needs, spiritual needs, education, surroundings, discipline, media consumption, food choices, or any such like. These rights and determinations belong to the parents.

SECTION 4 – DOMINION OVER ONE’S BODY

The Bible teaches that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 3:16) and that we are to glorify God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) for we were bought with the blood of Jesus.

The Bible also specifically teaches us to not be conformed to this world in the context of how we use our bodies (Romans 12:1-2) and that our bodies should be offered to God as a “living sacrifice” in which we reject the pressures and demands of the world for how we ought to use our bodies and instead do with our bodies that which is “good, and acceptable” and “perfect, will of God.”

Therefore, to exercise our faith in a pure conscience, Christians must have total control and dominion over our own bodies. As Christians, who have and exercise free will and dominion over our own bodies, our faith precludes us from allowing any external force or government to coerce us or demand that we accept any medical treatment against our will. This includes alleged “life-saving” procedures, vaccines for the “good and safety of the public,” or any other forced medical action which causes us to surrender authority of our body over to another by force and against our free will.

SECTION 5 - MILITARY SERVICE AND STATE LOYALTY

We recognize the institution of state government as being of divine ordination, and, in so doing, affirm unswerving loyalty to our Government; however, we will not support the bearing of arms for the purpose of taking innocent human life.

As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we believe in complete obedience to His commandments and precepts, which teach us among other things to “resist not evil” and that “if it be possible” to “live peaceably with all men.” (Matthew 5:39, Matthew 26:52, Romans 12:18-19). We believe that the whole of the scriptures teach us that Christians should not shed innocent blood nor take human life for any other purpose than personal or national defense.

Therefore, we propose to fulfill all the obligations of loyal citizens, but are constrained to declare against participating in combatant service in unjust war, armed insurrection, property destruction, or aiding or abetting in the actual destruction of innocent human life.

Furthermore, we cannot conscientiously affiliate with any union, boycott, or organization which will force or bind any of its members to belong to any organization, perform any duties contrary to our conscience, or receive any mark, without our right to affirm or reject the same.

However, we regret the false impression created by some groups of so called "conscientious objectors" that to obey the Bible is to have a contempt for law or magistrates, to be disloyal to our Government and in sympathy with our enemies, or to be unwilling to sacrifice for the preservation of our commonwealth. This attitude would be as contemptible to us as to any patriot. We therefore, exhort our members to freely and willingly respond to the call of our Government except in the matter of bearing arms against innocent parties. The true Church has no more place for cowards than has the nation. First of all, however, let us earnestly pray that we all, with honor, will be kept out of war.

We believe that we can be consistent in serving our Government in military duties, but not in the bearing of arms against innocent life. We further believe that our military personnel must live in a manner consistent with the articles of faith.

SECTION 1 - HOLINESS

Godly living should characterize the life of every living child of God, and we should live according to the pattern and example given in the Word of God. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." (Titus 2:11-12). "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously." (I Peter 2:21 23). See also: Hebrews 12:14; 1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3:1-5; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, 2 Corinthians 6:13-18, Romans 12:1-2.

The Bible teaches us that Christians should live a life of holiness: "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." (I Peter 1:15-19).

For this reason, Christian clothing styles and dress should be according to scriptural designation and should promote a distinction between the genders. Men should not wear effeminate attire, nor should they wear dresses and/or skirts. Likewise, women should wear feminine attire and should refrain from wearing that which pertaineth to the man. “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” (Deuteronomy 22:5).

A lifestyle of holiness should extend far beyond the basic realm of appearance. Christian holiness extends to every area of life including but not limited to: speech, entertainment, music, relationships, attitudes, opinions, handling of finances, operation of business, etc.

SECTION 2 - MORAL ISSUES

Fornication is, by definition, sexual sin. Fornication includes: premarital sex, adultery, incest, and other acts of sexual deviancy (Acts 15:20, 1 Corinthians 7:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:3). Marriage on the other hand, is an institution founded and sanctioned by God who originally intended it to be a monogamous relationship in which each partner is faithful and true to the other (Genesis 2:22-24). Sexuality within the sanctity of marriage is holy and honorable and it is a gift from God (Hebrews 13:4).

Homosexuality is an abomination unto God and to all Christians. In the Old Testament it was dealt with harshly. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of the prevalence of homosexuality. Homosexuality and Christianity are fundamentally opposed to one another and a Christian may not be a homosexual (Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:21-29, 1 Corinthians 6:9). Homosexuals should not be allowed to be members of any true Christian church.

The sanctity of human life in God's eyes is evidenced by his attitude toward those who take a man's life unlawfully. One of the 10 commandments is "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13, Romans 13:9) which refers to murder. Murder is the act of unlawfully killing a human (and the only law which applies here is God's law). Euthanasia or so-called “mercy killings”, including physician-assisted suicide of terminally ill or comatose patients, involves the act of unlawfully killing a human. Abortion, which is the taking of human life, is also strictly forbidden in the eyes of God (Exodus 21:22-23). Christians should do all within their power and sphere of influence to bring an end to any and all such practices wherever they exist in the world.

SECTION 3 - MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE

God ordained marriage and solemnized it as binding until death (Matthew 19:3-6). Christians are not to divorce their mates (Matthew 5:32). If, however, a spouse passes away, the widowed spouse is free to marry again, but only in the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:39). Having more than wife, though practiced in the Bible, is not pragmatic in our age and is grounds for disqualification from the office of a Bishop (1 Timothy 3:2).

No ordained minister of Faith Tabernacle shall perform a marriage ceremony where one member of the marriage has been divorced with an ex-spouse still living.

SECTION 4 - PUBLIC SCHOOL

We disapprove of state-run educational institutions that have no authority in the Word of God to usurp the authority of parents to educate their own children. Parents are responsible for the education of their own children. Ideally, a child’s primary education should be given by the parents in the home, and secondary education and additional studies should be supplemented by the church and other private educational institutions which are not funded by the state. All education should be directed by the discretion of the parents while the child lives in the parent’s home and/or is under their headship.

SECTION 5 - TAKING OF HUMAN LIFE

Human life is sacred in scripture as all men were created in the image of God. The Word of God only gives us two instances in which the taking of another man’s life is justifiable. They are: (1) in the case of self-defense (Exodus 22:2) and (2) as capital punishment for certain crimes (Genesis 9:6). Christians should reasonably be prepared to take the life of an attacker or criminal who has indicated that they will bring “irreparable harm or fatal injuries” to themselves, their families, or other innocent people.

Furthermore, Christians should not hesitate to be a part of a citizen based criminal justice system (i.e. jury) in which the outcome of the trial may sentence a convicted criminal to be executed at the hand of the state.

SECTION 6 - GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES

No member of God’s church should partake of any subsidies from the government. Government subsidies represent the unlawful expansion of state government into areas of life that are ordained by God to be fulfilled by churches and families. These types of unlawful subsidies include but are not limited to: welfare, cash aid, food stamps, subsidized housing, state run healthcare (i.e. Medicare, etc.), social security, and publicly funded education.

While we do not permanently condemn those who accept such subsidies, particularly those who have been trapped in these anti-biblical programs for many years before coming to Christ, we believe that mature Christians should strive to eliminate any and all government subsidies from their life. Acceptance of a government subsidy is a form of slavery and state-control that is antithetical to the biblical principles of self-government and individual freedom.

Furthermore, social welfare programs that seek to alleviate poverty, heal the sick, and care for widows and orphans were ordained by God to be handled by the church and by the institution of the family (Leviticus 19:9-10, 1 Timothy 5:3-11, James 1:27). Government-run social welfare programs have served to undermine the effectiveness of the church and destroy the institution of the family.