The Bible is what we believe to be the divine inspired, infallible Word of God (Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is what the church absolutely must have its foundation for all instruction, all hope, all faith, and all doctrine by which we must live; therefore, the Bible is the only possession which man has that is given by the authority of God. The Bible can only be clearly understood by those anointed by the Holy Ghost and should be studied and read by everyone everywhere. (Scripture Reference: 1 John 2:27). 2 Peter 1:20 -21 tells us, "20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
God commanded everyone to repent in Acts 17:30. It was preached by John the Baptist in Matthew 3:1-2, 8. It was also proclaimed by Jesus in Matthew 4:17 and preached by the apostles both Jews and Greeks in Acts 2:38and Acts 11:18. Jesus said, "Except ye repent, ye shall likewise perish" in Luke 13:3. Repentance in the original Greek translation means a change of mind, lifestyle, and purpose.
Baptism is "for the remission of sins". (Scripture Reference: Acts 2:38). In the Bible, Paul was told baptism would "wash away" his sins in Acts 22:16. Peter told us in 1 Peter 3:20, we are saved by baptism. Jesus even told us in John 3:5 and Mark 16:16, we mustbe "born of water" to be saved. The scriptural formula for baptism is "in the name of Jesus" was always in the Bible according to Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Acts 10:48, and Acts 19:5, which Jesus is "the only name" according to Acts 4:12.
We were instructed by Jesus that we must be "born of the Spirit" in order to enter into the Kingdom of God in John 3:5. Believing in the scriptures should be accompanied by receiving the Spirit in John 7:38-39. In Romans 8:9, Paul told us that those without the Spirit were not the Children of God. The evidence of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is speaking in other tongues found in Acts 2:4 and Acts 10:45-46.
Deuteronomy 6:4 states, "Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God is one LORD:". There is one God, who has revealed Himself as our Father (Creator), in His Son Jesus Christ (Savior), and as the Holy Spirit (indwelling Spirit). Isaiah 45:5 tells us "I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me:..." Jesus Christ is God manifested in flesh. He is both God and man.
Ephesians 4:4-6 states, "4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called into one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
Colossians 2:9 states, "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."
1 Timothy 3:16 states, "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."
A lifestyle of holiness is commanded in scripture.
Hebrews 12:14 states, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:".
Titus 2:11-12 states, "11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;".
1 Peter 1:15-19 states, "15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17 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: 18 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; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:"
Therefore, we wholeheartedly disapprove of our people indulging in any activities which are not conducive to good Christianity and godly living. Godly living should characterize the life of every child of the Lord, and we should live according to the pattern and example given in the Word of God. We admonish our people to refrain from worldly practices.