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What is a Bible Church? (This information was written by our friends at Bible Fellowship Church in Pass Christian, MS)
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A Bible Church is an
independent, nondenominational church whose purpose it is to reach the
lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ and build lives on the firm
foundation of the Word of God. Bible Churches exist to help people
understand the Bible and encourage them towards spiritual growth and
fruitful Christian service. The ministry from the pulpit consists
primarily of the exposition of Scripture, with life-centered
application for families and individuals of all
ages.
In a Bible Church, people are more important than programs and the
nurturing of lives more important than the numbers in attendance.
Success is measured in terms of the spiritual growth and maturity of
the people, rather than the size of the offering. It is a place where
one can step aside from the world to be refreshed by the Word in the
company of a loving church family.
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Salvation
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Salvation
is by grace through faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus
Christ. Christ died for our sins and rose again for our justification.
His blood has been shed as payment for the penalty for our sins.
Based upon these truths we can turn to Him in faith believing He is
able and willing to save us from our sins and give to us His eternal
life. Personal works of righteousness that we may seek to do have no
place in salvation. We are sinners and have no righteousness of our own
of any worth or value to offer. It is the righteousness of Christ
accredited to us that makes us fit for heaven. We are saved because of
who Christ is and what He has done for us. Salvation is declared in
Scripture to be eternal, thus implying that it cannot be revoked once
it has been given to the one who receives it by faith.
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Theology
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Bible
Churches are Dispensational in their theology, which means that God has
a plan and program for the church in the present age which is distinct
from His plan and program for Israel in the Old Testament. The church
is not Israel and Israel is not the church. God broke off normal
dealings with Israel at the commencement of the present Church Age. He
will resume His special prophetic relationship with that nation at the
conclusion of the Church Age when the church is removed from the earth
to heaven at the Rapture. God made promises to Israel in the Old
Testament that can only be fulfilled at the Second Coming of Christ.
This is the single most important issue in “rightly dividing the
word” and it has significant practical ramifications for the
Christian who seeks to live a life pleasing to the Lord.
Bible Churches as a rule are not charismatic churches. The purpose and
practice of the “sign gifts” ceased with the early church
of the first century and are not functional today. The modern practice
of the “sign gifts” is not the same as that in the early
church and has no Biblical Basis.
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Fellowship
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Members
of a Bible Church hold similar beliefs about the Bible and the
Christian life. When someone joins a Bible Church they are in effect
declaring that church to be their “home church.” A
“home church” is the place where one comes to hear the Word
preached, sing hymns and spiritual songs of praise to the Lord, pray
for God’s direction and blessing for their families and loved
ones, enjoy the company of dear Christian friends, and use their time
and talents in humble service to the Lord. It is the place where
individuals and families can be spiritually strengthened and prepared
to live a life pleasing to the Lord.
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Scripture References for Bible Churches
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Search the Scriptures... |
Matthew 4:4
2 Timothy 3:15_17
Hebrews 4:12
2 Timothy 2:15
Phillipians 2:16
Colossians 3:16
John 5:39
I Peter 1:23-25
Acts 17:11 |
... daily! |
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