In each congregation that has existed long enough to become fully organised, there is a plurality of elders overseeing the affairs of the church (Acts 20:17, 28). These men are selected by the local congregation based on the qualifications set forth in the scriptures (I Timothy 3:1-7). The elders are shepherds or overseers who serve under the headship of Christ according to the New Testament (1 Peter 5:4).

Serving under the oversight of elders are deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13) and evangelists (2 Timothy 4:5). They do not have authority equal to or superior to the elders.

The original autographs of the sixty six books that make up the Bible are considered to have been divinely inspired (2 Timothy 3:16-17), which means that they are infallible and authoritative (John 10:35).

The Bible is the absolute standard and the final authority in matters of faith, both in teaching and practice (Colossians 3:17). It will be the standard of judgement at the Second Coming of Christ (John 12:48). There is no human creed that we follow

He is the Christ. The King who God himself had promised to send, who would put everything right by setting up a kingdom of justice and love. He is also the Son of God who entered the world as a human being.

Jesus proved who he was by what he did. He healed people. He calmed storms. He raised the dead. By doing these things, the King was giving a glimpse of life in his kingdom. A perfect place, with no suffering, fear or death. It’s the kind of world we desire to live in.

In the salvation of man’s soul there are two necessary parts: God’s part and man’s part. God’s part is the big part: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The love that God felt for man led him to send Christ to the world to redeem man. The life and teachings of Jesus, the sacrifice on the cross, and the proclaiming of the gospel to man constitute God’s part in salvation.

Though God’s part is the big part, man’s part is also necessary if man is to reach heaven. Man must comply with the conditions of pardon that the Lord has given. Man’s part is clearly set forth in the following steps:

Hear the Gospel

“How shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” – Romans 10:14

Believe

“And without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him” – Hebrews 11:6

Repent

“The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent” – Acts 17:30

Confess Jesus is Lord

“Behold here is water; What doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thy heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” – Acts 8:36-37

Be Baptised

“And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” – Acts 2:38

Live A Christian Life

“Ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” – 1 Peter 2:9

The Bible says that after death every man must come before God in judgement, and he will be judged according to the deeds done while he lived (Hebrews 9:27). After judgement is pronounced, he will spend eternity either in heaven or hell (Mat 25:46).

The word baptise comes from the Greek word ‘baptizo’ and literally means ‘to dip, to immerse, to plunge’. Immersion was also the practice of the church in apostolic times (Acts 8:38-39). Only immersion conforms to the description of baptism as given by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:3-5, where he speaks of it as a burial and resurrection.

No. Only those who have reached the age of accountability are suitable candidates for baptism. Before one can be baptised, he must first hear the Gospel (Acts 11:14), believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16), repent of his sins (Acts 17:30-31), and confess Jesus before men (Matthew 10:32-33). Infants cannot do any of these, so they are not suitable candidates for baptism. In fact, infants do not need to be baptised as they are already in a safe state (Mathew 19:14).

The New Testament only authorises vocal singing in worship, which is what the church practises (Ephesians 5:19; Hebrews 13:15). A capella singing was also the practice of the church in apostolic times. To introduce mechanical instruments of music in worship is to go beyond what is written in the Word of God (1 Corinthians 4:6).

The Bible teaches in Acts 20:7 that Christians are to assemble on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord’s Supper. Therefore, the Lord’s Supper is to be taken every first day of the week (Sunday).