TEACHINGS FROM THE SCRIPTURES

In this section we consider teachings that are derived from the scriptures, but are not necessarily provable by one scripture by itself. At first I thought to label this section "Doctrine" but decided that this term has some negative connotations. These things I consider to be correct teachings, but not necessarily things over which a fellowship issue should exist. Some "doctrinal' items are such that lines of fellowship need to be drawn. Teachings in this section will eventually include such doctrinal items. Those that I consider to be fellowship issues are noted but not limited to the list below. Let me stress that I hesitate to have a list of such things because some might consider this to be some sort of written creed. The things below are listed because I believe that they are teachings from the scriptures. They are not on the list as part of dogma of any religious body with which I am associated.

Doctrinal issues which are of fellowship concern include that:

• obedience from one's heart is necessary for salvation and includes baptism for remission of sins

• Jesus built only one church, His church

• the church, in a universal sense, includes all congregations and members; Christ is head of each and all

• the highest level of organization in the church on earth is the local congregation

• the scriptures include Genesis through Revelation and are the total and only authority for religious beliefs

• singing in worship should be without instrumental musical accompaniment

• direct or miraculous action of the Holy Spirit ceased in the first century AD

• we are not born in sin

• leadership roles are limited to male members in any assembly of Christians that includes both male and female adult members

• other assemblies are not excluded but local churches meet on the first day of each week for worship