ordinances & practices
A. Ordinances
1. Definition
We believe that an ordinance is an observance which Christ ordered the Church to follow until He returns, and that it sets forth, in symbolic form, central truths of the Christian faith. It is not a sacrament because it does not confer upon participants any spiritual grace either for salvation or for living the Christian life. Its spiritual value for the participant lies in obedience to Christ and in remembrance of His death for our sins.
2. Baptism
a. Water baptism symbolizes the experience of regeneration and union with Christ (Acts 8:36-39); it is a public testimony of that inner reality (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; Mark 16:16); it is to be administered to believers only (Acts 8:37; 16:30-34; 18:8).
b. Water baptism has no saving or cleansing merits, but is rather an act of obedience demonstrating the new relationship with Christ. Infant baptism cannot be recognized as valid according to Scripture (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12; 18:8).
c. While the Fellowship of Evangelical Bible Churches practice the immersion mode of baptism, other modes are recognized as valid providing salvation preceded baptism.
3. Lord’s Supper
a. The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance, instituted by Christ in the night of betrayal, to be observed frequently (in our Fellowship at least four times a year) by believers until he returns.
b. The consecrated emblems consist of bread symbolizing Christ’s broken body, and the fruit of the vine as a symbol of His shed blood (1 Cor. 11:23-29). The observance of this ordinance is to be preceded by honest self-examination.
c. There is no salvation element in this ordinance; it rather serves as a reminder of Christ’s vicarious atonement (1 Pet. 3:18), and our continued dependence upon Him.
d. The communion table is open to all believers who practice consistent Christian living.
B. Practices
1. Home and Family
The Christian home is recognized as essential for the nation in upholding the social, political and spiritual integrity of the country. The Christian family should observe closely the Biblical teaching regarding the home. Grace at every table, daily family altar, hospitality to friends and strangers, profitable leisure time and reasonable working hours, and regular church attendance should be the unfluctuating standard of every Christian home.
2. Marriage
a. We believe that the Bible teaches that the marital relationship was designed by God to be a lifelong union of husband (one man) and wife (one woman) (Gen. 2:1-8, 21-23; Matt.19:3-9), to be entered into with an attitude of godly reverence and wisdom, love and purity (Gen. 1:27; 2:18, 24; Prov. 18:22; Matt. 19:4-6). Therefore, divorce should not even be considered as an option among believers.
b. We believe that it is unscriptural for a believer to unite with an unbeliever in the bond of matrimony (Deut. 7:2-4; Neh. 13:25-27; 1 Cor. 7:39). Consequently, social friendships with unbelievers inclined to lead toward courtship and marriage should be discouraged.
c. Weddings, and all activities connected therewith, shall be planned and conducted in keeping with a Christian testimony.
3. Divorce and Remarriage
a. The FEBC believes in the sanctity of marriage and encourages couples to keep their marriage commitment for life in spite of the difficulties they may encounter.
b. However, Evangelical Christianity, including some of our Fellowship churches and pastors, is not united on the question of divorce and remarriage. There are those who would grant a divorce on the ground of fornication (Matt. 5:31-21; 19:9), or desertion by an unbelieving spouse (1 Cor. 7:15), and not stand in the way of remarriage while both divorcees live. Because of these differences of interpretation, the pastor will be asked to follow the constitution of the local church of which he serves in regards to divorce and remarriage.
c. Separation without divorce, although not encouraged, is recognized in Scripture (1 Cor. 7:10-16). Reconciliation should always be the goal of God’s people. In such cases, local churches should do everything they can to facilitate reconciliation.
d. Remarriage after the death of either husband or wife has biblical sanction (1 Cor. 7:39; Rom. 7:2-3).
4. The Lord’s Day
We believe that Christ’s resurrection on the first day of the week makes Sunday the logical day for corporate worship, as it was practiced in the early church (Acts 20:7). However, we recognize that for New Testament believers, no single day of the week has been consecrated by God (Rom. 14:5-6; Col. 2:16), and that corporate worship can rightly be practiced on any day. The central exhortation of the New Testament is that believers do regularly assemble together (Heb. 10:24-25) for worship and encouragement and one day in the divine cycle of seven be devoted for this purpose.
Furthermore, even though we do not believe that the specific regulations of the Law of Moses governing the day of rest apply to us, we do believe that the one-day-in-seven rest cycle is of divine origin (Gen. 2:2,3). It preceded the Law of Moses and is for all people. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all believers to observe this principle in obedience to God and for their own spiritual, physical and emotional benefit.
5. Christian Walk
We believe that man is created in the image and similitude of God (James 3:9; Eph. 2:24; Gen. 1:26). A Christian, therefore, should be willing to walk in all simplicity and humility, love and unity, honesty and purity. Discretion should be used in regards to appearance and dress. Believers should glorify God in all things (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Tim. 2:8-10; 4:12; 1 Pet. 3:1-16; Col. 3:1-14; Eph. 4:1-7; Rom. 12:9-12; 1 Cor. 11:1-16; Deut. 22:5).
6. Christian Stewardship
We believe and teach that God is the possessor and sustainer of everything (Hag. 2:8; Ps. 24:1; Col. 1:16-17). The Bible clearly teaches systematic and proportionate giving (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:7-8). To give the tithe and beyond the tithe has the promise of God’s blessing (Mal. 3:10; Luke 6:38; 2 Cor. 9:6, 10). The Christian is also steward over that which he retains as well as his time and talents (Matt. 35:14-30; Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5).
7. Dedication of Parents and Children
We support parents who voluntarily declare their willingness to educate their children in biblical values and to release them to the Lord for whatever ministry He desires of them. Therefore, children may be dedicated when the parents so request.
8. Divine Healing
We believe that divine healing of the body can be realized by God’s children on conditions as set forth in Scripture (James 5:13-16). The Believer is admonished to preserve life and health (Ex. 20:13; Phil. 4:5, 11; 1 Cor. 9:27; 10:31; 1 John 4:1-6; 2 Cor. 11:13-15). In light of these passages we caution against the obvious abuse of the spectacular in the modern day phenomena of mass “faith healing.”
9. Sign Gifts
We believe that the New Testament sign gifts tongues-speaking, interpretation of tongues, miracles, healings) served to authenticate the Apostles’ message and ministry (1 Cor. 14:22; 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:4).
While we acknowledge that God is able to employ whatever gifts He may choose to accomplish His sovereign plan, (1 Cor 12:11) we believe that these sign gifts are not normative for today, having had their biblical purpose fulfilled in the apostolic period.
We reject sign gifts as indicators of one’s spirituality, since these gifts can be imitated by unbelievers and even Satan (Matt. 7:21-24; 24:24; 2 Thess. 2:9; Rev. 13:13). Instead, evidence of spirituality is to be found in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Rather than embrace gifts for self-edification, believers should pursue that which builds up the whole Body of Christ (1 Cor. 14).
10. Civil Government
We believe that civil government is ordained of God for the punishment of evil doers, for the protection of the good, and to justly direct the interaction of society (Rom. 13:1-7; Ex. 18:21-23). We, therefore, consider it our duty to pray for our political, judicial, and administrative leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-3), and to be submissive and obedient to their authority except in things which militate against the supreme law and will of our Lord Jesus Christ (Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 3:13-14; Acts 4:19; 5:29; Matt. 23:10; Rev. 19:16; Rom. 14:9-13).
11. Education
We believe our children and youth are a God-given heritage and the Bible teaches parental responsibility for their education. Whether children attend public, private or home schools, parents must be discerning about the teaching their children receive. The quality of these schools rests largely upon the parents and teachers. Educational convictions should be guided by scriptural principles. We should seek to protect quality education which respects Christian conscience and conviction.
12. Oaths and Profanity
We believe that the Scriptures clearly indicate that believers are to be honest, trustworthy people, whose “yes” is “yes” and whose “no” is “no” (Matt. 5:37; Jas. 5:12). Therefore, any oath in a court of law should be unnecessary in order to affirm our words, yet the taking of such an oath is not an act of sin. However, the scriptures do teach that it is a sin to use the name of the Lord irreverently (Ex. 21:7).
13. Secret Societies
We believe that all secret orders are contrary to the teaching of the Scriptures. There is nothing belonging to Christianity of which the followers of Christ need to be ashamed or want to conceal to men. Therefore, under no circumstances should members be allowed to hold membership in any secret organization. (John 3:18-20; Eph. 5:11-12; 2 Cor. 6:14-18), neither shall any such person be received into church membership.
14. Instigating Lawsuits Against Believers
We believe that the Scriptures teach us to “Follow peace with all men” (Heb. 12:14), to be inoffensive (Eph. 4:3; Rom. 12:8), not to seek revenge or repay evil for evil to anyone (Rom. 12:17-21), and particularly instruct believers to not settle disputes between themselves via lawsuits in secular courts (1 Cor. 6:1-8; Matt. 5:25).
15. Response to Conflict
a. We believe that God has called us to live peaceably with all men, to overcome evil with good, and to walk worthy of our vocation (2 Cor. 10:3-4; 1 Thess. 5:15; 1 Pet. 2:21- 23; John 15:12; Gal. 5:3-15; 1 Pet. 3:8-9; 1 John 3:15, 23).
b. Our churches respect the right of individual conviction and recognize that various positions will be taken on war and military service. We support our youth who because of faith and conscience accept exemptions or alternatives to combat service. We also support youth who choose military service by encouraging them to exert a positive testimony for Christ.
c. We believe that the proper expression of Christian love and discipleship is by a daily manifestation of a meek spirit. We believe that it is necessary in daily living to return evil with good and not evil for evil. The principle of non-resistance is as important in daily contacts with people as it is in any national or international crisis.
d. We also believe that the taking of a non-resistant position, and the registering of the same with our government, shall be a matter of personal conscience and conviction.
1. Definition
We believe that an ordinance is an observance which Christ ordered the Church to follow until He returns, and that it sets forth, in symbolic form, central truths of the Christian faith. It is not a sacrament because it does not confer upon participants any spiritual grace either for salvation or for living the Christian life. Its spiritual value for the participant lies in obedience to Christ and in remembrance of His death for our sins.
2. Baptism
a. Water baptism symbolizes the experience of regeneration and union with Christ (Acts 8:36-39); it is a public testimony of that inner reality (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; Mark 16:16); it is to be administered to believers only (Acts 8:37; 16:30-34; 18:8).
b. Water baptism has no saving or cleansing merits, but is rather an act of obedience demonstrating the new relationship with Christ. Infant baptism cannot be recognized as valid according to Scripture (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12; 18:8).
c. While the Fellowship of Evangelical Bible Churches practice the immersion mode of baptism, other modes are recognized as valid providing salvation preceded baptism.
3. Lord’s Supper
a. The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance, instituted by Christ in the night of betrayal, to be observed frequently (in our Fellowship at least four times a year) by believers until he returns.
b. The consecrated emblems consist of bread symbolizing Christ’s broken body, and the fruit of the vine as a symbol of His shed blood (1 Cor. 11:23-29). The observance of this ordinance is to be preceded by honest self-examination.
c. There is no salvation element in this ordinance; it rather serves as a reminder of Christ’s vicarious atonement (1 Pet. 3:18), and our continued dependence upon Him.
d. The communion table is open to all believers who practice consistent Christian living.
B. Practices
1. Home and Family
The Christian home is recognized as essential for the nation in upholding the social, political and spiritual integrity of the country. The Christian family should observe closely the Biblical teaching regarding the home. Grace at every table, daily family altar, hospitality to friends and strangers, profitable leisure time and reasonable working hours, and regular church attendance should be the unfluctuating standard of every Christian home.
2. Marriage
a. We believe that the Bible teaches that the marital relationship was designed by God to be a lifelong union of husband (one man) and wife (one woman) (Gen. 2:1-8, 21-23; Matt.19:3-9), to be entered into with an attitude of godly reverence and wisdom, love and purity (Gen. 1:27; 2:18, 24; Prov. 18:22; Matt. 19:4-6). Therefore, divorce should not even be considered as an option among believers.
b. We believe that it is unscriptural for a believer to unite with an unbeliever in the bond of matrimony (Deut. 7:2-4; Neh. 13:25-27; 1 Cor. 7:39). Consequently, social friendships with unbelievers inclined to lead toward courtship and marriage should be discouraged.
c. Weddings, and all activities connected therewith, shall be planned and conducted in keeping with a Christian testimony.
3. Divorce and Remarriage
a. The FEBC believes in the sanctity of marriage and encourages couples to keep their marriage commitment for life in spite of the difficulties they may encounter.
b. However, Evangelical Christianity, including some of our Fellowship churches and pastors, is not united on the question of divorce and remarriage. There are those who would grant a divorce on the ground of fornication (Matt. 5:31-21; 19:9), or desertion by an unbelieving spouse (1 Cor. 7:15), and not stand in the way of remarriage while both divorcees live. Because of these differences of interpretation, the pastor will be asked to follow the constitution of the local church of which he serves in regards to divorce and remarriage.
c. Separation without divorce, although not encouraged, is recognized in Scripture (1 Cor. 7:10-16). Reconciliation should always be the goal of God’s people. In such cases, local churches should do everything they can to facilitate reconciliation.
d. Remarriage after the death of either husband or wife has biblical sanction (1 Cor. 7:39; Rom. 7:2-3).
4. The Lord’s Day
We believe that Christ’s resurrection on the first day of the week makes Sunday the logical day for corporate worship, as it was practiced in the early church (Acts 20:7). However, we recognize that for New Testament believers, no single day of the week has been consecrated by God (Rom. 14:5-6; Col. 2:16), and that corporate worship can rightly be practiced on any day. The central exhortation of the New Testament is that believers do regularly assemble together (Heb. 10:24-25) for worship and encouragement and one day in the divine cycle of seven be devoted for this purpose.
Furthermore, even though we do not believe that the specific regulations of the Law of Moses governing the day of rest apply to us, we do believe that the one-day-in-seven rest cycle is of divine origin (Gen. 2:2,3). It preceded the Law of Moses and is for all people. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all believers to observe this principle in obedience to God and for their own spiritual, physical and emotional benefit.
5. Christian Walk
We believe that man is created in the image and similitude of God (James 3:9; Eph. 2:24; Gen. 1:26). A Christian, therefore, should be willing to walk in all simplicity and humility, love and unity, honesty and purity. Discretion should be used in regards to appearance and dress. Believers should glorify God in all things (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Tim. 2:8-10; 4:12; 1 Pet. 3:1-16; Col. 3:1-14; Eph. 4:1-7; Rom. 12:9-12; 1 Cor. 11:1-16; Deut. 22:5).
6. Christian Stewardship
We believe and teach that God is the possessor and sustainer of everything (Hag. 2:8; Ps. 24:1; Col. 1:16-17). The Bible clearly teaches systematic and proportionate giving (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:7-8). To give the tithe and beyond the tithe has the promise of God’s blessing (Mal. 3:10; Luke 6:38; 2 Cor. 9:6, 10). The Christian is also steward over that which he retains as well as his time and talents (Matt. 35:14-30; Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5).
7. Dedication of Parents and Children
We support parents who voluntarily declare their willingness to educate their children in biblical values and to release them to the Lord for whatever ministry He desires of them. Therefore, children may be dedicated when the parents so request.
8. Divine Healing
We believe that divine healing of the body can be realized by God’s children on conditions as set forth in Scripture (James 5:13-16). The Believer is admonished to preserve life and health (Ex. 20:13; Phil. 4:5, 11; 1 Cor. 9:27; 10:31; 1 John 4:1-6; 2 Cor. 11:13-15). In light of these passages we caution against the obvious abuse of the spectacular in the modern day phenomena of mass “faith healing.”
9. Sign Gifts
We believe that the New Testament sign gifts tongues-speaking, interpretation of tongues, miracles, healings) served to authenticate the Apostles’ message and ministry (1 Cor. 14:22; 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:4).
While we acknowledge that God is able to employ whatever gifts He may choose to accomplish His sovereign plan, (1 Cor 12:11) we believe that these sign gifts are not normative for today, having had their biblical purpose fulfilled in the apostolic period.
We reject sign gifts as indicators of one’s spirituality, since these gifts can be imitated by unbelievers and even Satan (Matt. 7:21-24; 24:24; 2 Thess. 2:9; Rev. 13:13). Instead, evidence of spirituality is to be found in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Rather than embrace gifts for self-edification, believers should pursue that which builds up the whole Body of Christ (1 Cor. 14).
10. Civil Government
We believe that civil government is ordained of God for the punishment of evil doers, for the protection of the good, and to justly direct the interaction of society (Rom. 13:1-7; Ex. 18:21-23). We, therefore, consider it our duty to pray for our political, judicial, and administrative leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-3), and to be submissive and obedient to their authority except in things which militate against the supreme law and will of our Lord Jesus Christ (Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 3:13-14; Acts 4:19; 5:29; Matt. 23:10; Rev. 19:16; Rom. 14:9-13).
11. Education
We believe our children and youth are a God-given heritage and the Bible teaches parental responsibility for their education. Whether children attend public, private or home schools, parents must be discerning about the teaching their children receive. The quality of these schools rests largely upon the parents and teachers. Educational convictions should be guided by scriptural principles. We should seek to protect quality education which respects Christian conscience and conviction.
12. Oaths and Profanity
We believe that the Scriptures clearly indicate that believers are to be honest, trustworthy people, whose “yes” is “yes” and whose “no” is “no” (Matt. 5:37; Jas. 5:12). Therefore, any oath in a court of law should be unnecessary in order to affirm our words, yet the taking of such an oath is not an act of sin. However, the scriptures do teach that it is a sin to use the name of the Lord irreverently (Ex. 21:7).
13. Secret Societies
We believe that all secret orders are contrary to the teaching of the Scriptures. There is nothing belonging to Christianity of which the followers of Christ need to be ashamed or want to conceal to men. Therefore, under no circumstances should members be allowed to hold membership in any secret organization. (John 3:18-20; Eph. 5:11-12; 2 Cor. 6:14-18), neither shall any such person be received into church membership.
14. Instigating Lawsuits Against Believers
We believe that the Scriptures teach us to “Follow peace with all men” (Heb. 12:14), to be inoffensive (Eph. 4:3; Rom. 12:8), not to seek revenge or repay evil for evil to anyone (Rom. 12:17-21), and particularly instruct believers to not settle disputes between themselves via lawsuits in secular courts (1 Cor. 6:1-8; Matt. 5:25).
15. Response to Conflict
a. We believe that God has called us to live peaceably with all men, to overcome evil with good, and to walk worthy of our vocation (2 Cor. 10:3-4; 1 Thess. 5:15; 1 Pet. 2:21- 23; John 15:12; Gal. 5:3-15; 1 Pet. 3:8-9; 1 John 3:15, 23).
b. Our churches respect the right of individual conviction and recognize that various positions will be taken on war and military service. We support our youth who because of faith and conscience accept exemptions or alternatives to combat service. We also support youth who choose military service by encouraging them to exert a positive testimony for Christ.
c. We believe that the proper expression of Christian love and discipleship is by a daily manifestation of a meek spirit. We believe that it is necessary in daily living to return evil with good and not evil for evil. The principle of non-resistance is as important in daily contacts with people as it is in any national or international crisis.
d. We also believe that the taking of a non-resistant position, and the registering of the same with our government, shall be a matter of personal conscience and conviction.