1988-1989 Academic Catalog

11. We believe in personal separation from all practices and influences of the world which hinder a spirit-filled life. We believe in Biblical separation from all forms of ecclesiastical apostacy. Romans 12: 1; James 4:4; I John 2: 15-17; II Corin– thians 6: 14; 7: 1; Colossians 3: 1-17; Romans 6: 1-14; Gala– tians 5: 16-25. 12. We believe that it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to be a personal soul winnner and to do his utmost to give the gospel of Christ to the whole world. Mark 16: 15; Acts 1:8; John 17:18; 20:21; II Corinthians 5:20. 13. We believe that the local Church is an organized congrega– tion of immersed believers, associated by covenant, observ– ing the ordinances of Christ, having the offices of pastor and deacon, exercising the gifts, rights privileges, and responsi– bilities given them by His Word, and that it has the absolute right of self-government. We believe that the Church which is His Body includes all New Testament believers. Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians 1:2; 7:17; 11:16; I Timothy 3:1-15; I Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians l :22,23; 2: 14, 15; 5:23-32. 14. We believe that the Scriptural ordinances of the local church are Baptism and the Lord's Supper; that Baptism, by immer– sion, should be administered to believers only, as an identi– fying symbol of their beliefin the death, burial, and resurrec– tion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and our death to sin and resurrection to a new walk in life, and that it is a prerequisite to local church membership; that the Lord's Supper is a commemoration of His death and should be preceded by believer's baptism and solemn self-examina– tion. Matthew 28:19,20; Acts 8:36-39; 18:8; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2: 12; I Corinthians 11 :23-32. Doctrinal Statement 183 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT We believe that the Scriptures clearly delineate principles which govern Christian conduct; that these principles include deference toward weaker brethern. Our behavior should not hinder the faith of other believers; we should do only those things which will glorify God and which will edify both the individual and the group. While having an appropriate testimony before unbelievers, we should avoid close liasons with the unbelievers. We believe that for the sake of Christian testimony and the achievement of college purposes, we must abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the nonmedical use of narcotic drugs; and not participate in dancing, the use of playing cards employed in gambling, attendance at movie theaters, and mem– bership in secret societies. We also believe that Christians have an obligation to dress appropriately, to avoid wearing of extreme fashions and wearing of shorts in public (with the exception of participation in athletic contests), and to have sincere respect for the Lord's Day. We prayerfully seek to serve Christ in an atmos– phere free from personal attitudes of distrust, dishonesty, selfish– ness, damaging criticism, disrespect, unethical conduct, and irreverence.