PURPOSE

The purpose of The Apostolic Church shall be

(hereinafter also referred to as “The Church”) :

  1. The preaching of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ according to the Holy Scriptures as originally written.
  2. The teaching of the Scriptures conformable to our understanding of the same as set out in this Constitution.
  3. The publication of authoritative books, treatises, tracts and magazines, promulgating the Gospel of Christ and the beliefs and practices of the Church.
  4. The forming and establishing of Churches in North America.
  5. The exposition of the particular beliefs of the Church to other groups of Christian believers as requested by them either as individual Churches or organized movements, and on their acceptance of such teachings and their signified desire, then they are admitted to the Fellowship of The Apostolic Church.
  6. The establishing and governing of such Churches according to the Constitution and ensuring that all ministers are duly ordained according to the Principles and Practices of the Church; that their business meetings are constitutionally called, held and governed, and their decisions registered, recorded and reported and as provided in this Constitution and that public worship and services are held and controlled constitutionally; and that no false doctrines are allowed to be proclaimed or practiced.
  7. The organization and promotion of Christian Education, Social, Health, and Relief Services among members and the community in general.
  8. The promotion and furtherance of good relations between the Church and other Christian organizations.

Tenets  

  1. The Unity of the God-head and the Trinity of the persons there-in. Genesis 1:1; Matt 3:16-17; 1 John 5:7
  2. The utter depravity of human nature, the necessity for repentance and regeneration and the eternal doom of the finally impenitent (i.e. unrepentant). Gen 3:1-19; Isaiah 53:6; Acts 2:38; 17:30, John 5:28-29; Daniel 12:2; Romans 2:7, 6:23; 1 John 1:1-2
  3. The Virgin Birth, Sinless Life, Atoning Death, Triumphant Resurrection, Ascension and Abiding intercession of Our Lord Jesus Christ. His second coming and millennial reign upon earth. John 8:46; 14:30; Col. 1:15; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Romans 3:25; Acts 2:36; Phil. 2:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Rev. 22:20
  4. Justification and sanctification of the believer through the finished work of Christ. Acts 2:38; Luke 15:7; Romans 4:25; 5:16; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:30
  5. The baptism of the Holy Ghost for believers with signs following. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11; Mark 16:17; Acts 2:4; and Galatians 5:22
  6. The nine gifts of the Holy Ghost for the edification, exhortation and comfort of the Church, which is the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
  7. The sacraments of baptism by immersion and of the Lord’s Supper. Rom 6:4, 6:11, 6:13-14, Luke 3:21; Mark 16:16, Luke 2:22-24, 34; Mark 10:16, Luke 22:19-20; Matt. 26:21-29; Acts 20:7
  8. The divine inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures. 2 Tim 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21
  9. Church government by Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, Elders and Deacons. Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Corinthians 12:28
  10. The possibility of falling from Grace. 1 Corinthians 10:12, 1 John 5:11, John 15:4, 1 John 5:12, Romans 5:1-2, John 8:51, 1 Timothy 4:1, 16; 2 Timothy 3:13-15, 1 Corinthians 15:1, Colossians 1:21-23
  11. The obligatory nature of Tithes and Offerings. Malachi 3:10, Matthew 23:23, Hebrews 7:1-4; Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35


Rules Of Belief

A personal testimony of your Salvation in Christ. Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”Rom 10:9-10 9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Your acknowledgment of and obedience to the Order and Officers of the Church: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, Elders and Deacons.Heb 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Eph 4:11-12 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up1 Cor 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.
Your presence in the meetings of the Church and abidance in full communion; that is, not to absent yourself more than three times from communion without sufficient reason given for your absence.Heb 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Your conformity with the fundamental doctrines of the Church, as well as with the two ordinances, namely baptism by immersion, and the Lord’s Supper. (Rom 6:4, Luke 22:19, 1 Cor 11:24). 2 John 1:9-10 9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. Romans 6:17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.
That you contribute towards the support of the cause, as taught unto us in the Word of God (Gen 14:20, 28:22, Lev 27:30, 1 Chronicles 29:14, Heb 7:8,17) 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Matthew 23:23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
That you keep the counsels of the Church within the Church. Matt 7:6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
That you pray for and help every member, remembering that we are joint members in the Body of Christ. Heb 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 1 Cor 12:25:26 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 1 Tim 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— Gal 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Rules Of Conduct

Never come to the House of God without praying before coming. Matthew 6:7, Ephesians 6:18
Be in your seat at the commencement of the service. You will thus be a good example to those who are late and neglectful. Genesis 22:3, Psalm 108:2, Proverbs 8:17, Song of Solomon 7:12
Bring your children with you to the House of God. Relatives and servants also have souls. It is your duty and privilege to take care of them. Matthew 11:14, Exodus 22:10, Acts 10:24, John 1:41,45, Genesis 18:19
Make your Pastor your personal friend. His sympathy, support and counsel are needed by you. Constantly pray for him. 1 Thessalonians 2:7, Joel 2:17, Malachi 2:7, Romans 15:30, 2 Corinthians 1:11, Ephesians 6:19, Hebrews 13:17
Make the Church your spiritual home. Acts 2:46-47, Psalm 133:1
When conversing never speak disrespectfully or criticizingly of God’s servants or their ministrations, in the presence of your children. If you sow to the wind, you may expect to reap the whirlwind. Galatians 6:7, Proverbs 22:8, Hosea 8:7.
Take your Bible with you to the House of God. Psalm 1:2, 119:16, 72, Romans 15:4, 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Enter reverently, pray fervently, listen attentively, give praise from a grateful heart and worship God in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 118:27-29, Ecclesiastes 5:1, Romans 12:11, James 1:19