WHAT WE BELIEVE

STATEMENT OF FAITH AND ORDER OF OPERATIONS

For the purpose of establishing and maintaining a place for the worship of Almighty God, our heavenly Father; to provide for Christian fellowship for those of like precious faith; where the Holy Ghost may be honored according to our distinctive testimony; to assume our share of responsibility and the privilege of propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ by all available means; we declare and establish this constitution to which we voluntarily submit ourselves.

ARTICLE 1 – NAME AND PURPOSE

SECTION 1 – NAME

The name of this church shall be The Remnant.

SECTION 2 – PURPOSE

This church is organized as a church exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 2010 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law), including, but not limited to, for such purposes as the establishing and maintaining of religious worship, and the building, maintaining and operating of churches, parsonages, schools, chapels, radio stations, television stations, movie studios, rescue missions, print shops, day-care centers, camps, and nursing homes. Also, for the at large and worldwide giving unto the name of Christ, as discerned by the governing Counsel.

The church shall also ordain and license individuals to the Gospel ministry, evangelize unsaved by the proclaiming of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, educate believers in a manner consistent with the requirements of Holy Scripture in any and all church programs and maintain missionary activities in the United States and any foreign country, and be willing to support and go ourselves to places and countries as deemed necessary, timely, and prudent by the governing Council.

ARTICLE 2 – STATEMENT OF FAITH AND COVENANT

SECTION 1 – STATEMENT OF FAITH

The Holy Scriptures: We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the inspired Word of God. The scriptures are inerrant, infallible, and God-breathed, and therefore are the final authority for faith and life. The Holy Spirit gives divine understanding to all scripture. The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament are the complete and divine written revelation of God to man (II Tim. 3:15-17; II Pet 1:20-21; Heb 1: 1-2, 4:12; I Pet 1:23-25; Rom. 16:25-26; 1 Co. 2:10-16; II Co. 3:14-16; John 6:63).
Trinity: We believe in One God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – each coeternal in power and glory, and having the same attributes and perfection (Deut. 6:4; Matt 28:19; II Co. 13:14; John 14:10-26; Gen. 1: 26; Is. 6:8, 9:6; Heb. 3:7-11; Eph. 4:6; Ac. 5:3-4).
The Person and Work of the Father: We believe that God the Father is the Creator, Architect, Builder, and Maker of all things. As the Source of the eternal plan and purpose, all things originated in the Father’s heart for Himself. As a result, The Father has designated the Son to be central and supreme. The Son was given by the Father to ultimately reveal and manifest the Father Himself. The Father has sent the Son to be the Agent by whom this purpose was fulfilled. According to this eternal plan and purpose, the Father has consequently commissioned the Holy Spirit to be the Activator, Energizer, and Source of power to carry into existence the eternal plan and purpose. The ultimate ministry of the Holy Spirit under this plan is to make manifest and reveal the Son as having the preeminence in all things (John 16: 12-15; Heb. 3:4, 11:10; Col. 1:15-19; Eph. 1:19-23).
The Person and Work of Christ
1. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became a man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man (Is. 7:14; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-2; II Co 5:19-21; Gal. 4:4-5; Phil. 2:5-8).
2. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His sinless life and death on a cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice, and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:18-36; Rom. 3:24-25; II Co. 5:21; I Pet. 2:24, 3-5; Eph.1:7).
3. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven and is now exalted and seated at the right hand of God. As our High Priest, He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9-10; Heb. 7:25, 9:24; Rom. 8:34; I John 2:1-2).
The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
1. We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and that He is the Supernatural Agent of redemption and teaches us all things (Luke 12:12; John 14:26, 16:8-11; Eph. 1:13-14).
2. We believe that all believers should seek and expect the promise of the Father, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of the early church. With the baptism comes power, and the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of ministry. This experience is distinct from the experience of the new birth (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; I Co. 12:1-31; Acts 2:38, 10:44-46, 11:14-16, 15:7-9).
3. We believe the work of the Holy Spirit in every believer’s life is many fold. The Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is to be the One of changing us into the likeness of Christ by His indwelling, sealing presence in our hearts. The Holy Spirit comes also to empower us by grace to accomplish all spiritual ministries and gifts given to us by God’s own choosing. We also believe that scripture clearly states that speaking with other tongues accompanied the baptism in the Holy Spirit in all the detailed accounts in Acts. (Acts 1:8, 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:2-6).
Redemption: We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that in Adam’s sin, the human race fell, inherited a sinful nature and became alienated from God. Fallen man is totally depraved, and of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition. This sin causes a separation from God and therefore a need for a Savior. God by His great love provided this Savior in His Son, Jesus Christ. Through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus on a cross and the shedding of innocent blood, we may enter into fellowship with the Father. Through this redemption we have a restored relationship with God as was intended from creation (Gen 1:26-27; Rom. 3:25, 5:12, 6:23; Eph. 2:1-3, 4:17-19; Is. 59:2; I John 1:7-9; Heb. 9:14, 13:12).
Christ’s Blood: We believe that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. God has always required a sacrifice for man’s sin, and in His love and desire to make a more perfect way, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ. The Son of God, Jesus Christ lived a perfect sinless life. His blood that was shed on the cross is the only sacrifice sufficient to cleanse us from our sins. When we appropriate this blood sacrifice through faith that is expressed in Christ Jesus and the repentance of our sins that have separated us from a Holy God, we are freed from the penalty of eternal punishment (John 1:29; Rom. 3:10-12, 5:9; Col. 1:20; Heb 4:15, 7:27, 9:22; 1 John 1:7; Rev 1:5, 5:9).
Repentance: We believe that repentance is the act of willfully turning away from sin in every area of our lives to follow Christ Jesus. Through repentance we individually receive forgiveness of sins and salvation (Luke 24:27; II Pet. 3:9; II Cor. 7:10).
Salvation: We believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins (John 1:12; Eph 1:7, 2:8-10; I Pet. 1:18, Gal. 2:16, 3:8; Titus 3:5; Acts 4:10-12).
Sanctification: We believe that sanctification is the ongoing process of being set apart for God. This is characterized by our yielding to God so that He may continue to complete the process of Christ-likeness in us. A lifestyle of developing righteousness and holiness is the evidence to all men that Christ’s Spirit abides within us (I Thess. 4:3, 5:23; II Cor. 3:18, 6:14-18; II Thess. 2:1-3; Rom 8:29, 12:1-2, Heb 2:11).
Church
1. We believe that Jesus Christ Himself established and builds the church, composed of all born-again believers in every time and place, of every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. The universal church is His body and espoused bride, a new and holy nation and people, through which God has purposed to glorify Himself in the world (Matt. 16:18, 21:42-43; Rev 5:9-10; I Cor. 12:12-14; II Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22-23, 2:13-22, 3:20-21, 4:4-6, 5:25-32; I Pet. 2:4-10; Rev. 21:1-4)
2. We believe that Christ also ordained the local church as an expression of His universal church in a particular place (Matt. 18:15-18).
3. We believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:27, 20:17, 27-32; I Tim .3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11).
4. Five-Fold Ministry: We believe that upon Christ’s ascension He gave five ministries to the Church for her instruction, and total equipping for the service and ministry of Christ’s gospel. There are Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers. All of these ministries are the direct outworking of who Christ was in His ministry upon the Earth and therefore, The Remnant welcomes and acknowledges these ministries in their fullness and authority. (Eph. 2:19-22, 4:10-12; I Cor. 3:10, 12:28).
Sacraments:
1. Water Baptism: We believe in the ordinance of baptism by total immersion in water, by all that have repented and confessed Jesus Christ as Lord. In doing so, they declare to the world that they have died with Jesus and have been raised with Him in newness of life (Matt. 28:19; Acts 10: 47-48; Rom. 6:4).
2. The Lord’s Supper: We believe that the Lord’s supper, consisting of the elements of bread and wine (grape juice), is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ, a memorial and remembrance of His life, suffering and death, and a prophesy of His second coming. It is enjoined on all believers “until He comes.” (John 6:48, 51, 53-57; Luke 22:19-20; II Pet. 1:4; I Cor. 11:23-26).
Separation: We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord; and that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices and associations is commanded of God (Rom. 12:1-2, 14:13; II Cor. 6:14-17; II Tim. 3:1-5; I John 2:15-17; II John 9-11).
The Second Coming of Christ: We believe in the “blessed home,” the literal, personal, return of Christ who will at the sound of the trumpet of God, catch us up together in the clouds to meet the Lord, and we will always be with Him (I Thess. 1:10, 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; Rev 3:10, 19:11-16, 20:1-6).
The Eternal State:
1. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:46; John 5:28-29, 11:25-26; Rev. 20:5-6, 12-13).
2. We believe that the souls of the redeemed are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where in conscious bliss they await the first resurrection, when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; II Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23, 3:21; I Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 20:4-6).
3. We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious punishment and torment until the resurrection, when the soul and body are reunited, they shall appear at the Great White Throne Judgment, and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated but to suffer everlasting punishment and torment (Matt. 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; II Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Rev. 20:11-15).
The Personality of Satan: We believe that Satan is a being who originally was an archangel who fell into sin and rebellion. He is the author of sin and cause of the fall of man. He is the open and declared enemy of God and man and is called a liar and deceiver. He shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Job 1:6-7; Is. 14:12-17; Matt. 4:2-11, 25:41; Rev. 20:10).
Creation: We believe that God created the universe in six literal days. We reject all unscriptural theories of origin and understand natural evolution, theistic evolution, the Gap Theory, and the Day-Age Theory to be examples (Gen. 1-2; Ex. 20:11).
Civil Government: We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) The home, 2) The church, 3) The state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all, including the authorities themselves, are answerable to God and governed by His word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe on the other. The home, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; I Pet. 2:13-17).
Human Sexuality
1. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are a sinful perversion of God’s gift of sex (Gen. 2:24, 19:5, 26:8-9; Lev. 18:1-30; Rom. 1:26-29; I Co. 5:1, 6:9; I Thess. 4:1-8; Heb. 13:4).
2. We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman (Gen. 2:24; Ro. 7:2; I Co. 7:10; Eph 5:22-23).
Abortion: We believe that human life begins at conception and that an unborn child is a living human being. Abortion constitutes the unjustified, unexcused taking of an unborn human life. Abortion is murder. (Job 3:16; Psalms 139:14-16; Is. 44:24, 49:1, 5; Jer. 1:5, 20:15-18; Luke 1:44).
Missions: We believe that God has given the church a great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matt 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24: 46-47; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; II Co. 5:20).
Giving: We believe that every Christian, as a steward of that portion of God’s wealth entrusted to him should freely give, and yet is obligated to support his local church financially. We believe that God has established the tithe as a basis for giving, but that every Christian should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the gospel. (Gen. 14:20; Prov. 3:9-10; Acts 4:34-37; I Co. 16:2; II Co. 9:6-7; Gal 6:6; Eph. 4:28; I Tim. 5:17-18; I John 3:17).

SECTION 2 – AUTHORITY OF STATEMENT OF FAITH

The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing statement of faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible.
The statement of faith includes more than the essentials of the Gospel. The essentials of the Gospel concern the existence and nature of God, the sinless life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our redemption, and salvation through the repentance and faith in Him alone (John1:1-18, 3:16-18, 20:31; I Co. 15:1-4; Heb. 11:6; Rom. 3:21-26, 10:8-13; Eph 2:8-9).

ARTICLE 3 – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1 – QUALIFICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Membership shall be extended to all who have had and whose lives show evidence of a genuine experience of regeneration through faith in acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and who willfully submit to the teaching of the statement of faith set forth above

SECTION 2 – DUTIES OF A MEMBER

Each member of this church is expected to walk in a circumspect Christ-like manner and be in agreement with the Constitution and Bylaws of The Remnant. Each one will further commit to support the church in prayer, tithes, offerings, and with other financial support as the Lord leads. In accordance with Biblical commands that lifestyle supports confession, each member is to walk the affirmation of the beliefs and practices of the church.
Separation of a member from The Remnant is sometimes necessary due to relocation, new assignment from the Lord, or respectful disagreement. We believe that when leaving a congregation, you take spiritual baggage with you, if not handled in the appropriate manner. Members commit to discuss separation with the leadership and seek to leave in a spirit of blessing and brotherhood. Members are not to separate from the church by simply forsaking to attend the meetings of the church. If a member of record chooses without cause to absence themselves from the services of the church for a period of over 3 months or more and who ceases to contribute to their means of support, they will be considered inactive members and shall lose their voting privileges until they are restored by Church leadership.

SECTION 3 – OFFENSES BETWEEN MEMBERS

MEMBERS are expected to demonstrate special loyalty and concern for one another. When a member becomes aware of an offense of such magnitude that it hinders spiritual growth and testimony, he is to go alone to the offending party and seek to restore his brother. Before he goes, he should first examine himself. Then when he goes, he should go with a spirit of humility and have the goal of restoration.
If reconciliation is not reached, a second member is to accompany the one seeking to resolve the matter. The second step should also be preceded by self-examination, and exercised in a spirit of humility with the goal of restoration.
If the matter is still unresolved after steps outlined in subsections (A) and (B) have been taken, the council, as the church representatives Biblically are responsible for putting down murmuring, shall hear the matter and end the offense.

ARTICLE 4 –FINANCES AND ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 1 – ADMINISTRATION

The Remnant shall have the right to govern itself according to the standards of New Testament Scriptures, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace “…till we all come in the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Eph 4:3, 13).
There shall be a pastor who will serve as spiritual overseer of the church and shall direct all it’s activities. The Pastor shall be president of the corporation and shall act as chairman of all business meetings of the church; shall be chairman of the council, be a member of all committees and departments and serve as the church’s administrative head or overseer. The Pastor shall arrange for all special meetings, conventions or revival campaigns. No person shall be invited to speak or preach to the church without his approval. The Pastor shall be granted a 3-week vacation with pay, with an additional week each year to attend a training session or conference paid by the Church.
There shall be a council of not less than 5 members to whom, together with the Pastor, shall be committed to the spiritual and administrative management of the church.
The Council shall be selected by the other members of the Council. Council members are role models, acting in advisory capacity to the Pastor with the primary purpose of service and example. The Council Members have the high responsibility of Christian conduct demonstrated in a life above reproach and blame as outlined in Acts 6:1-6; 1Tim 3:1-13; Malachi 3:8-12:
1. Reverent, honest
2. Not double-tongued, loyal
3. Not given to much wine
4. Not greedy for money
5. Maintain good conscience
6. Be proven, “Put to the Test”
7. Blameless
8. Have a supportive spouse (if married)
9. Maintain Spiritual Order in Your Home
10. Honest report, high reputation
11. Full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom
12. Accredited and proven
13. Consistent financial support of the Church (tither)
There shall be a spiritual covering over the church who can be called by the Pastor if there are issues with the church needing outside council or advice.
In the event the Council feels the Pastor is not fulfilling the duties of spiritual overseer of the church, is in any way outside the teachings of the Holy Scriptures or is under charges of any type of misconduct, the Council shall contact the individual assigned as Spiritual Covering for the church. The Council shall work with the Covering and make every effort to restore the Pastor. In the event it is decided by the Church Council and Church Covering that the Pastor should be removed, there must be a vote of the Membership. To remove the Pastor, there must be at least 66% of the Membership Vote in agreement with this action. The council shall have the responsibility of securing another Pastor for the church.
In the event the Church is temporarily without a Pastor, the Council shall be empowered to provide for its own chairman from its membership who will serve as official chairman in order to transact business for the church.
The Pastor along with the council shall administrate the finances of the church as follows:
To purchase, hold, lease, or otherwise acquire real and personal property on behalf of the church, and to take real and personal property by will, gift, or bequest on behalf of the church.
To sell, convey, alienate, transfer, lease, assign, exchange, or otherwise dispose of and to mortgage, pledge, or otherwise encumber the real personal property of the church, to borrow money and incur indebtedness for the purpose of the use of the church; to cause to be executed, issued, and delivered from the indebtedness in the name of the church promissory notes, bonds, debentures, or other evidence of indebtedness; and to secure repayment by deeds of trust, mortgages, or pledges.
To exercise all powers necessary for the dissolution of the church corporation, if such action is found to be necessary.
Have charge and custody of, and be responsible for all funds of the corporation, and deposit all of funds in the name of the church in banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the council.
Receive and give receipt for all contributions, gifts, and donations to the church.
Disburse, or cause to be dispersed, the funds of the church as may be directed by the council, or the budget adopted by the council.
Keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the church’s properties and business transactions including account of its’ assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, and capitol.
Appoint a treasurer of the corporation.
Determine the compensation of the employees of the church. This is intended to be in compliance with Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 2010 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law.

SECTION 2 –TITHES AND OFFERINGS

The Old and New Testament are clear in teaching that tithes were for the purpose of supporting the priests and ministry (Gen. 14:18-20; Heb. 6:20, 7; Num 18:21-24, 25-32; Neh. 10:38-39; Mal. 3:8-10).
The New Testament teaches us about tithes and offerings. Since the believer is under the New Covenant and the Melchizedek Priesthood, and is the seed of Abraham through Christ, tithing continues in the New Covenant community (Matt. 6: 19-21, 23:23; Luke 20:25, 21:1-4; Acts 4:32-37; I Cor. 16:1-4; II Cor. 8-9; Phil. 4:10-19).
The New Testament affirms that, if possible, ministers of the Gospel should be supported so that they minister freely without an unnecessary load on them. All things in the Old Testament were written for types and examples of our learning and administration (Rom. 15:4; I Co. 9:9-14; Col. 2:14-17; Mt. 10:7-14; Luke 9:3, 10:1-7, 12:33; Acts 3:6; I Tim. 5:17-19; Gal 6:6).
Tithes and offerings are given to God, and therefore given without mandates or expectations. Under no circumstances is the money or gifts given to the church returnable in any form or way (Lev. 27:30-33).

ARTICLE 5 – INDEMNIFICATION

The church may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, or proceeding; whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, including all appeals (other than an action by or in the right of the church) by reason of the fact that the person is an officer, employee, or agent of the church, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and accounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the action, suit, or proceeding; and if that person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the church, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not of itself create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the church and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was lawful.

ARTICLE 6 – TAX-EXEMPT PROVISIONS

SECTION 1 –PRIVATE INUREMENT

No part of the net earnings of the church shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private person, except the church shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for the services rendered to and make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article I, Section 2 hereof.

SECTION 2 – POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT

No substantial part of the activities of the church shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. The church shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for the public office.

SECTION 3 – DISSOLUTION

Upon the dissolution of the church, the trustees shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the church, dispose of all the assets of the church to such organization or organizations formed and operated exclusively for religious purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 2010 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Revenue Law), as the trustees shall determine. Assets may be distributed only to organizations that agree with the church’s statement of faith.

SECTION 4 – RACIAL NONDISCRIMINATION

The church shall have a racially nondiscriminatory policy and therefore shall not discriminate against members, applicants, students, and others based on race, color, or national or ethnic origin.

SECTION 5 – LIMITATION OF ACTIVITIES

Notwithstanding any other provision of these bylaws, the church shall not, except to any insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the purposes stated in Article 1, Section 2.

ARTICLE 7 –AMENDMENTS

The Constitution and Bylaws may be revised or amended by a majority of the council.
A full, current, and written copy of the Constitution and Bylaws shall be made available for the possession of any church member.

This Constitution and Bylaws supersedes any other Constitution and Bylaws of The Remnant.