| BEREAN BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH |
| John 8:32 "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." |
| Local Church We know, by testament of the Bible, that the local church is of divine origin and was instituted by God (Ephesians 2:20; I Thessalonians 1:1; I Timothy 3:15). The church is not a specific denomination, but is indigenous, and independent, and under the authority of God's Word. The church has a two-fold application in the Scriptures. First, the church is a local assembly of called-out, baptized believers (Acts 2:41-47), in one geographic location (I Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:2; Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1). The second application of the local church is to help train and equip believers to accomplish the will of God made known to us by His Word (Colossians 1:2, Colossians 3:15-17; Acts 14:21-23; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 4:11-12; I Timothy 6:2; Hebrews 3:13, Hebrews 10:25). There is no hierarchy or priest class in the local church (Revelation 2:6). All believers are priests, and have direct access to God (Revelation 1:5-6). The Bible explains that the church is served by two offices (Philippians 1:1). First, the bishop (pastor) who is the official overseer of the church (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9). The other office in the church is the deacon, who is an assistant to the bishop as well as the rest of the congregation (I Timothy 3:8-13). None of these positions are to be used as positions of authority. These positions are to be utilized solely for the purpose of stewardship, ensample, and to set things in order (II Thessalonians 3:9; Titus 1:5-9; I Peter 5:1-4). Back to Statement of Belief page. |
