Grace Baptist Church

Article VI - Conduct

   1. Section 1 - Means of Grace

All public and private means of grace, such as keeping the Sabbath, regular attendance at the services of the church, daily systematic reading of the Bible, and private and family prayers shall be urged upon our members.

   2. Section 2 - Government of the Home

The church expects its members to follow the Scriptures in home government. God has required that godliness in the home have a high priority in every life. The home holds a central attention in God's Law and is the object of frequent exhortation in the New Testament. Men are expected to rule their homes with gentleness but firmness. They are to love their wives with a Christ-like love. Women must be subject to their husbands. Parents should train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4) by holy example, catechizing, consistent education, and firm discipline (including the use of the rod of correction - Prov. 13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15). Children must reverently obey their parents (Eph. 6:1). These primary responsibilities, prayerfully executed, will honor the name of Christ in the community and strengthen the cause of Christ in generations to come.

   3. Section 3 - Missions and Witnessing

It is the duty of every Christian and of every Church of Christ to seek to extend the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Missionary efforts are the natural consequence of regeneration (Psalm 51:10-14). 'Preach the Gospel' is a frequently repeated command of Christ. It is the duty of every child of God to witness by life and word. Personal efforts at witnessing for Christ are expected of every member. Beyond this, we are committed to common efforts for sending the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

   4. Section 4 - Principles of Giving

It is clearly taught in Scripture that Christians are to support the work of the Lord by systematic and proportionate offerings made through the local church. This is set forth in both positive command and favorable example (Malachi 3:8-11; 2 Corinthians chapters 8 & 9). Hence we pledge ourselves to systematic contribution for the support of this church with a proportion of our income according to the principle in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.

   5. Section 5 - Christian Liberty

We shall require of each other in our daily walk and conversation loyal obedience to all those moral precepts established in the Word of God (Hebrews 10:24, 25). However, where God has not prohibited certain practices in His Word, the Christian has liberty to participate in them. The following principles must always guide the Christian's exercise of liberty:

         1. Fear Of God - As the servant of Christ, all actions must be motivated by love to God, and all objects must be used for His glory. The term 'liberty' is often used as a cloak of malicious self-indulgence, which is sin. (1 Cor. 10:31; 1 Tim. 4:4-5; 1 Peter 2:15-16).

         2. Love Of Brethren - Though no man may dictate to the Christian's conscience, the welfare of fellow saints must always deeply affect his decisions. In a spirit of serving the brethren, he must do that which he judges will edify them and prevent their stumbling (Gal. 5:13; 1 Cor. 10:23; 1 Cor. 8:9).

         3. Compassion For The Unconverted - Use of liberty must always be regulated by its effect upon sinners, and that behavior chosen which is likely to win some (1 Cor. 9:19-22).

         4. Watchfulness Over The Soul - Though free in conscience to use all of God's creation, carefulness in practice is demanded because of remaining lusts. Where the Christian judges himself weak through lust, he must abstain in order to persevere in the faith (1 Cor. 9:23-27).

   6. Section 6 - Support of Church Officers

It is the duty of every member to respect the God-appointed officers of the church. The duties of church members toward their Elders and Deacons, as well as other ministers and teachers, are as follows:

         1. To pray for them, that God would open a door of utterance unto them, to unfold the mysteries of the Gospel (Eph. 6:18-20).

         2. To obey them in the Lord, in whatsoever they admonish them, according to the word of God (Heb. 13:17-22).

         3. To follow their example and footsteps, as far as warranted by the Word (1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3:17; Heb. 13:7).

         4. To stand by them, in all their trials and afflictions, and defending them in all good causes, as far as in them lies. In 2 Tim 1:5 those of Asia are blamed for turning away or not standing by the Apostle.

         5. To avoid exposing the infirmities of their person, remembering that the prosperity of the Gospel depends much on their good report (Acts 23:5).