First Church Bylaws

Forasmuch as we have taken in hand to set forth a declaration of those things which were preached and practiced by the Apostles, it is our duty and divine responsibility to perpetuate and exalt the Apostles’ Doctrine and Standard of Holiness. It is imperative that we “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” This is in the instruction given to us by the great servant of our Lord, Jude (Jude 1:3). This we intend to do, both in word and in deed.

We have adopted these rules, regulations, and by-laws for the governing and guiding of the saints. We humbly comply with what the Apostles left on record in order to instruct and govern the people of God. This is done so they may not be lead away into error, or fall from their steadfastness, but instead grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is God Almighty.

The Standard of Salvation which God has ordained in his Word has been watered down and conveniently ignored by false prophets and lustful leaders through deceit and compromise. The carnal religious ministers, in the past and more so today, have obviously given heed to seducing spirits and the doctrines of devils. It is incumbent upon us to teach and warn God’s people against their trickery and evils. This has culminated into an assortment of false doctrinal tenets which does not, neither will produce fruits worthy of acceptance, by the True Originator of our most precious faith, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul declared, “that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat” (I Corinthians 10:1-3). God had only one way for Israel and all had to observe this way and do as Moses had commanded them. Hence, we must observe and do all that was commanded to us by the Lord Jesus through the Apostles. God has required of us ONE WAY. He has also given us an example of what we must do. “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (St. John 3:5). Therefore, we believe that men must receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues, according to Acts 2:4. Just as Israel passed under the cloud and passed through the sea, we must be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and receive the gift (baptism) of the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues, as the Spirit gives utterance.

Therefore, we encourage the saints of God to be steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. For we know that he that doeth the will of God shall abide forever.