We Affirm:  The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, perfectly preserved according to His faithfulness, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men and the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and life. In one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That Jesus Christ is fully God and perfect man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross, a sacrifice for our sins, according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily on the third day from the dead, ascended into heaven, where at the right hand of God the Father He is now our High Priest and Advocate. In light of the broad and diverse interpretation of the Holy Scriptures within the Christian Community, we set forth the following affirmations to give clear definition to what we believe the Word of God teaches regarding the following areas:    1. The Holy Spirit In The Life Of The Believer   Every believer possesses the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit from salvation on, and it is    God’s intent for those who are born again to be controlled by the Holy Spirit.   (Jn. 16:13; Rom. 8:9; Eph. 5:18; I Jn. 2:20,27) The Holy Spirit is sovereign in bestowing gifts to the Church for the perfecting of the saints, not to manifestly glorify Himself or the gifts. The charismatic gifts, such as healings and tongues, were given for a specific purpose at a transitional period following Pentecost; that purpose having been fulfilled, we believe these gifts have ceased. Therefore, it is requested that the so-called charismatic demonstrations such as glossolalia not be exercised or promoted at any function associated with this church. (I Cor. 12:4-11; 14:1-4; Eph. 4:7-12; Heb. 2:1-4)  2. The Sanctity Of Human Life  Human life is a gift from God to be cherished from the time of conception until natural    death. All humans have the God-given right and responsibility to enjoy the length of life willed   by their Creator.  God is sovereign over the giving and taking of life. Human life begins at conception - each soul   an immediate creation of God–and continues until the soul is separated from the body in death. (Gen. 1:27; Job 10: 8-10; Ps. 139:13-16; Eccl. 12:7)  3. Human Sexuality  All humans are created by God as either male or female. Sexual relations between husband   and wife are commended by God, solely to be enjoyed within the married estate. Premarital,   extramarital, and homosexual relations are prohibited in Holy Scripture.   (Gen. 1:27;2:18-24; Ex. 20:14; Lev. 18:22; Rom. 1:26-27; I Cor. 6:9-10, 18; Heb. 13:4)  4. Marriage and Family  God has ordained that the family is an agent which He has set forth to accomplish His purpose   in Christ, and the foundation of the family is marriage. The blessings and obligations of    marriage are permanent. They are legitimately terminated by death, adultery or desertion by an   unbelieving spouse. (Jer. 29:6; Mal. 2:16; Mk. 10:7-9; Rom. 7:2; I Cor. 7:1-17) Husbands and wives have joint responsibility for the physical and spiritual well being of one   another and their children in marriage. However, God has appointed men to exercise loving,   corporal and spiritual leadership within their homes and to be the primary agents for the    furtherance of the Christian faith within their own families. (Dt. 6:1-9; Eph. 5:22-31, 6:4; Col. 3:21)  5. Teaching and Leadership Roles  Both men and women should utilize their spiritual giftedness within the parameters outlined   in Holy Scripture. The general oversight and teaching ministries within the local church are   limited by Scripture to men who meet the biblical requirements. Women have vital oversight   and teaching ministries within the church to women and children.   (I Cor. 14:33-37; I Tim. 2:9-15, 3:1-12, 5:9-16; Titus 1:6-9, 2:3-4) 6. Christian Liberty  As spiritual growth is a lifelong process it is understood that spiritual maturity will vary among  Members of the true Church. Therefore it is the responsibility of each member to limit their   Christian liberty in an attitude of love for the cause of Christ that a weaker brother might not   stumble. (I Cor. 6:12, 8:7-13; Rom. 14:13-23)