Doctrine:(4)

We believe that when a couple unites in marriage, they should remain united as long as both live. When either one dies, the other is free to remarry and does not commit sin if he or she remarries in the Lord (Romans 7:1-3; 1 Corinthians 7:39 ).

We also believe that marriages shall take place solely among faithful church members.  No minister shall perform a marriage ceremony between a church member and an unbeliever. Church members in full communion who marry unbelievers shall be judged by their pastors.

14.   CHURCH AND STATE
We believe in the separation of Church and State and that neither should intervene in the internal affairs of the other since this fulfills the biblical precept “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17 ). Christians should participate in civil activities according to their abilities and political inclinations, always reflecting their own personal ideas and opinions, and not those of the Church.  The Apostolic Assembly is always neutral and has room for men of all political creeds.  Nevertheless, all Christians must obey civil authorities and the laws and ordinances issued by these authorities, unless these laws contradict religious principles or force Christians to act against their conscience (Romans 13:1-7).

15.   MILITARY SERVICE
The Apostolic Assembly recognizes human government as ordained by God (Romans 13:1-2).  Therefore, the Apostolic Assembly admonishes its members to affirm loyalty to their country.  As disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, Christians must obey His precepts and commandments as follows: “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil” (Matthew 5:39 ). “Follow peace with all men” (Hebrews 12:14 ).  (See also Romans 12:19; Matthew 26:52; James 5:6; Revelation 13: 10).  Given these scriptures, it is believed and interpreted that the followers of our Lord Jesus Christ shall neither destroy someone else’s property nor take someone’s life.

It is considered a sin to participate in acts contrary to those recommended by the Holy Word of God, after having received the knowledge of the truth and having been made new creatures in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17; Hebrews 6:4-9, 10:26-27).

All members, therefore, are advised to follow their conscience in freely serving their country, whether in time of peace or war, and in any capacity no matter how hard or dangerous it may be, as long as it is of NONCOMBATANT CHARACTER.  Doctrine teaches us to pray that we may always have men of God in authority.  It teaches us to pray for them that they may receive divine guidance so that we as a nation might steer clear of any war and live continually in honor and peace (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

16.   SIN UNTO DEATH
We believe, by the light of the Word of God, that there is a sin unto death and that if this sin is committed in the terms expressed in the Bible, the right to salvation is lost (Matthew 12:31-32; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 10:26-27; 1 John 5:16-17). Therefore, we recommend that the faithful abstain from giving ear to doctrines that promise eternal security to the Christian regardless of his conduct and the idea that “once saved, always saved.” The Bible teaches that it is possible to be reproved and that we must remain faithful unto the end (Romans 2:6-10; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27).

17.   ECONOMIC SYSTEM OF THE CHURCH
We believe that the system that the Bible teaches us to obtain the funds necessary to carry out the work of the Lord is that of tithes and offerings, and that this system must be practiced by ministers and believers alike.  (Genesis 28:22; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23; Luke 6:38; Acts 11:27, 30; 1 Corinthians 9:3-14, 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-16, 9:6-12, 11:7-9; 1 Timothy 5:17-18, 6:17-19; Galatians 6:6-10; Philippians 4:10-12, 15-19; Hebrews 13:16 ).
Knowing that the work of the Lord is not only spiritual but also of a material nature, we believe that it is necessary to regulate the acquisition and distribution of the necessary funds to meet the material needs of the work.

18.   THE MINISTERIAL BODY
We believe that the ministry is a calling of God and that the Holy Spirit confers upon each minister the faculty of serving the church in distinct capacities and with distinct gifts, the manifestations of which are all for the edification of the Body of Christ (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:5-11; Ephesians 4:11-12).

We believe that the calling to the ministry is of divine origin and the Word of God contains sufficient teaching regarding the requirements that must be met by the person who is to serve in the ministry.  Therefore, duly organized ecclesiastical governments are responsible for examining candidates for the ministry to determine whether these candidates should be approved and what tasks they shall be assigned (Acts 1:23-26, 6:1-3; 1 Timothy 3:1-10, 4:14, 5:22; Titus 1:5-9).

We also believe that the Holy Spirit uses the minister in various ways according to the needs of the work of the Lord and the capability and personal disposition of the ministers.  No one can be placed in a higher position than that of which he is worthy (1 Timothy 3:13 ; Romans 12:3).

We believe that the bishopric is the highest office work in the ministry.  Bishops shall therefore receive special respect and consideration, but without detriment to those who occupy lesser positions.