Sunday Services
Revival Prayer service 8:30 AM
Morning Worship: 9:30 AM
Adult Sunday School: 10:30 AM
Children Sunday School: 10:30 AM
Pike County Christians United Revival service: 6:30 PM
Wednesday Service
Bible study and prayer service: 7:00 PM
What We Believe (Short Version)
The Bible is the inspired Word of God, authoritative for all of life. Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary. He led a sinless life, took on Himself all our sins, died and rose again, and is seated at the right hand of the Father as our mediator and advocate. All men everywhere are lost and face the judgement of God, and need to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through His shed blood on the cross. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to the Bible alone, for God's glory alone. We believe marriage is a covenant relationship between one man and one woman, and that all sexual behavior outside the bonds of a covenant relationship between a man and a woman is sin. Statement of Faith (Long Version) adapted from carm.org
The Holy Scriptures
The Bible is the Word of God, and its original manuscripts are free from all errors and contradictions. It is the one and only infallible, authoritative, and trustworthy rule for faith and life, (2 Pet. 1:21, 2 Tim. 3:16). The Apocrypha is not inspired scripture and is not part of the canon of scripture. The Bible is to be taken as literally as possible except where obviously figurative. Genesis, for example, is literal, and Adam and Eve were actual people. There are 66 books in the Bible, 39 in the Old Testament, and 27 in the New Testament. God
There is only one God (Isa. 43:10; 44:6, 8; 45:5), the Christian God, who is the one and only (1 Tim. 1:17; Isa 40:18), necessary (Exo. 3:14-15), Trinitarian Being (Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14), consisting of three simultaneous and distinct persons, the Father (Phil. 1:2), the Son (John 1:1,14; Col. 2:9), and the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4). The Trinity is spiritual in nature (John 4:24; Luke 24:39), who has always existed (Deut. 33:27; Psalm 90:2), is non-contingent (Isa. 44:24; Acts 17:25; 1 Tim. 6:16), unchanging (Mal. 3:6; Heb. 9:22), transcendent (Exo. 3:14; Isa. 44:24), and sovereign (Isaiah 46:10). He is the ultimate source (Rom. 4:17) of all truths (Psalm 31:5; Eph. 1:11), all actualities (Gen. 1:1; Isa. 44:24), and all potentialities (Luke 10:13; John 15:22). He created the universe (Gen. 1:1; Isa. 42:5). He does whatever He pleases (Psalm 115:3; Dan. 4:35) and ordains all that occurs (Eph. 1:11). He possesses infinite knowledge (1 John 3:20), wisdom (Psalm 147:5), presence (Psalm 139:7–12), and power (Genesis 18:14) that manifest out of His good and holy nature (1 Pet. 1:16). That which is good is revealed by God’s nature (Mark 10:18) which is consistent with His holiness (1 Sam. 2:2; 1 Pet. 1:16). He has revealed Himself in creation (Rom. 1:20), Scripture (Exo. 20:1–5; John 5:39), and Jesus (John 1:1,14; Heb. 1:3). Trinity
There is one God in whom are three eternal, distinct, and simultaneous persons - the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. All three are the one God, coeternal, coequal, etc. Yet there is only one God, not three gods, and not one person who took three modes, offices, or forms. (Isa. 44:6,8; 45:5; Gen. 1:26-27; 3:22; Matt. 3:17; 28:19; Luke 9:35; 2 Cor. 13:14). Jesus
Jesus Christ is the Word (God) who became a man (John 1:1,14; Col. 2:9). He added human nature to His divine nature. He is both human and divine and, therefore, has two natures (Hypostatic Union). He is not part God and part man. He is presently a man, in a glorified body, as one person, with two natures where one nature is wholly God and the other wholly man. (Phil. 2:5-11; Col. 2:9; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:5-13; John 1:1-3,14). Jesus will eternally remain as a man and intercede for us eternally as a high priest after the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 6:20; 7:25). Jesus and spiritual death
Some false teachers within Christianity at large teach that Jesus died spiritually. False teachers have used this statement to mean that Jesus stopped being divine, needed to become born again, physically went to hell in our place, and/or finish the atonement in hell. Such teachings are false and should be rejected since they deny the sufficiency of the cross and attack the true nature of Christ. During Christ's crucifixion there was, however, an effect upon Christ in relationship to God the Father, for it says, "Matthew 27:46, "About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?' that is, 'MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?'" Jesus was not separated from God the Father at the crucifixion, nor did the Father abandon the Son, nor did the Father turn away from Christ when Jesus became sin (2 Cor. 5:21). We do not know the extent and the nature of the effect that Jesus becoming sin had in the inter-Trinitarian communion, and we should be very careful when teaching about it. Virgin Birth
Jesus Christ was miraculously conceived and born of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:42) by the power of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:35). Mary ceased to be a virgin after the birth of Jesus (Matt. 1:25) and had other children. The resurrection of Jesus and Christians
Jesus rose from the dead in the same body He died in after being in the grave for three days (John 2:19-21). He was raised in a glorified, physical body (still retaining his crucifixion wounds, John 10:25-28). He ascended bodily into heaven (Acts 1:9-11), sits at the Father's right hand, and rules heaven and earth (1 Cor. 15:25; Eph. 1:22). Likewise, we Christians will be raised bodily from the dead (1 Cor. 15:35-45) and spend eternity with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:16–17; John 12:26). Substitutionary Atonement
God so loved us that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus became man and bore our sins in His body on the cross (1 Peter. 2:24) and died in our place, suffering the consequences of breaking the Law that was due us. He became sin on our behalf (2 Cor. 5:21). As a result, God's justice was satisfied, and Christian believers are released from eternal punishment. (Isaiah 53:4-12; 1 Pet. 3:18; Matt. 1:21; Rom. 5; 1 John 2:2)
Baptism
Baptism is an important act of obedience for a Christian and signifies a person's identification with Christ. Baptism is not necessary for salvation. It is an outward manifestation of an inward reality of trust in the sacrifice of Christ, which is our conversion. Baptism is our public identification with Christ. The act of water baptism does not save anyone. We are made right before God by faith, not by faith and baptism (Rom. 3:28-30; 4:3,5; 5:1; Gal. 2:16, 21; Phil. 3:9; see also Acts 10:44-48). Man's Condition
Man is fallen, corrupt, and wicked. Man believes in God by God's grace through faith, is unable to come close to God through his own efforts, nor can he win salvation by his attempt at good works, nor once saved does he maintain his salvation by his works, nor can he understand the spiritual things of God on his own. Eternal punishment in hell and separation from the blessed presence of God are the consequences of the unregenerate person's sinfulness. (John 6:44; 15:5; Rom. 8:7; 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 2:13)
Divine Election
"From all eternity, God chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will" (Eph. 1:4-5). And, "But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth” (2 Thess. 2:13). According to Scripture, God chooses people for salvation (2 Thess. 2:13). He did this from before the foundation of the world. Salvation
Salvation is being saved from the righteous judgment of God upon the sinner. Salvation is obtained by grace alone, through faith alone, in the work of Christ alone (John 3:16) and not by our good works (Rom. 3:28; 4:1-5; 5:1; Eph. 2:8-9; Gal. 3:1-4; Matt. 7:22-23). We are chosen for salvation by God (2 Thess. 2:13), and our salvation cannot be lost. Justification by Grace through Faith Alone
Justification is being declared legally righteous by God (Rom. 4:5; 5:1; Phil. 3:9) according to the Law. This justification is obtained by faith alone (Rom. 4:5), in Christ alone (Acts 4:12). It is based on the work of Christ who fulfilled the Law in his earthly ministry (1 Pet. 2:22) where he bore our sins in his body on the cross (1 Pet. 2:24). He canceled the sin debt by his sacrifice on the cross (Col. 2:14). This justification is received by faith without any ceremony, without baptism (Rom. 4:1-6), and without any works of the Law (Rom. 3:28; Gal. 2:21). Our justification is a gift from God (Rom. 3:24).any works of the Law (Rom. 3:28; Gal. 2:21). Our justification is a gift from God (Rom. 3:24). Regeneration
Upon belief, a sinner is regenerated; that is, he is changed into a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) and is then able to resist his sin and seek to increase in sanctification before the Lord. Thus, those regenerated do not seek to abide in sin, though they do fall into it, but war against it and repent of sin before the Lord. Eternal Security
"All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. 38 “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day," (John 6:37-39). And, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall sn**ch them out of My hand" (John 10:27-28). Christ has done all that is needed for our salvation, and he says that those who have eternal life will never perish since Jesus cannot lose any (John 6:37-40). Those who appeared to be Christian but fell away never were Christians, to begin with (1 John 2:19). Eternal security does not mean that we have a license to sin (Rom. 5:21-6:2). Those who say it is a license to sin do not understand eternal security and how God regenerates the sinner and turns his heart to repentance (2 Tim. 2:25) and brings us to war against sin (Rom. 7:14-25). Because of the diversity of opinions on this issue, ICBC does not condemn or pass judgment upon those who believe it is possible to lose one's salvation. However, ICBC opposes the position that a person's security before God is maintained through his good works or sincerity of heart since this would be works of righteousness. Sanctification
Sanctification is the process by which the Holy Spirit makes us more like Christ in all that we do, think, and desire and increases our ability to repent from sin -- by God's grace. (1 Thess. 4:7; Eph. 2:10; 1 Tim. 4:4; 1 Peter. 3:15; 2 Tim. 2:25). This process continues all of the Christian's life and is the result of salvation, not its cause. Furthermore, the effort of sanctification does not maintain salvation. Free Will
Free will is the ability of a conscious being to make choices that are not coerced. Free-will choices require the ability to be aware of a choice to be made. Free will does not necessitate the option of choosing between good and bad; otherwise, God would not be free since he cannot choose to sin. All people possess free will and exercise it according to the conditions revealed about it per the scriptures (1 Cor. 2:14; Rom. 6:14-20). Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy
ICBC considers the Roman Catholic Church's official teachings regarding Mary and Salvation to be non-Christian and lead to damnation. Yet, ICBC recognizes that there are Christians within the Roman Catholic Church and are such, despite official Catholic Teaching. Likewise, Eastern Orthodoxy also has false teachings regarding Mary and salvation and is likewise a false church. Yet, like Catholicism, there are undoubtedly saved individuals within that organization. Christian Church
God calls Christians to his Church where the Word of God is preached, where baptism and the Lord's Supper (communion) is administered, where believers are discipled and disciplined, and where believers serve to build up one another. (Matt. 16:18)
Church Membership
Church membership varies in structure and requirements among different churches and denominations. Therefore, we cannot say it is or is not biblical since different Church membership styles are not taught in scripture. Nevertheless, church membership is sometimes assumed to be in place even though there is no legal, official agreement. Other times it is a formalized (and often legal) contract where a person agrees to be subject to the ecclesiastical body of the local congregation. Formal agreements are not a requirement to be a member of the body of Christ at large since it is not found in the New Testament. However, various local bodies do require official church membership along with a formal, legal agreement. Both are within biblical orthodoxy. ICBC encourages regular attenders to pursue formal membership in this local church. To serve in a leadership capacity (elder, deacon, Sunday School teacher) one must be a recognized member. Church Officers
God calls qualified Christians to be ordained and serve Jesus Christ in special leadership capacities, i.e., Elders, Deacons, Ministers of the Word, and Evangelists. The office(s) of pastor and elder is limited to qualified men only, called by God, recognized by the body, and meet the biblical standard of eldership. Women are not to be pastors nor elders and are not to hold positions of authority in the Christian Church where that authority is exercised over men. (1 Tim. 2:11-15; 3:11-13; Titus 1). Rapture
The event where, upon Jesus' return, those who have died in Christ and those Christians who are then alive will be physically caught up to the clouds and meet the Lord Jesus in the air. We will then forever be with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:16-5:2). Because of the diverse opinions among godly Christians regarding the rapture, ICBC considers pre-tribulation rapture, mid-tribulation rapture, and post-tribulation rapture to be within the scope of Christian orthodoxy. We at ICBC are hoping for a pre-trib rapture but preparing for post-trib. Second Coming
Jesus Christ will bodily and visibly come from heaven with great glory and majesty. Then all human creatures will appear in person before Him to be judged -- men, women, and children, who have lived from the beginning until the end of the world. The evil ones will receive everlasting torment. The faithful ones will receive everlasting life in a new world. So we look forward to that great day with longing in order to enjoy the promises of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord. (Matt. 24; Rev. 19-21)
Millennium
Because of the diverse opinions among godly Christians regarding the millennium, ICBC considers amillennialism, premillennialism, and postmillennialism within the scope of Christian orthodoxy. Spiritual Realm
There is a spiritual realm of angels and demons. Upon death, Christians go to be with the Lord Jesus in that spiritual realm. Upon death, unbelievers also enter a spiritual realm, but it is punishment. Eternal Judgment
All who are not justified by the blood of Christ will face eternal and conscious judgment. Evangelism
All Christians should partake in evangelism in one form or another. It can be by preaching, teaching, witnessing, being a godly example, discipling one's children, and many other ways. Ultimately, we must teach the gospel of Jesus Christ as well as refute false doctrines, false religions, and whatever else might contradict the word of God, including such sins as homosexuality, adultery, po*******hy, pe******ia, be******ty, lying, fornication, false gospels, false gods, etc., inside and outside of the church. Kingdom Work
Part of being a Christian means participating in expanding the Kingdom of God. Every Christian is to work for this end according to the gifts given him or her by the Lord (Matt. 28:18-20; Rom. 12). Not all are pastors, or evangelists, or teachers (1 Cor. 12:4-11), but each Christian is expected to do his or her part to promote the gospel whether it be by prayer and/or tithing, and/or teaching, and/or bearing and training children, and/or evangelism, etc. Morality
Homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, pe******ia, be******ty, necrophilia, cross-dressing, transgenderism, fluid sexual identity, lying, bearing false witness, adultery, wife-swapping, po*******hy, fornication, coveting, etc., are all sinful practices, are against scriptural revelation, and are contrary to proper living. Nevertheless, we do not hate or persecute those who practice these things. Instead, we pray for their deliverance and salvation while we tell them the truth about their sins and call them to repentance. Marriage
Marriage is between one man and one woman. Sexual in*******se is to be experienced only within that bond, not outside of it. Marriage is dissolved upon death. Marriage can also be dissolved due to adultery (Matt. 19:9) and abandonment (1 Cor. 7:15). Heresy
Any doctrine that deviates from the historical, orthodox, and biblical position of the Christian Church, throughout Church history, as judged from a Protestant perspective. Some heresies are damnable (denying the Deity of Christ, denying Christ's physical resurrection, denying justification by grace through faith, etc.). Some heresies are not damnable (advocating women pastors; practicing polygamy, divorce for convenience sake, etc.) There are also teachings within Christianity that are debatable, whereas differences of opinion are not heresy (eating or not eating meat, worship on Saturday or Sunday, etc.) See. Rom. 14:1-12. Open Theism
ICBC rejects open theism. Open theism states that God does not exhaustively know all future events, that God learns, and that God can make mistakes in his expectations. Some open theists say that God self-limits his knowledge of peoples' future free will choices. Other open theists deny God's exhaustive knowledge of the present. Open theists advocate that human free will is the final deciding factor in God's choosing people regarding salvation. Open theism is not scriptural, and ICBC rejects it as a false representation of God's attributes. Living
Where possible, Christians are to live in peace with all men, suffering wrongs, false accusations, and misrepresentations with charity. However, Christians are free to defend themselves and promote the truth of Christianity by correcting false teachings and refuting error. Christians are to live in the world as examples of godliness and are not to participate in the sinful passions of the world. Creation and Evolution
God created the universe and all that is in it by his sovereign effort. God brought the universe into existence by the exertion of his will. Within Christianity, there is room for the interpretation of the six creation days (Gen. 1:1-31) to be literal seven 24 hour periods, but also longer periods. Believing either does not negate one's Christian faith. Nevertheless, Adam and Eve were real people, created by God, just as Genesis says. ICBC does not affirm macro-evolution (the formation of life on earth from a single cell that evolved via natural selection over millions of years into the species all over the earth) or theistic evolution (that God guided macro-evolution to bring humanity into existence). ICBC denies them both. However, microevolution, the modification of existing species with existing genetic information that allows species to adapt to environments, is within the realm of Christian orthodoxy. We did not evolve from other species into our present condition. God did not guide the evolution of species by which humanity, the animal kingdom, or the plant kingdom was developed. The General theory of evolution is unscriptural and counter-factual. At ICBC we hold to a young earth creation in which God created the universe in six, twenty-four hour days and rested on the 7th.
