In addition to these essentials, our pastor teaches the following perspectives on certain doctrines. The Church historically has held these positions or versions of them, but today many churches disagree with the views stated here. If one disagrees with any of these views, he or she may still worship with us at New Covenant, but please understand that our pastor teaches them because they reflect his understanding of the Scriptures.

 

The Doctrines of Grace – our pastor teaches Reformed theology, which guided the church in its break away from the corrupt Roman Catholic “church” during the Reformation, which began in 1517. These doctrines include total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of the saints. Many verses prove these doctrines, such as Ephesians 2:4-10, Romans 5:15-17, & Romans 11:5-6.

 

Male leadership – the Church is to be led by male elders and pastors. This speaks of the roles God has ordained, not the value or worth of any believer. Male and female believers are equally precious to the Lord, are saved the same way, and are both vital to the Church. But sometimes their roles are different, and this is especially seen in the pastoral leadership of the Church. Every other office or role is open to females. I Tim 3:1-2

 

The Millennium – after much study and comparison of views, our pastor has concluded that the Amillennial view best describes what the Bible teaches. So, instead of waiting to be raptured before the Tribulation, we seek to grow in our faith to be able to face whatever the Lord may allow to come our way.
 
 

Every member evangelism – the pastor’s job is to model evangelism, teach it, and equip the believers to be the primary proclaimers of the gospel. Mark 5:19, Matt 28:19-20, Acts 1:8

 

Sign gifts – our pastor takes the position that the early Church was blessed with all the gifts of the Spirit mentioned in Scripture, but after the death of the last apostle (probably John, in about 95 AD), the miraculous or sign gifts ceased as distinctive gifts of the Spirit. Those sign gifts were used by the Spirit to validate the ministry of the Apostles as the Church got started, but apparently were no longer needed after all the Apostles died and church leadership passed to the second and third generation of believers. Although the sign gifts as such have ceased, the Spirit often still chooses to use them as temporary blessings in special situations today, so we still occasionally see miracles such as healing and tongues. Heb 2:4, Acts 1:21-23

 

Definition of the family – the Bible clearly teaches the “traditional” view of marriage, that of one man and one woman wedded together for life. Any deviation from this, including homosexuality or transgenderism, is sin. Physical relations between a man and woman are reserved for married couples alone. Gen 2:24, Matt 19:3-6

 

Beginning of life/ending of life – the Bible portrays life as a gift from God, so man has no authority to take it without His approval. Scripture teaches that life begins at conception, and may not be terminated at the whim of another person. Also, euthanasia or any other taking of life prior to natural death is forbidden, except for special cases such as capital punishment.

 

Divorce – our pastor believes that Scripture gives two legitimate reasons for divorce: unfaithfulness and abandonment. However, the Biblical ideal is for a man and woman to remain married for life.

 

 Financial support – sacrificial giving is to characterize members of the Church. The Old Covenant requirement was a tithe, or 10%, and the faithful Jew gave two or three tithes each year. The New Covenant doesn’t speak of tithing, but rather emphasizes sacrificial giving. II Cor 8:1-5