Members Covenant

This statement is the promise of each member upon their reception into the membership of Bible Temple.

Having been led, with assurance, by the Spirit of God, (Romans 5:5) to receive Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord, (Romans 8:14; 10:9-10; John 3:8) and upon profession of my repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, having been baptized by immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, I engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit; to walk with you all the members of Bible Temple in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this Church, in knowledge, holiness and comfort – even to the laying down of my life in service for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ and my brothers and sisters, and if called upon by my Lord, to hazard my life for the gospel’s sake; (Galatians 5:13-16; Romans 8:13; 16:3-4; Acts 15:26; 1 John 3:16; 2 Peter 1:2-8; 3:18) to promote this Church growth and spirituality; to sustain true Biblical worship in it, observing the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s table, discipline, and doctrines as revealed in the Word of God; (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:42) to contribute cheerfully and regularly of my income as God has graciously prospered me for the support of this church, relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel. (Malachi 3:8; 1 Corinthians 9:7-14; Galatians 6:6-8; Philippians 4:14-20;1 Timothy 5:17-18; Hebrews 13:15-17)

I also commit to maintaining family and private devotions; to biblically educate my children; to seek the salvation of my family and acquaintances; to be zealous in my efforts to advance the kingdom of my Saviour (2 Timothy 3:15; Genesis 18:19; Deuteronomy 6:6-8; Ephesians 6:4); to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in my dealings, faithful in my engagements, exemplary in my deportment, abstaining from all appearances of evil; (2 Corinthians 6:3-10; Ephesians 5:15-16; Colossians 3:13-17; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 5:22) and, to avoid all backbiting, gossiping, and unrighteous anger (James 1:26; Ephesians 4:25; 5:7; Colossians 3:3-17; 1 Timothy 5:5-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-15; 1 Peter 4:15; Proverbs 6:16-19; 8:13; 26:20).

I further engage to watch over you, my brothers and sisters, in brotherly love; (Matthew 22:37-39; John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:18; 4:11; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Romans 5:5; 12:9-10; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7; 2 Corinthians 8:7-8; Galatians 5:6,13-14; Ephesians 4:2, 15-16; Colossians 3:14) to remember you in prayer; to aid you in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; (1 Corinthians 12:26; Colossians 4:12, 13) to be slow to take offence, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the commandments of our Saviour to secure it without delay. (Matthew 18:15-17)

I also understand that if I am overtaken by any fault, I will be subject to biblical discipline which seeks my restoration. (Galatians 6:1, 2; Matthew 18:15-17; Romans 16:17, 18; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Corinthians 2:6-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:11-14)

I moreover engage that should I remove from this place I will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church of like faith and practice, where I can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word. I also understand that Bible Temple has already entered into this covenant one with another and that existing Bible Temple members are also responsible to me in like manner.