RITES AND CEREMONIES

1.Is baptism necessary?

Yes.

Romans 6:1-5 – What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? :2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? :3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? :4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. :5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Mark 16:15, 16 – And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. :16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Matthew 28:19, 20 – Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: :20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Galatians 3:26-29 – For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 3:21 – The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Acts 22:16 – And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

John 3:5 – Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

2.Which is used by your faith: sprinkling, pouring or immersion?

Immersion.

 

Romans 6:1-5- What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? :2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? :3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? :4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. :5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Acts 8:35, 36-39 – And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? :37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. :38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. :39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Colossians 2:11, 12 – In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: :12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Matthew 3:13-16 – Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. :14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? :15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. :16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

 

3.At what age may one join the faith?

When repentance for sin and belief of the gospel occur and the person requests baptism.

Acts 2:41 – Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 8:12 – But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

 

4.Do you practice a communion service?

Yes.

 

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: :24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. :25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. :26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Matthew 28:20 – Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Luke 22:17-20 – And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: :18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. :19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. :20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

John 6:48-56 – I am that bread of life. :49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. :50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. :51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. :52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? :53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. :54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. :55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. :56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

 

5.Is it open to non-members?

No.

 

1 Corinthians 10:16, 17-21 – The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? :17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. :18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? :19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? :20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. :21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

With Exodus 12:40-48 – Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. :41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt. :42 It is a night to be much observed unto the Lord for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the Lord to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations. :43 And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof: :44 But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof. :45 A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof. :46 In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth aught of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.:47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. :48 And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.

1 Corinthians 11:27-32 – Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. :28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. :29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. :30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. :31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. :32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Hebrews 13:10 – We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 – Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? :15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? :16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. :17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, :18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

 

6.Do you practice washing one another’s feet?

Yes.

 

John 13:1-17 – Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.:2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; :3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; :4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. :5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. :6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? :7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. :8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. :9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. :10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. :11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. :12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? :13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. :14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. :15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. :16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. :17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

1 Timothy 5:10 – Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

 

7.Do you keep any holy days? Give examples.

Keeping days is by individual choice.

 

Romans 14:5, 6 – One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. :6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Colossians 2:16 – Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

Galatians 4:10, 11 – Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. :11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

 

5.Is it necessary to keep law?

A) Yes, the law of the spirit of life in Christ.(See part "B" regarding the "Mosaic Law")

 

Romans 8:1, 2 – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. :2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Galatians 6:2, 16 – Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. :16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

1 John 5:2, 3 – By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. :3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Revelation 22:14 – Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

James 2:8-12 – If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: :9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. :10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. :11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. :12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

Matthew 5:21-48 – Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: :22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. :23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; :24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. :25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. :26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. :27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: :28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. :29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. :30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. :31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: :32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. :33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: :34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: :35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. :36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. :37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. :38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: :39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. :40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. :41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. :42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. :43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. :44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; :45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. :46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? :47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? :48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

 

B) No, the law of God given to Israel.("Mosaic Law")

 

Acts 15:5, 24, 28, 29 – But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. :24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: :28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; :29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

2 Corinthians 3:7-11 – But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: :8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? :9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. :10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. :11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

Romans 10:4 – For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Galatians 2:21 – I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Galatians 3:19 – Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

Ephesians 2:15 – Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Colossians 2:14-17 – Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; :15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. :16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: :17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Hebrews 8:13 – In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.