Specific Issues

We believe in the importance of serving the body of Christ by offering clear paths for people to start and develop healthy and growing relationships with others in the church body. We value an intentional plan to help every interested person enjoy godly relationships in the church.

Church membership is a result of people who are growing in Christ and who grasp the importance of belonging together in mutual partnership. It is a public expression of a personal commitment that solidifies our bond and increases our impact.

Accordingly, members make the following commitments:

1. I have, by God's grace, become a follower of Jesus Christ, and I have been baptized as a visible way of demonstrating that commitment.
2. I will, with God's help, seek to maintain my consistent disciplines of prayer, Bible study, quietness with God, and worship attendance.
3. I will, with God's direction, pursue an active role in building up the body of Christ at Coram Deo Bible Church through service and ministry.
4. I will, with God's strength, earnestly love my brothers and sisters in Christ both in word and deed; and will, when personally offended, speak lovingly and directly with those involved.
5. I will, with God's provision, financially support the ministries of Coram Deo Bible Church by faithfully giving back to the Lord a biblical portion of my increase.

For more on membership at Coram Deo Bible Church, click here.

Baptism and communion are the two ordinances required in the church. We believe that Christian baptism by immersion in water is a public identification with Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Although baptism is not required for salvation, it is commanded of all believers and is for believers only (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38, 41; Acts 18:8).

Scripture shows that a person was baptized after personally receiving forgiveness of sin through accepting Jesus Christ. The waters of baptism are a symbol of our death, burial, and resurrection to newness of life that happens when we become a new creation in Christ (Colossians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:1-4).

Communion is the commemoration by believers of Christ's death, and a reminder through the bread and the cup of the Savior's broken body and shed blood. Communion should be preceded by careful self-examination and confession of sin (Acts 4:13; Romans 6:3-6; 1 Corinthians 11:20-29).

Why do we use the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible at Coram Deo?

We believe that the very words of Scripture in the original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic are inspired by God and comprise the Bible. Since the biblical languages are mechanically very different from English, multiple "versions" have been printed over the centuries. Not only that, but translation teams tend to emphasize one of two primary translation goals: 1) to make the translation easy to read, or 2) to make it as accurate to the original text as possible.

Translations such as the King James Version (KJV) and the New American Standard Version (NAS) give a priority to accuracy over readability. Translations such as the New International Version (NIV) and the New Living Translation (NLT) take the opposite approach and focus more on readability. In the middle is the English Standard Version (ESV) and a few others.

There is no one "perfect" translation, and depending on its intended audience, one translation may be better than another. It is often helpful to consult multiple translations when engaged in Bible study, as different translations may provide insight into the passage you are studying. Because it is a readable and essentially literal translation, for regular reading of the Bible and personal study, Coram Deo Bible Church recommends:

The English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL.: Crossway Books)

For more on the reliability of the English Standard Version, read the article, "Why You Can Trust the English Standard Version" by Leland Ryken.

Coram Deo Bible Church is a conservative, evangelical, non-charismatic fellowship that welcomes all who know Jesus Christ as their Savior and all who are seeking Him. Those who claim to possess the gift of tongues and other sign gifts are welcome to worship and fellowship with us if they are willing to be a source of unity rather than division within our church body. We believe that the Christian life is supernatural and that the Lord continues to perform miracles. We also believe that current displays of the gift of tongues distract from the main task of the local church, which is to glorify God through the fulfillment of The Great Commission in the spirit of The Great Commandment (Matthew 28:19-20; 22:37-39).

Current displays of the gift of tongues:

• Give unwarranted prominence to the gift, which is described in the New Testament as being only one of many spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12);
• Emphasize speaking in tongues as the primary manifestation of the Spirit's work in a person's life, while minimizing the Spirit's work in producing a holy life (2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 2 Timothy 1:9) and a life that displays the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22);
• Often suggest that speaking in tongues is a required proof of being Spirit-filled or of possessing salvation in Christ, even though the Scriptures do not teach this.

Coram Deo Bible Church seeks to prevent the propagation of such unbiblical doctrines or practices that could cause divisions within our church. Though we do not control personal, individual interactions with the Lord, we expect participants in meetings under the organization and authority of Coram Deo Bible Church to refrain from overt expressions of tongues.

The church exists to glorify God through the fulfillment of The Great Commission, in the spirit of The Great Commandment (Matthew 28:19-20; 22:37-39).

The Commission is fulfilled as disciples of Jesus Christ are made and grow in their relationship with Him and likeness to Him. In this way, God is glorified as we manifest His presence and do His work (2 Timothy 2:2; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

In seeking to act upon the church's purpose, we recognize the extraordinary value of multiplying our reach by planting local churches and associating with existing, like-minded churches. Not only that, but we are strengthened by such associations through mutual encouragement and support. To that end, we partner with the Great Commission Collective and the Southern Baptist Convention to strengthen pastors, prepare church planters, and establish churches.

The Lord changes lives and accomplishes His purposes directly through reading and applying the Scriptures, meditating on the truths of the Scriptures, and prayer. The Lord also uses those who minister His Word as they encourage, exhort, admonish, edify, implore, reprove, rebuke, and console others toward godliness. God needs no new or unique insight into the human condition in order to change lives, regardless of whether that insight is gained through psychology or some other tool of human origin. Problems that are approached by integrating the Scriptures with psychological theories tend to deceive individuals into diminishing the God of the Scriptures and into believing that He has not provided and cannot provide sufficient truth, insight, and wisdom that will change their lives (Colossians 2:8-10).

When psychology and other social sciences step beyond observing human behavior and seek to explain the causes of human behavior, they enter spiritual territory. Only the God of the Scriptures can explain causes and offer solutions that lead to godliness and a fruitful, joyful life. God has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). He changes us as we discipline ourselves through obedience to the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 4:7; 2 Peter 1:5-11).

Each Christian's passion should be to become more like Christ and to fulfill The Great Commandment to love the Lord with their entire heart, soul, mind, and strength (Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2; Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:30; Matthew 22:37-38).

The Christian who learns and applies the Word becomes mature, and in turn can help others mature (2 Timothy 2:2).

We believe God created the universe in six 24-hour days, and that before He created the universe, nothing except God existed (Genesis 1; Exodus 31:17; Psalm 33:6-9; Acts 17:24; Hebrews 11:3; Colossians 1:16).

God chose to create the universe and all that is in it to reveal His glory, divine nature, eternal power, infinite wisdom, and supreme authority (Isaiah 43:7; Psalm 19:1-2; Jeremiah 10:12; Romans 1:20; Revelation 4:11).

We deny the theory of evolution, which states that nonliving substances gave rise to the first living material, which then reproduced and diversified to produce all living creatures. We believe that all people are descendants of Adam and Eve, whom God created personally and individually and as complete human beings (Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:7; Genesis 2:21-22; 1 Corinthians 11:8-9). The fall of Adam and Eve infected all people with sin and death, but the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us the opportunity to receive God's gift of eternal life (Romans 5:18-19; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22).

God rules over His creation, cares about us, and is involved in the lives of individual people (Job 12:10; Acts 17:24-28; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:13; Ephesians 4:6).

It is God's divine decision to save a person and it is God's kindness, forbearance, and patience that lead that person to repentance (Romans 2:4). All glory for the salvation and security of every believer belongs to God alone (Romans 3:21-31; Ephesians 1:7-9; Ephesians 2:8-9; Jude 1:24-25). We believe that everyone who is born again by the Spirit through Jesus Christ is eternally assured of salvation from the moment of conversion. This assurance relies on God's decisive grace rather than on the works of the Christian. Obedience, good works, and fruit-bearing do not earn or retain the believer's salvation, but indicate the reality of the person's love of Christ and profession of faith (Luke 6:46; John 14:21; James 2:17-18).

Eternal security in salvation relies on the Lord's guarantee of each believer's adoption as His son or daughter (Galatians 4:4-7), His seal of the believer by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14), and His gift of the Holy Spirit to each believer as a down payment toward future bliss in heaven (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). A person who professes genuine faith in Christ immediately becomes His possession (Luke 23:42-43; Acts 2:40-41; Acts 16: 30-34), and nothing can snatch that person out of His hands (John 10:27-29). Having been bought with the price of Jesus Christ's crucifixion as complete payment for sin, Christians are not their own. They are Christ's possession (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This assurance is absolutely certain, reserved in heaven, and protected by God's unlimited power (1 Peter 1:4-5).

Realizing that the cause of Christ extends beyond any one local fellowship, we believe in an ongoing ministry of extending the call of Christ to make disciples around the world. It is our passion to contribute to the advancement of God's Kingdom by:

• Providing opportunities for short-term mission trips in order for students and adults to gain exposure to global missions and their potential role in entering the mission field longer-term.
• Equipping singles, couples, and families who feel called to the mission field for the purposes of reaching the unreached with the Gospel. We partner with Radius International in this endeavor.
• Cultivating partnerships with global partners currently working in the mission field.

To learn more about our outreach efforts, click here.

Position Statement on Marriage and Human Sexuality of Coram Deo Bible Church:

We believe marriage is a monogamous, heterosexual union instituted and ordained by God (Genesis 2:18-25; Ephesians 5:22-33). As such, it is to be an exclusive covenantal union of one man and one woman for the purpose of a lifetime of mutual commitment and companionship. A civil government’s sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by this church only to the extent that it is consistent with this belief.

1) Position on Marriage and Human Sexuality

We believe that the term "marriage" has only one meaning: it is a union sanctioned by God which joins one biologically born man and one biologically born woman in a single, exclusive relationship, as delineated in Scripture.

We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a biologically born man and a biologically born woman who are married to each other.

We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity is to occur outside of a marriage.

We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or any attempt to change one's gender, or disagreement with one's biological gender, is sinful and offensive to God.

We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by our church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, should abide by and agree to this Position Statement on Marriage and Human Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly.

We believe the recognition of same-sex or transgender marriages, civil unions, or domestic partnerships are prohibited by Scripture. Rather than promoting the family and the common good of a community, the recognition and sanction of same-sex or transgender marriages, civil unions, or domestic partnerships is detrimental to a society. Such a redefinition of marriage devalues the institution, the family, and the unique role of both a man and a woman in a child's life.

We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to one's created identity as male or female to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking forgiveness and mercy through Jesus Christ.

We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with the Scriptures nor the doctrine and practices of this church.

2) Policy Regarding Marriage and Human Sexuality

The Bible (ESV translation) explains the original intention and core elements of marriage. In the New Testament, various epistles give explicit instructions on the union of a man and a woman. In light of this revelation from God, Coram Deo Bible Church views marriage as a profound spiritual institution established by God. Due to the nature and importance of marriage in the biblical record, Coram Deo Bible Church adopts the following policy with respect to various participants, places, and situations:

Clergy

Only licensed or ordained pastors or directors of Coram Deo Bible Church shall officiate at marriage ceremonies conducted on church property.

Clergy not employed by Coram Deo Bible Church may officiate weddings on church premises only after agreeing to follow the marriage beliefs and policies of Coram Deo Bible Church, including this document. Such clergy need the approval of the Senior Pastor, or his designee, before officiating at any wedding on the church premises.

Pastors or directors employed by Coram Deo Bible Church shall not officiate at a same-sex or trans-gender marriage ceremony regardless of where it is held.

Applicants

Applicants desiring to participate in the Coram Deo Bible Church premarital course, have a ceremony performed by a pastor or director employed by Coram Deo Bible Church, and/or use the facilities of the church, shall affirm their agreement with the Position Statement and Policy on Marriage and Human Sexuality of Coram Deo Bible Church, and shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent therewith.

Applicants shall receive the necessary premarital counseling as required by Coram Deo Bible Church before a ceremony may be performed by a pastor or director.

Premises

We reserve the right to decline the request of any person to use Coram Deo Bible Church facilities or property for a ceremony when, in our judgment, there are significant concerns that one or both of the applicants may not be qualified to enter into the sacred union of marriage for theological, doctrinal, moral, or legal reasons.

We reserve the right to decline the request of any person to use Coram Deo Bible Church facilities or property to host or house any group, function, or event inconsistent with the biblical standards for marriage and this policy on Marriage and Human Sexuality.

Weddings

We reserve the right to decline the request of any person to use Coram Deo Bible Church facilities or property to perform or participate in any wedding ceremony inconsistent with the biblical standards for marriage and this policy on Marriage and Human Sexuality.

Marriage Vows Renewal

We reserve the right to decline the request of any person to use Coram Deo Bible Church facilities or property to perform or participate in any marriage vows renewal ceremony inconsistent with the biblical standards for marriage and this policy on Marriage and Human Sexuality.

Funerals

We reserve the right to decline the request of any person to use Coram Deo Bible Church facilities or property to perform or participate in any funeral or memorial service inconsistent with the biblical standards for marriage and this policy on Marriage and Human Sexuality.

Baptisms

We reserve the right to decline the request of any person to use Coram Deo Bible Church facilities or property to perform or participate in any baptism inconsistent with the biblical standards for marriage and this policy on Marriage and Human Sexuality.

Child Dedication

We reserve the right to decline the request of any person to use Coram Deo Bible Church facilities or property to perform or participate in any child dedication service inconsistent with the biblical standards for marriage and this policy on Marriage and Human Sexuality.

Mature disciples worship in church, grow in groups, serve in ministry, and abide in Christ. A person committed to such things will experience significant growth in personal sanctification, greater maturity, and a closer relationship with the Lord. We are committed to multiplying the godly characteristics of leaders in others (2 Timothy 2:2). This multiplication of ministry is key to the healthy growth of the church. We believe the disciples of Jesus Christ should minister to one another in the local church, rather than one or a small number of professional pastors bearing total responsibility to care for the entire congregation. God has given spiritual gifts to all of His people to provide mutual ministry in the context of a healthy and strong local church (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Satan and his demonic servants viciously oppose the work God performs in and through His people (1 Peter 5:8; Genesis 3:1-7; Ephesians 6:12). God, who by His nature is infinitely more powerful than Satan, in due time will complete His victory over Satan (1 John 4:4; Revelation 20:1-10).

Although it is appropriate to pray in Jesus' name for protection against demonic activity, the Scriptures do not instruct the Christian to "bind Satan in Jesus' name." Rather, the Scriptures instruct the Christian to combat Satan by:

• Humbly drawing near to God, knowing that He will give grace, mercy, and strength (2 Corinthians 12:7-9; Hebrews 4:15-16; James 4:8; 1 Peter 5:6-10);
• Resisting Satan and his temptations (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9);
• Rightly applying the truth of the Scriptures (Matthew 4:1-11; John 8:44; Ephesians 4:24-27);
• Forgiving offenses (2 Corinthians 2:10-11);
• Putting on the armor of God's truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, and prayer (Ephesians 6:11-20);
• Demonstrating faithfulness to the Lord by enduring trials (Revelation 2:10; Revelation 2:13; Revelation 3:9-10).

We believe in the verbal, plenary inspiration of Scripture (the Bible) and that it contains all the words of God that we need in order to completely trust and obey Him. The Scriptures are inerrant in their original writings (Psalm 119:97-104; Psalm 119:160; Matthew 5:18; John 5:46-47; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:15-16), infallible in their instruction (Proverbs 6:32; 2 Peter 1:19), eternal in duration (Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:23-25), authoritative and final for faith and practice (Matthew 4:4; Psalm 119), and sufficient for counsel in every issue of life (Psalm 19:14-17; 2 Timothy 3:16).

Coram Deo Bible Church affirms the God-ordained and significant role that women should play in furthering the work of ministry in a local church. Every leadership opportunity is open to women except those roles excluded by Scripture; namely, pastors, elders, and deacons. The Scriptures clearly teach that only men are to serve in those roles. Furthermore, the Bible teaches that women are not to serve in church positions in which they exercise authority over men, or in which they teach doctrine to men (1 Timothy 2:12; 1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:6-9).

This is not an issue of equality, for men and women are equal under God, but an issue of roles. Men and women do not have the same roles, but they do have the same value. Therefore, women can and should play a significant role in the ministry of our church.

The chief purpose of mankind is to glorify God by loving Him with our entire heart, soul, mind, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5; Isaiah 43:7; Matthew 22:37). All believing men, women, and children are to glorify God and thus fulfill the purpose of their existence. Worship glorifies God through adoration (Psalm 95:6), praise (Psalm 99:5), prayer (Daniel 6:10-11), thanksgiving (Nehemiah 12:46), surrender, and devotion (Romans 12:1). Worship declares His worth, pays Him homage, and celebrates His greatness.

Therefore, we seek to:

• Worship the Lord in spirit and in truth (Exodus 15:1-21; 2 Samuel 6:14-16; Psalm 5:7; John 4:23-24; Revelation 4:11, 5:12);
• Exalt the name of Jesus (John 4:22-26; John12:32; John 14:6);
• Prepare hearts to hear the Lord speak through the proclamation of Scripture (Psalm 95:6-9; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42);
• Emphasize fresh and contemporary expressions while retaining traditional elements that recognize the richness of our heritage in the faith (Deuteronomy 32:7; Psalm 33:3; Isaiah 46:8- 9; Matthew 13:32; Ephesians 5:19; Revelation 5:9);
• Pursue excellence in worship, knowing that God is worthy of our best (Exodus 12; Deuteronomy 17:1; Psalm 33:3; 1 Timothy 4:14-15; Hebrews 11:4).