Over a period of about sixteen hundred years, men under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit wrote these sacred Scriptures as they were inspired. (Read II Timothy 3:16-17 and II Peter 1:21)

The Bible is the record of the world from the beginning of time until the future when there will be a new heaven and a new earth. Old Testament: Contains the creation of the world, the entrance of sin, the formation of the nation of Israel, Jewish history, poetry and wisdom, and prophetic messages from God to Israel concerning its present condition and future destiny. New Testament: Contains the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, charts the birth and progression of the Christian movement,doctrines of the Christian faith, and a glimpse into the future - events that will take place in heaven, on earth, and in hell.

Read Isaiah 57:15 - God is the high and lofty One that inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy. He dwells both in the heavens and in the hearts of men. He is the God of both Transcendental Majesty and Condescending Mercy.

Read Isaiah 43:7 - The chief duty of man is to glorify God, his Creator.

Read Romans 3:23 - According to Scriptures, sin refers to anything short of God's perfection.

Read Romans 10:8-11 - Simply speak a confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (God's only Son) with the belief that He died for our sins and that God raised Him from the dead.

Read Hebrews 11:1 - Faith is personal confidence in God. It means that we believe what He says, and trust Him to save and sustain us.

Since man is a tripartite being, composed of three parts - body, soul, and spirit - at the time of death, the soul and spirit leave the body. The body is buried (returns to the earth). If the person is saved, the soul and spirit go to a place of joy and happiness - heaven. (Read II Corinthians 5:8; and Philippians 1:21-23) If the person is unsaved, the spirit and soul go to a place of sorrow and punishment - hades or hell. (Read Luke 16:19-31)

Uniting with a local congregation is admonished in the Scriptures. (Read Hebrews 10:25) In earnest prayer seek God's will and direction. The traditions and customs of men must be tested. (Read Isaiah 8:20) Be sure that the congregation... [1.] Acknowledges the Holy Bible as the inspired and infallible Word of God, and honors the Scriptures as the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. (Read II Tim. 3:16-17) [2.] Is unmistakably clear as to the Person of Christ - that He is God, and nothing less than this is acceptable. (Read Colossians 2:9) [3.] Is sound in its teachings concerning the work of Christ. Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, voluntarily died for our sins on the Cross of Calvary, was buried, rose again and ascended into Heaven, where He now sits at the right hand of God. (Read I Corinthians 15:1-4) Salvation is obtained solely by faith in Him apart from any works or human merits. (Galatians 1:6-9)