SACRED WORSHIP | CHRISTIAN LIVING | CHRISTIAN FAMILY
CHRISTIAN MINISTRY | CERTAIN ISSUES
CHRISTIAN RELATIONSHIP TO GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY

1. Prayer and Praise. No practice in Christian living is more often spoken of in the Scripture than prayer and praise both as duty and as privilege. The Bible gives examples of and instruction in these practices. In the Old Testament Daniel is an outstanding example, because he faithfully and openly prayed to God three times a day, in spite of the King's decree to the contrary. The Psalms are filled with prayer and praise to God. Reading them, the Christian learns of the rich rewards from such practices. Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, as our sure example in holy living often gave Himself to prayer and praise. He also often instructed His disciples, and thus Christians of all generations, to pray faithfully and to expect God's answer. (Matthew 7:7; John 16:23; James 5:16b)

A sense of need is a sufficient call to prayer. Hence the burdened sinner may come boldly to the throne of grace and find a welcoming Father from Whom forgiveness can be obtained. Similarly, burdened Christians can find in prayer the assurance of God's love and relief from their burdens as they cast all their care on the Lord. (I Peter 5:7)

Prayer is the life breath of Christian living and gives the Christian unbroken access to his Heavenly Father. It is thus essential to the maintenance and development of the Christian life. We believe that it should be the daily exercise of individual Christians within our fellowship; that our families should set apart a time for collective prayer, Bible reading, and praise; and that in our public services of worship we should give importance to prayer and praise.

2. Christian Worship. Worship is a privilege of the Christian. It is a spiritual experience in which believers give themselves to communion and fellowship with the Heavenly Father, a time when they consciously feel and give adoration and love and gratitude to God. It is a time of reverent coming before the Almighty God as a child of His by grace.

The first preparation for profitable worship is a humble spirit which recognizes the grace of God in giving us this privilege. Equally important is a contrite spirit which is submissive to His Lordship and superior will for our daily living. When these attitudes prevail, worship is full of meaning and reward. (Psalm 51:17)

Worship may be silent or vocal, taking various forms; it does not depend on certain ceremonies or traditions. Worship is a natural outgrowth of union with Christ and should be directed by His Spirit.

The service of worship will usually include times of prayer, praise, and preaching. During public worship services we should also allow sufficient time for reflection, meditation, and decision.

Inasmuch as public worship aids Christians in their growth in grace, is the focal point of the church's local ministry, and is a testimony to the surrounding community of the importance of worshipping God, our members should attend the services of their congregation regularly and faithfully. They should impress upon their children the same religious practice, believing that thus they will aid in leading their children to salvation and to the worship of God.

From the beginning of His earthly life (Matthew 2:2) and throughout the ages of time (Revelation 4:10_11), the Lord Jesus Christ has been, is, and will be the object of worship. We make Him the center of our worship and delight in collectively and personally giving Him praise and adoration as God. Without His presence through the Holy Spirit our worship would have neither meaning or depth.

Believers are committed to the work of God, not only to manifest personal righteousness as the fruit of a new life, but also to share their faith. All Christians are called upon to witness by word and deed, in Christlikeness demonstrating love, forgiveness, and the way of peace. Certain ones are called and ordained by God for a special service of leadership in His Church; their service may be that of teaching, evangelizing, pastoring, or administration. The church should recognize such special gifts among its members and encourage their use.

3. The Ordinances. (See Richmond Declaration) True baptism is the inward receiving of God's Spirit by asking in faith for Him to become the Lord of one's life. Communion is the continuing fellowship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Both baptism and communion are spiritual realities beyond the mere physical, outward ordinances.

Friends, impressed with the abuse which substituted the outward ceremony for the inner spiritual reality, placed their emphasis upon the spiritual content and let the outward symbols fall into disuse.

Communion, the observance of remembering Jesus' last supper and His instruction to partake together in remembrance of Him, is practiced often in worship. This is done in various ways depending on the Spirit's leading within the individual worshiper. It can be in quiet waiting before the Lord, in verbal witness, through prayer, sharing of the Holy Spirit's witness in one's life, or in the expression of needs or concerns. Although it is rooted in the historical act of Christ's body being broken and His blood shed, communion depends upon obedience to Him.

As a testimony or outward sign of inviting and accepting Jesus as Lord, the new believer is encouraged to publicly acknowledge that decision and commitment.

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B. TESTIMONIES REGARDING CHRISTIAN LIVING

Early in their religious lives Christians learn that it is necessary to make many decisions about behavior. They discover some practices which, though common in society about them, will seriously hinder their Christian growth and witness. Hence making right decisions about such matters will determine their growth in life and witness. Knowing that it is growing Christians who have greater delight in their own lives, Friends hold the following testimonies as guidelines toward Christian growth which we understand to be taught in the Bible. It is our desire that Christians within our fellowship experience speedy and rich progress toward the attainment of fullness in Christ.

1. Harmony in the Church. Harmony in the church family is essential to its good witness in the community and to its worship of and service to its Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. Watchful care should therefore be taken to maintain that harmony. The congregation, and especially the pastor and officers, should be concerned that nothing be permitted to bring disruption to the peace and unity of their fellowship. They should be quick to discern conflicts among the members of the congregation. In the event that dissension or resentment does arise, the pastor and officers should admonish all parties of the serious threat involved in their attitudes and make every effort, especially following the pattern laid down by our Lord Himself in Matthew 18:15_20, to reach a speedy reconciliation. (I Peter 1:22; Hebrews 13:1; 1 John 4:21; Matthew 5:23_25).

2. Simplicity of Living. Because the pressures to follow a style of life like that of the non-Christian society are so great upon Christians, Friends insist that our citizenship is not of this world. The New Testament command, "Be not conformed to this world," reminds us that in all our living we must take care that our manner of dress be modest and decent in every way. We must also take care that we not be seduced by the attractions and abundance of earthly goods and thus fall into covetousness.

3. Funerals. Knowing that our bodies have been made of dust (Genesis 3:19) and shall return to dust, Friends ought to avoid extravagant and expensive funerals and memorial stones.

4. Memorials. When a congregation feels that it would be a fitting tribute and possible testimony to others, Friends may prepare a memorial statement of the exemplary life of the deceased member. The statement should be forwarded to the local Presiding Clerk, for possible presentation at the next business session. (See Part II, Chapter II, Section I).

5. Unwholesome Habits. Friends should be especially watchful against being involved in the unwholesome habits characteristic of this evil world. Both II Corinthians 7:1, where we are instructed to "cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit," and I Corinthians 3:17, where we are told that "if any man defile the temple of God (which temple is our bodies), him shall God destroy," serve as a basis for our testimony against such habits.

Unwholesome habits include the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs and gluttony. Abundant suffering has resulted to those who have been ensnared by these practices. Such suffering has included a waste of health, mind, money, the home, and often the very life of the one who indulges in such habits. In addition to the personal harm suffered, the Christian's godly example is also damaged.

Because of these grave considerations, Friends should avoid such habits and refrain from assisting in the manufacture or promotion of the use of such substances. If new Christians find it difficult to break any of these habits, loving care should be extended to them along with every assistance so that they may come to freedom from them.

6. Amusements. With the increase of leisure and the wide availability of entertainment of every kind, Friends should consider most carefully the recreation and amusements to which we give ourselves, our interest, our time, and our money. Amusements can and do have a large influence upon character and life.

Our members should avoid attending or being involved in movies and theatrical performances of a demoralizing nature, in dances, and in other activities that may be injurious to Christian growth. Members are not to be involved in lotteries, wagering, or any kind of gambling. Friends should take care to avoid pornographic publications and publications tending to undermine their faith in the authority of the Scriptures and to hinder their Christian growth.

Though acknowledging certain benefits and the potential for Christian ministry in radio and television, Friends must also recognize and avoid programs which are unwholesome or demoralizing in music, language, or action portrayed.

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1. The Family. The family is the basic unit of human relationship, and as such is also the foundation unit of society and of the church. The many Biblical references to the family assure us of its divine origin and of God's concern for the family and the home.

2. Marriage. Marriage is the union of a man and woman into a oneness which no other human relationship can provide. Made before God and others, the marriage vow unites a couple so fully that they "become one flesh". Marriage also, even more importantly, involves mental, emotional, and spiritual union. Friends should therefore enter into marriage under the full persuasion that it is a life-long commitment and union.

A union so solemn is to be entered into only after much forethought, planning, and prayer. Friends should seek earnestly the will of our Lord concerning their choice of a mate, remembering the apostolic injunction, "do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers". (II Corinthians 6:14a). Parents should use watchful care to help their children find mates of Christian character and commitment.

3. Weddings. Since the wedding ceremony is solemn and holy, Friends feel that it should be simple and reverent. While wishing it to be an occasion to be remembered for its beauty, we should nevertheless avoid ostentation and extravagance. We should take care to make the entire ceremony one of Christian celebration, watching in the choice of music and all other parts of the service that it be an occasion of seeking God's blessing on the union and His guidance in the establishment of the home.

4. Divorce. Since the only clear Biblical allowance for divorce is adultery, Friends discourage seeking a divorce on any other grounds. (Matthew 5:31,32). The sanctity of the marriage vows requires Friends to seek earnestly to nurture their relationship, to prevent serious marital discord, to seek Christian counseling when needed, and to make every effort toward a happy, harmonious, and holy marriage.

The break-up of many marriages in our day lays great responsibility upon the congregation to be sensitive to the needs of those becoming involved in such crises and to be quick in loving concern for them. If divorce occurs, the church should offer a redemptive ministry to all members of the broken family.

When they are called upon to conduct weddings for divorced persons, we ask our ministers to consider the circumstances carefully, perhaps in consultation with the leaders of their congregations, before deciding whether to perform the ceremony.

Persons who have been divorced and are living consistent Christian lives should not be hindered from being members of the church nor from working in it.

5. Parents and Children. The responsibility of parenthood is given by God. (Psalm 127:3). The Scriptures often speak of this responsibility and give guidance for bearing it. Parents should early and continually turn to God for wisdom and guidance in the rearing of their children.

The Bible commands, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord" (Ephesians 6:1), and throughout its pages examples clearly support its teaching that obedience is the right attitude of children to parents. On their part, parents should be sensitive to the concerns and needs of their children so that they can freely speak their hearts to each other.

Parents have great spiritual, as well as physical, material, and educational responsibility for their children. Knowing that their children face the pressures of temptation from all sides, particularly in their schools, Christian parents have a great responsibility to guide them into a real understanding of what they believe and what they should do in the face of such temptation. Parents should from the beginning have a concern that their children come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. This concern will move them to pray faithfully with and for their children, to try to build a home atmosphere that will draw them to God, to encourage them in regular attendance of services of worship and in Christian service, and to provide them with Christian instruction in the home.

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D. TESTIMONIES REGARDING CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

1. General Ministry. Believers are committed to the work of God, not only to manifest personal righteousness as the fruit of a new life, but also to share their faith. All Christians are called upon to witness by word and by deed, in Christlikeness demonstrating love, forgiveness, and the way of peace.

2. The Public Ministry. Friends believe certain men and women are called to be ministers of the Gospel; for the edifying and equipping of the church, the Holy Spirit confers on them the gifts of ministry (Ephesians 4:11). This calling to the ministry will be evidenced in the life and work of the public minister. While there will be those who also have administrative ability or unusual insight into the Scriptures, it is this distinctive call of God which sets apart a person to serve in the Gospel ministry. Freely received, this call and gift should be freely and devotedly given in service to God and the Church.

3. Stewardship. Friends believe that the Old Testament practice of bringing one tenth (the tithe) of the increase of one's labor to the temple as God's storehouse is the most satisfactory basis for Christian Stewardship. Jesus commended sacrificial giving which exceeded this, implying that true giving extends beyond the tithe. Time, money, talents, and strength belong to the Lord. As His stewards, Christians hold them in trust to be used for His glory.

It is recommended that Friends should make their wills while in health and strength of judgment so that distribution of their estates may be done in justice and wisdom, to the satisfaction of their own minds. They are urged to consider financial needs of the various ministries of the local church and the Yearly Meeting and, where possible, remember them with suitable bequests.

4. Use of Church Buildings. Because church buildings have been dedicated to the service of God, and especially as places for His worship, Friends believe that they should be treated with care and respect. At times parts of these buildings may be used as meeting places for fellowship, but even at these times the buildings should be remembered as dedicated to the service of God. The primary purpose of the buildings should always be the worship of God, instruction in the Christian faith, development of Christian fellowship, and Christian service to the community. We encourage Friends to construct and maintain their worship facilities with prayerful consideration of their function, remembering the moderation and simplicity which is becoming to the testimony of Friends and to the Church of Jesus Christ.

5. Business Practices. Friends should seek divine direction in all their business affairs. They should undertake endeavors only after prayer and seeking God's guidance. While it is to be hoped that we will have adequate income, we must nevertheless remember that the search for riches is a threat to Christian life. Careful attention should be given to all our dealings in order not to bring dishonor to our testimony or to the church. Friends should be especially careful to pay debts and to fulfill all commitments. If business failures occur, we must do everything possible to fulfill all obligations.

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1. The Poor. The Christian virtue of love should characterize Friends in caring for the material needs of the poor within our membership. Also, as means are available, such care should be extended to others' needs, remembering that we are admonished to do good to all, especially those of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10).

2. Schools. Friends should take real interest in the educational programs affecting their children and all children of our communities. We should work for the election of suitable members of the boards of education, the employment of teachers of Christian character and example, and the development of educational programs which consider the influence of their contents and activities on the children involved.

3. Civil Government. Friends are convinced that the New Testament requires the Christian to hold the government and its leaders in respect, and that the basic principles of government can be directly traced to the Scriptures. Therefore, it is necessary that we obey the laws of the nation insofar as they are not in conflict with our obedience to God. When it becomes necessary for Friends to disagree with the practices and requirements of government, we should do so out of concern for the promotion of righteousness and not out of delight in controversy or strife.

Friends should use the ballot, with prayer and guidance, to vote for candidates and measures which will promote righteousness, giving much consideration to the personal and spiritual qualifications of candidates regardless of political affiliation.

4. Capital Punishment. The Bible emphasizes the sacredness of human life and the worth of each person before God. Capital punishment, Friends feel, is a preemption of the authority of God, the righteous Judge, over life. The restraint of evil can be more effectively handled by other methods than the death penalty.

5. Peace and War. The teaching of Jesus, the whole spirit of His gospel, and the provisions of His grace call people to live at peace with one another. During the first 300 years of the Christian church, its members abstained from military service as being a violation of the teachings of Christ. This attitude changed only when Constantine made Christianity the state religion and introduced the notion that it was right to fight in support of an officially Christian government. Since that time there has been division in the practice of Christians as to the support of war.

Friends renewed the testimony of the primitive church against war. George Fox said that he "lived in the virtue of that life and power that took away the occasion for all wars" and with eleven other Friends in 1660 declared publicly to King Charles II that "We utterly deny all outward wars and strife, and fighting with outward weapons, for any end, or under any pretense whatever; and this is our testimony to the whole world -- that the Spirit of Christ, which leads us into truth, will never move us to fight and war, neither for the Kingdom of Christ nor for the kingdoms of this world -- therefore, we cannot learn war any more." Standing upon this conviction, many Friends suffered imprisonment, cruelty, and death rather than violate their conscience.

Friends feel that life is sacred and that war and violence are not consistent with Christian principles. It is our firm conviction that war is wrong as a method of settling disputes, destructive of our highest values, and productive of the seeds of future wars. We, therefore, as a church, unequivocally support young Friends who as conscientious objectors to war refuse military service. And we are concerned to find alternative solutions based upon justice and righteousness for all peoples, and are deeply moved to participate in the new calls to peacemaking which are being sounded in our day. (See Richmond Declaration).

6. Oaths. Friends seek to evidence Christian holiness by conducting their personal, family, business, and civic responsibilities with honesty. Personal integrity includes consistency of speech. In allegiance to Christ and obedience to His clear commands, Friends refrain from profanity of speech and from swearing to legal oaths. (Matthew 5:33_37; James 5:12). One should tell the truth whether under oath or not. A form of affirmation is given in the following paragraph.

("You do most solemnly and sincerely, and truly declare and affirm that the testimony you will give in the cause now in hearing will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and this you do under the pains and penalties of perjury.")

We are grateful that the civil authorities have long granted us, and all others of like mind, the right to this practice.

7. Secret Societies. Many organizations make attractive appeals for membership and involvement. Friends must study carefully such organizations -- the time, commitment, and money required, as well as the likely influence of the organization upon them. Especially, we will then avoid affiliation with secret societies, which base their rituals on a distorted understanding of the Bible and directly or indirectly give Jesus Christ less than divine nature, even though they may appear to have spiritual value. The oath-bound character of such societies seems not only unnecessary, but also likely to prove harmful to honesty.

8. Equality of Persons. Friends have long been convinced of the equality of all persons and find that Scripture compels us to this view. We are, therefore, concerned for those who are underprivileged, neglected, and victimized by injustice and persecution. Friends repudiate discrimination on the basis of sex, race, social class, or nationality. In all their dealings they seek to bind up the hurts of those who are injured, to be just, respectful, sensitive, and moved by the love of Christ. Any person should find freedom to worship and participate in the life of our congregation regardless of these differences. We witness to the dignity and worth of all before God.

In regard to racial intermarriage, Friends recognize the social problems involved and would counsel their youth accordingly. However, by Christian fellowship, they seek to allay the burden society often lays on interracial families.

Friends support the right of every person to enjoy access to public accommodations, employment on merit alone, use of qualified leadership, and suitable housing. Friends should support such concerns in all ways that are nonviolent and that maintain respect for authority and law.

9. Stewardship of the Earth and its Resources. Friends believe that when God in the beginning gave man and woman dominion over the earth He did not grant them license to do whatever they might wish with its riches, but that rather He made them the stewards of what was and remains God's by creation and rulership. We, therefore, are permitted the use of the earth and its resources, but as stewards must use them wisely, carefully, and as under the eye of their owner. Unplanned increase of population and wasteful and destructive use of the earth's resources, Friends believe, are foreign to good stewardship. Moreover, the use of natural resources to support an extravagant style of life while others must exist in poverty and squalor is contrary to the Scriptures: "Whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?" (I John 3.17 NASB). Consequently, both in our own practice and in what we urge upon the governments of the world, Friends should be conscientious examples of acceptable stewardship.

10. Abortion. Friends believe that all life is a gift of God (Genesis 2:7; Job 33:4); therefore, when the matter of an abortion is being considered, neither the life of the mother nor of the unborn child is to be lightly treated. We hold that abortion on demand or for reasons of personal convenience, social adjustment, or economic advantage is morally wrong.

We believe it may be employed therapeutically to safeguard the health or life of the mother, but only after spiritual, medical, and psychological counseling have been obtained.

Friends believe an appropriate and morally acceptable alternative to abortion is to arrange for immediate adoption upon birth. They believe that married couples have the right to exercise their preferences as to means of preventing or avoiding conception.

11. Homosexuality. Authoritatively, the Word of God declares that homosexuality is not God's will for His children. We are told in I Corinthians 6:9_10 that homosexuals shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

The cause and downward progression of homosexuality is traced in Romans 1:21_32. It begins with failing to worship God and being unthankful and ends with encouraging others to participate in evil. We believe we must stand against this evil and that God's judgment will come against those who practice and encourage such activity.

We are assured in I Corinthians 6:11 that the homosexual can be cleansed, set apart for the Lord's work, and made right in the sight of God. Through the blood of Christ, many such have been transformed and all such can be. Although we oppose homosexuality as a violation of our God-given sexual nature, we wish to make it known that we do not reject the homosexual as a person. We believe they are redeemable people for whom Christ died.

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1. Security of the Believer. Friends believe that the security of the believer, even for eternity, is indicated in God's Word and witnessed to by the Holy Spirit to the individual, but we do not hold this security to be unconditional. As repentance and faith are the human condition of acceptance of God's free offer of salvation, so obedience and faith are necessary to continuance in that salvation. (Hebrews 5:9, 1 John 2:4).

2. Healing. We believe that God provides divine healing in response to believing prayer, in ways which must be considered miraculous. There are also times when God does not heal. Though we do not understand this, the apparent lack of healing does not necessarily result from individual sin or lack of faith. (John 9:2_3). Despite this mystery we are deeply confident of the love and power of God and urge Friends to continue to pray for the healing of the sick. We also caution against teachings which are divisive and do not build the kingdom of God in love. We do not accept the view that a person is guaranteed to be divinely healed in this life as a part of the atonement.

3. Gifts. The Holy Spirit is the indwelling agent of leadership for each Christian. He always leads in harmony with the Holy Scriptures. Growth and maturity come as the Spirit is allowed to control the individual life, producing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Gifts, or abilities, are also given by the Spirit to be used to encourage and strengthen each other. (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4). While each gift is Spirit-given, Friends emphasize seeking the Giver of those gifts.

Those who claim any of the gifts should avoid the snare of assuming exalted spiritual power or authority. Such "holier than thou" attitudes are not in keeping with the true fruit of the Spirit.

As believers receive gifts, love will provide the motivation for the best use of each one; however, no one gift is given to all believers. (I Corinthians 12:11, 29_30). The evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life is the fruit resulting from His control. (Galatians 5:22_23).

4. Glossolalia (Speaking in Tongues). There are differences (among our members as among other Christians) of interpretation of the Scriptures which speak of glossolalia as to whether the term refers to actual languages or to ecstatic utterances and whether this is a valid gift for our time. Nevertheless, we agree on the following points:

• a. The will of God as revealed in the Scriptures is our conformity to His holy character as manifested in a holy life. All spiritual experiences, gifts, and fruit of the Spirit are means to that end. (Romans 8:29).

• b. Speaking in other tongues does not constitute the essential sign of the baptism with the Holy Spirit. (I Corinthians 12:8_10, 28_31). The evidence of the fullness of the Holy Spirit is the fruit of the Spirit, and especially divine love, emanating from a truly transformed life.

• c. "Speaking in tongues" should not be made an occasion of division or strife among us. (Galatians 5:22).

• d. In order to maintain unity in spite of our differences, we must practice mutual submission. In order to avoid becoming divisive, we should voluntarily refrain from certain freedoms, the practice of which may become a stumbling block to those for whom Christ died. (I Corinthians 8). We acknowledge that some use the gift of tongues in private devotion. However, it is our decision that we voluntarily refrain from the use of tongues in public services. If individuals, or churches are led by the Holy Spirit to use tongues in public services, we point to the explicit guidelines set forth in I Corinthians 14:26-28.

5. Cults and Related Practices. Friends believe that the numerous cults, such as Transcendental Meditation, the Hare Krishna movement, and the Unification Church led by Sun Myung Moon, preach other gospels than that of Jesus Christ and offer other saviors than Him. Some are based more or less openly on non-Christian religions such as Hinduism. We also repudiate the false interpretation of Scriptures put forth by such groups as Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons (The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints), Unity and Christian Science. We, therefore, upon authority of Scripture (Matthew 24:4_5; Galatians 1:8_9), take our stand against all such false teachings.

Friends believe that all access to God is through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, and that therefore the use of mediums, clairvoyants, fortune tellers, astrologers, and any other alleged means of extraordinary knowledge or help is contrary to the will of God.

We oppose all dabbling in spiritism, spirit possession and worship, and Satanism, as well as the denial of the reality of Satan. Rather, we believe in the existence of the Evil One, "that old serpent which is the Devil, and Satan," (Revelation 20:2) who tempted our first parents to sin, and through their disobedience brought about the fall of our race, with all its attendant degeneracy, unhappiness, and misery. We believe that Satan has revealed this evil character and purpose in his mighty opposition to Christ in the temptations in the wilderness and to His reign in all ages. But we also believe that his power is limited, and that in God's own time he will be chained and finally cast into the lake of fire. (Genesis 3; Matthew 4:1; Job 1:6; Revelation 20:10).

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