MOV:Joining Sound Doctrine church: what it will mean to you.

   The Sound Doctrine Church is not affiliated with any other group.
However, we welcome the fellowship of those who honestly love Jesus
with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. Our goal at this church
is very simple. To love Jesus with everything. And while many will call
this love for Jesus "legalism", it is in reality joyful obedience by
the power of the Holy Spirit! If God is convicting you to join the
Sound Doctrine Church, be careful not to be defiled by others. For
there are many who are "enemies of the cross", (Philippians 3:18). Be
careful that no one is robbing you of the joy God is wanting to pour
out in your life by letting others "poison" your mind.

   "But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and
poisoned their minds against the brothers." (Acts 14:2)

   Please place your initials in the space next to the word "agree" to
the doctrines as stated. This document is not intended to be used to
trap anyone. Its only purpose is that you (repeat "you") might fully
understand what it means to join the Sound Doctrine Church. Read
carefully and slowly each point before you sign. For to be sure, these
things shall be applied to you in love and grace. But they shall be
applied.

   ----> LEADERSHIP

   For the time being there are only a few men that God has placed in a
position of leadership, {2 Corinthians 10:8}. However, when the Lord
brings men who are qualified to be "elders" and "deacons" they too will
be given the job of shepherding the flock, {Titus 1:5}. The Sound
Doctrine Church has no intentions of becoming a "one-man" church. In
fact, the Pastor of the church is only permitted to serve on the board
of directors for three years.

   Those in positions of leadership, while being held in a place of
respect, if they sin or abuse the flock will be rebuked "publicly",
{Hebrews 13:17 & 1 Timothy 5:20}. In all areas of leadership only those
"known to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom" will be given
responsibility, {Acts 6:3}. As Acts 6:3 tells us, this applies to the
smallest area of responsibilities and works.

   "In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the
Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because
their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would
not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order
to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are
known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this
responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and
the ministry of the word." This proposal pleased the whole group. They
chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip,
Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert
to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and
laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of
disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests
became obedient to the faith." (Acts 6:1-7)

   [Do you agree that when the Lord directs "Elders" and "Deacons" will
be appointed?]

   AGREED:

   ---> FELLOWSHIP

   We at Sound Doctrine are pleading before God to rid us of
socializing and to teach us how to really love one another, {1
Thessalonians 4:9}. No one will be allowed to join this family (Sound
Doctrine) unless they are willing to "lay down their lives for their
brothers", {1 John 3:16}. If you join the Sound Doctrine Church then
you must be willing to learn by the Spirit to live the following
passages.

   "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled
with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the
apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.
selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had
need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.
They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere
hearts, " (Acts 2:42-46)

   "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that
any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they
had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There
were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned
lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it
at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had
need." (Acts 4:32-35)

   This kind of fellowship brings us full and complete joy in Jesus,
{John 15:11}. However, this joy cannot happen to you unless you are
willing to obey the Word. While neither the preacher nor the church
owns anything of yours in your heart neither do you own anything. It
all belongs to the Lord to be shared in common. If you want to go to
hell with your things then don't join. However, if you love the Lord
and want the joy of deep fellowship then surrender all unto the Lord
and join. Expecting, of course, your joy to be full as you are
"devoted" to God's Word, fellowship, having everything in common and
the breaking of bread.

   [Do you agree to learn to fellowship like this?]

   AGREED:

   ----> WALKING IN THE LIGHT

   The kind of fellowship and worship we are discussing here is full of
tremendous joy and work only because we walk in the Light with each
other. No one wears a mask called "Christianity". There is no attempt
on anyone's part to appear spiritual. We know deep personal things
about each other. We confess our sins and joys to each other. We know
each others struggles and hardships. By the power of the Holy Spirit we
are deeply committed and involved in each others personal lives. This
is not your usual kind of church fellowship. So please be forewarned.
This kind of fellowship is divine and very, very truthful. It is full
of glorious Light. Are you willing to walk in it?

   "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God
is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have
fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by
the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have
fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies
us from all sin." (I John 1:5-7)

   Notice clearly that this kind of fellowship "purifies us from all
sin". This kind of fellowship will reach down into your heart in a way
no ordinary church socializing can. We are discussing a very powerful
kind of fellowship. Ask around what this means before you commit
yourself to this Body.

   [Do you realize how drastic a change this "walking in the Light"
will mean in your life?]

   AGREED:

   ----> PURITY IN THE CHURCH

   While God's patience and grace fills all that is done at Sound
Doctrine Church, we still worship a Holy God. Therefore, you will be
expected to grow in purity and maintain obedience to Jesus. If someone
does not have a repentant life or will not live the gospel out they
will be told to leave. No one will be allowed to have anything to do
with them. If anyone desires and is really working to be changed by the
grace of God we will continue to rejoice in fellowshipping with them.
However, we take very, very seriously the many scriptures that discuss
"living a life worthy of the calling you have received". One such
passage is 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 which says,

   "But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone
who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an
idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do
not even eat. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the
church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those
outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." (I Corinthians 5:11-13)

   We are praying for a revival of purity at this church. And while the
God of mercy, grace and rich kindness longs, as we do, that all repent
- let the stubborn be forewarned. We are praying for a revival
according to Acts 5.

   "Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold
a piece of property. With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part
of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the
apostles' feet. Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so
filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept
for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it
belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the
money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You
have not lied to men but to God." When Ananias heard this, he fell down
and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then
the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out
and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing
what had happened. Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and
Ananias got for the land?" "Yes, " she said, "that is the price." Peter
said to her, "How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look!
The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they
will carry you out also." At that moment she fell down at his feet and
died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out
and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church
and all who heard about these events." (Acts 5:1-11)

   [Do you agree to pray for a revival of purity?]

   AGREED:

   ----> WORSHIP MATTERS

   We, at Sound Doctrine Church do not pass the plate during worship
services to collect money. For men ought to give freely unto God
without any pressure, programs, pumps or fancy preaching. Instead,
there is a basket left sitting on the table with Jesus quietly watching
over it. Put in what you have agreed to with the Lord. We at Sound
Doctrine Church "hate" and "despise" money, but love you!

   "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and
love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve both God and Money." (Luke 16:13)

   "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not
reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (II
Corinthians 9:7)

   [Do you agree to "hate" money and give as the Lord directs in your
life?]

   AGREED:

   Only the pure Word of God should be preached. No fancy-worded or
worldly doctrines are tolerated. You will not be entertained but taught
the Word of God!

   "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or
superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I
resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and
him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much
trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and
persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so
that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." (I
Corinthians 2:1-5)

   [Do you agree to be content with preaching that resolves only to
know about the cross?]

   AGREED:

   Dress and hair must be modest and not like the world at all times.
While there is no official dress code, some clothing is not befitting
those who call upon a Holy God. The leaders will indeed watch what is
worn.

   "I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety,
not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with
good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." (I
Timothy 2:9-10)

   "Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long
hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is
her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering." (I Corinthians
11:14-15)

   [Do you agree to dress properly in the Lord and to submit to those
over you in the Lord?]

   AGREED:

   All the song leaders and musicians face toward the front of the
church. This is because all eyes are to be on Jesus. Again, we are not
here to get some entertainment from God, but to give all to God.

   "Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering
thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They
encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud
voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power
and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth
and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on
the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for
ever and ever!" The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders
fell down and worshiped." (Revelation 5:11-14)

   All eyes and hearts are on Jesus!

   [Do you agree to be content with giving all your attention to Jesus
when worshipping?]

   AGREED:

   We take communion as the Lord leads. There is no set traditional
time. Communion is given only to those whom we know to be in the Lord
and are "judging themselves". If not, we will refuse, out of love, to
give you the Lord's Supper. For we do not want anyone to drink
judgement on themselves. For you can die because you did not take the
Lord's Supper right. So please, be sure you are right with God before
taking the Lord's Supper.

   "Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in
an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood
of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread
and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without
recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.
That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have
fallen asleep. But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under
judgment." (I Corinthians 11:27-31)

   [Do you agree not to drink "judgement" on yourself?]

   AGREE:

   We believe in super-natural spiritual gifts. However, we only
believe that they should be used properly. You will never find everyone
in the church speaking in tongues at one time with the musical
instruments strumming wildly. Rather, at any one church service only
two or three are permitted to speak in tongues. And only one at a time.

   "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone
has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an
interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the
church. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two--or at the most three--should
speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no
interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to
himself and God. Two or three prophets should speak, and the others
should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to
someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can
all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God
is not a God of disorder but of peace." (I Corinthians 14:26-33)

   In addition, we do not idolize the gift of tongues. God does not, by
any means expect everyone to speak in tongues. Tongues are not a sign
at all of being filled with the Spirit.

   "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are
different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different
kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to
each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to
another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to
another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that
one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to
another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in
different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of
tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he
gives them to each one, just as he determines." (I Corinthians 12:4-11)

   [Do you agree to see to it that spiritual gifts are used properly?]

   AGREED:

   All the women who are members of the church wear a "sign of
authority" on their heads during church services as God instructs.

   "A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory
of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from
woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman
for man. For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to
have a sign of authority on her head." (I Corinthians 11:7-10)

   *Notice: As long as you are a visitor you will never be required to
wear a "sign of authority". You will not receive any pressure from us
on this issue as long as you are a visitor.

   [Do you agree to wear a "sign of authority"?]

   AGREED:

   Unless the Lord makes it very clear otherwise all members are
expected to be at worship services.

   "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and
good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the
habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as
you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

   Of course, when it is good in the Lord to miss church services we
will rejoice with you in the fact that you were serving Jesus during
that time.

   "Then he asked them, "If one of you has a son or an ox that falls
into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull him out?"
(Luke 14:5)

   [Do you agree to be at church unless the Lord directs otherwise?]

   AGREED:

   ----> A FEW BASIC DOCTRINES

   We are not into loving the pleasures of this world, but being slaves
of the Most High God. You will not find a "party" atmosphere at this
church. As for those churches and "Christians" who seek to please self
we will totally avoid them and will not fellowship with them. As the
following scripture so clearly reveals, "Have nothing to do with them."

   "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud,
abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without
love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers
of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather
than lovers of God-- having a form of godliness but denying its power.
Have nothing to do with them." (II Timothy 3:1-5)

   [Do you realize this is not a "party" church? And that we have
"nothing to do" with such churches?]

   AGREED:

   We allow absolutely no insanity in the church. What that means is
that no boasting in numbers (how many go to our church), projects and
how great our church is, etc. etc.!

   "Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like
this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more
frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again
and again." (II Corinthians 11:23)

   *Ask for the free sermon tape called "<MU>Insanity in the Church".

   [Have you listened to the tape?]

   AGREED:

   When sin is committed, no matter how small a sin, only "godly
sorrow" is accepted as repentance. Forget this stuff of, "Well, I told
God, that's enough."

   "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves
no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow
has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear
yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern,
what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved
yourselves to be innocent in this matter." (II Corinthians 7:10-11)

   [Do you agree to seek to have only a "godly sorrow" about your sins?]

   AGREED:

   We do not charge money for any materials given out. No church member
is permitted to receive money from materials they make or that the
church gives out. In short, all tapes, tracts, and Bibles are
absolutely free. No one is to be charged anything for the free truth of
God's grace.

   "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,
drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)

   [Do you agree to not charge anyone for the gospel?]

   AGREED:

   The plan of salvation is... True faith in God is... The free gift
apart from works is found by...

   "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where
Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but
some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything
I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end
of the age." (Matthew 28:16-20)

   "Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the
name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)

   While water baptism in the name of the "Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Spirit" is critical to salvation, it is not a dead law.

   [Do you agree to God's plan of salvation as outlined in scripture?]

   AGREED:

   ----> COMING TO AN UNDERSTANDING

   If you are not totally in agreement with the basic doctrinal
teachings listed here, but desire to join all in worshipping God, all
we ask is that you be willing to surrender your opinions and past
church traditions unto Jesus. To be of "noble heart" and study with
someone so that we can contend for the gospel being "perfectly united
in thought".

   "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no
divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and
thought." (I Corinthians 1:10)

   [Do you agree to seek the throne of God so that we might be
"perfectly united in thought"?]

   AGREED:<>

   ----> TEST SOUND DOCTRINE CHURCH

   Before you join or support us we ask that you please put us to the
test. Examine and ask questions while you seek to purify your own
heart. Plead with God to tell you who we really are. As you avoid
rumors, please test us.

   "Test everything." (I Thessalonians 5:21)

   If you find any hypocrisy we want you to tell us about it. The Sound
Doctrine Church is about living out 2 Corinthians 13:11 by the power of
the Holy Spirit.

   "Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in
peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." (II Corinthians
13:11)

   ----> DO NOT BE HASTY

   Do not be hasty in joining the Sound Doctrine Church or even be
quick to call us brother, for we take very seriously our love and
commitment to you.

   "A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the
wicked leads them astray." (Proverbs 12:26)

   ----> HOW TO JOIN

   There are two basic ways to join.

   [1] By desiring to receive the grace of God into your life by
becoming a disciple of Jesus.

   [2] Tell someone in leadership that you want it announced that you
would like to be a part of this Body.

   It must be added that no "floaters" are welcome. If you consider
Sound Doctrine Church to be a stopping off place for your "personal
walk with God", then please move on. For fellowship and commitment to a
Body are not optional. The Lord only wants those who are willing to
"lay down their lives" for each other. Of course you will be given
plenty of time to test us out ...as we test you also.

   ----> JOY

   What will it mean to join Sound Doctrine Church? It will mean
abundant joy. In fact, it will me you will receive an "inexpressible
joy".

   "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may
have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so
that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though
refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory
and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him,
you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in
him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are
receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (I
Peter 1:6-9)

   You will be joining a church where your burden will be easy. "For my
yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:30)

   However, only those who are willing to enter through the narrow gate
and then to walk down a narrow road will have this joy.

   "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is
the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But
small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a
few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

   [Do you want this kind of joy?]

   Agreed:

   ----> SIGNED AGREEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

   Please sign your name if you agree and would like to join this
family and Body of believers

   YOUR NAME:

   * SOUND DOCTRINE CHURCH * * PO BOX 460206 * * AURORA, COLORADO * *
80015 * * PHONE: (303) 690-0920 [voice] * * (303) 680-7209 [BBS] *
