Any one have any experience with the "Open Bible Church"?

by Special K 9 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

Special K

I'm looking for information on this religion. The "Open Bible Church".
I went to their main U.S. site.. and that was very very vague as to what their beliefs are.
Anyone got any info would be appreciated?
Special K
blondie

Just check on that site. Seems fairly straightforward.
http://www.openbible.org/discoveropenbiblenew.html#

Open Bible Churches is an association of evangelical Pentecostal/Charismatic churches called to be a vital organ in the Body of Christ. Jesus is blowing a fresh breeze of repentance, prayer, fasting, and evangelistic fervor into our movement. Our mandate includes the development of healthy, loving relationships that produce support and accountability among our ministers and churches. God is giving us ever clearer vision, vibrant leadership, and comprehensive strategic planning that He might cause Open Bible to fulfill His purposes in this generation...and generations to come.
Open Bible Churches is a charter member of the National Association of Evangelicals, the Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America, and the Pentecostal World Conference. Open Bible is also active in the Mission America movement.
Open Bible Churches originated from two revival movements: Bible Standard Conference, founded in Eugene, Oregon, in 1919, and Open Bible Evangelistic Association, founded in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1932. Similar in doctrine and structure, the two groups amalgamated in 1935 as “Open Bible Standard Churches” with the national office located in Des Moines. In 1996 the movement began to officially do busines as “Open Bible Churches,” though the legal name retains the word “Standard”...which the Bible is.
Roots of the parent groups reach back to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in 1906 at Azusa Street Mission in Los Angeles, and to the full gospel movement in the Midwest. Both were organized under the impetus of Pentecostal revival. Simple faith, emphasis on prayer, evangelism, international missions, and free fellowship with other groups were characteristics of the growing organization.
The membership of Open Bible Churches is the highest governing body. Their convention meets biennially and consists of credentialed ministers in good standing, national directors, and one voting delegate per 100 members from each officially affiliated church. A national board of directors, composed of national directors and regional representatives, is delegated to conduct the business of the association.
ARTICLES OF FAITH
http://www.openbible.org/articlesoffaith.html
The Bible
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the only infallible guide and rule of our faith and practice. (Ps. 119:89; Matt. 24:35; II Tim. 2:15, 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:19-21)
God
We believe there is one God. In the unity of the Godhead, there are three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection and attribute, fulfilling distinct, but complementary, roles in the great work of redemption. (Gen. 1:26; Matt. 3:16-17; II Cor. 13:14; I Tim. 1:17; I John 5:7)
(1) GOD THE FATHER We believe in God the Father, the co-Creator with the Son and the Holy Spirit, who is the eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere present, and unchangeable Creator of all. (Deut. 32:6; Ps. 103:13; Isa. 63:16; Matt. 6:9; Eph. 4:6; John 5:19-23, 17:1-11; Acts 17:28; Rom. 8:14-16; I John 3:1)
(2) GOD THE SON
We believe in God the Son, co-Creator with the Father and Holy Spirit, who took upon Himself human form, being conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and given the name, Jesus. His death by crucifixion and His bodily resurrection, reconciled the human race to God. He ascended to heaven where He is seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us as the King of kings and Lord of lords. (Isa. 53:1-5; Matt. 1:21-23; John 1:1-3, 11:25-26; Eph. 1:20-23; Phil. 2:1-6; I Tim. 2:5)
(3) GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in God the Holy Spirit, co-Creator with the Father and Son, who is now sent by the Father through the Son to convict the world of sin, lead us into all truth, and empower and equip the Church to carry on Christ’s work on earth. (Gen. 1:2; John 14:26, 15:26, 16:8; Acts 1:8)
The Fall of Mankind
We believe the human race is fallen from its original, created goodness because of the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. (Gen. 1:27, 3:1-6; Isa. 53:6; Rom. 3:10, 3:23, 5:12, 5:19)
The Plan of Redemption
We believe Jesus Christ was the sacrifice God planned from the foundation of the world for the sin of the human race. By shedding His blood and dying on the cross, Jesus made provision for the salvation of all people. (Isa. 53:5; Titus 2:14; Heb. 7:25; I Pet. 1:19-20)
Salvation
We believe, because of our total inability to save ourselves, salvation is by God’s grace alone. It is received by faith with repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as personal Savior. (John 3:3, 3:16-17; Eph. 2:8-10; II Cor. 5:17; I Pet. 2:24)
Water Baptism
We believe water baptism by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is an outward sign of an inward work and is commanded by God following conversion. (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:4; Acts 2:38)
Communion
We believe in partaking of the bread and the cup of communion in remembrance of the Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection. We celebrate an open communion for all believers regardless of church affiliation. (Luke 22:7-22; I Cor. 11:23-28; II Cor.13:5)
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in every believer at the moment of salvation. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is distinct from salvation, releasing the power of the Holy Spirit through faith. Consistent with biblical accounts, believers should anticipate Spirit-baptism to be accompanied by speaking in tongues and other biblical manifestations. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is given to endue the believer with power from God, to offer an inspired witness for Christ, to lead the believer in a life of holiness, and to equip for a Spirit-filled life of service. (John 7:37-39, 14:16; Acts 1:8, 2:4, 2:38-39, 8:14-17, 10:44-46, 19:6; Rom. 8:9; I Cor. 3:16)
Spirit Filled Life
We believe every Christian should walk and abide in daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit and experience continual renewing of God’s power to live a Spirit-filled life in attitudes, thoughts, speech, and conduct. In order to build up and equip both individual believers and the Church of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts that are to be earnestly desired and exercised in the spirit of love. The fruit of the Spirit to be cultivated in the life of every believer is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (John 15:4, 15:8; Acts 4:31; Rom. 8:1, 8:5, 12:1-2, 12:6-8; I Cor. 3:17, 12:7-11, 12:31; II Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:11, 4:30-32, 5:18; Gal. 5:16-25; I Thess. 5:22; I Pet.1:15, 4:10-11; I John 2:6)
Divine Healing
We believe the power of God to heal the sick and afflicted is provided for in Christ’s death on the cross. God is willing to and does heal today. (Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 8:16-17; Mark 16:18; Acts 3:16, 10:38; James 5:14-16; I Peter2:24)
Resurrection
We believe the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ assures the believer of bodily resurrection and eternal life. (Matt. 28:1-7; Rom. 6:1-10; I Cor. 15:20-22; I Thess. 4:14-18)
Second Coming of Christ
We believe the second coming of Christ will be personal, visible, and triumphant. (Zech. 14:4; Matt. 24:36-44; Acts 1:11; I Thess. 4:16-18; II Thess. 1:7-10, 2:8; Titus 2:12-13; Rev. 1:7)
Church Relationship
We believe Christians should assemble regularly for edification, worship, fellowship, and proclamation of the gospel. All believers should do the work of the ministry according to their spiritual gifts, and should tithe and otherwise contribute financially to their church. (Ps. 111:1; Mal. 3:8-10; Acts 2:42-47, 16:5; Rom. 12:5; I Cor. 16:2; II Cor. 9:6-7; Heb. 10:24-25)
Civil Government
We believe civil government is ordained of God, and all people should be subject to the laws of the land, except those contrary to Scripture. In times of war, the individual’s participation in actual combat and taking of human life shall be governed by one’s own conscience. (Mark 12:17; Acts 5:29; Rom. 13:1-7; I Tim. 2:1-2; Heb. 12:14)
Final Judgment and Hell
We believe there will be a final judgment for all unbelievers. Hell is an actual place of great suffering, bitter sorrow, and remorse reserved forever for the devil and his angels and all whose names are not written in Christ’s book of life. (Matt. 13:41-43, 25:41; Mark 9:43-44; Rev. 14:10-11, 20:10-15; 21:7-8)
Heaven
We believe heaven is an actual place of happiness and security where believers will dwell forever with God and receive the reward of their deeds done while on earth. (John 14:2; I Cor. 2:9, 3:10-15; Rev. 7:15-17, 21:4, 22:5)
Evangelism and Missions
We believe the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ commands us to carry the gospel message to the entire world – to every nation, ethnicity, culture, and language. The growth and strength of the Church depends on its wholehearted sacrifice and support for world evangelization. (Ps. 2:8; Prov. 11:30; Matt. 9:38; Mark 16:15; John 4:35-37; Acts 1:8; Rom. 10:13-15; Eph. 5:16; II Tim. 4:1-2; James 5:20; Rev. 5:9)
Special K

Thanks Blondie.
They sort of sound like most main stream religions except for this.
Evangelism and Missions We believe the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ commands us to carry the gospel message to the entire world – to every nation, ethnicity, culture, and language. The growth and strength of the Church depends on its wholehearted sacrifice and support for world evangelization. (Ps. 2:8; Prov. 11:30; Matt. 9:38; Mark 16:15; John 4:35-37; Acts 1:8; Rom. 10:13-15; Eph. 5:16; II Tim. 4:1-2; James 5:20; Rev. 5:9)
I wonder if this means they go from door to door?
Special K
Pubsinger

Hi!
Please don't buy the Watchtower propaganda that no other denomination takes part in mission and evangelism.
"Evangelism and mission" doesn't set the "Open Bible Church" apart fron the other mainstream christian denominations, it identifies them with them.
If you call in at your local christian bookshop and look under "Mission" "Evangelism" and "Testimony" you will see how small the WT is.
Ever heard of CMS, Cafod, Tearfund etc etc etc? WEC? YWAM?
LittleToe

I have quite a number of friends who attend charismatic chruches, however the two following points are things that I take issue with:
Baptism in the Holy Spirit We believe the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in every believer at the moment of salvation. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is distinct from salvation, releasing the power of the Holy Spirit through faith. Consistent with biblical accounts, believers should anticipate Spirit-baptism to be accompanied by speaking in tongues and other biblical manifestations. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is given to endue the believer with power from God, to offer an inspired witness for Christ, to lead the believer in a life of holiness, and to equip for a Spirit-filled life of service. (John 7:37-39, 14:16; Acts 1:8, 2:4, 2:38-39, 8:14-17, 10:44-46, 19:6; Rom. 8:9; I Cor. 3:16)
Church Relationship

We believe Christians should assemble regularly for edification, worship, fellowship, and proclamation of the gospel. All believers should do the work of the ministry according to their spiritual gifts, and should tithe and otherwise contribute financially to their church. (Ps. 111:1; Mal. 3:8-10; Acts 2:42-47, 16:5; Rom. 12:5; I Cor. 16:2; II Cor. 9:6-7; Heb. 10:24-25)
If people want to tithe, so be it, but I just don't like seeing it in a list of expectations.
As for speaking in tongues, while I have no problem with it as one of a number of potential "gifts of the spirit", I take real issue with folks making it a prerequisite proof of salvation.
Pubsinger

I agree with you LT.
But in fairness this is a list of what their church believes and is on their website so I suppose it's fair enough and it gives you an overview of them and a reasonable idea of what the church will be like.
Sombre it probably aint!
Special K

My inquiry is not to run the Open Bible Church down. It is a gathering of information for me.
A young lady (Open Bible Church) of 17 yrs has started dating my son who just turned 16 and I am concerned because the relationship seems to be driving a 100 miles an hour too fast.
Her 18 year old boy cousin is also of the Open Bible Church and HE is gaduating from highschool next week and getting married the next day. He works at McDonalds. That kind of sends big alarm bells off in my motherly head. His parents and this young ladies opinion and her parents opinion (all members of the Open Bible Church) is that this is just wonderful... Hmm?
I was wondering if the Open Bible Church believe in young marriages in the sense that they do not believe in premarital sex like the Jehovahs Witnesses and therefore you have lots of teenage marriages or like the latter day saints may believe that they will populate some planet in the future.
Again, I'm not here to run the Open Bible Church down.. I am on a fact finding mission for ME.
I have determined that it is indeed the Open Bible Church of the Pentecostal lineage and not the Open Bible Baptist church..
I am, however, concerned that my son will continue this relationship for the next two years, at their break neck speed, and then throw his University education out the window to get married at 18 yrs. old.
Another alarm bell is her Open Bible Church Parents who are pushing this relationship full ahead as well. I am not used to this type of behavior from parents of teenage daughters (speaking from my experience with my older son). These parents are working hard to push this teenage relationship at every door and I am really wondering if it has to do with their Open Bible Church belief system.
If anyone could fill me in some that would be helpful.
concerned mom
Special K
P.S And it could be that the speed of this relationship and the attitude of the girls parents, in this matter, has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that they are of the Open Bible Church religion.
LittleToe

PS:
Lively it's likely to be
Those were the only two alarm bells that rang, for me, compared to most orthodox denominations.
SpecialK:A frank and open discussion with her parents wouldn't be untoward.
I think you have every right to insist that your child take his education seriously.
Most Christian denominations have something to say about pre-marital sex, though most will acknowledge that it goes on, in the same breath.
Special K

Thanks LT. It appears true that a discussion with both her parents may need to take place in the very near future.
SK
Special K

Pubsinger
But in fairness this is a list of what their church believes and is on their website so I suppose it's fair enough and it gives you an overview of them and a reasonable idea of what the church will be like
About the post LT made.. what blared out to me is the SHOULD word!.
You should this or your should that.. doesn't really set well with me.
Special K

Any one have any experience with the "Open Bible Church"?

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