Bible Helps Purpose
The purpose for which Bible Helps was formed was to seek to evangelize
those who are non-Christian, and to encourage and help develop the Christian
faith among mankind by spreading the Gospel, especially in the form of printed
literature.
Frequently we are asked for a statement of faith, or questioned about
which denomination we are affiliated with. Bible Helps is an independent,
non-profit organization controlled by a board of directors. Bible Helps is
not a part of any particular denomination, nor is it under-written or funded
by any one particular church or denomination. Instead, the funding and
support come from individuals and local churches who identify with and agree
with what is printed in our tracts and booklets.
Most of our staff and board members identify with churches from a
Brethren background. The Brethren movement was begun in the 1700's by a
group of sincere people who were seeking to worship and serve God according to
the New Testament pattern. They emphasized believer's baptism (as opposed to
infant baptism) and shunned creeds and statements of faith due to the
possibility of over-emphasizing some teachings or beliefs, and minimizing or
ignoring others. They took the entire New Testament as their creed.
While hesitant to offer any statement or summary beyond the New
Testament as a statement of faith, we also realize that many people today
claim to follow the Bible, but have very diverse views: sometimes twisting
the Scriptures to teach and promote what we believe is false doctrine. So we
offer the following statement to those who sincerely wish to know where Bible
Helps is coming from in a doctrinal sense.
1. The Brethren movement which largely undergirds the publishing of Bible
Helps originated early in the eighteenth century, and was a natural
outgrowth of the Anabaptist and Pietistic movements following the
Reformation.
2. Firmly accepts and teaches the fundamental evangelical doctrines of . . .
- the inspiration of the Bible (2 Tim 3:16);
- the personality of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-13);
- the virgin birth of Christ (Matt 1:18);
- the deity of Christ (Col 2:8-9);
- the sin-pardoning value of His atonement (Eph 1:7);
- His resurrection, ascension, and personal and visible return (1 Cor 15:1-25; Acts 1:9-11);
- and the resurrection both of the just and the unjust (John 5:28-29).
3. Observes the following New Testament rites:
- baptism of penitent believers by trine immersion for the remission of sins (Matt 28:19; Acts 2:38);
- feet washing (John 13:1-20; 1 Tim 5:10);
- love feast (Luke 22:20; John 13:4; 1 Cor 11:17-34; Jude 12);
- communion (Matt 26:26-30);
- the Christian salutation (Rom 16:16; Acts 20:37);
- the Scriptural headveiling (1 Cor 11:2-16);
- the anointing for healing in the name of the Lord (James 5:14-18; Mark 6:13);
- laying on of hands (Acts 8:17; 19:6; 1 Tim 4:14).
These rites are representative of spiritual graces which are
evident in the lives of true believers, and as such are essential
factors in the development of the Christian life.
4. Emphasizes . . .
- daily devotion for the individual, and family worship for the home (Eph 6:18-20; Phil 4:8-9);
- stewardship of time, talents, and money (Matt 25:14-30);
- taking care of the fatherless, widows, poor, sick, and aged (Acts 6:1-7).
5. Stands for upright daily living . . .
- We believe in the sanctity and preservation of human life. We deplore the evils of abortion and euthanasia, and oppose participation in war (Matthew 5:21-26 & 43-44; Romans 12:19-21; Proverbs 24:11-12).
- We believe that the Christian's body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and therefore must be kept pure and free from illegal drugs, the use of alcohol and tobacco, and all other forms of impurity (Titus 2:2; Galatians 5:19-26; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
- We believe that Christians should settle their differences without going to law, especially against other believers (1 Corinthians 6:1-11; Romans 12:17-19).
- We recognize the sacred institution of marriage as a covenanted
relationship between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4-6). We
disapprove of the homosexual lifestyle (Romans 1:24-28), and
oppose divorce and remarriage while the former partner is still
living (Matthew 5:32; Mark 10:11-12; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2-3; 1
Corinthians 7:10-15).
- We stand for the integrity of the Christian's word. Our yes should
mean yes, and our no should mean no. There is no need for taking
oaths. We oppose membership in secret, oath-bound societies
(Matthew 5:33-37; James 5:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
- We uphold the careful stewardship of one's time and finances. We
believe that all forms of gambling, including the state run
lottery, have no place in the Christian lifestyle (1 Thessalonians
5:22; 1 Peter 2:11; Romans 12:17; Proverbs 23:4-5; Habakkuk 2:6;
Romans 13:10-14; Ephesians 5:15-16).
- We believe in simplicity and modesty in dress, and that nudity is
associated with shame in God's eyes (1 Timothy 2:8-10; 1 Peter
3:1-6; Revelation 3:18 & 16:15).
6. Labors earnestly, in harmony with the Great Commission, for the
evangelization of the world, for the conversion of men to Jesus Christ,
and for the realization of the life of Jesus Christ in every believer
(Matt 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; 2 Cor 3:18).
7. Maintains the New Testament as its only creed, in harmony with which the
above brief statement is made.
Ask for our sample packet of Bible Helps tracts and booklets. You can
contact Bible Helps by writing to:
Telephone: 717-632-0015
Fax: 717-632-6823
Postal Address:
P.O. Box 391
Hanover, PA 17331 U.S.A.
Email: Contact Us
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