History of the Abilene Bible Church

What Is Abilene Bible Church?

Abilene Bible Church is a local assembly of believers operating on the basis of the principles set forth in the New Testament and at the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Based on the belief that men should know the Word of God and not just about the Word of God, Abilene Bible Church is committed to the verse by verse exposition of the Word of God, according to Nehemiah 8:8:

What Does Abilene Bible Church Believe?

The church believes in the verbal inspiration of the Holy Scripture and teaches from it the truth according to God's Holy Word. We believe the Bible to be inerrant and infallible and teach from it:

1. That the Eternal Godhead exists in three persons and yet one, Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20; John 1:1-4).
2. That man, who was created in the image and likeness of God, is now naturally depraved because of Adam's sin Genesis 1:26,27; Romans 3:9-23 Romans 5:12-19).
3. That owing to this universal depravity and death in sin, no one can enter into the kingdom of God unless he is born again ( John 3:1-18; Titus 3:5; I Peter 1:23).
4. That such regeneration is made possible through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, "through his blood, even the forgiveness of sin" (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14).
5. That since redemption is available by grace through faith, men are not only going to be condemned, but are now condemned and stand in danger of eternal punishment unless they receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior (Ephesians 2:8,9; John 3:18; John 5:24).
6. That men who do receive the Lord Jesus Christ are "sealed by the Spirit of promise, which is the guarantee of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession" (John 1:12; Ephesians 1:12-14).
7. That men thus sealed and indwelt by the Spirit have the responsibility of being filled with the Spirit ( Ephesians 5:18).
8. That upon receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are baptized by the Holy Spirit into His body, which is His church I Corinthians 12:12-31; Ephesians 1:22,23). This is the only baptism of the Holy Spirit taught in the Word of God.
9. That "the grace of God teaches us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world" through our yieldedness to the Holy Spirit as "we look for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:11-14; Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16-25).

Organization

The Abilene Bible Conference Association, founded by Dr. Joe Temple, is chartered as a Texas non-profit corporation for the oversight of the ministries of Abilene Bible Church, The Living Bible Hour television ministry, Living Bible Studies literature and tape ministry, and such other areas of ministry as the Lord may lead in the future.

All spiritual accomplishments in the church are the result of believers exercising their spiritual gifts in the power of the Holy Spirit. Normally, however, one or more men who possess the combined gifts of pastor/teacher are supported financially by the church so that they can give their full time to the study and teaching of the Scripture and the pastoral care of the flock. Such gifted men do not, by virtue of their position or their gifts, however, exercise any authority over the other believers in the church.

The pastors are joined in their work and responsibilities by other men who are ordained by the Holy Spirit and recognized by the church as elders and deacons. The word "deacon" means, literally, "one who serves or helps." The deacons are charged with the oversight of the physical needs of the church. The word "elder" refers to an older man, one who is seasoned in the experiences of life and mature in the Word of God, and thus able to afford spiritual leadership to the group. Elders and deacons are required to meet rigid qualifications as to background, reputation, character, and spiritual maturity. These requirements are spelled out in detail in I Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9.

A Sunday School superintendent is asked to serve in that capacity by the elders. With the advice and counsel of others, the Sunday School superintendent requests the services of Sunday School teachers as the Lord directs.

While routine financial matters are the responsibility of the deacons and/or church staff, major financial decisions are made by the men of the fellowship in meetings which are called when necessary ( I Timothy 2:12).

Membership

All who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Saviour are a part of the body of Christ, the church (Colossians 1:18, Acts 2:17; I Corinthians 12:13), of which Abilene Bible Church is but a local expression. No other "membership" is necessary. Therefore, Abilene Bible Church offers fellowship, not membership, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Any believer who fellowships with Abilene Bible Church may consider himself a part of the local assembly.

A church directory is maintained and updated at the beginning of each calendar year. Those who have become a part of the fellowship during the course of the year may have their names added to the directory by contacting the church office.

Outreach

Abilene Bible Church participates in the support of missionaries around the world through faith mission boards whose doctrinal statements and mission policies are compatible with the beliefs of our church.

Ministries of our church, in addition to the regular worship services, include a television program presented locally and on various stations across the state. Living Bible Studies provides literature and tapes of the teaching of the Word of God as presented in our pulpit. These tapes and studies are available by request and are mailed on a regular basis to a large number of regular subscribers around the world.

A ministry to the Spanish speaking people of our area was begun in the fall of 1985. In the fall of 2006 this ministry developed into a separate church with its own facilities and leadership.

Through the teaching of the Word of God, believers are equipped to engage in personal witnessing and soul winning in their own sphere of influence at the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Visitors in our services are given the opportunity to register their presence, but they are visited only at their own request.

www.livingbiblestudies.org