21.1

FIRST. By doing that which is enjoined in the Word of God, which is our rule of both faith and practice, including:

  1. Loving God with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength, and one’s neighbor as oneself (Exodus 20:3–6; Leviticus 19:17–18; Deuteronomy 5:7–10; 6:4–5; Mark 12:28–31; Romans 13:8–10).
  2. Pressing upon the attention of the unsaved the claims of the gospel, inviting them to the house of the Lord, and trying to compass their salvation (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8; Romans 1:14–16; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20).
  3. Being courteous to all people (Ephesians 4:32; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 John 3:18).
  4. Being helpful to those who are also of the faith, in love forbearing one another (Romans 12:13; Galatians 6:2, 10; Colossians 3:12–14).
  5. Seeking to do good to the bodies and souls of people; feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and ministering to the needy, as opportunity and ability are given (Matthew 25:35–36; 2 Corinthians 9:8–10; Galatians 2:10; James 2:15–16; 1 John 3:17–18).
  6. Contributing to the support of the ministry and the church and its work in tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38; 1 Corinthians 9:14; 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6–10; Philippians 4:15–19).
  7. Attending faithfully all the ordinances of God, and the means of grace, including the public worship of God (Hebrews 10:25), the ministry of the Word (Acts 2:42), the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23–30); searching the Scriptures and meditating thereon (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14–16); family and private devotions (Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Matthew 6:6).