God’s Word
To teach and preach the whole counsel of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures; that the pride of man might be humbled and the grace of God in true salvation might be exalted, to the praise of His glory; and that genuine holiness in heart and life might be promoted.
The whole counsel of God
We must be committed to all of God’s Word, both Old Testament and New Testament. There is nothing in the Bible that is not important for the believer to know.
Titus 3:15-17 – and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
The absolute authority of Scripture
The Word of God is authoritative, inspired, inerrant, infallible and absolutely sufficient to provide everything necessary for life and godliness. The church is to teach the whole counsel of God in an expository fashion, challenging extra-biblical revelation, psychological insights, and cultural/educational theories.
2 Peter 1:20-21 – But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
Sound doctrine
Sound doctrine includes both the fundamental biblical concepts necessary for spiritual understanding and the resulting godly conduct that those concepts demand. The church exists to proclaim the basic truths which are the foundation for a life pleasing to God.
Titus 1:9 – “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.”