Church Discipline
We (Foundations of Many Generations) believe Jesus has given the local church the authority, responsibility and obligation to exercise discipline. This authority is exercised only by the corporate body of the local church through its leadership, and not by any individual member of the church. Therefore, we hereby uphold this biblical value and strive to implement it just as it has been delivered to us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. John 20:19-23 Matthew 18:15-20 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Corinthians 13:1-10; 2 Thessalonians 3:4, 14-15; 1 Timothy 1:18-20; Titus 3:10-11
Marriage
We (Foundations of Many Generations) believe marriage is an honorable and holy institution of God existing only between one man and one woman. We believe marriage in the Local Christian church is restricted only between two born again Christians of the opposite sex. Therefore, no member of this local congregation is allowed to knowingly marry anyone who is not a Christian. We also do not believe in polygamy, neither do we practice it. Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:3-6; Hebrew 13:4; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Weddings
In order to give clarity to congregational members and prospective congregational members, regarding our belief about marriage, the pastor(s) and Staff of FOUNDATIONS OF MANY GENERATIONS will not perform weddings for the following categories of people:
1. Two unbelievers (Non-Christians)
2. A believer (Christian) and unbeliever (Non-Christian)
3. Same sex couples (Homosexuals)
4. Polygamy couples (Person who marries more than one spouse)
Also, the property and belongings of FOUNDATIONS OF MANY GENERATIONS will not be used in any of the above named wedding ceremonies.
Divorce
We (Foundations of Many Generations) believe God hates divorce. Malachi 2:16; Matthew 19:3-6. We believe divorce is only allowed in the Christian church under certain circumstances:
First, a believer is only allowed to divorce his/her spouse in the case of a confirmed/evidential adultery/marital unfaithfulness. Otherwise, they both must remain single for the rest of their lives or be reunited to one another in marriage. If any two believers divorce for any reason other than adultery, and remarry someone else, they are living in adultery as long as they remain in that second marriage while their divorced spouse is alive. Matthew 5:31-32; Matthew 19:3-6; Luke 16:18;
Second, if two unbelievers were married before one spouse became born again, only the unbelieving spouse is free to divorce the believing spouse for any reason. In such case, the believing spouse is free to remarry someone else while that unbelieving spouse is still alive 1 Corinthians 7:10-15
Remarriage
We (Foundations of Many Generations) believe remarriage can only occur in these instances that divorce is allowed in the Christian Church:
First, two Christians who were divorced for any reason other than adultery, are commanded by Scripture to get remarried to their spouse or remain single as long as the divorced spouse lives. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11
Second, in the case where two Christians are divorce because of marital unfaithfulness, the one who is the victim is legally allowed to get married to someone else while his/her spouse lives. On the other hand, the one who is the perpetrator is not allowed to get marry to anyone else while his/her formal spouse lives. However, after the death of his/her formal spouse, he/she is free to marry another person. Matthew 19:9-10
Third, if two unbelievers were married before one spouse became born again, only the unbelieving spouse is free to divorce the believing spouse for any reason. In such case, the believing spouse is free to remarry someone else while that unbelieving spouse is still alive 1 Corinthians 7:12-15
Adultery
We (Foundations of Many Generations) believe adultery is prohibited by Christ, and that adulterers will not go to heaven. Therefore, we also prohibit it as a congregation. Adultery is when a married person has sex with someone else who is not his/her spouse. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 14-18
Fornications
We (Foundations of Many Generations) believe fornication is prohibited by Christ in the Christian Church, and that fornicators will not go to heaven. Therefore, we also prohibit it as a congregation. Fornication is when an unmarried person has sex. It is pre-marital sex. According to the Bible, Sexual intercourse is exclusively allowed only within the confine of marriage. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 14-18
Homosexuality
We (Foundations of Many Generations) believe homosexuality is prohibited by Scripture as immoral, and that homosexuals will not go to heaven. Therefore, we also prohibit homosexuality as a congregation. However, just as God hates homosexuality but loves a homosexual person, we also hate homosexuality but love a homosexual person. Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 14-18; Genesis 19:1-11
Drunkenness
We (Foundations of Many Generations) believe drunkenness is prohibited by Scripture, and that drunkards will not go to heaven. Therefore, we also prohibit drunkenness as a congregation. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Proverbs 20:1; 31:4, 6; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Samuel 25:1-38; Habakkuk 2:15
Abortion
We (Foundations of Many Generations) believe that life begins at conception (Jeremiah 1:5-4). Therefore, any intentional termination of the life of a baby whether born or unborn is considered a murder. In this regard, abortion is prohibited in this congregation.
Modesty Policy
The scripture is very clear about the need for distinction in the dress code of men and women, and among believers and unbelievers. Therefore, as a church, we hold these values in high esteem and subscribe to them in the following policies: 1Timothy 2:8-15; 1 Peter 3:1-6; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 Therefore, all members and regular visitors of FOMG are required to dress modestly following these guidelines: Clothing should be ministry-appropriate, clearly contributing to a professional atmosphere and effective ministry. Men are not allowed to wear hats, short pants, earrings, braided hair, or long hanging hair. Women are required to wear head-covering while on ministry schedule, at church premises, or at church related outdoor events; dress/skirt should cover the knees when a woman is in upright sitting position. Blouses should cover the lower back when she is in bending position, and cover the armpit and breast completely. Pants are not allowed. In a nutshell, biblical modesty is a requirement.
Cigarette smoking
We (Foundations of Many Generations) believe that smoking cigarette is wrong because it is medically proven that it creates lung cancer and it is destructive to the human body. The Cigarette Smoking Act was passed by the 91st United States Congress and signed into law by President Richard Nixon on April 1, 1970 stating that cigarette advertisement should be ban from every radio and Television; and every cigarette packages should be labeled with this quotation: The Surgeon General Has Determined that Cigarette Smoking Is Dangerous to Your Health". Therefore, every member of this congregation is prohibited from smoking cigarette. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Baby Dedication
We (Foundations of Many Generations) believe in the biblical tradition of dedicating our children to the Lord. However, this experience should not be confused with being born again, or water baptism. Rather, it is meant to invoke God’s protection and care upon our children as we strive to parent and lead them in the ways of our Lord Jesus Christ. Luke 2:22
In order to discourage fornication and having children out of wedlock, only children of married couples will be dedicated during church services.
However, if a new member, who became a member being already a single parent will have his/her baby dedicated on or after the day of his/her wedding, if he/she decides to get marry.
On the other hand, if someone who is already a member of the church knowingly has a child out of wedlock, that child will not be dedicated in the church until that person has served discipline, repented and decides to be married. Then the child can be dedicated on the day of their wedding or after the the day of their wedding.