At First Family, giving is one of the ways we, as disciples of Jesus, “obey all that he has commanded us” (Matthew 28:19-20). Therefore, we, the elders at First Family, gladly engage in and encourage the body here to excel in the grace of giving cheerfully and willingly (2 Cor. 9:7,11). This simple practice is supported by a wellspring of principles from both the Old and New Testaments, and they provide for us a strong understanding of giving throughout biblical history. Giving throughout the entire Bible not only served to meet the needs of the recipients, but also benefited the giver.  Most importantly, disciplined and cheerful giving results in glorifying God.  At First Family, we believe giving was and is governed and characterized by the following principles: It was and is prioritized. The Hebrews were to bring their best and their first, both of animals and harvests (Lev. 1-5; Proverbs 3:9-10). And Paul instructed the early churches to gather their resources … [Read more...]

Can a Woman Teach at First Family Church? FFC’s Biblical Observations and Beliefs about a Woman’s Role in the Church Our Position Let’s be honest – when we talk about the role of women in the church, most of the time we end up with more questions than answers. Add to that the extremes we’ve seen on both sides of this issue, and sometimes our questions turn to knee-jerk reactions. It seems we can hardly find a reasonable way to put God’s teaching into practice. At First Family, we desire to be clear and plain in our communication of the Scriptures, especially regarding an issue where much confusion and distortion abound. And when it comes to women teaching in the church, we believe that when the church meets as an official assembly, God requires gifted and called men to lead and teach. As long as this scriptural directive is followed, we believe there is opportunity for men and women alike to instruct, lead, and serve in the body of Christ. Our Support Some supporting … [Read more...]

Rooted in the Word, so that we may not be tossed by the seas of life. TABLE OF CONTENTS Marriage Appendix A. Roles of each Spouse Appendix B. Common Law Marriage Appendix C. Marriage to Close Relatives Appendix D. Polygamy/Polyandry Appendix E. Same Sex Unions Appendix F. Divorce, Reconciliation and Remarriage Appendix G. References Marriage First Family Church believes that marriage as given by the Word of God is a spiritual and physical union between a man and a woman, established by willfulvows in accordance to God’s Word, for as long as both shall live on earth. Biblical References on Marriage: Physical Union Genesis 2:18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." NIV Genesis 2:23 The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called' woman,’ for she was taken out of man." NIV Spiritual/Physical Union Genesis 2:24 For this … [Read more...]

Rooted in the Word, so that we may not be tossed by the seas of life. TABLE OF CONTENTS Unity of the Body of Christ Appendix A. Unity With in the Body of Believers Appendix B. References Unity of the Body of Christ First Family Church believes that all Christians are called to keep the unity of the body of Christ through patience, kindness, gentleness, humility, compassion, forgiveness and love for the common objective of glorifying God and our Lord Jesus Christ as the one and only way to eternal life. Biblical References on Unity: Called to Unity Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. NIV Romans 15:5-7 (5) May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, (6) so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (7) Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to … [Read more...]