(these principles are more evident when the churches are under attack and persecution)
Attending Christian worship, Bible study, and fellowship meeting is a privilege, which is available by invitation.
Being part of the Church is a privilege for those who have entered into, and are pursuing, a life changing relationship with Christ.
Being part of a Christian community, as a non-believer, is not a right, but an opportunity to become a learner and a follower of Jesus Christ.
No one has a right to use or abuse the body of Christ for personal advancement.
No one has the right to hurt the body of Christ, universally or locally.
The church is not a public business that must open its doors or provide its services on demand.
Believers are under church authority, and therefore are expected to live according to the standards of love and decorum found in the Bible.
Being a believer is not something someone is, or does, simply in their heart of hearts or according to their own convictions or guidelines.
Being a believer makes a person a responsible member of the body of Christ, locally.
Living the Christian life can only be done when we quit living the sinners life (justification) and it is best done when we quit living the carnal Christians life (entire sanctification).
The grace of God is more than adequate for our daily lives, but our daily lives must to be lived in the straight and narrow way.
Being a Christian requires us to accept the mind of Christ and to reject the mind of the flesh, daily.
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