|
|
|
|
Bible -- We hold to the Bible as our sole authority. Note 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." The Bible is God's Word. Since the Bible is completely reliable and trustworthy, we accept it as our manual for living. When faced with a decision, we go to God's Word for an answer. The Bible is the basis for all that we believe. We do not have a denominational authority, nor a pope nor a creed. Autonomy of the local church -- The Bible states in Ephesians 5:23, "Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior." We believe that Jesus is the only head of the church. The church does not belong to any person -- it is Christ's church. Although we identify with the larger body of Christ around the world and cooperate with like-minded churches as Southern Baptists, we don't believe that any group, or any person, or any religious organization should have control over the local body. Every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control. Every church makes its own decisions under the authority of Jesus Christ. Priesthood of the believer -- We practice the priesthood of the believer. Revelation 1:5-6, "To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father." I Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." The Bible teaches that every Christian is a priest and a minister. What does this mean? It means that we don't need a priest to get to God. It means that we don't have to pray to another person. We have direct access to God. As priests, God has given each of us a ministry. Tithing -- Tithing means giving ten percent to God. Tithing is a practice taught throughout the Bible. A tithe of everything we have belongs to the Lord -- it is holy to the Lord. Why do we give to God? Giving the tithe shows who has first place in our lives -- so out of gratitude to God we give. Tithing is the way the work of God is supported through this church. We tithe, not because the church needs it, but because God says to do it. Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23; I Corinthians 16:1-2. Immersion -- We believe the Bible teaches that Christians should publicly declare their faith by being baptized. Because the word "baptize" means "to immerse in water," that is the method we use to baptize people. We believe this is important because baptism portrays two truths that are central to our faith: (1) Baptism illustrates Christ's burial and resurrection. Colossians 2:12 says, "having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead." (2) Baptism also illustrates our new lives as believers. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17. Baptism pictures our death to the old way of living and our new life in Jesus Christ. Romans 6:4 makes this clear, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Spirit-led Living -- In John 15:5, Jesus states, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." The only way to live the Christian life is to allow Jesus through the Holy Spirit to live his life through us. Ephesians 5:18, "Be filled with the Spirit." What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit? It means to be filled with the life of Jesus because the Holy Spirit comes to make Jesus real in our lives. We depend on him for daily living. Telling Others About Jesus -- I Peter 3:16, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." Why should Christians do this? Because Jesus has commanded his followers in Matthew 28:19, ". . . go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." It is the responsibility of every believer to share Christ with others. This is why members should reach out to their friends and work associates to share the Gospel with them and to invite them to worship. The Holy Spirit is at work in our witnessing efforts whether in the living room, the board room, or the worship center. |