Our Doctrine
The Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible is the Word of God, that it was written by men divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, that it is absolute truth without error, that it is God’s complete
revelation of His will for man, and that it is the supreme authority in all matters of faith
and conduct.
1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20-21
revelation of His will for man, and that it is the supreme authority in all matters of faith
and conduct.
1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20-21
One True God
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God; infinite in knowledge and power, ever present and eternally existent in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy
Spirit.
Exodus 20:2-3; Mark 12:29; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Revelation 4:11
Spirit.
Exodus 20:2-3; Mark 12:29; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Revelation 4:11
God The Father
We believe in God the Father, perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, and measureless in power. We rejoice that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, and that
He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
John 6:45-46; Romans 11:33; Romans 15:5-7; 2 Corinthians 11:31; 1 Peter 1:16
He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
John 6:45-46; Romans 11:33; Romans 15:5-7; 2 Corinthians 11:31; 1 Peter 1:16
God The Son
We believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, Virgin born, sinless in His life, making atonement for the sins of the world by His death. We believe in His miracles, His bodily resurrection, His ascension into heaven, His perpetual intercession for His people, His personal return for those who are His children (the resurrection of the righteous and the rapture of the church), and His visible return to this world to
establish His kingdom (millennial kingdom).
Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 28:6-7; Mark 16:6; Luke 1:30-35; Luke 24:2–6; Luke 24:39; Luke 24:51; John 1:14; John 20:27; Acts 1:9–11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-5; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 5:9; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 12:2; 1 John 2:1; Revelation 3:21
establish His kingdom (millennial kingdom).
Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 28:6-7; Mark 16:6; Luke 1:30-35; Luke 24:2–6; Luke 24:39; Luke 24:51; John 1:14; John 20:27; Acts 1:9–11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-5; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 5:9; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 12:2; 1 John 2:1; Revelation 3:21
God The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Deity of the Holy Spirit who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment, and who regenerates, indwells, seals, sanctifies, teaches and comforts those who are believers in Jesus Christ.
Genesis 1:1-2; Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:8; Luke 1:35; John 1:33; John 3:5-6; John 14:16-17; John 14:26; John 16:8–11; Acts 5:30–32; Acts 11:16; Romans 8:14-16; Romans 8:26; Ephesians 1:13-14; Hebrews 2:2–4
Genesis 1:1-2; Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:8; Luke 1:35; John 1:33; John 3:5-6; John 14:16-17; John 14:26; John 16:8–11; Acts 5:30–32; Acts 11:16; Romans 8:14-16; Romans 8:26; Ephesians 1:13-14; Hebrews 2:2–4
Angels and Demons
We believe that God created a great multitude of angels, spirit beings created in holiness, and having intelligence and great power. That holy angels constantly serve
God in perfect obedience. That Satan, created as one of the highest of all angels, rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven taking a host of angels with him. That
Satan and his host of fallen angels (demons) work constantly against God’s purpose and program. That Satan and his demons are destined to eternal damnation in the lake of fire.
Genesis 3:1-5; Isaiah 6:2-3; Matthew 4:1–11; Matthew 26:53; Luke 2:13-14; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 20:10
God in perfect obedience. That Satan, created as one of the highest of all angels, rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven taking a host of angels with him. That
Satan and his host of fallen angels (demons) work constantly against God’s purpose and program. That Satan and his demons are destined to eternal damnation in the lake of fire.
Genesis 3:1-5; Isaiah 6:2-3; Matthew 4:1–11; Matthew 26:53; Luke 2:13-14; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 20:10
Creation And The Fall of Man
We believe that God created the heavens and the earth as recorded in the book of Genesis, and that He created man in His own image. That Adam, as the first man, was
created sinless and innocent and in perfect relationship with God but fell from this position by choosing to sin. As such, all mankind are now sinners, not only by nature,
but by choice and therefore are under just condemnation.
Genesis 1; Genesis 2; Genesis 3:1–6; Genesis 3:17-19; John 1:3; Romans 1:18-19; Romans 1:28-32; Romans 3:10–19; Romans 5:12; Romans 5:19; Colossians 1:16-17
created sinless and innocent and in perfect relationship with God but fell from this position by choosing to sin. As such, all mankind are now sinners, not only by nature,
but by choice and therefore are under just condemnation.
Genesis 1; Genesis 2; Genesis 3:1–6; Genesis 3:17-19; John 1:3; Romans 1:18-19; Romans 1:28-32; Romans 3:10–19; Romans 5:12; Romans 5:19; Colossians 1:16-17
Salvation
We believe that the salvation of sinners is divinely initiated by a sovereign God (in a manner above our full comprehension). That God has chosen us before the foundation of the world and predestined us to be adopted as sons according to the good pleasure of His will and to the praise of His glory and grace. That Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of all mankind but that man can only be saved after recognizing he is a sinner in need of a Savior and then turning from his sins and trusting in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. That this salvation is a free gift of God, is open to anyone who will accept it, and is eternally secure. That “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Isaiah 53:4-7; Jonah 2:9; Matthew 18:11; John 3:16; John 10:27-30; Acts 13:48; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24-25; Romans 8:29-30; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:4-8; Ephesians 2:8; Philippians 2:7-8; Hebrews 2:14-17; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 2:24; 2 Peter 2:2; I John 2:2; 1 John 4:10
Isaiah 53:4-7; Jonah 2:9; Matthew 18:11; John 3:16; John 10:27-30; Acts 13:48; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24-25; Romans 8:29-30; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:4-8; Ephesians 2:8; Philippians 2:7-8; Hebrews 2:14-17; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 2:24; 2 Peter 2:2; I John 2:2; 1 John 4:10
The Church
We believe that the local church is a congregation of believers associated together by faith in Jesus Christ. That the true mission of a church is found in the Great
Commission: to go and make disciples, to baptize them, and to teach them to obey the Word of God. That Jesus Christ is the head of the true church and that the individual
believer has a direct and personal relationship with Him. That the local church is independent and autonomous and free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations.
Acts 2:41-42; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 2 Corinthians 8:19; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 8:23; Ephesians 4:1-5; Colossians 1:18
Commission: to go and make disciples, to baptize them, and to teach them to obey the Word of God. That Jesus Christ is the head of the true church and that the individual
believer has a direct and personal relationship with Him. That the local church is independent and autonomous and free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations.
Acts 2:41-42; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 2 Corinthians 8:19; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 8:23; Ephesians 4:1-5; Colossians 1:18
Two Offices
We believe that there are two offices in the local church designated in Scripture, the office of elder and the office of deacon. The office of elder denotes a position of
overseeing, leadership and spiritual guidance for the spiritual well-being of the church. The office of deacon denotes a position of leadership and service in assisting with ministries and needs within the local church.
Acts 6:1-6; Acts 14:23; Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; I Timothy 5:17-19; Titus 1:5-9; James 5:14
overseeing, leadership and spiritual guidance for the spiritual well-being of the church. The office of deacon denotes a position of leadership and service in assisting with ministries and needs within the local church.
Acts 6:1-6; Acts 14:23; Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1–13; I Timothy 5:17-19; Titus 1:5-9; James 5:14
Two Ordinances
We believe that there are two ordinances appropriately carried out within the ministry of the local church, the ordinance of baptism and the ordinance of communion. We hold to the Scriptural description of baptism being that first a person is saved through faith and then of their own accord follows in obedience of baptism by immersion (believers baptism). Baptism is a command of Christ and a public testimony that a believer has died to self and risen to a new life in Christ. We hold to the practice of communion as a time of remembrance of the sacrificial death of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus who paid the price for our sins on the cross. Communion is a command of Christ, a time of
remembrance of His death, a self-examination of our present spiritual walk with Him and a reminder of His future return to this earth.
Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 1:5; Mark 16:16; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 2:38; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12-13; Acts 18:8; 1 Corinthians 11:23–32
remembrance of His death, a self-examination of our present spiritual walk with Him and a reminder of His future return to this earth.
Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 1:5; Mark 16:16; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 2:38; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12-13; Acts 18:8; 1 Corinthians 11:23–32
Heaven and Hell
We believe in the literal existence of both heaven and hell. That both the saved and the lost will be resurrected; that those who have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior will
rejoice forever in God’s presence in Heaven, and those who have refused to accept Christ as Lord and Savior will be forever separated from God in Hell.
Exodus 20:11; 2 Chronicles 18:18; Daniel 12:2; Matthew 5:11-12; Matthew 5:20; Matthew 7:21; Matthew 10:28; Matthew 10:32-33; Mark 9:43-47; Luke 12:5; John 14:2-3; Philippians 3:20; 2 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 21:1-2
rejoice forever in God’s presence in Heaven, and those who have refused to accept Christ as Lord and Savior will be forever separated from God in Hell.
Exodus 20:11; 2 Chronicles 18:18; Daniel 12:2; Matthew 5:11-12; Matthew 5:20; Matthew 7:21; Matthew 10:28; Matthew 10:32-33; Mark 9:43-47; Luke 12:5; John 14:2-3; Philippians 3:20; 2 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 21:1-2
Future Events
We hold to a pre-tribulation, pre-millennial interpretation of the Scriptures, believing in the imminent return of Jesus Christ to gather to heaven those who have trusted Him as
Lord and Savior. That in heaven, all believers will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema Seat) to be judged for our service to Him. On earth, during this time, the seven-year Tribulation will take place in which God will bring His judgment upon those who have rejected Him. That after the seven year Tribulation, Jesus Christ will return to earth to judge the nations and establish His Millennial Kingdom, a 1000 year period characterized by righteousness and the fulfillment of God’s promises to the nation Israel. That after the 1000 year period, a great White Throne Judgment will take place where the unsaved will be judged and cast into the lake of fire along with Satan and his demons. Finally, an eternal state will be established with a new heaven and a new earth.
Isaiah 11:1-9; Daniel 9:25–27; Malachi 3:1-4; Matthew 24:29–31; Matthew 25:34-41; 1 Corinthians 15:42–44; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 2:10-11; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 20:1–6; Revelation 20:14-15
Lord and Savior. That in heaven, all believers will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema Seat) to be judged for our service to Him. On earth, during this time, the seven-year Tribulation will take place in which God will bring His judgment upon those who have rejected Him. That after the seven year Tribulation, Jesus Christ will return to earth to judge the nations and establish His Millennial Kingdom, a 1000 year period characterized by righteousness and the fulfillment of God’s promises to the nation Israel. That after the 1000 year period, a great White Throne Judgment will take place where the unsaved will be judged and cast into the lake of fire along with Satan and his demons. Finally, an eternal state will be established with a new heaven and a new earth.
Isaiah 11:1-9; Daniel 9:25–27; Malachi 3:1-4; Matthew 24:29–31; Matthew 25:34-41; 1 Corinthians 15:42–44; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 2:10-11; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 20:1–6; Revelation 20:14-15
Our Covenant
Having been led by the grace of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior, and
having been baptized by immersion, I am now led by the Holy Spirit to unite in
membership with the Harvest New Beginnings church family. In doing so, I joyfully and
earnestly pledge to uphold these Biblical standards:
having been baptized by immersion, I am now led by the Holy Spirit to unite in
membership with the Harvest New Beginnings church family. In doing so, I joyfully and
earnestly pledge to uphold these Biblical standards:
I. That I will strive to protect and promote the unity of my church
…by acting in brotherly love towards others
Eph 4:1-3 …I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.
…by being slow to take offense and quick to seek reconciliation
James 1:19-20 …Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
…by lovingly confronting and correcting for the purpose of restoration
Mat 18:15-17 If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
…by refusing to gossip or slander
Eph 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
…by being submissive to the authority of the church leadership
Heb 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
Eph 4:1-3 …I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.
…by being slow to take offense and quick to seek reconciliation
James 1:19-20 …Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
…by lovingly confronting and correcting for the purpose of restoration
Mat 18:15-17 If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
…by refusing to gossip or slander
Eph 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
…by being submissive to the authority of the church leadership
Heb 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
II. That I will support the outreach of my church
…by personally sharing the message of salvation with family, friends, acquaintances and neighbors
Mat 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
…by inviting people to attend and bringing them with me to church
Luke 14:23 Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.’
…by warmly welcoming all whom visit
James 2:2-4 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there”, or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
…by teaching my children about the Lord
Eph 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
…by faithfully giving my tithes and offerings to support the ministries of my church
Mal 3:8-10 “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ “In tithes and offerings… Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”
Mat 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
…by inviting people to attend and bringing them with me to church
Luke 14:23 Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.’
…by warmly welcoming all whom visit
James 2:2-4 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there”, or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
…by teaching my children about the Lord
Eph 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
…by faithfully giving my tithes and offerings to support the ministries of my church
Mal 3:8-10 “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ “In tithes and offerings… Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”
III. That I will serve in the ministries of my church
…by discovering and utilizing my spiritual gifts and God given talents
1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
…by developing a servant’s heart
Phil 2:3-7 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
…by allowing myself to be equipped for service
Eph 4:11-12 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
…by maintaining a joyful attitude in my service
Phil 2:14-15 Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, which you shine like stars in the universe.
…by remaining steadfast in my service
1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
…by developing a servant’s heart
Phil 2:3-7 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
…by allowing myself to be equipped for service
Eph 4:11-12 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
…by maintaining a joyful attitude in my service
Phil 2:14-15 Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, which you shine like stars in the universe.
…by remaining steadfast in my service
1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
IV. That I will uphold the testimony of my church
…by living a spirit-filled and Spirit-controlled life
Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
…by resisting ungodly practices and worldly passions
Rom 13:13-14 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
…by forsaking personal liberty so as not to place a stumbling block before others
Rom 14:21-22 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.
…by living a godly life before the unsaved
Mat 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
…by being honest and above reproach in my dealings with others
James 5:12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear–not be heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned
Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
…by resisting ungodly practices and worldly passions
Rom 13:13-14 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
…by forsaking personal liberty so as not to place a stumbling block before others
Rom 14:21-22 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.
…by living a godly life before the unsaved
Mat 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
…by being honest and above reproach in my dealings with others
James 5:12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear–not be heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned
V. That I will grow and mature in my personal walk with my Savior
…by striving to live according to God’s will for my life
1 Pet 4:2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
…by developing and maintaining regular times of prayer
Eph 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
…by developing and maintaining regular times of personal Bible study
Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character… for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day…
…by faithfully attending my church for the purpose of worship, prayer, communion and fellowship
Heb 10:25 Let us not give meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
…by holding fast to the teaching of God’s Word
2 Tim 3:14-17 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy
you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
1 Pet 4:2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
…by developing and maintaining regular times of prayer
Eph 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
…by developing and maintaining regular times of personal Bible study
Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character… for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day…
…by faithfully attending my church for the purpose of worship, prayer, communion and fellowship
Heb 10:25 Let us not give meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
…by holding fast to the teaching of God’s Word
2 Tim 3:14-17 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy
you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
Our Distinctives
Understanding Biblical Distinctives
Beyond the basics of what we believe as Christians (as found in our Doctrine), we adhere to specific Biblical Distinctives which relate to vital issues present in Christianity
today. We hold to the following, excerpted from Pastor Duane Brown's work "Baptist Distinctives", not primarily on the basis of them being Baptistic, but more importantly, because they are Biblical.
today. We hold to the following, excerpted from Pastor Duane Brown's work "Baptist Distinctives", not primarily on the basis of them being Baptistic, but more importantly, because they are Biblical.
Biblical Authority
The Bible is the final authority in all matters of belief and practice because the Bible is inspired by God and bears the absolute authority of God Himself. Whatever the Bible affirms, we accept as true. No human opinion or decree of any church group can override the Bible. Even creeds and confessions of faith, which attempt to articulate the theology of Scripture, do not carry Scripture’s inherent authority.
2 Timothy 3:15–17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20, 21
2 Timothy 3:15–17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20, 21
Autonomy of the Local Church
The local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the church. All human authority for governing the local church resides within the local church itself. Thus the church is autonomous, or self-governing. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church’s beliefs or practices. Autonomy does not mean isolation. We, as a church, may choose to fellowship with other churches around mutual interests and join in an association that offers this opportunity.
Colossians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 8:1–5, 19, 23
Colossians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 8:1–5, 19, 23
Priesthood of the Believer
“Priest” is defined as “one authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God.” Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence in prayer directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No other mediator is needed between God and people. As priests, we can study God’s Word, pray for others, and offer spiritual worship to God. We all have equal access to God—whether we are a preacher or not.
1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 5:9, 10
1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 5:9, 10
Two Ordinances
Our local church practices two ordinances: (1) baptism of believers by immersion in water, identifying the individual with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, and (2) the Lord’s Supper, or communion, commemorating His death for our sins.
Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–32
Matthew 28:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–32
Individual Soul Liberty
Every individual, whether a believer or an unbeliever, has the liberty to choose what he believes is right in the religious realm. No one should be forced to assent to any belief against his will. We have always opposed religious persecution. However, this liberty does not exempt one from responsibility to the Word of God or from accountability to God Himself.
Romans 14:5, 12; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Titus 1:9
Romans 14:5, 12; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Titus 1:9
Saved, Baptized Church Membership
Local church membership is restricted to individuals who give a believable testimony of personal faith in Christ and have publicly identified themselves with Him in believer’s baptism. When the members of a local church are believers, a oneness in Christ exists, and the members can endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Acts 2:41–47; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 4:3
Acts 2:41–47; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 4:3
Two Offices
The Bible mandates only two offices in the church–pastor and deacon. The three terms—”pastor,” “elder,” and “bishop,” or “overseer”—all refer to the same office. The
two offices of pastor and deacon exist within the local church, not as a hierarchy outside or over the local church.
1 Timothy 3:1–13; Acts 20:17–38; Philippians 1:1
two offices of pastor and deacon exist within the local church, not as a hierarchy outside or over the local church.
1 Timothy 3:1–13; Acts 20:17–38; Philippians 1:1
Separation of Church and State
God established both the church and the civil government, and He gave each its own distinct sphere of operation. The government’s purposes are outlined in Romans 13:1–7 and the church’s purposes in Matthew 28:19 and 20. Neither should control the other, nor should there be an alliance between the two. Christians in a free society can properly influence government toward righteousness, which is not the same as a denomination or group of churches controlling the government.
Matthew 22:15–22; Acts 5:17–29
Matthew 22:15–22; Acts 5:17–29
The Baptist Distinctives were written by Pastor Duane Brown, 1969.
Our Values
REACH UP – Worship Corporately & Walk Individually
Worshiping together on Sundays through praise & worship, offerings, learning from
God’s Word, prayer and ordinances. Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking our own assembling
together, as is the habit of some …
Walking individually, making personal worship a way of life – through personal Bible
study, prayer, praise and worship – becoming a disciple. Colossians 1:10 Walk in a
manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects,
God’s Word, prayer and ordinances. Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking our own assembling
together, as is the habit of some …
Walking individually, making personal worship a way of life – through personal Bible
study, prayer, praise and worship – becoming a disciple. Colossians 1:10 Walk in a
manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects,
REACH IN – Connect with Significance & Serve with Purpose
Discovering where God has gifted each one and serving the body of Christ through the ministry that best expresses His gifts. Mark 10:43-44 … but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.
REACH OUT – Evangelize the Lost & Disciple the Saved
Evangelizing the lost on a personal level of sharing Christ with those God has placed in our lives, as well as, joining with other believers (locally and globally) to plant the seeds of the Gospel. I Corinthians 9:22 … I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some…
Being disciples and disciple-makers who love God with all their heart, soul and mind.
Matthew 28:19-20a Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.
Being disciples and disciple-makers who love God with all their heart, soul and mind.
Matthew 28:19-20a Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.