About
OUR LIFESTYLE STATEMENT
What We Practice
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the
Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following seven practices.
The Bible As Our Sole Authority
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee
wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim. 3:15
Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the
Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is “What
does the Bible say?” We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible
memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.
The Autonomy of Each
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the
dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization.
While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians,
we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any
denominational control. In relating to our “daughter churches” that we sponsor, we
encourage each congregation to determine its own strategy, structure, and style.
The Priesthood of Every Believer
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that
ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his
marvelous light: 1 Peter 2:9
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of
his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging
every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to
God through prayer Bible reading.
Tithing
A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees,
belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. Leviticus 27:30 (NIV)
At
commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving.
Immersion
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the
operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
We practice baptism by immersion under water — the way Jesus was baptized, and the
way the Bible commands.
Spirit-led Living
(Jesus said), I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the
same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. So
we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right.
(Phil. 2:13, Eph. 5:18)
Telling Others of Christ
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. But do this with
gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those with whom
God brings us into contact. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends
to church.