Our Life-style 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 that the following seven practices should characterize our members:

1.  The Bible as our sole authority

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.

–2 Timothy 3:15 (NLT)

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.

2.  Jesus Christ is the head of the church.

Christ is the head of the body, the church.  He is the source of the body’s life...—Colossians 1:18 (GNB)

Christ is the recognized head of the church, not any person, group, or religious organization.

3.  Priesthood of all believers

Christ loves us, and by his death He has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God…-Revelation 1:6 (GNB)

You are….the King’s priests….God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God.  –1 Peter 2:9 (GNB)

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 and Bible reading.

4.  Tithing

A tenth of the produce of the land…belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy.  –Leviticus 27:30 (NLT)

We finance this church by our members giving 10 percent of what they earn to the church.  We recognize that giving a tithe of our income is the biblical standard of giving.

 5.  Baptism

…Having been buried with (Christ) in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God who raised him from the dead.  –Colossians 2:12 (NIV)

Baptism is the public sign of a new life in Christ.

6.  Spirit-led Living

Yes, I am the vine, you are the branches.  Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.  For apart from me you can do nothing. -John 15:5 (NLT)

Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life.  Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you.  –Ephesians 5:18 (NLT)

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.

7.   Telling others about Christ

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. —1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with.  We practice personal sharing about Christ and invite friends to church.