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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.
II Timothy.
3:15
"You
have been taught the holy scriptures from childhood, and they
have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes
by trusting in Christ Jesus."
The whole
Bible was given to us by inspiration from God. The Bible is useful
to each of us. It tells us what is true and makes us realize
what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us
to do what is right.
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.
Colossians. 1:18
"Christ is also the head of the church, which is
his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from
the dead. So He is first in everything."
Christ is the head of his Body, the church. He is the source
of the Body's life.
Christ is the recognized Head of the 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. Each congregation determines
it's own strategy, structure and style.
Christ loves us, and by His death He has freed us from our sins
and made us a Kingdom Of Priests to serve God. Rev. 1:6.........................................
You are...the
King's priests...God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful
acts of God.
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.
Leviticus 27:30 "A tithe of everything
you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord."
At Hope, we practice tithing for the support of Christ's Body,
the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of
our income is the Biblical standard of giving.
John 15:5
Jesus
said "I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you abide
in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from
me you can do nothing."
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
"Always
be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give
the reason for the hope you have." I Peter 3:15
It
is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News
with those whom God brings us into contact. We practice personal
sharing about Christ and inviting friends and family to church. |