COVENANT OF FAITH

Having experienced the grace and salvation of God through faith in Jesus Christ, we are joined in one body by His Spirit.  Therefore, we commit ourselves to this confession of faith as our covenant for membership.

We believe in one God who exists in three distinct persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Father, the Creator of the world, is calling out and redeeming a people to be His witness throughout the world.  (Gen. 1:1, 12:1-3, Jn. 1:3; 1 Pet. 2:9)

 

We acknowledge that we are sinful creatures before God and are in need of His forgiving grace and redeeming love. (Gen. 1:27; Rom. 5:12-21; Eph. 2:1-3)

 

We confess Jesus as the Savior from sin, the risen Lord to be followed who is also the Head of the church and the exalted King we await. (Lk. 19:10; Col. 1:18; 1 Tim. 2:5-6)

 

Having been baptized by the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body we open our lives to the Spirit’s presence and filling for new life and daily guidance in Christian living. (Jn. 16:7-15; Acts 1:8; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 5:22-23)

 

We submit ourselves to one another as members of Christ’s Body, the Church, for mutual upbuilding around His Word and Spirit. (MT. 5:13-14; 18:15-18; Gal. 6:1; Eph. 2:11-22; 4:13-16; 5:21)

 

We recognize that these statements of faith lead to certain common understandings which need to be tested and refocused from time to time.

 

COMMON UNDERSTANDINGS

Active participation in regular times of worship, nurture, service and membership meetings

Careful exercising of a simple life of stewardship in use of money, time, talents and gifts

Diligent cultivation of a personal relationship with God through Bible study, prayer, meditation, worship and obedience

Winsome sharing of our life and faith in Jesus through service, witness and example of life

Daily practice and growth in love, peace and humility expressed in forgiveness, non-retaliation, good works, and acceptance toward all persons

Constant striving for moral purity, and wholeness in all relationships

Compassionate exercising of mutual care for one another in word and deed