Global Vision Over Haiti Today
Haiti
.Therefore, it?s kept its door opened and welcome else churches spiritual support,article,suggestion with resources in order to implement measurable steps to evangelize , reach the lost out of this faith and discipline them as God required for the next generation. The book of 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 said that the Body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its part is many, they form one Body. So, it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one Body-whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. According of Mark chapter 11: 17 we are committed to be a house of prayer for all nations, identifying, developing and creating an environment in which men and women with ministry gifts to serve the Body of Christ. We are dedicated to find out relevant resources and develop training program in our evangelism (Fellowship) home mission for members. The GVOHT Fellowship Evangelization is to lead people through the vision of the Congregation and organize the body and each of its members so that vision can be realized Mark 3: 13-15, 2 Tim.2: 2, 2:15; 3:14 -17; Ephesians 4: 11-16 Let?s review the below statement of Ephesians 4:11-13 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till us all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. We are committed to walking in integrity by obeying the commandments of our Lord Jesus.We are dedicated to the call of preaching and practicing unity within the Body of Christ. Our prayer is to see others in the Body of Christ working together in Unity for the Glory of God and the good of all. We strive to be an example by giving of ourselves and our resources. We want to encourage other missions, churches, and individuals to do the same. As, our focus is firstly to encourage people applying Matthew 6: 33 in their life. John 4: 34 Jesus said that my food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. However, we commit ourselves to the challenge of being an outreach that genuinely cares for one another and for those who are lost, disadvantaged, oppressed, hurting or needy. The GVOHT FELLOWSHIP will demonstrate our commitment by: Building loving, caring relationships within families, between members and within the undeserved communities - Cultivating Compassion and showing mercy to the unloved, the undesirable and unreached of our society to create support for the quake victims, in particular the poorest area of Haiti. The Fellowship aims to provide free education to adults and children (orphans) provides food and supplies to reduce starvation; creates shelters and support for the homeless. Build Clinic or Medical Center, allowing medical aids and supplies to be readily accessible to everyone. Matthew 25: 35-40, Psalm 86:15, Luke 6:36, Acts 20: 28 - Obeying the care commission of Christ in Matthew 25:35-40 . For I was hungered, and you gave me meat, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you took me in, naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you come unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him saying, Lord, when saw we thee and hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When we saw a stranger and took thee in? Or when saw we thee sick, Or in prison, and come unto thee. And the king shall answer and say unto them, verily I say unto you, in as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.
GVOHT FELOWSHIP STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Church Jesus built
Jesus said He would build a Church that the gates of hell would not prevail against, Matthew 16:18. This He did with himself as the chief cornerstone and the apostles and prophets as the foundation, Ephesians 2:20. The Church that Jesus built raised the dead, cast out devils, healed the sick, made the lame to walk, the blind to see, the dumb to speak, and the deaf to hear. The ministry of the Church that Jesus built could call down judgment on evil doers and pray up earthquakes to open prison doors. The Church Jesus built harvested that world while ushering in a new world.
Jesus Christ, through His scripture and the spirit of revelation, has in our day revealed that He is restoring again the Church that He built, the Church that was not defeated but accomplished the purpose of its time and was then removed from this world. The gates of hell, {religious leaders}, of that time couldn?t stop the Church and neither will they stop the Church soon to be inaugurated for the judgment of this world.
Who Are We?
The Diciple of Christ is a body of believers that God through the Holy Spirit has chosen to be his Church in this earth. It is a nondenominational but rather a body of people joined together by the revelation of God and his Son. Because of this revelation, the members of the Body are determined to do the will of God in their lives. In short, as stated in Colossians 1:18, the body is the Church that is under the authority of the head which is Christ. No one of his or her own determination can join the Body of Christ.
Only God through his Spirit can add anyone to his church, which is his body. The Lord adds to the church daily such as should be saved (Acts 2:47). The Lord said himself in John 6:44 that no man could come unto him except the Father, which sent him, would draw him. The Body of Christ is a sovereign work of God, not a house built by man.
What Do We Believe About God?
We believe there is one immortal, omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient God, who sent his son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to save the world. As the Lord explained in John 4:23-24, God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth. God has a Son and his name is Jesus, The Messiah, He is the only mediator between God and man.The book of John chapter 6:40 declared, ? For my Father?s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6: 35 Jesus said that I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirsty
We believe in three baptisms: Water, Spirit and Fire Baptism
The Baptism of Water
The water baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God, who saves the soul of man from all sins committed in the past (from the cradle to the altar.) This is the baptism of repentance and can not be applied before a true repentance from dead works, and the new birth. All baptism is dead, burial and resurrection. Through the baptism of water is to die for the past sins, buried with God and rise in newness of life for the salvation God. John 3: 5 Jesus said that no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit and Matthew 28: 19 related: Therefore, Go make disciples of all nations, the baptizing them in the name of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3: 11, I baptize you with water, to bring you to repentance, but he that cometh after me is mightier than I ... He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 1 Peter 3: 21 Acts 10: 47-48 Acts 8: 16 Mark 16:16
Acts 19:3-5 Acts 4 : 12 I Cor 10: 2 Eph 3 : 14-15 Matthew 3 : 11 -15 Col 3 :17 Acts 9:18 Acts 2: 38 John 5 : 43 Acts 22 :16 Acts 10 : 48 Heb 1 : 3-4 Acts 16:33
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Get baptized by the Holy Spirit means receiving God life; this is the beginning of the first resurrection in the soul. This Contribute as a new birth in Christ and allows entry into a spiritual world which is the kingdom of God. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is also regarded as a pledge of our inheritance, as the earnest of the Spirit and cannot be received without a measure of faith, a sincere heart and a great thirsty; many think that they can, without baptism of the Holy Spirit, to have the salvation of God. It?s false! If someone does not have the Holy Spirit of God it will not be part the wife of Christ.The Holy Spirit is God's power, energy, power, and authority of God; whoever does not receive the Holy Spirit is nothing. To receive the Holy Spirit, we must believe in God and want to possess this power until we search Him: John 3: 5-6 Jesus said, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh.but Spirit gives birth to Spirit. John 4: 24, God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth. 2nd Peter 1: 21, For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but man spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit: Acts 19 : 2-6 , John 14 : 16-26, Luck 11: 13 , John 16 : 12-13, 1 Corinthians 14: 2-18, Matthew 3 : 11, John 15 : 26, Ephesians 5 : 18, Acts 2 : 4 , Joel 2 : 28 , Acts 2 : 38, Acts 2: 17 ,Acts 8: 14-17, Acts 1 : 8 ,Acts 10 : 44- 46
The Baptism of Fire
The baptism of fire is one of the most important steps in the process towards perfection. It?s is also the longest and most difficult to bear. The baptism of fire cleanses, purifies and preserves. No one cannot reach perfection and take part in the wife of Christ without this immersion phase in the fire. It?s applied either directly by Christ or Christ in his ministry. baptism of fire is made up of various tests such as the word of God, the divine principles, afflictions, difficult Circumstances, false accusations, disappointments and others bad behavior who cross yours in the application, these things happen like furnace which is burned the carnal man and purified soul .1 Peter 4: 12-19 said, Don?t be surprised, like a strange thing that happens to you, the fiery trial which is among you to test you. Psalms 66: 9-12, Jeremiah 5: 14, 1 Peter 4: 1-2, 1 Peter 2: 19-21, 1 Peter 1: 6-7, Romans 12: 12, Jack 1:2-4, Luke 12:12 to 49-51, Mark 9:49, Hebrews 12: 4-11, 1 Peter1: 3-7, 1 Peter 3:13-14, Romans 8:28, 1 peter 4:13,
The attitudes in tests
We must be prepared to lose carnal fortune and accept suffering for God until we can adapt to tests
A good attitude in tests makes growth in the soul and suffering for the cause of God in the life of a Christian considered as the fire which is cleaned imperfections. This is done by the word of God in a sincere heart and humble and makes reacting with moderation, sobriety, wisdom and charity, what makes growth gradually for perfection, eternal life and glory. 1 Peter 1: 3-7
Hebrews 4: 12, 1 Peter 5: 10- 11, Hebrews 5: 5-10, Phil 2:8-9, Phil 3: 9-11, Jeremiah 23:29
A wrong attitude in the tests produces bitterness and destruction of the soul. The presence of pride, selfishness and carnal fear. When tests produce instinctive reactions. This hardens, bring angry and give birth to destruction. 1 Corinthians 3:12-13 If any man build on this foundation using gold,silver,costly stones, wood, hay or straw. His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light, It will be revealed with fire and the fire will test the quality of each man?s work.
The reward after suffering
The suffering is preceding tests of the glory .The spiritual tests humiliate carnal man and purify his imperfections. It is the fire which eliminates slags and gangue of gold. But after being humiliated by the tests, The Lord, the righteous judge will give the glory and immortality. 1 Peter 1: 7-9, in this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. This have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is reveal. Though you have not seen him, you love him and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressive and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls
Here are some types in the Bible:
The three Young Hebrew in the furnace were experienced by tests because of their faith in God .Nevertheless, Jesus was the fourth man who assists them and they were become feeble. However, Due to the issue of furnace pressure on them, the bands of death which had held them were destroyed in the fire. We have another example: The case of Daniel in the lions' den and in the New Testament we read that the Apostle Paul that he was what he was had a splinter in the flesh `: That's why beloved, in 1 Peter 4: 2 The Bible said that You also arm yourselves with the same thought, because he who has suffered in the flesh ends with sin
God?s Temple
1Corinthians 3 -18
Don?t you know that you yourselves are God?s Temple and that God?s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God?s Temple. God will destroy him; for God?s Temple is sacred, and you are that temple.
The Body of Christ and His Members
I Corinthians 12: 12 -31/ Ephesians 4: 16
Our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost and we are to glorify God in our body (Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; 10:31). We are to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Examples of fleshly behavior which do not glorify God are noted in several passages of Scripture (Romans 1:24; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8). Sinful practices which are made prominent and condemned in these scriptures include homosexuality, adultery, worldly attitudes (such as hatred, envy, and jealousy), corrupt communication (such as gossip, angry outbursts, and filthy words), stealing, murder, drunkenness and witchcraft. Witchcraft has to do with the practices of the occult, which are forbidden by God and lead to the worship of Satan.
Suggestion and Collaboration are welcome to our Fellowship
Matthew 9: 37-38, Romans 10: 12-18, Matthew 28: 19-20; Mark 16 :15-18; Acts 1: 8
Crusade and Evangelization Invitation
The Unity of Faith and work Collaboration are the essential keys and elements of strength to help succeeding work and saving people in the Body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12 : 25 -27. The Fellowship interest to have other churches collaboration, work together and sharing faith of the Body Christ. As related proverbs 15: 22 .Therefore, it?s kept its door opened and welcome else churches spiritual support,article,suggestion with resources in order to implement measurable steps to evangelize ,reach the lost out of this faith and discipline them as God required for the next generation. According of Mark chapter 11: 17 we are committed to be a house of prayer for all nations, identifying, developing and creating an environment in which men and women with ministry gifts to serve the Body of Christ. We are dedicated to find out relevant resources and develop training program in our evangelism (Fellowship) home mission for members. The GVOHT Fellowship Evangelization is to lead people through the vision of the Congregation and organize the body and each of its member so that vision can be realized
Mark 3: 13-15, 2 Tim.2: 2, 2:15; 3:14 -17; Ephesians 4: 11-16
Ephesians 4:10-13
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till us all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
Doctrinal Commitments
The following Doctrinal Commitments represent the core beliefs of the fellowship as outlined in Scripture.
Repentance. Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19.
Justification. Romans 5:1; Titus 3:7.
Regeneration. Titus 3:5.
New birth. John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:9.
Sanctification subsequent to justification. Romans 5:2; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 13:12.
Holiness. Luke 1:75; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Hebrews 12:14.
Water baptism. Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:9-20, 10; John 3:22, 23; Acts 8:36, 38.
Baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to cleansing; the enduement of power for service. Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:49, 53; Acts 1:4-8.
The speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance as the initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Ghost. John 15:26; Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:1-7.
The Church. Exodus 19:5, 6; Psalm 22:22; Matthew 16:13-19; 28:19,20; Acts 1:8; 2:42-47; 7:38; 20:28; Romans 8:14-17: 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 12:12-31; 2 Corinthians 6:6-18; Ephesians 2:19-22; 3:9, 21; Philippians 3:10; Hebrews 2:12; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 1:6, 7; Revelation 21:2, 9; 22:17.
Spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:1, 7, 10, 28, 31; 1 Corinthians 14:1.
Signs following believers. Mark 16:17-20; Romans 15:18, 19; Hebrews 2:4.
Fruit of the Spirit. Romans 6:22; Galatians 5:22, 23; Ephesians 5:9; Philippians 1:11.
Divine healing provided for all in the Atonement. Psalm 103:3; Isaiah 53:4, 5; Matthew 8:17; James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24.
The Lord's Supper. Luke 22:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11: 2 3 - 2 6.
Washing the saints' feet. John 13:4-17; 1 Timothy 5:9, 10.
Tithing and giving. Genesis 14:18-20; 28:20-22; Malachi 3:10; Luke 11:42; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9; Hebrews 7:1-21.
Restitution where possible. Matthew 3:8; Luke 19:8, 9.
Resurrection, First, to resurrect the dead saints and to catch away the living saints to Him in the air. 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 2:1. Second, to reign on the earth a thousand years. Zechariah 14:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Jude 14, 15; Revelation 5:10; 19:11-21; 20:4-6.
Resurrection. John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:5, 6.
Eternal life for the righteous. Matthew 25:46; Luke 18:30; John 10:28; Romans 6:22; 1 John 5:11-13.
Eternal punishment for the wicked. No liberation or annihilation. Matthew 25:41-46; Mark 3:29; 2 Thessalonians 1: 8, 9; Revelation 20:10-15; 21:8.
SPIRITUAL EXAMPLE
We will demonstrate our commitment to Christ through our practice of the spiritual disciplines; we will demonstrate our commitment to the body of Christ through our loyalty to God and commitment to His church; and we will demonstrate our commitment to the work of Christ through our being good stewards.
Practice of Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines involve such practices as prayer, praise, worship, confession, fasting, meditation and study. Through prayer we express our trust in God, the giver of all good things and acknowledge our dependence on Him for our needs and for the needs of others (Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11: 1- 13; James 5:13-18). Through both private and public worship we bless God, have communion with Him, and are provided daily with spiritual enrichment and growth in grace. Through periods of fasting we draw close to God, meditate on the passion of Christ, and discipline ourselves to submit to the control of the Holy Spirit in all areas of our life (Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14-17; Acts 14:23). Through confession of our sins to God we are assured of divine forgiveness (1 John 1:9-2:2).The sharing of our confession with other believers provides the opportunity to request prayer and to bear one another 's burdens (Galatians 6:2; James 5:16). Through meditation on and study of the Word of God we enhance our own spiritual growth and prepare ourselves to help guide and instruct others in scriptural truths (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:15, 23-26).
Loyalty to God and Commitment to the Church
The life of Christian discipleship calls for the fulfillment of our duties to the body of Christ. We are to unite regularly with other members of the church for the purpose of magnifying and praising God and hearing His Word (Matthew 18:20; John 4:23; Acts 2:42, 46, 47; 12:24; Hebrews 10:25).
Every day is Lord?s Day but Sunday is the Christian day of worship. As the Lord's Day, it commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead (Matthew 28:1) and should be employed for worship, fellowship, Christian service, teaching, evangelism, and proclamation (Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5, 6; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Colossians 2:16, 17).
We are to provide for the financial needs of the church by the giving of tithes (Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23) and offerings (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-24; 9:1-15).
It is our duty to respect and to submit to those whom the Lord Jesus has placed over us in the church (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:7, 17). Our exercise of authority must be as a spiritual example rather than as a lord over God's flock (Matthew 20:25-28; 1 Peter 5:1-3). Furthermore, our submission must be a manifestation of the spiritual grace of humility (Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 5:5, 6). Finally, we are to avoid affiliation with oath-bound societies. Such societies may appear to have spiritual character, but by being oath-bound and secretive, they contradict Christian spirituality (John 18:20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Christians must not belong to any body or society that requires or practices an allegiance that supersedes or excludes their fellowship in Christ (Matthew 12:47-49; John 17:21-23).
Being Good Stewards
In the Scriptures, the virtues of thrift and simplicity are honored, but the vices of waste and ostentation are solemnly prohibited (Isaiah 55:2; Matthew 6:19-23). The living of a godly and sober life requires the wise and frugal use of our temporal blessings, including time, talent and money. As good stewards we are to make the most of our time, whether for recreation or for work (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5). The idle use of leisure time degrades (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; 1 Timothy 5:13), but the edifying use of it brings inner renewal. All our work and play should honor the name of God (I Corinthians 10:31). As good stewards we must use fully our spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 27-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 4 : 9 - 11) and natural talents (Matthew 25:14-30) for the glory of God. As good stewards we must recognize that the wise use of money is an essential part of the Christian's economy of life. God has committed temporal blessings to our trust (Matthew 7:11; James 1:17).
Practical Commitments
The GVOHT FELLOWSHIP Practical Commitments offer scriptural guidelines for practical Christian living
MODEST APPEARANCE
The FELLOWSHIP will demonstrate the scriptural principle of modesty by appearing and dressing in a manner that will enhance our Christian testimony and will avoid pride, elaborateness or sensuality.
Modesty
According to the biblical idea, modesty is an inner spiritual grace that recoils from anything unseemly and impure, is chaste in thought and conduct, and is free of crudeness and indecency in dress and behavior (Ephesians 4:25, 29, 31; 5:1-8; 1 Timothy 2:9, 10). Therefore, modesty includes our appearance, dress, speech and conduct and can be applied to all situations. The essential issue is, "does our style of life please or displease God?"
Appearance and Dress
Our life, character and self-image are reflected by our apparel and mode of dress. The admonition of Scripture, "Be not conformed to this world," reminds us that our manner of dress must be modest and decent (Romans 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:22, 23). It is not displeasing to God for us to dress well and be well groomed. However, above all we must seek spiritual beauty, which does not come from outward adornment with jewelry, expensive clothes or cosmetics, but from good works, chaste conversation, and a meek and quiet spirit (Philippians 4:8; 1 Peter 3:3-5).
Pride, Elaborateness, Sensuality
As godly people we are to abstain from all lusts of the flesh and avoid dressing in a manner that encourages immoral thoughts, attitudes and lifestyles (Galatians 5:13-21; 1 Peter 2:11, 2 Peter 1:4). Our beauty does not depend on elaborate, showy dress extravagant, costly attire or on the use of jewelry or cosmetics, but on our relationship with Christ. External adornment, whether clothing or jewelry, as an outward display of personal worth, is contrary to a spiritual attitude (James 2:1-4).
We will practice temperance in behavior and will abstain from activities and attitudes which are offensive to our fellowman or which lead to addiction or enslavement.
Temperance
One of the cardinal Christian virtues is temperance or self-control (1 Corinthians 9:25; Titus 1:8, 2:2). It is listed as fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). We are admonished to practice moderation and balance in our behavior (Philippians 4:5). The Scripture indicates that it is within our prerogative to control our thinking (Philippians 4:8), our anger (Ephesians 4:26) and our communication (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:8). To exercise self-discipline reflects the power of God in our life (1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Peter 1:5-11).
Offensive Behavior
The Bible speaks clearly that we are to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others as a demonstration of our love for them (Matthew 22:39; Romans 12:9-21, 13:10; Philippians 2:3-5). At times it is necessary for us to control our behavior so as not to bring offense to others (Romans 14:13-21; 1 Corinthians 8:9-13). As we know Christ after the Spirit, we are also to know others in the same manner so we will not judge them after their outward behavior alone (2 Corinthians 5:16). A respect and tolerance for differences in others should characterize our relationships (Romans 14:2, 3; 1 Corinthians 8:8; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13; 1 Timothy 4:1-5).
Addiction and Enslavement
One of the primary benefits of our liberty in Christ is freedom from the domination of negative forces (John 8:32, 36; Romans 6:14; 8:2). We are counseled not to put ourselves again under bondage (Galatians 5:1). Therefore, a Christian must totally abstain from all alcoholic beverages and other habit-forming and mood-altering chemical substances and refrain from the use of tobacco in any form, marijuana and all other addictive substances, and further, must refrain from any activity (such as gambling or gluttony) which defiles the body as the temple of God or which dominates and enslaves the spirit that has been made free in Christ (Proverbs 20:1; 23:20-35; Isaiah 28:7; 1 Corinthians 3:17; 5:11; 6:10; 2 Corinthians 7:1; James 1:21).
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FAMILY RESPONSIBILITY
We will give priority to fulfilling family responsibilities, to preserving the sanctity of marriage and to maintaining divine order in the home.
Priority of the Family
The family is the basic unit of human relationship and as such is foundational to both society and the church (Genesis 2:18-24). The divine origin of the family, along with its foundational character, makes it imperative that we give priority to ministry to the family, both from a personal and corporate standpoint. The practice of Christian disciplines and virtues should begin in the home (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7). Therefore, our families should establish some pattern for family devotions and should endeavor to provide a Christian environment in the home (1 Timothy 3:3, 4; 5:8).
Sanctity of Marriage
Marriage is ordained of God and is a spiritual union in which a man and a woman are joined by God to live together as one (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:7). Because of the divine character of marriage, it is a lifelong commitment with the only clear biblical allowance for divorce being fornication (Matthew 5:32; 19:9). Sexual involvement, either before marriage or with someone other than the marriage partner, is strictly forbidden in Scripture (Exodus 20:14; 1 Corinthians 6:15-18). Understanding the sanctity of marriage, partners should strive to maintain a happy, harmonious and holy relationship. Should divorce occur, the church should be quick to provide love, understanding and counsel to those involved? The remarriage of divorced persons should be undertaken only after a thorough understanding of and submission to the scriptural instructions concerning this issue (Matthew 19:7-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2, 3; 1 Corinthians 7:2, 10, 11). Should a Christian desire to remain single, this decision should be respected and should be seen as a viable scriptural alternative (1 Corinthians 7:8, 32-34).
Divine Order in the Home
When God created man, He created them male and female (Genesis 1:27). He gave them distinctly different characteristics (1 Corinthians 11: 14, 15; 1 Peter 3:7) as well as different responsibilities (Genesis 3:16-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7). In God's order, the husband is head of the home (Ephesians 5:22-31; Colossians 3:18, 19), parents are to nurture and admonish their children (Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21), and children are to obey and honor their parents (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20). In order for harmony to exist in the home, God's order of responsibility must be observed.
PERSONAL INTEGRITY
We will live in a manner that inspires trust and confidence, bearing the fruit of the Spirit and seeking to manifest the character of Christ in all our behavior.
Trust and Confidence
A Christian should be trustworthy, dependable and a person of his word (Matthew 5:37; 1 Peter 2:11, 12). Therefore, the swearing of oaths is contrary to a Christian's trustworthiness and should be avoided (Matthew 5:34-37; James 5:12). Christ, by precept and example, taught that we love our enemy and prefer our brother (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:3, 1 John 3:16). We should behave in a way that will point others to Christ (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1).
Fruit of the Spirit
If we live in the Spirit, we will manifest the fruit (attitudes and actions) of the Spirit and will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16, 22-25; 1 John 1:7). Trustful relationships with others are a natural outgrowth of our positive relationship with the Lord (Psalm 1:1-3; Matthew 22:37-40). A lack of fruit-bearing in our lives will be judged (Matthew 7:16-20; Luke 13:6-9; John 15:1-8).
Character of Christ
Love for others is the hallmark of the Christ-life (John 13:34, 35; 15:9-13; 1 John 4:7-11). In His relationship with His Father, Jesus displayed submission (Luke 22:42; John 4:34; 5:30). In His relationship with others, He demonstrated acceptance (John 8:11), compassion (Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34) and forgiveness (Matthew 9:2; Luke 5:20). We cannot bear the fruit of the Spirit and manifest the character of Christ without being spiritually joined to Christ (John 15:4, 5) and without having the seed of the Word planted in our heart (John 15:3, 1 Peter 1:22, 23).
MORAL PURITY
We will engage in those activities which glorify God in our body and which avoid the fulfillment of the lust of the flesh. We will read, watch and listen to those things which are of positive benefit to our spiritual well-being.
Reading, Watching and Listening
The literature we read, the programs we watch and the music we listen to profoundly affect the way we feel, think and behave. It is imperative, then, that the Christian read, watch and listen to those things which inspire, instruct and challenge to a higher plane of living. Therefore, literature, programs and music which are worldly in content or pornographic in nature must be avoided. A Christian is not to attend (or watch on television) movies or theatrical performances of a demoralizing nature (Romans 13:14; Philippians 4:8).
Benefiting Spiritual Well-Being
The use of leisure time in the life of a Christian should be characterized by those activities which edify both the individual and the body of Christ (Romans 6:13; 1 Corinthians 10:31, 32). We are to avoid places and practices which are of this world. Consequently, a Christian must not be a part of any other types of entertainment which appeal to the fleshly nature and/or bring discredit to the Christian testimony (2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 22; 1 John 2:15-17).