HARVEST OUTREACH CHURCH

 

I. God

We believe in the one triune God as revealed in the Bible. He is one in essence, while eternally existing in three distinct personalities: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Though each person of the Godhead possesses the same nature, each functions differently in respect to God’s dealings with man. (Deut. 6:4)

 

God the Father

We believe God the Father to be the first person of the Trinity who:

Created the universe apart from any pre-existing materials and without any means other than His own power. (Genesis 1:1; Romans 1:18-20)

Has decreed all things that come to pass for His own glory. (Matthew 6:9-13)

Is Infinite. (I Kings 8:27; Acts 17:24)

Is Eternal. (Genesis 21:33; Psalms 90:2)

Is Omnipresent. (Psalm 139:7-120)

Is Omniscient. (Hebrews 4:13)

Is Omnipotent. (Revelation 19:6)

Is Love. (Ephesians 2:4-5)

Graciously involves Himself in the affairs of men. (Ephesians 1:5)

Hears and answers prayer. (Matthew 7:7-11)

Saves from sin and death; those who confess Jesus as Lord. (Ephesians 1:3-6; John 3:16)

 

God the Son

 

We believe Jesus Christ to be the eternally coexisting Son of God who:

Is God’s only begotten Son. (John 3:16)

Was born of a virgin. (Matthew 1:18-19)

Is our sole Mediator. (I Timothy 2:5)

Became fully man without ceasing to be fully God (Philippians 2:5-11)

Preexisted before the foundation of the world. ( John 1:1)

Lived a sinless life. (Hebrews 4:14-15; II Corinthians 5:21)

Made substitutionary atonement for our sins. (Romans 3:23-35)

Bodily resurrected from the grave. (Acts 2:24-27)

Is Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18, 24)

Will bodily return to earth from heaven. (Titus 2:13)

Is now in heaven exalted at the right hand of the Father, serving as High Priest, and fulfilling the ministry of intercession and advocacy for us. (Hebrews 12:3)

Baptizes with the Holy Spirit. (Mark 1:8)

 

God the Holy Spirit

 

We believe that God the Holy Spirit is that person of the Trinity who:

Comforts. (John 16:7)

Convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment. (John 16:8)

Regenerates. (John 3:3-7)

Imparts truth. (John 14:17; John 16:13)

Guides. (John 14:17; John 16:13)

Glorifies Jesus. (John 16:14)

Creates, empowers, inspires, performs miracles. (Gen. 1:2; Gen. 41:38; Numbers 24:2; Judges 14:6-19; II Samuel 23:2; Acts 10; II Tim. 3:16; Acts 1:16; II Peter 1:20)

Fills. (Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 9:17; 13:9; Eph. 5:18)

 

II. Bible

 

We believe the Bible is the Word of God; verbally inspired by God and inerrant in the original writings, and that it is the supreme, final and infallible authority in doctrine and practice.  By inspiration, we mean God's directing of human authors by the Holy Spirit so that using their own individual personalities; they composed and recorded without error His revelation to man in the words of the original autographs.  We further believe that there is but one method of Bible interpretation-the literal or historical- grammatical method.  This method recognizes that the authors of Scripture meant what they said.  Therefore, we consistently apply the rules of grammar, literature, history, and culture to Scripture in order to unlock and understand the author's meaning.

 

(Matt. 5:16-18; II Tim. 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21)

 

III. Man

 

We believe that man was created innocent and in the image and likeness of God, for fellowship with God, but that man sinned, bringing forth both physical and spiritual death to himself and his posterity. As a consequence, man is now a sinner both by nature and by choice, is alienated from God, and apart from salvation through Jesus Christ, is eternally separated from God.

 

(Genesis 1:26-27; 2:17; 3:6, 19; Romans 3:3; 3:10-18; 5:12-21; Ephesians 2:1-3)

 

IV. Marriage

 

We believe that marriage was ordained by God at creation as the sacred union of one man and one woman.  All sexual relations must therefore be reserved for that union.  Christian marriage is a representation of Christ's relationship to His church.  These facilities will only be used for weddings that adhere to the Biblical definition of marriage and are solely reserved for use by members and their immediate family members.  These facilities may not be used by any individual, group, or organization that advocate, endorse, or promote non-biblical marriages as an alternative lifestyle.  This policy also applies to birthday parties, reunions, anniversaries, wedding or baby showers, etc.  The pastor is not obligated to perform any wedding ceremony that would cause him to violate his conscience or conviction.  Under no circumstances is the pastor to officiate, participate, or endorse any wedding ceremony that violates the belief and teaching of this church body in accordance with the Bible.  We also believe that children are a blessing from the Lord. Thus, all human life is sacred and worthy of protection from the moment of conception.

 

(Gen. 1:26-28; 2:24; Psalm 127 & 128; 139:13-16; Matthew 19:1-10; I Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 5:22-33; Hebrews 13:4)

 

V. Salvation

 

We believe that salvation is a gift of God and is received by man only through personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We believe that man is justified by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, apart from human merit, works or ceremonies.  (Ephesians 2:8-10)

We believe that all true believers born again by the Spirit through faith in Christ, are kept secure in Christ and will exhibit the present evidence of a transformed life. (John 10:27-30; Romans 8:33-39)

By the shedding of His blood, Jesus has become the believer’s High Priest, making it possible for each believer to have free access to the presence of the Father. (Hebrews 10:19-22)

 

VI. Ordinances

 

We believe that the ordinances of the church are two in number; baptism by immersion in water, which is the public identification of the believer with Christ; and the Lord's Supper, a memorial of the atoning death of Christ until He comes. 

 

(Matthew 28:19; I Cor.  11:23-24)

 

VII. The Church

 

We believe that the Universal Church, the Body and Bride of Christ, is not an organization, but a spiritual organism comprised of all who have expressed saving faith in Jesus Christ as both Savior and Lord.  We believe that the local church is an assembly of professed believers in Jesus Christ who are voluntarily joined together in one locality for the purpose of worship, study of the Word of God, observance of the ordinances, Christian fellowship and care, equipping for Christian service, and evangelism.  We believe that the local church has the right under Christ to decide and govern its own affairs through the leadership of Elders.  We believe that it is God's intention that all believers publicly identify with a visible local assembly.

 

(Acts 2:1-4; 2:41-47; 4:19; 5:29; I Cor. 1:1; 5:3-8; 10:32; Eph. 1:22-23)

 

VIII. Church Government

 

It is recognized that the Lord Jesus Christ is THE CHIEF SHEPHERD/OVERSEER above and among all other Shepherds.  

(I Peter 2:25; 5:4)

He is the Head of the Church which is His Body.

(Eph. 5:23-24; Col. 1:18)

 

We believe that leadership in a local church is to be by plurality of Elders who are co-equal in authority and whose decisions are in unanimity.  We see the terms 'elder', 'bishop' and 'pastor' as synonymous in the Scripture.  We further believe that in function, one elder (pastor) may be gifted by God and delegated by the elders to administer the ministries of the local Body.  Some elders may receive financial pay.

(Acts 14:23; 16:4; I Tim. 5:17, 21; Titus 1:5; I Peter 5:1-5)

 

We believe that the Eldership has the responsibility  of walking in close, servant relationship with the congregation. The congregation has the following responsibilities:

Pray for those who rule over them.

Submit themselves to the leadership of the elders. (Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24)

Confirm major decisions of the elders.

Consent and confirm matters of buildings/lands/extensions in the development of the church property, especially as necessary for legal purposes.

Confirm matters of Church discipline on unrepentant members.  (Matt. 18:15-20; I Cor. 5)

 

The local church, although not subject to the control of any other church, church association, or denomination, shall seek to cooperate with other parts of the Body of Christ which make up his Kingdom.

 

IX. Future Things:

 

We believe in the personal, bodily, and visible return of Jesus Christ to establish His Kingdom, over which He will reign in righteousness and peace.  

(Isa. 9:6-7; 11:2-5; Matt. 24:30; Acts 1:11)

 

While there are many viewpoints concerning His second coming, we believe Christians should lovingly look for His appearing, giving full attention to obedience while He tarries.  We believe His appearing will occasion the resurrection of the righteous who have died and are now with Him.

 

(I Thess. 4:16-17; I Cor. 15:51-52; Matt. 24:30-31; 25:31-32)