FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 204 Odessa Avenue - Pittsburg, CA 94565 Rev. Henry L. Perkins, Senior Pastor/Teacher BIBLE STUDY - SPRING 2012 DEFINITION Alignment: Arrangement or position in a straight line or in parallel lines. The process of adjusting parts so that they are in proper relative position. Attachment: The act of attaching or the condition of being attached. Something, such as a tie, band, or fastener, that attaches one thing to another. A bond, as of affection or loyalty. Assignment: The act of assigning. Something, such as a task, that is assigned. A position or post of duty to which one is assigned. 1
DISCLOSURE Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (Proverbs 29:18) And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (Habakkuk 2:2) UNDERSTANDING The strength of any vision lies in alignment that is, vision caught and shared by every person involved. CLARIFY And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (Habakkuk 2:2) For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2:3) 2
EVALUATION BIBLE STUDY - SPRING 2012 3
STATEMENT OF VALUES A Commitment to Salvation It is imperative that each member subscribes to the belief of salvation, obtained through faith in Christ Jesus. Therefore, we seek to persuade all men into the knowledge, conviction, and acceptance of Jesus Christ as their personal savior. A Commitment to Equipping We believe the primary responsibility of the pastor-teacher in the local church is to prepare God s people for service, Ephesians 4:12. Therefore, we seek to equip people for the service of ministry through biblical training, inclusive of Sunday School, Bible Study, seminars and conferences offered to obtain this goal. A Commitment to God s Word We believe the Bible as God s inspired word, the authoritative and trustworthy rule of Faith and practice for Christians (II Timothy 3:16-17). Therefore, we commit to utilize it s content as the resource in equipping Christians, as we promote the Gospel through it s teaching, and proclamation of the word. Commitment to Prayer God desires his people to pray and according to scripture, Man should always pray and not faint (Luke 18:1). Therefore, we utilize the power and practice of prayer as our defense to combat the spiritual warfare we encounter. 4
Commitment to Empowerment We believe the Church of God must respond to social ills in addition to spiritual hindrances. We, therefore, choose to develop people, with the intent of creating an atmosphere where people can exercise and utilize their gifts and talents for the glory of God. A Commitment to Excellence We believe the service we render should reflect the Excellency of our Christ. Therefore, we seek to present a standard of excellence in the outpouring of our gifts and talents for the glory of God. We seek to maintain a sense of commitment, sacrifice, and denial while providing service to God and his people. MANAGING FBC ORGANIZATION CHART 5
DIRECTION AVOIDANCE VS. ALIGNMENT CHURCH W/O ALIGNMENT CHURCH WITH ALIGNMENT COMMITMENT TO THE VISION I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, (Ephesians 4:1) HEART OF THE VISION APPLICATION I'll say yes, Lord, yes, To your will and to your way I'll say yes, Lord, yes, I will trust you and obey When your Spirit speaks to me, With my whole heart I'll agree And my answer will be yes, Lord, yes 6
CULTURE BIBLE STUDY - SPRING 2012 Culture can be defined as the way a church s members interact with one another; but in essence, is values reflect the basic tenets of their culture. RESULT 1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2) ULTIMATE GOAL FINISH! 7