What We Believe & Why We Believe it Church Covenant
Church Covenant Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
Church Covenant We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor and the spread of the gospel throughout all nations.
Church Covenant We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of, and use of, destructive drugs or intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to shun pornography, to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.
Church Covenant We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.
Church Covenant We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.
We further engage to aid one another in sickness and distress; aid to provide support for or relief to; help sickness the state or an instance of being sick distress great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble. 7
1 John 3:18 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. Luke 11:48 48 In fact, you bear witness that you approve the deeds of your fathers; for they indeed killed them, and you build their tombs. 1 John 3:17 17 But whoever has this world s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 8
Acts 2:44-45 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. Acts 4:34-35 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. 9
Acts 6:2-3 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 10
We further engage to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; cultivate to develop or improve by education or training; train; refine sympathy the fact or power of sharing the feelings of another, especially in sorrow or trouble; fellow feeling, compassion, or commiseration 11
We further engage to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; courtesy excellence of manners or social conduct; polite behavior. 12
Romans 12:15 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:4-5 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 13
James 3:2 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Proverbs 15:23 23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! Proverbs 25:11 11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. 14
We further engage to be slow to take offense but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay slow moving or proceeding with little or less than usual speed or velocity offense the feeling of resentful displeasure caused; injury, harm, or hurt 15
We further engage to be slow to take offense but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay ready completely prepared or in fit condition for immediate action or use reconciliation to bring into agreement or harmony; make compatible or consistent; restore 16
We further engage to be slow to take offense but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay mindful attentive, aware, or careful rules a principle or regulation governing conduct, action, procedure, arrangement, etc. secure to get hold or possession of; procure; obtain 17
Ephesians 4:1-3 1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 18
Colossians 3:12-13 12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 1 Corinthians 13:4 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 19
Romans 5:10 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20
1 John 2:9 9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. Matthew 28:20 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. 2 Timothy 2:16-17 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 21
Matthew 5:23-24 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 22
Matthew 5:25 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Romans 12:18 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 23
Church Covenant: we agree