en Reaching. Teaching. Serving. http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com © Copyright 2000 - 2010Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=22 Our Angel Food Ministry Distribution Days have been a huge success! We feel blessed to be able to help our surrounding communities. There are no restrictions, conditions or forms to fill out to purchase Angel Food. The food relief program is open to one and all. Anyone may purchase an unlimited number of boxes of Angel Food by placing an order with us. You no longer have to purchase a main box before you can purchase a special box!!!!! Gift Cards can also be purchased online!!! Current Menu*This link provides HOST SITE ORDER SUBMISSION DEADLINES. The deadline for West Hills Baptist Church orders to be placed is the listed below. Order Online *This link will allow you to place a credit/debit card order. Online ordering is cutoff by Angel Food on June 15th at 11:59 pm (EST). Orders will be taken at the church office Friday, June 11th and Monday, June 14th between 10am and 2pm. Distribution Date for June: Saturday,June 19th, 8:30 - 10:30. We accept cash, credit or debit card, money orders or food stamps(EBT). Sorry, no checks are accepted. Sun, 16 May 2010 15:26:57 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=34 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=34&article_id=105 Come visit the home of West Hills Youth Sun, 25 Apr 2010 19:52:12 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=34 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=34&article_id=80 The Youth Ministry, W.H.Y. (West Hills Youth), exists for the purpose of equipping Jr. High School and High School students for Reaching, Teaching, and Serving. The Youth Ministry provides a school graded Sunday morning educational program that today's youth can relate to. The curriculum teaches about Christ, and helps our youth discover how to love others and to grow as a faithful Christian. The Sunday evening program is geared toward fellowship activities along with devotional studies for students to take with them throughout their week. Wednesday evening is Youth Worship time. West Hills praise band provides uplifting music with the direction of our Youth Worship leader. God's message is presented in music and Word. Our Girls Ministry is lead by Christian women to encourage our female students in missions, fellowship and Bible study. Other activities include summer camp, mission projects, pizza nights, etc. At West Hills, we strive to partner with the parents of students to encourage and foster an environment for spiritual development in each student's life. Our goal is to allow the Holy Spirit to work through each leader for the salvation of each student and parent involved with the W.H.Y. Ministry. We pray you will find our Youth Ministry at West Hills Baptist a blessing to you and your student. In Christ's Love, Ross Locke, Director of Youth Ministries Click here to be our fan on Facebook. Sun, 25 Apr 2010 19:48:10 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=1 West Hills Baptist is a Southern Baptist Church located in Lebanon, Tennessee. We are excited about what God is doing in this area and are humbled to be used by God to reach individuals just like you! We invite you to join us at West Hills Baptist Church where together we seek to make a difference in the lives of those around us by being a light to the world that shines bright with the love of Jesus. In His Service, Jonas Taylor - Pastor Sun, 11 Apr 2010 06:58:09 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=37 document.writeln("");document.writeln("");document.writeln("");document.writeln("News");document.writeln(""+todays_date+" ");document.writeln("");document.writeln("");if (total_news > 0) { for (var row=0; row Fri, 9 Apr 2010 16:36:10 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=82 Ross Locke began serving as the Youth Pastor Associate in March 2009. Ross is married to Anna and is a graduate of Lipscomb University. Contact Ross Tue, 23 Mar 2010 07:26:38 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32&article_id=103 Tue, 2 Mar 2010 15:51:33 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=24&article_id=63 Click Here to view the most current WHBC Newsletter. Adobe PDF Reader is required to open this document. This is a free and safe download from Adobe.com. Mon, 1 Feb 2010 12:47:38 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=179 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=179&article_id=89 Each week ladies of our church gather together for prayer, Bible study and fellowship. Join us any Wednesday Morning at 9AM. For information contact Laverne Freeman. Our current study is When Godly People Do Ungodly Things by Beth Moore. When Godly People Do Ungodly Things: Arming Yourself in the Age of Seduction by Beth Moore examines why devoted followers of Christ can fall into the traps of Satan. Believers are still subject to Satan's attacks. He is determined to disrupt the lives of Christians, destroy their ministry, and steal their joy. Sadly, those who have "fallen" may not recognize the devil's schemes until they have already been caught in a snare of defeat. As a renowned teacher and seminar leader, Beth Moore receives countless letters from repentant Christians who are limping along this road. Out of her genuine, broken-hearted concern comes this biblical guide to authentic repentance and restoration. This seven-week study is written in three parts. The first part is a warning to believers, while the second part shows women how to prepare for attacks by the Enemy. The third part is directed to those who have been snared by seduction, and compassionately points the way back to God. With 1 Samuel 12:20-25 as a guide, Christians can arm themselves against temptation and learn how to help other fallen believers. Order your member book from our online bookstore. Tue, 5 Jan 2010 22:00:11 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31&article_id=96 Join us in February on Sunday Evenings as we study "God Provides." In this Sermon Series you will learn many answers to life's most difficut questions. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:06:41 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=80 Rodney joined the ministry team of West Hills Baptist Church in 2003 as a bi-vocational Minister of Education. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee where he earned a bachelors degree in Business Administration. In 2006, Rodney graduated from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters of Arts degree in Christian Education. At West Hills Baptist Church, Rodney leads all education, administration and life application ministries. He was ordained to the Gospel Ministry at West Hills Baptist Church in March 2006. Rodney, a native of Knoxville, TN and former long-time resident of Alpharetta, GA, is married to Michelle (Miller) of Mt. Juliet, TN and they have two children: Ryan and Miranda. Contact Rodney Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:49:59 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=13 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=13&article_id=92 Welcome to our online sermon library. You are invited to participate in our worship services live at West Hills Baptist church on Sunday mornings at 10:30am. Join us for our evening service on Sunday evenings at 6:00pm. Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:48:14 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=91 Now that I Believe Speaker: Dr. Bill Mounce Our 12 week curriculum, "Now that I Believe; Your First Steps with God," points new believers in the right direction and encourages mature believers to mentor them. In a typical week, the new believer interacts with a biblical text and is encouraged to begin journaling, praying and memorizing biblical passages. Then the new believer and mentor listen to a thirty minute talk with study notes provided, work through the application questions together and then have two more days reflecting over what they have learned. For each lesson there are detailed teacher notes, 5x7 handouts for students and PowerPoint slides. The curriculum is a 161 page workbook that will help you take these first steps in the right direction. If you have any suggestions, corrections or improvements to this book, please let us know through the Contact page. Curriculum: Now_that_I_believe-1.pdf View the class forum. Class OutlineStarting your new life 1. Conversion Looking back over your conversion experience2. Change The change that is happening in your life3. When you stumble When you stumble in your new walk with God(38 min. 57 sec.)Communicating with God 4. Listening to God Learning to listen to God5. Speaking with God Learning to speak with God(34 min. 00 sec.)Learning more about God 6. Learning more about God Learning about God and how to respond to him(36 min. 25 sec.)7. Who is Jesus Learning more about who Jesus is(39 min. 01 sec.)8. What Jesus did Learning more about what Jesus did(34 min. 01 sec.)9. Holy Spirit Learning more about the Holy Spirit(40 min. 56 sec.)Continuing in your new life 10. Walking with God Continuing to walk with God through the difficult times(43 min. 50 sec.)11. Walking together Walking together in Christian community(34 min. 11 sec.)12. Inviting others to join Inviting others to walk with you on your journey(35 min. 11 sec.) Wed, 9 Dec 2009 08:42:56 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=84 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=84&article_id=38 Royal Ambassadors reaches boys for Christ and leads them to become Ambassadors for Christ through commitments (developing biblical character) and virtues (living the on-mission lifestyle of the Royal Ambassador Pledge). RAs is a Bible-centered, church-related, mission education organization for boys in first through sixth grades, sponsored by the North American Mission Board, an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention. Royal Ambassadors:Gets men involved with boys in a mentoring context. It has been said that Christianity is more caught than taught. There is tremendous spiritual potential in men having a regular weekly time of spiritual training with boys. Leads boys to become followers of Christ. RAs helps boys see their need and the world's need for a Savior. They hear the plan of salvation and have opportunities to respond. They also hear how missionaries carry the gospel around the world and how they are part of that task. Encourages an on-mission lifestyle. As boys are involved in projects, events, and personal study, they learn what it means to be on mission with God. Participation helps them discover ways they can be lay missionaries now. Allows customization and flexibility. RA materials can be adapted and customized to fit the needs of the church and boys. RAs can be done: . . . with fathers helping their sons to develop godly character. . . . as a church-based organization for boys. . . . by churches needing a customized approach to reach more boys for Christ. Provides spiritual growth for men involved. Nothing catalyzes the growth of men and fathers like leading. They will learn, be challenged in their own relationship with Christ, and be more conscious of the example they are setting for young men. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:37:44 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=27&article_id=90 West Hills Baptist Church is happy to provide you an online bookstore for all of your Christian resources. If you are looking for a book, a cd, a dvd or any Christian related item - search here first. Enter our Book Store Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:54:18 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=9&article_id=79 Jonas Taylor, the founding Pastor of West Hills Baptist Church, is a native of Nashville, TN and a graduate of Two Rivers High School, Mid-Continent University, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Extension. He holda a doctorate from Emmanuel Theological Seminary. Jonas began his ministry as Pastor of Rome Baptist Church in Smith County, TN. He has also served as Pastor of Silver Springs Baptist Church in Mt. Juliet, TN, Sharon Baptist Church in Mayfield, KY, First Baptist Church of Crisfield, MD (twice) and the former East Lake Baptist Church, now East Ridge Baptist Church, in Chattanooga, TN. Jonas and Colleen Taylor are the parents of four children: Jodi (Josh) Lewis, Lindsey (Ben) Zak, Andrew (Katie) and Peter. Contact the Pastor Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:43:55 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=16&article_id=13 What do you think it takes for someone to get to heaven? Is it luck? Good deeds? Nothing at all? Or is there something more? The Bible has the real answer to this question. It's a matter of FAITH. F stands for FORGIVENESS. We cannot have eternal life without God's forgiveness. Ephesians 1:7a says, "In Him (Jesus Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins." A is for AVAILABLE. Forgiveness is available for all. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." But forgiveness is not automatic. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven," says Matthew 7:21a. I is for IMPOSSIBLE. It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven because of who He is and because of who we are. God is loving and just, but His judgment is against sin. James 2:13a says, "Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful." We are sinful people. Romans 3:23 tells us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." T is for TURN. To turn means to repent. We can repent - or turn - from our sin and from ourselves. "But unless you repent, you too will all perish," Luke 13:3b says. We can also turn to Someone. Trust Christ alone. Romans 10:9 tells us how: "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." H is for HEAVEN. Heaven is eternal life. Here, that means life "to the full:" "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10b)." In the hereafter, it means the promise of heaven: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (John 14:3)." So how can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Savior and Lord? By trusting in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness. Take the step of faith described by another meaning of FAITH: Forsaking All I Trust Him. You do this through a simple prayer reflecting your desire for Christ to change your life. You don't need fancy words - only an honest heart. You can pray something like this: Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sin, and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen. Accepting Christ is just the beginning of a wonderful adventure with God! Get to know Him better in a number of ways:Follow Christ's example in baptism. Join a church where you can worship God and grow in your faith. In your church, get involved in Sunday School and Bible study. Begin a daily personal worship experience with God where you study the Bible and pray. We'd love to hear from you - Please feel free to ask us any questions you have about becoming a Christian, or tell us about your decision to follow Jesus Christ. Please let us know how we can serve you. Send us your comments. If you are not ready to contact us now, you may enjoy viewing this presentation of Jesus Christ's influence. Fri, 15 May 2009 15:49:57 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=11 At West Hills Baptist Church we are on a mission. Our mission is to:Reach the lost around us with the Gospel of Jesus ChristTeach and preach The Truth according to God's WordServe our Lord and King to bring Glory to God Fri, 15 May 2009 15:44:09 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=9 Jesus instructs His followers to make disciples and teach them to observe all that He commands. At West Hills we understand the challenges of living a Christian life in today's world. We provide numerous learning opportunities to help you on your your journey of discipleship.Bible Preaching and Teaching Sunday School for all ages Discipleship Training courses for all ages Mid-Week Pastor-led Bible Study Children's Bible Drill Education Youth Worship Services Women's & Men's focused Bible Studies Fri, 15 May 2009 15:43:06 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=7 Jesus tells us, "I did not come into the world to condemn it, but to seek and save the lost." At West Hills our primary mission is to grow the Kingdom of God by following Christ's example. We are reaching out to the lost in our community, our country and our world to share His story of love and redemption. West Hills ministries focused on REACHING include:Weekly visitation program (GROW)One of the largest Vacation Bible Schools in Wilson CountyCommunity Outreach ProjectsSunday School Outreach EventsWeekly sermon video broadcastRaceway MinistryDisaster Relief50+ Club Fri, 15 May 2009 15:42:18 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=12 Every disciple of Jesus Christ has been given unique gifts to serve in the Kingdom of God. It is the responsibility of every Christian to utilize these gifts to the glory of God. At West Hills we help each individual identify their special and divinely provisioned spiritual gifts and then assist in providing a place to serve. If you are interested in teaching, singing, conducting local or global missions; West Hills has a place for you to serve the Lord. Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:19:44 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=19&article_id=78 West Hills is a host site for Angel Food Ministries. We are excited about the opportunity to be a part of this important ministry that has helped to feed over 12 million people around the country. ABOUT ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES In 1994, Pastors Joe and Linda Wingo found their hearts going out to the families of many of the local families in Monroe, GA, affected by the recent industrial plant closings. On their back porch, the first Angel Food distribution fed 34 families. Over the next years, other churches wanted to be get involved, and Angel Food began feeding hundreds of families across the southeast. Now, Angel Food feeds over 500,000 families a month in 35 states. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness!HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS By buying food from first rate suppliers at substantial volume discounts, Angel Food Ministries is able to provide families with approximately $65 worth of quality nutritious food for $30. Angel Food Ministries does not use out-of-date food or inferior products. ABOUT THE FOOD Each month's menu is different and consists of fresh, frozen and packaged food. Angel Food is purchased from the nation's top food suppliers. Providing quality, nutritious food at significant discounts on a regular basis is one practical way to give people a "hand up" during difficult times. The cost for a box of Angel Food is $30. There is no purchase limit for boxes of Angel Food. There are no applications or qualifications necessary to purchase. ABOUT THE VALUE Comparison shopping nationwide in various grocery stores has revealed that the average retail value for the same food items would be approximately $65. Generally, one box of Angel Food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. ABOUT SPECIALITY BOXES Each month, Angel Food Ministries also offers "specialty boxes" of steak, chicken, pork or other foods. This bonus program affords participants additional food choices at a great value. There is no purchase limit for specialty boxes or bonus foods. There are no applications or qualifications necessary to purchase. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM To better help families in need, Angel Food Ministries participates in the Food Stamp Program. This program is designed to help low-income families buy the food they need for good nutrition. Each month, by processing the most offline Food Stamp vouchers in the country, Angel Food is helping feed approximately 100,000 people in the United States. PURCHASING ANGEL FOOD There are no restrictions, conditions or forms to fill out to purchase Angel Food. The food relief program is open to one and all. Anyone may purchase an unlimited number of boxes of Angel Food by placing an order with a local Angel Food host site. Thu, 2 Apr 2009 09:00:46 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=128 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=128&article_id=82 At West Hills Baptist its fun to be a kid. On most Sunday's we have a special worship service just for kids in grades K-6. In our Kids Worship we provide a kids version of our regular worship service complete with music, announcements, offering, sermon and an invitation. Kids join us immediately after Sunday school at 10:15 in the Chapel. Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:25:51 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=82 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=82&article_id=37 We are excited to provide Girls in Action (GA) at West Hills Baptist Church every Wednesday Night for girls in Grades 1-6. As a GA, girls can begin to develop spiritually toward a missions lifestyle as they learn what God is doing in the world and discover their place in God's plan. In GA, girls learn about missions and missionaries, pray for missions, give to missions, do missions through projects and activities, and participate in the work of the church. What is the history of Girls in Action? GA began in 1913 when the girls' organization was officially recognized by WMU®. In 1914, it was given the name Girls' Auxiliary. In 1970, the name was officially changed to Girls in Action and was for girls aged 6-11. Discovery magazine, now the magazine for younger GAs, was launched. Throughout its rich history, GA has always been dedicated to missions and helping girls develop a missions lifestyle. GA Scripture Verse: "Give thanks to the Lord. Worship him. Tell the nations what he has done. Announce how honored he is" (Isaiah 12:4 NIrV). GA Lifestyle Verse: "The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what he requires of you. You must treat people fairly. You must love others faithfully. And you must be very careful to live the way your God wants you to" (Micah 6:8 NIrV). GA Motto: "Go Forward!" GA Pledge: "As a GA, I will do my best to live a missions lifestyle that honors God by learning about missions, praying for missions, giving to missions, doing missions and participating in the work of the church." Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:58:55 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=65 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=65&article_id=26 Do you have a prayer need? Do you know someone who needs prayer support? The members of West Hills Baptist Church believe that God answers prayers. We provide a 24 hour prayer team for anyone needing assistance and support. Each week, over 100 members gather to pray specifically for Your request. Our prayer network continously remains on their knees before God praying specifically for you. Submit a Prayer Request Here or call our 24 hour Prayer Line at 615-443-7729. Mon, 7 May 2007 15:03:34 MST http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3 http://www.westhillsbaptistchurch.com/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3&article_id=5 West Hills Baptist Church believes and supports a statement of generally held convictions called The Baptist Faith and Message. It serves as a guide to understanding who we are. Copies are available at Southern Baptist churches or click on link above for details. This section provides only a brief, partial summary of the full text. The Scriptures The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. God There is one and only one living and true God. The eternal God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being. God the Father God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. God the Son Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ, He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His death on the cross, He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. God the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. He exalts Christ. He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service. Man Man was created by the special act of God, in His own image, and is the crowning work of His creation. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore every man possesses dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love. Salvation Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, sanctification, and glorification. God's Purpose of Grace Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. The Church A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. This church is an autonomous body. New Testament speaks also of the church as the body of Christ, which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages. Baptism & the Lord's Supper Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming. The Lord's Day The first day of the week is the Lord's Day. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion. Last Things God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell. The righteous will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord. Evangelism & Missions It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal effort. Education The cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists. Stewardship God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions. Cooperation Christ's people should organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. Cooperation is desirable between the various Christian denominations. The Christian & the Social Order Every Christian is under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in his own life and in human society. The Christian should oppose in the spirit of Christ every form of greed, selfishness, and vice. Religious Liberty Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal. Family God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. Marriage is the unity of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Wed, 14 Feb 2007 11:47:31 MST