FAITH Document:

CHRISTIANS ARE PEOPLE OF FAITH

 

Our goal at Zion is changed lives that are Christ-centered.  This is, of course, a lifelong process.  No one “arrives” in this life or is a “finished product”.  But how do we know that a person is “in process”?  What are the identifiable Biblical signs that a person can use to evaluate himself or herself.  We know a person is a fully devoted disciple of Jesus Christ if they manifest FAITH.
        

                          Follower of Jesus Christ

                                    Advancing in Christ-likeness 

                                     In Community

                                    Treasures shared

                                    Helping/Serving

 

                  

Follower of Jesus Christ 

A disciple understands that salvation is by grace through faith, and is a publicly confessed, baptized, and confirmed believer, who worships weekly.

                 

Mark 16:16 The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned.

 

1 Corinthians 14:25  After the secrets of the unbeliever's heart are disclosed, that person will bow

down before God and worship him...

 

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is

the gift of God--not the result of works, so that  no one may boast.

 

Advancing in Christ-likeness

A disciple knows that faith is the beginning of sanctification---a lifelong process that evidences spiritual growth and participation in spiritual growth producing activities, like prayer, Bible study, small group, worship, and service.

 

Ephesians 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the

head, into Christ...

                       

Colossians  1:10  so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit

in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.

 

2 Peter 3:18   But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the

glory both now and to the day of eternity.   Amen.

In Community

Disciples live in fellowship and community with other believers for spiritual growth, care, and mission. In addition to worship a disciple normally gathers regularly with a small group for mutual encouragement, support, and  accountability.  Disciples strive for Christ-honoring relationships in all aspects of their lives. They follow Biblical principles for reconciliation in conflict, honor spiritual leadership, and never promote dissension.

 

Matthew 5:24  leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.

 

                        Acts 2:42  They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

 

                        1 Corinthians 14:26 What should be done then, my friends? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.

 

                        1 Timothy 6:3-6  Whoever teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that is in accordance with godliness,  is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid craving for controversy and for disputes about words.  From these come envy, dissension, slander, base suspicions,  and wrangling among those who are depraved in mind and bereft of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

 

                        1 Timothy 5:17  Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching...

Treasures Shared

Disciples realize they have been bought at great price by the blood of Christ, and that all things belong to God, and are to be submitted to His Lordship.  In light of the fact that the tithe (one-tenth of income) is the Biblical standard of financial giving, they strive to be good stewards of their financial resources, and generously and cheerfully support the Church.

 

Leviticus 27:30   All tithes from the land, whether the seed from the ground or the fruit from the tree,

are the Lord's; they are holy to the LORD.

 

Psalm 24:1  The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it...

 

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under

compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

 

Helping/Serving

Disciples recognize that the church consists of interdependent individuals, each uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit for advancing the mission of the church. They make responsible use of the spiritual gifts God has given them for service.

 

Romans 12:6-8  We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to

faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in

generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

 

Ephesians 4:11-12 The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some

evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the

body of Christ...

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