WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST
Apostles Core Values:
These values are the essential and enduring tenants of Apostles. They are what we strive to be characterized by as a church. As we grow in the Lord, we look to Him to strengthen these Values in us individually and collectively. They will be reflected in us and in every ministry associated with Apostles.
Spiritual Growth: “Him we proclaim, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man mature in Christ. For this I toil, striving with all the energy which He mightily inspires within me.” (Colossians 1:28, 29)
The Holy Spirit has been sent to guide us into all truth. Because we do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit, we must be firmly rooted in Him to grow out of sin and more fully in Christ. We must therefore seek the truth through the Spirit who is God, obey His commands, and follow Christ’s model for our lives. (
John 16:13, Romans 8:4-8, Colossians 2:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 Peter 1:2, Ephesians 4:11-13).
Scripture Centered: “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
God communicates with us through His Word – The Bible. In order for us to grow in relationship with Him and fulfill His plans and purposes for Apostles, we obey His command to let the Word “dwell richly in us as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.” We acknowledge Scripture as the “God breathed,” final authority on all matters of faith and conduct and faithfully assemble the men, women, and children so that they can listen to and learn His decrees. Our first and last question must always be that, which Christ asked, “What is written in the law?” (Luke 10:25-28, Colossians 3:16, Deuteronomy 31:11-13).
Selfless Love: “By this we now love, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But if any one has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in truth. (1
John 3:16-18)
God, who loves us first, has called us to love each other in the same way: giving of ourselves and all that is ours to our brothers and sisters without regard toe the worldly divisions that appear to separate us. Clothing ourselves with compassion, kindness, and humility, we reach out ot one another and build each other up in Christ. (Romans 13:8-10,
John 13:34-35, Colossians 3:12, Matthew 25:35-40, 1 Corinthians 9:18-22, Philippians 4:14-17)
Stewardship: “…give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:38)
We hold all God’s gifts in open hands, giving freely to His Kingdom for His purpose. We are diligent and responsible managers of the resources that God has entrusted to us, including time, talents, and treasures striving to ensure that not resource is squandered. (Genesis 1:28, Malachi 3:10, Matthew 6:33; 10:8; 25:21, Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Corinthians 14:12, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
Servanthood: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for the many.” (Mark 10:45)
Just as Jesus used His authority and power to serve others rather than to gain control over them, so we as believers in Christ, serve not only members of our family in Christ, but also in our community. By serving others, we serve God. (1 Corinthians 12:5, Galatians 5:13, Ezra 5:11, Deuteronomy 11:12, Joshua 22:5, Ephesians 6:7)
Speaking the truth in love, we are honest and open. Our communication is characterized by integrity and trustworthiness. (Isaish 45:23, Jeremiah 7:4, Proverbs 11:13; 12:17, 19, 22; 14:25, Ephesians 4:15)
These values are the essential and enduring tenants of Apostles. They are what we strive to be characterized by as a church. As we grow in the Lord, we look to Him to strengthen these Values in us individually and collectively. They will be reflected in us and in every ministry associated with Apostles.
Spiritual Growth: “Him we proclaim, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man mature in Christ. For this I toil, striving with all the energy which He mightily inspires within me.” (Colossians 1:28, 29)
The Holy Spirit has been sent to guide us into all truth. Because we do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit, we must be firmly rooted in Him to grow out of sin and more fully in Christ. We must therefore seek the truth through the Spirit who is God, obey His commands, and follow Christ’s model for our lives. (
Scripture Centered: “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
God communicates with us through His Word – The Bible. In order for us to grow in relationship with Him and fulfill His plans and purposes for Apostles, we obey His command to let the Word “dwell richly in us as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.” We acknowledge Scripture as the “God breathed,” final authority on all matters of faith and conduct and faithfully assemble the men, women, and children so that they can listen to and learn His decrees. Our first and last question must always be that, which Christ asked, “What is written in the law?” (Luke 10:25-28, Colossians 3:16, Deuteronomy 31:11-13).
Selfless Love: “By this we now love, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But if any one has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in truth. (1
God, who loves us first, has called us to love each other in the same way: giving of ourselves and all that is ours to our brothers and sisters without regard toe the worldly divisions that appear to separate us. Clothing ourselves with compassion, kindness, and humility, we reach out ot one another and build each other up in Christ. (Romans 13:8-10,
Stewardship: “…give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:38)
We hold all God’s gifts in open hands, giving freely to His Kingdom for His purpose. We are diligent and responsible managers of the resources that God has entrusted to us, including time, talents, and treasures striving to ensure that not resource is squandered. (Genesis 1:28, Malachi 3:10, Matthew 6:33; 10:8; 25:21, Ephesians 4:11-13, 1 Corinthians 14:12, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
Servanthood: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for the many.” (Mark 10:45)
Just as Jesus used His authority and power to serve others rather than to gain control over them, so we as believers in Christ, serve not only members of our family in Christ, but also in our community. By serving others, we serve God. (1 Corinthians 12:5, Galatians 5:13, Ezra 5:11, Deuteronomy 11:12, Joshua 22:5, Ephesians 6:7)
Speaking the truth in love, we are honest and open. Our communication is characterized by integrity and trustworthiness. (Isaish 45:23, Jeremiah 7:4, Proverbs 11:13; 12:17, 19, 22; 14:25, Ephesians 4:15)
Salt and Light: “You are the salt of the earth; …You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid…Let your light shines before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16).
God has called us through His Son Jesus to be both the seasoning in our society, and a clear beacon of light drawing people into relationship with Him. We do this through lifestyle evangelism and intentional sharing of God’s gift of salvation as the Holy Spirit directs. (Matthew 5:13-16, 9:37, 38).
OUR LIFESTYLE STATEMENT
What We Practice:
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following seven practices:
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following seven practices:
Bible as our sole authority
“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3: 15
Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first questions when faced with a decision is, “What does the Bible say?” We practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.
Autonomy of each local church
“Christ is the head of his Body, the church. He is the source of the Body’s life.” Col. 1: 18 (GN)
Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognizing the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing.
Priesthood of every believer
“Christ loves us, and by his death he has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to server God…” Rev. 1: 6 (GN)
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.
Tithing
“A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” Levit. 26: 30
At Apostles, we practice tithing for the support of Christ’s Body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is a Biblical standard of giving.
(Jesus said) “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; but apart from me you can do nothing.”
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God’s power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God’s Spirit to enable us to do what is right. Phil. 2:13; Ephesians 5: 18
Telling others about Christ
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3: 15
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those to whom God brings us into contact. We practice personal sharing about Christ and invite friends to church.
