VISION

STATEMENT OF FAITH

CORE VALUES

CONSTITUTION

AND

BYLAWS

Hillsboro First Baptist Church

HFBC Suggested Changes

November 2015

VISIONOF

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HILLSBORO

LOVE GOD………LOVE PEOPLE…………..

MAKE DISCIPLES

FOLLOWING JESUS

PREAMBLE

We rest our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12) and believe the Bible to be the only basis for spiritual teaching and practice (II Timothy 3:16,17). We, therefore, as members of the body of Christ, the universal Church, as a body of baptized believers in Jesus Christ, as a local Church, band ourselves together and adopt for the guidance of our government, worship and service the following articles, which supersede all previous articles and actions.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

  1. SCRIPTURE

We believe the Bible is the only standard of faith and practice for the believer in Jesus Christ. We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God. This inspiration extends to the very words of the original documents and every part of the original documents. The Scriptures are without error in the original writings (Psalm 119:160; II Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; II Peter 1:20,21; Matthew 5:18).

  1. INTERPRETATION

We believe that there is but one correct method of Bible interpretation – the literal method. The literal method recognizes the author as final authority and consistently applies the principles of grammatical, historical,and cultural understanding. The method asserts there is one correct interpretation of any given passage of scripture, though applications may be as many as are consistent with the interpretation. While the literal method is dependent upon the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit in coming to accurate interpretation, it is equally dependent upon diligent study (I Corinthians 2:14-15; John 16:12-13; II Timothy 2:15; Deuteronomy 6:6).

  1. THE NATURE OF GOD

We believe there is one living and true God who is infinite, eternal and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth. He is absolutely separate and above the world as its Creator, yet everywhere present in the world as the upholder of all things. We further believe that God is one in essence but eternally existent in three persons− Father, Son and Holy Spirit− each having precisely the same nature, attributes and perfections, with each worthy of precisely the same worship, confidence and obedience (Genesis 1:25; Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalms 139:8; Isaiah 45:5-7; Matthew 28:19; Mark 10:18; John 4:24; Acts 17:24-25; I Corinthians 8:6; II Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:6).

  1. GOD THE FATHER

The first person of the Trinity orders and directs all things according to His own sovereign purpose, pleasure and grace. He created the universe apart from pre-existing materials and without any means other than His own glory. He graciously involves Himself in the affairs of men, hears and answers prayers and saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ (Psalm 33:8-9; Psalms 104; Isaiah 46:8-12; Matthew 6:9; John 5:19-24; Ephesians 1:3-6; Ephesians 1:11).

  1. GOD THE SON

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God and the virgin-born son of man. Being fully God and fully man He surrendered nothing of His divine essence during His earthly life. By His sinless life, miraculous ministry and substitutionary death He satisfied divine justice concerning sin. We believe in His bodily resurrection, His physical ascension and His future visible return to earth to establish His earthly kingdom. We further believe that Christ is the only mediator between God and man (John 1:14-18; I Corinthians 15; Hebrews 2:17-18; Romans 3:24-26; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 4:14-16; Colossians 1:15-18; I Timothy 2:5; Revelation 20:11-15).

  1. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT

The third person of the Trinity executes the will of God in the world of men. He was active in creation and in the writing of the Bible. In this age His ministry is to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment, to regenerate men and to mature, empower and comfort believers. He permanently indwells every believer at the point of conversion. He sovereignly administers spiritual gifts to the Church to glorify Christ and build up the Church (Judges 13:25; Job 33:4; Genesis 1:2; John 14:16; John 16:5-15; Acts 5:3-4; Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 12:7-11; Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 9:14; II Peter 1:20, 21).

  1. ANGELS
  2. Origin of Angels. The angels were all created simultaneously by God as a great host of sinless spirit-beings, most of whom willingly kept their first estate of holiness, and presently worship God and serve His purposes (Psalm 148:2-5; Isaiah 6:1-3; Matthew 26:53; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:14).
  3. The Fall of Some Angels. One of the angels, Lucifer, fell through the sin of pride, thereby becoming Satan and influenced a large company of angels to follow him, who thereby became demons (Isaiah 14:12-17; I Timothy 3:6; James 2:19; II Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:7-8).
  4. Satan’s Work. The work of Satan and the demons is the attempted subversion and supplanting of the work of God. By a subtle suggestion Satan accomplished the moral fall of the progenitors of the human race, subjecting them and their posterity to his own power (Genesis 3:1-7: Job 1:12; Job 2:6; Ezekiel 28:13-15; Zechariah 3:1-2; Luke 4:1-13; John 8:44; II Corinthians 4:3-4; Ephesians 2:2; Revelation 12:9,10). Satan continues as the enemy of God and accuser of God’s people and persistently seeks to counterfeit the works and truth of God (II Corinthians 2:10-11; II Corinthians 11:13-15; Ephesians 6:12-16; I Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9,12).
  5. Satan’s Judgment. Satan was judged at the cross, though the sentence was not executed at that time. He will eventually and finally be consigned to the lake of fire at the end of the Millennium (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 14:12; Matthew 25:41; Luke 10:18; John 12:13; John 16:11; Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 12:9; Revelation 20:10).
  1. THE NATURE OF MAN

We believe that man was directly created in the image of the triune God to enjoy His fellowship, to fulfill His will on earth, and to glorify Him forever. We believe the image of God in man is a reference to Adam’s spiritual likeness to God. As such, man has the qualities of intelligence, emotion and self-determination. Just as God is spirit, man possesses a spirit, a fact that is not true of the rest of the earthly creatures. Man’s body is designed for giving expression to spiritual and moral selfhood (John 4:24; Romans 5:12-21). Man fell into sin by a voluntary act of personal disobedience to the will of God and is consequently subject to death, both physical and spiritual. The fall of man was a once-for-all historical fact. Its effect is evident in all men, each of whom is born with a sinful nature and each of whom sins habitually in thought, word and deed. We believe that God created man on the sixth day of creation. We believe that day to have been a literal twenty-four hour day. (Genesis 1:26; Genesis 2:7; Genesis 3:3-4; Romans 1:18-32; Romans 3:10-21; Ephesians 2:1-3).

  1. Marriage, Gender and Sexuality. We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female, and that these two distinct, complimentary genders together reflect the image of God. We believe that God created marriage to be exclusively the union of one man and one woman, and that intimate sexual activity is to occur exclusively within that union (Genesis 1:26-26; Genesis 2:18-25; Ephesians 5:21-22; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 18-20; 1 Corinthians 7:2; 1 Timothy 1:8-11).
  2. Family. In God’s design for humanity, life begins at fertilization. He established the institution of family through the union of one man and one woman in a marriage covenant for life. His design for the continuance of humanity is through the procreation and discipleship of children within the marriage union, including those who have been adopted. Marriage is to be an example of the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church (Genesis 2:23-24; Psalm 51:5; 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5; Matthew 1:18, 19:4-6; Luke 1:31, 34-36, 41-44; I Timothy 3:2).
  1. SALVATION

We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins as the only able and sufficient substitutionary sacrifice and that all who believe in Him are justified on the grounds of His death and His resurrection. All who receive the Lord Jesus Christ by grace through faith have been regenerated and baptized by the Holy Spirit. They are thereby the children of God forever and members in the one true church, the body of Christ. This salvation results in righteous living and good works as the believer submits his behavior to the Word of God and the direction of the Holy Spirit. Sonship is not a license to sin, for God faithfully disciplines His children who choose to disobey (John 10:27-29; John 14:16; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:21-26; I Corinthians 15:1-4; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2:8-10; Hebrews 10:10-12; Galatians 3:26; Titus 3:4-7; I John 5:11-13; John 1:12; John 3:16; John 5:24; Romans 5:1-11: Hebrews 12:3-11).

  1. THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH

We believe that all who have been born again by the Holy Spirit belong to the one true church and are directed by the Scriptures to associate themselves in local visible assemblies. The local church is the only scriptural representation of Christ’s invisible church and should consist only of regenerated, baptized believers. The local church is autonomous in its relationships and elects its own members to the biblical offices of Elder (Pastor, Overseer Bishop) and Deacon. Autonomy does not absolve responsibility for mutual aid and support between churches as they cooperatively carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). The twofold purpose of the church is to lead men to Christ and mature (Disciple) them in faith. We believe there are two ordinances required of the church.

  1. Baptism by Immersion
  2. Communion

We further believe the primary instruments for strengthening the body of Christ are:

  1. Teaching
  2. Breaking of Bread
  3. Fellowship
  4. Prayer

(Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:41-47; Acts 4:1-6; I Corinthians 12:14; Matthew 16:13-28; Matthew 25:34-40; Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 2:19-22; I Corinthians 11:24-34; II Corinthians 8:9-15; Philippians 4:15-19; James 2:14-18).

  1. THE FUTURE
  1. The Intermediate State. At death the souls of the redeemed pass immediately into the presence of Christ and there remain in joyful fellowship until the resurrection, that is, their bodily resurrection unto life. At death the souls of the unsaved descend immediately into Hades where they are kept under punishment until the second resurrection, that is, their bodily resurrection unto damnation (Luke 16:22-23; Luke 16: 23-43; II Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23-24).
  2. The Rapture of the Church.The next great event in the fulfillment of prophecy is the personal, bodily return of the Lord to remove from the earth His waiting Church and to reward them according to their works (John 14:2-3; Romans 14:10-12; I Corinthians 3:11-15; I Corinthians 15:51-53; II Corinthians 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; Titus 2:11-13; Revelation 3:10).
  3. The Tribulation Period.After removal of theChurch from the earth, the righteous judgments of God will be poured out upon the unbelieving world for a period of seven years, which is known as the Tribulation or 70th week of Daniel. The nation of Israel will be the primary focus of God’s attention during that time. The judgments will be climaxed by the return of Christ in glory to the earth, at which time the Old Testament and Tribulation saints will also be raised and the living will be judged (Daniel 9:27; Daniel 12:1; Jeremiah 30:7; Matthew 24:15-31; Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12; Revelation 6:1-19,21).
  4. The Millennium.After this judgment, Christ will establish His Messianic Kingdom on earth, in which the resurrected saints will reign with Him over Israel and all the nations of the earth (Deuteronomy 30:1-10; Isaiah 11:1-16; Isaiah 65:17-25; Ezekiel 37:21-28; Revelation 19:11-14; Revelation 20:1-6).
  5. The Eternal State.At the close of the Millennial Reign the unsaved dead will be raised and committed to eternal judgment, and the saved will enter the eternal state of glory with God. Having fulfilled His redemptive and kingdom missions as the Son of Abraham and the Son of David, Christ will deliver up the Kingdom to God the Father so the Triune God may reign forever in all spheres (Isaiah 66:23-24; Mark 9:43-48; I Corinthians 15:24-28; II Thessalonians 1:9; II Peter 3:10-13; Daniel 12:2; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21:1-4; Revelation 22:5-11).

CORE VALUESOF

Hillsboro First Baptist Church

We hope and delight in His Word because it is an enduring, faithful guide to life and because it testifies of Him whom we love.

The Word of God is foundational to our faith and our church. The scriptures were given to man by God and are our primary source for knowing His character and His plan for our lives, both individually and corporately. Many promises are made in Scripture to those who hear and do the Word. The teaching and application of the Scriptures will play the central role in our church structure and our church gatherings and will be our primary guide for decisions.

We value living together in hope, commitment, love and encouragement, growing together spiritually as a covenant community.

Our covenant community promises to support and encourage one another in the development and expression of our faith in Christ. We seek to live and worship in harmony, always hoping for the best from each other, and giving the best of ourselves to the Glory of God. We commit to show love, accountability and forgiveness to one another. Our Covenant Community is merely a part of the greater Covenant Community, which is the Body of Christ.

We value spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people.

In obedience to His commandment and in response to His life laid down, we accept personal and corporate responsibility for reaching out to individuals and to the world. We are each accountable for this ministry of the church and are part of a body called to this unified effort. We seek to use clear, genuine and effective communication of the Gospel through the way we live each day and the words we use with all people. Because of the importance of this work, we must grow in our burden for the lost as we spend the time, energy and finances God has given us to reach out to the lost. We will be bold and creative in our efforts to reach all peoples by praying, pursuing relationships, working together and sharing our lives.

We Value personal spiritual growth.

Personal spiritual growth is a key element of any dynamic relationship with the Lord. Followers of Christ are called to deepen their connection with God through prayer, studying the word and living by faith. Co-worshippers in this church also share the responsibility for each other’s spiritual growth. The church has the responsibility to provide an environment and ministries where individuals are supported and encouraged to grow spiritually.

We value dependence upon prayer.

We believe that the Christian’s only true source of strength is God Himself. Because of the person and work of Jesus Christ, we can approach the Throne of Grace with confidence to find help in our times of need. Our struggle is a spiritual one. Prayer is one of the strongest parts of the armor of God and is the most powerful way that we can engage the struggle. Often it is our only way. The work of prayer is both an individual as well as corporate endeavor. We pray on our own. We pray together. Christian work is only effective when there is a dependence upon prayer.

We value fellowship with the Hispanic congregation.

Our proximity to and history with the Hispanic congregation offers us a unique opportunity for relationship. As part of our commitment to Covenant Community, we will make conscious efforts to deepen our relationship with the Hispanic congregation. As God leads, we will seek and support ways to actively participate in each other’s lives and ministries.

CONSTITUTION OF

Hillsboro First Baptist Church

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this church shall be “HILLSBORO FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH” incorporated in the State of Oregon. This church shall be, and remain, independent and autonomous.

ARTICLE II. AFFILIATION [MOVED UNDER ARTICLE III]

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

  1. The purpose of Hillsboro First Baptist Churchshall be:
  1. To glorify God (John 15:6-9; Ephesians 1:5-6; Ephesians 1:12-14; Ephesians 3:21).
  2. To promote the preaching of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to bring people to a personal faith in Him as their Lord and Savior (John 3:16; Romans 10:8-10; Romans 10:14-15; Acts 14:15; I Corinthians 1:21).
  3. To administer the Ordinances of the New Testament (Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 2:41; Acts 10:47-48; I Corinthians 11:23-29).
  4. To seek the spiritual growth and sanctification of our members (Matthew 28:19; Romans 14:19; II Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 4:11-16; Ephesians 5:27; I Peter 1:13-25).
  5. To act as a restraining and enlightening force in our community in addition to spreading the Gospel to all the world (Matthew 5:13-16; Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; John 16:7-11; Acts 1:8; Philippians 2:14-16).

ARTICLE III. AUTHORITY

  1. BIBLICAL AUTHORITY

Believing the Bible to be the inspired Word of God, we look to it as our only infallible and authoritative rule for faith and practice (Psalm 119:160; Matthew 28:18; II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:20-21).

  1. CHURCH AUTHORITY

The Statement of Faith is not a comprehensive statement of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God,which speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For the purpose of Hillsboro First Baptist Church, our Elder Board is the final interpretative authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.

  1. SECULAR AUTHORITY

Since the Bible teaches that all authority is of God, political governments are to be obeyed except when they contradict biblical teaching (Romans 13:1-7; Hebrews 13:17; I Peter 2:11-17).

  1. This church is a self- governing body, autonomous from all other church bodies (Acts 4:18-20; Acts 5:28-29).
  2. The form of government for this church is elder-led, congregationally affirmed. The congregationaffirms that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit theElders have biblically granted authority, responsibility and accountability to discern the will of God in such matters, although the Elders may collaborate with the congregation to discern the will of God as outlined by the Statement of Faith and the Constitution, Bylaws and other policies of Hillsboro First Baptist Church. The congregation affirms the leadership of the Elders and agrees to abide by their decisions.
  1. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
  1. Policies and procedures shall be developed for the purpose of implementing the Constitution and Bylaws; however, no policy or procedure may contradict or exceed the authority of the Constitution and Bylaws.
  2. The Elders are responsible for approving and overseeing the policies and procedures.
  1. AFFILIATION

Hillsboro First Baptist Churchmaintains affiliation through a covenant relationship with the CB Northwest. While remaining autonomous, we seek to cooperate with other churches of like faith and practice for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, making disciples and glorifying the Lord.