Statement of Faith

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We believe that the Bible (the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments) is God’s infallible written Word. It stands as the sole basis of our beliefs. We believe that it was uniquely, verbally, and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit and that it was written without error (inerrant) in the original manuscripts. It is the supreme and final authority in all matters on which it speaks (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).

We believe there is one true God, eternally existing in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – each of whom possesses equally all the attributes of Deity (Luke 3:22; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14).

We believe that Jesus Christ was, and remains, both fully God and fully man (John 1:14; Col 2:9-10; Acts 1:11). He eternally existed as God (John 14:9; Phil 2:6), then He was born of a virgin (Matt. 1:18-23) and lived a sinless life (Heb. 4:15); He was crucified, died as a penalty for our sins (Rom. 5:8; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18), and was raised from the dead bodily on the third day (Luke 24:36-43; 1 Cor. 15:3-8). Later, He ascended to the Father’s right hand where He is the head of the church (Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22) and intercedes for believers (Heb. 7:25). We believe Jesus Christ is personally, bodily, and visibly coming to earth again (Acts 1:11; 1 Thess 4:16).

We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit. He indwells and gives spiritual life to each believer (1 Cor. 12:13; Rom. 8:9), thus enabling them to live a Godly life (Eph. 3:16; Acts 1:8; Gal. 5:16, 22-23). He convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment, He intercedes for believers (Rom. 8:26), and He glorifies Christ (John 16:7-15).

We believe that man was created by God without sin (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7) and that by one man’s disobedience to God (Gen. 3:1-24), every person incurred spiritual death (Rom. 5:12), which is separation from God, and physical death as a consequence; and that all people are sinners by nature and practice (Rom. 3:23). As a result, every man is in need of salvation from God (1 John 5:11-12).

We believe that salvation is a work of God’s free grace and is not the result of human works, baptism, church membership or man’s effort (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7). Only those who put their faith in Christ for the payment of their sins are forgiven and therefore in right relationship with God (Rom. 3:21-26; 5:1-2, 9).

We believe that at physical death, those who are in right relationship with God enter immediately into eternal, conscious fellowship with the Lord (Luke 16:19-31). Because of this, we have the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:5-7). At physical death those who have rejected God’s forgiveness in His Son enter immediately into eternal, conscious separation from God and face everlasting judgment and condemnation (Rev. 20:11-15). We also believe in the personal, visible, and imminent return of Christ to the earth to carry out the plan of God (Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4:16; Rev. 19:11-20:6).

We believe in the one true Church (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:25-32), composed of all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 12:12-13). God admonishes His people to make disciples of all the nations (Matt. 28:18-20), and also to assemble together regularly for worship, for edification, and for mutual encouragement (Heb. 10:24-25; Col. 3:16).

We believe that it is the responsibility of every Christian to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 12:2). We believe that this is accomplished in part by submitting to the lordship of Christ (Eph 1:22; Col. 1:17-18), yielding to the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18; Rom 8:12-13), and studying and obeying the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15; John 14:21).

Purpose and Core Values

New Hope Purpose Statement

The purpose of this church is to glorify God by producing maturing followers (disciples) of Jesus Christ through the four scriptural principles of Learning, Loving, Worship and Prayer.

You Belong Here

While membership at New Hope confers certain rights and privileges, it does not confer any automatic favor from God nor does membership guarantee eternal life with Him. So why does New Hope have church membership? Why should you choose to take the step to become a member here? I’m glad you asked.

Membership simply and publicly affirms that you intend to follow Christ in a way that brings every aspect of your individual life into alignment with God’s purposes. You should take the step of becoming a member in order to affirm a unity of belief and purpose with other members. Membership declares a sense of commitment to develop and use your unique gifts as you begin to love, serve and encourage others.

Like all members of New Hope, you will commit to living out 4 Biblical values: Learning, Loving, Worship and Prayer. Learning speaks to our desire to know our God more fully and to obey Him more completely. Loving represents the mutual care and concern we express toward each other and those God brings into contact with us. Worship is not only what happens on Sunday morning, but the whole direction of our life with God. Finally, Prayer is the way that we communicate with God and unleash His power to transform our lives and advance His Kingdom on earth.

Leadership

A group of Biblical elders provide spiritual leadership and general oversight of New Hope. The Elders include NH pastors and qualified men selected from the congregation. As provided for in scripture, Elders shepherd, oversee, lead and care for the local church (1 Timothy 3:1-16).

The Elders at New Hope delegate decision making regarding administrative matters to a body known as the Strategic Council. The Strategic Council consists of a small representation of Elders, Staff, and other qualified individuals from the congregation.

For purposes of incorporation in the State of Michigan, the Board of Directors at New Hope is comprised of the Elders and the Chairman of the Strategic Council.