NLBC purposes to be a Thriving Community of Christ Followers, Striving Together for the Faith of the Gospel.
Our purpose as a church is derived from a couple of New Testament passages. Here they are:
Philippians 1:27-30
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation,a] and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
Acts 2:42-47
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved
Our Beliefs
Our beliefs are summarized by the five pillars of the reformation known as the “Five Solas.”
These are Latin phrases the reformers believed described the only things necessary for salvation.
Sola Scriptura – “By Scripture Alone” The Bible is the only inspired and authoritative Word of God, is the only source for Christian doctrine, and is accessible to all — that is, it is clear and self-interpreting. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Sola Gratia – “By Grace Alone” Salvation comes by God’s grace or “unmerited favor” only—not as something merited by the sinner. This means that salvation is an unearned gift from God. (Romans 3:23-24)
Sola Fide – “By Faith Alone” Justification for the sinner is only by faith alone, which is a gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Sola Christo – “Through Christ Alone” The object of the faith is Jesus Christ alone. It is His person and work on the cross of Calvary that is the only sacrifice acceptable in the place of sinners before God. (Acts 4:12, John 14:6)
Soli Deo Gloria – To God Alone be the Glory Salvation is soley the act of God through His grace and mercy therefore He alone is worthy of this glory. (Eph 2:1-10, Rom 9:16)
We also affirm; The full and verbal inspiration of all the Old Testament and New Testament Scriptures as originally given, and these alone, being in themselves the complete Word of God, without error, and wholly reliable in both fact and doctrine. Their final authority and perpetual sufficiency in all matters of faith, church order and personal and social conduct.
The one true and living God, inexpressibly glorious and infinite in all his attributes and worthy of all honour, love and obedience. The unity of the Godhead and divine co-equality of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit eternally. The Sovereignty of God in creation, providence and redemption.
The true and proper deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His real and perfect manhood, the authority of His teaching and the infallibility of all His utterances. His substitutionary death on the cross as being the full, sufficient and only atonement for sins. His bodily resurrection, His ascension into Heaven and His present priestly intercession for His people. His personal return in glory.
The work of the Holy Spirit as essential for a true understanding of the Scriptures and for regeneration and conversion of the sinner, by leading an individual to repentance towards God and saving faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Also, the work of the Holy Spirit for the sanctification of those regenerated and converted (the redeemed).
The total depravity of human nature in consequence of the fall of man from the original state of perfection in which he was created. By this fall all mankind is by nature corrupt and because of this sinful corruption is separated from God. Those remaining in this state without repenting and believing the gospel will be condemned in the day of judgment.
The sovereign grace of God.
The salvation of the elect not by their own will and power but as a result of the grace of God, through the work of the Holy Spirit.
The justification of the sinner solely by faith, through the atoning merits and of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The final perseverance of all those who are chosen by the Father, redeemed by the Son and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, so that not one of them shall ever perish but shall have everlasting life.
The resurrection of the body. The judgement of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ. The eternal blessedness of the redeemed. The conscious eternal punishment of the impenitent.
The sole authority and prerogative of Christ, through the Holy Spirit speaking in His inspired Scriptures, in all matters pertaining to the government of the local church.
The observance of the ordinance of baptism of believers by immersion, as being instituted by Christ, in loving obedience and as an act of witness, but not as conveying any regenerating grace.
The observance of the Lord’s Supper as a commemoration of our Lord’s death but not as being a sacrifice for sin nor involving any change in the substance of the bread and wine.
The bodily and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth in order to judge the living and the dead, be glorified in His saints and resurrect all those who have believed in His name throughout all generations.
Service Times
Sunday Morning
9:30am Worship service
10:45am Small Groups
Sunday Evening:
6:00pm Worship service
(except on 1st Sundays)
Wednesday Evening:
5:45pm Meal (text 256-710-1367 if planning to attend)
6:30pm Worship
Harvest, Alabama
USA
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