The Potter’s Hand Bible Church Charter
We, the people of God, gather to begin a New Testament Church. We are a Southern Baptist congregation, and the name of the church is The Potter’s Hand Bible Church. We met on February 16, 2003 at Cary Christian School at 10:30 AM for our first worship service. We meet today, February 23, 2003, to officially charter the church. Below is our purpose and guidelines for membership.
The purpose of The Potter’s Hand Bible Church is to love and worship God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; boldly seek the lost and proclaim the message of Jesus Christ to all; growing in Christ’s likeness, as we pray and study together.
The requirements for membership are as follows:
- To have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ by accepting Him as Savior and Lord followed by Believer’s Baptism.
- Or by statement of faith/accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord, and be baptized by immersion.
- Or by transfer of letter/to come from a cooperating Southern Baptist Church.
The Covenant for membership is as follows:
Having received Christ as my Savior and Lord, been baptized and being in agreement with The Potter’s Hand Covenant, I feel led by the Holy Spirit to unite with The Potter’s Hand Bible Church family. In doing so, I commit myself to God and to the other members to do the following:
1. I WILL PROTECT THE UNITY OF THE POTTER’S HAND:
- By acting in love toward other members
- By refusing to gossip
- By following the leadership
2. I WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE POTTER’S HAND:
- By praying for its growth
- By inviting the unchurched to attend
- By warmly welcoming those who visit
3. I WILL SERVE THE MINISTRY OF THE POTTER’S HAND:
- By discovering my gifts and talents
- By being equipped to serve by my pastors
- By developing a servant’s heart
4. I WILL SUPPORT THE TESTIMONY OF THE POTTER’S HAND:
- By attending faithfully
- By living a Godly life
- By giving regularly and sacrificially
THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE:
1. ABOUT GOD
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
2. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He is co-equal with God the Father. Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, and lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 2:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13
3. ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives
in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives all believers a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-15, 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
4. ABOUT THE BIBLE
The Bible is God’s Word. Human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
5. ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS
People are made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God
called “sin”. This attitude spares people from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2
6. ABOUT SALVATION
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we
turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his or her life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
7. ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.
John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10-14; I Peter 1:3-5
8. ABOUT ETERNITY
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally separated from God in Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; John 14:19; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 2 Peter 2:4