Covenant
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Jesus is the leader of my life. This means that I have made the free choice to surrender my life and my will to Jesus and have demonstrated that commitment through public baptism. It also means that I submit all the decisions of my life to his teachings and guidance. (Exodus 20:3, Matthew 16:24, Matthew 19:21, Luke 57:62, Mark 3:31-35)
The people in discipleship in my house church community are my primary set of relationships outside my biological family. This means that I make their formal gatherings (house church, corporate prayer, and discipleship group) and informal gatherings (small group meetings, fellowships, retreats, etc.) the highest priority in my life. It means that I am intentional about growing in my ability to love those in this community and that I seek guidance and encouragement from them in applying the teachings of Jesus to my life. (Matthew 4:18, Acts 2:46-47, I Corinthians 12)
My life’s story is shared transparently with others. This means that I have reviewed my life, identified the key events that shape my life, and confessed my sin and made restitution (when possible) to those I have harmed. It means that I have shared the results of this inventory with my small group. It also means that I have told my life’s story to the larger group that attends my house church. (Matthew 5:14-16, James 5:16, I John 1:5-8)
I live a financially responsible life. This means that I give 10% of my income to Harbor Church as the first expenditure from each paycheck. This also means that as I have the means to do so, I give to meet the needs of others as the opportunity arises. It means that I work to minimize consumer debt in my life. (Malachi 3:10, Matthew 5:17, Luke 11:42)
I live a sexually pure life. This means that I abstain from sex outside of marriage; that I avoid sexually provocative movies, books, and magazines; and that I am diligent to control my thought life. It means that I avoid being alone with people of the opposite sex in settings that could lead to temptation. (Exodus 20:14, Galatians 5:19, Colossians 3:5, I Peter 1:16)
I am committed to the Harbor Church Mission. This means that I am growing in holiness and am carrying some part of the load for helping Harbor Church achieve her mission – especially at the house church community in which I participate. It also means that I allow my small group to hold me accountable for my growth and participation. (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8)
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