All Have Sinned
Man has always wanted to know God and in a variety of ways has sought to worship Him. The fact is, there is a serious problem that keeps us from having the quality relationship with God that we really need and that He wants us to have. The Bible tells us about that problem in Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.“ -Romans 3:23
“Fallen short of the glory of God” means living a life that is imperfect. All of us have lived lives that are sinful and unlike that of Jesus Christ. His life was sinless and perfect, and all the world has fallen short of that standard.
Sin Earns Death
Romans 6:23 says
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ, our Lord.“ - Romans 6:23
Wages can be thought of like a salary. It’s what you get on payday. The bible says that sin earns death. When payday comes, death is what you will have earned. When a man sins and is separated from God, he is dead toward God and has no relationship with his creator.
Welcome to Online Giving!
With PayPal you can make online donations using your Visa or MasterCard DEBIT Card; even if you don’t have a Paypal account. Please remember to specify if the donation should go to: Tithe, Special Offering, Building fund etc. You will have the opportunity to sign up for a PayPal account if you do not already have one; speeding up your online giving process.
“Beyond These Walls” Building Campaign - Sept 28, 2008
“Beyond These Walls” is the title of our new building campaign. Our campaign brochure is available for download.
Our Theme verse is from Acts 1:8:
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Bringing Hope to Life - July 1, 2008
Dear Folks,
I wanted to give you an update on where we are on the new building process. As we are all aware by now, things don’t move as quickly as we might hope. But that’s not all bad. We have seen the Lord’s hand in many things over these last months.
Back in April, the church voted to move forward with the new design that you can see in the west foyer. It will seat approximately 1100 (floor and choir loft). Since that time we have been working on taking the appropriate steps for this to be a success.
Right now we are waiting for a little more clarification on the design in order to get a firm price. At the same time, we are working to fine-tune it to make sure we do not end up with something that is cost-prohibitive.
Interestingly, the last couple of months have also allowed us to purchase some property that we have been praying about for a long time.
Concurrently, we are preparing for our next capital campaign. This step was voted on by the church, knowing that we need to make sure we lay the proper financial foundation for the project. You will be hearing more about that in the days ahead. As you feel led, continue your Just Imagine giving. The benefits to the project from this are obvious.
That’s about all there is at this time. But it is important for you to know that things are moving forward. Always remember that this building is not our first priority. Our first priority is to be obedient in ministering and reaching our community and our world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Everything else should help us do that.
My request of you is to make all of this a matter of intense prayer. I believe that we are on the cusp of seeing some really great things take place. I don’t think they will be easy, but if we are faithful and obedient, they will definitely be worthwhile. Nothing worthwhile comes without sacrifice.
I am blessed to be your pastor,
Bro Don
Building Update April 23, 2008
View a PDF file of the Preliminary designs:
Elevations
Site Plan
Floor Plan
Quick History
In 2004, the need to provide more space was realized and the church voted to move forward with the building of a new worship center.
Plans were drawn and a projected cost was arrived at. In May of 2005 our church committed and pledged approximately 2 Million dollars over 3 years.
Following hurricane Katrina when the bids came in, the cost was too high to continue. Even after value engineering, the cost remained to be prohibitive.
Since this time we have been waiting and seeking the lords will.
Where is the Lord leading us now?
We have begun working with the architect on a new plan to try and accomplish the same goals that we had in the beginning but with greater flexibility and at a lower cost. We wanted to be good stewards of what God has provided so we began to explore some things “outside of our box.“ After visiting and talking with other churches who had recently built in a less traditional way, we started to explore the possibility of building with metal structures. Metal structures provide more flexibility at a greater value and can be made to look beautiful inside and out.
Why look at a design like this?
1. Cost - We are saving 2 to 3 million dollars by going with this design.
2. Flexibility - This allows for a number of different functions and different configurations.
3. Stewardship - This is a building that can be used much more than once a week, in many different ways and at a better price.
What will it cost?
Using only preliminary drawings at this point the conservative estimate is $6.4 Million.
How will we pay for it?
We will need to commit to another 3 year pledge similar to the “Just Imagine” campaign that we did in 2005. We currently have 1.3 Million in the bank. When the time comes, we would look at financing the rest.
What next?
We will be giving updates as we have them. This is a new design, so we have to wait on schematic designs, etc. before we will have a more complete picture.
We must always be praying, “Lord, what do you want to do through me to accomplish your will for our church?“
Remember Ephesians 3:20, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.“
“Get Connected” Ministry Opportunities
We want all members and guests to be aware of the ministries available at HPBC. 1 Peter 4:10 says “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Let’s use our talents, our gifts and our experiences and glorify the Lord together.
Look over the list below and find an area where you can help!
Preschool Ministries
Sunday School Teacher - Teaches a small group of preschool children during Sunday Bible study.
Sunday School Helper - Assists the Preschool teacher in Sunday School.
Preschool Volunteer 9:15 a.m. - Volunteer workers arrive to assigned preschool room 15 minutes early and serve as loving care givers to the preschoolers.
Preschool Volunteer 10:35 a.m. - Volunteer workers arrive to assigned preschool room 15 minutes early and serve as loving care givers to the preschoolers.
Preschool Welcome Desk - Welcome parents and children to the preschool area on Sunday morning, assist them in finding the appropriate preschool class, and answer any questions about the preschool area.
Seasonal Events - Help with preschool events, such as, Easter, Christmas, etc.
Vacation Bible School - Either plan, coordinate, teach, assist, or serve in VBS 2009.
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) -Bi-monthly meeting that meets on Thursday’s.
Missions Friends -To lead older preschoolers in mission studies.
Children’s Ministries
Sunday School Teacher - Teaches a small group of children during Bible-study time.
Substitute Sunday School Teacher - Be available to teach Children in Sunday School on
an “as needed basis.
Sunday School Helper - Assists the Children teacher in Sunday School.
RA’s (Boys Missions group) - Lead boys (1st -5th grade) on Wednesday night in mission studies and activities.
GA’s (Girls Missions group) -Lead girls (1st – 5th grade) on Wednesday night
in mission studies and activities.
Children’s Ministry Greeters -Welcome parents and children to the children’s area on Sunday
morning, assist them in finding the appropriate children’s class, and answer any questions about the
children’s area.
Seasonal Events, inc. summer - Help with preschool events, such as, Easter, Christmas, etc.
Helping in Children’s Camp - Help to make Children’s camp a success.
Vacation Bible School - Either plan, coordinate, teach, assist, or serve in VBS.
Resource Room Coordinator- Gather and organize resources for the children’s ministry.
Operation Christmas Child - Samaritan’s Purse (Shoe Box) Help organize and carry out all aspects of
working with the Samaritan Purse. Receive shoe boxes and deliver shoe boxes to the appropriate
location.
Fall Festival - Help plan and organize our annual Fall Festival.
Children Discipleship Teacher - Teach & help a small group of children in discipleship.
Student Ministries
Administrative Team - Work with Minister of Students by serving the youth of the church by providing administrative and secretarial services on Sunday morning & evenings and Wednesday evenings.
Middle School Bible Study Teacher - Work with Minister of Students to teaching the Word of God on a weekly basis during Sunday School.
High School Bible Study Teacher - Work with Minister of Students to teaching the Word of God on a weekly basis during Sunday School.
Youth Outreach - Work with Minister of Students to follow up with first-time attendees to Hiland Park with the intent to help assimilate them into Hiland Park.
Youth Ministry Day -Work with Minister of Students by implementing a well-rounded missions experience for the youth of the church on youth missions events.
Trip/Event Volunteer- Work with Minister of Students by implementing a well-rounded trip/event for the youth of the church.
Discipleship Events- Work with Minister of Student to plan and implement youth discipleship events.
Sunday School Substitute Teacher- Work with Minister of Students by standing in for current Sunday School teachers when they are away from their classes on Sundays.
Assisting in Sunday School- Work with Minister of Students by assisting in Sunday School classes by taking roll, filling out postcards, making note of those students that are absent, etc.
Parents Seminar Team- Work with Minister of Students to plan and implement parent seminar/discussion events.
Wed. P.M. Youth Service Volunteer- Work with Minister of Students to serve the youth of the church by providing appropriate food service for Sunday morning and night programs and Wednesday Night special events.
Music/Worship Team Member- Work with Minister of Students by planning and implementing a well-rounded worship experience for the youth of the church on Wednesday evenings.
College/Career Ministries
Adopt a College Student - this person would be responsible for helping with college students that are away. This person would make a list of college students that are away and have all their information such as address, birthday, hobbies, and favorite foods etc. Then the families of the church would be able to adopt one of these students and all year long through holidays, birthdays and on special occasions they would get a card or some type of package from their adoptive parent encouraging them. Someone other than a parent so they understand the church has not forgot about them while they are away and need our support the most.
Care packages for College Students - this person or persons would be responsible for making care packages for our away college students 4 times a year. Once when each semester starts with a small package of items to help them get started and when finals come, to encourage them as they study and are up late. This person would purchase supplies and package them to be sent off. These packages contain anything from Mac-n-cheese to pencils and paper, toilet paper, Kleenex’s, candy, disk’s, and anything else a college student would like. This position would make contact with all students 4 times a year.
College web site - This position would be for someone who would like to keep the college website current. You do not need to know HTML or any programming languages.
Sunday School Teacher - This person would be in charge of teaching Sunday School to College or Career students on Sunday morning at 9:15. They would also need to contact these students when they are absent.
Substitute Sunday School Teacher - Someone who has a heart to teach college students and young adults. This position would be for someone who does not want to teach every Sunday but is available to teach when the regulars are absent.
Discipleship Leader - An individual to teach a group of college students on Sunday nights. This may be a group of females, which would be a female teacher or a group of males to teach a male Bible study.
Missions Team Organizer - This person would organize mission opportunities for the college and career students to do in Panama City. These trips would be discussed with the student ministers and we would plan together the best way to do these mission events.
Hosting/Helping with Social Events - this person would help in planning and hosting events for the College and Career department. These events could be from Holiday ideas or just fun events to get the
department together. This person would need to be able to make phone calls and have the ability to talk with others about helping on events.
Outreach Team - This position would be for someone who has a heart to reach out to college and career students. They would make phone calls and visits as needed.
Single Adult Ministries
Sunday School Teacher - Teach & lead a small group of single adults in meaningful Bible study.
Helping with Singles Sunday School - Teach & lead a small group of single adults in meaningful Bible study.
Hosting/Helping with Social Events - Willing to help with a social event.
Substitute Sunday School Teacher - Be available to teach Single Sunday School on an “as needed
basis.
Adult Ministry
Sunday School Teacher - Teach & lead a small group of adults in meaningful Bible study.
Substitute Sunday School Teacher - Be available to teach Sunday School on an “as needed basis.
Sunday School Class Outreach - works with the teacher to lead the class in outreach and evangelism.
Sunday School Class Coordinator - Directs the overall work of the class, relieving the teacher of
administrative responsibilities.
Sunday School Class Hospitality - Create an atmosphere conducive to members building relationships with one another
Sunday School Office Volunteer 9:15 a.m. - Work in the church office from 9:15 until 10:15 to record Sunday School attendance and answer questions.
Sunday School Office Volunteer 10:35 a.m. - Work in the church office from 10:35 until 11:35 to
record Sunday School attendance and answer questions.
Discipleship Leader - Teach & help a small group of adults in discipleship.
Discipleship Conferences - To help plan and implement a discipleship conference.
Outreach (visitation) - To reach out in our community by visiting guests, prospects as well as members of HPBC.
Silver Saints (retirees over age 55) - Serve in the Silver Saints ministry.
Recreation Ministry - Bring people to Christ through providing various recreational activities where people can fellowship.
Stepping Stones- Help with this Ministry Support Group for couples facing infertility or adoption.
Missions
Global Missions Ministry Team - Be responsible for identifying mission opportunities and a plan to act on these opportunities.
Short-term Mission Trips - To participate in a National/International mission trip to take the gospel message to the whole world.
Local Missions - To participate in ministries such as the Pregnancy resource center, Rescue mission, House of Grace, etc.
Disaster Relief - Help with disaster relief, by providing flood relief, rebuilding, and crisis relief following tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.
Pregnancy Center - The Pregnancy Resource Center of Panama City is a safe place to receive information about pregnancy, diseases, and parenting. Educational classes, counseling, and other services are all offered free of charge.
Lending Hands - Helps senior adults and the disabled who needed assistance with minor home repairs.
Prison Ministry - Serve on a prison ministry team that ministers to prisoners on a monthly basis.
Food Pantry - Collect donated food, assist in purchasing of food and assist in distribution.
Military Ministry - To be strategic and intentional in reaching, discipling, training and ministering to military members and their families.
Worship
Adult Choir - The adult choir is open to adults who have a desire to minister in music. Rehearsal is at 6:15pm Wednesdays in the Worship Center.
Instruments of Praise - The orchestra is open to those players who have 4 years experience or private instructions. Participants are interviewed and auditioned. Rehearsals are Wednesdays following choir rehearsal.
Ushers - Ushers serve on a rotating schedule. Volunteers are given instruction by the lead usher of the respective services.
Lords Supper Preparation - The Lord’s Supper is observed 4 times a year. Volunteers help prepare the elements and clean up afterwards. It is overseen by the pastors secretary.
Baptism Ministry Team - To help the individual during baptism.
Prayer Team - Two individuals spend time in prayer during the services. Those interested are asked to serve on a rotating basis.
Sign Language - Signers are welcome. At present the first worship service is interpreted.
A proficiency in signing is required.
Music Ministry
Children’s Choir - Children’s Choirs meet during the school year. Music helpers work under the direction of the choir leaders. They help supervise, encourage, and help children learn biblical truths through music.
Technology Services (Audio, Video and Lighting) - The tech team operates sound, lighting, video and computer equipment to meet the needs for Sunday services, rehearsals, conferences and other events.
Creative Arts
Editing & Proofreading - Help with writing, editing and proofreading special publications and articles for various church events.
Painting (Murals, Artwork, Backdrops) - Use your artistic ability to help with props for musicals,
children’s events and Vacation Bible School.
Photography - Take photos of church events for use in publications, our website and for church
history.
Bulletins Boards - Use your creative talents to design and prepare bulletin boards around the church for various ministries.
Hospitality
In-Home Food Prep - Preparing a vegetable and/or meat dish for a church wide or special event.
On-Site Food Prep - Help in the church kitchen to prepare a meal. Example: Church wide cookout, fund raiser for youth or children, etc.
Serving Food - Serve during church wide fellowships. Examples: cookouts, receptions, ice cream fellowship, etc.
Refreshments - Prepare cookies, chips and dips, etc. for special events.
Cleaning/Clean-up - Be a part of the clean up team after a church wide fellowship, reception, fall festival, VBS, etc. Includes taking down/moving tables and chairs, picking up trash, cleaning kitchen, etc.
Open Home for Overnight Guests - On occasion, a visiting group, like a youth choir, will request housing for their group.
Open Home for Events - Example: small group Bible studies, youth events.
Hosting/Helping with Social Events - Willing to help with a social event.
Wed. Night Supper Teams - Servers volunteer to serve meals and drinks on Wednesday nights on a rotating basis. The time is 4:50 – 6:15 p.m.
Event Planning/Church Wide Fellowships - Be a part of a team to plan and coordinate a special event and/or church fellowship.
Guests Outreach
Inside Greeter 9:15 a.m. - Greet guests throughout the church, hand out information, answer questions, and provide directions/assist guests to a Bible Study class or take them to worship.
Inside Greeter 10:35 a.m. - Greet guests throughout the church, hand out information, answer questions, and provide directions/assist guests to a Bible Study class or take them to worship.
Inside Greeter Sunday Night - Greet guests throughout the church, hand out information, answer questions, and provide directions/assist guests to a L.I.F.E Study class or take them to Pastors Bible Study.
Inside Greeter Wednesday Night - Greet guests throughout the church, hand out information, answer questions, and provide directions/assist guests to a Discipleship class or take them to Prayer Service.
Outside Greeter (Parking Lot) - To extend to everyone a warm Welcome and assist guests and members in finding appropriate parking.
Guest Attendant - Escort guests and members to Preschool, Children, Youth or Adult Sunday School Classes or Worship Service.
Outreach Visitation Team - Visit guests in their homes and bring them information about our church.
First Contact - Deliver Welcome Baskets to first time guests on Sunday afternoon.
Telephoning Guests - Call first time guests and returning guests to let them know how much we appreciated them visiting with us. Also ask if there is anything we could pray with them about or minister to them in anyway.
Letter Writing to Guests - Write a brief note to our guests letting them know we were so glad they visited.
Welcome Center - Greet guests at the welcome center, hand out information, answer questions, and provide directions to activities.
Congregational Care
Homebound Ministry - Visit our Homebound members to provide love, concern, and literature. This is a connection between them and the Church.
Wednesday Night Homebound Meal Delivery - Take meals that our church provides on Wednesday evenings to our Homebound members.
Hospital Visitation - Minister to our church members and their families when they are having medical procedures and in the hospital.
Bereavement Ministry (Funeral Meals) - Provide food for bereaved family during the time before and on the day of the funeral.
Home visits - Ministering to our members and guests and their families with encouraging visits.
Van Ministry (Driving & Maintenance) - Driving the van to pick up members who can not drive themselves. Must meet qualifications. Maintenance of vans by checking gas levels, having vans cleaned, preventative maintenance. Etc.
Providing Rides for Others - Providing transportation for people who are need of a ride for one day or more to Church Services or Events.
Benevolence - Help on Thursday mornings to minister to individuals needing help.
Computer Skills
Desktop Publishing - Help create and design special church publications.
Graphic Design - Help in creating logos, designs and layouts for various ministries and events.
Computer Maintenance & Repair - Assist with general computer upkeep and repair for the church.
Maintenance
Carpentry
Electrical Work
Painting
General Repair
General Construction
Yard/Gardening
Auto Mechanics
Building Maintenance
Cleaning
Plumbing
Communications
Public Relations - Help promote our church to the community and Tyndall Air Force Base.
Event Promotion - Help promote church events within the church body.
Church History - To work on a team that will keep the history of HPBC alive.
Support Service & Administration
Church Directory - Help in the administration areas of a new church directory.
Telephone Skills - To call and welcome guests, encourage members, etc.
Church Office Volunteer - Mail outs, answer phones, make copies, etc.
Information/Welcome Desks - Greet guests at the information center, handout information, answer questions, and provide directions to activities.
CD Ministry - Make copies and fill orders for CD and DVD requests.
Security - Be available to walk around the building inside and out, and parking lots during Wednesday and Sunday evening events and services.
Organizing Games and Activities - For children, Youth or Adult events.
Women’s Ministry
Ladies Bible Study - Ladies Bible Study offers ladies of all ages the opportunity to build friendships with each other by meeting together to study God’s Word, fellowship and pray together. Groups meet at various times and dates, including 1st and 3rd Thursday mornings, as well as Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
Women’s Conference - Renewing Your Heart: A Weekend for Women is our fall women’s conference that offers ladies of our church and community the opportunity to worship and grow together under the leadership of guest speakers and worship leaders. The ladies always feel pampered and refreshed after taking advantage of this chance to “get away” from the normal routines of life!
Quilting etc. with Love - Since the year 2000, women age 6 and up have been using the donations of fabric, batting, sewing machines, yarn and other supplies provided by others to meet physical needs through ongoing community outreach with quilts (with HPBC tag and New Testament attached) or knitted scarves (with HPBC tag attached). New and beginning sewers are encouraged and mentored as they work on projects and interact with Christian women on a weekly basis.
Brownie Brigade - The Brownie Brigade offers ladies the opportunity to be involved in the outreach ministry of our church as we prepare jars of brownie mix that are distributed through our church’s outreach visitation to families and individuals who visit our church. There are no specific dates for Brownie Brigades; they take place on an “as needed” basis.
Wherever the church needs me!
What an opportunity this may be for you! If you cannot decide where your talents or abilities may best serve the Lord, check this area.
Office Hours
Church office hours:
Mon, Tues & Thurs 8:00am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 3:00pm
All die physically
Hebrews 9:27 says,
“Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.“ - Hebrews 9:27
This verse speaks of physical death. God has appointed a time when every man, woman, boy and girl will die physically. Our brief time here on earth is to prepare for that all important day. Only God knows when it will come.
Christ died for us while we were still sinners
Now we will see the wonderful plan made possible by Christ’s love. Romans 5:8 states
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.“
God took the initiative while we were still guilty of our sin. God loves you just as you are.This is why Jesus went to the cross: to pay the penalty of our sin.
By God’s love, we are saved through Faith
Ephesians 2:8,9—“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith; and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; not by works, so that no one can boast.“
It is by God’s grace and love that we are able to become Christians. It is a love we don’t deserve and a love we can never earn. If a gift is offered that must be earned, it isn’t a gift. And salvation is something God gives us because He loves us. It is strictly a gift. Salvation is a gift from God which cannot be received on the basis of merit. John 1:12 reads, “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God”.
There are two steps in this verse that explain how to become a child of God. The first is to believe in Jesus Christ. You must honestly accept that He is who He claimed to be.
The loving hand of God extended
Do you believe that He was born of a virgin, that He lived a sinless life, that He died for your sins, and that He rose from the grave in victory? If you do you will be eager to take the second step, which is to receive Him as your own Savior and Lord. Intellectual acceptance is not enough. The act of faith must occur for the rebirth to be experienced. What Christ did on the cross was potentially for everyone in the world. The gift has already been paid for, and the loving hand of God is now extended. He is simply waiting for you and every other person to believe in Him enough to receive His gift that He offered in the Person of Christ.
You can receive Christ
You can receive Christ as your savior and Lord right now by opening your heart and praying a sincere prayer of faith. God isn’t so concerned about the words you use as He is about the attitude of your heart. It’s not the words of the prayer that save you, but your receiving the Person of Jesus Christ. Below is a suggested prayer.
“Lord Jesus, I need you. I am a sinner and cannot save myself. Please forgive me. I accept your death and resurrection as payment for my sin. I repent of my sin and in faith ask you to become Lord of my life. I commit all of who I am to You. Thank you Jesus for hearing my prayer and saving me now. In Your name I pray, Amen.“
If you prayed that prayer with a sincere heart, we encourage you to contact us or contact another Bible believing church you know. God bless you in your decision.
Ministerial Staff
Carl Fondren
Executive Pastor
Johnny Gonzales
Minister of Students
Dustin Whitworth
Associate Minister of College, Career & Missions
Greg Stone
Interim Worship Leader
Support Staff
Jim Buckner
Maintenance Supervisor
Derek Boggs
Director of Technical Services
Rochelle Killam
Ministry Assistant - Education
Christine Boggs
Ministry Assistant - Music & Youth
Mona Young
Ministry Assistant - Office of the Pastor
Deborah Martin
Financial Ministry Assistant
Terry Sloane
Custodian
Mac Owens
Custodian
I’m new
What should I expect when visiting Hiland Park?
If you are a first time visitor to HPBC or you are considering visiting us, please feel free to relax and enjoy time together with us. You are welcome here and will not be singled out or volunteered. Also as our guest, you should not feel obligated to participate in the offering. We’re just glad you’re here.
When you first pull into our parking lot you should see parking spaces specifically for guests. The green parking spots are available for senior adults. Greeters are located in the church lobby to show you where to go.
What are the services like?
Our Sunday morning services are at 9:15am and 10:35am in the worship center. We want you to feel comfortable as you worship God with other believers. Our music is a blend of the latest contemporary praise songs as well as hymns of the faith. Sermons are a relevant message that will help you grow in your relationship with Christ.
Where do my children go?
At Hiland Park, your child’s safety and well-being is very important to us. We have preschool and children’s ministries that allow kids to be themselves as we teach them about the love of Jesus Christ. Greeters are available to help your children find the right place and to answer any questions you may have.
What should I wear?
We want you to dress comfortably. On Sunday mornings, some people may wear suits or dresses, while others may have on jeans. Sunday and Wednesday nights are always casual. We don’t want you to worry about what you wear, just that you come ready for a great experience.
What should I bring?
If you have a Bible, we encourage you to bring it with you to church. This will help you follow along as we read the word of God. If you do not have a Bible, we can provide you with one or there are Bibles in the pews you may use.
View a short video about HPBC.
Weekly Schedule
Sunday
9:15am - Bible Study & Worship
10:35am - Bible Study & Worship
5:00pm - LIFE Classes
6:00pm - Evening WorshipWednesday
5:00pm - Family Meal
6:15pm - Prayer & Praise Service
6:15pm - Student/Kid’s Activities
6:30pm - College Group
Contact Information
Hiland Park Baptist Church
2611 Hwy 231
Panama City, FL 32405
Phone: (850) 785-6530
Fax: (850) 785-6618
Map
HPBC is located one mile north of the Panama City Mall on US Highway 231 near the intersection of 231 and East Ave.
Website Problems?
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How to Join
- By Profession of Faith and Water Baptism, or by accepting Christ as your personal Savior.
- By Letter - If you are a member of another Baptist Church, tell the pastor your desire to move your membership.
- From another Denomination - Share your desire with the pastor who will explain to you whether you will be presented for membership by baptism or statement.
When Do I Join?
At the close of every service, while the music is playing, the pastor stands at the front of the Worship Center. Walk to him at this time and share with him your decision to join the Hiland Park family or another need that you have.
What We Believe
Our mission statement is To know Christ more fully and to make Him known.
I. The Scriptures
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.
Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
II. God
There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.
A. God the Father
God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men.
Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff.; 20:1ff.; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.
B. God the Son
Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord.
Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff.; Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5, 21-22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1-3,34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:7-9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Revelation 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.
C. God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.
Genesis 1:2; Judges 14:6; Job 26:13; Psalms 51:11; 139:7ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Matthew 1:18; 3:16; 4:1; 12:28-32; 28:19; Mark 1:10,12; Luke 1:35; 4:1,18-19; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49; John 4:24; 14:16-17,26; 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4,38; 4:31; 5:3; 6:3; 7:55; 8:17,39; 10:44; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 19:1-6; Romans 8:9-11,14-16,26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16; 12:3-11,13; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 3:16; 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:14; 3:16; Hebrews 9:8,14; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 4:13; 5:6-7; Revelation 1:10; 22:17.
III. Man
Man is the special creation of God, made in His own image. He created them male and female as the crowning work of His creation. The gift of gender is thus part of the goodness of God’s creation. In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original innocence whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God. The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in His own image, and in that Christ died for man; therefore, every person of every race possesses full dignity and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Matthew 16:26; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18,23; 5:6,12,19; 6:6; 7:14-25; 8:14-18,29; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19,21-22; Ephesians 2:1-22; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11.
IV. Salvation
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God’s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.
Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.
B. Justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God.
C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God’s purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person’s life.
D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11-14,29; 3:3-21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Romans 1:16-18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18,29-39; 10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18,30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22; 3:1ff.; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1-12:8,14; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5.
V. God’s Purpose of Grace
Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.
All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 8:4-7,19-22; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 31:31ff.; Matthew 16:18-19; 21:28-45; 24:22,31; 25:34; Luke 1:68-79; 2:29-32; 19:41-44; 24:44-48; John 1:12-14; 3:16; 5:24; 6:44-45,65; 10:27-29; 15:16; 17:6,12,17-18; Acts 20:32; Romans 5:9-10; 8:28-39; 10:12-15; 11:5-7,26-36; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-23; 2:1-10; 3:1-11; Colossians 1:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:10,19; Hebrews 11:39–12:2; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:2-5,13; 2:4-10; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:19; 3:2.
VI. The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.
Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:9-14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.
VII. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord’s Supper.
The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.
Matthew 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; 20:7; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:16,21; 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12.
VIII. The Lord’s Day
The first day of the week is the Lord’s Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Activities on the Lord’s Day should be commensurate with the Christian’s conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1,19-28; Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5-10; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16; 3:16; Revelation 1:10.
IX. The Kingdom
The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God’s will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.
Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 3:2; 4:8-10,23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52; 25:31-46; 26:29; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:6-7; 17:22-31; Romans 5:17; 8:19; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10,16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Revelation 1:6,9; 5:10; 11:15; 21-22.
X. Last Things
God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.
Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.
XI. Evangelism and Missions
It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.
Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5-6; Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 9:37-38; 10:5-15; 13:18-30, 37-43; 16:19; 22:9-10; 24:14; 28:18-20; Luke 10:1-18; 24:46-53; John 14:11-12; 15:7-8,16; 17:15; 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2; 8:26-40; 10:42-48; 13:2-3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 3:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 11:39-12:2; 1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 22:17.
XII. Education
Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage. The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. Moreover, the cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian education is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ’s people.
In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.
Deuteronomy 4:1,5,9,14; 6:1-10; 31:12-13; Nehemiah 8:1-8; Job 28:28; Psalms 19:7ff.; 119:11; Proverbs 3:13ff.; 4:1-10; 8:1-7,11; 15:14; Ecclesiastes 7:19; Matthew 5:2; 7:24ff.; 28:19-20; Luke 2:40; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 2:3,8-9; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17; Hebrews 5:12-6:3; James 1:5; 3:17.
XIII. Stewardship
God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth.
Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; 19:21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19.
XIV. Cooperation
Christ’s people should, as occasion requires, organize such associations and conventions as may best secure cooperation for the great objects of the Kingdom of God. Such organizations have no authority over one another or over the churches. They are voluntary and advisory bodies designed to elicit, combine, and direct the energies of our people in the most effective manner. Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ’s Kingdom. Christian unity in the New Testament sense is spiritual harmony and voluntary cooperation for common ends by various groups of Christ’s people. Cooperation is desirable between the various Christian denominations, when the end to be attained is itself justified, and when such cooperation involves no violation of conscience or compromise of loyalty to Christ and His Word as revealed in the New Testament.
Exodus 17:12; 18:17ff.; Judges 7:21; Ezra 1:3-4; 2:68-69; 5:14-15; Nehemiah 4; 8:1-5; Matthew 10:5-15; 20:1-16; 22:1-10; 28:19-20; Mark 2:3; Luke 10:1ff.; Acts 1:13-14; 2:1ff.; 4:31-37; 13:2-3; 15:1-35; 1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:5-15; 12; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 1:6-10; Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 1:15-18.
XV. The Christian and the Social Order
All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.
Exodus 20:3-17; Leviticus 6:2-5; Deuteronomy 10:12; 27:17; Psalm 101:5; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 8:16; Matthew 5:13-16,43-48; 22:36-40; 25:35; Mark 1:29-34; 2:3ff.; 10:21; Luke 4:18-21; 10:27-37; 20:25; John 15:12; 17:15; Romans 12–14; 1Corinthians 5:9-10; 6:1-7; 7:20-24; 10:23-11:1; Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 6:5-9; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Philemon; James 1:27; 2:8.
XVI. Peace and War
It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war.
The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9,38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36,38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1-2.
XVII. Religious Liberty
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.
Genesis 1:27; 2:7; Matthew 6:6-7,24; 16:26; 22:21; John 8:36; Acts 4:19-20; Romans 6:1-2; 13:1-7; Galatians 5:1,13; Philippians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 4:12; 1 Peter 2:12-17; 3:11-17; 4:12-19.
XVIII. The Family
God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption.
Marriage is the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. It is God’s unique gift to reveal the union between Christ and His church and to provide for the man and the woman in marriage the framework for intimate companionship, the channel of sexual expression according to biblical standards, and the means for procreation of the human race.
The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God’s image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people. A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He has the God-given responsibility to provide for, to protect, and to lead his family. A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband even as the church willingly submits to the headship of Christ. She, being in the image of God as is her husband and thus equal to him, has the God-given responsibility to respect her husband and to serve as his helper in managing the household and nurturing the next generation.
Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God’s pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents.
Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25; 3:1-20; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 1:26-28; Psalms 51:5; 78:1-8; 127; 128; 139:13-16; Proverbs 1:8; 5:15-20; 6:20-22; 12:4; 13:24; 14:1; 17:6; 18:22; 22:6,15; 23:13-14; 24:3; 29:15,17; 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 9:9; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 5:31-32; 18:2-5; 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-12; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:8,14; 2 Timothy 1:3-5; Titus 2:3-5; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Peter 3:1-7.
The Baptist Faith and Message - Revised, June 14th, 2000