OLD NORTH VISION 2005

Vision is the ability to understand the history, the present condition and the potential of the church, and to conceive a plan for action that will maximize our ministry potential.

Our Purpose Statement- Why we exist:   “To glorify God by Introducing Jesus Christ to all the people God calls us to serve so they will become His devoted followers.

Our Vision Statement: What we intend to do: “Reach a new generation for Jesus Christ as we live His LIFE through our own.”  

We envision God expanding His church to thousands who are genuinely worshipping Him and loving others in ways that reach a new generation.

We envision every adult member involved in a small group of people who connect with and care for each others’ spiritual and emotional health in order to be a model for those who follow.

We envision every adult member giving of their time, treasure and talent to reach a new generation - therefore involved in ministry that touches those younger than themselves through culturally appropriate ways.

          We envision every adult member adopting a lifestyle of evangelism that
prioritizes reaching a new generation.

We envision future facilities that will accommodate this growth and appeal to a new generation of believers.

Our Values Statement- What we practice- as the early church did in Acts:

Love- of God and of others    Matthew 22:34-40 & Romans 12:1-2
Instruction- from God’s Word   II Timothy 3:16-17 , II Peter 1:20-21
Fellowship- connecting with & ministering to one another   Hebrews 10:24-25
Evangelism- that results in discipleship  Matthew 28:18-20

Our Faith Statement- What we believe:  (See “An Affirmation of Our Faith” cf. “Article III” in our Constitution or “Beliefs” on our web site.

The Essentials We Believe

1.   ABOUT GOD

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He is the One and True living God who has eternally existed in three persons: 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; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Cor. 13:14

2.   ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless 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.

Matt. 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Heb. 4:14, 15; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; Rom. 1:3, 4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Tim. 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 every believer’s spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.

2 Cor. 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 2:12; 3:16; Eph. 1:13; Gal. 5:25; Eph. 5:18

4.   ABOUT THE BIBLE

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is The Truth without any mixture of error.

2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160; 12:6; Prov. 30:5

5.   ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS

People are made in the spiritual 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 of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems.

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Rom. 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/her life by faith.

Romans 6:23; Eph. 2:8, 9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Rom. 5:1

7.   ABOUT ETERNITY

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.

John 3:16; 14:17; Rom. 6:23; Rom. 8:17, 18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Cor. 2:7-