The Gospel
Titus 3:3-8 is perhaps the most clear of Gospel explanations in one passage. Read it, and if some of the terms are a bit foreign to you at this stage, read the summarised explanation below which explains some of those terms.
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
Titus 3:3-8
Summarised explanation of Titus 3:3-8
We are sinners, but God saves sinners. He does so, not because we are good, but because He is good and merciful.
God saves us by giving us spiritual life (regeneration), making each of us a new person through His Holy Spirit. We are therefore declared righteous (justified), instead of sinful, before God and are given the assurance of Eternal Life when we die.
This is the Gospel message, and we need to be very clear on it, so that all who believe will also excel in godliness, avoiding nonsense, and promoting unity in terms of this Gospel.
The Gospel in a single passage: Here are some more passages to look up in the Bible to complete your understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (For even more, visit our Gospel Tracts page)
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 — Isaiah 53:4-6 — John 3:16-21 — Acts 17:24-31 — Romans 10:9-17 — 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 — Ephesians 2:1-10 — Philippians 2:6-11 — Titus 2:11-15
Key verses that describe LHBC
1 Peter 1:3-9 (the name of our church is taken from this passage)
A love for Christ that inspires an eternal hope irrespective of the sufferings of this earthly life (2 Cor 4:17-18)
1 Timothy 3:15
A pillar and support of the Truth, with the entire Bible (Acts 20:27) as the only authority for Christian belief and practice (2 Tim 3:16-17)
1 Timothy 3:5
Godly (Tit 1:6-8) and capable leadership (Tit 1:9)
Ephesians 2:19-22
A fellowship of saved individuals defined by the New Testament, with Christ Himself as the standard and source of all Truth and Christian practice (Col 2:8), irrespective of culture or ethnicity (Col 3:11)
Acts 2:42
Devotion to studying the Word of God (2 Tim 2:15), spiritual fellowship with one-another in truth and love (Eph 4:15-16), a holy Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11:28) and prayer (1 Tim 2:8)
Colossians 3:16-17
Scripture-filled singing from the heart for the glory of the Lord Jesus
1 Corinthians 14:40
Orderly use of spiritual gifts and worship in spirit and in Truth (John 4:23-24)
Titus 2:11-12
Practical commitment to personal holiness (Matt 18:15; Jam 5:19-20)
1 Timothy 2:8-15
Functional and biblical manhood and womanhood (Tit 2:2-5)
Romans 10:14-15
Zeal for Gospel preachers to be sent
Documents
Our Statement of Faith is what all members affirm as their own convictions.
Our Doctrinal Statement states what is taught by the Church. Although perfect agreement with all points is not required of each member, the elders hereby state what will be taught. Each member therefore commits to submit to such teaching and not cause division in matters of disagreement.
The Church Constitution explains the internal workings of the Church to ensure transparency and integrity in all matters.