BIBLE BASED
We believe that God speaks to us through
the Bible. The Bible then sets the agenda for the pulpit and not vice versa. Futher, in our classes you will find all ages
studying the same Biblical passage, although separated into age approprate groups. We tend to alternate quarterly between
the Old Testament and the New Testament.
This emphasis upon the Bible does more than
set the agenda for our Bible classes and sermons. It is the filter by which we govern our body life. In everything we do,
we strive to reach the image of the ideal church described in the New Testament. Despite our failures, we would rather
strive for this high goal than to satisfy ourselves with a lesser one.
CHRIST CENTERED
Too often we have followed ideas and
doctrines, and sometimes charismatic leaders! To be a Christian is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus
is the only way to the Father. (John 14:6) Therefore, we are compelled to follow his example. We always consider "What would
Jesus do?" Which of course means that we must know Jesus.
By the way, that is why we wear his
name. The name "Church of Christ" is not Biblically required, and is only one of many beauiful desciptive names for
the body of Christ. We wear it as a reminder that we are Christ's church.
EMBRACING GRACE
It is important for every saved person
to realize that he or she is saved by the awesome grace of God. When we begin to appreciate what God has done for us, we will
live our lives in loving service to him. Too often we are then tempted to look at our efforts and begin to feel a growing
sense of security in our works. This is dangerous. The one who comes to God must trust him, and not lean on his own devices.
At the Hurricane Church of Christ we constantly remind each other that "We are not saved because we are holy; we are holy
because we are saved". Grace comes first.
"Embracing grace" means that we call
everyone to accept the free gifts of God before we emphasize moral or church doctrines. Believing the right things and even
doing the right things will not save us. On the other hand, once we have accepted God's grace, that decision will call us
to a high standard of living. (Titus 2:11-12)
"Embracing grace" also reminds us how we
should act with others. There is not a one of us who has been saved because we are good enough or somehow earned it. Therefore,
when there is controversy, within the body, we strive to remember that we are all flawed and imperfect people who have been
saved by grace. This reminds us to be humble with our own opinions, and encourges us to be gentle with those with whom we
disagree. This is a high standard of mature Christian conduct, and we must confess that we do not always meet this standard
perfectly. But remembering grace helps us be gracious with one another.