HHBC DOCTRINE STATEMENT INFO

Doctrine Statement

1. Jesus - We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Most High God. He is God in the Flesh, God with us, The Son of God, God the Son, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We believe that personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the only way of Biblical salvation and eternal security.


2. Salvation - We believe that if a person is truly, Biblically saved, that person is eternally saved and cannot "lose" their salvation.


3. The Bible - We believe that the Bible is the infallible, inspired, and only true Word of the Living God. We do not hold that a particular version is the only true version of the Bible. We encourage our people to use a scholarly version/translation such as the King James version, The New King James version, The New American Standard version or the New International Version. Our Pastor normally preaches and teaches from the New International Version.(See ASK THE PREACHER - RADIO PROGRAMS ONLINE to listen to a 30 minute radio program on this topic.) Also, please read the very short article by our Pastor titled - WHY THE KJV CANNOT BE THE ONLY TRUE VERSION OF THE BIBLE.


4. Salvation by Grace - We believe that a person is saved by God's Grace alone. Salvation is the complete work of God, calling men to repent of their sin and turn to Jesus Christ as Lord.


5. Baptism - We believe that Baptism is for born again believers only and that true Biblical baptism is by immersion and is tantamount to a public profession of one's faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.


6. The Lord's Supper - We do not believe that the Lord's Supper is for Baptists only or for HHBC members only. We believe that it is distinctly a celebration of worship for born again, Biblically baptized believers in Jesus Christ. The Lord's Supper is for "His Church". If you are a born again believer worshipping with us on a Lord's Supper day, you may feel free to take the Lord's Supper with us.


7. Worship - Our worship services are reserved at times and celebrative at times, making for a good Biblical balance. We have a unique blend of the traditional with the more contemporary praise and worship style of music. We have no problem with the Biblical worship practices (when obviously appropriate) of the clapping of hands, raising of hands in praise and worship, verbal affirmation of Biblical truth (amen, praise the Lord, etc.) We encourage the use of skilled and gifted musical talent in voice, instrumental and choral renditions. We incorporate drama, creative presentations of scriptural truths and principles, etc. Our worship services are creative, innovative, convicting and uplifting with the sole purpose of glorifying Jesus and exalting His Holy Word.


8. The Church - We believe that the church is the Biblical "bride" of Jesus for which he died. We believe that the true church is made up of born again, baptized believers the world over, but that the Biblical expression of the church is through the local, autonomous body of called out believers.


9. The Return of Jesus Christ - We believe that Jesus Christ will return physically, literally and bodily with the glorified saints to rule and reign on the earth for a thousand years. Then, the Lord Jesus will sit on the Great White Throne of Judgment to finally judge the world, the lost, Satan and his demons and usher in the "new heaven and new earth."


10. Creation/Evolution - We believe in a literal 7 day creation account and a relatively young earth and human history. (Around 10,000 years as opposed to evolution's 4.5 billion year proposal) We believe that human beings are created in the image of God as unique, special creations representing God's crowning glory of all creation. As such, each human life has dignity, purpose, value and worth and is to be highly treasured. Even the unborn child. We believe that the theory of evolution is a lie and is desperately wicked at its core. We understand and know that there is not one piece of scientific evidence to support the lie of evolution. We believe that evolution is a God-less "statement of faith" and it is diametrically opposed to the Christian Gospel and Biblical faith.(See ASK THE PREACHER - RADIO PROGRAMS ONLINE to listen to a 30 minute radio program on this topic.)


11. Doctrine of Election - The issue of "Calvinism" has become quite a matter of controversy in many churches. IT IS NOT at HHBC! We believe in the absolute Sovereignty of God, BALANCED with the responsibility, accountability and choice of man. Some people have a difficult time balancing these two seemingly difficult Bible truths. However, just as the Bible declares that there is one God yet at the same time He exists in three distinct persons, (the Doctrine of the Trinity) and we accept it by faith, without question; so we also believe that God is sovereign and moving all things toward his planned end, yet at the same time, calling men everywhere to make a choice. We do not have a problem reconciling these two important biblical truths any more than we have a problem reconciling the Trinity statements in the Bible.


Our Pastor has written a booklet that goes into great detail on this subject so that there is no misunderstanding where we stand on this controversial doctrinal issue. Click on the Predestination Booklet PAGE to download a copy of this booklet.(See ASK THE PREACHER - RADIO PROGRAMS ONLINE to listen to a 30 minute radio program on this topic.)


12. Speaking in Tongues The issue of Tongues is another controversial doctrine among Christian churches today. At HHBC, we believe the Bible, when properly and contextually interpreted on this subject is CRYSTAL CLEAR! Acts Chapter 2 is the precedent chapter for the topic of tongues. Therefore, ALL scriptures regarding tongues MUST be interpreted in light of the definition of tongues found in ACTS 2. Here it is CLEARLY laid out that BIBLICAL tongues is; the instantaneous, supernatural ability for a born again believer to be able to speak in a KNOWN language of the world (not gibberish or babbling or a "prayer language".) This gift is given by the Holy Spirit and is not intended to be given to all believers. The purpose of tongues is to bring glory to Jesus to those who may not otherwise understand the native language being spoken.


There MUST be an interpreter who will verify that the tongue spoken is a KNOWN TONGUE of the languages of men and the interpreter will also know the interpretation. We believe that the "TONGUES MOVEMENT" so prevalant in Christian circles today DOES NOT meet these clear, biblical criteria and thus, in order to maintain doctrinal and biblical integrity, would NOT be allowed at HHBC. However, BIBLICAL tongues would be allowed.(See ASK THE PREACHER - RADIO PROGRAMS ONLINE to listen to a 30 minute radio program on this topic.)


A tongue would be deemed biblical if it met the criteria previously discussed, found in Acts 2, as well as the criteria of I Corin 14 (one or two, three at the most speak in a BIBLICAL tongue in an ENTIRE worship service. That it be done decently and in order. That there be an interpreter for EACH instance of the use of a tongue. That the women NOT speak or interpret in tongues in a public worship service.) I Corinthians 14 is extremely clear on ALL these points!


13. Freemasonry and Christianity At HHBC we are convinced beyond any doubt that Freemasonry and its suborganizations (Shriners, Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, Demoly, etc) is NOT COMPATIBLE with the true biblical Christian faith in Jesus Christ! Our Pastor has written a booklet on this topic that is very extensive. Click on the Freemasonry Booklet PAGE to download a copy of this booklet. Or go to this page FREEMASONRY DVD ONLINE (Number 12 on the list of DVDs) to watch an on-line 30 minute DVD presentation on this matter.


This topic has received extensive coverage by many scholarly authors who verify the stand that we take at HHBC regarding this issue. You can find these works at any reputable Christian bookstore. We know and understand that FREEMASONRY denies the absolute deity and sufficiency of Jesus Christ, that it denies the absolute and sovereign authority of the Bible as the ONLY word of the Living God and that it denies that salvation is through Jesus Christ and the Grace of God ALONE (not of works). These are the 3 essential fundamental doctrines of the true, biblical Christian faith and FREEMASONRY teaching denies them ALL! Therefore, we do not allow anyone who is a Mason or a part of any of its organizations to hold any place of leadership or teaching at HHBC. A Mason may feel free to worship with us in the sincere hope that he or she would find real faith in Jesus Christ alone.


14. Women in Church Leadership – At HHBC, we say and practice, to the best of our knowledge what the Bible says. Although, we may not be in line with the political correctness of our day nor may we be in line with some of our more fundamental brothers in this matter, we make no apologies for the contextually interpreted Word of God. We celebrate and respect womanhood and we absolutely encourage women to be involved in meaningful and important places of service within the Church. These places of service are subject to the following Biblical standards.


BIBLICAL OBSERVATIONS


Nowhere, Old or New Testament is there an example or reference to a woman Priest, Pastor, Elder or Teacher over men. This is not merely a cultural consideration, for among God's People, Old and New Testament; God's women were truly liberated and protected more than any women in any culture around them.

Every Scripture listing the qualifications of a Pastor, Elder or Deacon always address the candidate in the masculine "him", "his", etc.

From Genesis through the New Testament – the Biblical model is for the Godly man to lead and take his biblical responsibilities in the home and the church.

The only biblical exception to male leadership over the people of God is found in the example of Deborah the Judge. However, the scripture is clear that she merely stepped up to the plate in a dire situation when the men would not. She shamed them for it and God disciplined them for it.

Biblical leadership as interpreted by HHBC means any position of service in the church that would require a woman to be in authority over a man. Sometimes we have to tweak our ministries when it appears that a situation of a woman exercising authority over a man is occurring, but no ministry is started with the unbiblical concept of women purposely exercising direct authority over men within that ministry realm.

Although women prophetesses (The gift of foretelling the future regarding a specific coming action of God) are mentioned in the Bible, nowhere does it record that they; preached, taught, pastored a church or served as a priest. Nowhere does the Bible indicate that they ever served in authority over any man.

Although the New Testament mentions several women who had a church in their home, never does the Bible indicate that they were the Pastors or otherwise served in any leadership capacity other than offering their home as a place of meeting and worship.

Although the Bible once mentions a deaconness (Pheobe, Romans 16:1), it becomes apparent from the rest of Paul's instructions toward the service of women in the church that her “position” of deaconness or female servant to the body was that of teaching and instructing and waiting on the needs of other women (Ref. Titus 2:4). Neither Pheobe, nor any other woman mentioned in the New Testament is ever referred to as having a position of authority over men.

We do not believe it is biblical for a woman to be a Pastor or Associate Pastor of HHBC. We do have women Ministry Directors - but these positions of authority involve authority over other women, youth or children or are in an authority nuetral position. Regardless of gender, ALL MINISTRY DIRECTORS answer to the Pastoral Staff for direct authority and decision making within their ministry realms.

There were women disciples or followers of Jesus and they all played very important roles i the Christian faith, however, when Jesus picked the 12 that were to lead and take authority and lead the new born church” – he picked 12 men…purposely. None of the women disciples are ever presented as teaching the men or taking authority over them. None are ever presented as becoming Pastors or Elders. When the 11 apostles in Acts were picking another to replace Judas…they purposely chose a man, who had been with them from the beginning. Many women had been with them from the beginning, but they knew that this apostle, more than likely would be a leader in the church…so they selected a man.

BIBLE TRUTHS

1. Women are simply not to have "authority" or "usurp" authority over men in the home or church.

2. Women are not to be in a position of "teaching" men and thus "directing" their lives. This is especially true in a "teaching situation" that would effectually give "leadership" and direction to the church and the men of the church in the direction of the affairs of the church.

3. Women certainly should serve in meaningful ministries within the church and even leadership ministries and Ministry Director positions...as long as these positions do not put them in places of authority over the men of the church or in a place of "directing the affairs" of the church.

4. Although a woman may be completely "capable" - she should not serve as a Pastor, Deacon, Associate Pastor, Elder, etc.

5. At HHBC - women serve in many meaningful rolls of leadership and ministry. As well as serving in these ministries, they also serve as Directors of these ministries; V.B.S., Children's Church, Preschool, Youth/Student Ministry, Children's Ministry, various Committee positions, etc.

6. WE BELIEVE that womanhood and motherhood should be respected, revered and celebrated. We do not tolerate the disrespect of women, nor is it promoted in any way. We affirm that since the beginning of time, women have sometimes had to assume the places of leadership that men have vacated or failed to assume in the home, church and even in National affairs. God has used and blessed these women, and often, He has disciplined the men for their failure. It is not God's ideal that women should be placed in these "unnatural" positions because of man's failure.

7. WE BELIEVE that in the home and church, a woman's gifts should be Biblically exercised and that her knowledge, ideas, wisdom, expertise and opinions should be heard and considered. When all is said and done and decisions of authority or leadership are made, they should be made and owned by the man. Regardless of the outcome of the decision, the man is responsible for it completely.

8. WE BELIEVE that the above policies are clearly and contextually, Biblical positions. We strive to disciple our men to take their Godly responsibilities of leadership in both the home and church. We continually encourage our men to do these things and then place them in the places of leadership within the church family where the Lord expects them to lead. At HHBC we have an unusual abundance of men attending, serving and leading in the church family. We believe that this is an excellent and Biblical model before our families, especially our children and youth. For the most part the women of our church are thrilled as they see Godly men assume the responsibilities of Godly leadership that the Lord expects of them. As a result the Church at HHBC is unusually healthy and strong.

9. IT MUST BE NOTED - that from time to time a woman will fill in as a teacher in a Sunday School class of men and women (for example), perhaps at the request of her husband, who is the teacher, or at the request of a teacher who is going to be out. This is not the policy or practice of the Biblical philosophy of HHBC. But, rather than embarrass the woman or the man publically (That is NOT what HHBC is about!) - these oversites are handled discretely. The point is that women are not PLACED in places of permanent teaching or authority over men - by the leadership of the church or by the church as a whole.

TYPICAL ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE POSITIONS STATED ABOVE

1. The Biblical instruction about women is merely "cultural" (See Number 1 under Biblical Observations)

2. Debra was a Judge and thus a leader of Israel with authority over men. (See Number 4 under Biblical Observations)

3. The Bible says that women were "prophetesses." (See Number 6 under Biblical Observations)

4. The Bible says that "...there is neither male nor female in Jesus Christ." (This refers to God's offer of salvation...it is for men, women, Gentiles and Jews...It has nothing to do with "gender equality.")

5. Jesus had "women disciples" who were very important to His ministry. (See Numbers 7,8,10 under Biblical Observations above)

6. I simply believe that a woman is "equal" to a man in every way and should serve in any capacity that she feels called and capable to serve in. (This position sounds admirable, however, it simply is not Biblical. The Word of God is the final and ultimate authority at HHBC...not "feelings" or the "political correctness" of the current culture.)

The Bible Exalts Women and Womanhood! The Bible is not "anti-woman."

1. From Old Testament to New Testament - The women of God's people were given rights, privileges and honor that women of the cultures around them were not given. It is true, that wicked or hypocritical people sometimes abused these rights, but there were provisions of punishment for them. Women helped make decisions in the home, they held places of exaltedness within the community. The entirety of Proverbs 31 is devoted to womanhood, a noble woman and wife who buys and sells property, provides for the management of her home and husband and is highly respected in the community.

2. Women were followers of Jesus. They were important to his ministry. They were the very first to whom Jesus revealed himself after the resurrection.

3. Jesus spoke to, spent time with and respected the "woman at the well." She was a Gentile, Samaritan woman. Even his Jewish disciples were a bit confused at the respect that Jesus showed her.

4. Women were "servants" in the church (ROMANS 16:1) and several are mentioned to have had house churches in their homes.

5. Paul, on more than one occasion commends and sends greetings to various important women in the closing of his letters. Paul wrote the most about the Biblical role of women in leadership, yet there is much evidence from his letters that he highly respected and acknowledged women and their importance to the church.

6. Paul himself points out the importance of Timothy's mother and grandmother with much praise. Timothy would prove to be one of Paul's most important converts and an influential Christian and Pastor in the first century church. These two women were largely credited for "making" Timothy what he was.

7. Paul declares that "salvation" is equally available to women as to men. A very radical concept in the first century Middle Eastern world.

8. Paul declares that a husband is to love, honor, cherish and sacrifice for his wife just as Jesus did for the church. This is another very radical concept in the world and area in which the early church lived.