About Springhill
ARTICLES OF FAITH
ARTICLE 1. THE SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.
ARTICLE II. THE TRUE GOD
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; that the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
ARTICLE III. THE FALL OF MAN
We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.
ARTICLE IV. THE WAY OF SALVATION
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death make a full atonement for our sins; that by having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, He is everyway qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all- sufficient Saviour.
ARTICLE V. JUSTIFICATION
We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principals of righteousness that it is bestowed, not in consideration of nay works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
ARTICLE VI. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
ARTICLE VII. REGENERATION
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life.
ARTICLE VIII. REPENTANCE AND FAITH
We believe that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all sufficient Saviour.
ARTICLE IX GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE
We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means to the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.
ARTICLE X. SANCTIFICATION
We believe that sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially, the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
ARTICLE XI. PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special providence watches over their welfare, and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
ARTICLE XII THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL
We believe that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just, and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribes to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arises entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy law, is one great end of the gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.
ARTICLE XIII. A GOSPEL CHURCH
We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ, governed by his laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his work; that its only scriptural officers are bishops or pastors and deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
ARTICLE XIV. BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER
We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is a prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord’s supper, in which the members of the church by the sacred use of unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.
ARTICLE XV THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH
We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath; and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public; and by preparation for the rest that remaineth for the people of God.
ARTICLE XVI. CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth.
ARTICLE XVII. RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death. ARTICLE XVIII. OF THE WORLD TO COME We believe that the end of this world is approaching; that at the Last Day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven and hell, on principles of righteousness.
CHURCH COVENANT
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior.
And on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
We do now in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body of Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness and comfort.
To promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines.
To contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel, through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances;
To walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagement and exemplary in our deportment;
To avoid all tattling, backbiting and excessive anger;
To abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love;
To remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech;
To be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.
I will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.
CHURCH MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Be A “FAT” Christian
Faithful – Available – Teachable
The Church member has sacred responsibilities. You have become a member of God’s family and it is a privilege and duty to play your part in forwarding and helping the cause of Jesus Christ. God has a plan for the world, and the Church member, as a Christian, should fit into this plan. Here are some of your responsibilities.
1. Serving: The pastor cannot do the work of the church alone. He needs others to help. There are many ways of helping, such as availability, teaching, witnessing, visiting the sick and feeding the hungry. Remember that you are serving Christ and not the Pastor. God gives rewards for your works not your idleness.
2. Learning: You should come to know your bible well. You should learn how to serve and you should know your church and its practices. There are many opportunities for this through the total church program. You are expected to become actively involved in Hour of Power and Sunday Morning Empowerment.
3. Witnessing: A Christian is always desirous that others would come to know Jesus Christ. We are God’s ambassadors; therefore, our lives should always represent Him. God says, “We are His witnesses.” Christ made known to others by us. Share Christ, by becoming a soul-winner!
4. Praying: Prayer is a vital part of Christian living. All Christians should learn how to pray in order that their lives may experience its many benefits and blessings. Joining with others in prayer affords a great spiritual stimulus.
5. Worshipping: Worship keeps the soul of your church alive. You should regularly attend Sunday worship services and be faithful. You should be reverent at all times in church. Remember you are worshipping God. We learn that we should talk to God before worship service, allow God to talk to us during worship service, and talk to each other after worship service.
6. Giving: What each member gives is between themselves and God. Our church advocates “TITHING.” This means giving one-tenth of all the money one earns to Christ and His Church. We should give cheerfully because God has given us everything in the first place. You are urged to give regularly, Sunday by Sunday. The Church has many expenses and is engaged in carrying out the Mission of the Church. These expenses go on whether you are in attendance or not. If you are away on any given Sunday for some reason, it is your responsibility to meet your financial obligation. Envelopes are provided for your use, which help you to be careful and diligent, and which will give you an official record from the Financial Secretary (upon request) for Income Tax deduction purposes. Remember that tithing is a starting point for Christian Giving.
