Pastoral Statement on Manhood and Womanhood (Narrative)
IntroductionFor clarity and continuity, we are following a Biblical chronology to address this topic.1. God’s Perfect, Good Design for Man and Woman2. Man’s Fall and the Damage It Did to the Relationship between Men and Women3. Christ’s Exemplary Relationship with Women4. Apostolic Instructions for Men and Women Married Couples Church Congregations5. Contemporary…
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Pastoral Statement on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (Categorical)
God’s Design and the Value of Men and Women: God created both man and woman equally in his image and with his blessing. Men and women, therefore, share intrinsic dignity and value (Genesis 1:26-28). We do not self-create who we are nor can we choose an identity contrary to what God created us to be.…
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HPBC Pastoral Statement on Deacons
The New Testament often uses the word “deacon” (or servant) to refer to anyone in the capacity of serving, including Jesus (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45), the apostles (Acts 6:4), individual Christians (1 Timothy 4:6), church members in general (Romans 12:7; Ephesians 4:12), angels (Hebrews 1:14), and even demons (2 Corinthians 11:15). In addition, the New…
HPBC Pastoral Statement on Members Leaving the Church
1. There are good reasons for church members to leave a local church: being sent out for gospel purposes (Act 13), joining a church closer to home to be more involved, or joining a church to serve in a particular area of need. 2. Local church members should work to graciously confront, repent to, and forgive one…
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HPBC Pastoral Statement on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
1. From the beginning, God intended for marriage to be between one man and one woman for life (Gen 2:24-25). Jesus affirmed this teaching on marriage and added the following commentary: “So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matt 19:6). 2. The certificate of divorce…
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HPBC Pastoral Statement on Alcohol
1. Scripture clearly condemns drunkenness (Eph. 5:17-19; Gal. 5:21; I Cor. 6:10; Isa. 5:11; Pro. 23:20-21; Tit. 2:3; Rom. 13:13; Isa. 5:22). 2. Scripture speaks specifically to pastors and deacons that they not be given to wine, which is primarily a warning against drunkenness (I Tim. 3:3, 8; e.g. Pro. 31:4-5). 3. Scripture often speaks of wine as…
HPBC Pastoral Statement on Christian Liberty
In the last hours before His crucifixion, our Lord prayed that His followers, “may be one even as we are one . . . so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (Jn. 17:22b-23). Years later, Paul echoed our Lord’s words when he prayed that…
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