Members of Harbinger Gospel Church embrace with open hearts the profound truth that our salvation flows not from our deeds, but from the wellspring of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, as illuminated in Ephesians 2:8-9. This grace, like a gentle river, guides us to live out Jesus’ teachings. These teachings are not stepping stones to earn salvation, but rather a harmonious melody of gratitude and joy in response to the boundless love we have already received in Christ. As we walk this path of faith, let us embody the following principles, each a reflection of the sacred teachings of Christ, resonating with the truth of Scripture:
Love and Compassion:
Let us embrace the sacred command to love God wholeheartedly and extend this love to our neighbors as a mirror of our own souls (Matthew 22:37-39). In the spirit of Christ’s teachings, may we offer prayers for even our adversaries (Matthew 5:44), show mercy as we seek it (Luke 6:36), and dissolve the bonds of hatred with the power of love (1 John 2:9).
Integrity and Honesty:
May our journey be marked by the steadfastness of integrity, where our words echo the truth in our hearts (Matthew 5:37). Let us be known for our honesty, as a beacon in the night, and let our commitments stand firm and unyielding (Colossians 3:9).
Peacefulness and Non-Retaliation:
With a gentle spirit, let us respond to aggression with peace, offering the other cheek in the face of conflict (Luke 6:29). In acts of service, let us go beyond what is asked (Matthew 5:41), and in meekness, find our strength (Matthew 5:5). Let us dissolve anger with the soothing balm of understanding and kindness (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Generosity and Selflessness:
In a world of taking, let us be givers, sharing freely without thought of return (Luke 6:30), and eschewing the siren call of greed and materialism (Luke 12:15). May we celebrate what is others’ without envy, cultivating a spirit of contentment and generosity (Exodus 20:17).
Moral Purity and Righteousness:
Marriage, defined as a union between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24), is a divine symbol, yet completeness is found in Christ alone (Colossians 2:10). In this light, singleness is not a state of incompleteness, but a unique opportunity for devotion to God (1 Corinthians 7:34). Members who are single commit to abstinence, honoring God and themselves by reserving sexual intimacy for a future marital relationship, should that be part of their life’s journey.
As pilgrims on a journey of faith, let us abstain from the temptations that besiege us (1 Peter 2:11), guarding our hearts and bodies in purity (Matthew 5:27-28). We commit to reserving sexual relations for the marriage bed, recognizing that all forms of sexual intimacy belong within the marital covenant. This includes abstaining from coveting others’ spouses, engaging in fantasies, and emotional affairs (Hebrews 13:4, Exodus 20:17).
Let us walk a path clear of dark arts and deceptions (Galatians 5:19-21), honoring life and respecting the belongings of others (Matthew 5:21, Exodus 20:15).
Humility and Service:
In humility, let us tread lightly, not seeking the spotlight but the quiet joy of service (Matthew 23:12). In our deeds, let the spirit of generosity shine, going beyond what is required, as a testament to our dedication to Christ’s path.
God calls us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly (Micah 6:8). Our faith, pure and undefiled, is to serve the marginalized, the orphan, the widow, the forgotten (James 1:27). In Jesus, who reconciled all through His blood (Ephesians 2:13-14), we find our mandate to be agents of reconciliation, actively pursuing ethnic unity and combating the sin of racism, reflecting God’s heart for all people.