- I have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and boast in Him, not myself (Eph. 2:4-10).
- I have been baptized in water at some point in my life, signifying my conversion and new life in God (Matt. 28:19, Col. 2:12).
- I take responsibility as a disciple of Jesus to continue to enjoy my own close, obedient, loving friendship with the Lord (John 15:1-17).
- My life evidences a genuine experience of regeneration – the new birth. (John 1:12-13, 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:18-25) and a commitment to holiness, wholeness and our church family (Romans 6:4, 8:1-4, 13:13-14; Eph. 4:17-32, 5:1-2,15; 1 John 1:6-7).
- Specifically, I affirm the sacredness of sexuality and marriage. God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as either male or female, and that these two distinct, complementary sexes together reflect the image and nature of God.
- God created marriage. It is a covenant made between one biological man and one biological woman that makes them one (Gen 2:22,24; Matt 19:5-6).
- In reference to the above, scripture teaches that sex is a blessing to only be experienced within marriage. Therefore, I will be faithful to my spouse (if married). I will avoid sex outside of marriage and pornography (Matt. 15:19, Rom. 13:13, 1 Cor. 6:9-20).
- I will also follow the wisdom of the Lord by refraining from intoxication with alcohol and/or drugs (Rom. 13:13, Gal. 5:19-21).
- To reflect God’s generosity by regularly supporting the Bethel Austin Community in the form of tithes, offerings, talents, and time. In addition, to supporting my local church I will reflect God’s generosity to others inside and outside my community as the Holy Spirit leads.
- If offended, I will not abandon this commitment but would speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:25) and work through conflict with gentleness, grace and forgiveness (Eph. 4:1-3).
- I will be thankful (Col. 3:15) and live humbly and honorably in all my relationships with both Christians (Eph. 4:1-6) and non-Christians, so as to be a faithful ambassador of Christ’s kingdom (2 Cor. 5:20).
- If I sense the Lord is transitioning me to a different church community, I will not simply leave but transition in a healthy way by communicating with Bethel Austin Leadership. Bethel Austin Leadership values the body of Christ at large and wants to foster healthy transitions between church communities.
Should I stumble in any of the above areas, I will get up again with the help of the Holy Spirit and my church family.
