Let it be known

That on the 1st of May, 2005 the body of the North Phoenix Baptist Church rededicated itself with new purpose to it's mission:

As members of the Body of Christ called the North Phoenix Baptist Church, we rededicate ourselves this day to the Great Commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We recommit our lives to"loving the Lord our God with all our hearts, with all our souls, with all our minds and with all our strength." (Matthew 12:30) And we will "love our neighbors as we love ourselves." (Mark 12:11)

On this day we rededicate our lives to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. We will "go into all the world and make disciples of all nations" while teaching obedience to Christ and baptizing according to his command. (Matthew 28:19-20)

We devote ourselves anew to helping people experience God and meaningful life by growing in Christ, giving to others and going to share the good news of God's love.

We believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. He alone is the absolute truth and He is the perfect example of life as God intended in creation. (John 14:6)

We believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and was resurrected on the third day to prove God's power over sin and death. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 20-22)

We believe Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God. He is God incarnate, and we are to imitate His life and follow His example. (John 1:1-14)

We believe the Bible is the written Word of God and is our authority for faith and Christlike living. (2 Timothy 3:16)

As members of the church for which Jesus sacrificed His life, we choose this hour to rededicate our lives to fulfilling God's purpose for the church in this world. (Matthew 28:18-20)

We will make every effort to keep the unity fo the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)

We will speak the truth in love at all times. (Ephesians 4:15)

We will not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths but will build others up with words of encouragement. (Ephesians 4:29)

We will, in accordance with God's Word, "get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger" and will be "kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God has forgiven us." (Ephesians 4:31-32)

When we disagree we will never dishonor one another. We will not be divided in purpose or practice. (1 Corinthians 12:25)

We will be a people who steadfastly "pray and obey." (Ephesians 6:18)

We will pray daily for our leaders in government, both national and local. (Romans 13:1, Hebrews 13:7)

We will pray continually for our brothers and sisters in Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

We will pray steadfastly for family and friends who are not-yet-believers in Jesus Christ. (James 5:16)

We will also pray for our enemies. (Matthew 5:44)

We will clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

We will be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slower to become angry. (James 1:19)

As members of a rededicated community of faith, we understand, that without exception, we are each called of God and gifted by The Holy spirit to be both ministers and missionaries. (Acts 1:8)

We will minister to one another in Jesus' name and diligently share the good news of God's grace with everyone we meet.

by these words we do solemnly rededicate ourselves this day to be used by God to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ on the earth. We will continue to go "beyond belief" in every area of ministry and mission for Christ.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)

And with this still ringing in our ears we move out into our world, reminded that we are called--as a body and as individuals--to higher purpose every day. Watch out Phoenix!