If it walks like a duck, and sounds like a duck, and looks like a duck… it is probably a duck! Well, how can you identify a church? How does a church walk? Look? Sound? Act? What qualities do you see when you say… “It’s probably a church!”
Hebron strives to be a biblically-based, Christ-centered community of disciples, a Reformed, (classically) evangelical church in the Presbyterian tradition, worshipping, growing, and serving Christ in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh and beyond.
Some weeks ago we began a sermon series built on the idea that our Redeemer uses the Scriptures to shape and mold the church in particular ways. What traits should we have, what characteristics should show if indeed we are God’s people, worshipping and serving Him? I believe this is vitally important for Hebron as we become EPC; to know exactly who we are. To be rock solid in our identity. This will serve as the springboard into what we should be doing and how we go about it.
First, Hebron historically is, and actively strives to be, a Reformed church. “Reformed” identifies Hebron with a certain history, with a certain attitude, and with a distinctive theology. Historically, Hebron is part of the Reformed branch of Christianity; dating back to the 16th Century, there is a tradition, a story of which Hebron is intentionally a part. Our attitude is one of “reformed and always reforming.” That is, Hebron is shaped by the standard, of Scripture, and is always reevaluating ourselves by that standard. And, theologically, we have a robust view of the sovereignty of God, of the depravity of sin, and of the salvific work of grace. “Robust” stresses these ideas because we see them stressed in the Bible.
Question: How do you see our church reflecting these biblical truths? How do these truths impact your daily life as a Christian? Why do you think this matters?
Secondly, Hebron strives to be a (classically) evangelical church. Now, we have to stress the “(classically)” part since the meaning of the term, “evangelical” has shifted so very much. Classically/historically, evangelical describes a Christian movement that stresses five core ideas:
- A common authority in the Bible
- A common core in the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross
- A common experience of conversion and relationship with Jesus
- A common mission in personal evangelism and global outreach
- A common commitment to an active social engagement
Question: To what extent is Hebron pursuing these goals? To what extent are they reflected in your own life as a follower of Christ? Why do you think this matters?
We have a tremendous blessing being a part of this church, and there is much more for God yet to do in our lives individually and in our fellowship together. Please join me in prayer for our congregation—
All to the praise of His glory!
Henry