Among our three areas of focus, the Word of God stands apart, as a bride stands apart from the bridal party. We believe that faithfulness to the Holy Scriptures cannot be a peripheral focus for HRF in 2023. But it does beg the question: Why should we put such an emphasis on the Word in a church that historically has held a high view of Scripture from the beginning? In a word: Jesus
Our spiritual life is intimately and necessarily rooted in Jesus. Our calling and spiritual life are contingent on abiding in Christ and the Word of God is a vital part of that connection (John 15:1-12). So, let’s look briefly at three reasons why the Word must remain central to HRF as we exalt Jesus together.
First, we see that Jesus, his personage and redeeming work, is found In the Word. While it is not the only way to experience Jesus, it is the only perfect, inerrant, and wholly trustworthy source by which we know Jesus. Just as Jesus is the full expression of God (Col 1:15), the Scripture expresses Jesus, the living Word. The Apostle John made a strong theological connection between Jesus and the Word of God in both his Gospel (chapter 1) and in Revelation (19:13), claiming that Jesus is the “Word made flesh.” Therefore, to know Jesus we must know his Word. How foolish would it be for a church who claims to follow Christ and love the Gospel to daily neglect the true source of all God wanted to say about his Son and his work. Even Jesus himself claims that all of Scripture testifies of him (John 5:39). Therefore, if we desire to know Jesus in 2023, we must cling to the Word.
Second, if we are to reflect Jesus’ heart, we must have a love and devotion to the Scriptures as he did. Everything that Jesus said was profound. Have you ever thought about that? Everything that he said was deep and true and real. Yet, Jesus daily called upon and quoted the Scriptures when he spoke. Jesus’ words were adorned with the Holy Words. It was his food and drink (Luke 4:1-3). Without a doubt, Jesus’ love for the Father was evident in his love for the Word. God’s Word was never burdensome to Jesus, and so it must not be for his people either (1 John 5:1-3). Therefore, if we desire to reflect Jesus in 2023, we must cherish the Word.
Third, we become like Jesus, through the Word. Reymond states in his Systematic Theology that Scripture is “the most important means of grace available to the church.” Likewise, we confess that the Spirit primarily uses the Word of God to change believers into the image of Jesus (2 Cor 3:18). 2 Timothy 3:16 states, that the Word is wholly sufficient to equip us with all we need, in all situations, to become mature and complete, i.e. Christlike. It trains, reproves, teaches, and corrects. It even wounds for our own good and refinement (Heb 4:12). God is serious about our sanctification, and uses the Word to accomplish this transformation. Therefore, if we desire to become like Jesus in 2023, we must submit to the Word.
In light of these three reasons, we want the Word of God to continue to pervade in all that we do as a body at HRF:
Preaching of the Word will be the focal point of our Sunday services, along with public Scripture reading, Scripture commanded sacraments, and Scripture-rich music.
Institutes will seek to expose the whole counsel of God to all ages- from elementary school students to adults, Old and New Testaments.
HRF Kids teachers will continue to teach Bible stories, memorize and sing verses to infants and preschoolers, even before they can comprehend it fully.
Our pastoral counseling will rely heavily on the belief that Scripture not only has the needed answers, but is the key to true growth and restoration of lives and relationships.
We will strive to take the Good News to our neighbors and support the preaching of the word across the world.
We will encourage Men and Women to meet together for deeper bible study monthly.
Community groups and discipleship groups will seek to apply Scripture in a more nuanced, practical, and personal way throughout the week.
If our purpose as a church is to display the character of God, through the people of God, for the glory of God, then can we possibly hope to accomplish this mission apart from a renewed, vibrant commitment to the Word of God? We think not.
Let us seek to passionately commit ourselves to knowing Jesus, reflecting Jesus, and becoming like Jesus, as revealed in God’s Word. Therefore, the elders ask you to join us in prayerfully committing ourselves afresh to the Word of God this year, eager to see what the LORD will do inside of us, our church, and our community!
By His Grace,
HRF Elders