Knowing God and Making Him Known
The foundation that Harvest began building on over 30 years ago is the same foundation it stands on today. Harvest's buildings look different, its music sounds different, and its methods of ministry even are different. But one thing hasn't changed, and that's Harvest's commitment to knowing God and making Him known.
"We sought to build Harvest Ministries on the formula that the believers of the first century followed in Acts 2:32–47, 'And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. . . . and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved'," says Pastor Greg Laurie. That vision of the first century church helped Harvest Christian Fellowship build a vision for the 21st century church, which is summed up in these words: "Knowing God and making Him known."
Harvest's beginnings were humble. There was no great strategy behind the church plant. Harvest's pastor, Greg Laurie, was a nineteen-year-old hippie who had never pastored a church. Its congregation was a small group of believers looking for hope. But what nineteen-year-old Greg Laurie lacked in experience, he gained in knowing a few biblical principles.
Today, God continues to work through Harvest Christian Fellowship. "Looking back," says Pastor Greg, "I can see God's hand at work from the very beginning. It has always been a part of God's plan for us to know Him and make Him known. I encourage you to do the same."
We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only
infallible, authoritative Word of God. Therefore, our ministry
emphasizes the exposition of God's Word from Genesis to Revelation,
line upon line, precept upon precept.
We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe in the deity of Christ, in His Virgin
Birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and
atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in
His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal
return in power and glory.
We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful
humanity, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential, and that
repentance from sin and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
is the only way to come into a relationship with God.
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life;
we further believe His power and gifts are available to believers today.
We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they who are saved unto the resurrection of life,
and they who are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
We believe it is important to uphold the scriptural practices of the early church.
Therefore, we hold to the practice of water baptism and the regular taking of Communion.
We do not believe that either of these practices is essential for salvation,
but that they serve as a demonstration of our living faith in Christ. |
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