VII. The World — Our Stewardship and Witness
26. Creation, Stewardship, and the Environment
We believe God created the heavens and the earth, and all creation reflects His glory. Humanity was given the responsibility to care for and cultivate the earth as wise stewards, not owners. We affirm our calling to use and protect God’s creation responsibly, recognizing that the world is entrusted to us for provision and for future generations. Though creation is broken because of sin, we look forward to the day when God will restore all things through Jesus Christ.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:1, 28; Psalm 24:1; Romans 8:19-21; Revelation 21:5**
Expanded Explanation:
Creation itself is the first revelation of God’s glory. The heavens declare His majesty, and the earth displays His craftsmanship (Psalm 19:1). Humanity was placed in the garden not as owners but as caretakers, commissioned to “work it and watch over it” (Genesis 2:15). Stewardship reflects worship — caring for what God has made honors the One who made it.
Sin brought disorder to creation, resulting in decay, disaster, and misuse of the world’s resources (Romans 8:20–22). Yet the command to steward the earth remains. Believers should approach creation with gratitude, humility, and responsibility — conserving what sustains life, cultivating what brings flourishing, and refusing to exploit what God has called good.
Environmental care is not a political issue first; it is a spiritual one. The earth belongs to the Lord (Psalm 24:1), and one day Christ will restore it to perfection. Until then, we manage His creation faithfully as an act of worship and witness to His coming kingdom.
27. Justice, Poverty, and the Value of Work
We believe God cares deeply for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized, and He calls His people to do the same. Work is a gift from God that provides purpose, provision, and a way to serve others. We affirm both our responsibility to care for those in need and the dignity of honest work, knowing that generosity and integrity reflect the heart of God. In all things, we are called to live with compassion, diligence, and gratitude, trusting God as our provider.
Scripture References: Proverbs 14:31; Micah 6:8; Colossians 3:23-24; James 2:14-17**
Expanded Explanation:
God’s concern for justice includes practical compassion for the poor and the marginalized. Throughout Scripture, He defends the cause of the orphan, the widow, and the foreigner (Deuteronomy 10:18). To ignore those in need is to ignore the heart of God (Proverbs 14:31). Followers of Christ are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8).
At the same time, work itself is part of God’s design. It was given before the fall as a means of purpose and stewardship (Genesis 2:15). Through work, we contribute to the good of others and reflect God’s creativity. The dignity of work reminds us that every honest vocation can honor God when done with excellence and integrity (Colossians 3:23–24).
Justice and compassion are not opposites—they are partners. The Church’s mission is to meet both spiritual and physical needs, empowering people toward wholeness rather than dependency. Generosity, when guided by wisdom, displays the gospel and declares that God alone is our provider and sustainer.
28. Wealth, Possessions, and Generosity
We believe everything we have comes from God and is entrusted to us to use for His glory. Earthly wealth and possessions are temporary, but they become eternal investments when used to bless others and advance God’s kingdom. We affirm the call to live with contentment and gratitude, practicing wise stewardship and joyful generosity. It is more blessed to give than to receive, and we gladly offer our time, talents, and treasures to the Lord.
Scripture References: Malachi 3:10; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Acts 20:35**
Expanded Explanation:
Stewardship begins with recognizing that everything we own ultimately belongs to God (Psalm 24:1). Wealth is not evil, but it is a trust that tests the heart. Jesus warned that we cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Possessions become dangerous when they possess us, yet powerful when used for God’s purposes.
Generosity is the antidote to greed. Giving aligns our hearts with heaven, storing treasure where moth and rust cannot destroy (Matthew 6:19–21). Whether through tithing, offerings, or acts of charity, believers express faith by releasing what they have to bless others. Paul reminds us that God loves a cheerful giver, not because He needs our resources, but because giving forms our character (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Wise stewardship combines contentment and purpose. We work diligently, spend responsibly, and give generously, knowing that the measure of our life is not what we keep but what we invest in eternity.
29. Tithes and Offerings
We affirm that the tithe—the first tenth of our income—is faithfully brought to the local church, without designation, as an act of worship, obedience, and trust in God. Offerings are given above the tithe as expressions of generosity to support specific needs, initiatives, and the advancement of God’s mission.
Scripture References: Malachi 3:10; Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 6:21; Acts 11:29; 2 Corinthians 9:7**
Expanded Explanation:
While all that we have belongs to God and is entrusted to us as stewards, Scripture gives clear guidance for how believers practice faithful giving. The tithe—the first tenth—is consistently presented as belonging to the Lord and is to be brought into the storehouse, understood as the local church, where it supports the ongoing ministry and mission of God’s people (Malachi 3:10). Giving the tithe is an act of obedience and trust, placing God first and acknowledging Him as our provider (Proverbs 3:9–10).
We believe the tithe is given without designation, entrusted to the church to steward wisely according to God’s leading and the collective discernment of the church’s financial leadership. This reflects both biblical pattern and practical unity, allowing the church to function effectively in fulfilling its mission.
Offerings, given above the tithe, are expressions of generosity that may be directed toward specific needs or initiatives, as seen throughout Scripture—whether supporting God’s work, responding to urgent needs, or advancing the mission of the gospel (Exodus 35:21–29; Ezra 1:4; Nehemiah 2:8; Acts 11:29; 2 Corinthians 8–9; Philippians 4:15–18). At the same time, we recognize that all financial gifts are most effective when undesignated and entrusted to the Lord and to the spiritual leadership of the church for faithful stewardship and the greatest kingdom impact.
Giving is not merely a financial practice but a spiritual act of worship that reflects the heart. Scripture calls believers to give willingly, cheerfully, and sacrificially, not under compulsion, but as an overflow of gratitude for God’s grace (2 Corinthians 9:7). Through faithful tithing and generous offerings, believers participate in God’s work, support the local church, and invest in eternal impact.
30. Science, Technology, and Faith
We believe all truth is God’s truth, and that science and technology, when rightly understood, can reveal the wisdom and majesty of our Creator. Faith and reason are not enemies but partners in the pursuit of truth. We affirm the call to use knowledge and innovation responsibly, guided by humility and integrity, for the good of humanity and the glory of God. Our ultimate hope is not in human achievement but in Christ, who is the source of all wisdom.
Scripture References: Psalm 19:1-2; Proverbs 2:6; Colossians 1:16-17; James 1:5**
Expanded Explanation:
Science and faith both seek truth — one explores God’s creation, the other His revelation. When rightly understood, they complement rather than contradict each other. The physical laws that science discovers were spoken into existence by the same God who inspired Scripture (Colossians 1:16–17).
Human innovation reflects the creative image of God, yet it must remain under His authority. Knowledge without humility can become dangerous. Technology, though powerful, must serve love, justice, and life rather than pride or profit. Believers are called to engage in science, medicine, and technology with integrity, seeking solutions that uphold human dignity and care for creation.
Faith and reason are both gifts from God. True wisdom is not found in human progress alone but in reverence for the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). As we explore creation and harness knowledge, we remember that our hope is not in invention but in redemption—the restoration of all things through Christ.
31. Christ, Government, and Politics
We believe Jesus Christ is King over all nations, and our ultimate allegiance belongs to Him alone. Earthly governments are established by God to promote justice and peace, and believers are called to honor and pray for those in authority. While we engage in civic life with integrity and truth, the Church is not bound to any political party or ideology. Our hope is not in politics but in Christ and His kingdom, which will endure forever.
Scripture References: Romans 13:1-2; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Philippians 3:20; Isaiah 9:6-7**
Expanded Explanation:
God ordains government as part of His common grace—to restrain evil, promote order, and preserve justice (Romans 13:1–4). Christians should respect authority and pray for leaders, recognizing that God can work through even imperfect systems (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Yet our ultimate allegiance is to a higher kingdom—one that is not of this world (John 18:36).
Engaging in public life is part of our witness, but the Church must not confuse the kingdom of God with any earthly agenda. Political ideologies shift; Christ’s reign does not. We are called to speak truth to power, defend righteousness, and model civility and compassion in every discussion.
When believers act with integrity, justice, and humility in civic matters, they shine as salt and light in a divided world. Our hope rests not in elected leaders but in the coming King whose government will know no end (Isaiah 9:7).
32. Religious Liberty and Freedom of Conviction
We believe genuine faith cannot be forced, for God alone is Lord of the conscience. Religious liberty is a gift from God that allows His people to worship, serve, and live according to His Word. We affirm the freedom of all people to seek and follow God without coercion, and the Church’s right to believe and teach according to Scripture. While we honor governing authorities, we will obey God above all when human commands conflict with His Word.
Scripture References: Acts 5:29; Romans 14:5; Galatians 5:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17**
Expanded Explanation:
Religious liberty flows from the nature of God Himself. He does not force worship but invites it through love and conviction. True faith cannot be imposed by law or government; it must arise from a willing heart transformed by grace.
This freedom is both a human right and a spiritual responsibility. Christians honor governing authorities (Romans 13:1) yet must also discern when obedience to God requires civil disobedience (Acts 5:29). The Church must be free to teach, preach, and live according to Scripture—even when doing so conflicts with cultural norms or political pressure.
Protecting religious liberty is not about privilege but about mission. When believers live faithfully in the public square, they defend the dignity of conscience for all people, ensuring that the gospel can continue to be proclaimed freely until Christ returns.