Practicing what we preach is vital. James warned his readers against living a life each weekday that doesn’t mesh with the image presented on Sunday: “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless” (James 1:26). The fact of the matter is that if you profess to be a Christian but do not live a changed life than you should take no comfort in your faith. This is why John wrote, “We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands” (1John 2:3).

One purpose of the local church is to help believers not just think rightly about God with their mind and feel rightly about God with their heart but actually follow God with their feet. This is why Third Avenue has what we call a Church Covenant. A “covenant” is simply an agreement and this covenant is how we agree to live together as members of a local church. In other words, we “agree” to take responsibility for each other’s spiritual health and well-being.

If you have ever been involved in a church then you know that relating to others can be hard. Sometimes we don’t want to love others; sometimes we don’t feel loved by others. We live in a fallen, sinful world—and there is sin in the church. Nonetheless, by God’s grace and for his glory we will strive to be a community that is committed to loving him by loving one another and a community that is committed to serving him by serving one another.

If you are a member of Third Avenue, take a few moments to remind yourself of our Church Covenant. As you read these words consider how, this week, you can practically live out this “agreement” in the life of our local church.

Third Avenue Baptist Church Covenant (Doc.)
Third Avenue Baptist Church Covenant

As we trust we have been brought by divine grace to embrace the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the influence of His Spirit to give ourselves up to Him, so we do most solemnly covenant with each other, that God enabling us: (John 1:11-12; Matt. 28:19-20)

We will walk together in brotherly love (John 13:34-35);

That we will exercise a Christian care and watchfulness over each other, and faithfully warn, rebuke, and admonish one another as the case shall require (2Tim 2:15; 1Cor. 5:1-2; Heb. 3:12-14);

That we will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, nor omit the great duty of prayer both for ourselves and for others; (Heb. 10:24-25; 1Cor. 11:23-26; James 5:16)

That we will participate in each other’s joys, and endeavor with tenderness and sympathy to bear each other’s burdens and sorrows; (Gal. 6:2; James 2:14-17)

That we will earnestly endeavor to bring up such as are or may be under our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; (Titus 2:1-6; Deut. 6:4-7)

That we will seek divine aid to enable us to walk circumspectly and watchfully in the world, denying ungodliness and every worldly lust; (Eph. 5:15-21; 1Pet. 2:11-12; 1John 2:15-17)

That we will strive together for the support of a faithful evangelical ministry among us;(Phil. 1:27; 1Cor. 15:58)

That we will endeavor by example and effort to win souls to Christ; (Acts 1:8; Matt. 4:19; 5:12-16)

And through life amidst evil report and good report seek to live to the glory of Him who has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. (Col. 1:11-14; Gal. 1:1-5)