Hartsville Presbyterian Church - Contact Information




What We Believe We believe what the Bible says about the Gospel and salvation: "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have *eternal life" (John 3:16). You can have an intimate relationship with God now, and be sure you will live with Him in heaven forever. You may read in "How do I receive eternal life?" about how God's presence in your life produces peace so you may properly relate to God, other persons, yourself and our world; purpose as you understand God's desires for your life; and the power to do all you were put in this world to accomplish. If you have questions about us or the Gospel: Speak to our pastor today, or Visit the Pastor after our worship service, or Call the church offices at 260-3208, or E-mail us at Pastor@HartsvillePCA.org Westminster Confession and Catechisms* The final authority for the faith and life of an historic Reformed Presbyterian church is the Bible. The Bible is a large book, however, and there are different interpretations of its message, even among evangelical Protestant Christians. For that reason, it is not sufficient to simply declare that we believe the Bible is the Word of God. There is a need for summary statements of its teachings, which, although subordinate to the Bible itself, set forth the teachings of the Bible. While most churches may have a simple, short, statement of faith, the statement of faith of Hartsville Presbyterian Church is The Westminster Confession of Faith with its Larger and Shorter Catechisms. The Westminster Assembly of Divines, convened by the English Parliament in 1643, completed the Confession of Faith, Shorter Catechism and Larger Catechism in 1647. These documents have served as the doctrinal standards, subordinate to the word of God, for Presbyterian and other churches around the world. All men in leadership positions at Hartsville Presbyterian Church must hold fast to this Confession as a summary statement of the truths of Scripture. These are the doctrinal standards for Hartsville Presbyterian Church: The Westminster Confession of Faith: The First General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, (December 4-7, 1973) adopted the Westminster Confession of Faith, the Larger Catechism and the Shorter Catechism as the doctrinal standards of the Church. (You may also wish to look at the Westminster Confession of Faith with historical notes, maintained by the Presbyterian Church in America.) Westminster Larger Catechism: The Westminster Larger Catechism was completed in 1647 by the Westminster Assembly and continues to serve as part of the doctrinal standards of many Presbyterian churches. Westminster Shorter Catechism: The Westminster Shorter Catechism was completed in 1647 by the Westminster Assembly and continues to serve as part of the doctrinal standards of many Presbyterian churches. (You may also wish to review the Westminster Shorter Catechism Project, sponsored by Bible Presbyterian Church for in-depth commentary on the Shorter Catechism with notes by Thomas Boston, James Fisher, John Flavel, Thomas Watson, John Whitecross and others.) Summary of Our Beliefs WHAT WE BELIEVE Presbyterian Church in America WE BELIEVE - the Bible is the written word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and without error in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the revelation of God’s truth and is infallible and authoritative in all matters of faith and practice. WE BELIEVE - in the Holy Trinity. There is one God, who exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. WE BELIEVE - that all are sinners and totally unable to save themselves from God’s displeasure, except by His mercy. WE BELIEVE - that salvation is by God alone as He sovereignly chooses those He will save. We believe His choice is based on His grace, not on any human individual merit, or foreseen faith. WE BELIEVE - that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who through His perfect life and sacrificial death atoned for the sins of all who will trust in Him, alone, for salvation. WE BELIEVE - that God is gracious and faithful to His people not simply as individuals but as families in successive generations according to His Covenant promises. WE BELIEVE - that the Holy Spirit indwells God’s people and gives them the strength and wisdom to trust Christ and follow Him. WE BELIEVE - that Jesus will return, bodily and visibly, to judge all mankind and to receive His people to Himself. WE BELIEVE - that all aspects of our lives are to be lived to the glory of God under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.