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Christ Covenant International Church

 
   Our virtual church has begun meeting together this month.  We do not look like the church pictured above because we meet where you are. Read our Mission Statement and membership information below.

We may be oceans away from one another, but we are together in spirit and the Lord

 

 We encourage you to share your worship experience with others near you. You may use the sermons and worship information we provide in your homes and fellowships. If you would like to become a member of this church, see below or click here.
   New sermons will be published on this web site each week. Click here to read the Sermon of the Week

Mission Statement


Teaching Christ’s commandments and serving with love in our homes, our relationships, our communities, our nations, and our world.

Description

~Christ Covenant International Church is a Christian church in cyberspace serving an international community of believers who come together in your home to worship the Holy God~

You are Welcome to Membership!

  Join the Christ Covenant International Ministries and become a member of our cyber church. Read our membership vows, and make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life. Click here for more information about joining our church. If you are interested in making a profession of your faith in Jesus Christ, read more about it here.

 As children of God we are all privileged to participate in mission and ministry in the name of our Lord. This web site is a public ministry of the Christ Covenant International Ministries. We have discovered that several thousand people from all over the world are coming to this website each month for nurture and ministry.

  When you have been blessed by this ministry, make a donation to help further our ministry and bless others.

  A Mission and a Ministry

  Unlike many organizations, people are invited to contribute financially to our ministry without becoming a member of our virtual church.

  You are also invited to become a member of our church if you can agree to the membership vows that are presented below. Although there is no requirement for you to contribute financially, you are expected to express your faith where you live: in your relationships, in your home, in your local Christian community, in your nation, in ministries throughout the world. We would love to receive your donations to the Christ Covenant International Ministry and the ministries  of the Network for Pilgrims. Welcome!

 

Statement of Faith

The three persons of the Trinitarian God are living in a way that is not governed by time: Almighty Creator God eternal, Jesus Christ—who existed before humans came into being and walked on earth in the first century, named for his presence—and the Holy Spirit—who proceeds from these and interweaves their being.  I cannot imagine life without God’s presence. God is never and cannot be restricted by gender or other human traits. These three are one and are witnessed in Holy Scripture, on which we continue to rely for revelation. Through human time and every day God lives and guides, hears and responds to all who lift their voices for help. God is almighty, forgiving, faithful, and works constantly with created beings in justice and love.
   God created a way to demonstrate those traits by becoming incarnate and “tenting” among humans in the form of a man, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus was—in some way that humans cannot understand—fully human and fully divine. Jesus explained God’s ways to humans, loved as only God can love, healed, and performed miracles. Jesus demonstrated God’s justice in many ways, showing everyone God’s care for the overlooked and hurting among each generation. Jesus was crucified; he died, and he was resurrected from the dead. By his willing death all our sins are washed away, so that we can live today in God’s presence and spend eternity with our Lord. Because Jesus paid the debt created by human injustice (including our own), humanity is reconciled with God in covenant relationship. Jesus is our advocate today.
   The Holy Spirit moves among us today, teaching, witnessing, guiding, and comforting. The Holy Spirit sustains and guides the church, providing leadership and assurance. We read and proclaim the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit provides the community with insights.

  Humans sin and “come short of the glory of God.” Without God, no good can come. God extends a covenant of grace to all those who listen when God speaks and respond as God has directed. God has provided choices for all people, and also the grace to become aware, to answer God’s call, and to receive God’s forgiveness.

    The Holy Scripture is the unique, inspired, authoritative Word of God and is useful for correction, inspiration, understanding God’s ways, and guidance. It stands as a continuing revelation from God, and the Holy Spirit interprets it to believers. From it we learn about living in covenant relationship with God. The Bible provides inspiration to the church and guides its work in the world today.

    The mission of the church is based on scriptural teachings and the experience of fellow believers. The church is a community of people who are called to make Christ known in the world. By this authority we call one another to be faithful to God and God’s plans in creation. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves and care for the earth as God’s beloved garden. We are called to worship God, discern God’s will, celebrate God’s presence, and serve God in all we do, doing our part to bring justice and peacemaking to the world.

    We celebrate two sacraments in the church: baptism and communion. In baptism we celebrate God’s grace to each person for covenant relationship. During baptism, the congregation renews its covenant to nurture and prepare each individual in their relationship and service to God. When we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, the Holy Spirit reminds the community of all that Christ has done, and we remember the everlasting joy of the unmerited benefits so richly bestowed on us. We are nurtured and inspired to continue our mission in faith—loving and doing justly in mercy until God’s purpose for the world is complete.

Invitation to Join the Christ Covenant International Ministry

Membership Vows

   The Elders of Christ Covenant International Ministries welcome all persons who believe in Jesus Christ into church membership.  Membership in this virtual church is more about connecting to a family of believers that have a passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, than receiving a piece of paper.

   When the elders of Christ Covenant International Ministry reviews requests for church membership from prospective members, they will be asking the following questions about your Christian faith. You are invited to join the Christ Covenant International Ministry if you can answer truly and affirmatively the following questions. 

 

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Trusting in the mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin that separate you from the love of God, and in the name of Jesus Christ, do you renounce the power of evil in the world?

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Do you turn to Jesus Christ, accepting him as your Lord and Savior?

Do you...?

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Will you seek to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, obeying the Word of God in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ through your life and relationships?

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Will you be a faithful member of Christ Covenant Church , sharing in our worship and ministries through your prayers and financial gifts, your study and service as you seek to fulfill your discipleship to Jesus Christ?

Will you...?

 

  Our elders meet periodically to review information about the people who request membership in the Christ Covenant International Ministries. When you decide that you would like to join this fellowship of believers, tell us about yourself and why you would like to be a member of this virtual church and a part of this international ministry.

A New Vision of Membership

Because Christ Covenant International Ministries is a virtual church on the internet, anyone can become a member of this ministry while keeping their membership and staying active in their local church. In fact our elders recommend that every member actively participate in a church in their own community, if possible. We encourage all of you to meet with other Christians whenever you can, remembering that Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered together, there I will be also.” Please use the materials we have provided here, if you wish, to aide you in your worship together. All the elders and staff of the Christ Covenant International Ministries are members of local churches and active in ministry where they live.

 Copy and sign the membership vows above and email or mail it to the address below. You may become a member without making any donation, and people can make donations to this ministry without becoming members.

Christ Covenant International Ministries is a registered non-profit ministry, and all contributions are tax deductible. Make a donation at the time you join or at any time in the future to encourage this church and participate in Christ Covenant International Ministries.

Mail membership information to:
6800 Westgate Blvd. #132-105
Austin , Texas 78745

Be sure to include your email and mailing address. When we receive your membership pledge, we will send a membership certificate to your mailing address. You will also receive a prayer stone with your membership certificate. Let us know if you have a preference of color. Prayer stones are common stones which we have given an valuable mission: to remind us to pray for one another.

If you request a free copy of the Wordless Book for evangelism we will include it with your membership information. For additional copies, contact the Children’s Evangelism Fellowship through their website: www.cef.org

Invitation to Ministry

We join together for worship and praise of our holy, loving God. 
We grow strong in community. 
We go out into our communities and the world to bring love and good news.

 Some ideas for service are listed below

Pray daily for

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Yourself

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Your home and the people in it

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Your family and friends

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People who serve your community: teachers, police, soldiers, statesmen, etc.

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Your local Christian community

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The communities where you live and work

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Your state and nation

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Christ Covenant International Ministries

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Ministries of this web site: Network for Pilgrims, World Christians in America , Singles Network

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Founding Director and Staff of Network for Pilgrims

Spend Time in Your Christian Calling

Worship of our Holy God and Thanksgiving for all God's Benefits

Bible study—learn and grow, share and serve

Fellowship with other Christians—listen and share

Read books, sermons, articles, and novels for Christian growth and learning

Serve others in your community

Give a Tithe
 of your income and accumulated wealth to ministry and mission

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Your local church and community ministries

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Ministries of Network for Pilgrims

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Christ Covenant International Ministries

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World Christians in America Foundation

 The Meaning of Church Membership

“The incarnation of God in life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ gives to the church not only its mission but also its understanding of membership. One becomes an active member of the church through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and acceptance of his Lordship in all of life. Baptism and a public profession of faith in Jesus as Lord are the visible signs of entrance into the active membership of the church. …

 “A faithful member accepts Christ’s call to be involved responsibly in the ministry of his Church. 
Such involvement includes

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Proclaiming the good news

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Taking part in the common life and worship of a particular church

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Praying and studying Scripture and the faith of the Christian Church

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Supporting the work of the church through the giving of money, time, and talents

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Participating in the governing responsibilities of the church

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Demonstrating a new quality of life within and through the church

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Responding to God’s activity in the world through service to others

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Living responsibly in the personal, family, vocational, political, cultural, and social relationships of life

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Working in the world for peace, justice, freedom, and human fulfillment

 “The congregation shall welcome all persons who respond in trust and obedience to God’s grace in Jesus Christ and desire to become part of the membership and ministry of his Church. No persons shall be denied membership because of race, ethnic origin, worldly condition, or any other reason not related to profession of faith. Each member must seek the grace of openness in extending the fellowship of Christ to all persons. Failure to do so constitutes a rejection of Christ himself and causes a scandal to the gospel…

 “Accepting the privilege and responsibility of membership in the church is a commitment to Jesus Christ that binds the individual to fulfillment of the obligations of membership. Members shall regularly review and evaluate the integrity with which they are involved in the ministry of the church and consider ways in which their participation in the worship and service of the church may be increased and made more meaningful.”

 Quoted statements on membership (above) come from the Book of Order, G-5.0100-5.0500

 Ministry Goals

This web site will provide instruction to people who are seeking more information about making a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. We will provide guidance about becoming a new creation through the redemptive gift of Jesus Christ and living more like our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please send us your questions and comments.

Click here for more information about making a profession of faith.

 We urge all members of this ministry and all visitors to this web site to become active members in a local church in your area that teaches from the Bible and encourages people to live as Christ has called us to live. When you realize that Jesus Christ is calling you to become a part of the fellowship of believers, make a public profession of your faith in a Christian community where you live. Have the pastor of your church baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  

Description of Members

 Have you seen pictures from the 1960s of happy Christian families entering the church for worship? They seem to be perfect. Most of the people who participate in the ministries of Christ Covenant International Ministries would not be mistaken for these perfect people. Even though each one of us is precious to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and we usually remember that we have great value, most of us are not very attractive on the outside. Some of us are attractive on the outside, but we have secrets or difficulties that make us anxious or ashamed. All of us sometimes have physical ailments that make it difficult to attend church weekly. Sometimes our emotional health is not dependable enough to greet fellow parishioners. Sometimes our struggles—which are often very real—make it difficult to blend in with other people at church. People sometimes ignore or mistreat us.

Some of us have done something that has hurt someone, and most of us have been hurt by someone very deeply. And so we gather together before the holy God each week—or more often. We confess our sins to God and to one another, and receive assurance of God’s forgiveness. We seek God’s wisdom and guidance and consult with one another and work together for the kingdom of God . We pray together and for one another, and we worship together. We study God’s holy word and use its guidance in our lives. We praise God and give thanks for all we have received. We receive blessings that only God can provide.

Invitation to Stewardship

 The staff of Christ Covenant International Ministries encourages all members and visitors to actively participate in their local Christian congregations if possible. We encourage you to attend worship, read your Bible daily, participate in learning groups, become involved in evangelism (both locally and globally), and participate in local and global ministry to people in need.

 We would like to hear about and see pictures of any ministry in which you are active. Email information and pictures to bonnietexas at hotmail.com or mail them to the address above.

 Remember, Christian stewardship is not a payment to reimburse a debt or meet a financial need but a thankful response to all that God is providing. We give of our time, our money, and our talents. God gives us sunshine and shade, rest and activity, friends and family. The benefits we enjoy through God’s creation are too numerous to mention. Most of all we are thankful for God’s grace, expressed in the word of God, our Bible, the ministry of churches throughout the world, and the possibility of serving in God’s kingdom through acceptance of Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. We are invited to spend eternity with God in heaven.

 We express our thanks to God by Christian service in our communities, helping to support Christian ministry, and telling others about God’s gifts—especially Christ’s invitation to forgiveness and peace. We are also called to return to God a tithe of all that we have received. A tithe is 10% (.1) of all the gifts and money you receive, including the wealth you have accumulated. You can give part of this money to help with the financial support of your local church, the Christ Covenant International Ministries, other ministries through this web site, and other Christian ministries.

 If you would like to make a contribution to Christ Covenant International Ministries, or other ministries sponsored at this web site, please send your check or money order to the following address. 

Mail donations and orders to:
6800 Westgate Blvd. #132-105
Austin , Texas 78745

Be sure to include your email and mailing address. Christ Covenant International Ministries is a registered non-profit ministry, and all contributions are tax deductible. Make a donation at the time you join or at any time in the future to encourage this church and participate in Christ Covenant International Ministries.

 When we receive your donation, we will send an acknowledgement to your mailing address. You will also receive a prayer stone to aid you in prayer for the community or someone you love. Let us know if you have a preference of color.

You may also receive one free copy of the Wordless Book for evangelism if you request it. For additional copies, contact the Children’s Evangelism Fellowship through their website: www.cef.org

   For your purchases or donations, you may also use

 Making a Profession of Faith

The Four Spiritual Laws

The Four Spiritual Laws were written by Christians to describe in very simple terms the relationship between God and people. These principles explain what God has done to provide people with a wonderful life here on earth and the opportunity we have to spend eternity with God.

 Principle One:  God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life.

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God’s Love for you

“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)

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God's Plan

Jesus said: "I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly" (John 10:10)

 But what keeps us from experiencing this wonderful life?

 Principle Two: All of us sin, and our sin has separated us from God.

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     We Are Sinful

"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

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We Are Separated

"The wages of sin is death" [spiritual separation from God]. (Roman 6:23)

 God is holy. When we do what we want, we cannot be close to God.

 Principle Three: Jesus Christ is God's only provision for our sin.
               Through Him we can know and experience God's love and plan for our life.

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Jesus Died in Our Place

"God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

 

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He Rose From the Dead

"Christ died for our sins...He was buried...He was raised on the third day,
according to the Scriptures...He appeared to Peter, then to the twelve.
After that He appeared to more than five hundred..." (1 Corinthians 15: 3-6)

 

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Jesus is the Only Way to God

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; 
no one comes to the Father, but through Me. '" (John 14:6)

 Principle Four:  We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord;
               then we can know and experience God's love and plan for our lives.

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We Must Receive Christ

"As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God,
even to those who believe in His name." (John 1:12)

 

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We Receive Christ Through Faith

"By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves,
it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast." (Ephesians 2: 8-9)

When we believe that Jesus Christ gave his life for our sin, we receive Christ and we become a new creation. God gives us the faith to believe.

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We Receive Christ by Personal Invitation

Jesus said: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice
and opens the door, I will come in to him." (Revelations 3:20)  

Receiving Christ involves turning to God from self (repentance) and trusting Christ to come into our lives to forgive our sins and to make us what God wants us to be. Just to agree intellectually that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he died on the cross for your sins is not enough. Nor is it enough to have an emotional experience. You receive Jesus Christ by faith. You can accept this gift from God today. Right now.

 We can talk to God through prayer. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as with the attitude of your heart. You might pray the following.

 “Dear Jesus, Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. I want you as my Lord and Savior. I need you in my life. I want to serve you and make God’s plan the direction for my life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be.”

 The text for The Four Spiritual Laws, quoted above, was adapted from The Four Spiritual Laws by Dr. Bill Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. © Campus Crusade for Christ. All rights reserved. For more information, visit the web site for Campus Crusade for Christ International: www.ccci.org

 

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Network 4 Pilgrims/Christ Covenant Int'l Ministries
"Inspiring personal transformation since 1995"
Bonnie Meadows, Director
6800 Westgate Blvd. #132-105  Austin, Texas 78745
email: bonnietexas at hotmail.com
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