About in Clay Co.
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We at in Clay Co. in Manchester all still struggle with our own fallenness - daily - despite God's redemptive mercy through Christ. We have been delivered by God's grace from the ultimate penalty of Sin (eternal death), but the scars persist. And we are still sinners - albeit redeemed by God's mercy, and freed from condemnation. So as you come among us, expect to encounter brokenness and sin still on display, and grant us a measure of grace. By God's redeeming mercy we are being gradually drawn towards healing, and we invite you to join us in that journey.
Here at in Clay Co., we believe that good works constitute indispensable evidence of saving grace. Living as salt in a world that is decaying and light in a world that is dark, believers should neither withdraw into seclusion from the world, nor become indistinguishable from it: rather, we are to do good to the city, for all the glory and honor of the nations is to be offered up to the living God. Recognizing whose created order this is, and because we are citizens of God's kingdom, we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, doing good to all, especially to those who belong to the household of God.
About Repentance: Repentance is the commitment to turn away from sin in every area of our lives and to follow Christ, which allows us to receive His redemption and be regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Thus, through repentance we receive God's forgiveness of sins and appropriate salvation.
About Separation of Church and State: We believe that each local church is self-governing, and must be free from interference by any external ecclesiastical or political authority; that every human being is ultimately responsible to God in matters of faith and life; and that each person is free to worship God according to the dictates of his/her conscience. We further believe that governments are established by God; that Christians, as good citizens, should be subject to governing authorities insofar as possible, recognizing our greater allegiance to God and His kingdom in matters wherein human authorities conflict with clear, biblical mandates.