About US

Who We Are

The Church of the Open Bible in Hardin was established in 1944 and has had a large influence in the community. Our desire is to see the city of Hardin and Big Horn County impacted for the Kingdom of God; however, we realize that we cannot do it alone. Therefore, we are joining with other churches in the area to share the love of Christ with people in our community. We know that we can be more effective in fulfilling our mission by working together as one Church rather than separate individual churches. We are affiliated with the Open Bible Churches denomination headquartered in Des Moines, IA. Open Bible Churches has roots in the 1906 Azusa Street Revival. From the Azusa Street Revival, two other revival movements were formed: Bible Standard Conference, founded in Eugene, OR in 1919, and Open Bible Evangelistic Association, founded in Des Moines, IA in 1932. Similar in doctrine and structure, the two groups amalgamated in 1935 as "Open Bible Standard Churches". Open Bible Churches today is an association of churches and ministers called to serve their communities and the greater Body of Christ. Together, our mission is to globally make disciples, develop leaders, and plant churches. Besides our ministry in the U.S., Open Bible Churches is ministering in 46 countries.

What To Expect

Atmosphere

It is important to us that you feel welcome when you visit. Our desire is to create a place where you feel loved and comfortable, and where you can experience the Presence of God.

Dress

Our dress is casual. However, we do feel it is important to honor God in all we say and do, therefore, we ask that all attire be respectful.

Music

Our style of music is a mix of contemporary and old choruses and hymns. But, regardless of the style, we encourage the congregation to not sing ABOUT God, but to sing TO Him. Our focus is to give God the worship and glory that is due Him.

Message

The Bible is the foundation of our lives as followers of Jesus. Therefore, the message is based on God’s Word and provides instruction on what the Bible says as well as how to apply it to our lives today. Our aim is not just instruction but the transformation of every believer.

Our Mission

The mission of the Church of the Open Bible in Hardin is based upon Jesus’ commandments to his disciples. First, Jesus told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received power from the Holy Spirit to be witnesses (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:1-8). We desire to see all believers baptized with the Holy Spirit and empowered to boldly proclaim the Kingdom of God and perform miracles by the Spirit’s power. The way we fulfill this mission is by following Jesus’ other command to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). Making disciples, however, means more than simply teaching people information about the Kingdom of God. Making disciples includes teaching people how to apply what they are learning to their lives so that they can become Spirit-empowered witnesses to their community and mentor other disciples.

Statement of Faith

The Bible

The Bible - We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the only infallible guide and rule of our faith and practice. (Psalm 119:89; Matthew 24:35; 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16 - 17; 2 Peter 1:19 - 21.)

God

We believe there is one God. In the unity of the Godhead, there are three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection and attribute, fulfilling distinct but complementary roles in the great work of redemption.(Genesis 1:26; Matthew 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 John 5:7.)

The Fall of Mankind

We believe the human race is fallen from its original, created goodness because of the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 1:27, 3:1-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:10, 3:23, 5:12, 5:19.)

The Plan of Redemption

We believe Jesus Christ was the sacrifice God planned from the foundation of the world for the sin of the human race. By shedding His blood and dying on the cross, Jesus made provision for the salvation of all people. Because of our total inability to save ourselves, salvation is by God’s grace alone. It is received by faith with repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. (Isaiah 53:5; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 1:19-20; John 3:3, 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Peter 2:24.)

Water Baptism

We believe water baptism by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is an outward sign of an inward work and is commanded by God following conversion. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4.)

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

We believe the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in every believer at the moment of salvation. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is distinct from salvation, releasing the power of the Holy Spirit through faith. Consistent with biblical accounts, believers should anticipate Spirit-baptism to be accompanied by speaking in tongues and other biblical manifestations. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is given to endue the believer with power from God, to offer an inspired witness for Christ, to lead the believer in a life of holiness, and to equip for a Spirit-filled life of service. (John 7:37-39, 14:16; Acts 1:8, 2:4, 2:38-39, 8:14-17, 10:44-46, 19:6; 1 Corinthians 3:16.)

Spirit-filled Life

We believe every Christian should walk and abide in daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit and experience continual renewing of God's power to live a Spirit-filled life in attitudes, thoughts, speech, and conduct. In order to build up and equip both individual believers and the Church of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts that are to be earnestly desired and exercised in the spirit of love. The fruit of the Spirit to be cultivated in the life of every believer is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (John 15:4, 15:8; Acts 4:31; Romans 8:1, 8:5, 12:1-2, 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 12:7-11, 12:31; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 4:11, 4:30-32, 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22; 1 Peter 1:15, 4:10-11; 1 John 2:6.)

Final Judgment and Hell

We believe there will be a final judgment for all unbelievers. Hell is an actual place of great suffering, bitter sorrow, and remorse reserved forever for the devil and his angels and all whose names are not written in Christ's book of life. (Matthew 13:41-43, 25:41; Mark 9:43-44; Revelation 14:10-11, 20:10-15, 21:7-8.)

Heaven

We believe heaven is an actual place of happiness and security where believers will dwell forever with God and receive the reward of their deeds done while on earth. (John 14:2; 1 Corinthians 2:9, 3:10-15; Revelation 7:15-17, 21:4, 22:5.)

Evangelism and Mission

We believe the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ commands us to carry the gospel message to the entire world - to every nation, ethnicity, culture, and language. The growth and strength of the Church depend on its wholehearted sacrifice and support for world evangelization. (Psalms 2:8; Proverbs 11:30; Matthew 9:38; Mark 16:15; John 4:35-37; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 5:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-2; James 5:20; Revelation 5:9.)