CORE VALUES
The Word
We believe that the Bible, the written Word of God, is the primary source of revelation that God has given us. Through the Bible we can know God's will and purpose for the world, for the Church, and for our Christian lives. It is also like a mirror, showing us who we are and how we need to change. We strive to live according to Scripture as those who are humbly obedient and open to how the Word adjusts and directs our lives.
2 Timothy 3:15-16, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Psalm 119:105
Christ as Life
Martin Luther (on John 6:68-69) said that the message of the Christian church to itself and to the world is declaring in our hearts that Jesus Christ will satisfy us, and testifying to the world about the satisfaction we have found in Christ alone. Apostle Paul in Romans says that we were united with Christ in His death and resurrection, and now can walk in newness of life. This is a life in Spirit, with Christ as our life. It is only through Christ's life lived out in us that we can testify Christ to others and for God to be glorified.
Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 1:27, 3:4, Galatians 5:25, 1 Corinthians 10:31
One Another
One of the marks of the early church was their love for one another. This was a powerful testimony to the world. Jesus told His disciples that their love for one another would attest to being His disciples. Apostle John goes further by saying that you cannot truly love God unless you love your brother and sister in Christ. In the same way, we hope to have true love displayed among us. Love that is patient, kind, bears, and hopes all things. Love that can only be found in the Lord, who first loved us and gave Himself for us, and causes us to give ourselves on behalf of one another.
John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:7-12, 16-21, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Reaching Out
In the Gospels, Jesus says that the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus's last words to His disciples were that they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. To be a Christian is to be sent out. Whether in the workplace, in our neighborhoods, on our campuses, or a call to go on mission in a new place, we are to be the light of the world and salt of the earth. We are ambassadors of the gospel, both in word and in deed, faithfully and boldly sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
Mark 12:31, Acts 1:8, Matthew 5:14-16, 28:19-20
Pursuing Heart
We believe that salvation is not just a point in time, but a process. We were saved when we received Jesus Christ and were born again, but are still being saved day by day. Apostle Peter tells us that we are to grow up into salvation, and to supplement our faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, etc. to help us know Jesus Christ. Paul said that he counted everything as loss for the sake of knowing Christ, and pressed on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus. We also would like to pursue Christ in this way, to know Him more and to grow in Him.
1 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 1:5-8, 3:18, Philippians 3:8, 13-14
Each has a Portion
One of the prominent descriptions of the Church in the Bible is as the Body of Christ. Just as each part of the human body has a function that is essential to the body, so it is with the Body of Christ. Each believer is given a different gift of grace, and we are called to use that gift to serve one another so that the body can grow and be built up. Whether it be in teaching, serving, exhorting, giving, leading, doing acts of mercy, prophesying, tongues, generosity, administrating, helping, or faith, each of us has a part in the work of ministry.
1 Corinthians 12:4-27, 1 Peter 4:10, Romans 12:3-8, Ephesians 4:16