Invitation
Wherever Jesus went, people tried to get close to Him. Parents brought their little children. People in need of healing struggled to touch Him. Crowds gathered close to hear Him teach. People believed being close to Jesus would make things better. Our purpose as a church is to lead people closer to Jesus. This is a need we all have in common–regardless of our age, lifestyle, social status, time in the church or time out of the church. Find ways you can draw closer to Jesus. Reach out and take someone with you on the journey.
Stat-Free Living
Jesus was clear when asked, which is the greatest commandment? He answered, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and the next greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. This is simple to say, but not always easy to do. Jesus also provided a way we can know if we are on track. He says in Matthew 25:45, “Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” How we treat the least of people is how we treat our King.
Building Blocks 1
Our church operates with a series of core values that dictate our actions. We make sure everything we do is based on the Bible. We are determined to take bold actions when God spurs us to move and keep a focus on God’s overall kingdom when making decisions. Those core values basically can be boiled down to two words–accountability and growth. As a church we are accountable to God and His word. We work together as a community of believers to grow closer to Jesus and bring others closer to Him.
Building Blocks 2
A modern issue we see in some churches today is the fact that modern culture seems to be influencing the church instead of the church influencing our culture. The Word of God and His truth have not changed. Nowhere did Jesus command us to alter our way of thinking or beliefs to be contrary to God’s truth and how it applies to us. Hebrews 13:8 says: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” As followers of Christ, we need to make sure we are holding to biblical truth and ensuring that we do not change it.
Slaying the Monster
“Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” (Warner) Adults and children alike need this simple message of love because we are afraid. What are we afraid of? Well, to name a few-pain, the unknown, illness, failure, rejection, loneliness, embarrassment and death. Rick Warren writes, “Fear is a self-imposed prison that will keep you from becoming who God intends for you to be.” Trusting in Jesus is the antidote to fear and will guard your hearts and minds. Jesus is generous when we trust him; He will pour out His peace on us. Praise God!
Wise Living
Ephesians 5:17 says, “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” Simple, isn’t it? We find out what the Lord wants us to do and we do it. Discerning the will of God is the hard part for most of us. We’re willing to obey but how do we know what we need to do? You know He loves you enough to die for you, but did you know He also loves you enough to talk with you? Be open to His will. As Priscilla Shirer wrote, “It takes practice. It only gets easier with practice.”