Introduction
We exist to see people transformed by Jesus
Transformation happens in relationship with Jesus through discipleship.
Inspiration — Revelation — Integration — Transformation
We create environments that cultivate relationship with Jesus.
Environments: Worship — Community — Serving
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
We create worship environments for people to encounter God and be moved to respond.
Exodus 25:17-22 (ESV)
You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold. Two cubits and a half shall be its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth. And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end. Of one piece with the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends. The cherubim shall spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be. And you shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I shall give you. There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.
In relationships that remain “face to face” in Christ, a sacred space is created for God to reveal Himself to us in unique ways.
John 17:20-23 (ESV)
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
It is “in Christ” face to face relationships that we fulfill Jesus’ prayer to be “one.” It is this oneness that reveals to the world the unique revelation of the love of God in Christ. This is what we are called to. As a church, this is what we are committed to. We will be a people of love who serves one another and the world, conquering the evil by doing good.
Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
We create small group environments that facilitate Christ-centered relationships.
Romans 12:6a (NLT)
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well…
1 Peter 4:8-10 (ESV)
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
We create team environments for people to learn and develop their gifts to serve others.
Ephesians 4:16 (NLT)
He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
John 17:22-23 (ESV)
“The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
Isaiah 61:3b-4 (ESV)
… that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.