The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18
Our highest values are:
1. To Worship Him – The highest call of the believer is to worship God. Exodus 8:20 'This is what the LORD says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. Luke 4:8 Jesus answered, "It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only."
2. To Study & Understand the Living Word of God – The Bible is the sole basis for our teaching as it is the “inspired Word of God. The Bible must not be used to control, condemn and manipulate people. Jesus said “the letter kills but the Spirit gives life” & the words that I speak are Spirit & life.” 2 Tim. 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 “and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
3. To Love Him & One Another - Matt. 22:36-40 Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
4. To Fulfill the Great Commission through evangelism - church planting & making “Jesus Style” disciples who teach what he taught & do what He did. Matthew 28 "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Jesus never came to start a religion and religion never liked Jesus
(The sinners loved Jesus and the Pharisees hated Jesus)
Religion vs. Relationship with Jesus Christ
Religion can be very different than having a Relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Religions are man made, and are based on trying to get to God through rules, regulations and works. Man made religions all are based on people's efforts at reaching God and being made right with Him through their own efforts. God's plan for man's salvation and for being right with Him is told throughout the Bible, in the Old Testament and the New Testament. God's plan is not based on people's efforts and good works, but is based on His amazing Love and amazing Grace for us; His plan involved His precious Son Jesus paying the price and cost for our sins on the cross. You need to put ALL of your trust and faith in Jesus and in what He did for us on the cross, and not in any religion or in your own efforts. Simply put all of your trust and faith in Jesus, and accept His gift of salvation and eternal life, and experience the joy of having a right RELATIONSHIP of love with God.
Religion means a return to bondage in order to please a deity (Self Effort, Works)
Goal: reach out to God; try to work your way into heaven
Means: diligent service & works, with hopes of a reward (heaven)
Power: good, honest effort through self-determination
Control: self-motivation and self control
Results: apathy, failure, chronic guilt, eternal separation from God
Salvation through Faith in Jesus Christ
(Personal Relationship)
Goal: trust fully in Jesus, then live to please Him
Means: confess sins, repent, yield self to Jesus
Power: the Holy Spirit does God's work in and through us
Control: allow the Holy Spirit to control & direct our lives
Results: love, joy, peace, freedom, power eternal life in heaven
"Man's way to reach God is religion; God's way to reach man is Jesus."
"Religion tries to change you on the outside, whereas Jesus changes you in the inside"
"I (Jesus) am the way, the truth, and the life. No one may come to the Father except through me." John 14:6
"For by grace are you saved, through faith; and this not of your own, it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
