Watch Pastor Jeff’s foundational sermons on this topic: click here.
As we continue to fight the notion that church is complicated and boring, we have distilled the entire teaching of the Bible into four core elements. The Old Testament teaches these things. Jesus taught these things. The Bible expresses them in metaphor, command, and values. Expressed as Values, they are: Put God First, Live in Community, Grow Like Jesus, and Serve in Ministry.
Expressed in metaphor, they are as follows:
Air // God is my air.
GOD IS MY AIR: In every aspect of my life, God comes first. His Word is my only authority. His Son is my only Salvation. His glory is my greatest desire. I give him the first of my every opportunity.
We put GOD at the top of every list, and we let him speak for himself. If he says something in the Bible, then we believe it and work to follow it. If he doesn’t say something in the Bible then we tread with great caution and do not put words in his mouth that he hasn’t spoken.
More than all other things, we want to get in touch with our Creator and experience the real presence of GOD in our lives every day, and we recognize his son JESUS, who died for us, as the only way to know him.
Jesus 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.’ — Matt 22:37-38
Gen 2:7 :: Acts 17:28-31
Fire // God’s Family Fuels my Fire
GOD’S FAMILY FUELS MY FIRE: The Spirit dwells in me but his power is revealed in community. I intentionally prioritize Christian relationships because I have something to give and something to receive.
We believe GOD has created us for healthy relationships. Just as many coals together keep a fire going and solitary coals go cold, we are committed to supporting one another as we all seek to get closer to GOD.
[Jesus:] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:34-35
Matt 22:39-40 :: Acts 2:1-4 :: Gal 6:10 :: 1 Th 5:19 :: Eph 4
Earth // I am God’s Earth.
I AM GOD’S EARTH: God is creating me. I started as dust, but I’m becoming like Jesus. I rejoice in trials and hardships because Christ suffered for me, and I am a living sacrifice transformed by the truths of God.
We all have a next step to take.
Since JESUS is our model for life, we strive every day to become more like him. We want to demonstrate his love for people, his patience with the weak, his opposition to the arrogant, and his power to change people’s lives for the better. We have a long way to go, so we value the process of growth.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. — Rom 8:29
Rom 12:1-2 :: Gen 1:27, 2:7 :: 2 Cor 4:7-10 :: Matt 16:24
Water // The World Needs My Water
THE WORLD NEEDS MY WATER: I have the Living Water in me. Infinite refreshment is mine in Christ. I unlock it in me when I give it to others. I eagerly risk embarrassment to offer others the Living Water of Jesus.
We know that GOD has given each of us gifts, talents, and abilities, and that it is our responsibility to use them for the benefit of others. We put a lot of emphasis in helping people find fulfillment in life by serving others.
[Jesus:] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:19-20
[Jesus:] You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. — John 15:16
[Jesus:] Freely you have received, freely give. — Matthew 10:8b
[Paul:] We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. — 2 Corinthians 5:20a
Prov 11:25 :: John 4:1-41 :: Matt 10:42
