INTIMACY WITH GOD DEVELOPED THROUGH PRAYER AND THE WORD.
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it will be done for you. John 15:7
He said to them, ‘…my house will be called a house of prayer…’ Matthew 21:13
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the people of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16 |
AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY AS THE CONTEXT FOR TRANSFORMATION & MISSION.
I urge you to have a walk worthy of your calling, with all humility and gentleness, with patient compassion, bearing with one another in love, striving to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 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.Ephesians 4:15-16 |
THE LIFE OF SERVANTHOOD.
The greatest among you must be a servant. Matthew 23:11
After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. |
ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN GOD’S MISSION IN THE WORLD.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you… Matthew 28:19-20
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. Luke 19:10
By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit… John 15:8
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THE CITY-CHURCH (THE CITY-REACHING POTENTIAL THAT EXISTS WHEN LIKE-MINDED CONGREGATIONS IN AN AREA WORK TOGETHER.)
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity so to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “Father I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. John 17:20-24 |
TAKING THE RISK TO DREAM GOD’S DREAMS.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God… …And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:23-31
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