Vision

We exist to help people know God.

John 17:3

And this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

Eternal life is knowing God

Knowing God is possible

Jeremiah 29:13

You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.

God can be found

John 15:15

I have called you friends.

friends - a deep, close, personal, intimate comrade.

Philippians 3:8

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

Mission

Practicing the way of Jesus.

2 Corinthians 3:18

We are to be being transformed into [Christ’s] likeness

Romans 8:29

God Predestined [all believers] to be conformed to the likeness of His Son.

“Being transformed” refers to the process.
“Conformed” refers to the finished product.

We’re on a journey to become like Jesus!

4 Pursuits:

• The presence of God
• Transformational discipleship
• Kingdom community
• Sacrificial mission

God has more.

God has MORE.

Ephesians 3:20

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

When Jesus changes people, those people begin to impact a city.

Matthew 5:14-16

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

A city on a hill represents:

• Protection
• Provision
• Prosperity
• Perspective
• Prominence

All these P’s speak to hope!

Light gives you hope

Light always displaces darkness

The moment the light comes on, darkness has to give way.

John 1:5

The Light shines in the darkness. The darkness has never been able to put out the Light.

Your presence, carrying the presence of Jesus, changes the environment.

Church - ekklesia - an assembly, a gathering, a people called together.

Our light is really Jesus shining through us.

John 9:5

While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

We reflect the light of the Son. He is the source and we are the reflection.

What does my life say about the Jesus I claim to follow?

Matthew 5:16

Your light must shine before people IN SUCH A WAY that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Jesus can be the light, but we can put filters over that light.

How do we live into this?

John 13:34–35

Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.

We shine by loving like Jesus.

How did Jesus love us?

He served. He forgave. He showed mercy. He had compassion. He moved toward hurting people. He laid down His life for others.

Matthew 5:3-12

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.
Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven…

Matthew 5:14

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

A transformed life makes the light of Jesus visible.