Vision

This document was expounded in a series of sermons.

Since we believe that "the knowledge of the glory of the Lord will fill the earth as the waters cover the bottom of the sea" (Ac 2:14) and have found full joy in Him, we are committed to:

• Glorifying the presence of the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, loving him, celebrating him in Spirit and truth, obeying him, and rejoicing in his aseity, magnificence, holiness, righteousness, beauty, grace, and love (Ps 92:2; Mk 12:29-30; Rev 19:4-5; Ps 150);

• To develop a life that confesses the once-for-all faith handed down to the saints, obeying Scripture, to grow in integrity, grace and holiness; in new relationships as God's people, in passion for Christ in prayer and development by the Holy Spirit (Jude 3; Col 1:28; Jn 13:34-35; Mt 20:25-28; Fl 2:3-7);

• proclaiming God's love, namely, that the Creator of heaven and earth has revealed himself in the infallible Word of God, and the good news that, despite man's actual perdition through covenant breaking, God sent his only Son to restore the covenant, heal the brokenness and make disciples (Mt 28:18-20; Gen 1:1; Acts 1:8; Rom 1:16; 2Ti 4:1-2);

• To edify God's people by encouraging the manifestation of the Spirit's unity among all true believers on the basis of the gospel, fostering cooperation in truth and love (Acts 2:42-47; Eph 4:11-13; Rom 14:19; Fl 3:16);

• exalting the Son of God by living in him, promoting excellence in our lives and commitment to an alternative culture, proclaiming the whole counsel of God, his lordship and the extension of his kingdom in every aspect of life rejoicing in his expectation until he comes (Fl 1:20; 2:9-11; Rev 17:14; Rom 10:9; Rev 21:1-4).

The particular spiritual gifts God has given to our church, the context in which it has developed, the challenges it faces, the resources it can draw on, and the limitations within which we operate have all contributed to giving it its own distinctiveness. Instead of aiming for the multiplication of activities, we have chosen to remain focused on a few specific axes. This allows our church to prioritize certain goals. Focusing on certain aspects of ministry helps make it more likely that we will collaborate with other churches for other needs.

This is a challenging though airy perspective, absorbing though full of fragrance. By believing all that the Bible teaches, as it is God's teaching; by obeying all that the Bible commands, as it is God's commandment; by placing trust in all that the Bible promises, as it is God's promise, we desire to contribute to the extension of God's kingdom until "the knowledge of the glory of the Lord will fill the earth as the waters cover the bottom of the sea."