In the final entry of our Visions and Values series, Johnny reminds us of how God called the Israelites to care for the land of Babylno during their time of exile. Although Babylon was not their eternal home, it was their home for the present, and they were meant to make it a home that honors God with their conduct. They made friends, they invested in their neighborhoods, and they gave their daughters to be married- God did not want them to stay in tents and ignore the world they were exiled in. Instead, they were called to seek Babylon’s shalom.

In this installment of our series on CCV’s visions & values, Dean introduces a little of what it means for us to be a specifically Anglican church. Born from the reformation, it is essential to our faith that God is actively pursuing us, not just vice versa. At any time, we can draw near to the throne of God. Regardless of our shame or sin, it is always time to draw near to God and confess, and receive his love. In turn, our mission is to send God’s love into the world.

As the next step in our series on CCV’s vision and values, this week Dean takes a look at what it takes to be an extended family. As a church, Jesus wants us to recognize how big the family God is putting together really is. There will be people in the family you find shocking, people who you wouldn’t invite to God’s house. But the gospel is for every heart. Everyone needs saving, everyone needs their soul to be lifted by Jesus. Churches are meant to be places where people of all backgrounds can come together and be formed into one family.

Continuing our new series on CCV’s visions and values, Johnny looks at what it means for the church to be externally focused as Jesus was. Rather than only letting those who were considered clean enough to teach be near him, Jesus actively sought out those whom the Pharisees had totally given up on, and importantly, they sought him out too! As a church, we should work to demonstrate the kind of loving character that attracts those who feel like the religious-types in their lives have given up on them.

Dean walks us through being externally focused in this installment of our new series on CCV’s vision and values. As we explore being individuals in the church, we need to investigate who are identity is rooted in. As Christians, we recognize that the healthiest way to live is by leading a life that recognizes our sin and the humility it should sow, and our forgiveness and the gratitude that flows out of it.

After our sermon series on what it means to be the people of God generally, Johnny begins a new sermon series covering the vision and values of Christ Church Vienna specifically. Today, he covers what it means to be a Gospel-driven church. Being in-step with the Gospel means having a deeper understanding of the fact that it’s not works that save you, but faith in Jesus Christ. Even Peter had to be rebuked by Paul to understand this message, which means its an easy one to forget. Rather than works of the law, which literally refers to the Mosaic law of the Old Testament, a modern Christian turns to their own cultural significance and success as a measure of justification. We can turn what should be something subjective about our lives and turn it into a measuring stick for others. Once we better understand the Gospel’s message of hope for everybody regardless of success or stature, we can better fulfill our role as a church meant for sinners who are looking for God.