Missions

While it-s easy to think and assume that everyone understands what we as a church are trying to do, that everyone understands what our goal and focus is, that may or may not be true. Thus, the point of a vision statement, the point of our vision statement, is to clearly and concisely state what we are about. This is the hope and desire the elders have for our church and for every member in our church. This is the vision toward which all our prayers and striving should be.

What does it mean to be a Christian- What does it mean to be a follower of Christ- These are questions that are becoming increasingly more important to answer publicly with each passing year. Today more than ever there is great confusion as to what it means to be a follower of Christ and to bear the name of Christ.

Many believers-genuine believers-follow Jesus by joining a church and getting involved in ministry, but for worldly reasons, not Christ-centered reasons. But there is only one correct reason to follow Christ, and it is not the reason Peter has in mind.

Baptism is a way of saying to the world, I have died to my old way of life- I have died to sin- I have been crucified with Christ, and now I will live my life for his glory. Thus, for those who profess faith in Christ and have been baptized and continue to live in sin, at best, they do not fully understand the meaning of their baptism or, at worst, they are not actually saved.

Hundreds, possibly thousands, of books and articles have been written, and sermons preached on this passage over the last two-thousand years of Church history. This is because it is incredibly important. This passage and the interpretation of this passage is one of the main differences between Protestants and the Roman Catholic Church. How we understand this passage is one of the main issues that divides us.

Hundreds, possibly thousands, of books and articles have been written, and sermons preached on this passage over the last two-thousand years of Church history. This is because it is incredibly important. This passage and the interpretation of this passage is one of the main differences between Protestants and the Roman Catholic Church. How we understand this passage is one of the main issues that divides us.

Living in the information age, at our fingertips we have access to millions of theological sermons, lectures, books, articles, videos, CD-s, and DVD-s. Some good. Some bad. Some downright dangerous. So how do we wade through it all- How do we safely navigate the many bayous of theological traditions out there- In this passage, Jesus will help us do that.

Summary- The Enlightenment era was a time when -people came to assume that through a judicious use of reason, an unending progress would be possible - progress in knowledge, in technical achievement, and even in moral values-. Through proper education, humanity itself could be altered, its nature changed for the better.- The Enlightenment era, however, of the late 19th century was really a return to the Dark Ages-a return to intellectual darkness and barbarity. What you see on the nightly news is the result of the Enlightenment era. The true Enlightenment for all humanity took place with the coming of Christ.

The Messiah and his kingdom will come to those who are humble and contrite in spirit and tremble at His word. The blessings of the Messiah and his kingdom are not owed to anyone. Yes, the kingdom will be offered to the Jews first, but God does not owe anyone anything. God will respond to those who approach him in humility and faith, those who render to him the reverence and worship he deserves.