“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Our vision is to be an integral part of bringing unity and vitality back to the body of Christ, sharing our resources, gifts, and talents, helping those in need, and ministering to one another, just as God intended Jesus' bride to be.
All believers in Christ are part of the body of Christ, or body of believers. The whole body of believers is the bride of Christ.
God's intent for the church is to work together as one body. The first century church shared all that they had, broke bread together, helped those in need, and were truly unified as one body- the bride of Christ. And, they added to their numbers daily.
We are here to bring comprehensive care to address all aspects of life that contribute to the places you find yourself, the way Christ intends for His body to function here on earth.
Just like the Acts 2 Church, we will "share" our gifts, talents, resources, and professional callings to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ, discipling as we go, and adding to the body daily.
THE GREAT COMMISSION
"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20
In this passage of Scripture, "going" is a participle, which could be read, "as you go on your way, make disciples".
Jesus did not say we had to learn everything, then go to the other side of the world to make disciples. He is telling us that as we walk our own journey of faith, teach others, even as we are learning.
As we learn, we make disciples, adding to the Church body. The Acts 2 Church is the Foundation of what Jesus intends for His body to be. The Acts 2 Church truly lived life together. They were unified, and helped each other, sharing their finances and material possessions. Two thousand years later, the Church looks quite a bit differently. Our Vision is to return to the Founding Principles of the Acts 2 Church.
"The community continually committed themselves to learning what the apostles taught them, gathering for fellowship, breaking bread, and praying. Everyone felt a sense of awe because the apostles were doing many signs and wonders among them. There was an intense sense of togetherness among all who believed; they shared all their material possessions in trust. They sold any possessions and goods that did not benefit the community and used the money to help everyone in need. They were unified as they worshiped at the temple day after day. In homes, they broke bread and shared meals with glad and generous hearts. The new disciples praised God, and they enjoyed the goodwill of all the people of the city. Day after day the Lord added to their number everyone who was experiencing liberation." Acts 2:42-47
The modern day body of Christ no longer works as unified body, and in many ways, has become emaciated, broken, handicapped, and irrelevant. God tells us:
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to Me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children." Hosea 4:6
“When the followers of Jesus clothe the naked and feed the hungry, they are joining God in His kingdom work to repair the world. When they take in widows and orphans and speak out against national and personal evils, they are meeting evil head-on under His gentle reign. When they sell their possessions or live among human traffickers in order to rescue sex slaves, they are partners with God in denouncing these vile acts and putting things right. Ultimately, God will put an end to evil and all its manifestations; until then, the church has plenty to do.”
the End Times bride of Christ will become a thriving, emboldened force to be reckoned with
in these last days.
We are here to bring comprehensive care to address all aspects of life that contribute to the places you find yourself, the way Christ intends for His body to function here on earth. Just like the Acts 2 Church, we will "share" our gifts, talents, resources, and professional callings to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ, discipling as we go, and adding to the body daily.
One Body with Many Members
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
"Peter was pleading and offering many logical reasons to believe. Whoever made a place for his message in their hearts received the baptism; in fact, that day alone, about 3,000 people joined the disciples. The community continually committed themselves to learning what the apostles taught them, gathering for fellowship, breaking bread, and praying. Everyone felt a sense of awe because the apostles were doing many signs and wonders among them. There was an intense sense of togetherness among all who believed; they shared all their material possessions in trust. They sold any possessions and goods that did not benefit the community and used the money to help everyone in need. They were unified as they worshiped at the temple day after day. In homes, they broke bread and shared meals with glad and generous hearts. The new disciples praised God, and they enjoyed the goodwill of all the people of the city. Day after day the Lord added to their number everyone who was experiencing liberation." Acts 2:40-47
2. To challenge the body of Christ to work together, sharing what we have and what we do, using the gifts and talents we have each been given by the Lord to bring health and vitality back to the church body as a whole. This enables us to further God’s Kingdom, for the glory of Jesus.
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
3. Educating and equipping the body of Christ with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, thereby enabling her to fulfill her Matthew 28 calling to go forth with your life, and make disciples as you are going about life.
"And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” "So now, may the God of peace make you His own completely and set you apart from the rest. May your spirit, soul, and body be preserved, kept intact and wholly free from any sort of blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus the Anointed. For the God who calls you is faithful, and He can be trusted to make it so." 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Paul knew the healing power of touch.
the hardest days are easier and no one feels alone.
THE BIBLE
We believe the Bible, in its original writings, encompassing both the Old and New Testaments, is the ONLY inerrant, infallible, Source of Absolute Truth. In its original form, it is the multi-faceted, God-breathed, Living Word Of God, written by human hands in the unique writing styles of the human that transcribed it. It is the Final Authority on all things, and it is our Complete Instruction Book for Life.
(Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21)
GOD
We believe there is only One True God, Jehovah Elohim, and He is The Creator of all things. He has revealed Himself to humanity in three distinct Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, yet He is one in being, essence, and glory. God is eternal, infinite, and sovereign. He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, and unchanging. God is holy, just, and righteous. He is love, gracious, merciful, and good.
(Deuteronomy 6:4; Colossians 1:16, 2 Corinthians 13:14), John 10:30), Psalm 90:2, 1 Timothy 1:17, Psalm 93:1, Psalm 139:1-6, Psalm 139:7-13, Revelation 19:6, Malachi 3:6, Isaiah 6:3, Deuteronomy 32:4, Exodus 9:27, 1 John 4:8, Ephesians 2:8), 1 Peter 1:3, Romans 8:28).
JESUS CHRIST
We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is God in the flesh, the expressed image of God the Father, who, without ceasing to be God, became man so that He might demonstrate who God is and provide the means of salvation for all mankind. Jesus Christ was conceived by God The Holy Spirit and was born of the virgin Mary. He s truly fully God and truly fully man. He lived a perfect, sinless life, and all of His teachings are true. Jesus Christ died on the cross for all humanity, as a substitutionary sacrifice, and His death is sufficient to provide salvation for all who receive Him as Savior. Our justification is found only in the shedding of His blood, and that it is authenticated by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead. Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven in His glorified body and is now seated at the right hand of God The Father as our High Priest and Advocate.
(Matthew 1:21, John 1:18, Colossians 1:15, Matthew 1:23, John 1:1, 14, 1 John 3:5, John 14:6, 1 John 2:2, Isaiah 53:5-6, John 1:12, Acts 16:31, Romans 5:9, Ephesians 1:7, Matthew 28:6, 1 Peter 1:3, Acts 1:9-10, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25).
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the deity and person of The Holy Spirit. He is the One who breathes life into sinners and indwells believers. He is the agent by whom Christ baptizes all believers into His body. He is the Divine Teacher who illumines believers' hearts and minds as they study the Word of God. The Holy Spirit is ultimately sovereign in the distribution of spiritual gifts, and all believers have been given gifts.
(Acts 5:3-4, Titus 3:5, Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Ephesians 1:13-14, 1 Corinthians 2:9-12, 1 Corinthians 12:11, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 2 Corinthians 12:12, Ephesians 2:20, 4:7-12).
ANGELS AND DEMONS
We believe in the reality and personality of angels, both heavenly, and fallen angels, which are demonic. Jehovah God created the angels to be His servants and messengers. We believe in the existence and personality of Satan and demons. Satan is a fallen angel who led a group of angels in rebellion against God. He is the great enemy of God and man, and the demons are his servants in evil. He and his demons will be eternally punished in the lake of fire.
(Nehemiah 9:6, Psalm 148:2, Hebrews 1:14, Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:12-15, Matthew 25:41, Revelation 20:10).
HUMANITY
We believe that humanity came into existence by direct creation of God and that humanity is uniquely made in the image and likeness of God. We believe that all humanity, because of Adam's fall, has inherited a sinful nature, that all human beings choose to sin, and that all sin is exceedingly offensive to God. Humanity is utterly unable to remedy this fallen state.
(Genesis 1:26-27, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:1-5,12).
SALVATION
We believe that salvation is a gift of God's grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Christ's death fully accomplished justification through faith and redemption from sin. Christ died in our place and bore our sins in His own body. On the third day after His death, Jesus physically rose again, demonstrating His victory over sin and death. Salvation is received by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Good works and obedience are results of salvation, not requirements for salvation. Due to the greatness, sufficiency, and perfection of Christ's sacrifice, all those who have truly received Christ as Savior are eternally secure in salvation, kept by God's power, secured and sealed in Christ forever. Just as salvation cannot be earned by good works, neither does it need good works to be maintained or sustained. Good works and changed lives are the inevitable results of salvation
(Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:8-9, 1 Peter 2:24, Romans 14:9, John 6:37-40, 10:27-30; Romans 8:1, 38-39; Ephesians 1:13-14, 1 Peter 1:5, Jude 24, James 2).
REPENTANCE
We believe repentance is a requirement for salvation. “The Bible commands it, our wickedness demands it, justice requires it, Christ preached it and God expects it . The divine, unalterable edict is still valid: “God commands all men everywhere to repent.” There are three essential elements in true repentance: Conviction (become mindful of how much our sin dishonors God), Contrition (godly sorrow), and Change (changing your mind, changing your attitude, changing your ways.). (John 16:8 , Luke 15:7, Psalm 34:18 , 2 Corinthians 7:10, Matthew 26:75)
FREEDOM
We believe that being a true Christian is the essence of true freedom. Experiencing true freedom in Christ means that we realize that we do not have to keep the Law in order to please God. We realize that God's favor upon us is not dependent upon our obedience, or our law-keeping. God's favor upon us is because of what Christ did on the cross. Therefore, we are free.
However, our freedom means that we must not abuse the freedom we have. On the contrary, we are free to live and not have to worry about how our behavior affects God's attitude towards us because his attitude is one of love and acceptance that is guaranteed by the sacrifice of Christ. But, this is not to say that he won't discipline us if we stray. After all, God disciplines those whom he loves (Hebrews 12:6). To experience more of the freedom we have in Jesus, we must understand that we have died with Christ and therefore we have also died to the Law. It means that the Law has no more jurisdiction over us. Since we have been crucified with Christ, (Romans 6:6), we are freed from the Law. We are incredibly free. We are free to try and please God and fail and realize that our failures do not sever our relationship with him, nor do they jeopardize our salvation. We are free indeed to succeed and fail. We are free to love God and love our neighbor. We are free to have fun, to not be perfect, to not have to please our friends in church for social acceptance, and achieve spiritual worthiness. We are free to rest in Christ and in our freedom, we can explore what it means to live life and not live in fear. We are free from the requirements of the Law and so we are free to rest in Christ.
THE CHURCH
We believe that the Church, the Body of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all believers of this present age. We believe in the ordinances of believer's water baptism by immersion as a testimony to Christ and identification with Him, and the Lord's Supper as a remembrance of Christ's death and shed blood. Through the church, believers are to be taught to obey the Lord and to testify concerning their faith in Christ as Savior and to honor Him by holy living. We believe in the Great Commission as the primary mission of the Church. It is the obligation of all believers to witness, by word and life, to the truths of God's Word. The gospel of the grace of God is to be preached to all the world.
(1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:25-27, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:41-42, 18:8, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, 2 Corinthians 5:19-20).
THINGS TO COME
We believe in the blessed hope, the personal and imminent coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to rapture His saints. We believe in the visible and bodily return of Christ to the earth with His saints to establish His promised millennial kingdom. We believe in the physical resurrection of all human beings—the saints to everlasting joy and bliss on the New Earth, and the wicked to eternal punishment in the lake of fire. We believe that the souls of believers are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where they await their resurrection when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord.
(Titus 2:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Zechariah 14:4-11, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, Revelation 3:10, 19:11-16, 20:1-6, Matthew 25:46, John 5:28-29, Revelation 20:5-6, 12-13, Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8, Philippians 1:23, 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Matthew 25:41-46, Mark 9:43-48, Luke 16:19-26, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, Revelation 20:11-15).
As his best friend, and then each of his children spoke, I struggled with feeling like such a complete and total failure. I knew this was the enemy trying to steal away the beautiful time that had been set aside to remember such an honorable man.
Oh sure, I know that no one is perfect, and Scott, being human, obviously was not a perfect man. And yes, I also know that when you are celebrating someone's life, you don't typical talk about their shortcomings.
Even still, I know that every word that was spoken about Scott was absolutely true! And knowing this, again, made me miss him even more, made me sad that I did not get the opportunity to know him better than I did, and left me longing to be the kind of person he was.
After the service Celebrating Scott's Life, the overall theme seemed to be the very same emotions I was experiencing. Even a pastor spoke of feeling like a failure after hearing about the true essence of the man that is Scott Lochte! At least I was not the only one!
When we left the service that evening, we both knew that something beyond the obvious had changed. Something was brewing in the spiritual realm. Over the next few days it seems to explode! The passion and vision that has been so much a part of us for all these years had ignited! Scott Lochte is the catalyst that ignited the flame that has been burning just below the surface for so many years. Jesus made it clear....
As I sat yesterday, working on our ministry outline, the scope of this vision became quite overwhelming to me. Adrian and I have talked numerous times about getting this done, but with planning the conference back in October, and a multitude of other things going on, we have not had the opportunity.
At the end of the day yesterday, after putting this all together, I found myself questioning if we have truly heard the Voice of God. Who are we? How in the world can this huge task be accomplished? And above all of this, there are numerous, numerous ministries and facilities that do similar things. No, they are not united in their effort, but they are out there.
This morning as I sat with the LORD, I was truly overwhelmed at the magnificence and majesty of Jesus! He has answered my questions and doubts in a RESOUNDING Voice, through more than one source as I’ve had my Bible study time with Him today.
“Thank You, Father, that You so loved the world that You gave Your one and only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ… that when the time had fully come, He wrapped Himself in human form, being born as a helpless baby in a poor family. Thank You that He walked here on earth radiating the brightness of Your glory and flawlessly expressing Your nature… and so, through Him, people saw You in action, involved with them, available to meet their needs. Thank You that He focused Your almighty power into the lives of common people with deep needs, just like me… that He preached the gospel to the poor, proclaimed freedom to the prisoners of sin and recovery of sight to the blind, and set free the oppressed victims of sin and satan– the downtrodden, the lost, the hurting, the broken. Thank You for the way He rebuked the arrogant and looked with favor on the humble-minded, opening wide the door of His kingdom to those who were destitute and helpless in spirit. I delight in Your tender mercies, O my God, by which the Sunrise from on high has come to us! Thank You that through the Gospels I can watch this beloved One walk among ordinary people. I can hear the gracious words that came from His lips. I can see His compassion and tenderness toward needy people, His anger at hypocrisy, His faithfulness, His intense love for is followers. Fairest Lord Jesus! You alone are my heart’s desire… my chief delight… my soul’s glory, joy, and crown. Every advantage life can offer is like rubbish, compared with the overwhelming gain of knowing You. You are worthy, Lord– worthy to be thanked and praised and worshipped and adored.”
Day 2- “31 Days of Praise” by Ruth Myers with Warren Myers
“In some ways, the redemptive activity of the church addresses Habakkuk’s questions. When the followers of Jesus clothe the naked and feed the hungry, they are joining God in His kingdom work to repair the world. When they take in widows and orphans and speak out against national and personal evils, they are meeting evil head-on under His gentle reign. When they sell their possessions or live among human traffickers in order to rescue sex slaves, they are partners with God in denouncing these vile acts and putting things right. Ultimately, God will put an end to evil and all its manifestations; until then, the church has plenty to do.”
Habakkuk Introduction, from The Voice Bible Translation
Without a doubt, Jesus has confirmed that this is the call He has on our lives. We have no idea how it is going to happen, or exactly what it will look like at the end of the day. All we know is that we will continue to walk in obedience. All we know is that it requires unity within the body, and the body of Christ sharing their resources, gifts, and talents. Again, I ask the questions that Adrian and I have asked numerous times over the last year and half, as the overall vision of this ministry has taken form, and as God continues to show us what He has anointed us to do. It is best expressed though a variation of the Casting Crowns song- Who am I, that the LORD of all the earth, would not only care to know my name, but that He would choose us to accomplish this HUGE task, in His Name? Jesus, our beautiful Bright and Morning Star, continue to light the way. Whom shall we fear? What shall we fear? Calm the storm in us! We are Yours!
be glorified in ALL that we do and say, from everlasting to everlasting!
Our Journey To This Point...
Out of adversity, passion is born..