The gospel at the center
The good news of Jesus is the center of our life together. These are the convictions that shape our worship, our teaching, and our mission.
Agape is a church
The visible local church is an intentional gathering of believers, God’s people saved by God’s power; bound by commitment in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as His body and sent on God’s mission; observing the Lord’s Supper and the Baptism of Christ; governed by Christ and his Word; its scriptural offices being Pastors and Deacons; and utilizing the spiritual gifts given to it through the resurrection of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Gospel
The nature of God
The Gospel begins with an understanding of God as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Scripture tells us that God is holy, loving, and just. God desires a relationship with humanity.
Isaiah 6:3 · 1 John 4:8 · Psalm 89:14 · John 3:16
The problem of sin
The Gospel acknowledges that all humans have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Sin is seen as rebellion against God’s will and results in spiritual separation from Him.
Romans 3:23 · Isaiah 59:2
Grace through faith
The Gospel emphasizes that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something earned through good deeds or religious rituals. It is received through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Ephesians 2:8–9 · John 3:16 · Acts 16:31
Jesus
Jesus is the answer
The heart of the Gospel is the belief that God provided a solution to the problem of sin through His Son, Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus, who is fully God and fully human, came to Earth, lived a sinless life, and willingly sacrificed Himself on the cross as an atonement for the sins of humanity.
Hebrews 4:15 · 1 Peter 2:24
Resurrection and victory
The Gospel proclaims that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, demonstrating His victory over sin and death. This event provides hope for eternal life and reconciliation with God for those who trust in Him.
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 · Romans 6:4 · 1 Corinthians 15:20–22
His mission
Jesus builds His church and sends it on God’s mission, empowered by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, to make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:18–20 · Acts 1:8
How people can respond
Repentance
To respond to the Gospel, individuals are called to acknowledge their sinfulness and turn away from it in a process known as repentance. This involves a change of heart and a willingness to follow God’s ways.
Acts 3:19
Faith
Believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity is central to the Gospel message. This faith involves trusting in His sacrificial death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
John 14:6 · Romans 10:9–10
Confession
Confessing one’s faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior is an important step in responding to the Gospel. This is done through a public declaration of baptism.
Romans 10:9
Following Jesus
Responding to the Gospel is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of following Jesus. This involves learning from His teachings, growing in faith, and seeking to live in accordance with His principles of love, compassion, and righteousness.
Matthew 16:24 · Matthew 22:37–39
Community and worship
Engaging with a local church or Christian community is essential for spiritual growth, accountability, and support in living out the Gospel.
Hebrews 10:24–25
If you feel a prompting to respond to this message, to turn from sin and to the Savior, or just have questions, we would love to talk to you. Meet one of us at the connection table on Sunday, or reach out here.
Baptism
In following the example of Christ, baptism is an act of obedience following a believer’s faith and identification with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection.
The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is ordained by Jesus and is a critical aspect of what it means to be his church.