Our Method – the Local Church
Because of the importance of the local church as God’s institution to do His work and bless His people, we must be steadfastly committed to it (Acts 2:41-47) and faithfully involved in it (Ephesians 4:7-16).
Our Motive – God’s Glory
Because glorifying God is the reason for which we exist, He alone must be our priority in every area (I Cor. 10:31). To be vessels that honor Him and are used of Him (II Timothy 2:19-21) requires that we emphasize proper theology (Jer. 9:23-24), proper worship (John 4:19-26), and proper purity (II Cor. 6:11-7:1).
Our Mission – Make Disciples
Because Jesus clearly defined our mission in Matthew 28:18-20, we must make disciples by winning the lost to Christ through the clear presentation of the Gospel and by buildingthe believers in Christ through baptism and faithful teaching. This is to be done in our homes, among our contacts, in our community, and throughout the world.
Our Model – Jesus Christ
Because Jesus is God and lived on earth as the perfect man, we must keep Him central (I Cor. 2:2) by seeking to know Him (Phil. 3:10) and follow Him (Luke 9:23-26), and by continually growing to be more like Him (II Cor. 3:18). Christlikeness is the goal of the Christian life.
Our Measure – Loving God and Loving People
Because Jesus’ life fulfilled the law of God (Matt. 5:17), which He said was summarized in 2 great commands (Matt. 22:37-40), we must measure our progress in becoming Christlike by the growth in our love for God and our love for people.
Our Manual – the Bible
Because the Bible is inspired by God, profitable for man, and the completely sufficient source of revelation (II Tim. 3:16-17), it is the absolute authority in all matters of faith and practice. This means that we must be careful to interpret, communicate, receive, practice, and defend the Bible, and its doctrines, properly.
Our Might – the Holy Spirit
Because we are completely dependent upon the power of the Holy Spirit, we must continually be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18), and prayer must be a major priority (Eph. 6:18).