Our Vision



 I.  We do not understand the Bible to define “the church” as an organization, some kind of ecclesiastical structure, building, name or movement representative of any particular place, time or individual other than the ongoing ministry and testimony of Jesus Christ.  

 

II.  We understand the term “church” as used in the Bible, to be derived from the Greek word, “Ecclesia” which means, “body of the called out ones”.... saved out from the world to be both the objects and vessels of His love as the sealed and devoted bride, espoused to Jesus Christ.

 

III.  We understand that the Lord allows His church to remain in this world, for an appointed time known only to the Father,  for the purpose of;  taking His testimony and ministry to all peoples, and to make fellow disciples of all those who come to Christ.

 

IV.  We understand the Bible to reveal several principle characteristics that clearly define the nature, the life and the function of the church, as follows:


  1. The church exists as a universal body of individuals...    

  •       ...who are justified and reconciled to God freely by grace, through repentance and faith in Christ’s redemptive work; accomplished through His sinless life, atoning death and subsequent victorious resurrection.
  •        ...who, as new creations, seek to live and function in the life and leading of the Holy Spirit, as evidenced primarily by the outward fruit of His selfless love in their lives.
  •         ...who serve God in the subsequent overflowing power of the Holy Spirit, lovingly and selflessly allowing His gifts to flow and work through their lives, to touch others with His grace and testimony.


           .
 2. The church’s day to day life is characterized by a determined devotion to four crucial pursuits :

  •           The teaching, application and practice of God’s Word...
  •           Ongoing fellowship and interaction with one another, wherein they practice and live the life and purpose of God, in service and encouragement to one another.
  •           The need to constantly affirm a vital and common life in Jesus Christ, through communion as well as meals shared wherever believers gather in and throughout their community.
  •          ...and, Prayer, as they depended upon and looked to God for everything He has and offers for the pursuit of His will and work in and through the lives, fellowship and witness of His people..  


  3.  Though the life is clear and simple;  the results are profound, as demonstrated in the book of Acts: 

  •  The believers continued in one accord, having all things in common through their identification with Jesus Christ.        
  •  In the face of difficult times and severe persecution, the church faithfully proclaimed the Word of God with boldness.
  •  Which, in turn, was confirmed with great outpourings of divine grace and power through signs and wonders.
  •   As a result, God gave His church favor among people, as they were attracted to Christ and  added to the church daily, as the Lord brought them in.

 
  4.  The refreshing part of all this is the fact that it's not just another church growth strategy. It’s just a clear, simple and biblical way life that bears not only a credible, living witness for Christ in our world, but fruit for the glory and kingdom of our Lord.

 

V.  This then, is what we understand to be our biblical vision and template for walking in the life, witness and ministry of Jesus Christ here at Living Springs!

 
                         .... Matt. 28:18-20,  Acts 1:8-4:35, 1 Cor. 12:1-13:13, Eph. 1:13-14, 5:24-32, Gal.5:22, John 13:35.
 

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John 7:37-38
Living Springs Fellowship
... in fellowship with Calvary Chapels