30 THINGS THAT REALLY MATTER
(quick reference)
As maturing/spiritually forming followers of Christ these are
Ten Truths We Believe
God
I believe that God exists as Trinity: three Persons in perfect self-giving relationship as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 13:14
God’s Purpose
I believe that God’s highest purpose is to bring glory to himself by making me (and all humanity) to become more like Jesus. Ephesians 4:11-13; Galatians 4:19
Humanity
I believe that I am made in the image of God and find my true identity in Christ. Genesis 1:26-27; Acts 17:27-28
Sin
I believe that I turn away from God and his purpose for me. Romans 3:23
Salvation by Grace
I believe that God sent Jesus into the world to take my sin upon himself making a relationship with Him possible through faith in Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9
The Spirit’s Work Today
I believe that the Holy Spirit is calling people to a lifestyle of radical pursuit of God. Matthew 22:37
Ministry
I believe that God calls every Christian to move into the lives of others in the power of the Spirit and with the compassion of Christ. Matthew 22:39; John 8:11; 1 Peter 4:10
Authority of the Bible
I believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command my belief and action. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Eternity
I believe there is a heaven and a hell, that Jesus Christ has defeated Satan by His death and that He is returning to establish His eternal kingdom. John 14:1-4; Hebrews 2:14; 1 Peter 5:8
Stewardship
I believe everything I am and own belongs to God. Psalm 24:1
Ten Practices We Observe
Biblical Community
I fellowship with others in self giving relationships. Acts 4:32
Single Mindedness
I focus on God and his priorities for my life. Matthew 6:33
Self Reflection
I pay attention to my interior world by focusing on the struggle between the Spirit and the sin nature. Romans 7:6-25
Confession
Upon becoming aware of my sin I repent of it, confessing it to God and others. 1 John 1:9; James 5:16
Worship
I worship God for who He is and what He has done. Psalm 95:1-7
Surrender
I give myself to God and His purposes by giving my time and my resources and by sharing my faith with others. Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 8:7; Ephesians 6:19-20; Colossians 3:17
Service
According to my God given gifts and passion I choose to invest myself in others, to advance God’s purposes on earth. Romans 12:4-8
Bible Study
I read the Bible to know God and to find direction for my daily life. Hebrews 4:12; Joshua 1:8
Prayer
I pray to relate to God: to hear from him and to share my heart with him. Psalm 66:16-20; Matthew 6:5-13
Rest
I regularly take time away to be quiet and to celebrate life. Mark 6:31; Luke 15:22-24
Ten Qualities We Live
Gentleness
I am thoughtful, considerate and calm in dealing with others. Philippians 4:5
Faithfulness
I have established a good name with God and with others based on my long-term loyalty to those relationships. Proverbs 3:3-4
Hope
I can cope with the hardships of life and with death because of the hope I have in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 6:19-20
Joy
I have inner contentment and purpose in spite of my circumstances. John 15:11
Love
I sacrificially and unconditionally love and forgive others. 1 John 4:10-12
Peace
I am free from anxiety because things are right between God, myself and others. Philippians 4:6-7
Self-Control
I have the power, through Christ, to control myself. Titus 2:11-13
Humility
I choose to esteem others above myself. Philippians 2:3-4
Patience
I take a long time to overheat and I endure patiently under the unavoidable pressures of life. Proverbs 14:29
Kindness/Goodness
I choose to do the right things in my relationships with others. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
