When we are saved, our life is delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of Jesus, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 3:13-14). To say that this changes the direction of our lives is an understatement. It changes the whole center of our lives, which is why our logo pictures an arrow showing that we are a church that is centered on Christ and His Word. In addition, the direction of our new lives in Christ has followed the path of our Savior who left His heavenly home to dwell with us and die for our sin. Yet, Jesus' path did not end in the grave, but He rose victorious and ascended to the right hand of God the Father where He reigns and from where He will come again. We can expect that our lives, though met with death, will not stay in the grave, but we also will rise...
Centered On Christ's Gospel
The reality is that there are many messages in our day and age that claim to be the Gospel, but Jesus warned us that false gospels and teachers would abound. At Liberty we are centered on the True Gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ declares the reality of sin and the horror of sin’s penalty, hell. It proclaims salvation through Christ alone, the eternal Son of God who became a man. It explains the need for and result of Christ's death and resurrection for sinners. The gospel promises eternal life to all who repent; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes in Christ. (Jude 1:3; Rom. 1:16-17, 3:23, 6:23; Acts 2:36-38).
Centered On Proclaiming Jesus through Expositional Preaching
What we proclaim is not ourselves! But we proclaim Christ and Him cruficied. More than that we are committed to Expositional Preaching. Why? Because "expostional preaching is preaching in service to God's Word. It presumes a belief in the authority of Scripture - that the Bible is actually God's Word [organized in a way He saw most wise, intended to be read in it's entirety and context in order to hear and see the beautiful glories it containts]. And yet, expository preaching is much more than that. It is a commitment to hear God's Word - not just to affirm that it is God's Word, but to actually submit yourself to it. The Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles were given, not a personal commission to go and speak, but a particular message to deliver. Likewise Christian preachers today have authority to speak from God only so long as they speak His message and unfold His words. That's what preachers are commanded to preach." (Adapted from Mark Dever in 9 Marks of A Healthy Church)
For more on the central need of expositional preaching, see the first mark on 9 Marks (of a healthy church) here.
Centered On Christ's People
The Christian life is not a solo venture. We believe that when we are told to run the race set before us that we are not racing in a solo event. We are racing together as God's people to the finish line and we play a role in making sure that we help each other make it to the end.
Centered on Christ's Command
We have treasure that is meant to be shared. Jesus commanded us to take His Gospel to our neighbors and to the ends of the Earth. We are mission-minded at Liberty, both locally and globally.