Core Values
Who is LBC? • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction
Introduction
Happy new year!
I haven’t seen you all since last year HA HA
personal introduction
What an amazing year it was and what an amazing year it will be.
I’m so grateful for all of you that call LBC home. There are some who watch on live stream faithfully and we are thankful for you too.
This last year we had a special meeting in October where I got to facilitate a dicussion surrounding our core values, vision, and mission. I’m thankful for those who came out to be a aprt of that. Today and the next few weeks leading up to our Victory night on Jan. 22nd.
Victory night is the night we look at this last year and celebrate what God has done in and through LBC. It’s the night we look forward to the victories God will bring in 2023. We will discuss our budget and what that looks like for this coming year.
Some churches call this a business meeting, I prefer victory night.
Today we are going to being looking at Who is LBC and what are our core values.
John Maxwell said “Your Core Values are the deeply held beliefs that authentically describe your soul.”
Core values describe who we are as a group of people. They allow you to say “that’s one of my core values to”
They create alignment at all levels of the ministry. The core values of the nursery are the same core values of the teen department and our legacy group, which is pending a name change but they haven’t gotten back to me with it yet.
They help leadership make decisions and ensure we press toward the mark of the high calling of Jesus Christ with clarity.
Our values represent what we believe about God, the church, and how we behave. This creates our culture.
Now, as I speak to the values of Liberty I want you to examine your own heart and take notes. I want you to ask yourself, “What are my core values?”
THey don’t have to be neat and presenteable…but you need to know what you believe.
There is an old country song that says “You better stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.” The Bible says to stand firm in our faith. What is your faith In? What does your faith lead you to do?
Knowiing what you stand for as a beleiver keeps yyou from falling for the tricks of the devil And know who you are.
So today I want to accomplish two things: 1. You knowing what Liberty’s core values are based on the churches conversation and not the pastors imagination. 2. I want you to see the importance of core values in your life as a believer and determine to have some. 3. And most importantly, introduce you to Jesus if you don’t know Him.
Some would say that the core values are a ministries foundation. I disagree.
The gospel is our foundation.
Gospel Foundation
Gospel Foundation
The gospel is the good news of Jesus’ death burial and resurrection.
It is the truth that unites us as followers of Jesus
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
Phil 1:27-28
It is what Paul called the churches he planted to stand on. It is what we at Liberty hold as the most important truth in all things. Everything we do is gospel centered.
That’s a vague term that sounds great isn’t it? Gospel centered.
What does it mean? It means we start with love, because it was God’s love that sent Jesus for us.
We live with humility because Jesus humbled himself as God to be born of the flesh and even humbled himself to the death of the cross.
We exalt God in all we do. We often hear the Lord’s prayer and think of the model prayer he gave the disciples. Our father who art in Heaven...
However it is in John 17 that we get a glimpse into the prayer life of Christ. The first shows the desires of our Savior...
1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
John 17:1
That’s what it means to have the gospel as a foundation. It means we love, it means we’re humble, it means we seek God’ glory and not our own.
With the gospel as our foundation, we can then begin to live out the Christian life as a group of believers.
These are not in an order of importance and at some point during this message you will see why.
The first core value that you, the church, brought out together is
Loving
Loving
God has much to say about love
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
1 John 4:7-8
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 13:35
We can’t be followers of Jesus and not have love for others.
What does that look like in the church? It means when you are apart of LBC, you take every action, good or bad, you take every word out of someones mouth, and you see it through the lens of love. We don’t treat others as if we are on facebook and they said they like oranges…you know what it means if you say you like oranges on social media right? It means you hate mangos, pears, and apples becuase you didn’t say you like them.
See how ignorant that is. When you make assumptions about a persons intentions you are showing a lot of who you are. At Liberty, we know God loves us, we love God, and because of those two things we are going to love you.
You say “pastor, they did something mean to me.” Did they? or did you percieve it as mean? Did you ask yourself, if they love me, what would cause that action? Or did you go to them and say hey..You said or did this…I took it this way. Is that how you meant it? or I don’t think you intended to be unloving, but I tooky our action that way…could you help clear that up for me?
It also means that we love you, we love those that aren’t you, and we love those that aren’t followers of Jesus.
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 5:43-48
We love those who don’t believe in Jesus. We love people no matter what their political affiliation is. We love people.
Ever seen that post on facebook of Jesus when he is teaching the beatitudes? it shows a few pictures with the first one saying this verse and then the next one is someone from the crowd aying “What if they have tattoos?” or different variations say “What if they are homosexual? What if they are on drugs?”
Then the following shows Jesus’ reply, now this statement isn’t in the bible but its still funny becuase its true according to the Bible, it shows Jesus saying “yes, even people who ask stupid questions.”
We love.
Next, we at Liberty are Inspiring
Inspiring
Inspiring
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Tim 3:16
The word of God is written by God, it is God breathed, and inspires us to live a life glorifying to Him. We are inspiring becuase as we live for Jesus, it should inspire others to as well.
We are not perfect. However, if how you follow Jesus isn’t worth replicating, you have a problem. Find someone who is further along as a follower of Jesus than you, reach out to them, and ask them to help you follow Jesus better.
It’s my prayer that how I follow Jesus inspires you to follow Jesus more. IT’s my prayer that how you follow Jesus inspires those around you to follow Jesus more. It’s my prayer that this church be committed followers of Jesus inspiring others to follow Jesus.
That looks different in each of our lives. The question we ask for application is “if someone else followed Jesus like I did today, would they have advanced the kingdom of God in their heart and in their community.”
The next Core Value is, Boldness
Boldness
Boldness
Notice the actions of the first century church
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
Acts 4:13-22
The pharisees of the day had seen Peter and John heal a man that couldn’t walk, had him arrested and what we just read is the aftermath.
The pharisees are gifuring out what to do with them.
They threaten them by telling them they are no longer allowed to preach in the name of Jesus.
Peter says…you be the judge. Should we obey God or should we obey you? We cant help bu to speak and preach the thigns whech we have seen and heard.
When you are a follower of Jesus and he is at work in your life, it is something that needs to be shared. it is something that the world needs to know about.
And we can’t fear what people will think or say. How did the disciples continue even though they were being threatened?
23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Acts 4:23-31
They prayed for it. We will now be adding prayers for boldness to ever prayer sheet that goes out and newsletter. Will you join me in praying for boldness for each individual follower of Jesus thats apart of Liberty, in the community of Bristol, in Connecticut, and in the entire New England region?
They prayed for boldness, the Holy Spirit filled them, and they spoke with boldness. We will be bold for Christ.
Enthusiastic
Enthusiastic
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Phil 1:6
11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
11 Now also finish the task, so that just as there was an eager desire, there may also be a completion, according to what you have.
2 Cor 8:11
God has started a great work in you, He has started a great work here at Liberty. Many of us can be on fire for something in the beginning, and then the fire wanes. The beginning of the year is a great time for us to recommit ourselves to the work God is doing in our lives, the life of our church, and in the lives of those in our community.
We will be enthuastic when come together to Connect to God. We will be enthusastic in life groups when we are growing closer to Him and eaach other. We will be enthusastic when we Serve in the church and the community. We will be enthusiastic when we share the gospel.
Eager to serve the Lord with gladness and see His Kingdom advanced.
Are you doing all of those things? Connecting to God? Growing closer to Him and Each other through a life group? Serving in the church? Serving the community? Sharing the gospel?
Why not? if your waiting for a personal invitiation, here it is. Come be apart of what God is doing in and through the people of LBC. And be enthustic about being involved. Don’t come and complain when you clean or decorate. Don’t complain when you have to be early for a service to preepare for people to show up.
Be enthusiastically in love with Jesus.
The next core value is relational
Relational
Relational
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25
We are to be realtional with one another. We are not a church where you come in, sit down, shut up, stand up, sit down, kneel, sit, stand, sit, and leave.
I love seeing people talking with one another after the service. I challenge you to not be the first one out the door. Be the first one to meet someone new. Be the first one to provoke someone to love and good works by asking “Can I share with you what Jesus is doing in my life?” or “What can I pray with you for?” and stop and pray right there about it. Don’t wait.
How amazingly wonderful would it be to see heads bowed across this room after the service of people standing and praying with one another? “Pastor what abotu the kids” Let me tell you something abotu our team that we want you apart of.
If you are late to Jr church or nursery becuase you are praying with someone, they will understand. They will be enthusastic to wait for you.
Don’t just be relational here. Be neighborly. invite someone to dinner, coffee, bowling, etc. Get to know each other outside of this building.
Developing relationship s with belivers and unbeleivers is the fastest way to point and lead others to Jesus.
Timeless
Timeless
14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Esther 4:14
For such a time a this. Not 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago. Not next year or the later…for such a time as this.
I’m as guilty as anyone for not living in the moment. However we as a body of believers must find ourselves existing in the moment. Not to be classical, but to be classy. We will not seek after every trendy for the sake of being trendy, we desire to be as timeless as the truths of the gospel.
We aim to be a multi-generational church that has the wisdom of those that are further along and the youth of those coming after.
As beleivers, we must ensure our relationships with others are not so narrow that we do not have input from the generations before or after us.
We exist in this time, in this place, for God to use for His goodwill and pleasure with all we interact with. It is disobedient to the Lord for us as individuals and as a ministry to not engage generations outside of our own.
lastly, but not leastly
Yearning to impact the World
Yearning to impact the World
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:8
Jesus commands us, God’s love Commends us, and the Holy Spirits Power Compels us to impact our world with the gospel.
Through 1 person at a time, through giving $1 a time to the cchurch and to missions, through giving 1 hour of service at a time, God can use all that we have to impact the world with the Gospel.,
At Liberty we are yearning to impact the world which sets the expecation for anyone that is apart of Liberty to be involved by giving their time, talents, and treasures (money) towards the accomplishment of God’s vision for this ministry.
On the foundation of the Gospel, Liberty has been established and will continue to move forward. It will require your involvement. IF you are here and not a follower of Jesus, none of these core values are expected of you. If you are a follower of Jesus, buckle up. It’s time we live up to who we say we are. I’m so thankful for this list that came from the people of the church. Yes, I took it and made it an acrostic for Liberty but these are all words and intentions that were given back in October. My role as the pastor now is to help you and I live up to who we say we are in Christ.
Time of Response
Time of Response