One of the values that shapes our network is biblical focus. Being biblically focused means we believe the scriptures, God’s word, is our authority for life, godliness, and ministry. Strongly held beliefs and values are no longer abnormal in our world. Many have their own philosophies and explanations on how they view the world, and it seems that in today’s cultural climate, you’ll be met with a lot of anger and outrage if you don’t agree. While we believe that we ought to hold strongly onto God’s word, the Bible teaches us that we must do so with humility.

2 Timothy 2, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”

Not only are we called to hold on to the scriptures, we’re commanded to live it out — to practice what we preach. It was God who modeled this for us when the Word became flesh in John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” We need to hold onto the word in both grace and truth. 

So what does this mean for Christians and our network? It means we hold onto a set of doctrines and core beliefs, but with grace, recognizing that they’re going to be expressed in different ways in different churches. But they’re important, they’re our guide, and they affect every aspect of our life. 

2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

Inspired means God-breathed. God uses the scriptures to prepare and equip His people to do every good work. May God grant that grace to us. Thank you for the ministry that you do. 

God bless you,

David Whitaker, President