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Vision

This page gives an explanation of the Vision Statement of the church.

The vision of Grace Baptist Church is a disciple-making church that transforms lives with the gospel and love of Jesus Christ.

1. What does the “gospel of Jesus Christ” mean?
Matt 4:23; Luke 4:18-19, 24:44-49; Rom 1:16-17, 8:19-22; 1 Cor 15:1-3; Eph 1:20-23.

The gospel is the proclamation of the good news–of the forgiveness of sins for sinners, accomplished by Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death on the cross, his burial, and subsequent resurrection. The gospel is good news for all because it speaks of the restoration of all things under the Lordship of Jesus Christ when God’s kingdom fully comes.

2. What is a “disciple”?
John 20:21; Acts 11:26; Rom 10:9; 1 Cor 11:1.

A disciple is an imitator of Jesus Christ. Disciples are to learn from Jesus Christ and grow to be like him.

3. What is “disciple-making”?
Matt 28:16-20; Mark 13:10, 14:9; Acts 1:8; 2 Tim 2:1-2, 4:2.

The Great Commission to all disciples is to:

a. “Go and make disciples” 
b. “Baptizing” 
c. “Teaching them to obey”

Disciple-making comprises being a disciple, discipling, and evangelism.

4. What is a “disciple-making church”?
Acts 2:42-47, 26:16-18; Rom 10:17; Eph 4:12; Phil 2:16; Col 3:16; 2 Tim 2:1-2; 1 John 1:1.

The task of the church, and thus church members, is to glorify God the Father. This is done by going into the world and making disciples – declaring the gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit and building a community of faith that worships the Lord and obeys his commands.

5. What does “transforms lives” look like?
Deut 6:5; Mic 6:8; Matt 22:37-40; Mark 12:29-31; Luke 10:27; John 3:3, 5-6; Rom 12:1-2; 2 Cor 3:18; Gal 5:22-23; Eph 4:15; Col 1:28.

The end product of disciple-making is the maturing of the disciple in this new life in Christ.

6. What does the “love of Jesus Christ” mean?
Matt 22:37-40; Mark 12:29-31; John 13:34-35; 1 John 2:7-11, 3:11-18, 4:7-12.

The gospel of Jesus Christ shows clearly the love of Jesus Christ. Compelled by the love of Christ, disciples are to love God, love their fellow disciples and love their neighbours.

7. How does the process of transforming lives “with the gospel and love of Jesus Christ” occur?
Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-37.

The transformation of lives primarily occur when the Word of God is preached, taught and applied in community.

8. What is our response and responsibility as members of Grace Baptist Church?

In response to the gospel and love of Jesus Christ, each and every member of the church is to be a committed disciple and disciple-maker – they are to be imitators and followers of Christ.

In response to the gospel and love of Jesus Christ, each and every leader and teacher of the church is to be intentional and deliberate about enabling disciple-making.

 

The above is an extract from "Grace Baptist Church Vision Statement: An Explanation," 28 June 2015.