Christian Life Fellowship

First Things First…

            Our love and concern for you, your family, and all who you care about, dictates to us that we make sure of your eternal destiny.  We want to make certain that all who worship with us at Christian Life Fellowship Church know for sure how to become a “Christian” and what to expect as you live the “Christian” life.
Receiving Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior is the most important act you or anyone else will ever do.

 What it means to be a Christian…

 Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, said,

            "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."             (John 14:6-7)

            "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me... out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." (John 7:37-38)

  Jesus is our faithful Shepherd, and our sovereign King!  Nothing is more important than knowing and following Him! But we could neither know nor follow Him until He touched our hearts, deposited His Spirit in us, and opened our "eyes" -- enabling us to see both our own sinful depravity and His undeserved grace in the revealing light of His holiness.

Through the cross, our wonderful Savior took the punishment for our sins and brought us into an intimate relationship with Himself that will last forever.    

 The Scriptures below show the way to enter into that relationship, trade our weakness for His strength, receive His life of joy and peace, and participate in His victory now and for all eternity.

 Why we all need Him:

"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…" (Romans 3:23)

"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
(Romans 6:23)

"What I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do…. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice." (Romans 7:15, 19)

 How much He loves us:

"God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

"God our Savior… desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
(1 Timothy 2:3-4)

What He did for you and me on the cross:

  "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.  But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:4-6)

"He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4: 11)

"He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:11-13)

How you, too, may receive His gift of abundant life:

Jesus said, "...he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. (John 5:24)

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

 "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him...." (John 6:44)

The phrase "believes in Him" implies a Spirit-given understanding and response to His Word as preached, taught or read -- and a willingness to commit one's life to Him. It's not enough to simply believe that God exists; for, as James (2:19) points out, "Even the demons believe—and tremble!" Saving faith is given by God's grace to those whose eyes are being opened by the power of His Word and Spirit to understand and receive the wonderful truth about God and His work on our behalf.

Perhaps you have heard and believed His Word, but you lack the assurance that you have already "passed from death to life." If God is drawing you to Himself by His Spirit so that you long to receive His gifts of forgiveness and eternal life, trust Him to show you the way. Your prayer might include the following:

Acknowledge the Bible uses the word "confess" who Christ is: 

"If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

“He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

(2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

"I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." (Luke 15:7)

"Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:20-21)

Pray something like this, but ask Him to help and guide you:

“Dear Lord, I know I have sinned and don't deserve Your love. But I believe that You died for me, carried my sins to the cross and offer me full forgiveness for all my sins. Please change my heart, fill me with your Spirit, and purify my life. Only by Your holy life in me can I follow Your ways and do what is right. Give me a hunger for your Word and a growing desire to serve You.  I trust you to show me your will and enable me to follow you -- no matter what the cost.”

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

The basis for my salvation

"God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." (Galatians 6:14)

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)

"For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." (Romans 5:10)

"...as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3)

 Oswald Chambers:  "The danger is to put the emphasis on the effect instead of on the cause - It is my obedience that puts me right with God, my consecration. Never! I am put right with God because prior to all, Christ died.”

My response to His saving grace

"Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38)

"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."  (Mark 16:16)

“...baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you....”  (Matthew 28:18-20)

"...do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
(Romans 6:3)

"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13)

"Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, 'See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?' Then Philip said,  “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” (Acts 8:35)

"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ." (Acts 10:48)

How He changes our lives when we believe in Him:

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, 21)

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

"God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved, and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:4-10)

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that  as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus  were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

      "For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,   knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that  the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin....

      "Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord."  (Romans 6:1-6, 11)

Our mission as the family of God (at home or abroad):

Jesus told His disciples: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them [new believers, not nations] in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:18-20)

"...we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
(2 Corinthians 4:5-6)

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they slight a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

What we can expect as followers of Christ:

"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you…. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you…. because they do not know Him who sent Me. " (John 15:20-21)

"For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake...." (Philippians 1:29)

 Does this sound too hard?  Have you taken time to "count the cost" of being a Christian?

Many misunderstand God's "good news" of salvation to mean "cheap grace" -- the kind of relationship that demands nothing of us. True, salvation is purely by His gracious response to our faith. But once we have chosen to believe and follow Him, we become His ambassadors -- called to share His suffering as well as His triumphs -- in this world.

"And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it.... So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple."
(Luke 14:27-28, 33)

But remember, the suffering and sacrifice that comes with discipleship cannot compare with the joy, peace and eternal glory that we share with Him for all eternity:

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4:12-14)

"We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…." (Romans 8:28-29)

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? … Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39)

How we may share in His triumph:

"…we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:4-5)

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35)

"…present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
(Romans 12:1-3)

"…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

 Our prayer for you:

 "...may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

"...that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height -- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory… forever and ever." (Ephesians 3:14-21)

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it."

(1 Thessalonians 5:23)

 
Our gift for you:

 If God has used this document to open your eyes and enable you to put your faith in Jesus Christ -- and if you long to know Him and follow His wonderful way -- we would like to give you a Bible study that will help in your continued relationship with Jesus.  Please email Pastor Gary at pastorgary@clfgreentown.org or call the church office at 765.628.3000 and ask for a gift copy of “Knowing Jesus Christ as Lord”, book one of a series of twelve on Biblical Foundations.

 
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Our Identity & Existence

  Christian Life Fellowship is:

Christ-Centered – existing to celebrate God’s presence through passionate worship.
Bible Believing – existing to educate/equip God’s people through biblical discipleship.
Family Focused – existing to relate as God’s family through Godly fellowship
Mission Minded – existing to communicate God’s Word through intentional relational evangelism.
and
A great place to call home – existing to demonstrate God’s love through anointed
Spirit-led ministry and relationship building.

Our Mission

 A Mission is a biblical statement of what a church is called to do.

Our biblical mandate is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love people as ourselves (Mark 12:28-31).  With this in mind… It is our mission to help every man, woman and child within the sphere of our influence to become saved and conformed to the image of Jesus Christ and to do so with all expediency.  The short form mission statement is

“Loving God and Loving People.”

Loving God is expressed through faith, obedience and passionate worship.  Loving others is expressed through acceptance, forgiveness, and doing what is best for them.

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Our Vision

Vision is a clear mental picture of our prophetic future.

It describes where we are going.

Our vision is to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24) and extend His kingdom on the earth.  The short form vision statement is “Touching Heaven, Changing Earth!” (Matthew 6:33).

Our Church

We envision a dynamic, growing New Testament church where people are born again into the kingdom of God.  We envision a grace-oriented, loving church where people are accepted for who they are.  We believe God desires to establish His kingdom in us and extend His kingdom through us.  We submit to His Lordship and minister in His power, authority and love.

Our Worship

We envision an exciting, worshiping church where the presence of God is manifest, the gifts of the Spirit operate and people’s lives are changed.

In Spirit

We envision a Spirit-filled church where the power of God works supernaturally and people are saved, healed, and set free.

In Truth

We envision an equipping church where the Word of God is taught and people are equipped to do the work of the ministry.

In Practice

We envision an intentionally relational people preaching the gospel to every person, pasturing believers, preparing disciples and planting leaders in our sphere of influence and the nations God sends us to.

Our Vision In Practice

To Preach the Gospel to every person, pastor believers, prepare disciples, and plant leaders in our sphere of influence and the nations God sends us to.

    "Preach the Gospel to every person" (Acts 20:26)…Through intentional relational  evangelism, LifeGate Touch Groups and outreach ministries at home and abroad.

"Pastor Believers" (Acts 20:28,29)…The church is filled with imperfect, wounded people who need to be loved and cared for, and who need a new start in life. 

    "Prepare Disciples" (Acts 20:32)…Training and teaching of the Word of God in a systematic and practical way.  Homes, children and marriages are affected as believers grow in the knowledge of the Word of God.

"Plant Leaders" (Acts 20:35)…To help every believer find their place of service in the body of   Christ and be sent into their sphere of influence as mature Christian leaders.

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Our Values

We value the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

We value relationship with God and each other (Philippians 3:7-11; Acts 2:42-46)

We value prayer (Matthew 7:7-11)

We value praise and worship (Romans 12:1-2)

We value the grace of God (Romans 6:14)

We value holiness and sanctification (John 17:17, 19; 1 Thessalonians 5:23)

We value spirit-led ministry and leadership (Ephesians 4:11-13)

We value servant-leadership (Matthew 20: 26-28;  James 4:10)

We value the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)

We value an outward focus (Matthew 28:19-20)

We value openness and honesty (James 5:16)

We value excellence (Colossians 3:23-24)

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Philosophy of Worship

Our vision at CLF is to worship God in spirit and in truth and to extend His kingdom on earth.  The Word of God is very specific about worship.

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.  (John 4:23-24)

I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.  (Psalm 34:1)

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess His Name.  (Hebrews 13:15)

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

What Worship Is

To worship God means to show Him extreme devotion, intense love, and admiration.  A.W. Tozer defines worship as “to feel in the heart and express in some appropriate manner”.

It is not enough just to feel in your heart; worship also involves expressing that feeling.

Worship is a heart attitude expressed.  Worship is love communicated.  The question is:  How do we communicate our worship to God?  Actually, the question is:  How does God want to be worshiped? 

How To Worship

The Bible is very clear about how God wants to be worshiped.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.  (Romans 12:1-2)

From this we see that worship involves our whole being.  The following verses teach us how to present our bodies as a living sacrifice of worship.

The Bible teaches us to worship with our mouths by:

I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth; Yes, I will praise Him among the multitude.

(Psalm 109:30)

Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. (Psalm 47:6)

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
(Psalm  32:11)

The Bible teaches us to worship with our hands by:

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.  (Psalm 134:2)

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God.  (Psalm 47:1)

Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise Him with the harp and lyre, praise Him with tambourine and dancing, praise Him with the strings and flute, praise Him with the clash of cymbals…  (Psalm 150:3-5)

The Bibles teaches us to worship with our bodies by:

Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord.  (Psalm 134:1)

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.  (Psalm 95:6)

Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with tambourine and harp.  (Psalm 149:3)

Other Biblical Expressions of Worship

Give to the Lord glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts.  Oh, worship the Lord … (Psalm 96:8-9)

When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.  All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.  (1 Corinthians 14:26)