10 Challenging Truths about Christianity and the Church

1. Above all else, we exist for the glory of God and to enjoy him forever. Our lives are not our own; we've been bought with a price—the precious blood of Christ. (1 Cor. 10:31; 1 Peter 1:18-19)

2. Jesus told us to take up our cross daily and follow him. This means we die to ourselves and embrace the priorities of Christ. (Luke 9:23)

3. The church is the bride of Christ, a people belonging to God to proclaim his gospel. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd of the Church—our supreme authority. We submit to one another in the church and our homes out of reverence for him. (Eph. 5:29; 1 Peter 5:4-5)

4. The church does not exist for what we can get from it. Rather, we participate in the body of the church for what we can give—our time, talents, and treasure for the sake of the gospel of Christ. (1 Thess. 5:11; 2 Cor. 9:7)

5. The church does not belong to any one of us. We belong as a church to the Lord. The building where the church meets and the rooms belong to the Lord. Everything from the parking spots to the rows in the worship center belongs to him. (1 Peter 2:9)

6. Christ is not a means to an end. Christianity is not about achieving personal goals. Knowing, Loving, and Sharing Christ is what Christianity is all about. (Acts 17:24-28)

7. Every relationship in our lives exists to bring glory to God: our families, our friends, our co-workers, fellow church members, and fellow citizens. As believers, we orient our relationships around Christ and his kingdom. (Hebrews 10:24)

8. The Word of God is the sword of the Holy Spirit. As disciples of Christ, we treasure it; we study it; we meditate on it; we pursue the Lord through it. We make time for it personally and as a church to know and experience God's good, pleasing, and perfect will. (Hebrews 4:12; Eph. 6:17)

9. Our time as disciples belongs to the Lord. Our time as a church body belongs to the Lord. Our time as families belongs to the Lord. Jesus calls us to prioritize him for his glory through how we spend our time. (Eph. 5:15-17)

10. Every disciple of Christ is called to make disciples. This mission is for every age group, from children to seniors. Older men and women are called to disciple younger men and women through every phase of life. (2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 2:2-6)

The Solider Creek Mission: Love God, Love Others, & Make Disciples (Mark 12:30-31)

The Soldier Creek Vision: to devote ourselves to gospel-centered teaching, gospel-centered missions, gospel-central worship & prayer! (Acts 2:42)