18/08/2014
OUR IDENTITY
City Regenerate seeks to be identified by three core values.
1. Gospel
‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’ – Romans 1:16-17
The gospel is the good news about what Jesus has done to put right our relationship with God. God has revealed this good news to us through the Bible – his final, inerrant and infallible revelation of himself to our world. The Bible reveals to us everything we need to know about who God is and who we are in relation to him. It shows us that we are in desperate need of God’s forgiveness and rescue, which can only be provided to us through the saving work of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. The good news is that God has revealed and provided all this to us through grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone, Christ alone and for the glory of God alone. When the gospel is expounded and applied in its fullness, it brings both profound moral conviction, compassion and community. This is the essence of gospel renewal.
2. City
‘Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God”.’ – Revelation 21:1-3
The city has a unique place in God’s plan for redemption of his world. This plan began in the garden (in Genesis) and will end in a city (in Revelation), when God brings the world to its ultimate goal. This city will bring together men and women from all people groups and nations, who will live and worship him as his redeemed community. The city is a place of phenomenal human potential and production. It’s where influence, government and culture flourish. But it’s also a place of profound brokenness. It’s where idolatry, sin and fallen worldviews abound. The city is a place where humanity is magnified. For this reason, the city compels spiritual searching. God’s plan isn’t for us to escape the city, but to engage it (including its life, fabric and culture) with his love and his gospel. God’s people are to be agents of his renewing presence.
3. Movement
‘Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”.’ – Matthew 28:18-20
God’s Great Commission began with a movement involving a small group of ordinary people who had experienced the extraordinary power of Jesus Christ and the gospel. God’s universal church was established as an institution through the movement of his gospel, carried by the Holy Spirit. God’s movement multiplied and continues to multiply disciples who follow Jesus. Gospel movement dynamics are characterised by collaboration, community, innovation, vision and growth. Where movement dynamics are at work in the city, we see people connecting to God, connecting with one another and connecting with the city. Intimate relationships and community-life flourish and display God’s presence through his people. The gospel is proclaimed in word and deed.
