Pursuing Authentic Christianity through Simple Faith

At Liberty Church, we often use the phrase “Pursuing Authentic Christianity Through Simple Faith.”

Every word in that statement matters.

* Pursuing reminds us that we have not arrived. There are no perfect Christians, only growing Christians. The Christian life is a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ through what the Bible calls sanctification.

* Authentic means we do not want Christianity to be merely external. It is possible to look religious without truly seeking Christ. That is a danger for all of us. Even talking about “authentic Christianity” can become hypocritical if we begin thinking we are somehow above hypocrisy. So authenticity begins with honesty, regular repentance, and a genuine desire to know Christ.

* Christianity means we are not trying to invent a spirituality of our own. We believe the faith handed down to us from the beginning: the reality of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Triune God, sin, salvation, miracles, resurrection, judgment, heaven and hell, justification by faith, the ordinances of baptism, and communion:  the faith handed down to us rather than one reconstructed to suit our current age.

* Simple means uncluttered. We are not trying to build a religious empire. We are simply a local church—one congregation among thousands—seeking to worship God, teach His Word, love people, and make disciples.

* Faith means trust.  We cannot accomplish spiritual work by our own strength. Jesus said, “Without me you can do nothing (John 15:5).” We are still pursuing. Still growing. Still depending on Christ.

That is what we mean by Pursuing Authentic Christianity Through Simple Faith.