Neighborhood Church

We are a Jesus church.

Character
the transforming, shaping, and making of a life and its habits

Love is the preeminent characteristic of a Jesus person.

God is love.

Jesus is God’s show and tell.

If the mystery of God is a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle, the picture on the cover of the box is the face of Jesus.
Brian Zahnd

Jesus is what God has to say!

The story of Jesus is the story of love personified. We miss the point when we simply try to do what he tells us to do. And we miss the point when we merely try to follow the pattern of his life. His life points us back to his own Source. His life is intelligible only when it is understood as the personification of divine love.
David Benner

Your devotion to God is best demonstrated and authenticated through the love of others.
Andy Stanley

Vertical Morality
&
Horizontal Morality

Vertical Morality
What do I need to do to keep God happy? It’s all about me and God. And if God and I are good, then I’m good.

• Is ______ a sin?
• Is there anything wrong with ______?
• Is it okay if I ______?
• Will God be upset if I don’t _____?

Religion

Vertical morality religion is a relationship with God, measured by obedience to the laws of God

You don't build relationships around obedience.

Jesus came to introduce something new to the world and for the world.

Horizontal Morality

What is hateful to yourself, do not do to your fellow man. That is the whole of the "Torah."
Rabbi Hillel - Talmud, Shabbat 31a

Consider others as yourself.
The Buddha

What one does not wish for oneself, one ought not to do to anyone else.
Confucius

Your relationship with God is measured against our relationships with others.

Horizontal Morality is far less complicated but far more demanding.