About CLF
Mission: We exist to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of West Philadelphia with the goal of making disciples of those who believe. A disciple is an active follower of Jesus Christ who follow Him eagerly in passionate worship, an obedient walk before Him and a consistent witness of His gospel. Moreover, a disciple is one who makes major and minor life decisions based on the priority of the the gospel.
What are some of the characteristics we hope to see of these disciples?
Delight in a joyous relationship with God through Jesus Christ
We take delight in a joyous relationship with God through Jesus Christ. By God's grace we've discovered that genuine fulfillment cannot be found through materialism, hedonism or personal achievement. Our Lord Jesus calls us into an intimate, vibrant, living relationship with Himself in which He satisfies our deepest spiritual longings. We enjoy this relationship through reading Scripture, worship, prayer and service.
Devoted to pursuing harmonious relationships
We are devoted to pursuing harmonious relationships with each other. Our world is often a torn, fragmented and broken place. Many of us are casualties of emotional, psychological and physical abuse. In loving each other as Christ loves us we become His instruments of healing, grace and restoration. We purpose to live out our calling as believers by treating each other with humility, patience, tolerance and above all Biblical love.
Committed to declaring the liberating gospel of Jesus Christ
We are committed to declaring the liberating gospel of Jesus Christ. With all the pressing problems and issues that plague our society it's easy to believe that the gospel declared in Scripture is both irrelevant and impotent. Yet we maintain that our most urgent problem is the lack of a right relationship with our Creator. In an act of sheer grace God provided exactly what we needed to enter into a right relationship with Him. This provision is the perfect life, sacrificial death and powerful resurrection of His one and unique Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus and in Him alone anyone who wants to receives full forgiveness of sin, vital new life and a permanent secure relationship with the living God.
Determined to sustained, positive involvement in our community
We are determined to sustained, positive involvement in our community. Though a place of healing the church of our Lord Jesus is not primarily a hospital, though a place of learning we are not primarily a classroom. The church is primarily a community of worshipers and witnesses of our Lord and liberator Jesus Christ. As His witness we act as the peace corps of heaven, spreading His peace and justice in our communities. We follow in His footsteps by using our time, resources, abilities and skills to do good in our communities thus demonstrating God's concern for all areas of life.
