MORE ABOUT LWCC
Living Word Christian Church can be described with the very words in our name:
“Living” – LWCC is alive because of the Spirit of God living in us. We have been made alive through our faith in Jesus Christ (John 1:4; Eph 2:4-5). Life that is devoted to Christ is the only life that is ultimately fulfilling. And by our living His life, we can express who God is to the people around us.
“Word”-centered – LWCC is focused on the Word of God, the Bible, as the only authority for our faith, doctrine and conduct (2 Tim.3:16-17). LWCC is also focused on the Living Word, Jesus Christ (John 1:1,14) who died and rose to life again, so that we may experience eternal relationship with Him.
“Christian” –LWCC is composed of members just like “the disciples who were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:26c) who have a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). We are a community of Christ followers who desire to grow together to become more like Him. We may stumble in many ways (James 3:2) but we encourage one another and build each other up (I Thess.5:11). We are who Jesus say we are, we desire to do what Jesus does and we love as Jesus loves.
Local “Church” – We are the Body of Christ worshipping together in Langley, belonging to the greater community of God’s people. We are affiliated with British Columbia Baptist Conference (BCBC) of the Baptist General Conference (BGC) of Canada. Despite our independence, we share a common mission with other BGC churches and gladly join hands with all Christians to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and “make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19).
Mission
To glorify God by becoming like Christ and proclaiming His truth.
LWCC’s mission is twofold. First, we believe we are called to glorify God by becoming like Christ. We believe that Christlikeness is the will of God for the people of God. We aim to become like Christ in His character and behaviour, service, love and mission.1 Second, we believe that we are called to proclaim His truth and make disciples of all nations as commanded by Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20
Vision
To see lives transformed by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God.
As we obey God’s Word and allow the Holy Spirit to change us to become more like Jesus Christ, we see every member of LWCC helping others to know and follow Jesus. We want to see more people to respond positively to the gospel so that their lives will be transformed. We want to see them “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). And as we grow together, we see our people equipped to serve, “for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12).
Core Values
Core values are the guardrails that keep LWCC focused on its mission and guide our approach to ministry.
Scripture-Based and Spirit-Led Ministry
We value accurate teaching of the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit as the primary foundations for the ministry of the church. We believe that to be led by the Holy Spirit is to have the Spirit of God working in us, through the proper understanding and application of the Scriptures. Obedience to God’s Word in the power of the Spirit produces growth in personal holiness, spiritual maturity of the church and accomplishment of our ministry goals.
Life Worship and Effective Prayer
We value worship as the expression of one’s life. True worship is a valuing or treasuring of God above all things – so everything we say and do is an act of worship to God. Corporate worship at LWCC seeks to incorporate a comfortable blend of traditional and contemporary styles of music. We value effective prayer because of our great God who graciously hears His people. It is a reflection of our growing relationship and dependence on God and it affects all dimensions of life. Therefore, all ministries and activities at LWCC are characterized by a reliance on prayer in their conception, planning and implementation.
We value worship as the expression of one’s life. True worship is a valuing or treasuring of God above all things – so everything we say and do is an act of worship to God. Corporate worship at LWCC seeks to incorporate a comfortable blend of traditional and contemporary styles of music. We value effective prayer because of our great God who graciously hears His people. It is a reflection of our growing relationship and dependence on God and it affects all dimensions of life. Therefore, all ministries and activities at LWCC are characterized by a reliance on prayer in their conception, planning and implementation.
Christ-centered Evangelism and Discipleship
We value the proclamation of the Gospel and discipleship of believers according to the pattern described and taught in the Bible – with Christ at the center of our lives and our church. To “make disciples” involves presenting the gospel so that people get converted to Christ and training them how to think, feel and act as His disciples (learners/followers). Becoming a faithful disciple is a lifelong process, both as an individual and community experience. At LWCC, we believe that disciple-making starts in the home, so we find ways to equip parents on how to disciple their own children. We also seek ways on how various kinds of biblical disciple-making find expression in our church, both individually and corporately.
We value the proclamation of the Gospel and discipleship of believers according to the pattern described and taught in the Bible – with Christ at the center of our lives and our church. To “make disciples” involves presenting the gospel so that people get converted to Christ and training them how to think, feel and act as His disciples (learners/followers). Becoming a faithful disciple is a lifelong process, both as an individual and community experience. At LWCC, we believe that disciple-making starts in the home, so we find ways to equip parents on how to disciple their own children. We also seek ways on how various kinds of biblical disciple-making find expression in our church, both individually and corporately.
Building Community and Connections
We value developing healthy relationships with God, family, the Church and the community. Considering our primary mission to make disciples, we start with developing loving relationships in the home. It is important for our church to build solid marriages and strong families grounded in God’s Word and His love. We value making meaningful connections with one another through care groups and connecting others to Jesus through outreach ministries locally and globally. We also value developing leaders and effective ministry teams that connect well with the congregation in order to accomplish our desired outcomes.
We value developing healthy relationships with God, family, the Church and the community. Considering our primary mission to make disciples, we start with developing loving relationships in the home. It is important for our church to build solid marriages and strong families grounded in God’s Word and His love. We value making meaningful connections with one another through care groups and connecting others to Jesus through outreach ministries locally and globally. We also value developing leaders and effective ministry teams that connect well with the congregation in order to accomplish our desired outcomes.
Affirmation of Faith
The Word of God – We believe that the Bible is the Word of God fully and verbally inspired by the Holy Spirit. We believe that the Bible in its original writings is free from all falsehood or mistake and so is entirely true and trustworthy in all its assertions on all matters of natural and theological fact and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. (John 17:17; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
The Trinity – We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons; that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence and redemption. (Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-4; 1 John 5:7)
God the Father – We believe in God, the Father, an infinite personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ. (John 3:16,17; John 4:24; John 17:5)
Jesus Christ – We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth. (Isaiah 7:14; John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 1:2,3; 1 John 1:7)
The Holy Spirit – We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide. (John 14:26; John 16:7-15; Romans 8:14-17; Ephesians 1:13,14)
Regeneration – We believe that all men are sinners by nature and by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord are regenerated by the Holy Spirit. (John 1:12,13; John 3:3,16,17; Acts 20:21; Ephesians 2:1-9; Titus 3:5)
The Church – We believe in the universal Church; a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world. (Matthew 16:16-18; Acts 2:38-41; Ephesians 2:19-22; 5:25-27)
Christian Conduct – We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellowmen; that his conduct should be blameless before the world; that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions; and that he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 2:14-16; Colossians 3:17-23; 1 Thessalonians 5:17,18)
Christian Conduct – We believe that a Christian should live for the glory of God and the well-being of his fellowmen; that his conduct should be blameless before the world; that he should be a faithful steward of his possessions; and that he should seek to realize for himself and others the full stature of maturity in Christ. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-16; Philippians 2:14-16; Colossians 3:17-23; 1 Thessalonians 5:17,18)
The Ordinances – We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord’s Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:41,42; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32)
Religious Liberty – We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by an ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other. (Acts 4:18-20)
Church Cooperation – We believe that local churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether regional or district conference, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. Churches may likewise cooperate with inter-denominational fellowships on a voluntary independent basis. (Acts 15:22-23; 1 Corinthians 16:3)
The Last Things – We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His Kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgement, the eternal felicity of the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked. (John 5:28,29; Revelation 20:1-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:31-46).
Board of Elders
The Elders Board is primarily responsible for lovingly overseeing and governing the overall functions of the church including legal responsibilities.
The Elders Board meets on a regular basis to make sure that the church is fulfilling her biblical calling and functioning well in accordance with its Constitution and Bylaws.
The Elders Board meets on a regular basis to make sure that the church is fulfilling her biblical calling and functioning well in accordance with its Constitution and Bylaws.
Chairperson: Elmer Cruz
Vice- Chairperson: Don Soriano
Secretary: Joel Monserrat
Vice- Chairperson: Don Soriano
Secretary: Joel Monserrat
Members:
Pastor Brad Crossley
Kevin Bell
Joel Monserrat
Joel Monserrat
THE GOSPEL – Good News for All
What is the Gospel? The Gospel is the Good News that God has made a way of salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ for any person (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (I Timothy 2:3-4). It is also our desire and prayer that you will embrace the gospel and experience the joy of having new life In Jesus Christ as you consider the following truths found in God’s Word.
1. God is Sovereign Creator
● “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it” (Psalm 24:1).
● The New Testament reveals it was Jesus Himself who created everything (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). Therefore, He also owns and rules everything (Psalm 103:19). That means He has authority over our lives and we owe Him absolute allegiance, obedience, and worship.
● The New Testament reveals it was Jesus Himself who created everything (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). Therefore, He also owns and rules everything (Psalm 103:19). That means He has authority over our lives and we owe Him absolute allegiance, obedience, and worship.
2. God is Holy
● God is absolutely and perfectly holy (Isaiah 6:3); therefore He cannot commit or approve of evil (James 1:13).
● God requires holiness of us as well. “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Because He is holy, He also requires perfect obedience to His law. “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, He has become guilty of all”(James 2:10).
● God requires holiness of us as well. “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Because He is holy, He also requires perfect obedience to His law. “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, He has become guilty of all”(James 2:10).
3. Mankind is Sinful
● Everyone has broken God’s law and is guilty of sin. “There is none righteous, not even one…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:10, 23)
● That doesn’t mean we’re incapable of performing acts of human kindness. However, we’re utterly incapable of understanding, loving, or pleasing God on our own. “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick”(Jeremiah 17:9).
● That doesn’t mean we’re incapable of performing acts of human kindness. However, we’re utterly incapable of understanding, loving, or pleasing God on our own. “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick”(Jeremiah 17:9).
4. Sin Demands a Penalty
● “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
● Even though God’s holiness and justice demands death for sin, His love has provided a Savior who paid the penalty and died for sinners (1 Peter 3:18). “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
● Even though God’s holiness and justice demands death for sin, His love has provided a Savior who paid the penalty and died for sinners (1 Peter 3:18). “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
5. Jesus is Lord and Savior
● Jesus came to earth as both God and sinless man. “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9).
● “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10::9)
● Christ’s death satisfied the demands of God’s justice, and Christ’s perfect life satisfied the demands of God’s holiness (2 Corinthians 5:21), thereby enabling Him to forgive and save those who place their faith in Him (Romans 3:26).
● Good works will not save anyone. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
● “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10::9)
● Christ’s death satisfied the demands of God’s justice, and Christ’s perfect life satisfied the demands of God’s holiness (2 Corinthians 5:21), thereby enabling Him to forgive and save those who place their faith in Him (Romans 3:26).
● Good works will not save anyone. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
6. Sinners must Repent and Believe in the Gospel
● Jesus said, “Repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15)
● Believing the gospel involves a commitment to follow Jesus as your Lord and Savior. “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24).
● Those who receive Jesus, “He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).
● Believing the gospel involves a commitment to follow Jesus as your Lord and Savior. “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24).
● Those who receive Jesus, “He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).
The Character of Saving Faith
True faith is always accompanied by repentance from sin. Repentance is agreeing with God that you are sinful, confessing your sins to Him, and making a conscious choice to turn from sin (Luke 13:3, 5; 1 Thessalonians 1:9), pursue Christ (Matthew 11: 28-30; John 17:3), and obey Him (1 John 2:3). It isn’t enough to believe certain facts about Christ. Even Satan and his demons believe in the true God (James 2:19), but they don’t love and obey Him. True saving faith always responds in obedience (Ephesians 2:10).
True faith is always accompanied by repentance from sin. Repentance is agreeing with God that you are sinful, confessing your sins to Him, and making a conscious choice to turn from sin (Luke 13:3, 5; 1 Thessalonians 1:9), pursue Christ (Matthew 11: 28-30; John 17:3), and obey Him (1 John 2:3). It isn’t enough to believe certain facts about Christ. Even Satan and his demons believe in the true God (James 2:19), but they don’t love and obey Him. True saving faith always responds in obedience (Ephesians 2:10).
This is the GOOD NEWS of SALVATION that Jesus Christ offers to all. “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life (John 5:24).
Suggested Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I acknowledge that You created me and that You are holy. I admit that I am a sinner and I repent from all my sins. I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins and He rose again from the dead. Because of what Jesus has done, I humbly ask you to forgive me of all my sins. I receive Jesus as my personal Savior and Lord. Help me to obey You and live in a way that pleases and honors You. Thank you for saving me and giving me eternal life.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen
Dear Heavenly Father,
I acknowledge that You created me and that You are holy. I admit that I am a sinner and I repent from all my sins. I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins and He rose again from the dead. Because of what Jesus has done, I humbly ask you to forgive me of all my sins. I receive Jesus as my personal Savior and Lord. Help me to obey You and live in a way that pleases and honors You. Thank you for saving me and giving me eternal life.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen
For more information, please contact:
Living Word Christian Church
Website: lwcchurch.ca
E-mail: admin@lwcchurch.ca
Tel. 604-534-0051
Website: lwcchurch.ca
E-mail: admin@lwcchurch.ca
Tel. 604-534-0051