AGAPE is deliberate love — a “choice” that we demonstrate through our actions.
Agape is love that’s not-concerned with the self —- but concerned with the greatest good of somebody else.
The New Testament speaks about this ‘AGAPE’ over 200 times … more than any other type of love.
AGAPE is NOT ‘sentimental or corny’.
Agape only can come from GOD, because 1 John 4:8 says, “God is love”, meaning — He is the source of Agape.
We’re told throughout Scripture to “Agape”… to Love GOD, and to Love our Neighbors. 1st Corinthians 13 helps define what ‘agape’ looks like… and it’s only through GOD that we can show & experience Agape.
CHRISTIAN means ‘one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ’. This person is a follower of Jesus Christ.
Christians believe in justification by faith – just as if we’ve never sinned – and we can have right relationship with GOD, (our sins are forgiven), because of the blood payment of the Son of God. Through Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, we are redeemed.
Like “Agape”… the word “Christian” means: people who “choose” to believe in and obey Jesus’ teachings.
I “choose” to love (Agape). I “choose” to believe (Christian).
FELLOWSHIP means “Sharing things in common with others.” It also means ‘deposit’, ‘communion’, and ‘partnership’. We share our decision to love — and our decision to follow JESUS. We’re sharing a real relationship.
We’re looking for ways to help each other grow. I’m interested in YOU, and your different activities, goals, interests, trials, troubles. Those things become important to me. And because the details in your life become important to me (and vice versa), our relationship DEEPENS, and both you & I are “spiritually growing” in our walk with the LORD.
We help each other focus on Christ and what HE wants to do in our lives, and we grow. It’s a MIRACLE. It’s “fellowship”.
Philippians 2:1-11… “Let each of you look out — not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
The ACF Mission Statement comes from JESUS’ words: The Great Commandment and The Great Commission:
• Love God
• Love People
• Make Disciples
Our Philosophy of Ministry comes from Acts 2:42: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”