“for Healing, Obedience, & Peace on Earth” (H.O.P.E.)
When Jesus sends out his disciples he tells them to “heal the sick” (Matt 10:8). And in the final vision of the book of Revelation, the Tree of Life is growing within the Church “for the healing of the ethnic-groups” (Rev 22:2). Therefore, we as a church exist to bring the healing of Jesus to all ethnic-groups and all creation.
When Jesus heals us he removes the distractions of our flesh so that we might follow him in obedience. Jesus tells us “if you obey my commands, then you will remain connected to me” (John 15:10). And Jesus also commands us to “make disciples of all ethnic-groups by baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt 28:19-20). Therefore, we as a church exist to teach ourselves and others to obey everything that Jesus teaches.
When we obey Jesus, we find peace—peace with each other, peace with other creatures, and peace with the earth itself. When Jesus was born the angels declared, “Peace on earth” (Luke 2:14). And Jesus himself tells us, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you…Do not let your hearts be agitated and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Therefore, we as a church exist to be at peace within ourselves and to be peaceful with each other and all creation.