Philosophy/Vision

NLFP desires to be a sign, witness and foretaste of the Kingdom in Jesus here in Bucks-Mont Counties and the world. We desire to see lives changed and our communities improved.

That is a lot of churchy language that needs to be unpacked. When Jesus gave His first public message, He gave a summary of His unique charge. In the 4th chapter of Luke, though He was actually just stepping up to a mere synagogue podium; it was as if Jesus had just been crowned King. This was no mere rhetoric. These were the words of someone who had authority—not a mere carpenter’s son. Jesus, as the new King, boldly proclaimed freedom for the prisoners, the recovery of sight for the blind and those who are oppressed released.  This was tough speak unless He was initiating a new Kingdom—sometimes hard to see, but nevertheless very real indeed. 

This would be good news, wouldn’t it? Let’s face it. If we were really honest, we are all prisoners, oppressed and blind in many ways. We are prisoners to our Credit cards, bills, expenses--- our stuff. Aren’t we afraid of dying?  Living? Aren’t we still carrying wounds of the past? Present? Aren’t we worried about our present? Our future?

Christianity is about this majestic and mysterious Kingdom of God that is penetrating heart after heart and setting real people free. Who is this good news for? If you are really comfortable here, you may have a hard time hearing this as good news. But, are you  oppressed by addictions? Are you suffocating in a rut? Are you in a lifeless or destructive relationship… lonely? Marginalized…angry… hurt… depressed? Can you imagine what good news it would be if there was a new King who really had the power and desire to honor you by setting you free? Can you imagine what it would feel like for Him to finally lift the suffocating oppression, to help you see the next step?

This is what jazzes us at NLFP! This Kingdom message is about heaven and hell—but far more than that. We can actually begin to taste the freedom, honor and joy now.  Jesus says, “Come all who are thirsty, I will quench your thirst.”

Implications?

Hope for a Vibrant Community- This is our message and hope for us and for you our neighbors and friends. It has implications here in Pennsylvania and abroad as well. It shapes how we treat each other and how we raise our children. We focus on our hearts, character, and wisdom. We emphasize relationships, community, and mutual respect. We desire to see the Kingdom of Christ powerfully penetrate our world and change it—beginning with our own hearts, of course. 

Hope for Justice- Can you imagine what it would look like for there to be real justice in our land? We are a people obsessed with justice. Over half of the top shows on TV are justice related. Can you imagine what it would look like for nations to truly forgive other nations with honor? Can we imagine what the world would look like if we really began taking a dent out of severe poverty? Can we imagine a Pennsylvania without racism and prejudice?

Hope for Family- Parents, consider the implications for our children. What are our hopes and dreams for them? Do we want them to merely participate in the world, or to be motivated to change it for the better? The Bible’s message is that ‘wisdom’—that is ‘How do I really make good decisions that serves the community?’—comes from God. It is a matter of the heart, of the motives, not just the intellect. It is a fruit of the Spirit. We desire to teach our children ‘wisdom’.

Singles, couples, consider what is important to invest your life in. There is so much that can be accomplished.

Finally—We desire to be…

We desire to be people of the Scriptures. The Bible is a most extraordinary book.  It is anything but boring. We are committed to exploring it, enjoying it, retelling its stories.  It is not only literarily the best collection of books ever penned, but it is life-transforming. It is mysteriously and powerfully the actual word of God.

We desire to be people of the Spirit of God. We desire to lean into the Spirit of God, accessing His fruit and character—such things as love, joy, peace, patience. We recognize that we naturally lack these things. This is humbling, but by participative faith we can actually honor others first.

We desire to be people of Jesus’ kingdom—not our own. We desire to listen, to dialogue, to adjust. You may disagree with us and still be a welcomed part of our larger community—an honored participant in our many dialogues. We want to hear from you. We want to be a place where real people can come as they are and really honestly intellectually investigate the claims of Jesus. 

But in the end, a large part of our success will be measured in a changed community. It is not just about church as usual!  Interested? We warmly invite you to join us as you are.