Loving Houston wants to clearly articulate the beliefs that are foundational to our work. In these seven principles, we describe what we believe to be the teaching of the Bible, and explain how each principle grounds and directs our work in Greater Houston. We share these beliefs not to be divisive or narrow-minded; rather, we want to be transparent about the reason for our hope.
- The Scriptures
2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Matthew 5:18; John 10:35, 17:17
We believe the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments are God’s inspired and inerrant Word. These books are God’s perfect instruction. They narrate God’s purpose in creating the world, his plan for salvation in Jesus, and the standard by which he will judge the world. The mission of Loving Houston is grounded in Scriptural truth.
- God
Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 104, 139; Matthew 10:29-31, 28:19; Acts 17:24-28; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 1:9-12, 4:4-6; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-3; Revelation 1:4-6
We believe that the one true, eternal God exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are one God, yet equal in power, glory, and deity. God is infinite, eternal, and perfect in beauty, holiness, goodness, truth, and love. God created the world and upholds everything that exists. God directs all things to fulfill them in Christ Jesus and glorify his name. The work of Loving Houston is directed and empowered by the living, triune God.
- Jesus Christ
Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-18; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 3:23-25; 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:7; Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:15-23; Hebrews 7:23-25; 9:13-15; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 2:21-25; 1 John 2:2
We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully human while fully God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. The Father sent Jesus to reveal God to the world and redeem sinful humanity. He lived a sinless life and offered himself as a sacrifice for sinners. Through his death, he revealed God’s perfect love and upheld God’s perfect justice. He was raised to a literal, bodily resurrection from the dead. He then ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, as high priest and intercessor for all who believe. At Loving Houston, we believe Christ is the only hope for the world.
- Humanity
Genesis 1-3; Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:9-18, 5:1-12; Ephesians 2:1-3
We believe that humanity was originally created in the image of God, righteous and without sin. As a result of the fall, disobedience through human nature and human choice makes humanity deserving of God’s judgment. Human rebellion has caused God’s good creation to fall into disorder. Loving Houston grieves the fact that sin has caused distance from God, and is the origin of poverty and injustice.
- The Gospel
John 1:12-13; 6:37-44; Acts 16:30-31; Romans 3-4; 8:1-17, 10:8-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:3-7
The Gospel is the good news that Christ’s death is the necessary sacrifice to God for our sins. The gospel is the announcement of salvation by grace alone through faith alone, in Christ alone. Loving Houston has hope for our city’s transformation, because we have hope in the Gospel that makes transformation possible.
- The Holy Spirit
Philippians 2:12-13; Romans 8:31-39; Acts 2:14-21, 4:29-30; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Galatians 3:1-5
The Holy Spirit enables us to genuinely and joyfully do what is pleasing to God. In obedience, we become like Christ. The Holy Spirit announces the transformational, restorative, perfect kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit empowers and edifies the church through spiritual gifts. Through the Holy Spirit, the Loving Houston team and all our partners can fulfill our mission of loving God and loving others.
- The Mission of God
Psalm 82:3; Isaiah 1:17; John 13:31-35; John 5:25-29; James 1:27; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12; Revelation 19:1-21; 20:11-15; 21:1-22:15;
We eagerly await the day that Christ Jesus will return to perfect his kingdom and enact justice. Additionally, we believe that the most vulnerable of our communities hold particular concern for Jesus. We believe that God is on a mission of reconciliation in the world. He has invited Loving Houston (and you!) to take part in the work he has been doing since the beginning of time.
Created by former Loving Houston Intern Elizabeth Jowers in collaboration with the Loving Houston Staff Team
