Our Core Values Part 1: Our Value of Acceptance

Our Core Values

Part 1: Our Value of Acceptance
 James 2
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
September 13, 2026

Theme Verse:
“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.”
2 Timothy 2:15-16 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to another exciting Sunday here at the River of Faith! Today we are starting a new series I entitled "The Core Values." In this series we are going to re discuss the values that made us who we are as a church! As we have just finished our 21st year anniversary we will continue in revisiting the principles that guide us and the importance of embodying them in our fellowship and our meetings.

Vision Statement:
A Spirit-empowered church committed to give the people of San Diego the best opportunity to come to Christ and be transformed by His amazing Love.

Mission Statement:
We are committed to invite people to COME to Christ.
We are committed to LIVE according to the Word of God.
We are committed to SHARE the Gospel to the whole world.

Purpose:
Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Evangelism, Ministry

Core Values:
Acceptance, Devotion, Accountability, Discipline, and Speaking the truth in Love.

We've all heard it before, “first impressions last.” That reality is true to anything we ever tried for the first time. Core values are defined as the main guiding principles that dictates our behavior. One of the core values that we want to emphasize in this church is acceptance. The goal is not just to make an impression of it but to embody what it really means. We want every soul that comes to our meeting to feel the warmth of acceptance. Remember that we may not control what a person may think or feel about us but we sure can make the best efforts to show that everyone is accepted in this church because this is a church of Jesus Christ.

“My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor” well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?”
James 2:1-4 NLT

Main Pointers:

1. Acceptance is the language of our faith.

A. James posed a very important question. "How can you claim you have faith in Christ if you only favor some people over others?"
B. Core Values are our main guiding principles. If our motive is guided by evil desires our actions will always reveal the truth.
C. “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality."
Romans 12:10-13 NLT

2. Acceptance is everybody's ministry.

“Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.”
James 2:5-9 NLT

A. It is clear that discrimination is a sin issue. It is rooted in pride and evil motives. The Church is called to "love our neighbor" and the best way to do that is to show acceptance to everyone we meet.
B. “Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!"
Hebrews 13:1-2 NLT

3. Always remember that we do for others reflects us as one body.

“So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.” 
James 2:12-13 NLT

A. When we intentionally show acceptance to all people remember that we are doing it for the Lord. What we do for others is what we do for the Lord.
B. “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ 
Matthew 25:35-40 NLT

Conclusion:
What values in your own life that guides you to where you are now? This is a good time to re-assess ourselves about the guiding principles that dictates our own actions and decisions. Are they Biblical? Are they Christ worthy and Christ-like? What major Core value in your life can you say actually brings glory to God?