DNA – Deoxyribonucleic acid - a nucleic acid molecule in the form of a twisted double strand (double helix) that is the major component of chromosomes and carries genetic information.

DNA is essential for every living organism to reproduce. The church, the body of Christ, is a living organism that also possesses a form of DNA that must remain intact at all levels for reproduction to occur. This is the last command Jesus gave to his disciples before ascending into heaven:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to observe everything I have commanded you, and know that I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

This command necessitates the presence of DNA in the body of Christ at every level to facilitate reproduction. Here’s the spiritual breakdown of DNA as we understand it at ValleyLife Church:

Divine Truth

36 "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?" 37 Jesus replied, " `You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment." Matthew 22:36-38

We are to worship the Divine One with all our being. We must allow God’s Divine Truth to intersect and influence us through the person of Christ and His Word, the Bible. It is crucial for every follower of Christ to be intimately involved with Divine Truth, as it possesses a transformative power that none other can (Romans 12:1-2). Divine Truth should not be merely words taught to us; we must engage personally with the Word, both printed and living.

Nurturing Relationships

10 For God is not unfair. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other Christians, as you still do. 11 Our great desire is that you will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. 12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and patience. Hebrews 6:10-12

Hebrews 6 tells us that continuing to love one another will protect us from becoming spiritually dull and indifferent. We need to be building one another up through deepening authentic and holistic relationships. These relationships must be nurtured within the context of a spiritual family, where loving one another becomes a way of life, rather than an activity that occurs before or after a church service.

Apostolic Mission

He spoke to them again and said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." John 20:21

The church is a sent agency. It is foundational, according to Jesus, that His body is about the Father’s work of seeking and saving the lost (John 15:16). Being sent is not the privilege of a few or the gifted, but the God ordained responsibility of every believer (Acts 1:8).