Our Faith

Why We Do This

Mark 2 Initiative grew from the story in Mark 2 of men carrying their friend to Jesus. Our Christian faith drives what we do.

We believe Jesus Christ calls us to love God and love our neighbors, not only with our words, but by the way we live and serve.

We aren't ashamed of that belief, and we aren't going to hide it.

At the same time, you don't have to share our Christian faith to grab a corner. If you want to help your neighbor, you're welcome beside us. We won't apologize for what we believe, and we don't expect you to apologize for what you believe either.

Receiving help from Mark 2 Initiative doesn't require attending a church, listening to a sermon, or agreeing with us. Help isn't bait. We serve because Christ first loved us.

Our hope is that everything we do points toward Jesus.

We carry the mat. Jesus does what only Jesus can do.

What We Believe

We believe there is one God who created us, loves us, and made us to know Him.

We also believe something has gone terribly wrong. Sin has separated us from God. Every one of us has sinned, and none of us can make ourselves right with God through good works, religion, generosity, or simply trying harder.

That's why Jesus came.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived the life we could not live and died on the cross for our sins. He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death. Forgiveness and eternal life are offered freely to anyone who turns from sin and places their faith in Him.

Christianity isn't about becoming a better person so God will accept you.

It's about trusting what Jesus has already done for you.

Do You Know Jesus?

Maybe you came to this website because you needed a driveway shoveled, a ride somewhere, or somebody to fix something around your house. Maybe you came because you wanted to volunteer.

But if you've made it this far, we'd be lousy Christians if we didn't tell you about the greatest help any of us has ever received.

The Bible says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

That includes us.

It also says, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Jesus didn't come to make bad people behave better. He came to rescue us and reconcile us to God.

He calls us to repent and believe. Repentance means turning from being the boss of our own lives and turning toward God. Faith means trusting Jesus, His death and resurrection, rather than trusting ourselves.

You don't need fancy words. You don't need to clean yourself up first. You come to Christ as you are, acknowledging your sin and your need for Him.

You might pray something like:

Jesus, I know that I have sinned and need Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I don't want to keep living life on my own terms. I turn from my sin and place my trust in You. Forgive me, change me, and teach me to follow You. I give You the leadership of my life. Thank You for Your grace and for doing for me what I could never do for myself. Amen.

The prayer itself doesn't save you. Jesus does.

If you've put your faith in Christ, don't try to follow Him alone. Find a Bible-believing church, begin reading the Bible, pray, and get around other Christians who will help you learn what it means to follow Jesus.

And maybe that's another lesson from Mark 2.

Sometimes we all need somebody willing to grab a corner.