Becoming More Like Christ

But Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children." Matthew 19:14

In Matthew 19, we are given a glimpse of the heart of God for children. Jesus was acknowledging that children have the character (simplicity and innocence) representative of those who accept Him as their Lord and Savior and necessary in order to enter His kingdom.

At Maryville Christian School, we recognize the heart Jesus had for children and desire to bless the students in our care by sharing Christ’s love with them. Each day, the staff of MCS spends time in prayer, asking God to work through us in the lives of our students. We understand that parents choose MCS to get an outstanding education in an environment that focuses on the truth and love of Jesus.

It is our heart to see students’ love for Christ grow every day. We understand that Becoming More Like Christ is a lifelong process that begins with salvation, but isn’t completed until we are with Jesus in heaven or He returns.

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“ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ “

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

These words from Jesus, found in Matthew 22:37-38 and John 13:34-35, are a reflection of the life Jesus lived. Our highest calling is to show the same love to others that Jesus showed us.

As is stated in our doctrinal beliefs, we believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon himself the demands and necessities of human nature and identifying himself completely with mankind, yet He was without sin. He offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all humanity by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate God’s power over sin and death. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God. He is the only mediator and reconciler between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and rule as King of kings. (Matt. 1:22-23, John 1:1-5, Phil. 2:5-11; Col. 1:13-22, Col. 2-9, and 1 Thess. 4:14-18)

At MCS, our staff works together as a body of believers to help lead and guide each student to a relationship with Jesus Christ that is real and personal. The relationships our staff members have with their students is the first access point to speaking into students’ lives. There are also three other areas where MCS intentionally focuses on spiritual growth: Bible Class, Chapel, and Missions.

Psalm 127:3-5
“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!”
+ Bible Class

The Bible curriculum introduces students to the marvelous world that God created. Bible stories capture the students’ attention and teach lessons that demonstrate God’s love and divine purpose for each of them. It is our goal for each student to develop a personal relationship with Christ, a love for His word, and a desire to share the Gospel with others.

We believe that in order to know God and His will for our lives, we must spend daily time in His word.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

It is evident through scripture that a knowledge of God’s word is critical to a Christian’s faith and ability to withstand spiritual attacks.

+ Chapel

Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Attendance at our weekly chapel provides students an opportunity to gather together for corporate worship, prayer, and study.

As a school, we are able to worship together, giving praise and thanksgiving to our Father in Heaven. We spend time praying for one another, for the body of Christ locally, nationally, and globally, and for the world in need of Him. God’s word is studied to further encourage and challenge our students in their personal walks with Jesus and to spur them on to spiritual maturity.

+ Missions

In Matthew 28:18 - 20, Jesus says to His disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

At MCS, we believe that Jesus was speaking to all believers when He gave the great commission. It is our heart to enable students to become powerful and effective servant-leaders who will impact their ever-changing world for Christ through biblical thought and action. One way we do this is through the many missions projects that our students participate in throughout the school year. From raising money for ministries to sending our students to the mission field locally, we have become the hands and feet of Jesus.

“Christ has no body but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which He looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good. Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are His body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”

Teresa of Ávila