One core belief of Vallejo International is that the Christian Bible, consisting of 66 books, is the primary document of the church. This means that it is the primary resource to guide the faith and practice of the church. For this reason our fifth declared value is that we be biblical—our self-identity and fundamental character must be grounded on the truths revealed in the Bible.
It must be said that the Bible is our primary document because we believe it is the Word of God. The authority of Scripture is grounded in the authority of the God to whom it bears witness. God has revealed himself, his purposes, and his ways throughout history, and especially in Jesus the Christ. The Bible is the only trustworthy record of this self-revelation. It is to the best interests of God’s people, therefore, to build their very existence on the Word of God. Vallejo International affirms that “every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us” (2 Timothy 3.16–17 The Message).
For a people who value the Bible as its primary document, submitting to its guidance is a joy not a burden. “But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night” (Psalm 1.2 NLT). Indeed, our constant confession would be, “I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word” (Psalm 119.16 NIV). One cannot build a life of faithful and obedient devotion to God without taking the time to know God’s Word.
To know God’s Word goes beyond merely reading and thinking about what one reads. The Word of God is not just about information. It’s about transformation. It’s about letting the Word lead us to the God who reveals himself. It’s about submitting ourselves to this God—following his leadership that we become partners with him in accomplishing his purposes, and conduct ourselves according to his ways. Then we will have a firm foundation on which to build our lives, even when we face life’s difficult challenges. “Everyone who comes to me and listens to my words and puts them into practice—I will show you what he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep, and laid the foundation on bedrock. When a flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built” (Luke 6.47–48 NET).
Reading the Bible, studying the Bible, knowing the Bible, putting into practice the truths of the Bible—that’s what the people of the Word are about. And Vallejo International seeks to be people of the Word.
—Keith Y. Jainga