BELIEFS

Statement of Faith

As you read through my Statement of Faith, it may challenge you. Which is why I will encourage you to search Scripture for yourself. Be willing to seek God & His guidance – be willing to say, ‘Lord, show me Truth. Do not let me wander from Your commandments either through ignorance or willful disobedience. I want to know Truth – even if it is something I have never been taught’. I always challenge believers with this question, “Why do you believe what you believe?” Is it because your parents told you, your pastor, your denomination OR did you do as Scripture says in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 “But test all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good.”

I believe in God the holy and victorious Trinity [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit].

John 1:1

I believe that God [in Trinity] created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1

I believe that God [in Trinity] created man and that man sinned against God and created a separation from Him.

Genesis 1:26, Genesis 3:6

I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He came down and was born and lived a sinless life, & that when His time to reveal Himself came that He was fully immersed in water and filled with the Holy Spirit and that His life demonstrated to each of us as believers how to walk this life out.

Matthew 1:18, Luke, 1:30-33, John 1:16, Matthew 3:16-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:31-34

I believe that Jesus, the Son of God, willingly chose to come to earth, to sacrifice Himself as a covering for the sins of mankind.

Philippians 2:5-10

I believe that the gift of Salvation is from God. That it is available to every person who is willing to accept and believe in Jesus as Lord & Savior in faith.

Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 2:4

I believe that when Jesus left this earth- after He died and was risen again that He sent His Holy Spirit to be our Counselor, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Teacher and so much more.

Acts 1:8-9, John 14:12, John 14:16, John 14:26, John 16:7-11, John 16:13-14

I believe that the book of Acts documents and demonstrates what the life of a true Christ follower looks like.

Acts 1-28

Following Christ is a combination of repentance and changing our old way of thinking and turning from our sinful ways and accepting Jesus as the Messiah, that we are to be baptized, by full immersion-in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins, and that baptism was modeled as an immediate and absolutely necessary action and that each is to receive the Holy Spirit & have a personal prayer language.

Acts 2:38-39, Acts 2:16-17, Acts 8:4-17, Acts 8:36-40, Acts 9:3-19, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 16:14-15, Acts 19:1-6

I believe that the church in the book of Acts models a life being led by the Holy Spirit and that it is the same thing we should be doing today.

Acts 1:8, Acts 2:4, Acts 2:38-39, Acts 4:8, Acts 4:31, Acts 6:5, Acts 7:51, Acts 7:55, Acts 8:15, 17, Acts 8:29, Acts 9:17. Acts 9:31, Acts 10:44-47, Acts 11:15-16, Acts 11:24, Acts 11:28, Acts 13:2-4, Acts 13:9, Acts 13:52, Acts 15:28, Acts 16:6, Acts 19:6, Acts 20:23, Acts 20:28, Acts 21:4, Acts 21:11, Acts 28:25-30

I believe that the Holy Spirit is absolutely necessary today and that no gift has ceased working until Jesus’ return.

1 Corinthians 13:9-12

I believe that special abilities are given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers. Those gifts include: the message of wisdom, words of knowledge & understanding, faith, the gift of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues (public & private), interpretation of tongues, service, encouragement, giving, leadership, mercy, contributing to the need of others, hospitality.

1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Romans 12:6-13

I believe that there are ministries and services that are available to the Church. These include apostles, prophets, teachers, working of miracles, gifts of healing, helpers, administrators, speaking in tongues, evangelist, pastors. [To equip the saints!]

1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11

I believe that the life of every believer is ministry & service.

Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 4:10, Ephesians 4:12

I believe that the Word of God is inspired by God and is absolute Truth.

Hebrews 4:12-13, 2 Timothy 4:16-17

I believe every believer/disciple was called to make disciples.

Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-20

I believe that when Jesus said to teach them to observe everything that I have commanded you – includes but is not limited to: preach the gospel, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons – freely you have received, freely give.

Matthew 10:7, Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1-2, Luke 10:1-19

I believe that Church does not consist of a building, a day, a time, or a place but that the church consist of each believer living and walking out the life of Christ every day.

Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:30-35

I believe that we are called to be set apart, to a life of holiness.

2 Timothy 1:9, 1 John 3:9, 1 Peter 1:15, 2 Peter 3:11

I believe that our time, money, and resources are to be given at the leading of the Holy Spirit and not as a prerequisite for testing God, or seeking blessings.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

I believe that there is a cost to following Christ.

Matthew 16:24, Luke 14:25-33

I believe that there is a narrow door, and few will enter.

Matthew 7:13, Matthew 7:21-23

I believe that we should have a spiritual hunger to know God’s Word to know God and to know His voice and that it is imperative that He knows us & that we are in constant pursuit of an intimate relationship with Him.

1 John 1:3

I believe that prayer [personal, corporate & intercessory] is an integral part of our walk with God & that God has made prayer a unique design in advancing the kingdom of God. Prayer is communication and communication- establishes relationship with God [Father, Son & Holy Spirit].

Ephesians 6:18, James 5:15-16, Matthew 7:7, Mark 11:12, Luke 6:12, Luke 18:1, Acts 1:14, Acts 2:42, Acts 6:4, Romans 12:12, 1 Peter 3:12, 1 Peter 4:7, 1 Timothy 2:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Colossians 4:2, Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Corinthians 1:11

I believe that communion is not just holy but is an act of obedience.

1 Corinthians 11:23-34

I believe that God calls us to a higher standard of living exhibited by character that honors God and His Word.

1 John, Jude, Galatians 5 & 6

I believe that worship consist of more than mere words or music but that it is the totality of our life; all that we say, think & do.

John 4:23-24, Hebrews 10:24-25, Psalm 150:6

I believe that “works of the heart” are evidence of true faith.

James 2:14-26, Revelation 22:12

I believe in the second coming of Christ and that believers and non-believers will be judged.

Romans 14:10-12, Matthew 25:31-46

I believe in an eternal heaven and an eternal hell.

2 Corinthians 5:21, 2 Peter 2:4

I believe that God is a loving God, but that He is also righteous and just and that mankind must develop & live in an awe filled reverent fear.

Matthew 10:28, Luke 1:50, Acts 10:35