The Missionary Witness of The Church

THE MISSIONARY WITNESS OF THE CHURCH
Statement of belief:

What is your opinion of the necessity of the local church's missionary outreach with regard to the nature of the Church and the condition and fate of sinful persons?
I believe that the local church's attitude and response toward missionary outreach is key to identifying the heart beat or spiritual pulse of the local church. The local churches acceptance of this truth of missions is critical to the condition and fate of those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior. The most important question to ask and demand an answer from the local church is if we don't win people to Christ and disciple them to spiritual maturity who will? The answer is simple. No one will. No other group has any invested interest in bringing people to a relationship to God through Jesus Christ and empowerment via the Holy Spirit. Only the body of Christ has been commanded to do so. Matthew 28:19 20

As a worker how will you promote and support the Church with world missions? I would as I have done in the past. I would serve as an ambassador for Christ. I would go on mission trips, support missionaries (of whom I one was), teach and equip the local church to think and live outwardly in regarding the practice of their faith in Jesus Christ. It would begin with our neighborhood and then to the ends of the earth. My heart is that all people will come to a relationship with God. But I know that this will not happen I the church doesn't accept its responsibility and fulfill the great commission.

How would you promote and support a vigorous program of local church evangelism and discipleship? The first thing I would do is I would represent a personal life of prayer and meditation concerning evangelism and discipleship, then I would teach, challenge and equip the people of the local church to pray for God to guide them in ways to serve Him through evangelism and discipleship. I would then take what the Holy Spirit is leading the local church to do and then provide the church with the things that they would need to meet this opportunity. I would finally create an environment of "the only way to fail in evangelism is to never evangelize" in the local church. I believe that God believes in us enough to partner with us so why not believe in ourselves enough to change the world for God?

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Statement of belief:
The Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent and will be personal, visible, and premillennial. This is the believer's hope and is a vital truth that is an incentive to holy living and faithful service.

Terms associated with the second coming
"premillennial" This belief states that Jesus will return to physically reign for a thousand years. It is also necessary that Christ does return to initiate the beginning of the thousand years of reign. The scriptural basis for this view is taken from Revelation 20:4-6. Christ is seen as literally breaking in on time and space causing great separation of good and evil in this world.

"amillennial" The amillennial view states that there will be no millennial reign of Christ. When he comes the second time it will initiate the great final judgment. The amillennialist believes that the 1000 years reign of Christ is to be taken symbolically and not literally. It also holds that the 2 resurrections written of in Revelation are to be understood as the first as spiritual and the second as physical.

"postmillennial" This is the view whereby the preaching of the gospel will be so successful that the world will be converted, There will be peace and evil will be banished. Then when the truth of the gospel has taken full effect Christ will return to reign as King. This view has its Biblical basis from scripture such as Psalms 47, 72, and Isaiah 45:22-25.

Which position do I accept?
I tend to gravitate toward the premillennial stance. I say this because of my belief and understanding of the Bible. I believe that the stories in the Bible to be true and historically sound. I also view revelation as a symbolic writing with literal consequences. So if John records that there will be a 1000 years of Christ's reign then there will be a 1000 years rule. I do not know when Christ will return but I do believe that things in the world will not get totally better without the removal of evil from this planet. I do hold to the hope that the Kingdom of Heaven has in part begun with Christ's victory over death and will continue to grow with the spreading of the Gospel. I can see the hope of the postmillennial view but I have a hard time believing it. So I rest in the premillennial view.

How do I define "imminent?" and in what sense is the Second Coming of Christ "imminent?"
Imminent is defined by Merriam-Webster’s dictionary as, "ready to take place." I believe that this definition can be used to explain my understanding of Christ’s return. Jesus spoke of many things during his time on earth but one thing that held his disciples true to the faith was that he was going to return. Matthew 24-25 Mark 13:26 Luke 21:27 The imminent return of Christ is also described in the Bible as unexpected. Matthew 25:8-10 I believe that Jesus is coming back but I do not know the time. I do believe that there will be signs of the times that will prepare us but we are called to live everyday as being in a state of readiness for his return. This means that we are to be at work fulfilling the Great Commission until he calls us home. By doing this way the Church will grow and be a blessing to the world and not a private social club waiting for the their ticket to heaven.

The Resurrection

Resurrection
Statement of belief:
There shall be a bodily resurrection of the just and of the unjust; for the former, a resurrection unto life; for the latter, a resurrection unto judgment.

What does the term "bodily resurrection" mean?
I believe it to mean exactly as it sounds but with a supernatural twist. When Jesus was resurrected he was recorded as being in human form but with a new resurrected body. Since Jesus was and is the only instance of this occurrence I must look to his new body as the example. In Luke 24: 36-53 Jesus shows the disciples that he has maintained his physical appearance after the resurrection took place. He could be touched and even eat a meal, yet he had the ability to walk through walls and even ascend into heaven. The Bible tells us that we will be resurrected and our earthly bodies will be transformed in a similar fashion 1 Cor. 15 Romans 8

The Church

The Church
Statement of belief:
The Church consists of all those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, are redeemed through His blood, and are born again of the Holy Spirit. Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church, which has been commissioned by Him to go into the entire world as a witness, preaching the gospel to all nations. The local church is a body of believers in Christ who are joined together for the worship of God, for edification through the Word of God, prayer, fellowship, the proclamation of the gospel, and observance of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper.

What is the relationship of each local church to the total Body of Christ, the Universal Church?
Romans 12:4 states that we are members of one body and that we belong to each other. There are many other places in scripture that either directly or indirectly refers to the unity of the church. This unity is demonstrated in the churches function and future destiny. It is my belief and understanding that there is no difference in the local church in regards to its essence as compared to the universal church. We are merely a geographical representation of the whole. In light of that statement the local church must seek to demonstrate its actions like those of the New Testament. The apostle Paul sought after the newly founded church to support each other as well the Church in Jerusalem, who was suffering great persecution at the time. 1 Corinthians 16:1 We should be diligent to pray for and support our brother's and sister's in the body of Christ at all times. I believe that if a church does not teach this principle axiom then it is doomed for failure and does not represent the truth found in the scriptures.

Why are corporate worship, prayer, and fellowship essential for the local church?
I believe that these are some of the most important sacraments of the church today. Each of these activities requires the believer to unify themselves to the larger sum of the whole body of Christ. There is an exchange of truth that is essential to the growth and power, which exist in the body of Christ. It is also supernatural in nature and points us to the future of the church found in John's Revelation. There is also a unique divine creation component to it as well. I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit within is gives the believer the ability to encourage and support another believer. We were designed and purposed for community. When Jesus tell us the whenever two or more are gathered in his name then he will be present, it should sound of an alarm that we need to be unified. God will represent himself though the body of believers if we represent Him well through corporate worship, prayer, and fellowship.

What is the role of the Church in the proclamation of the gospel and edification of the believer?
Matthew 28 tells us that we are commanded to "go and make disciples..." We presented with an incredibly important task of partnering with God to usher in the Kingdom of heaven. We are also to represent God as well to those who are in need of salvation. This may take many forms in the world we live in today. The modern missionary may look very different than their counterpart did 100 years ago but the means may be different but the message should never change. We are the voice of God to the lost; we are to share the hope in a lost and dying world. We are the "beautiful feet of those who bring the good news." Romans 10:15 We are also called to build each other up. The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians represents this truth12-14. There is nothing more wonderful than to see the church care for one another. I have seen it as a pastor, missionary, and member of the body of Christ. I believe that is when we are at our best and represent God’s love in its truest form.

Why is it important to establish local churches?
I believe that the establishment of local church could be like the positioning of watchtowers for the Kingdom of heaven on earth. The local church is meant to represent the establishment of the power of Christ on earth. Ephesians 1:19-23 It is however a sad state of affairs for the local church in the United States. I feel that it has become anemic and powerless. The current condition of our culture is a representation of this symptom. If the local church realized its purpose and identity then our world would be a better place to be. We are to work in the fields until Christ comes again not to wait for a free ride to heaven. The local church is crucial to the health of the culture and society that they exist in.

Sanctification

Sanctification
My understanding of sanctification in the life of the believer
I believe the work of sanctification is a continuation of the work of God begun during the regeneration of the human spirit. Since regeneration has taken place the new creation of Christ Jesus, the Christian, is capable of being made into a holy being taking on the likeness of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:2 It also means that the Christian is now a member of the family of God. 1 Peter 2:9 This status is given to us by God. I also believe that sanctification in the life of a believer is a matter of becoming Christ-like not only in essence but also in life practice. Holy living is something that is not a matter of intuition. Even though we are adopted into the family of God we do not necessarily act like it from the first day of the their new birth. Even the Apostle Paul struggled with his actions. Romans 7:15-25 I believe that we are in a state of progressive sanctification. We are separated for the kingdom 1 Peter 2:9 but we are called to live a life of holiness. Galatians 5:19-23. This process is difficult one but we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to achieve this goal.


Terms of sanctification
"sanctified wholly"
To be sanctified wholly means the process where the Holy Spirit gives you awareness of the weaknesses of your flesh. You then, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, give over those areas of struggle in your life until you gain full or wholly victory over those weak areas of your life. Ephesians 5:8-21

"separated from sin" Paul writes in Romans 8 that we have been set free from sin. The things that held us captive do not have to pull us down anymore. Peter also shares that we are to live our lives separated from sin and to be like Christ. 1 Peter 1:15 I believe that this means that we are to represent Christ to the world and if we are engaged in sinful behavior we are first denying our salvation and second casting confusion upon those who have not experienced a relationship with God. I don't think this means we are to avoid sinful people. We are to be a light but we are not to practice sinful behavior.

"fully dedicated" I believe that because we were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20) we are to give our all to God in every part of our lives. When it comes to God there are no secret places to hide. He has called us to give all of our lives for Him. A fully dedicated Christian will be a person at peace with him/herself.

How may sanctification be designated a crisis?
Sanctification may be designated a crisis due to the critical point in time that it begins its initial process. Colossians 3 speaks of "putting on the new self." I believe that the new, regenerated person has been a made new. He or she was spiritually dead and then they are made alive. There was a before and after moment. A crisis point is no different. The process of sanctification has to begin at a point in time and then continue in the life of a believer. It also takes a natural course of spiritual "detoxification." As the Christian gives up sinful habits they must replace them with Holy things. Philippians 4:8 The old ways are removed hence, crisis, then the new fills the space and creates life.

How may sanctification be designated "progressive"
Sanctification may be designated as "progressive" because of the very nature of sanctification. The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 2:12-13 that the believer in Christ "must work out their salvation with fear and trembling." I believe that what Paul was getting at was this very point. Sanctification is a process. At the moment of salvation the Christian is brought into the family of God and thus separated for works of righteousness. Which is a powerful witness for non-believers demonstrating the power of God to dramatically change lives for the best. However, not all of the sin "reflexes," typically disappears overnight. Romans 12:9, 16-17 Romans 12:1-2 Paul is saying that it takes work to make a complete change for
Christ. The great thing is that although it involves our will power it does not mean that we must accomplish this task on our own. The Holy Spirit will help if we let Him. It should be the hope and effort of every Christian that as time passes they too will grow to be the person that God is calling them to be.

The evidences of a sanctified life
The evidences of a sanctified life are spelled out in Galatians 5:22-23. These have been termed the "fruits of the Spirit." Paul writes in chapter 5 of Galatians that are a whole list of sinful behaviors that basically end in death. Then in Galatians 5:22 he counters the list of sin symptoms with a list of evidences of a life lived according to the Spirit of God. To further illustrate this point I must refer to Jesus. He spoke in Matthew 7:16-20 that you can tell a tree by its fruit. I believe that a person who is living a sanctified life will also represent a life that possesses the qualities of Christ and not the world’s ways.

Salvation

Salvation
Statement of belief:
Salvation has been provided through Jesus Christ for all men, and those who repent and believe in Him are born again of the Holy Spirit, receive the gift of eternal life, and become children of God.

I understand the following terms to mean.
"salvation" I understand salvation as the who, what, when, where and why of Jesus’ accomplishments before, during and after his crucifixion on the cross on the behalf of humankind. Salvation has come to mean many things in our current American culture. But most people understand it to mean a means of rescue by someone or something from someone or something very bad. I believe that in the context of the statement above it means that we, as sinful humans, were provided, via Jesus Christ sacrifice, an opportunity for hope and deliverance from hell.

"repentance" I believe repentance to mean three things. First, repentance means to realize ones personal sinful action/actions. Second, one must then separate oneself from the sinful action/actions. Third, and finally one must then seek to enter into a fellowship relationship with God. 2 Chronicles 7:14 When repentance happens in this sequence great personal and even corporate freedom from sin will take place. I also believe that repentance is the primary prerequisite to salvation. Acts 2:38

"believe" I understand the word “believe,” used in the statement above, to be a very close companion to faith. To believe as a matter of salvation means to lay a hold of the promises and work of Christ. Matthew 9:28 Hebrews 11:6 I must add that it is not a matter of wishful thinking. To believe in Christ is all about action and not mere theory. I believe that Jesus made it clear in John 3:16, to believe, meant to have utter confidence in the Son of God that through Him eternal salvation will benefit the one placing belief on Him.

"regeneration" I understand the term regeneration to mean a transforming spiritual experience performed by God on the other side of the experience of salvation of an individual. Romans 3:9-20 speaks of the human spiritual condition as one of denial and death. Based on the condition of the human spiritual condition something must take place in order to make it alive to God. Regeneration is that something. Jesus spoke of it to Nicodemus in John 3:3 as being born again. The apostle Paul wrote that after regeneration a person becomes a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 I admit that it is a process, which is hard to understand but a necessary part of the work of God for every Christian.

"justification"
Justification is the incredible task that is performed by God making sinful man, who has accepted the salvation of Christ, righteous before God. In this action God wipes away the pre-existence human spiritual condition of sinfulness as well as the acts of sin committed by humankind before salvation. God has requirements for dealing with sin. In the Old Testament the people of God made animal sacrifices to cover their sins. Leviticus 4. In the New Testament the sacrifice for sin was accomplished by the atoning death of Christ. Romans 4:25 Justification is entirely the work of God and humankind can only benefit from it.

In what sense is salvation provided "for all men?"
I believe that salvation is provided for all who act on belief/faith in Christ Jesus. John 3:16 It is the "living water" that Christ spoke of to the women at the well in John 4. In regards to whom it effects, one must examine the word "all." This topic usually brings itself to the term of selection or predestination. I have believed for many years that the offer of salvation is simply for everyone who calls on the name of Christ. Joel 2:32, Romans 10:12-13 I read Ephesians 1:5 as a statement of assurance in the saving work of Christ. I believe that Paul was writing to the church in Ephesus with future implications of the future church to follow that those who choose to believe will be chosen to live eternally with God in heaven. I do not believe that this scripture was meant to theologically separate humankind into a place of doom or redemption. This statement is reinforced by 1 John 2:2 "and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world." NASB

The divine aspects and human aspects in the statement above.
The divine aspects of above statement are as follows: 1. Salvation is for humankind through Jesus Christ who is God's son and the member of the Holy Trinity. 2. Regeneration of the human spirit is made possible through the power of the Holy Spirit also a part of the Holy Trinity. 3. The gift of eternal life to humankind is accomplished through the power of God. The human aspects of statement 6 are as follows: 1. Repentance is the action of the will of humankind. 2. Belief is an act of the human will, which believes that the offer of salvation is true, and from God. 7. It is the will of God that each believer should be filled with the Holy Spirit and be sanctified wholly, being separated from sin and the world and fully dedicated to the will of God, thereby receiving power for holy living and effective service. This is both a crisis and a progressive experience wrought in the life of the believer subsequent to conversion.

The Human creation and need for Salvation

Human Creation and the need for Salvation
Statement of belief:
Man was originally created in the image and likeness of God. He fell through disobedience, incurring thereby both physical and spiritual death. All men are born with a sinful nature, are separated from the life of God, and can be saved only through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The prospect of the unrepentant and unbelieving person is existence forever in conscious torment, and that of the believer in Christ is everlasting joy and peace.

What do you I believe the following to mean in the above statement?
"created" I believe that “created” means simply that God created humankind. The book of Genesis writes that we were formed from the dust. We (Adam), were breathed into by God by the breath of Life. Genesis 2:7 We (Adam) even spent time with God in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:15 I also believe that God made humankind in His image with some of the attributes of God. He created humankind for a relationship with Himself and longed to see us walk in obedience to Him. I do not believe that we (humankind) evolved from any position or source to be what we are today. God “created.”

"born with a sinful nature" I believe that we as humankind are born with a sinful nature. Due to Adam's willful disobedience to God in Genesis Chapter 3 we (humankind) are stained with a spiritual and physical genetic code for sin. Many theologians have waded through the various positions of this very topic for generations and some may still battle for some time into the future. But I believe that the Bible is quite clear that humankind makes their start in life with an uphill battle in the department of sinful nature. I can make this case in a very practical and yet personal way illustrating my 5 year old son. Even though he looks like and angel he finds himself tripping over his halo quite often. We are born into this world with a desire for self-preservation and success with very little effort for the others who walk in our way. Romans 1 speaks of this problem and explains the state of humankind as it is today. We can read or see the effects of the sinful nature in the evening news or when we are attacked in this life for living a godly life.

"Separated from the life of God" I do believe that humankind was initially separated from the life of God due to the sinful disobedience to God performed by Adam and Eve. But what does this actually mean? I believe it means that the opportunity for a complete re-union with God, both physical and spiritual was fractured because of sin. God has great difficulty being in contact with sin. When Adam and Eve sinned He had to punish them and one of those punishments was the fact that they would die physically one day and return to the dust from where they came from. Genesis 3:19 The life of the body which is given to humankind by God would someday cease. The spiritual connection to God was severed. Jesus said in John 3:3,7 that humankind must be "born again" to gain access into the Kingdom of Heaven. The Apostle Paul taught in Ephesians 2:1, 4:18 that we (humankind) are dead spiritually and separated from God due to our sins. Paul also demonstrates the encompassing result of sin and separation from the life God in Romans 3:10,23 by writing that all of humankind are guilty of sin and have fallen short. We (humankind) are left with a choice. We either continue to follow after sin and separation or we choose to follow after God and accept the only point of access to a life of union with God and that is through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Lord of our lives, both physical and spiritual.

"existence forever in conscious torment"
I believe this statement is the description of the actual end all result of sin. Hell. I believe that God made humankind to exist eternally with Himself (Trinity). Genesis 1:26 The effect of separation forces the human spirit to exist out of the presence of God. The Bible speaks of a day of final judgment by God when the separation will take its permanency. Revelation 20:11-15 This day will be a day of great joy for some but those who did not choose the Son of God will suffer greatly in a place named Hell. I do believe in Hell and find it as a powerful motivating force for convincing people who have chosen not to accept Jesus as their savior to do so before it’s to late. I honestly cannot imagine the fury and pain that will be inflicted on those who are sent there. It will be a very sad day.

"everlasting joy and peace" I believe this statement is the end result of being born again. John 3:3,8 Those who believe in Jesus Christ and make Him Lord of their lives will find themselves reaping eternal benefits of the "everlasting joy and peace." This will be found only in the presence of God in Heaven. Very little is known about every detail of heaven. You can't investigate it on realtor listing. But what we do know is that Jesus spoke of heaven and hell as a real place. John 5:24 Heaven is a place where there will be no more tears and pain. Revelation 21 It brings me great comfort to know that the great difficulty of this earthly life will be erased and redrawn in the exact opposite in heaven.

Is there salvation without personal faith in Jesus Christ?
I believe that because of sin we are separated from the “life” of God. However, our created spirit/flesh desires to be unified with something. The best fit for this union with God is through the belief and following of Jesus Christ which results in the spirit of man being born again and the offering of new hope and eternal life with God. For those who seek to follow the opposite of God, which basically gives them no chance for union with God, find themselves grasping for true meaning and purpose. This choice is demonstrated by the state of the world we live currently live in. So many people loose themselves in false religions and demonic unions when they choose not to follow God’s plan for salvation. I believe that personal faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to obtain salvation and the life giving regeneration of their spirit. Jesus speaks of this in many ways. He tells everyone that he is the only way in John 14:6, John 10. Paul writes in Romans 6:23 Jesus is the only answer to the penalty of sin. Luke writes in Acts 4:12 salvation is found in no one else except through Jesus. So I tell everyone that asks the question that Yes, Jesus is the only way to heaven.

What of those who have not heard the gospel?
At the end of Jesus' earthly ministry we find Jesus giving his last face-to-face instructions to his disciples. Matthew 28:16-20. This moment in time has been described as the "Great Commission." Jesus basically told his followers to make more disciples of all nations. The key word here is connection with the question concerning the spiritual fate/destination of those who have not heard the gospel and that is the word nations. I believe that God has commanded his church to be a vital player in the spiritual destiny of humankind. While saying all of this from the standpoint of being a former missionary with Youth With A Mission (Y.W.A.M.) I must admit that I struggle with this question but not with the responsibility. Romans 10:13-14 I believe that God is a God of mercy and grace but also a God who is just. Romans 1:17-and following sets a tone for humankind and their response to general and special revelation of God. My heart would be that everyone makes it into heaven but I know all to sadly that there are and will be those who refuse to exercise faith in Jesus Christ. So until He comes back for His church I will do my part to spread and encourage the spreading of the good news of the Gospel to “all the nations.” I believe that 2 Peter 3:9 would help my case. 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

The Bible

The Bible
Statement of Belief:
The Old and New Testaments, inerrant as originally given, were verbally inspired by God and are a complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men. They constitute the divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice.

What do you understand the following to mean in the above statement?
"inerrant" When discussing Biblical inherency one must examine what parts of the Bible can be classified as inerrant. Those parts are commonly sectioned off as 1. what form (original or later translations) and 2. is the Bible free from contradiction or is complete in scriptural accuracy (scientific and or historical). I believe that the Bible, in its final canonical form, was given to mankind from God who is inerrant or without flaw. The original biblical languages of Hebrew and Greek have been translated many times since its original authors penned the words of "In the beginning..." yet I believe that God in His wisdom has held the context of the Bible together for all of humanity to know who they are, whose they are, and what He expects from them. I also believe however, that not every translation available today is entirely accurate in literal word translation. I must add that I believe that some biblical translations are more like the original languages and can be used in the process of biblical study where as other translations may hold a better grip on contextual issues. The second point of contention is in the area of scriptural accuracy (scientific and historical). I believe that the Bible was never intended as a complete resource for science or history. Do I believe that the Bible has scientific and historical credibility? Yes, however, I look at the Bible as a complex puzzle that has been given to us by God as a complete representation of His love for His creation. If you start taking out certain pieces of the puzzle and examine them totally on their own they will appear to be mistaken or incomplete. You may ask then does the Bible contain scientific accuracy? I would answer, "Yes." However, it could never have been used as a manual to build or design a car. So why try and make it work that way? If you ask me is the Bible historically accurate? I would say, "Yes." However, it does not contain a complete record of all of human history. It contains historical accounts of its people and characters. I believe that Moses did exist and led the Hebrew people through the sea. It was a miracle but it actually happened. In conclusion I believe the Bible is inerrant in its original form languages and it contains scientific and historical accuracy. But it must be examined in light of its purpose not as a scientific manual or complete historical textbook for all of human civilization.

"verbally inspired" I believe that the Bible was verbally inspired. 1 Corinthians 14:37 and Matthew 15:4 state that God gave us His word verbally to the original writers of the Bible. God represents this belief many times over throughout the entirety of scripture. God has and still does partner with humankind to achieve many of His purposes in history and the authoring of the Bible was no different. While there has been in the past and still remains today a debate over who the authors where and when did they write, and why they wrote some things and not others is to me, not entirely as important as the ideal that they heard the words of God and recorded them in their (the authors) own style or personality for us to read and stake our very lives (spiritual and physical) on.

"only rule" I believe that the statement, "the only rule," is expressing that the Bible is the utmost authority of the Church. We, the Church, find it necessary to have a representation of God’s truth. Due to the physical and spiritual nature of humankind, even after salvation, we are still left with an inner struggle to rise above the flesh. Romans 7:14-25 The Bible is to be used to support the function and overarching purpose of the church. Paul goes on to write in 2 Timothy 3:16 that, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." I feel it also important to add that there are many very valuable works of Christian instruction written by those in the Christian faith but none can ever compare to the Bible. So in light of that I agree the bible to be the, "only rule," for us to repeatedly go to for support.

“faith and practice” “Faith and Practice,” are to me the place in the life of a Christian where the "rubber meets the road.” The Bible gives us all that we need to know what has been done, what is expected, and even a way to accomplish the life that God calls us to live. Titus 3:1-11 There are no other literary works of humankind which cover such a broad spectrum of issues we can expect to deal within the Christian walk. I believe that the truth of the Bible gives us the power to tear down strongholds of sin in our lives and accomplish the will of God to the fullest. Ephesians 6:17. I know that in my own personal spiritual experience that when I have the most difficult or weakest times it is usually because I have not been applying the Word of God to my life. So I must state that it is essential to the Christian that they must utilize the Bible as the foundation to Faith and Practice in the Christian life.

The Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit
Statement of belief:
The Holy Spirit is a divine person, sent to indwell, guide, teach, empower the believer, and convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.

My understanding of the Holy Spirit as a "divine person?"
The person of the Holy Spirit is first recorded in the creation account in Genesis 1:2. The Spirit was described as hovering over the waters. The Holy Spirit was also seen in the Old Testament as giving the words of God to the prophets. Ezekiel 2:2 King Saul was also affected by the Holy Spirit in 1 Samuel 10:6,10. When the Holy Spirit was poured out his presence was felt in the realities of justice, righteousness and peace. Isaiah 11:2-5 Later in the New Testament we find many who were effected by their experience with the Holy Spirit. Jesus being a part of the Trinity had great connectivity to the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:35 states, "The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." The angel Gabriel announced the things to come for Mary, who was a virgin, by sharing this amazing information to her. The Holy Spirit was also physically present in the form of a dove during the baptism of Jesus. Luke 3:21-22 The Holy Spirit was also given to the disciples after the ascension of Jesus to heaven. On the day of Pentecost we find the followers of Jesus being filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1-4 After the filling the Holy Spirit empowered Peter to preach the sermon of his life. There are many more instances recorded in the Bible as to the description and activities of the Holy Spirit. I write all of these things to offer that I believe the Holy Spirit to be real and active, not only in the history of the Bible, but in the lives of every day believers of Jesus Christ. I thank God for the Holy Spirit being active in my own life and count it all joy to have him to help me in my daily attempts of Christ-like living. I could not do it without the Holy Spirit.

The ministry of the Holy Spirit to the believer and the unbeliever
I believe that the Holy Spirit's ministry is first to the unbeliever. Jesus said in John 16:6-8, "Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. 7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:" The Holy Spirit is the counselor/teacher to the believer and the convicter/motivator of the non-believer.

What I understand by "filled with the Holy Spirit"
The Christian was given a promise from Jesus in Acts 1:8. After the Pentecost experience in Acts 2:4 the life of the Christ-follower was changed forever. Luke writes that the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and then they walked in the dynamic power of God. Many things but none so compelling as the “fruits of the Spirit” demonstrate the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Galatians 5:22,23 "22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." I understand that the filling of the Holy Spirit is promised by God to aid us in sanctification and presentation of special gifts that are to be used in the building of the growth of the Kingdom of God.

Jesus

Jesus
Statement of Belief:
Jesus Christ is true God and true man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He died upon the cross, the Just for the unjust, as a substitutional sacrifice; and all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood. He arose from the dead according to the Scriptures. He is now at the right hand of the Majesty on high as our great High Priest. He will come again to establish His Kingdom of righteousness and peace.

What I understand by "true God and true man" as applied to Jesus?
I understand that Jesus was and is the physical representation of God in the form of a human man. His existence came as a miracle. The world of the spirit came into the physical realm of time and history. He came with a purpose and a plan to redeem mankind from the relational separation from God, which occurred in Genesis 3 with Adam. The biblical writers represent this many times in Scripture. Each instance was placed in the Bible in order to represent His deity and humanity. His God qualities, which focus His claims to God equality, are found in several places but I will list only a few. His claim of power over angels. In Mt 13:41 he says, "The son of man will send out his angels..." Jesus also said that he had the power to forgive sins. In Mark 2:5 Jesus heals a paralyzed man but before he does this he says, "Son, your sins are forgiven." He claimed that he had the power to forgive sins. This is something that only God can do. Jesus also spoke of his purpose of judging the world. (Mt. 25: 31-46) Jesus also spoke about his power over death and life in John 5:21. He equates himself with the Father, "who raises the dead and gives them life." My final understanding would be Jesus case for equality with God and his "true God-ness." In John 5:18 the religious leaders were committed to kill him because he was calling God his own Father, making himself equal to God. Jesus was not the only one who pointed to his deity. The biblical authors wrote about it as well. The apostle John wrote in John1:1-5 that the "word" was God. The word that he was writing of was Jesus. The author of Hebrews writes in Hebrews 1:3 that Jesus was the exact representation of God’s glory. Finally Paul wrote in Colossians 1:15-20 that Jesus was the image of the invisible God. He also wrote in Colossians 2:9 that Christ Jesus was the fullness of deity in bodily form.

In addressing my understanding of Jesus being fully man I would like to represent places recorded in scripture, which point to this truth. First of all he was born of a woman and grew in wisdom and stature. Luke 2:52 We also find that Peter declaring to his audience that Jesus was from Nazareth demonstrating his humanness and his geographical location where he lived and worked. Acts 2:22 Jesus was demonstrated humanness in his being physically tired, hungry and tested. Luke 4:1-13 Jesus also expressed emotions that we all are familiar with. Some of them were joy (John 15:11) and anger (Mark 3:5). Jesus also suffered and died. (John 19:34) All of these scriptural references for Christ deity and humanity prove to me that Jesus was fully human and fully divine. Because of these truths I can place my faith in him to understand my weakness and to deliver me from the consequences of sin.

My understanding of Christ's atonement for sin indicating my understanding of His "substitutional sacrifice."
Beginning in Genesis 3 humankind sinned and fell from his/her place with God. As a result of this event many things came to pass which brought us to a place of substitutional sacrifice regarding the atonement for sins committed against God. The blood of animals was shed upon an alter and was presented as an atonement for personal and cooperate sin. This system of atonement was not complete and another sacrifice had to be made in order to completely cover the sins of each member of mankind. The concept of substitutional sacrifice is mentioned in the Old Testament scripture. Isaiah 53 speaks of the substitutional sacrifice that was to be made by Christ for humankind. The mention of we were like sheep and have gone astray as well as how God has laid our sin upon Christ's shoulders for him to bear on our behalf strongly suggest that a substitutionary sacrifice needed to take place. In the New Testament it is recorded that John the Baptist said, when seeing Jesus said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:9) Later Paul writes that, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21 Finally in Hebrews 9:28 the author writes, "so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." These passages should adequately present the case that we as sinful humans could never sacrifice enough animals to cover the sins of humankind. Christ was the only proper substitutional sacrifice, which would meet the demands of a just God to clear us from the eternal effects of sin.

What is the significance of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?
The resurrection of Christ is most certainly one of the most, if not the most, monumental events in the history of time. It is the basis for hope and relationship with our Creator. It is also the completion of Christ suffering and death on the cross for our sins. I often wonder how, first the women and then the men, felt as they peered into an empty tomb and then when they saw Jesus in his resurrected body. John 20:1-31 When Jesus gained victory over death he gave way to flood which burst from a dam which will carry all Christians to eternal life in the presence of God. Paul says that, "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." Paul goes on to share the extreme significance of the resurrection. It is the source of our faith and without it we are basically helpless and hopeless. But he concludes in 1 Corinthians 14:20, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep." I believe that the resurrection is crucial to my faith and the inspiration to my attempt to live the life that God has called me to lead. Without the resurrection Christianity would become yet another false religion with no power or purpose for its followers.

God and the Trinity

God and the Trinity
Statement of belief:
There is one God, who is infinitely perfect, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

In what sense is God infinitely perfect?
God is the primary source of all things. (IS 45:18) He can and does exist apart from everything else except for the collective group of the Holy Trinity. (Job 38:4) The Bible states in Genesis that all things came from the very spoken words of God. (Genesis 1:3,6,9,11,14, 20, 24, 26, ect...). God is immeasurable and boundless while mankind and all other creations are dependent upon him for their existence and source of continuation. (IS 42:5) God is infinitely perfect in His existence, His attributes, and His volition/will. God as Creator obtains the pure essence of perfection.

My understanding of "one God" and "existing eternally in three persons."
God has been noted throughout the Bible as being the one primary force/source of all things. He has stated that there should be no other Gods set before him. Deuteronomy 5:7 However, it is also recorded in the Old Testament that he speaks in the plural when describing His activities, the creation of the world being one of them. Genesis 1:26 Then in the New Testament we actually get the full disclosure from Jesus that he and the father are one. John 1:1 Not only in "mind-set" but also in function and existence. All the while we are made aware of the Holy Spirits role as well. Acts 1:8 Each of these representations of the "One true God" demonstrate that the unity of the being "God" is separate in form but connected in unity and purpose.