WHAT I BELIEVE
What Is Christianity?
Faith in God
There are many religions and gods in the world. Knowing which path to take can be confusing and frustrating. The decision to follow Christ may not be easy, but it is simple and leads to the most fulfillment. Faith is the initial requirement to enter into a relationship with God. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) describes faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Faith is a supernatural substance that is not seen or measured in the earthly realm. Faith itself is proof that the spiritual realm exists.
John 3:16-21; Romans 3:23-26, 5:1-11; Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 11; 2 Peter 1:1-8
Salvation
The Old Testament (covenant) required the blood of goats and rams as an offering to cover the sins of the people. These sacrifices were offered by priests who presented burnt offerings to God and confessed their own sins before interceding for Israel. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is our High Priest (Heb. 4:14). His blood completely removes sin, providing the perfect sacrifice once and for all. Those who believe in Him will never be condemned (Romans 8:1).
Acts 2:38-41, 4:12; Romans 5:12-21, 10:9-11; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:14-16, 7:23-8:6; 1 John 1:9
Born Again
Take a moment to read the conversation between Jesus and Pharisee Nicodemus in John 3:1-8. Being born of the Holy Spirit is a miracle and a mystery. Following wholehearted repentance and an open confession of belief in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10), the miracle of new birth takes place and the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us, in our heart (Rom. 8:10-11; Gal. 4:6). When we receive the Holy Spirit we are immediately identified as children of God and given full rights as heirs to the Kingdom (Rom. 8:16-17). This is a supernatural shift from spiritual darkness to light, from spiritual death to eternal life. The old life is gone and a new life has begun (2 Cor. 5:17). The process requires our faith, but all power to regenerate the human spirit belongs to God.
John 1:12-13, 14:16-17, 15:13-15; Galatians 2:20, 4:4-7; Colossians 1:9-14, 3:1-17; 1 Peter 1:21-25; 2 Peter 1:3-4
Water Baptism
After we place faith in Christ, and we're born again, one of the first fruits of righteousness the Holy Spirit leads us to is full immersion baptism. This demonstration strengthens our identity as a follower of Christ, connects us with a community of believers, and prepares us for greater works in the Kingdom of God. Water baptism is often described as "an outward expression of an inward change."
Matthew 3:13-17; John 1:29-34; Romans 6:4-11; 1 Peter 3:21
Baptism (in) the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit's anointing is available to every born-again believer regardless of their denomination or position in the church (Acts 2:39). All baptisms recorded in Scripture are for our benefit. Water baptism is performed by human hands (i.e. pastor) and is a required work for every believer (Matt. 3:13-15; Mk. 16:16; Jn. 3:5). When we're born again, we're also baptized into the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor.12:12-13; Eph. 4:4-6).
Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues is performed by Jesus; the Spirit is the substance into which the Christian is submerged (Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8). Depending on God's work in a believer's life, and their faith to receive, this baptism may or may not be an immediate consequence of regeneration.
For clarification, when we're born again, the Spirit comes to live in us (Rom. 8). Water baptism is the outward sign that this divine transaction has taken place. When Jesus baptizes us in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit comes upon us in power (Acts 1:8, 10:34-48). The initial outward sign is audibly speaking in other tongues.
Matthew 3:11; Mark 3:8-11; Luke 3:15-16; John 1:32-34; Acts 1-2
Read, Pray, Fast
It is impossible to mature, gain knowledge, and be effective in the Body of Christ without regularly submitting to these three disciplines. Studying Scripture gives us spiritual wisdom (Prov. 2:6), devotion to prayer increases intimacy with God (Matt. 6:5-13), and fasting sharpens our spiritual senses to help us discern the enemy and resist temptation (Matt. 4:1-11). Healthy habits of prayer, reading, and fasting keep us continually focused on the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).
There is no "formula" for praying, reading, and fasting. The Scriptures simply command us to pray without ceasing (Eph. 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17); read daily (Matt. 6:11); fast in confidence (Matt. 6:16-18). Christ's example is the standard of measurement. Our level of dedication depends on how closely we choose to walk with Him. The more we apply ourselves, the more we will want to do!
Matthew 6; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12-13; 1 John 5:14-15
Suffering
Suffering is part of our identity in Christ (2 Tim. 3:12). The Christian life is not free of hardships, pain, or loss. Rather, Jesus said as long as we're living in this world, we will have trouble. Although it is God's will to bless His children, we must understand that having everything we want is not the reason we are saved. Throughout our walk with God, we must manage our expectations according to Scripture (1 John 5:14-15). The foundation of our faith is strengthened when we choose to trust in Jesus regardless of our circumstances.
Proverbs 3:5-8; Romans 8:16-18; 2 Corinthians 13:7; Philippians 4:4-13; Hebrews 5:8-9, 6:17-20; 1 Peter 1:6-7, 3:17-4:19
Fruit of Transformation
Throughout our Christian walk, we still struggle with flesh and the temptation to sin. Humans are incapable of producing anything good in and of themselves (Rom. 7:18-21). But if we are truly born again of the Holy Spirit, we will produce the fruit of righteousness (Rom. 8:9:14). True repentance commands us to completely turn away from unholy living (2 Cor. 7:10). We have a responsibility to respond to the Spirit's conviction (James 4:17; Eph. 5:15-17) and, by His power, work to build Christlike character (2 Peter 1: 5-11).
Mark 4; Romans 12:1-4; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:17-24, 5:1-21; James 1:19-27, 2:14-26; 1 John 1:5-2:6, 3:1-10
Unbelievers, Skeptics, Atheists & World Religions
The God of the Bible is the only God to reveal Himself as Creator of the universe, who stepped into time, took on flesh, died for His creation, and rose from the dead to give them eternal life. Anyone who rejects Christ and dies in their sin will spend eternity separated from God. This, too, is fundamental Christian doctrine. Everyone has free will to decide whether this is reasonable, provable, practical, and applicable.
Heaven is real. Hell is real - refusing to believe this has never stopped anyone from going there. The love of God is real and He believes in those who do not believe in Him. The invitation is extended, mercy is available, and there is room at the cross. Every day is an opportunity to accept Christ's sacrifice.
Psalm 14; Proverbs 1:7; John 1, 3, 14:15; Hebrews 11:1-6