I am not sure that I am capable of writing a complete and full Statement of Faith that explains all that I believe
and understand of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and all that His word teaches on the life of the believer.
This paper only briefly touches on many of my personal beliefs and practice of faith.
Theology
I consider myself conservative in theology, and a Biblicist, by that I mean that I take the bible literally and
believe that what it says is what it means. 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20
I am not however a strict traditionalist and believe that man has the freedom to worship God in a variety of
ways. Matt 15:3-9
I believe in sound doctrine and sound biblical teaching. Titus 1:9, 13 2:1
I hold a Reformed/Augustinian view of doctrine.
God
I believe in the One God of the Bible, the triune Godhead of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is not three Gods,
but one God manifest in three persons, and these three are one true, eternal God, the same in substance,
equal in power and glory; although distinguished by their personal properties; God the Father, God the Son,
God the Holy Spirit
God the Father; Creator and sustainer
Man’s knowledge of God is limited by our ability to comprehend His divine being. What we do and can know of
God comes from 3 distinct sources.
1. Innate or inborn; Each man is born with a sense of God, not knowledge of God, but an innate sense that
a grater being has caused the universe to be. Mk 4:26-27
2. Revelation; God reveals Himself by general and special revelation.
a. General revelation is common to all man as he sees the handiwork of God around him.
b. Special Revelation is seen in God’s redemptive work addressed to man whom God has chosen from
eternity.
3. A form of special revelation is the Bible. The Father reveals Himself in His divine word, The Holy
Scriptures.
God the Son; Jesus, Christ, Savior, Redeemer, Co-creator
1. The only begotten son, not made nor crated but begotten of the Father.
2. Fully God and fully human, united in one person. God divine who did not change or adapt but assumed
a human nature which did not develop into an independent personality, but became personal in the
person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
3. As the Only begotten Son of the Father Jesus holds these offices as; Mediator, High Priest , King, and
Prophet
God the Holy Spirit,
1. Is the third person of the trinity, is one with the Father and the Son.
2. Proceeds from the Father and the Son. Jn 15:26.
3. Given by the Father, Jn 14:16, by Christ, Isa 61:3, through Christ’s intercession, and is sent in the name
of Christ, Jn 14:26,
4. Sent by Christ from the Father. Jn 15:26, 16:7.
5. Helper, guide, consoler, comforter, power of God
The Bible
The Bible is the authoritative inspired, infallible, inerrant word of God. It contains all that people in any age
need to know for their salvation, and all that one needs to know to have and maintain right relationships with
God and with others. The bible is completely accurate in everything it intends to teach. It’s accurate in its
history, geography, anthropology, cosmology and theology. 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 3:16
Sin
Sin is the nature of fallen mankind and is rooted in the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden. Man in his fallen
condition is prone to and addicted to sin and cannot of himself choose good. Though man may do good things,
man himself is depraved and unable to choose outside his fallen nature. 1 John 2:16 tells us “For all that is in
the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but
is from the world.” I believe all sin can be traced back to these 3 fundamental conditions of man’s heart. (It is
interesting to note in the Genesis account of Eve’s seduction these are the very traits the serpent used against
her. Read Genesis 3:1-6)
Repentance
Confession and Repentance are mandatory for salvation . Luke 13:3, 5
Repentance from sin is only possible in Jesus Christ. Acts 30-31
Repentance means to change one’s life based on complete change of attitude and thought concerning sin and
righteousness, (also called regeneration) Acts 3:19
Only the repentant will be saved. Luke 5:31-32, Acts 17:30-31
Salvation
Jesus Christ is the sole author of salvation. It is only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Messiah
that one gains salvation. John 14:6, Acts 4:12, 1 Timothy 2:5-6
Works are a response (or effect) to faith and not the cause of salvation. Eph 2:8
Once saved, it is God who establishes and holds onto us and will never forsake us.
John 6:39-40
Doctrine
I am reformed in doctrine and believe that the 5 points of Calvinism are an accurate representation of God’s
relationship with mankind. To describe this I subscribe to the acronym TULIP and the more recently used
acronym FAITH.
Following are my personal position on some current issues facing the Body of Christ
Creation and evolution
God is the creator of the universe and all it contains. As image-bearers of Himself, God created mankind as the
crowning of all creation, and human life is more sacred and consecrated than that of all other forms of life.
Genesis 2:7 tells us “God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living being” Humans
are the only creature in all of creation for which God breathed the spirit of life. This alone sets man apart from
all of God’s other creatures. Mankind was also given charge over all creation, the only creature for which this is
even possible. Our human lineage of existence extends only from Adam and Eve, God’s first couple.
Abortion
Abortion is an abomination to the Lord who is creator and sanctifies all human life. As image-bearers of our
creator, abortion at any stage of life including birth control that allows for the fertilization of the egg with
subsequent rejection of the fertilized egg is an abomination to the Lord.
The long-term effects of abortion not only on the mother, but the family, community and culture should be
an area of great concern for the Body of Christ. It is the responsibility of every believer to show Christian love
and compassion and to offer support to those experiencing unwanted pregnancies as well as to those who
have undergone abortions. But we must never stop the fight against this horrible atrocity that has been inflicted
upon our world.
Sexuality
Mankind has a sinful distorted view of human sexuality. The Apostle Paul says; “Flee immorality. Every other sin
that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18,
NASB95) any and all forms of sex outside of Christian marriage between one man and one woman is sin and
believers must be cautioned against being seduced by the current cultural attitudes concerning extramarital
sexual relations. 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Homosexuality
Homosexuality is one kind of distorted view of sexuality and is the result of the sinful and fallen nature of
mankind. Those in the church who are actively involved in homosexual activity or relationships are to be
disciplined accordingly. 1 Corinthians 5:1
We must accept repentant, non-practicing homosexuals into our congregation with love and acceptance,
ministering God’s love and forgiveness. Homosexuality is a sin, not more or less acceptable than any other. 1
Corinthians 6:9 1Timothy 1:10 Romans 1
Co-habitation of non-married couples
Co-habitation has left devastating and long-lasting effect on our culture and today more than 50% of couples
live together prior to marriage. This practice is not only common practice in our culture but seems to be
acceptable in many congregations. Co-habitation is a sinful life style. As a pastor I believe we must be
dedicated to correcting the lie of co-habitation as an acceptable life style.
Co-habitating couples with children are a particular concern. The parent-child relationship is of utmost
importance to the healthy growth of the child. However, the answer is not to co-habitat, but the couple should
be asked to secure separate housing until such a time as marriage is possible. The man should be responsible
to provide for the mother and children during this period. I believe marriage should be the intended goal of
counseling.
I advise college students and young people that co-habitation, even in monogamous relationships, are
dangerous and the potential for sinful behaviors are many, therefore I recommend that cohabitating between
non-related men and women should be avoided.
Mark 7:21, 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Divorce and Remarriage
Divorce
Divorce is a result of mankind’s sinful nature. Divorce is a plague on our culture that ruins lives and has the
potential to destroy everything and everyone it comes in contact with. Divorce is a result of our own weakness,
and God never gives us a right to divorce, but because of our weakness He does make concessions, and gives
us clear situations and circumstances when divorce may be sought. (Matt 5:31-32, 19:3-9 Mark 10:2-11)
Divorce is a sin, not unlike any other. It is not a worse or lesser sin, therefore we must be careful not to raise
divorce to the level of the second unpardonable sin. There are many good and Godly men and women who
have been divorced who are effectively serving Christ in every aspect of the kingdom.
Remarriage
I believe that if a person is divorced and the divorce was because of infidelity or because they were an
unbeliever who choose not to live with his or her believing spouse, or if the person who is seeking remarriage
was an unbeliever at the time of the divorce whether or not they were the person initiating the divorce, and they
have since become a believer I would not be opposed to remarriage. I believe that anyone seeking remarriage
should seek counseling from the pastor prior to making the final decision.
1 Cor 7:12-17
Alcohol and drugs
All mind-altering substance should be held in high suspicion by the Body of Christ. Alcohol is not
condemned by the bible, but we are reminded to remain sober and not to be drunkards. According to
Scripture, all Christians must avoid drunkenness. The church should provide pastoral care and guidance for
alcoholic church members and their families, including intervention and discipline when necessary.
Eph 5:18, Romans 14:21, 1 John 2:10
Drugs and medications of all kinds have the possibility of doing either great good or great harm to God’s
people. While prescription drugs are seen as acceptable and illegal drugs are not, the fact is that they all have
similar effects on mind and body. Prescription drugs are the leading cause of suicide and accidental overdose
deaths in America today and are not always an aid to the person taking them. Anyone taking drugs of any kind
should only do so under the direct supervision and guidance of a physician and should take personal
responsibility to follow all dosing guidelines carefully and to understand the impact and implication of all
medications being taken.
Drugs or medications taken for reasons of vanity such as weight loss, hair restoration or sexual prowess, etc.
have few redeeming qualities and can be dangerous and even life threatening and therefore are best avoided.
As with alcoholism the church should provide pastoral care and guidance for church members and their
families who suffer from drug abuse, including intervention and discipline when necessary.
1 Timothy 3:8, Titus 2:3
Marijuana Use Legalized
A more recent and important issue has arisen with the legalization of both medical and recreational Marijuana
by many states. This is a highly emotional issue with many well-meaning, and godly people on both sides of the
argument. I have had members of my church who were licensed growers for medical Marijuana, and I have had
members who used Marijuana for medical purposes. I have also had members who were former drug addicts
who were introduced to a lifestyle of addiction and abuse through the use of Marijuana.
The current trend, however, is both controversial and frightening to me.
Several studies have shown that the long-term effect of Marijuana use are harmful to the physical and
emotional development of a child’s brain, 0-24 years old especially.
Studies have also shown that chronic Marijuana uses in adults causes anxiety, nervousness, paranoia,
depression, memory loss, and other similar mental disorders.
However, like all medications or drugs, Marijuana does have potential medical benefits, many of which are yet
to be discovered.
It is my opinion that like any other medication or mind-altering substance, Marijuana must be used with
great care, and consideration. Due to its serious and life-long effects, it should never be used around or given
to children unless it is for treatment of a specific disease or disorder and under the care of a medical
practitioner. Due to its mind-altering effects recreational marijuana use should be discouraged within the
church. The Christian is called to have a sober mind and to be of sober spirit, and like alcohol use one must
weigh the harm not only to themselves, but that which may befall a weaker brother or sister.
1 Cor 15:34, 1 Thess 5:5, 1 Pet 1:13, 2 Tim 4:5, Mark 9:42, Luke 17:1. Rom 14:13, 21, 1 Cor 8:9, 13
Women in ordained ministry in the Church.
I believe the role of Pastor and Elder is the responsibility of men within the assembled church. While I
recognize that this is an emotional issue for many in the Church today and there are good and godly men and
women on both sides of this issue, and while it is true that we find many instances of women in pastoral and
elder positions throughout the world, it cannot be said that there is any evidence of this model instituted by
Christ or His Apostles, or for nearly 2000 years of church history following the apostolic period.
All believers, women and men alike, should be encouraged to use all the gifts and talents that God has
given them to minister both within the local church and the Body of Christ, but this should always be done within
the framework of scripture.
Many egalitarians make equality the main issue of women in ordained ministry. I however do not believe this
is an equality issue. The bible is very clear that men and women are of equal value. In fact, we find this truth
throughout the bible beginning on the very first page of Genesis and continuing thorough out the Old and New
Testament to which the following verses attest. If anything, the New Testament elevated the status of women
giving them equal, and in some cases special significance in the church. It was to a young woman that the
Angel appeared to announce the coming of Christ. It was to the women that Christ entrusted the news and
witness of His resurrection. It was to the women at the well with whom Jesus entrusted the gospel and made her
the first evangelist to the Samaritan world. The Apostle Paul declared “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is
neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:
28, NASB95) In Genesis 1:27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male
and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27 NASB95)
This is fundamentally an issue of roles as denoted by God’s word for the life of the church. While every
believer is called to be “In Ministry” the bible clearly puts the solemn responsibility of leading their homes and
the church upon men, and in 1Timothy 3, the Apostle clearly places the responsibility of Pastor and Elder of the
assembled congregation squarely on the shoulders of the men. It is important to remember that the role of
women is not less important than the role of men, however, it is different. Wayne Grudem in his book
“Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth” has a very clear understanding of this issue.
Music, Evangelism and outreach
The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (ESV NT Rev. Int.)
“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all that I might win more of them. To the Jews I
became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not
being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one
outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the
law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all
means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.”
When it comes to music and evangelism and outreach ministries, I tend to be very diverse. I believe the
underlying principle is to worship and glorify God and that there is a difference between personal preference
and biblical mandate.
What I like to call “Principle verses Technique.”
The principle is to worship God in all we do. This is the first priority, 1 Corinthians 10:23-31
The technique is how we carry out the principle. Romans 14 and Colossians 2
To this truth we must also add timing. There is a proper place and time for the different expressions of
praise and worship and outreach, and we must always consider the intended audience of our ministry.
Spiritual Gifts
There is a lot of controversy over the existence and use of what many call the spiritual gifts.
The question of whether the sign gifts ceased with the apostles or if they continue to be in effect within the
Body of Christ to this day has caused great confusion and disunity within the church.
Over the years there have been many who have used the gifts inappropriately. Some even running criminal
activity under the guise of Spiritual Giftedness. This I believe has caused is a great misunderstanding and
distrust on both sides of the issue.
If the are Spiritual gifts available today, then the church must insist on the proper use of the gifts as the Apostle
Paul said. It is important to remember that the spiritual gifts are to be an encouragement to believer and a sign
unbeliever and therefore must be used with great wisdom and understanding and should never be taken lightly
or irreverently.
1 Corinthians Chapters 12-14
J.I. Packer in his book “Keeping in Step with the Spirit” seems to have the best take on this that I have read.
Capital Punishment
Of all the current issues that stand before us this has been by far the most troublesome for me.
It would seem from scripture that governments are neither obligated to; nor forbidden from the practice of
capital punishment. And to be sure, there are some crimes for which it seems justice demands the most severe
form of punishment available. However considering the abuse of, and imperfection of our justice system, along
with the redemptive power of Christ over even the most vile of mankind, leads me to believe that capital
punishment is the least preferable of all penalties and should only be applied in the absolute worst of crimes.
My personal conviction is that capital punishment should not be sought on the part of the Christian who’s right
for justice, I believe, is out-weighed by his or her call to witness for the repentance and salvation of the sinner.
Some of my favorite authors and theologians are;
Wm. Barclay, Wayne Grudem, Louis Brekhof, J.I. Packer, John Calvin, Ravi Zacharias, R.C. Sproul
My personal Statement of Faith
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