Statement of Faith — Scripture

If someone approached you and asked you what you believe, how would you answer them?Do you know what you believe about God, Scripture, God’s will, salvation, faith, heaven and hell, the Holy Spirit, marriage, and truth? Is it based on Scripture, or traditional teachings you’ve caught here or there?

Wouldn’t it be nice to have written your core beliefs?

Well, every church you attend has a statement of faith or core beliefs. Do you know what your church believes? If not, check out their website. What comes into our minds about God makes a difference.

What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” — A.W. Tozer

It is our goal to make our own statement of faith: our own core belief. Not based on our church’s website, but on our own in-depth search of Sacred Scripture.

I took some time to scan the internet and check out what other churches have listed as their statement of belief. It was interesting. Listed below are some of my findings. Initially, they look the same. Trust those who reference Scripture, but still read the Scriptures for yourself. Since today’s focus is on Scripture, I’ve only listed what they believe in Scripture/Bible/God’s Word:

• Movement Church in California: We believe that the Bible was inspired by God in such a way that whatever the Bible says, God says. Therefore, it is completely without error in everything it teaches. It is our supreme authority in faith and life, as it carries the authority of God Himself. It is sufficient for everything we need for life and service for God, and it is clear in everything we need to believe and do (Psalms 12:6, 18:30, 19:7-11, 1119:1-176, Proverbs 30:5-6, Matthew 4:4, Luke 24:25-27 &44-47, John 10: 35, 14:26, 16:12-15, 17:17, Romans 3:1-2, II Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, & II Peter 1:20-21)
• Assemblies of God — The Scriptures Inspired: We believe that the Scriptures, both the Old and the New Testaments, are verbally inspired by God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct. (II Timothy 3:15-17, I Thessalonians 2:13, and II Peter 1:21)
• Cornerstone Church — Scripture: We believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, that the Bible, Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, infallible Word of God.
• Joel Olsteen — Scripture: The entire Bible is inspired by God, without error and the authority on which we base our faith, conduct, and doctrine.
• Elevation Church — the Bible: the Bible is God’s Word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it was inspired by God, the Bible is truth without any mixture of error and is completely relevant to our daily lives. (Deuteronomy 4:13, Psalm 119:11, 89, 105, Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 22:29, John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17, Romans 15:4, II Timothy 3:15-17, Hebrews 1:1-2, 4:12, I Peter 1:25, II Peter 3:16)
• Bethel — Redding, CA — The Scriptures: We believe that the entire Bible is inspired by God and that holy men of God “were moved by the Holy Spirit”: to write the words preserved in the Scriptures. We believe that this divine inspiration extends equally and fully to all parts of the sacred writing — historical, poetical, doctrinal, and prophetical — as appeared in the original manuscripts. We believe that the whole Bible (66 books) in the original manuscripts is, therefore, without error. Furthermore, we believe both the Old and New Testament Scriptures reveal the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ as Creator, Redeemer and Coming King. We also believe that all the Scriptures were designed for our practical instruction. (Mar 12:26 & 36, 13:11, Luke 24:27 & 44, John 5:39; Acts 1:16; 17-2-3, 18:28, 26:22, 23, 28:23, Romans 15:4, I Corinthians 2:13, 10:11, II Timothy 3:16, and II Peter 1:21)
• Reformed Presbyterian of Orlando — the Bible: I believe that my own aim in life and death should be to glorify God and enjoy Him forever; and that God teaches me how to glorify and enjoy Him in His Holy Word, that is, the Bible, which He has given, by the infallible inspiration of His Holy Spirit, in order that I may certainly know what I am to believe concerning Him and what duty He requires of me (based on personal confess of the teaching of the Westminster Confession of Faith).

What is the Word of God

The Word of God is not a mantra we speak or a “how to” we follow. It is the breath of God entrusted to our soul and etched in our mind if we engage in it. We may know Him through spiritual instruction of God’s Word. We may know His ways and revealed will as we prayerfully read it. It is our instruction not for life as much as instruction by the Holy Spirit who helps, encourages, corrects and, yes, counsels us in the truth.

It is Christ — the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1)

The Word of God is the truth revealed by the Spirit of truth.

It is the primary means we avoid the deception of the enemy of our soul. The devil wants to steal your confidence, kill your faith, and destroy your relationship with Christ. The best the enemy can do this is by keeping you away from God’s Word.

We cannot be deceived if we’re daily in fellowship with God and His word. The indwelling Holy Spirit will not let us believe lies. The Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells in you, steadfast and powerful, to destroy every strategy or weapon formed against you. You belong to God in Christ Jesus.

Live With God

To live with God is to walk in the Spirit. Can you feel the breath of the Father in your soul?

• Does your life have enough of God’s word and fellowship with God that you may know what God wants you to know?
• Is there enough biblical knowledge in your life to affect the way you think, what you do, and how you interact with people?

Engage in it for yourself

Don’t let anyone “dummy down” your faith to its lowest common denominator through slogans, platitudes, or sound bites. This is the perfect breeding ground for a shallow faith and, worst of all, vulnerable to false teaching.

The Spirit of truth’s teaching is always sound.

As you engage in Scripture, draw near to God — to Christ Jesus. As He comes to breathe on your soul – you are transformed, informed and conformed to His Word.

God is no stranger.

By engaging in Scripture prayerfully, you will discover an intimacy with God that you never thought possible. God is His Word, and the Word is God. We can no more separate God from His Word than we can separate a man from his heart and still expect him to live.

The Life of the Word

The life of the Word is the light to all people: a beacon of light in a dark and dreary land. We, the children of light, shine brightly as His witnesses, tried and true.

Christ is still teaching us. Our spirit eyes are wide open to His Word. His loving touch and faithful presence bring us an intimacy like no other. His Word reveals His character, attributes, and so much more. We’re grounded and steadfast as we set our eyes on the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Mysteries Revealed

He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those outside, everything is said in parables.” Mark 4:11 NIV.

He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say outside.” Mark 4:11 NLT.

The secret things of God are a mystery hidden until God reveals them. Those who read God’s word, without God, only see gibberish and to them, it is foolishness. You are privileged to walk in the wisdom of God’s word and blessed with knowledge, wisdom, understanding, insight, and discretion.

As His disciples, we must seek His words and humbly inquire into their full meaning. Humbly seek the Lord and you will find Him in His word and in your heart. So, we pray: Father God, open my eyes to see and my ears to hear that I may know you — really know you. Show me the secret things of the kingdom of God. Amen!”

A Gift

The Word is a gift unlike any other book. The Holy Spirit gives us the revelation of God’s word but denies it to others. Why? Because we believe in Him as the Anointed Messiah. As we read gain a clear revelation of the secret things of God.

Deep calls to deep. Day-by-day, you increase in the knowledge and love of God.

Those who honestly come to God with a sincere heart know the truth, they will find the secret things of God opened up to them. On the outside are those who care little for the knowledge of God or divine things. They are too interested in self – indulging in sin and error. No wonder they can only see parables.

The privilege of discipleship is to know Christ with an intimacy like no other — Christ sustains everything through His word.

Call to Action

As a bonus, you’ll be learning a spiritual discipline of studying God’s Word. Study of God’s Word is the intentional process of engaging the mind with the written and spoken Word in a way that the mind can take on the truth God intends you to know. We do this through comprehending, concentrating, and contemplating God’s Word every day.

• Comprehend: To grasp the nature, significance, or meaning. Taking hold of the truth in a way to understand.
• Concentrate: Focus. Gather and collection. Direction of attention to a single object.
• Contemplate: Ponder,and meditate – Concentrate on what God is saying, it is a form of spiritual devotion. Read with intention (what is God saying) and expectation (what I’ve learned from God).

Assignment

Read and write out, in longhand these verses: Psalm 1:1-6, Psalm 19:1-14, Philippine 4:8-9, II Timothy 2:15.

• Take your time and do it prayerfully.
• Try to say the words out loud as you go along. After you’ve read them, then write out what you’ve learned.
• Please do not use the commentary in your study Bible. Let the Holy Spirit teach you the secret things of God?

Will not see you next week, but the week after: May 4th, 2:00. Zoom or in person. Will know more the closer we get to the meeting. I’ll keep you informed.

God bless you and keep you,