8 Core Convictions

I believe in a sovereign, loving, holy God. I believe it is more true to the scripture and healthier to live with God as He is and has described Himself in the Bible then to attempt to craft a theology that safely answers the paradoxes His omnipotence creates. He is in charge of life.

The best source of knowledge, wisdom and understanding is the Gospels, the Bible and the Spirit of Christ in me.

I believe that we are called to live abundant lives. The entrance of Jesus into the world 2000 years ago established the Kingdom of God on Earth and provided history and our personal lives with hopeful meaning in the midst of tribulation and trials as opposed to historicial and personal pessimism. Deuteronomy 30:19 to choose life, that you may live. I choose life!

Learning is a life-long pursuit with varied focuses that depend on the physical, emotional and spiritual stage of life we are in.

God has given each of us complete solidarity. The ethic that Jesus taught was for the influence of the Holy Spirit to transform the will of each individual so that they would be free to choose the Kingdom and to then take initiative to accomplish Kingdom good. This contrasts measuring spirituality on outward appearance and rewarding organizational service. It instead elevates initiative on individuals and gifts.

God has made us mutual branches of one vine, and reconcilers of people separated from God and others. Our relationships are to be characterized by love, acceptance and forgiveness. It is important that we gather as the Church, the Body of Christ, seek team solutions to social and spiritual needs, to reach out to people in need, and to reconcile and strengthen relationships both in the church and outside the church.

The seed and nest of abundant life is the family. It should be prioritized so that we are providing for the full needs of our families without sacrificing their well being to pursue material wealth, organizational recognition, religious obligations, or personal passions.

I believe that we are called to change people’s lives by inviting them to follow Jesus. I believe that we are called to change the world. By leveraging the previous seven points, the individual, family and church can “salt the earth,” providing healing and adding flavor. This is the mission of the Kingdom, that God’s will would be done here as it is in heaven, that the blind see, that we be the father to the orphan, and friend to the stranger.