Pursuing Biblical Truth (continued)
Video 3: Theology Matters
Axiom #3: _____________________ on the majors.
Questions for Discussion
1. Why do we tend to create God in our image? What are the consequences?
2. How should we approach people who differ with us on the minor issues?
Week 2 Bonus Video: An Overview of the Majors
Statement of Faith
The Bible | We believe the Bible, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is inspired, authoritative, and infallible in its original manuscripts. It is, therefore, the only complete and final authority in faith and life. 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:19-2; Jn 17:17; Rom 3:4; Jn 20:30-31; Matt 24:35
God | We believe in a sovereign, triune God. By His power He spoke the world into existence. God alone is self-determined, self-governed, and self-sufficient. He is eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each possesses all the attributes of deity. All are equal in power and glory. Rom 1:18-20; Jn 1:18; 1 Cor 2:16; Deut 6:4; Matt. 3:16-17, 28:19; Isa 46:10
Jesus Christ | We believe Jesus Christ was, is, and always will be the Son of God. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed many signs and wonders, died on a cross, and rose from the dead in a glorified body. He ascended to the right hand of God the Father where He continually makes intercession for His people. At the appointed time He will come again to earth to consummate God’s plan in salvation history. Matt 1:20-23; Jn 1:1,2; Rom 3:24, 25; Rom 8:34; Phil 2:5-10; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 1:1-3; Heb 7:25
The Holy Spirit | We believe in the Holy Spirit’s effective role in God’s plan for His Kingdom. Without the influence of the Holy Spirit no one can participate in Kingdom Life. The Spirit’s first (and necessary) work is in conversion: to enlighten sinners and awaken them to their need for a Savior. At the point of salvation the Holy Spirit immediately indwells believers and begins empowering them to live to please God. The Spirit also gives them a new identity, assuring them of their proper standing with God. Jn 14:16,17,26; 16:7-15; Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 3:16; 6:19; Gal 5:22-26; Eph 1:13-14
Humanity | We believe God created mankind in His own image. At the beginning of human history, however, man chose to disobey the sovereign God and so brought sin onto the earth. All people everywhere have since been born into this sinful nature and are subject to God’s righteous judgment: death and eternal separation from Himself. Gen 1:26; 3; Rom 3:23; 6:23; Jer 17:9; Jn 3:18; Eph 2:1-3
Salvation | We believe God’s plan from the beginning of time was to be in relationship with all people. Since sin makes that relationship impossible for everyone, God established a way to credit righteousness. He accepts Jesus Christ’s death on the cross as a payment for the sin of humanity. Those who repent of their sin and believe in God’s work are forgiven and restored to relationship with God. This is salvation, and it is God’s work from beginning to end, so that we are saved purely by grace. Eph 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7; Jn 3:16-17; Rom 3:24-26; 2 Cor 5:17; Rom 8:1; 1 Jn 5:11-13; Jn 1:12
The Church | We believe in one true universal church, comprised of all who genuinely acknowledge the message of the gospel of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. This church, we believe, has many valid local expressions and denominations. God through the Holy Spirit equips every believer with spiritual gifts for the edification of the body of Christ. Mature believers recognize this and participate in God’s work alongside other followers of Christ. 1 Cor 12:12; Eph 1:22-23; 2:19-22; Phil 1:1; Acts 2:42; 1:8; Matt 28:19-20; 1 Cor 11:23-26
Sacraments | We believe that Scripture affirms two ordinances in the church: water baptism and communion. Believers should participate in both sacraments. Matt 28:19; Acts 8:35-39; Rom 6:1-5; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 11:23-26
Eternal Destiny | We believe every person’s eternal destiny is sealed at the moment of death. God knows those who are His own. Those who have accepted His free grace through Jesus Christ will live forever to glorify Him. Unbelievers will be judged with righteousness and separated forever from His presence. 2 Cor 5:6-10; Luke 23:40-43; Phil 1:23; Jn 5:29; Matt 25:46; 1 Cor 15:51-55; Heb 9:27-28; Rev 22:3-5
Questions for Discussion
1. Are you surprised by this list? Do you think it’s too short? Too long?
2. Which doctrines are you most interested in exploring in the next step?
3. How does theology help you “build up”? How does it help you “build out”?
Video 4: God In Us
Axiom #4: You can’t know or grow without the ______________________.
