Statement of Faith #1
November 14
For 25 years we attended a mega church with 5,000 members (that was mega for our city). We were really plugged in and were pleased to participate in creative programs, hear great preaching and be the recipients of fabulous fellowship. When we moved away to the country we never found the same feeling. A new church plant began this fall and held its' first new members meeting last week. The next couple days I want to share some of their statements of faith and challenge us to look deeply into our own statements of faith.
What does it mean to be a Christian?
"Many people live their entire lives without ever knowing "WHY". They exist year after year with no idea of why they live of God's purpose for their lives. The most basic question a person can ask is.
"What is the meaning of life?"
Everyone wants to be happy. People try many ways.
...Some look for happiness by acquiring possessions.
...Some look for happiness by experiencing pleasure.
...Some look for happiness by gaining prestige and power.
But real happiness comes from understanding our real purpose. We are here because God made us to love him. God says, I have loved you with an everlasting love! Jeremiah 31:3
We were created to enjoy a personal relationship with God and all of the rest of God's creation.
I have come in order that you might have life-life in all its fullness! John 10:10
"When we know and love God, and live in harmony with His purpose for our lives it produces tremendous benefits in our lives."
Clear Conscience
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
Life and Peace
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6
Help with Weakness
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26
Purpose
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Confidence
What then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31
Security
Neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39
Power and Strength
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Fulfillment
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of this glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Freedom
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free in deed. John 8:32, 36
When I truthfully survey my life and look at the happiest of times they are spread out on two spectrums...Family triumphs and encounters with God. The interesting thing is that the deepest, life altering, encounters with God, the get down and get really personal exchanges where the verses above come into play, usually occur in the midst of a trial.
If someone asked you today, what is your statement of faith, how would you respond?
Is it a FACT your FAITH is FOR REAL?
For 25 years we attended a mega church with 5,000 members (that was mega for our city). We were really plugged in and were pleased to participate in creative programs, hear great preaching and be the recipients of fabulous fellowship. When we moved away to the country we never found the same feeling. A new church plant began this fall and held its' first new members meeting last week. The next couple days I want to share some of their statements of faith and challenge us to look deeply into our own statements of faith.
What does it mean to be a Christian?
"Many people live their entire lives without ever knowing "WHY". They exist year after year with no idea of why they live of God's purpose for their lives. The most basic question a person can ask is.
"What is the meaning of life?"
Everyone wants to be happy. People try many ways.
...Some look for happiness by acquiring possessions.
...Some look for happiness by experiencing pleasure.
...Some look for happiness by gaining prestige and power.
But real happiness comes from understanding our real purpose. We are here because God made us to love him. God says, I have loved you with an everlasting love! Jeremiah 31:3
We were created to enjoy a personal relationship with God and all of the rest of God's creation.
I have come in order that you might have life-life in all its fullness! John 10:10
"When we know and love God, and live in harmony with His purpose for our lives it produces tremendous benefits in our lives."
Clear Conscience
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
Life and Peace
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6
Help with Weakness
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26
Purpose
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Confidence
What then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31
Security
Neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39
Power and Strength
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Fulfillment
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of this glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Freedom
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free in deed. John 8:32, 36
When I truthfully survey my life and look at the happiest of times they are spread out on two spectrums...Family triumphs and encounters with God. The interesting thing is that the deepest, life altering, encounters with God, the get down and get really personal exchanges where the verses above come into play, usually occur in the midst of a trial.
If someone asked you today, what is your statement of faith, how would you respond?
Is it a FACT your FAITH is FOR REAL?
