Churches have what is called a statement of faith. Their belief is rooted in their religion, and most Christian churches have the same type of statements. They believe in God as the Trinity with Jesus and Holy Spirit. They believe in the virgin birth and the second coming of Christ, and they believe in some way, the Holy Spirit is part of our lives. However, many denominations differ on the Holy Spirit's activity on earth.
Some say God still does miracles and healings through people and His Spirit, while others say these things have ceased working. The same is true for the giftings of ministers such as apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists, and pastors. The reason there is such a divide is due to a religious spirit. This spirit is defiant towards Jesus Christ and the full gospel.
Disagreements such as the return of Christ and the church's rapture should not dictate our salvation. Whether we celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah or what Bible is most accurate should not divide God's people. Early in my years as a Christian, I was drawn into these topics and others like them.
The apostle Paul addressed disputes like these in the Corinthian church. He said,10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ." - 1Cor 1:10-12 NIV
We are to follow Christ, and if we read the word of God, we will be given an understanding of what is right and wrong. After several years of these debates and researching on my own, I found that I had to start with the basics of my faith, which was to believe God. I had to start with the fact that God loved the world and sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to solve humanity's sin problem. From this point, I could read the word of God with a balanced mind and a sincere heart of faith. I found the Holy Spirit gave me peace with His truth. I can know some things and not have to push them on other people. I can give bits of information and help people find their way in the word of God.
Along my journey, I learned a few things.
· I learned that my faith without deeds was useless.
· I learned that it would take faith, not works, to please God.
· I learned that He was the author and perfecter of my faith, not me, not my works.
· I learned that God was not mad at me if I celebrated Christmas or Hanukkah.
· I learned that He wanted me to find joy in Him in all things.
· I learned to have a faith statement.
A faith statement is something that I absolutely believe about God and His ability to do something. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Eph 3:20-21
God can do more than we can ever imagine with or without our faith, but He is pleased when we exhibit faith.
One day while Jesus was out healing, casting out demons, and preaching, a ruler came to Him. This ruler worshiped Him and told Jesus that his daughter had just died. But then this man said, "but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live." - Matt 9:18b
While on His way to the girl, a woman with a twelve-year infirmity of bleeding touched His garment, saying to herself, "If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well." - Matt 9:20 Jesus' response to her was that her faith made her well.
Faith is a powerful thing. Faith can move mountains. Faith can move the heart of God. Faith will never pass away, for these three remain, faith, hope, and love (1Cor 13:13). Everything else will end someday, but we will have these things left.
I am quite a stickler for the truth. There are backstories to certain holidays, and there are some things we may desire to know so that we celebrate in faith and love and not traditions of man. I believe the entire gospel is still active today. Some Bible versions are more accurate than others, but God can speak through them all. I believe all five types of preachers exist today and that the Holy Spirit is not just a sealer of our faith but that He is the power of God, living in God's people and demonstrating God's ability here on the earth. But I believe nothing is important if it does not start with love. All these beliefs of mine are rooted in scripture.
Most of all, I believe that God is good, faithful, just, righteous, merciful, and compassionate but that He must deal with a sinner. However, He sees fit to deal with people is His business. I am just here to submit to His will in prayer and faith.
I believe in the words of Jesus Christ when He said, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." - Mat 9:37-38
Therefore, I am praying with faith for the most extraordinary outpouring of God's Spirit that we have ever known, and the reaping of souls for God's kingdom will come forth. This is my faith statement. What is yours?
Let's pray,
Heavenly Father, I believe – help me with my unbelief. Forgive me for being double-minded and not submitting to a faith statement. Forgive me for allowing religious spirits to speak louder to me than love. Give me what You have for me to believe so I can be courageous and strong in the face of persecution or trials. In Christ, it is said that I can do anything and that all things are possible with You. I choose to believe You, God. You exist, and You reward those who diligently seek Your face. In Jesus' name, Amen
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