My Faith

This statement of faith is adapted from the Core Beliefs page of Parkside Church in Camas, WA, where I am a member and occasional teacher.

God:  I believe in one God, Creator of all things, who is personal, perfect, and eternally existing in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  From these traits, under the guidance of scripture, we can learn many (not all) of God’s other traits.  Matthew 28:19-20; Also listen to the sermon, Soli Dei Gloria.

Jesus Christ:  I believe that by the miracle of the virgin birth, Jesus Christ, eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God. He came to reveal God and restore man to God by dying on the cross for our sin. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return again someday to earth to reign as King and Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Also listen to the sermon, Solus Christus.

The Holy Spirit:  I believe that the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16-17; Also listen to the sermon, The Holy Spirit.

The Bible:  I believe the Bible is God’s word, the supreme source of truth. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.  I also believe that the Bible is fully sufficient to guide God’s elect to a lifestyle that glorifies Him above all others and that is spiritually, emotionally, and physically healthy and productive.  2 Timothy 3:16; Also listen the sermon, Sola Scriptura. See also: Desiring God: All Scripture Is Breathed Out by God, Continue in It.

Mankind:  I believe people were created in the image of God to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates us from God and causes many problems in life. Genesis 1:27; Isaiah 53:6a, 59:1; Romans 3:23; also listen to the sermon Mankind and The Fall.

Salvation:  Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be rescued from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are made whole. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.  John 10:28, 17:3; Romans 8:1, 10:9-10; also listen to the sermon Salvation.

Eternal Security:  Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure for eternity. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us eternal security, not our self effort. A true Christian will not take advantage of God’s favor, but will practice genuine humility and attempt to live according to God’s standards.  John 10:29, 2 Timothy 1:12, 1 Peter 1:3-5; also listen to the sermon Eternal Security.

The Christian Lifestyle:  I believe that a Christian is to walk within scriptural boundaries but also has freedom within those boundaries. We trust people to be empowered and led by the Holy Spirit to live a life pleasing to God. Romans 14:1-6; Galatians 5:22-23.

Church:  I believe the universal church consisting of all those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior. We believe in the local church where Christians live out their faith through corporate worship, work and fellowship. We believe God has given the individual members of the local church the primary task of telling others about the good news of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20.

Baptism:  I believe Baptism is one of the ordinances Christ left the church. It is an outward sign of an inward reality demonstrating one’s faith in God the Father, one’s acceptance of Jesus Christ the Son, and one’s recognition of the living presence of the Holy Spirit in them. Baptism means to dip or immerse; therefore the mode of Baptism here at Parkside Church is immersion. Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38-41.

Communion:  I believe that Jesus told us to remember Him through sharing the bread (His body given for us) and the cup (His shed blood). It is an outward symbol pointing to our present healthy relationship with Christ. We choose to take communion once a month. 1 Corinthians 11:23-24.