Yep, I believe it

This adventure I am in, this process - it is refining me. Talking with many different people, some who have very different views from my own, shows me just how controversial Jesus is. To steal a phrase from secular culture I feel like I am "coming out." Let me share with you what I mean for these are my convictions and if you read this blog you will rub up against them often.

I believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ and the Son of God. He was not just a good man or teacher, he is God incarnate.

I believe that Jesus lived, died and was resurrected. I believe that he is coming again (soon).

I believe that the Bible is the authoritative word of God. I believe that the Bible is the only objective Truth that we have available to us as humans. I believe that the Bible is the standard to which we must conform our own lives and experiences. I cannot judge by my own experience because it is so limited and if I wanted to have anything authoritative to say about any subject, I would have to experience all sides of it. This is impossible. But I trust in God's word and the character of Him who wrote it. The Bible is the standard for my own behavior, though I will readily state that I fall far short of what it desires of me.

I believe that the Holy Spirit is still alive and well and active in the church today. I believe that miracles still happen and that the gifts of the Spirit are still active. I believe that healing the sick should be Christianity 101.

I believe that humanity has an adversary, satan, who seeks to steal, kill and destroy the work of God in our lives. I believe that he is at work in the world creating a culture that is directly opposed to the will of God.

I believe that the church will be around for the Tribulation.

I believe that marriage is defined as: one man and one woman in the covenant of marriage for life. Any sexual relationship that does not adhere to those standards constitutes sexual immorality.

Folks, I really believe these things. I realize that some of them are unpopular and controversial, but God has not called me (or us as Christians) to make people comfortable. We are charged with sharing the Good News of our salvation and teaching people to obey all that Jesus commanded. I am trying to do this more and I wanted to be very clear on where I stand when I write future posts. Thank you for reading.