Statement of Faith

LAST UPDATED 8/7/2012

Religious Views 

Born-again Christian

I'm not highly religious. I am a woman of faith and have a relationship with God that I work on every day. I was a sinner, and am saved by grace. My biggest issue with religion itself is that it is man organized, hypocritical, and it forces a set of specific, indoctrinated beliefs upon other people - none of which can any religious people can actually agree on as a whole - and I don't believe any one of us us have 100% right. It's not about a religion, it's about a relationship with God. (Read Romans) Your creed/beliefs are not what is important, it is about your love for God & how you live your life. We attend Harvest Church, which is a United Methodist church, and we love it there! http://www.harvestchurch4u.org/

The following is a statement of my faith and beliefs... this is not complete, and ever growing (and possibly changing!) as I study the word more closely for myself.

God is creator and ruler of the universe.
Jesus Christ is the only son of God.
The Holy Spirit leads, sustains and empowers believers.
The Bible is God’s word for all mankind.
Salvation is the forgiveness of our sin and a gift from Jesus Christ.
A Christian is a person who accepts Jesus Christ as Lord.

Bibliology – The Study of the Bible

Inspiration & Inerrancy of Scripture

The bible is a sacred text - God's word - however I do not believe every version is unaltered or without error. I do not believe we are supposed to "interpret" every individual verse in scripture, also known as loosening of scripture or authoritarian way of reading scripture. By doing this one misses the mark on what the gospel is all about. I believe the entire passages there are the lessons, or parables for us to learn from. I believe that reading each verse individually in an attempt to validate a point of view risks taking it out context and not what God and the writers intend for us to do.

Trinity – The Godhead, three persons, one God

The Existence

This paradox teaches that God is one God in three separate persons – Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit.  These are separate persons but are equal in every way possible from deity to will.

God the Father (Yahweh)

Eternality

God is uncreated and eternal.  There has never been a time that God did not exist.

Holiness

God cannot sin.   He is the righteous standard and has the right to condemn all how do not meet his standard of righteousness.

Wrath/Justice

While God is love, he is also a God of wrath.  He will exercise his wrath on the unrighteous who are without Christ by condemning them to Hell. God is a righteous judge, and he does not need a jury - it is not our place to judge or condemn anyone. 

Jesus Christ – The only eternal Son of God

Eternal

Jesus Christ is not created.  He is equal with the Father and is eternal.

Virgin Born/Incarnate

Jesus Christ was born of a virgin.  His mother’s egg was fertilized by God the Holy Spirit therefore he did not have a human father making him divine and equal to the Father in every way.  However, he is still a man in every way.  He is 100% God and 100% man thus making him a true God-Man.

Deity

As mentioned above, Jesus Christ is fully God in every way thus possessing every attribute of God.

Holy

Jesus Christ cannot sin because He is God. Therefore if He did sin, his death on the cross would have been in vain because He would have been condemned to Hell with the rest of man and it would have proved Him an impostor and not God.  However, since he lived an exemplary, sin-free life, he was the perfect sacrifice for man’s sin.

Resurrection

Jesus Christ bodily resurrected from the dead three days after his crucifixion on the cross.  This was to defeat death and sin and to prove his deity.

Ascension

Shortly after his resurrection, Jesus Ascended to Heaven and sat down at the right hand of the Father to make intercession for each and every believer on our behalf.

Holy Spirit – The Third Person of the Godhead

DeityThe Holy Spirit is also fully God in every way possessing all of the attributes of God.

Convictions of SinThe Holy Spirit convicts each man of his sin.  When a unbeliever sins, the Holy Spirit convicts him of his need of a savior, when a believer sins, the Holy Spirit convicts him of his specific sin until the Child of God repents.

Sin

Definition and Condemning Factor

Sin is any action or choice that is in direct violation of God’s character or commandments.  No sin is more or less than another (aside from blasphemy). If we choose to ignore God and his convictions in our lives, we will be judged accordingly.

All Have Sinned

Yes, all have sinned. But we WERE sinners, and are saved by Grace. By God's grace, we can strive to walk without sin (but may falter at times.) But because we believe and have faith in God, we are forgiven for our sins.

Salvation

Method and Means

Salvation is by grace through faith in God.  Good works alone will not earn salvation. 

Eschatology – The Return of Christ

The Return of Christ

Jesus Christ will return to Earth before eternity begins to set up his earthly kingdom for 1000 years.

Political Views 

Middle of the road

I don't associate with any specific party nor vote based on party.(Taken from a quiz that hit the nail right on the head - politicalquiz.net)

Conservative/Progressive score: 7/10

I am considered a social moderate. I think the progressive movement is overall well meaning, but sometimes it goes too far. On issues like abortion and affirmative action, I see the negatives of both extremes.

Capitalist Purist/Social Capitalist score: 6

I am a Moderate Capitalist. I support an economy that is by and large a free market, but has public programs to help people who can't help themselves or need a little help.

Libertarian/Authoritarian score: 8

I'm a Moderate. I think that we all have certain inalienable rights that must be protected, but that sometimes laws need to be made to protect the majority's lives or quality of lives. I support the second ammendment. I am against illegal drug use or public pornography because of its possible harmful effects to society.

Pacifist/Militarist score: 7

I'm a Moderate. I think that in very rare occasions, the United States should invade a country in order to make the world better by spreading democracy or ending a tyrants rule. I also think that defense is very important, and we shouldn't lower the defense budget. I think that, while the Iraq War probably was a mistake, that we can make the world a better place by sticking with it and spreading democracy in the middle east.

Overall, I would most likely fit into the category of Moderate.

The Issues

Equal Rights - LGBT

I support equal rights for any human being. I do not support discrimination or prejudice against any group of people. Religion has been used for years to support or "excuse" intolerance and bigotry.

Abortion (government involvement)

I am Pro Choice. I have learned with an open mind this does not mean pro abortion or death. I believe in personal responsibility and limited government. I do believe life begins at conception. Personally, I would not choose an abortion unless it was a definite life or death situation for either of us, and even then the decision would not be easy.

Immigration

I am for immigration - done the right way through legal channels.

Death Penalty

While I do not think of it as inhumane, or cruel & unusual punishment (the punishment fits the crime), every execution risks taking an innocent life. People have been wrongly accused for ages.I do not support the death penalty without undeniable physical evidence.

Religion & Government

I do not think any one religion should "fuel" our government & laws, as we live in a country of religious freedom, and that means any religion. As an example: By not "allowing prayer in schools" this does not stop a religious person from praying in school. It ceases group prayer when not everyone may believe the same thing. It is about tolerance for all organized religions. I'd rather teach my children tolerance, and love. A "moment of silence" allows for all to pray or think or meditate, etc.

Judge Lest Ye Be Judged

So this morning I was watching Tyler Perry's House of Payne... the 13 year old kid brought home his girlfriend, also 13. She was pregnant. And the uncle on the show is like "awe hell naw" - this show is meant to be humorous. Anyways, here he is passing judgment on this  young girl, the parents freak out until they find out their son isn't the father, etc. The uncle sits there treating her like the scum of the universe.

Later on the mother comes to pick the girl up, and we find out she was raped  by her stepfather. OUCH. And she has kept the baby... pretty noble sacrifice I think.

This situation reminds me so much of how many holier than thou Christians try to act. So quick to judge a situation one knows little to nothing about. Matthew 7:1 clearly states: ¹Judge not, that ye be not judged. Now I'm aware of the entire passage, and that many times this passage is taken out of context for the left to say Christians aren't supposed to judge.

I get that the bible doesn't say specifically we aren't supposed to judge PERIOD - it says we shouldn't judge hypocritically. However, taking a more middle-of-the-road stance on the bible, that it is transcribed by man - possibly inspired by God - and that the translations could be erroneous, and that the scriptures are taken out of context a lot, I prefer to think God wouldn't want us to sit around and judge anyone. It is God's place, not mine, to pass judgment and to convict. And so, for my personal beliefs, I choose to not pass judgment on anyone. Especially when I don't know the whole story. I'd rather er on the side of caution, taking a more loving approach. And personally, I find it rather hypocritical to talk about God's love, and being Christ-like, and then turning around to pass judgment, convict, or condemn someone. I also see a difference in judging one another, and talking to someone about Christ in a loving way... a way that doesn't condemn them, but allows the opportunity for God to convict them as he sees fit.

1 John 4:7-10

4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been fathered by God and knows God. 4:8 The person who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 4:9 By this the love of God is revealed in us: that God has sent his one and only Son into the world so that we may live through him. 4:10 In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Christianity Doesn't Have to Be about Organized Religion & Spoon-fed Doctrine!!!

Christianity should be about your personal beliefs & relationship with Christ. Not organized religion, "the church", or doctrine of any kind.

My faith is about my walk. My life. My heart. My soul. Do I care about my loved one's and friend's souls? Yes I do. Is it my place to judge or convict them? Absolutely not, it is God's. The best thing I can do is set an example through my walk and my life.

Does that mean I should never approach them, in a loving manner, about things I see them doing that could potentially hurt their relationship with God? No it doesn't. We don't need to shove our beliefs down others throat, but that doesn't mean we can't talk to people about Christ and about right vs wrong. We just need to remember that we live in a diverse culture with many different belief systems, and we don't all see things the same way. Sometimes we have to try to meet in the middle, or simply agree to disagree.

In the end only God know the truth. It is up to us as individuals to live our lives the best we can and strive to live as Christ would. To show the LOVE that Christ would. So many church's today are so sucked in to spoon-fed doctrine and show so much hate. I recently red an article about a church who make a mentally disabled child leave because he was a distraction. I know Jesus would never show up in that church, because he too, with his dirty feet and blood stained hands would be a distraction and would not be welcomed in a place like that.

We are to be loving and accepting of all - black or white, man or woman, gay or straight... and shoving scripture down their throat is not the answer. I do not believe the bible is without error. It has been transcribed, translated, and re-translated multiple times by MAN. Man is fallible. God is infallible - but he did not write the bible.

It is a history, a recollection of biblical days and the days Christ walked this earth - each book a written account of how each MAN recalls it. Sure they were inspired to write it - isn't any author?

We (general we) read too much into the scriptures. We take them out of context. We twist their meanings. We let them run our lives, when we should be letting God take control. We should be united. Not separated. We should show compassion, not hatred.

We would lead a lot more hearts to Christ if we set aside our differences, set aside organized religion and doctrine... and just figured out how to coexist, get a long, and love one another for who we are.

Waiting on You Lord

I know I tend to let things get under my skin a lot... things that I think aren't right, but then who is to say what is right accept God.

Lately, VERY lately, like this week... I've been kind of second guessing myself on something. This morning it was eating at me like the plague and I couldn't get it out of my head. Until I stopped, and I prayed. I felt like I didn't have time to pray this morning... I was in such a hurry to get out the door...  but I just stopped briefly enough to hand it over, and I immediate felt at peace, and felt his answer: wait. I don't know what he has in store. I can't let my personal wants get in the way of what God may have planned.

Whatever his plan is, I will wait. It was hard not to take something personal, considering the past. But with that behind me, I will look to what God does in the future. I give myself away, so that God can use me.

A Different Point of View: Christianity and Homosexuality

Okay. So this may step on some toes, but honestly I don't care. I have a different POV on the subject of homosexuality and the bible. Politically you can consider me middle of the road. I'm not far right or left on all things. I don't think one side is always right on everything. I used to lean far right on a lot of things, until I opened my mind more and started thinking more for myself. My personal views towards the inerrancy of the bible and the concept of homosexuality leans more towards the liberal side. In the end: only one being knows the truth, and that is God.

And for those of us (general us) heterosexuals who sit around and say "it's just not natural..." How do you (general you) know? Are YOU a homosexual? How do you honestly know how they feel inside? Ask just about anyone who is gay, and mostly they will tell you they would not CHOOSE that lifestyle if it were simply a choice -  they wouldn't choose it because of all the ridicule and hatred that is spread towards them because of it. I know when I get to heaven and face God's judgment, I don't want to be judged as being hateful, judgmental, or an oppressor.

And how can Christians sit around and preach all this love and non-judgment, and then sit there and openly judge someone who is gay, calling them unnatural? Teaching about focusing on our personal walk with God - keeping sin out of our own lives, and not worrying about what others are doing and how that effects their own lives with God... does that not apply to homosexual people? I think it should apply to everyone despite their differences.

We have become so "religious" and "indoctrinated."And you'll excuse me if I walk away from the doctrine of the church... a group of overly religious people who have separated into so many different denominations because they can't agree to disagree on the issues. Is that really what God wants of us? Personally, I think we should be ashamed of ourselves.

Honestly, when comparing liberal and conservative views several years ago, I would have just sneered at their view and said they can't possibly be right. But now I look at it, and their more open minded approach shows more of the love of Christ than the conservative POV, in my honest opinion. Conservatives focus so much on the condemnation of these people. Did it ever occur to them that one, we shouldn't take these passages so literal, and two, it really could be a mistranslation?

The original bible - the inspired word of God - is written in another language. It was transcribed by man to begin with, so there is always room for MAN'S error. God is the only perfect being, and he did not physically write those pages himself. And then it was translated by man into how many different versions? (We go back to the concept of split denominations... they keep re-translating the bible into a version that better fits their doctrine.)

Every religion on this planet was created by man. Every holy book was written by man. I believe that we cannot literally take it word for word, verse by verse, as a rule book.


Lets look at the difference between conservative and liberal views on the subject:

Reference: http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_bibc1.htm 

Conservatives often use the New International Version (NIV) or King James Version (KJV) versions of the Bible, although the popularity of the New King James Version (NKJV) and English Standard Version (ESV) translations is growing rapidly. They generally interpret passages literally, and believe that Paul was inspired by God to write epistles which were inerrant.  The KJV condemns "abusers of themselves with mankind", which criticizes male-male intercourse. However, the NIV appears to go well beyond the content of the original Greek by attacking "homosexual offenders" -- that is, both gay males and lesbians.  Fundamentalist and other Evangelical Christians generally believe that this verse condemns all homosexual activity. They view it as valid today as it was in the first century CE. Verse 6:11 seems to imply that once gays and lesbians become saved, then they will no longer wish to engage in homosexual activities. They will presumably become heterosexuals.

From a forum on homosexuality and the Bible in the Philadelphia Inqurier: 

A. Mohler: 'I believe it explicitly relates to homosexuality. It has been understood that way in the Christian Church from the earliest era.'

T. Crater: 'It [malakoi] can have a meaning that's not carnal. But the way it's used -- it's embedded in the same context with adultery -- it's pretty clear what the meaning is...A hallmark of Evangelicals is that we take a literal, normal, face-value interpretation of the Bible. Some people attempt to keep some form of Christianity and hold on to homosexuality, too. It leads to strange interpretations of the Bible.'

Liberals generally do not believe in the inerrancy of the Bible. They believe that Paul was writing from his own knowledge and experience. Further, they often believe that only some of the epistles attributed to Paul were actually written by him; they regard other epistles as later forgeries. During the 1st century CE, even an educated person like Paul would know very little about human sexuality, compared to present-day sexuality researchers.

	J. Nelson: 'Paul used the Greek word malakoi. They translate it as effeminate and so on. It could mean that; it might not. It can mean soft. Paul was a Jewish theologian. Someone from a Jewish background would consider that behavior unacceptable. Many Greeks did not.'
	D. Bartlett: 'There's considerable debate over what the Greek words mean. We just don't know. I've read most of the debate, and I don't know.'
	K. Stendahl: 'When people come to me -- deeply Christian people -- and say, 'This is the way I am created. This is how God made me, how He makes me feel love,' I have to respect that. We know many things people [like Paul] did not know at that time. One should read the Bible with some kind of reason.'

	About "malakoi:" The original Greek text describes the two behaviors as "malakoi" (malakoi). -- some sources quote "malakee" -- and "arsenokoitai" (arsenokoitai). "Malakoi" is translated in both Matthew 11:8 and Luke 7:25 as "soft" (KJV) or as "fine" (NIV) in references to clothing. It could also mean "loose" or "pliable," as in the phrase "loose morals," implying "unethical behavior." In the early Christian church, the words were interpreted by some as referring to persons who are pliable, easily influenced, without courage or stability. Non-Biblical writings of the era used the world to refer to lazy men, men who cannot handle hard work, and cowards. [John] Wesley's Bible Notes defines "Malakoi" as those: "Who live in an easy, indolent way; taking up no cross, enduring no hardship. But how is this? These good-natured, harmless people are ranked with idolaters and sodomites! We may learn hence, that we are never secure from the greatest sins, till we guard against those which are thought the least; nor, indeed, till we think no sin is little, since every one is a step toward hell."  One knowledgeable but anonymous reviewer of our web site said that "Malakoi" really means:  "... men not working or advancing ideas so as to concern themselves with love only. Not working for the good of the whole....Our present culture has all sorts of connotations associated with the word 'effeminate' that simply don't apply [to Paul's era]." It would seem that the word "effeminate" can only be regarded as a mistranslation. About "arsenokoitai:" This word appears to have been coined by Paul himself.  The first use of the word is found in his epistles. Its precise meaning is unknown.

Light a Lamp Upon my Path

Do you ever feel like you are meant to do something more? Something greater? I know I am. I have so many dreams, talents I want to use. The thing is I know I want to use them for good - to help people. I'm having a hard time figuring out which road to follow.

I love music. I really don't think I am good enough to go career there... but I love the fact I get to sing with the praise team at church.

I love photography and design. This I am hoping will bear much fruit as a business venture -- but I still haven't determined how to use it to help others... which  I want it to do.

I've always thought about going into counseling, or even law... but I no long have the available time or patience for a new degree of either nature!

Lately I've thought about getting a part time job using my money managing skills to help others financially... I have all these ideas and ventures, but I also want more time for my family, so I know I can't possibly pursue them all. Or can I...

Truth and Lies

Hebrews 6:18 - "So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie." (NLT)

 God is a truthful being. He cannot lie. HIS truth shall set us free. Recently a friend of mine is going through a terrible hardship, and it is surrounded by lies of man. I want to ask us all to come together and pray for God's truth to come through, and for this situation to be rendered, and for God's will to be done. The devil is hitting this one hard.

1 Timothy 1:19 - "Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked." (NLT)

Proverbs 12:5 - "The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful." (NIV)

It is important that we all remain strong in our faith, no matter what is thrown at us. Deceit is wicked, as the wicked are deceitful. To my friend I want to say: your faith is being tested by wickedness. DO NOT give in to evil. Your faith is strong, and with faith comes God's blessings. And remember: Proverbs 11:3 - "Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people." (NLT) They will be rightfully judged.

We should pray for those who spread such hate against us. We should love our enemy. As much as we want to hate and curse our enemy, the best thing we can do is lift them up to Christ.

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who hurt you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." Matthew 5:44 NKJV