What I Believe (as a disciple of Jesus)
Bible
Steven believes the Bible, consisting of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired, authoritative and inerrant Word of God. It is the final rule for faith and practice. (2 Tim. 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21, John 8:30-31, Hebrews 4:12)
God
Steven believes in One infinite and personal God, who eternally exists as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. I believe that God is the Creator, Sustainer, Savior and Judge. While acknowledging the unity of the Godhead, I believe the Father planned salvation, the Son accomplished salvation and the Holy Spirit applies salvation. (Deuteronomy 6:4, Ephesians 1:3-14, Hebrews 9:14, 1 Peter 1:1-2, Isaiah 40, 43:11-13, Revelation 20:11-15)
Jesus Christ
Steven believes Jesus Christ is the unique God-Man. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross to make atonement for our sins, rose bodily from the dead and ascended to the Father’s right hand. I believe that Jesus intercedes for believers as their High Priest and that He will soon return as the reigning King. (John 1:1-18, Luke 2:1-20, 1 Peter 3:18, Hebrews 4:14-16,10:1-18 , 1 Corinthians 15, Ephesians 1:20-22, Revelation 19-20)
Holy Spirit
Steven believes that the Holy Spirit convicts men of their need for salvation, causes men to be born again spiritually, permanently indwells believers and He is the source of power and fruitfulness in living the Christian life. (John 16:1-15, 3:1-8, Romans 8:1-16, Galatians 5:12-26)
Mankind
Steven believes that man was created in the image of God but because of Adam’s sin all men are now sinners by nature and by choice and are in need of salvation. I believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. (Genesis 1-3, Romans 5:12-21, 3:21-26, Ephesians 2:8-9)
Church
Steven believes that Jesus Christ is the head of the church, which is His body, composed of all true believers who are to be the salt and light of the world. I believe that the church exists to glorify God through worship, ministry, evangelism, fellowship and discipleship. The mission of the church is to fulfill the Great Commission. (Matthew 16:15-18, Ephesians 1:20-22, Matthew 22:36-40, Matthew 28:18-20)
Christ’s Return
Steven believes in the second coming of Jesus Christ. He will return bodily to earth to establish His Kingdom. Unbelievers will be judged and spend eternity separated from God in hell and believers will be rewarded with eternal fellowship with God in heaven. (Acts 1:9-11, Revelation 19-22, Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17)
Satan
Steven believes Satan attempts to defeat all people through deception and is the father of lies. Satan is a created and fallen angel and is not equal to God. Disciples of Jesus overcome Satan’s schemes by applying biblical truth in the power of the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 6:10-19; Luke 10:18; Job 1:6-12; John 8:44; Mark 4:15; Revelation 12:9; 1 Peter 5:8)
