What we believe*

1. The Bible itself is God's word to mankind. It was written by about 40 authors, over a span of around 1600 years (or so). These authors were moved by God. (See 2 Peter 1:21 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.)
2. Since the Bible is God's word to mankind, it must be important. Therefore, we should read it regularly. But merely reading the Bible will not suffice. We need to put it into practice. (Luke 11:28)
3. God speaks today. This is actually a very controversial statement or issue with some Christians. Some believers say that God speaks only through his word (meaning the Bible). Others say that he can even speak through the mouth of a donkey. Since, in the Bible, we read that God did, in fact, put audible words into the mouth of a donkey on one occasion (see Numbers 22:28-30), therefore, the Bible itself affirms that God can speak in more ways than merely through the written word.
4. When God speaks, he always speaks consistent with his word, and never against it. Since God is holy, eternal, perfect, all-knowing, omnipresent, and all-powerful, and has never forgotten a thing, surely he must know what he put in his own word! Since he is good, just, perfect and righteous in all his ways, he will absolutely never betray his word. To not know his word is perilous, and will set you up to be deceived by the deceiver — which leads us to the next point, there is a deceiver.
5. There is a deceiver, and his name is Satan (which means "accuser of the brethren", see Revelation 12:10). But where did he come from? Did God create him? This would seem problematic. This is where we really need to think hard about what happened. The Bible is clear (in Genesis 1) that God created everything good. So where did Satan come from? When God created the angels, he gave them freewill. They could choose to do right or wrong, obey or disobey. And this is the same with us humans, as well. Therefore, God did not make any mistakes. The ones who made the mistake were some of the angels, as well as humans. All humans beings have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (see Romans 3:23).
6. When some of the angels rebelled against God, it is estimated by some that 1/3 of all the angels fell, based on an interpretation from Revelation 12:4. This would mean that many millions of angels rebelled against God, joining forces with Satan since there are "thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand" of good ones (see Revelation 5:11). These are known as "evil spirits", "demons" or "fallen angels". Some people think that these are different entities, but it is virtually certain they are one and the same (you can derive this from Luke 11:15, since in that passage Satan is called the prince of demons — thus, Satan is of the same type (being a demon) but having a higher rank). These body-less creatures can play havoc with humans (see 2 Corinthians 2:11). In fact, they are very dangerous. You would not want to get messed up with them. Yet many people have. Is there hope? Fortunately, there is!
7. Jesus created everything that exists, whether seen or unseen (see John 1:3 & Colossians 1:16). Jesus is therefore stronger than all demons and, if we obey Jesus, we can learn to become free from their influence. This is a very long story (this being the short version). Paul wrote to the Galatians, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1) And in another passage, "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17) And in yet another passage, Jesus said, "“If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (See John 8:31-32)
8. The Bible is a book of doctrine (meaning, teaching) (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Psalm 19:7-8). Of course, it is not only that, but it certainly is that. The doctrine from the Bible provides us with the boundaries by which God may operate and by which we are to operate, as well. For example, if someone said that they decided it was appropriate to speak with the dead, or to pray to the dead, then we could open the Bible and find a passage that refutes that (see Deuteronomy 18:10-11). There is no higher authority than God's word (see Psalm 138:2). God gave us his word so that we might know his character, the way he works, his love for mankind, his disdain for sin, and the blessings and curses associated with obedience or disobedience (see Psalm 119:11, Galatians 6:7-8). Ultimately, God gave us his word so that we might know him, and that by knowing him, we might have life (see John 20:31, John 10:10).
9. The life that God wants to give us comes through knowing and trusting in Jesus (John 17:3, 1 John 5:11-13). It is not simply a matter of reading the Bible and trying to obey it. It is actually much bigger (and even simpler) than that. God created you for a purpose. You were not an accident (even if the whole word said you were). No, you are fearfully and wonderfully made (see Psalm 139:14). God knew you before you were born. He knew you before you were conceived. Yes, God is all-knowing, and he has a plan for your life. You are extremely important to him, because you are created in his image (see Genesis 5:1-2). God's purpose for you is to bring you into perfect fellowship (intimacy, relationship) with himself (see John 14:21, Rev 3:20). And even if you were 99 years old and one day from your death, this statement would still be entirely true. And that's because, eternity is a long time.
10. Eternity is a long time, meaning, this life on earth is not all that there is. This is where things get a little confusing (for many believers, in fact), because they are not really aware of what happens after they die. Most think that we go to heaven (which is true), but that only happens for a comparatively short period of time. In the big scheme of things (meaning, if you look at it on an eternal scale), we are not in heaven that long. Heaven is like a "blip" on the screen — really! For those who have genuinely trusted in Christ, they will one day receive new bodies, and will dwell on a newly recreated earth (see Revelation 21:1) where God himself (meaning Jesus) will dwell with man (see Revelation 21:3). How good is that?
11. Life before the grave is basically a test. It's not all there is. In fact, in the big scheme of things, it's hardly anything at all. While 100 years may seem like a long time, consider 10,000 years — for starters! The song Amazing Grace has the following line: "When we've been there 10,000 years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we'd first begun." But the question is, where is "there?" "There" is on the newly recreated earth, with our eternal bodies, that can never get sick or die. This new body is received at the resurrection of the righteous. You will want to be part of that resurrection! (See 1 Corinthians 15:42)
12. The idea that — "when you are about to die, it is useless to trust in Christ because your life is now over" — is utter folly. It's never too late to trust in Christ. And you should trust in Christ prior to your death. In fact, the Bible says it is appointed unto man once to die, and then comes the judgment (see Hebrews 9:27). Why did Jesus come the first time, and die on the cross? He came to take away our sin (see 1 John 2:2). Jesus was and is "the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (see John 1:29). Jesus paid the debt that we could not pay. Ray Comfort has a great message he wrote called, How to be free from the fear of death (scroll down on the page after clicking the link and you will be able to read it). You can also purchase it as a small little give-away pamphlet. It's well written and will help you.
13. The idea that we will be floating on clouds in eternity is non-sense, and probably invented by some demon, who wanted people to believe that there is really nothing great to do after we die. That's a complete lie. In fact, the Bible says the exact opposite: "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (See 1 Corinthians 2:9) Ah, that should be music to your ears, if you love Jesus. But if you don't love him, what are you waiting for?
14. God is fundamentally good (see Mark 10:18), but this does not mean that everyone gets a free pass. In fact, God is constrained by his holiness (see 1 Peter 1:16). God has rules. These rules are not oppressive, when followed according to God's directions (see 1 John 5:3). In fact, they are liberating. However, people like to add rules onto God's rules, which ends up weighing them down. Jesus condemned some religious leaders for putting upon people heavy and oppressive yokes. He said, "For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them." (Matthew 23:4) Jesus is against such behavior, and one day, justice will be served.
15. We do not always see justice served on the earth. However, one day, God will set it all straight (see Daniel 7:9, 2 Corinthians 5:10). We should do the best we can, with the tools, resources, and gifts that we have at our disposal, to serve God in every way (see Matthew 25:15). This includes helping people, loving people, and doing those things that Jesus did (see 1 John 2:6). However, the good news is that our salvation is not by works (see Titus 3:5-7). If it were by works, there would be reason for boasting (see Ephesians 2:8-9). But as it is, we are naturally condemned because of our sin (see John 3:18). Doing good works cannot undo our sin (see Romans 3:20). But there is one thing that can undo it, and that is the shed blood of Jesus (see Ephesians 2:13, Hebrews 9:22). Jesus died so that we would be forgiven (see Ephesians 1:7). Salvation is a free gift offered to all who will receive it (see Romans 6:23). Will you receive it? (see John 11:25-26)

Questions & Answers

Who is Jesus?

To understand who Jesus is, please read, Who is Jesus?

Is the Father the same as the Son?

No, the Father is not the same as the Son. The teaching that says they are the same is called Modalism or Oneness theology. The Bible easily refutes this teaching. To understand the difference between the Father and the Son, please read, Distinguishing Characteristics Between God the Father and Jesus.

Does God require that I give 10% of my salary to the church?

No, God does not require that you give 10% of your salary to the church. He does, however, call us to be cheerful givers. To correct some pretty poor theology that has been roaming the earth for many decades, please read God’s Heart in Giving.

Is God giving dreams and visions today?

Yes, God is giving dreams and visions today. And this topic may very well blow your mind when you see the types of things he is doing. But not everyone can receive this. Some have been conditioned to believe that he does not do this any longer. However, both Joel 2:28-29 and Acts 2:17-18 say that he will give dreams and visions in the last days. And we are in those days! For one mind-blowing story of what God did, in the 2005 and 2006 time frame, please read God of All Wonders! This testimony is shocking! Following this, you might want to read The Revealer of Mysteries, which may have you scratching your head, especially if you think God no longer gives dreams and visions today! (lol :-))

Since Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, according to 1 John 2:2, does that mean everyone will be saved?

No, that does not mean everyone will be saved. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, meaning, that his blood covers the payment for the sins of the whole world. But there is still a condition attached to salvation — which is faith in Christ. Only those who have faith in Christ will be saved (see Acts 2:21). The Bible is very clear that many (and, in fact, most) will not be saved (see Matthew 7:13-14).

If faith in Christ is all I need to do to be saved, do I then not need to repent?

Faith presupposes repentance. In other words, you cannot have genuine faith without also having genuine heartfelt repentance. Repentance is an attitude of the heart. Jesus said, "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (see Luke 13:3).

I was involved in a cult, and I feel messed up. Where do I start?

Watch 100 episodes of Mike Winger, and it's a great place to start. Really. He's going to help you. Steady as she goes. You can do this thing. Second, start taking in daily doses of Chuck Smith (scroll down the page, this is an audio series that starts at Genesis 1 and goes right to the end of the Bible!). He's now with the Lord, but he has left us with his entire Bible series. Your head is going to become clearer as the days go on, as you patiently absorb vital truths that the Holy Spirit will use to help restore you. In turn, God is going to use you to help others. Yes, you can do this thing!

I feel like I need to do a lot of things to please God. What's the problem?

Yes, that's the problem! You were conditioned to believe that you needed to do all sorts of things for God in order to please him. You are caught in a works mindset. This mindset says, "Work or else!" In reality, it works like this: We work from a position of rest. We are not striving. We are working from a place of total acceptance. This can be hard for people to understand, because the world demands work, but God first demands that we learn to rest in him. "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his." (Hebrews 4:9-10)

So, then, I don't need to work any more?

Ha! No! That's not what that passage (Hebrews 4:9-10) is teaching. It's talking about ceasing from striving. In reality, if you have a wounded and broken heart, it can be difficult to rest in Christ. But that is precisely what he wants to do. He wants to give you rest.

Step 1: Forgive your abuser.
Step 2: Purpose to walk in obedience to Christ.
Step 3: Understand that you may have a confused picture of who God actually.

Therefore, you might be serving an incorrect picture of God.

One of the biggest "catches" to being able to find your rest in God is to make sure that your picture of him is accurate. And that is why, at the top of this page, there is an article entitled, God’s Heart in Giving. The reason it's posted is to help you discern the difference between the God of the Bible and the God that has been preached by many churches, because the love of money has entered into the church in a very major way, and there are, in fact, a lot of abusers (or confused people). You cannot rise higher than your teacher, so if you are going to be taught by anyone, make sure they have a proper understanding of giving — that you are not mandated to give such and such.

Do you believe in a literal 1000-year reign of Christ?

Yes. Christ will return and establish his kingdom in Jerusalem. He will reign for 1000 years, in which regenerate and unregenerate people will live on the earth. Following this there is a final judgment. (See Revelation 20:4-6)

 

*For the full scoop, we recommend you read the Bible in its entirety. For more details on how you can read the Bible, please see our resources page.