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Why we've highlighted our beliefs below?
God's Word says, "Because they are united in love, I work so that they may be encouraged by all the riches that come from a complete understanding of Christ. He is the mystery of God. (Colossians 2:2).
Having clearly placed our beliefs out in the open helps people who are "checking out Jesus" to understand more fully what it means, at least from a belief angle, to follow Jesus. To be His disciple is to be His follower, His student, and to follow His example. In the end, our personal perspectives may only be our opinions, unless they are grounded in reality. Meaning our perspectives often are simply "opinions". But God's perspective is always true, always perfect, always complete. He doesn't find out later that He was wrong. His knowledge is perfect and complete, literally on every topic, even topics we don't yet know exist. In a world that has lost its way, where confusion is the norm and clarity is more and more rare, we feel it is important to "know what you believe" and therefore have placed some of our main beliefs below.
The "What We Believe" section specifically is intended to express some of the very central main ideas of faith in Jesus, ideas that have been articulated (often in very similar words) throughout the last 2000 years. Minds much greater than our own, sought diligently to express biblical truth in as clear a manner as possible. Therefore, rather than being arrogant because we are "modern" and they are "ancient", we recognize that God has given humanity wisdom and revelation of His unchanging truths throughout time and history. Therefore the concepts in the "What We Believe" section are generally considered non-negotiable and faithful articulations of the faith that would be consistent with most Jesus followers throughout history, including most pastors and theologians throughout the ages. We (and they, for the most part) have given great time, attention, dialogue, and study to God's written Word so that we can understand these things correctly.
The section below that one, labeled "Our Distinctives as a Community" consists of further explanations for some ways following Jesus looks in life today. In places below, we specifically emphasize our stance and our Holy Spirit based understanding of various issues particularly relative to our day. We want to be as open, honest, and forthright on these issues. We hope this helps our community members and also minimizes any misunderstandings that could occur in the absence of such clarity up front.
Also, perhaps most importantly, both of these two sections below are intended to be a great and lasting encouragement to strengthen ourselves and others with the truth.
God's Word says, "Because they are united in love, I work so that they may be encouraged by all the riches that come from a complete understanding of Christ. He is the mystery of God. (Colossians 2:2).
The Historical Christian Faith
A Faith for All Periods of History
We stand in full agreement with all of the creeds below. Links are provided for further reading.
The Apostles Creed composed in the first four centuries of the Christian Faith;
The Nicene Creed composed by church leaders in the fourth century A.D. to oppose heresies by clarifying that there is One God and that this One God is three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;
The Barmen's Declaration written during World War 2 by German Christian leaders to strongly and definitively correct the Church from any re-interpretation of Christianity based on racial theories. It therefore condemns the Nazi's influence on the Church in Germany, and all such re-interpretations of the Christian Faith.
The Lausanne Covenant written in 1974 by a wide sampling of leaders from many Christian denominations to articulate the necessity of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus to our world in these End Times, before Jesus returns.
Notes on the Creeds Above:
1. the word "catholic" in the above creeds means "universal" or "pertaining to the whole". It is not referring to the "Roman Catholic" Church.
2. Baptism is not what causes salvation, but it does accompany it as a sign that a person has become a follower of Jesus.
What We Believe
Abba's Family Statement of Faith
THE LORD GOD EXISTS IN TRINITY, or a Tri-unity. He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
THE FATHER: Though we will spend eternity getting to know Him more, some ways the Father reveals Himself in Holy Scripture are as the Creator of all (Genesis 1:1), the Father of Jesus (Matthew 3:17), the King of Israel (Isaiah 44:6), the God of the universe (Psalm 103:19), the Father of all humans (Acts 17:28), and “Abba” to all His adopted sons and daughters who have been made born-again believers by His Holy Spirit (Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6).
THE SON: Though we will spend eternity getting to know Him more also, some ways the Son reveals Himself in Holy Scripture are as Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 1:21), the One who came from heaven to earth to save mankind (John 3:16), the Lamb (John 1:29), the King (Matthew 27:37), the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16). Though He existed eternally together in perfect union in the presence of the Father and Holy Spirit (John 1:1), in the “incarnation” He was sent on mission from the Father to Earth (John 17:18). After being miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb, He was born in Bethlehem, Israel to a virgin named Mary (Luke 1:35). He lived the only perfect human life ever (Hebrews 4:15), died an innocent faultless man falsely condemned and killed by Jewish and Roman leaders (Luke 23:33). He descended into hell and suffered there for each and every person who will ever live (1 Peter 3:18). He paid for all sins, for all time, for all people there (John 19:30). He suffered immensely beyond all comprehension for the sake of raising us all from death into life in Him (Romans 6:4). He then rose from the grave on the third day (Luke 24:6-7). He appeared to over 500 witnesses after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:6), and He interacted physically (eating, etc.) with His followers (Luke 24:42-43). He gave direction regarding the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17) and then ascended into heaven before their eyes (Acts 1:9-11). He is seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding always to save us to the uttermost as our heavenly Intercessor and will return in power and glory to be the Judge of the living and the dead.
JESUS IS COMING BACK SOON: Jesus, the Son of God, was physically and visibly on Earth the first time as the “Suffering Servant” in Israel, coming to die for the sin and brokenness of the world. However, He promised to come again, this time in His power and glory, physically and visibly as the Son of God. He is the Judge of both the righteous and the unrighteous, and will judge all people in the end. He will bring fulfillment of Christ’s kingdom in the new heavens and the new earth. This motivates us in sharing His Gospel, holy living, heart-felt worship, committed service, diligent study of God’s Word and regular fellowship. The righteous, in glorious bodies, shall live and reign with Him forever Married to Christ as His Bride, the Church will be in the presence of God forever, serving Him and giving Him unending praise and glory. (Revelation 21:1-22:5).
THE HOLY SPIRIT: Though we will spend eternity getting to know Him more too, some ways the Holy Spirit reveals Himself in Holy Scripture are as the Spirit of God (Genesis 1:2), the Spirit of Jesus (Acts 16:7), and the Spirit of Holiness (Romans 1:4). He has been “sent” on mission by the Father and also by the Son to us (John 14:26, John 15:26). He reveals Himself as the Seven Spirits (Revelation 1:4), the One hovering like a dove (Matthew 3:16), the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13), and the Living Water (John 7:38-39). He is spirit (John 4:24). He is called “wind” and “breath” (John 3:8), fire (Acts 2:3), and a cloud (Exodus 16:10). Though many times we cannot discern His ways of working in our lives separately from what the Father and/or the Son are doing, they are in fact distinct (John 14:26). As our intimacy and understanding of Him increases, so does our ability to discern the Holy Spirit’s actions from the actions of the Father or the Son. Yet all work, all words, all activity done by the Father, Son, and/or the Holy Spirit are always completely harmonious with one another, since they are perfectly united and in agreement eternally (John 10:30). He baptizes (immerses in Himself, as a person would be immersed in a lake) each and every believer in Jesus initially at their true conversion (Acts 1:5). He is the originator of faith in a person (Ephesians 2:8-9), the One who brings the salvation that is by faith alone in Jesus (Romans 8:16). He indwells each believer and is abundantly available to continue to fill us all with His presence (Ephesians 5:18). He is at work preparing the “Bride” for her wedding to Jesus, the Messiah and Savior of all mankind (Revelation 19:7).
THE PROBLEM OF SIN: Though it is very unpopular to speak of sin in many circles today, the Bible is abundantly clear that it both exists, and that it is the problem with humanity. Sin is the internal rebellion against God in our hearts. The Bible makes it clear that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin manifests itself in numerous ways including outright acts of rebellion, verbally lashing out at God in defiance, or going our own way without regard for God’s commands. Sin and/or its results are seen in the brokenness of our world at numerous levels such as the pollution in our environment, lack of world peace at all times throughout history, lack of local peace with our neighbors, and many other broken aspects of humanity. The Bible describes even the attitudes of our hearts as sinful and rebellious. Jesus used multiple examples to make sure people didn’t just view outward acts as sin, but that the inner intentions and desires, when in contradiction to God, are also clearly sin. He used hatred as one clear example, saying that to hate ones brother is like murder in the heart. (Matthew 5:21-22, 1 John 3:15). God is holy as revealed all throughout the Scriptures. Sinful acts, sinful attitudes, sinful intentions, and even the brokenness that results from sin… these are all incongruent with a holy God. He therefore sent His only begotten Son Jesus to eradicate sin and the results of sin. This victory in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is full and complete on the one hand. However, obviously it is not yet fully experienced especially for those of us who are living on the Earth still, rather than in heaven where things and people are in fact perfect and holy. It is a place without sin, without brokenness, without sickness, without the curse on this earth. It is a place of perfect and breath-taking beauty and a place of deep intimacy with God and other people. As born-again followers of Jesus we look forward with great anticipation to our eternal lives being in the presence and intimate love of God in heaven. Sin will be no more.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND THE EMPOWERMENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: We believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to every believer to equip them for ministry and service in the body of Christ. These gifts, which include prophecy, healing, tongues, teaching, and others, are meant to edify the Church, spread the gospel, and advance God's kingdom. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith in both supernatural and practical ways, enabling them to bear witness to Christ in a lost world. The gifts of the Spirit are given to build up the Church and serve others, ensuring that the body functions properly and effectively. Every believer is encouraged to discover and use their spiritual gifts for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 4:11-12; Rom. 12:4-8).
THE BIBLE: We believe that the entire Bible, consisting of both the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God, given through human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the final and supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice. While the Lord speaks to us currently through prophecy, nudges, sermons, and many other means, His written holy Word has been “purified seven times” Psalm 12:6 and is the most trustworthy communication of God to humanity. As God’s inspired Word, Scripture is completely reliable, without failure, without error. It provides a reliable foundation for understanding God, His will, and His purposes. Scripture is relevant and applicable across cultures, in all generations and ages, remaining living and active to transform lives (Hebrews 4:12).
SALVATION IS A GIFT (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is given by the grace of God to “whoever believes” in Jesus (John 3:16), which is to say whoever embraces Jesus as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9). Belief always includes genuine repentance of heart (Acts 2:38). Each person is required to turn away from our own self-driven lives (Luke 9:23), to follow Jesus with our lives (Matthew 16:24). This is what it means to repent. We repent, believe, and then live a life pleasing to God by the power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16). Salvation is being saved from ourselves, from our sins, from our well-deserved eternal punishment (Romans 6:23), from the brokenness of our world and the brokenness of our lives (Romans 8:22). We are saved from these things only by Jesus (Acts 4:12), since He overcame them all in His death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). We are saved from all the negative things, and we are saved into life. Specifically, we are saved into a deep and eternal friendship connection with God, total forgiveness of all our sins and rebellious acts against God, new and eternal life that starts today, and an eternity of life in heavenly fellowship with all His children and with God Himself. Bliss, utopia, and paradise are insufficient words to describe our future in Jesus. He promises that we will share in His glory!
FAITH IS A GIFT (Ephesians 2:8-9). Both the initial faith that moves us into salvation (Romans 12:3), as well as the enduring and fresh faith needed throughout the believer’s life (2 Corinthians 5:7). It cannot be earned, nor can we rightly boast of our faith (1 Corinthians 1:29). No child receiving a free gift looks to his parents and exclaims how great he is to have received such a gift. It is a gift, freely given by parents in love with him (Luke 11:11-13). God’s gift of faith is pure, straightforward, and thoroughly good in all ways (James 1:17). As such, we can thank Him with unhindered gratitude and zero arrogance or self-glory (Ephesians 5:20). It is not because we are “so wise” or such good “decision-makers” that we received His free gift of faith coming to us by His grace alone (Romans 3:27).
JESUS' MISSION is to bring salvation to all people, regardless of their current status, faith, religion, beliefs, ethics, race, gender, etc. (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus has redeemed people from their sin, separation from God, hell, and eternal death (Ephesians 1:7). He has saved them from their own self-destructiveness (Titus 2:14). Having done so on an “all of humanity” level (1 John 2:2), the Holy Spirit has now been sent to us at Pentecost (Acts 2:4), to call each individual to repentance and faith (John 16:8). He is the One who causes a person, as Jesus said, to be “born from above” or “born again” (John 3:3, John 3:5) or “born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). All these are different expressions of the same reality that the Holy Spirit initiates and completes the salvation process (Philippians 1:6). So we cry out to Him, to remake us from the inside out (Romans 8:29). He also causes growth and maturity to begin in that newly born-again person (Ephesians 4:15). And in the larger scope, He causes maturity in the whole Bride of Christ, also known as the “Church” in all generations (Ephesians 5:27). It is the desire of the Father to prepare us, the Bride, for His Son Jesus (Revelation 19:7). He is preparing us to become holy, spotless, and mature, “growing up” in unity and love to become a suitable and holy Bride to Jesus (Ephesians 4:13). The Gospel call to salvation is to “whosoever” believes, but it it's to create a body of believers. All believers collectively are made His glorious Bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). The manifestation of this reality will take place in heaven (Revelation 19:6-9).
Our Distinctives as a Community
Abba's Family Core Values
WE ARE CREATED TO WORSHIP: Jesus is worthy to receive all glory, honor, and praise (Revelation 5:12). God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit deserve all of our service, our entire heart, soul, mind, conversation, actions, and every aspect of our lives (Matthew 22:37). True worship may include music sometimes, but is always a reflection of the Holy Spirit flowing through us with a heart of surrender to the pleasure and glory of our worthy God (John 4:24). While we value great “worship music,” we also acknowledge that great music does not in itself equal worship. We seek to have great hearts and spirits filled with the Holy Spirit to worship our worthy God (Romans 12:1).
EVERY PERSON IS MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD: All men and all women have been made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This is profoundly important and is the basis of all human dignity (Psalm 139:14). All humans stand equally before the Holy Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in absolute need of His grace, His love, and His forgiveness (Romans 3:23). No one earns any of that, and so we can say that we are “all equal at the foot of the cross” (Galatians 3:28). Being male or female is based solely on how the Lord decided to create each individual person. With the entrance of sin into the world, the image of God has been marred and corrupted to some in every person. When people move away from birth gender, or when they move away from any other ways of God, they move further away from that image of God and the infinite beauty inherent within them.
FREEDOM AND AFFIRMATION OF WOMEN: We highly value the perspectives and contributions of women. They are free to serve in all the same ways as men yet without confusing the roles and authority structure that God ordained specifically within marriage (Ephesians 5:22-33). God designed women to thrive under voluntary submission to their husbands (Ephesians 5:24). However, this submission is not applicable outside of marriage. No woman is subject to a man simply by virtue of him being a man (Galatians 3:28). If a woman is gifted and mature to be appointed to a position of authority or function in the church, then we joyfully desire such promotion and appointment (Acts 2:17). She is free and encouraged to fulfill such callings of leadership (Romans 16:1-2). This reality creates a complementary beauty of harmony between men and women serving alongside one another in ministry when both genders are submitting themselves to the Lord and filled with His Spirit, operating in the maturity that He alone brings (Galatians 5:16). To read the excellent insights made by one denomination into the issue women serving and leading in ministry, click here.
GOD LOVES EVERY PERSON: God loves every person (John 3:16). While there is undeniable punishment after death for disobedience to God when accompanied by lack of faith in His Son Jesus (John 3:36), there is also eternal life, hope, and truth in Jesus (1 John 5:11-12). No level of sin or rebellion is “too far” for the Lord to bring a person back into intimacy with Him. Jesus’ blood is sufficient for all.
TRUE DIVERSITY: We value positive God-beautified diversity (Galatians 3:28). More specifically, we value the diversity of cultures, both genders, every ethnicity, every nationality, etc. (Revelation 7:9). Together, we make a beautiful harmonious and greatly diverse symphony to the Lord. A symphony of joy and glory as the Holy Spirit unites and fills us as an interwoven body of believers (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).
FALSE DIVERSITY AND VICTORY: We value truth and clarity over any distorted so-called “diversity” (Romans 1:25). Though the word “diversity” is used to include numerous things in our modern era, we promote and encourage only what our Creator has created us to thrive in doing and being (Romans 12:2). For one of many examples, we love and show grace to people living homosexually, yet we are in agreement with God’s Word that all sexual activities outside of a marriage between one-man and one-woman is sin (Romans 1:26-27). Broadening this out, we can and do love all people whether they are sexually active outside of a God-ordained marriage or not. Those who are sexually active (heterosexually or homosexually) outside of marriage are to be loved on one hand, but also assisted into a “whole” life of purity on the other hand (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Same-sex attraction is not in itself a sin (James 1:14-15). We believe all people should and could live a life of sexual purity by the power of the Holy Spirit, whether they are abstinent in single life or sexually united in a godly marriage (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Like all victory over any sin or lifelong tendencies, we believe the power of the Holy Spirit overcomes all human weakness (Philippians 2:13) as we submit ourselves to Him in obedient faith. He indwells all Christians and is available as we call out to Him for His help (Romans 8:26). He changes our hearts, our motives, our desires, and our actions (Ezekiel 36:26). There is freedom in Christ. For more biblical discussion and insights please click on these links regarding Gender Identity, Homosexuality, or Sexual Orientation.
WE ARE FAMILY: As Abba’s Family, we are spiritual family, supportive, affectionate, and devoted to one another in positive and healthy interactions (1 Corinthians 12:25). As the Lord expands our numbers, we remain as members of a growing (extended) family who love and interact regularly with one another (Romans 12:10). We walk in both “like-mindedness” and “like-heartedness,” sharing in our affection for each other and for our God and King (Philippians 2:2).
EVERYONE CONTRIBUTES: We are not consumers seeking only to be fed spiritually. Neither are we an audience, watching a show “put on” by the professionals. Instead, we are family members who all contribute to the overall well-being of the family (1 Corinthians 12:7). Whether you have the ability to wash dishes, put away chairs, give a word from the Lord, a teaching, a song, a prayer, an act of service, or an encouragement, we value your contribution (1 Peter 4:10).
EVIL IS OVERCOME, but still allowed to exist (John 16:33). Satan and his demons are working hard to undermine the work of the King of kings (1 Peter 5:8). But they are defeated already by the death and resurrection of Jesus (Colossians 2:15). That defeat will be fully manifest at the end of the ages when they are condemned eternally and punished for their war against the King and against all His beloved people made in the image of God (Revelation 20:10). In the end, God wins (Revelation 21:4).
MARRIAGE ROLES ARE ORDAINED BY GOD: A husband is to love and lay down his life for his wife, as Christ did for the Church, His own Bride (Ephesians 5:25). This is an extremely high standard, one that requires the daily power of the Holy Spirit within the husband (Ephesians 3:16). Contrary to modern culture, each wife is to voluntarily submit herself to her husband in honor and respect (Ephesians 5:22-23). This is a high calling and pleasing to the Lord (1 Peter 3:1-2). She too cannot fulfill her calling in marriage without the daily power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Both spouses are to honor one another (1 Peter 3:7), although the Scripture is clear that the wife alone is to obey the husband, not the other way around (Ephesians 5:24). The idea that a husband is to obey his wife is an invention of modernity, based upon a gross misunderstanding of the book of Ephesians (Ephesians 5:25-33).
SINGLENESS IS ALSO A GIFT BY THE LORD: It is a gift that may be intended by the Lord either for a season or for life (1 Corinthians 7:7-8). It is not to be rejected or belittled, but rather to be joyfully embraced as the path the Lord has given some of His children for His purposes (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).
WE VALUE TRUTH: We abide in Christ, who is the Truth Himself (John 14:6), and we abide in His written word because through it He conveys truth to us (Psalm 119:160). We seek to understand in the community of other truth-seekers (Proverbs 27:17). We are especially aware and focused on the Holy Spirit, who is the One who interprets Holy Scripture and reality correctly (John 16:13).
WE EXPECT BOTH JOY AND PERSECUTION: Jesus said that He came that we might have life “to the full” (John 10:10). We see this full abundant life as being intimate with the Lord and also with His people (Philippians 4:4). We value joy and the laughter that arises out of holy communication (Romans 14:17). Joy in Christian community is the norm for our lives (Psalm 16:11). It does not exclude suffering but allows us to have eternal joy even in the midst of suffering (Romans 5:3-5). Persecution was the norm also for the early believers in Jesus, and we expect that in our lives if we are living faithfully for our Lord (2 Timothy 3:12). As Psalm 16 says, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11), and “As for the saints who are on the Earth, they are the majestic ones, in whom is all my delight” (Psalm 16:3).
LEGALISM VS. GRACE: We do not hold to “hyper-grace”, which is simply a distorted excuse to keep sinning. We also do not hold to the legalistic religious standards that plague many churches (Romans 6:1-2). We seek to walk in receptivity and appreciation of His grace toward us (Romans 6:14). We extend that grace to others and guard our fellowships against any hint of legalism (Galatians 5:1). We seek the Lord for the filling of His Holy Spirit to empower us to live our lives in holiness, “without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
SUBMISSION TO AUTHORITY: We honor all genuine and legitimate authorities (Romans 13:1). We respect all God-given authority, but we bow only to the One Eternal King (Matthew 4:10). Therefore, if a conflict comes to exist between obeying civil or spiritual government versus obeying the Lord, we declare that our allegiance is to the Lord… always (Acts 5:29). This applies to any governmental overreach that violates Christian freedoms, such as but not limited to, freedom to assemble publicly or privately as believers in Jesus, and freedom to proclaim godly perspectives and biblical teachings pertaining to specific policies, laws, politicians, governments, etc. We respect and obey all authorities when possible, but ultimately we fear and seek to please God alone (Colossians 3:23). None of this is an excuse for possessing or harboring a rebellious, anti-authoritarian heart. We all need to be renewed in our minds and given new hearts, ones that honor others (Romans 12:2).
HOUSE CHURCHES: We fully embrace the use of church buildings as a place that God has used to do wonderful things, both throughout history as well as currently (Acts 2:46). However, we also acknowledge that fellowship in a home has a unique beauty that the early church enjoyed (Romans 16:5). It was remarkably easier to function as a spiritual family when relational intimacy was more the norm (Acts 20:20). It was also in houses that Jesus and His apostles gathered and launched out into surrounding territory (Luke 10:5-7). Therefore, we see the house church as the normative setting in which the family of God functions (Acts 5:42). An individual house church can be compared to a nuclear family (father, mother, children), whereas a local group of house churches can be compared to an extended family (including aunts, uncles, close friends, etc.) (1 Corinthians 16:19).
SACRAMENTS: Jesus gave us the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper to strengthen and sustain His people. Baptism demonstrates the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. It marks the beginning of the believer’s journey of faith and is an outward sign of the inward change that has occurred. The Lord’s Supper is a frequently repeated act of remembering Christ’s body and blood, given for us. As believers partake of the bread and the cup, we are spiritually nourished and unified with one another in the body of Christ. These sacraments are means of God deepening the believer’s faith and strengthening their relationship with Him and one another. (Matthew 28:19; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
WE ARE DISCIPLE-MAKERS: We are disciples of Jesus who make new disciples of Jesus, who in turn make new disciples of Jesus, etc. (Matthew 28:18-20). This is primary in the lives of followers of Jesus and we prioritize it in our fellowships, in our outreach, in our relationships, and in our leadership development. We are disciples of Jesus, not disciples of another person. He is the Master. We are not. We don't train people to become like us, but to become more like Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
WE ARE PRAYER FOCUSED: Prayer is the two way communication between us and God. We are taught to pray in Jesus name (John 14:13-14, John 15:16), and that we have access to the Father through Jesus alone (Ephesians 2:18). Furthermore, James 4:2 says, “You do not have because you do not ask.” Therefore we need to be asking God for His blessings, for His help in difficulties, for our daily bread, etc. Oftentimes, we simply do not have something, because we just haven’t asked Him yet. Also, at times we ask with a heart focused on sinful pleasures. “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, so that you may spend what you request on your pleasures. (James 4:4 NASB). We believe prayer is the center point in our relationship with God our Father, with Jesus His Son, and with the Holy Spirit. This is similar to saying that communication is the center point of a friendship. For all who have been re-created from the inside out by His Holy Spirit with faith in Jesus and repentance, God actually does reveal Himself as our friend. Therefore we see prayer more broadly than just asking for things. It is at the center of our communion with Him.
WE ARE LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT: Scripture makes it clear that we can follow our own sinful flesh or we can follow the Spirit of God (Galatians 5). We actively seek, individually and in fellowship, to be listeners to the Holy Spirit, to follow His lead, and to consciously avoid giving in to our sinful fleshly desires. It is by the Holy Spirit’s initiative and power that we are able to please God. (Galatians 2:13).
IN THE END, GOD FULLY WINS: In His sovereignty, He causes us to win also (Romans 8:37). Both our salvation and all of our rewards come only from His goodness and proactive grace initiated by the Holy Spirit in our lives (Ephesians 2:8-9). By God’s power, His born-again children walk in ongoing and obedient faith (Philippians 2:13). In the end, based solely upon Jesus’ death, punishment for the sins of humans, and His resurrection, He will accomplish the “restoration of all things,” bringing all His children into His kingdom (Acts 3:21).
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