While we could write statement after statement of beliefs that sound theological, spiritual, or even biblical, we have elected not to do so. We believe that our ability to seek and find the truth is limited to our ability to think or reason. We have learned that certain things we hear trigger predictable responses that will automatically close our minds to the information being presented because we see it as a threat to our very basic religious foundation. We believe we must first make sure our foundation is solid and the biblical information that we have is solid as well and without a spot.
We have learned that one weak spot in our foundation can cause our whole house to crumble and as the foundation fails, so goes the integrity of the structure. We realize that many have built their belief system on those fundamental truths learned when first we believed and these truths were the building blocks to our current belief system. When the building blocks of our belief system fail due to misinformation or misinterpretation, so goes the integrity of our belief system. This is why we have to make sure our foundation is solid—that our beliefs are well grounded in the truths contained in the word of God.
We Know...
We know that words can be manipulated to say many things, but there are times when our mind manipulates the things we hear to suit our belief system, like a self-preservation mechanism that only allows us to process information that does not threaten our core belief system. Instead of seeking and accepting truth, we seek and accept things that fit into our perception of truth.
We are to the point where we are not sure what to believe anymore. As we continue to accept the changes that are occurring in our churches, in our communities, in our society, and in the world, we have become easy prey for all the false teachings, doctrines, edicts, and theologies. We accept them without question and recite them without fully understanding them. Most of the time, we have no idea what we are reciting because we do it out of obedience.
But who are we being obedient to, God or man? Are we being obedient because God has told us to be obedient or because man has told us to be? How would we know, when we do not even open up our bibles to check up on the information that is presented to us? Because it sounds biblical, then it must be true and it must be from God. Knowledge is power, misinformation destruction. We are being destroyed because we have limited God and limited ourselves.
We have...
We have failed to follow the things God has set forth for us in his word. He has provided for us, everything we need in order to fully know him and to worship him in spirit and in truth. We have failed to open our minds to him, choosing to limit ourselves to that which we think sounds more like something that God would tell us. We recite things that make us sound intelligent to others but we lack full revelation and the ability to understand those things.
Each one of us has developed our own belief system based on our many life experiences over the years. Nevertheless, each one of us has a problem. There is so much clutter in our minds from the things we have read, seen, heard, and been taught that we have been stalemated by our own belief system, stopping us from growing in the word of God. Some of us have a sense of loyalty to the things that we have learned throughout our life, be they right or wrong, that too venture from them leaves us with the feeling of displeasing God. We get the feeling that we are questioning God and our past has instilled into our belief system that God will rain fire and brimstone on us for our unfaithfulness.
As stated earlier, our ability to seek and find the truth is limited to our ability to think or reason. Limited truth causes uncertainty or confusion and is often used in an attempt to mislead somebody. It arouses doubts and suspicions about somebody's honesty or sincerity. It is difficult to interpret, respond to, and understand. Limited truth comes from a lack of knowledge, a lack of understanding, and a lack of revelation from God.
By definition, the truth is absolute. The truth corresponds to fact and reality and is generally believed to be unconditional. The truth is unequivocally complete, not capable of being viewed as partial or relative. The truth is not dependent on, or qualified by, anything else. The truth is absolute. The truth comes directly from God who grants knowledge, understanding, and revelation.
Unbeknown to many, God has strategically placed tidbits of information throughout the Bible for those who are searching for the truth as guides to point them in the right direction and to aid them in solving the mysteries of God. As they step outside of the box of traditionalism, they are able to free their minds from their self-imposed captivity as they gain access to the truth. And as they gain access to the truth, they will come to know the truth and this is the truth that will set them free. Here are a few of those strategically placed tidbits of information that are the fundamental truths that are the basic building blocks that have been used to form the very foundation of our belief system and what we believe.
We Believe...
We believe God, although a spirit with material substance and a real form, consists of his physical structure, his essential character, which is the totality of the fundamental nature that makes all things what they are, and his word, which serves to communicate, affirm, assure, and express his thoughts, commands, and feelings.
We believe God to be one true God, for he is the first and the last and there be no other God but him. He is holy and separate from his creation, yet an integral part of its very existence. He created the heavens and stretched them forth; he has spread forth the earth and that which comes out of it; he is the giver of breath to the inhabitants upon it; and has given spirit to those that walk therein. He forms the light and creates the darkness, makes peace and creates evil, for he is God and he does all these things.
While we know God to be sovereign and able to do anything he pleases, we believe almighty God, the creator of the universe, has bound himself by his word. God will not violate his word, which in turn would destroy his own character, destroy his own credibility, and destroy his own integrity. And because of this belief, we know that it is impossible for God to lie. His word is a representation of him. God's word is the same as God himself.
We Believe...
We believe there to be no variation or deviation in God, nor the slightest suggestion of change. Whatever was done in the beginning is the same that is being done today and will continue to be done, henceforth. Whatever was said in the beginning is the same that is being said today and will continue into our future. Changes occurred because man changed what God says, not because God changed what God says. Man has changed many things and used God's name to do so. The scriptures say that God changes not.
We believe God to be no respecter of persons, for God has to treat everyone and everything the same, regardless of who or what they are. Any exception would mean that he lied, which we believe to be impossible and that he changed, which he says he changes not. We also believe there is no iniquity found with God because God is a righteous and just God.
We believe God to be our only source for wisdom, understanding, and revelation knowledge. We believe his inspired word of truth is given to us to tell us what to believe, what is wrong, how to correct wrong, and how to live. We also believe that this inspired word of truth includes everything needed for us to grow in maturity, to be perfect, and to do what God wants.
