Beliefs in Brief ~ Header

    I have been a diligent student of the Holy Bible for 30 years (since early 1979) and I trust that God is keeping His promise to guide me into all truth, regarding what Christ taught and what is taught of Christ, in its pages. This does not mean that I think I know everything that can be known, but I trust that what I have been taught is Truth. I trust my salvation entirely to God's grace and rest in His promises. He, alone, is my teacher. Although I have attended many churches over the past 3 decades, I am not a member of any specific denomination and do not strictly hold to any denominational creed, tenet, set of beliefs or professions of faith.

    The entire Bible is my creed and the center of my walk with God. For me, it is a personal, spiritual journey that no one can walk for me, though many of us may find that we are on the same path and may choose to walk together — at least, for a time — the final footsteps, that each of us must take, will be alone and the outcome will be determined, not so much by what we have done in life, but whether or not God was able to turn our hearts toward Him. Because the journey of a Christian is spiritual, as opposed to the physical, fleshly or worldy, it is not of this world. The flesh lusteth against the spirit and the spirit lusteth against the flesh. It is a daily battle, and learning to yield to the Spirit of God, moment by moment, and to not find myself warring against Him, is the substance of each and every prayer.

    In 1979 I experienced a spiritual awakening. The Bible calls it the “quickening” (See Ephesians 2:1-6). Many call it being “born again” and others refer to it as receiving the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit.” For me, the change did not consist of one, solitary event, but rather, a series of revelations regarding the existence of God and His love — not only for me, but for all mankind. From the very beginning of this period of awakening, there was born in me a strong desire to search God's Word. In it, as I believe it was and is intended, I found Jesus, the fullest expression of the Father's love for His beloved creatures, known as mankind.

    I do not intend to convert, proselytize or convince anyone that my perspectives are more correct than theirs. Nor will I attempt to draw anyone away after myself, but rather, draw all men and women to Christ, that they, too, can find Him to be, as I have, a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. In some of the articles, books, documents and research findings that are contained in the pages of this site, I would hope that everyone can find something that might deepen and/or strengthen their walk with Christ and, perhaps, for a time we might walk together. However, unless one has dedicated themselves to a study of Scripture and accept Scripture, alone, as their guide, our perspective(s) will, undoubtedly, differ.

    Following, is a listing of what I believe is taught in the the Holy Scriptures. I weigh and test all things according to the declarations of Scripture and, until the Scriptures are proven to be false, which is doubtful, I hold them to be true. At the same time, I am very committed to receiving counsel, because,
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Job 11:14

“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” Proverbs 15:22

and

“For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 24:6
    I accept these things by faith and depend upon God's grace to not allow me to be led astray. This list is by no means complete, and if you would like to inquire as to beliefs that are not listed here, please send me an email and I will be pleased to respond.

    The beliefs listed here, and others as they are added, will provide the reader with a distilled chronicle of my Bible-based perspectives. You will find the studies throughout this site to be consistent with the beliefs declared below and your investigation of Scripture will bear this out. Those who reject the Bible and its teachings, Will not be able to understand what is about to befall them and the Day of the Lord will come upon them as a thief in the night. Conversely, those who do heed the Word of God (the Bible) will learn to submit themselves to God and resist the devil and his devices and will, thereby, be enabled to withstand him. Only those with a mind that is fortified by the truths of Scripture will be able to withstand the firey darts of the wicked and overcome the wiles of the devil, especially in the last days when Satan will deceive, if possible, the very elect of God.




    Many of the “More on this topic” links are not yet active or will access pages that are not complete. I will be updating these pages very soon, as I finish the documents and upload them. Some of them, however, DO work and these will be noted as "(working)."



    I believe the Holy Bible is the Word of God and that the God of the Holy Bible is the One and Only True God. He, my Creator, deserves to be served and it pleases me to be His servant. I love Him with all my heart, mind and strength — my entire being. To worship and serve Him, Who, alone hath immortality, is a privilege and an honor, an honor above all honors that man could possibly bestow. His promises are sure and his commandments are pure, holy, just and a revelation of His righteous character. Exodus 3:6-14

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    I believe the Holy Bible is the Word of God. I believe that it was written by holy men of God as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2Peter 1:21) It was written in such a way that, with the guidance of the same Holy Spirit, the plan of salvation can discovered within its pages and it is promised that God will give understanding to those who seek with all their heart, mind, and strength — their very being. It is written to every kindred, nation tongue and people to influence individuals, nations and the world to turn toward God. It is a record of God's gracious dealings with His people over the past 6 millennia, even though His beloved children continue to turn away from Him and go their own way, just as in ages past. It tells how things were, how they have proceeded over the ages, how things are now unfolding around us and provides warnings and admonition regarding the dangers of this world, and what is soon to come. God's promises are abundant throughout its pages, as are the prophecies — proof, in and of themselves, of God's ability to keep His promises. In His grace and through His chosen instruments, the Scriptures instruct the reader on how to avoid the pitfalls that have been dug by the enemy/adversary. (2Timothy 2:26) I believe its history to be true, God's covenants to be binding, and that all of His prophecies have been, are in the process of being or will be fulfilled in all aspects of their utterance. Those, who willfully and purposely, refuse to explore and heed its warnings, instructions and admonitions will, most asuredly, find themselves ensnared by the master deceiver, Satan. See (2Timothy 3:16 ~ Ephesians 6:11) More on this topic.  (You'll find a discussion on versions fo the Bible)



    I believe in the Bible account of the seven literal days of Creation. When it is stated that “...the evening and the morning” were the first day, the second day, the third day, etc., it constituted a 24-hour day. There was, of course, no calendar, but God, during the creation, established a 7-day cycle called the “week” and the Bible clearly depicts the days of that weekly period as the first day, the second day, the third day, etc. This 7-day cycle has never been broken, as surely as one day always follows another, and the setting of the sun, begins a new day. Although a number of calendars have been constructed throughout history and the days of the week have been given names, derived from pagan sources, God's original 7-day cycle remains intact. The first day of the week is still the first day of the week, the seventh day of the week is still the seventh day of the week and the seventh day of every week is still followed by the first day, which begins a new week. See Genesis Chapters 1 & 2 More on this topic.



    I believe that when Adam disobeyed God and ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he experienced a separation from God, his Creator, and that, from that time, all men and women have been born with a sinful nature. Before Adams and Eve's act(s) of disobedience, they knew only good — they and God were in complete mental, intellectual and spiritual agreement. However, after Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they were at variance with Him and began to experience a disagreeable attitude. This was first expressed in the murder of Able by, his brother, Cain. Genesis Chapters 2 & 3 More on this topic.



Regarding Jesus, the Christ:

    I believe in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God, the Word made flesh. John 1:1-3 & 14. HE came, just as it was prophesied that He would and fulfuilled all that was asked of him by His Father. More on this topic.

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    I believe Christ lived a perfect (sinless) life, Romans 5:8, that He bore the sins of the entire World on Calvary, and that He was raised from the dead, that we might be given the hope of a resurrection. All this, He did for us, while we were yet sinners and does not hold our sins against us. If we are “in Christ, Jesus,” we are no longer under condemnation, but rather, we are justified and set free from Sin and no longer serve Sin in the body, because God controls our minds. See Romans 6:4, Revelation 1:18. More on this topic.

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    I believe in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary (Romans 5:11); not only for Israel, but for the sins of the world 1John 2:2. More on this topic.

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    I believe Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven and is seated on the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf. Mark 16:19, Hebrews 8:1. Furthermore, He is the only intercessor between God and Man, and to Him, alone, we must turn for forgiveness. No man on earth has the power to forgive sins. More on this topic.

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    I believe in the literal Second Coming of Jesus Christ, according to the promise of Jesus, recorded in John 14:3,
    “...if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
    It was testified to by the angels in Acts 1:9-14, where it is recorded that they said to the disciples,
    “why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
    Jesus left in a very literal manner, so he will return “in like manner.”

    In Matthew 24:22-27 is depicted a time of trouble such as never was before and Jesus states,
    “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”
    Jesus' Second Coming will be a very literal return. Revelation 1:7 tells us,
    “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.”
    It is at this time that Jesus keeps His promise to deliver His people and, in doing so, the “Resurrection of the Just” takes place and the wicked are destroyed by the brightness of His Coming. (See 2Thessalonians 2:8)

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    I also believe in a literal Third Coming of Christ, spoken of in Zechariah 14:4, where is prophecied that The Lord will stand on the Mount of Olives and split the the Mount of Olives, creating a great valley. It is here, that the “New Jerusalem,” filled with the redeemed from among men, will descend to the Earth, placing it in the same earthly space where Christ died for all mankind. Planet Earth, at that time, will become the seat of His throne, and, therefore, the center of the universe. It is then also, that He shall take the Throne of David (Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:32-33) and rule on Earth forever. This follows the thousand-year prophetic period known as the millennium (Revelation 20:4). More on this topic.



    I believe that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 More on this topic.

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    I believe in the Holy Spirit and His mission to reprove the World of sin, of Righteousness and of Judgment, while guiding into truth all who seek for it with all their heart mind, soul and strength (John 16:7-14; Acts 2). More on this topic.



    I believe salvation is by grace, alone, through faith, and that it is the gift of God, not of works. Ephesians 2:8-9 If it were possible to gain salvation by good works, we would have something of which we could boast, but we do not. Preaching of the Good News of salvation (the Gospel) is a work of God and those who preach the Gospel must be sent by God. This is how He intends others to hear and believe. Romans 10:14 & 15) and it is necessary for all. Romans 3:19-31. More on this topic.



    I believe that water baptism (total immersion) is ordained of God for all that believe, and that once people are convicted of sin and brought to repentance by the goodness of God, they will be lead by the Holy Spirit to be baptized in the manner prescribed in Scripture. (Matthew 3:13-15; Romans 2:4 & 6:3-5; Acts 2:37-39; ). More on this topic.



    I believe in the ordinance of the communion as established by Jesus Christ. Matthew 26:26-29, 1Corinthians 10:16 More on this topic.



    I believe in prayer as communication with God, and whatever I pray and for whomever I pray, it should be in accordance with God's will. Matthew 6:10, 1John 5:14-15 The Holy Spirit will help us to pray. Romans 8:26-27 If I ask in faith, nothing wavering, and in the name of Jesus Christ, my prayer will be heard (John 15:16; James 1:6-7). More on this topic.

    I believe that I must forgive all others or I will not receive forgiveness. Matthew 6:14. More on this topic.



    I believe that God chose out a special people unto Himself to be His servants and those servants were to be the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob called “Israel” Deuteronomy 7:6, Psalm 105:6, Isaiah 44:1-2 More on this topic.


Regarding the Law:

    I believe Law of God, embodied in the Ten Commandments, as given in the Bible (King James, Authorized Version) is sufficient to establish the righteous character of God to which no man or woman can, of their own power, attain. He alone is Righteous and Immortal and, therefore, He alone has the authority to set the standard for mankind's behavior. His Holy Law was given to Israel, including the statutes and judgments (Exodus 20: Psalm 147:19-20) and through Israel's prophets came the inspired Scriptures. 2Timothy 3:16, 2Peter 1:21 More on this topic.

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    I believe civil law was given by God to Israel (Deuteronomy 4:1-2) and that every civil law is established for the good of all citizens of that Nation. That is not to say that every Nation or Government is established on Godly principles, and, besides, the law was given for Israel's good (Deuteronomy 5:33). God commands us to obey civil law. However, if the laws of man, conflict with the Law of God, we ought to obey God. Romans 13:1-7, Acts 5:29 More on this topic.

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    I believe that there is only one Sabbath of the Lord (Exodus 20:10) and it has not only been honored by the Hebrew Nation (Israel) throughout history, but was also honored and entered into by Gentile Christians for many centuries after the death of Christ. The true Sabbath has never been lost sight of and the seven-day weekly cycle has never been broken or interrupted, in spite of the fact that the calendar has undergone many changes. (Deuteronomy 5:15) It is a sign between Israel (including Spiritual Israel) and the Lord (Exodus 31:16-17). I believe that, when Christ came to Earth, one of His purposes was to establish the Law and reafirm the Seventh-day Sabbath. Christ stated, clearly, in Matthew 5:17-19,
    “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
    How did Jesus fulfill the Commandments? He simply kept them, including the Sabbath, and never so much as hinted of a change. He neither kept, honored, nor taught regarding any other day and this is confirmed in Paul's writtings, where is stated,
    “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Hebrews 4:1-11 More on this topic.
    Hebrew 4:9 tells us, “There remaineth therefore a rest [Gr. Sabbatismos] to the people of God.” The only way that the rest could “remain” was if it was the Sabbath that God established in the beginning. Would Jesus not have told us, if another sabbath had been, or was going to be, instituted and/or established? That's the question that is posed in Verse 8 This passage states that to not enter into thee Sabbath is to be in a state of unbelief, just as it was Israel. They were in such a state of unbelief, they didn't recognize Jesus as the “Lord of the Sabbath” when He visited them. More on this topic.

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    I believe that the New Covenant, like the Old Covenant, is based on the Ten Commandments, but there are a number of differences between the two covenants. One being, that the Law is now written in men's hearts, rather than on stone. (See Jeremiah 31:31-34) The new covenant is only realized and activated (actualizd) through faith and can only be understood through Spiritual discerment. The carnal mind is enmity (hatred) against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (Romans 8:7) Those who believe and teach that the “Law” was done away with at the cross, believe and teach contrary to Scripture and their premise is flawed and easily exposed.

    One of the major differences between that Old and New Covenants is that of obeying the Spirit of the Law, rather than the Letter of the Law. This is where the Hebrew Nation went astray, when it rejected Jesus, and they are still intent on keeping the Letter of the Law. The New Covenant is now a matter of faith, instead of works, in that it is based on the Sacrifice of Jesus, instead of the sacrifice of animals. (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:8-12) which meant Israel was to become Christian and that Jesus confirmed that Covenant. See Galations 3:16-17 and Romans 15:8. More on this topic.




    I believe that Israel was promised redemption Psalm 130:7-8, Isaiah 52:3, and Hosea 13:9-14, that Jesus Christ came to Israel Matthew 10:6, that He was recognized as the Redeemer of Israel Galations 4:5, Titus 2:14 and His death and resurrection accomplished that redemption. Galations 4:4-5, Hebrews 9:12 More on this topic.



    I believe that after Christ's death and resurrection Israel was to be called by a new name. Isaiah 62:2 Israel was not to be remembered by her old name Hosea 2:17, and, the new name was to be “the Lord our Righteousness.” However, Israel, as a nation, rejected the One, Who was to make the name change, so the name was given to the Gentiles — another, who is not Israel. See Jeremiah 23:6 and 33:16, 2Chronicles 7:14, Acts 11:26, 1Peter 4:16 More on this topic.



    I believe that each individual, whether or not they are of the bloodline of Israel, must be born of water and of the Spirit to be a Christian ~ Born Again. John 3:3-8, 1Peter 1:23 More on this topic.



    I believe in an existing Satan, who is called the serpent (Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9); who has power with devils and men (Matthew 12:22; I Peter 5:8); who is able to control people, so that they refuse to hear God (John 8:44-47), some of whom deceive people as "ministers of righteousness" (IICorinthians 11:13-15) More on this topic.



    I believe that Jesus Christ has broken the power of Satan (Hebrews 2:14) and His Name makes devils impotent against Christians, if they submit themselves to Christ and resist evil. (Luke 10:17 & James 4:7) More on this topic.



    I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ along with His followers are at battle with Satan and his followers (Ephesians 6:11-19): And that Jesus Christ is the victor in this “battle.” See Isaiah 28:21-22, 45:17-25, Ezekiel 38-39, Hosea 13-14, Joel 3:9-21, Micah 7:16-20, Zechariah 14:9, Malachi Chapter 4, Matthew 28:18, Luke 19:27 1Corinthians 15:24-28, Philippians 2:9-11, 2Peter 3:7-13, Revelation 11:18, 15:4, 19:11-15, and many others.



    I believe in the resurrection of the dead as prophesied in Job 19:25-27, Hosea 13:13-14 and John 5:29, as proven 1Peter 1:3, as taught by the Scripture Acts 24:14-15, 1Corinthians 15:11-26 and that those resurrected in the first resurrection will live and reign with Christ 2Timothy 2:11-12 for a thousand years, in Heaven. Revelation 22:1-5 More on this topic.



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