[HammerStone]

Howdy! I wanted to share that I've worked up an "official" Statement of Faith for Christianity Board, as we've had some members ask about it from time to time. While I certainly do not claim to have perfected a perfect document, I think it establishes some fundamental tenets to define Christianity as it is viewed by this website.Please note that I am not requiring that everyone agree to this statement to post here or anything of the sort. I know there will be bones of contention within the statement, and so be it. However, I do ask that you peruse it and share your thoughts with us. If anything appears unclear, let me know. I've attempted to land CB firmly within the Biblical middle ground on some hot-button issues.May God speak through Christianity Board, and may this Statement of Faith serve as a testament to God Almighty.

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Christianity Board Statement of Faith There are certain undeniable tenets of the Christian faith which Christianity Board dutifully seeks to uphold. As such, the purpose of Christianity Board is the furtherance of the God’s Holy Word known as the Christian Bible. We have by no means created a list that covers Christianity in its entirety, but we stand upon the rock that Scripture is the universally available link to God for the individual, nation, and world.

As such, it is our mission to provide an online environment where the Bible is the intense focus of study and where members are free to explore the treasury of knowledge. First and foremost, we believe in the God of the Bible (Exodus 3), that he is the Father, Creator, and Almightly Adonai (Lord). We believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and that the three comprise the Godhead (Acts 17:29, Romans 1:20, & Colossians 2:8-9). We testify that Jesus is indeed the Son of God (John 3:16-18) sent forth in love for the salvation of whomsoever will believe (Romans 5:8).

We hold that the Holy Spirit is the Great Comforter sent for work through all Christians (John 15:26 & Romans 8:26-27). We believe the Bible is the inspired and Holy Word of God (II Timothy 3:16 & II Peter 1:21), this includes all prophecy, parables, covenants, and history. Furthermore, this includes the entire Bible, both the Old and New Testaments (Matthew 5). We believe that Jesus the Christ is this Word made flesh which dwelt with God from the very beginning (John 1). We firmly and patiently await the return of Christ (I Thessalonians 3:13 & II Thessalonians 2:2) when he shall set foot upon the Mount of Olives and the water will go out from Jerusalem (Zechariah 14).

He will occupy the throne of David (Isaiah 9:6-7 & Luke 1:32-33) and rule the earth for 1,000 years known as both the Lord’s Day and the Millennium (Zechariah 14:9, Revelation 20:4). We believe in salvation through Grace by faith as the gift of God alone and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). We also believe in an active faith where works are a manifestation of faith for Christians (James 2:26). Faith is judged by God Almighty and Him alone (I Corinthians 4:3-5), but we are to discern between good and evil and eschew evil (Hebrews 5:14). We hold that water baptism is a manifestation of faith ordained by God for all who believe (Matthew 3:13-15, Acts 2:37-39 & Romans 6:3-5). We also believe in the ordinance of communion as established by Jesus the Christ (Matthew 26:26-29 & I Corinthians 10:16). We hold true that prayer is a powerful tool for Christians (Matthew 6:10 & I John 5:14-15) to further the will of God; but, we must ask in faith and in the Name of Jesus Christ (John 15:16 & James 1:6-7). We must also forgive, in order to be forgiven (Matthew 6:14).

We believe that God has chosen certain servants since before the katabole of the Earth to use as his tools (Deuteronomy 7:6; Psalm 105:6; Isaiah 44:1-2, Ephesians 1). Last but not least, we believe that salvation is a personal matter and ultimately part of a covenant with God and therefore not fit to be judged by any man, as God is the heart-knower (Psalm 44:21). We Christians are the salt of the Earth (Matthew 5:13). We must adorn the armour of God to fight the spiritual war against Satan and his forces (Ephesians 6:11-18).

Again, your feedback is welcome!

[Albert Finch]

I Agree. Albert Finch

[Moses]

Amen!Moses

[Faithful]

As God, Christ and the Apostles, only ever related the OT to be scripturally the Word of the Prophets and God. That these were the same Scriptures and only these which were referred to as such Scriptures in II Timothy 3:16 & II Peter 1:21)I find that the OT is the only correct Scripture in the bible that these refer to.Whilst, I believe the Apostles were inspired by the Holy Spirit and spoke by the power of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing to confirm that the NT is classed as the scriptures for the purpose of II Timothy 3:16 & II Peter 1:21).This was later added and included by the church councils.Acts 10:35-46 shows that the truth about Jesus Christ, even to those who knew nothing but believed on his name, brought the Holy Spirit upon the people who heard and believed.The gentiles mostly believed on his name. For me the truth is about being taught by the Holy Spirit which within the NT and the teachings of the Apostles and Prophets as well as most importantly, Jesus Christ, the Son of God is the most prominent truth about the ministry and words of Jesus Christ. John the divine in his letters emphasizing this matter too.The things that Paul and the Apostles taught was that everything they taught should be checked by the scripture of the OT. Making the NT only viable if it was confirmed by the OT.The truth for me is the Word of God is the OT and the teachings of the Apostles and Christ is related to us in the NT, but must be understood and confirmed by the OT. So the actually scripture only referred to within the NT is the OT as being the Word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit.That is not taking anything away from those who taught the NT or wrote it being inspired by the same Spirit. But they never said that these were scripture.Faithful.

[HammerStone]

Thanks for the input.Faithful, I would submit that everything in the New Testament rather firmly lines up with the Old Testament. The focus is on both and not one above the other, because they're both necessary for the other to truly stand upon. If you start chucking out parts, then eventually you water it down to we believe this way or that way with truly endless arguments about what should be accepted and what shouldn't.As such, I'm going to leave it as-is because this site would define Scripture as the Old and New Testaments.

[Bibliocentrist]

seems pretty good.without racking my brains one big thing missing i would say is about Love, after all "love is the law", tho i would concede that it is more a real life face to face thing than an online forum discussion thing.faithful: will/would have to go away and think a bit about that, but maybe the last verses of revelation might confirm the NT as part of scriptures. Also numeric and other codes? Plus oral tradition/gospel is a part of christianity (not just the written). ....

[forgivenWretch]

Denver, great job and dead on!!!

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We believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy

just need to add Spirit, and it will be practically perfect.

[Stumpmaster]

[quote name='forgivenWretch;73622]Denver' date=' great job and dead on!!!just need to add Spirit, and it will be practically perfect.[/QUOTE']Hi Swampfox,As well as correcting the above quoted omission of "Spirit", the following line from your statement needs attention:[quote]We believe in salvation through Grace by faith as the gift of God alone and not by works ([URL=http://bible.logos.com/passage/kjv/Ephesians%202.8-9]Ephesians 2:8-9[/URL]). [/quote]The Scripture actually reads: Ephesians 2:8(8) "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" It is by grace through faith, not through grace by faith. This is an important distinction because without faith as the conduit there is nothing else ordained for grace to flow through. Also there is no convention of capitalising the g in grace. Yours truly, Stumpmaster.

[HammerStone]

Thanks for the typo catch, forgiven.

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It is by grace through faith, not through grace by faith. This is an important distinction because without faith as the conduit there is nothing else ordained for grace to flow through.

Seems a bit nit-picky to me. (And thus the part I hate about these statements...) I don't really see a reason/need to change it to be honest, God is given the credit, through and by are relative terms in English.

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Also there is no convention of capitalising the g in grace.

I chose to do so for a reason.

[Sir Knight]

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We believe in salvation through Grace by faith as the gift of God alone and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). We also believe in an active faith where works are a manifestation of faith for Christians (James 2:26).

It appears that we are at a point where Catholics and Protestants are in agreement with each other -- we can do nothing to EARN our salvation but we must demonstrate our faith by more than just words alone.

[forgivenWretch]

That is definitely a welcomed milestone, Sir Knight

[soulja boy]

I have a problem with statements of faith for several reasons. i have yet to read one that talks about love and unity. These two are the most important aspects of the life of the church. Perhaps there isn't much love and unity in the church because we don't place much value on them..Please don't respond and say there is love and unity im my church as one example does not a body of evidence make. Secondly why do we need a statement of faith as we already have one which is called the bible. What do I believe? I believe what is in the bible so my statement of faith is Jesus the Kings of Kings and the word of God. Third a classic example of the flaws of a statement of faith is communion, which Jesus did not teach in the Bible. After two years of study and research it clearly teaches the agape meal so I have written a paper on the subject. Fourth, Jesus said that we would know if we are his disciples by our love for one another, there is no mention of correct doctrine. Having the gift of teaching I am the first to extol the benefits of knowing the word of God, but it is a waste of time if we don't love each other and endeavour to keep the unity of the spirit.I believe that one of the reasons we don't follow the teaching of the bible, we prefer tradition is our lack of love and unity. Because of this we major on minors rather than spending our time loving one another. Does what we say and do exalt Jesus? Does what we say and do reflect what is taught in scripture? Then that becomes our statement of faith. Does what we say and do reflect denominational tradition? Then that is heresy.I believe the best statement of faith is a simple one. We believe that the bible is the inspired word of God and Jesus is the King of Kings. Everything that we say and do will be guided by these two facts.Because the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth we allow him to show us what the truth in the bible is and how we are to apply it to our lives. To not allow him to do this is saying we don't think he is capable of showing us the truth.

[oneway]

I liked the statement of faith,Swampfox..

[Im4GOD]

Amen amen

[Christina]

SouljaboyI understand your thoughts but I think you are misunderstanding what a statement of faith is .... Its not to tell you how to be a good Christian or what Christian values we should have or all the beliefs of a christian/site may hold ...Its simply states the main beliefs a site adheres to ... For example One may check a faith statement to see if a site is of a certain denominational belief....

[HammerStone]

Definitely take it as Christina said. Note that I'm not saying that you must agree to the statement exactly to post here. I expect that most will have disagreement with the wording here or there, as our language sometimes fails or folks get caught up in their connotations of a word or words. No big deal.I did want to lay a groundwork for understanding what this website is about, and the kind of community we want to foster here for God. Most know I'll take anyone who seeks the Lord that I can find. The SoF is simply here to give us the groundwork, and for folks who might define themselves as Christians yet deny the Bible or some other essential doctrine of true Christianity. It is my duty as both a Christian and Administrator to protect my community and be a good steward of what the Lord has placed in my hands. I take all of the Word of God quite seriously, and that certainly includes epistles like II John.

[QuarterMaster]

I am disappointed with what passes as a statement of faith. I expected more from one who otherwise does a good job of pretending to lead the Lord's flock.Our Lord Jesus himself plainly told us that faith is not to be found within the Law of the Old Testament. He set us free with his blood. Respect his sacrifice.But you are very correct when you remind us that salvation is a personal affair between us and God. You might also go further and remind us that priests are not necessary. We each of us have the power to establish our own connection with God. Jesus communicates with us all through the Spirit, not just reported words in the Bible written by men who claim that they were divinely inspired.The Bible has been rewritten so many times over the last 2000 years - often by agents of the enemy - that we all of us really do need Him to manifest again and say it all again from His own mouth. Or do we?Love others, love God. Two simple commandments, and yet men are intent on murdering others. What kind of world is this? The Lord should destroy us all for we are not fit to be His inheritance.Regards,QuaterMaster (Paul Sayers)

[firstthings1st.]

Well! To the above subject there is a time for everything under GOD's heaven but I'am in agreement somewhat unto study, ok! but

Love you all, fr. Walter

[fivesense]

A fine example of creedal exposition. Very many scripture references and truths. I was wondering though, what really is gained by adding interpretation to what is already plainly revealed by God Himself? I venture to presume it is meant to assist in warding off any advances that may conflict with established and cherished perceptions. While the pervasiveness of traditional and reason-based thinking is dominant, I believe this site to have some of the sincerest, truth-loving contributors and overseers around. It was suprising to find an "Official" statement even necessary, since much of what transpires seems to be spirit-led and honorable.

[HammerStone]

I suppose that you can think of it as a time-saver for the folks who aren't interested and ready. I don't really have any hidden purpose in it, as the SoF states from the beginning. I just want to make it clear as to what atmosphere this forum intends to provide. Sadly, we see an abundance of signups that want to come in under the Christian umbrella but deny God's Word and various crucial things like that. You've perhaps caught my statement in a thread or two that I don't expect everyone to agree with everything I say or anyone here says, but I am looking to foster a Biblically-sound community. I don't see the statement as adding anything really, I see it as simply stating where we stand.

It's a bit of an idea as to what will fly here and what will not, I think.

[fivesense]

HammerStone, on 05 April 2010 - 05:49 PM, said:

I suppose that you can think of it as a time-saver for the folks who aren't interested and ready. I don't really have any hidden purpose in it, as the SoF states from the beginning. I just want to make it clear as to what atmosphere this forum intends to provide. Sadly, we see an abundance of signups that want to come in under the Christian umbrella but deny God's Word and various crucial things like that. You've perhaps caught my statement in a thread or two that I don't expect everyone to agree with everything I say or anyone here says, but I am looking to foster a Biblically-sound community. I don't see the statement as adding anything really, I see it as simply stating where we stand.

It's a bit of an idea as to what will fly here and what will not, I think.

Cool beans
fivesense

[Faithful]

HammerStone, on 05 April 2010 - 05:49 PM, said:

I suppose that you can think of it as a time-saver for the folks who aren't interested and ready. I don't really have any hidden purpose in it, as the SoF states from the beginning. I just want to make it clear as to what atmosphere this forum intends to provide. Sadly, we see an abundance of signups that want to come in under the Christian umbrella but deny God's Word and various crucial things like that. You've perhaps caught my statement in a thread or two that I don't expect everyone to agree with everything I say or anyone here says, but I am looking to foster a Biblically-sound community. I don't see the statement as adding anything really, I see it as simply stating where we stand.

It's a bit of an idea as to what will fly here and what will not, I think.

I have something I want to share with you...
The Lord has brought me back here three times. I wasn't sure why till I read your post just now.

"deny God's Word "

"but I am looking to foster a Biblically-sound community."

Christ taught that 22.Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

23.But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24.God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

25.The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

26.Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

The Prophet said...

Zechariah 4:6 (King James Version)

6Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying," Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts."

Paul taught... "6.Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. "

The power of our God in the believer is not in the written word any longer. It is in the sword of the Spirit. The Words which the Spirit gives the believer and these should always be in line with the teachings of Christ as conveyed through the Prophets.

What the Prophet Moses taught was that Christ was the Prophet to be listened to and the one who would correct all beliefs and show us the true beliefs.
Deuteronomy 18: 15-20

Christ is the person that taught us to love God and to love others. That there is only way and that is him.
That he was the way, the TRUTH and the LIFE. No one can come to God but by him.
We are people of truth who live in the power of truth which is imparted in your life by the presence of the truth of Christ and the Holy Spirit.

John 16:13 (King James Version)

13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.


1 John 2:27 (King James Version)

27.But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.


If everyone who comes here are taught by the Spirit then there is no reason for them to learn.
Those who are believers only by the letter (what the bible says) will need to learn correction about doctrines.
But each is a work which is being performed by our Father and we should be gentle and accepting of them till God has brought his purpose for their lives to fruition.

If your forum is to serve the Lords work. Then you must be aware of all that he is doing in yourself, your forum and through others.

Love: this is what the faith is all about... being gentle towards those who have yet to mature looking after these seedling till they are strong plant able to support others...

Stop looking at what Satan is showing you and look to who your Father really is...

He has a plan and that plan is that all mankind to be saved. You have blessed many without knowing it.

Spirit and Truth, remember...

Love in Christ, faithful. xx

[skyangel]

HammerStone, on 17 October 2009 - 10:59 AM, said:

Again, your feedback is welcome!

How can so many people in this world who all believe they are led by the Spirit of God all have different statements of faith which conflict with each other?
Is that not in itself proof that none are led by the Spirit of God?
Those who are led by the Spirit have the same mind as Christ and they all think the same as HE does. No conflict amongst them because they are One in Him. ( 1 Cor 1:10)


If Jesus Himself had to write "a statement of faith". What do you think that statement would be?

Should our statement of faith not be the same as His statement of faith if we are ONE with Him ?

I am that I am.

[Surf Rider]

Faithful, on 18 October 2009 - 06:48 AM, said:

As God, Christ and the Apostles, only ever related the OT to be scripturally the Word of the Prophets and God. That these were the same Scriptures and only these which were referred to as such Scriptures in II Timothy 3:16 & II Peter 1:21)I find that the OT is the only correct Scripture in the bible that these refer to.Whilst, I believe the Apostles were inspired by the Holy Spirit and spoke by the power of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing to confirm that the NT is classed as the scriptures for the purpose of II Timothy 3:16 & II Peter 1:21).This was later added and included by the church councils.Acts 10:35-46 shows that the truth about Jesus Christ, even to those who knew nothing but believed on his name, brought the Holy Spirit upon the people who heard and believed.The gentiles mostly believed on his name. For me the truth is about being taught by the Holy Spirit which within the NT and the teachings of the Apostles and Prophets as well as most importantly, Jesus Christ, the Son of God is the most prominent truth about the ministry and words of Jesus Christ. John the divine in his letters emphasizing this matter too.The things that Paul and the Apostles taught was that everything they taught should be checked by the scripture of the OT. Making the NT only viable if it was confirmed by the OT.The truth for me is the Word of God is the OT and the teachings of the Apostles and Christ is related to us in the NT, but must be understood and confirmed by the OT. So the actually scripture only referred to within the NT is the OT as being the Word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit.That is not taking anything away from those who taught the NT or wrote it being inspired by the same Spirit. But they never said that these were scripture.Faithful.

Not to start a debate here, as this isn't necessarily the appropriate venue, yet I think it proper to give some input for the forum statement of faith sake: Peter wrote that the writings of Paul were scripture, it would seem, both in the Greek understanding of the extant passage and virtually any translation of it, when he wrote, "as also the other scriptures", speaking initially of Paul's letters, equating them with the scriptures, stating that they are in fact scriptures also. As to the rest of the statement of faith, there is much in it that is not given in the word of God as a statement of faith. For example, the disciples came up with a statement of faith, and it was far more simple and pure. We have this strong tendency to add much to the basics. This is not a scriptural tendency, it would seem. But I don't really care to debate doctrinal statements, typically, for it doesn't seem to do much of any good either for the purifying of the church or for glorifying God or for winning souls.

I have yet to see a statement of faith that has any clarity or impact on the unsaved. The statements of faith are solely for the saved, partitioning the body of Christ, it would seem. Shall we cast lots for His garments also? I am well aware that this is not necessarily the goal of those who write the statements, but indeed, is it not actually the fulfilment of the the scriptures that rebuke the Christianes for positing divisions? And does not the word expressly injunct us against this? In fact, does it not soundly condemn it, speaking quite harshly in regard to the state of the mind and even possibly the soul of those who do this? I do indeed have grave concerns to see the proliferation of this habit evidenced in statements of faith. But I'm the odd duck out on this one, it would seem.

No statement of faith would be just fine, I would think, but I fully realize that I am in the extreme minority in this.

It is more the running of the board, ie, moderating of posts, that I think to be of import. The statement of faith really has no life in the threads. The moderation of posts does. The rubber meets the road in posts, for that is the sole action of the forum: posts. Thus, full energies are to be directly at the posts and their facilitations. Improvements in this area would be far more beneficial than any statement of faith, no matter how well stated, I would think.

I was indeed concerned that this forum was going the way of others, becoming accrimonious. And yes, there is always a battle on that front, it would seem. If more could be done on that front, there are many who have been here who would appreciate it, going on and looking elsewhere for a forum that is well moderated as to the civility of the interactions of the posters. This is most often the point upon which posters leave any given forum. Indeed, is this not the actual atmosphere of any forum? Of course it is. The statement of faith has absolutely no bearing at all upon the atmosphere of any forum that I've seen. But I may very well be wrong. And yes, a good forum in which civility is the strong suit is very, very hard to find.

May this fully become such a forum.