CONFESSION OF FAITH 

Several years ago, I wrote a personal Statement of Faith during a major transition period in my life. This confession is an expounded version of that statement. I was raised in a Missouri Synod Lutheran church, which will no doubt be reflected in some of my writing. In high school, I started attending a charismatic church, which radically changed my life. As an adult, I have mostly attended non-denominational churches and served in full-time ministry for over ten years in the non-denominational world. During this same time, I traveled regularly to Israel and became engaged with the Messianic community both in Israel and in the States. Though perhaps a bit unorthodox, my spiritual journey has caused me to reflect deeply on what I believe and why. Those beliefs are stated herein.

I believe in God, the Father. He is both creator and sustainer of all heaven and earth. He is just and merciful, jealous and sacrificial. Omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent, He is the Eternal God, Sovereign Ruler over all the universe.

 Genesis 1-3; Job 37:21-24

 I believe in Yeshua, Messiah. He is both human and divine, the incarnation of Heaven. He is truth and grace, the Word of God made flesh. He was with the Father before time. He was born of the virgin Mary and lived a sinless life. He came to earth to proclaim the Good News. He died as the atoning sacrifice for all mankind. He rose victorious from the grave for the salvation of all men, and only by His sacrifice can men be saved. He sits in triumph at the right hand of the Father over sin and death. He will gloriously return again to judge the earth.

 Matthew 1:23; John 1:1-4, 1:29; Acts 1:11, 2:22-24; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 1:1-4; 4:15

I believe in the Holy Spirit. He is both comforter and counselor. He draws and reveals, dwelling in the hearts of those confess faith Yeshua, the Messiah. He leads and guides believers into all truth, knowledge and wisdom according to the Word.

John 3:5-8, 15:2; Acts 1:8, 4:31; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Galatians 5:16-18; Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 2:6-10

I believe in the infallibility and inerrancy of Scripture. It is God's Word to His creation, the standard by which all things are measured and judged. Authored by God, yet written through men, it is the foundation of faith - and both life and light to those who meditate on and practice it.

Psalm 119:89, 105; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17

I believe humanity is made in God’s image. We are the crowning glory of His creation and He desires to live in communion with His creation. That communion was broken with the first act of voluntary disobedience in the garden. Sin entered the world and separated humanity from her creator. All humanity suffers the effects of sin, and falls short of the glory of God. As such, all men and women are in need of a Messiah to restore relationship with God, self and one another.

Genesis 1:27, 3; Romans 3:23

I believe God offers salvation to all humanity. In the person of Yeshua (Jesus), Messiah, salvation is available to all men and women. It is the free gift of God purchased with His great sacrifice. It cannot be earned; it is a gift of God, evidence of His divine mercy and grace. Salvation comes through Yeshua alone. Receipt of this gift comes through repentance of sin and profession of faith in Yeshua. 

 Luke 24:46-47; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Ephesians 1,  2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7.

I believe in the Congregation of Believers. She is the Body of Messiah and His vessel on earth to demonstrate His truth, grace, justice and mercy. She is composed of the devoted and surrendered followers of Yeshua. They are recognized through:

• LORDSHIP – As Yeshua-followers, our faith is demonstrated through full and complete submission to the Lordship of Yeshua haMashiach (Jesus, the Messiah) and obedience to His word. 

• COMMUNITY – As members of Yeshua's body, we are called and committed to walk in unity and fellowship with one another.

• DISCIPLESHIP – As disciples of Yeshua, we are called to proclaim the gospel and teach others to follow Christ.

• COMPASSION – As ministers of reconciliation, we are called not only to reconcile men to God but to one another. The extension of our compassion to one another is therefore a direct reflection of our relationship with the Father.

Matthew 28: 18-20; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:9-15, 12:4; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; II Corinthians 5:11-20; Ephesians 1:22-23; 1 Peter 3:15

I believe in Biblical Leadership. God calls and appoints Spiritual leaders to pastor His sheep- teaching, instructing and caring for them. His is the Good Shepherd, who knows His sheep and willingly laid down His life for them. Following Yeshua’s example, as the one who poured Himself out, Biblical leaders are those who seek to serve, not be served. 

I Peter 5:2-4

I believe in a Believer’s Baptism. Having repented of sin, it is the call of God for His followers to be baptized as a public proclamation of faith in Him. This act is a symbolic of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Yeshua, haMashiach, and represents the death and burial of the old life and resurrection into new life in Him.  

Luke 3:3; Colossians 2:12; I Peter 3:19-21

I believe in Holy Communion. Taken in remembrance, it is the believers privilege to partake in the bread and wine, symbols of Yeshua’s body and blood given for all mankind. This solemn celebration calls to remembrance the deliverance of the Israelites from the hands of the Egyptians (Passover) and Yeshua’s role as the sacrificial lamb, offering deliverance from sin and death.   

Mark 14:22-25; I Corinthians 11:23-25