The Morning Star Rising on the First Day
THE CORE BELIEFS OF A CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
In addition to the core values of a Christian Ministry (as presented in our last posting,) core beliefs are an integral component of our values. These fundamental beliefs are the basis of our ability to work together in ministry. They are the core commonality of our faith and of ability to work with Christians in multi-denominational ministries (like we discussed a few postings ago.) Like core values, core beliefs also serve to constrain our partners in ministry to people who are aligned on the fundamental principles of Christianity.
The following list reflects our core beliefs:
● Jesus is the Son of God, and that He came to earth to tell us about the Father and to demonstrate His love for us.
Jesus heals the man at the pools.
● His love was manifest in the sacrifice of His life on the cross, which was offered up for the forgiveness of our sin.
Jesus Sheds His Blood on the Cross
● He defeated evil in His resurrection from the dead.
Jesus at the Tomb
● He ascended into heaven where He is our advocate with the Father.
The Ascension of Jesus
● He has sent us His Holy Spirit to enlighten our path and empowers us for spiritual warfare.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
● The enlightened path of the Holy Spirit will lead us to the Father who will be faithful in His covenant promises to those who are steadfast to the end.
Of course, it would seem to me that the Nicene Creed serves this purpose very well as well. I know that it is used by many of our denominations as well and so I will provide a copy here for your reference.
We believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end.
And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And we believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
We as Christians, therefore, should unite on these core values and beliefs by sharing what we have with the world. More specifically, we must share our knowledge, skills, and know how. To use an old analogy, we must teach them to fish rather than simply giving them fish. This being the case, we must proceed hand in hand toward the development and use of technologies that enable us to work together more effectively (presented previously.) In walking together in this way, we will demonstrate the love we have for our brothers and sisters in the world, and we will be doing what Jesus would have us do—have compassion on the poor and hungry.
SEEKING JESUS 