Statement of Christian Belief – Friend’s Ministries Statement of Faith
While we may have different denominational backgrounds, particular doctrinal beliefs and Christian experience, we agree on the clarity of Scripture concerning the historical tenants of our faith. We agree that as we “work out our own salvation” in our personal walk with the Lord, while on mission with Friends with Jesus Ministries, the focus is on Jesus and his plan of salvation and restoration for the children and adults we serve. We avoid any political activity or denominational tradition as we present the Gospel of Christ within the framework of the following statements. The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of Friends with Jesus, Inc. faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our Board of Directors, CEO and Pastor/Executive Director is the final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application for this ministry.
We Believe the Bible, comprised of the Old and New Covenants totaling 66 books, is the only inspired, infallible, inerrant and authoritative Word of the One True God, YHWH, by which we receive truth that governs our lives (2 Timothy 3:15-16).
There is only one God, YHWH, who exists in the person of Father, Son and Holy Spirit as revealed generally in creation and specifically in Scripture. He is love, Holy, Just and merciful (Deuteronomy 6:4, 1 John 4:7-12).
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life (Genesis 1:27; Ps. 139:13-18).
Man, who was created in the image of God and placed in the Garden of Eden, was innocent until the deception, rebellion and fall from his original state of right relationship and fellowship with YHWH placing him and ultimately all mankind in a sinful condition eternally separated from God needing a Savior. God’s promise of redemption being revealed in the beginning in Genesis 3:15 (Romans 5:12, 17).
The Eternal Word, YHWH, became flesh being born of the Virgin Mary. The fullness of the Godhead perfectly dwelt in bodily form in the person of Jesus who is the Christ. Being at once completely God and Man He is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world sent to save us from our sin. He lived having never sinned, died on the cross, taking our sin upon himself thereby satisfying God’s just demands for righteousness. He rose from the dead bodily and ascended to heaven and sent Holy Spirit who is God with us presently (John 1:1-2, 14; Colossians 2:9; 1Corinthians 15; John 14:15-18).
Salvation is received by repenting of our sin and placing our faith in Jesus and the finished work of the cross. We are at that moment born again and indwelt by the power of Holy Spirit. Good works, including baptism and the Lord’s Supper follow regeneration (Eph. 2:8-10).
We believe God, from the beginning, ordained the institution of marriage and family for His glory. Matrimony is to be between one man and one woman for life. Any alternative to God’s original plan goes against His character and the very laws of nature He established and is sinful and reprehensible to Him and must be repented of. The Scripture states that those who remain unrepentant in immoral lifestyles in any form will not enter the kingdom of God without true repentance (1Cor.6:9-11; Lev.18:22, 20:13; Romans 1:18-32). We further believe concerning Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Gen 1:26-27). Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person. We believe that the term “marriage” has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as expressed in Scripture (Gen 2:18-25; Matthew 19:4-6). We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (1 Cor. 6:18-20; 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4).
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31). Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines and practice of Friends with Jesus.
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Friends with Jesus Inc., as a ministry, and to provide a biblical role model to the community and students and parents we serve, it is imperative that all persons employed by Friends with Jesus in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, agree to and abide by this Statement on Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality (Matt 5:16; Phil 2:14-16; 1 Thess. 5:22). We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21; Rom 10:9-10).
In the spirit of the above statements, all property including buildings, vans and equipment including all computers will be used in accordance with our statement of faith and practice to honor the Lord in word and deed.