My Beliefs

Under the Nazis, a group of "Confessing" Christians in Germany found it necessary to make a clear statement of their allegiance. This "Barmen Declaration" declared that the church was subordinate to Christ alone, not the state. Although the conditions in 2009 are different from those of 1934 (it was risky for a German to defy the state in the 1930s, both in and out of the church), it's still true that we should know exactly what we believe and why. First Peter 3:15 says "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have...." Although I don't always act according to it, the following ultimately explains who I am. I guess you could say this is my "Barmen Declaration."

I believe that Jesus Christ has a direct influence on my life, and that because I obeyed his Spirit, I was and am changed. I was once a slave to the wrong things that controlled me, but am no longer. I believe that what I believe about my God and what he says about me has a direct impact on my choices and actions. Connected to this, I believe that the closer I stay to him through meaningful time spent with him in prayer and by reading his Word, the more I will understand myself and the world around me. I believe that the best life possible is found in following Christ, because he removes the things in me that cause shame, and instills in me the things that promote peace and that sustain freedom. I believe that my ultimate worth is found not in acceptance by others, which waxes and wanes according to mood and circumstances, but in acceptance by Christ, who calls me his friend. I believe that this acceptance is unwarranted, yet given freely. Because of it, I am perfect in his sight. I believe in truth; that one worldview is correct and another (though not wholly incorrect) is at least partly false; and in light of this and Christ's command, it is my role to promote that truth in my actions and words. I believe that this truth is under attack; and that to fight for it, I am compelled to practice it in my life, because truth is worthless to the person who stops short of action. Last, I believe that Christ is the only source of salvation, and that this forms the basis of an entire lifestyle that, if chosen, will be rewarded.