next steps What We BELIEVE

Transcription

1 next steps What We BELIEVE

2 Welcome to Next Steps What We Believe Before We Begin This is a big picture view of Stonegate s understanding of God (theology) and practical beliefs we want to know and live out (doctrine). WARNING: It will be like drinking from a fire hose. There is a lot to each area; we will hit the highlights. Extras can be explored and questions asked. Next Steps 2 is designed to make you think and ask questions. So don't be afraid to ask questions. We are here to help. We may have time for questions in class. If not, please ask after class or via /appointment. We hope you are amazed and challenged with things you may have never thought about before. Some Instructions Look at the first section in this guide on the Bible. Look for the different parts. First, our beliefs in bullet points. Second, key and supporting verses, as well as the verse(s) we will read together. Third, a place to write thoughts or questions. Fourth, the 'why it matters' for you as an adult. Finally, another place to write thoughts or questions. A thorough definition in paragraph form for each 'belief' section is included in the appendix of this document. The Assessment and Next Steps 2 As we progress through the material, reference the assessment that you took in between Next Steps 1 and 2. Compare your answers with the information communicated. Do they line up? Are there differences? If there are differences, reach out to your Next Steps leader. This is Important: Your very salvation may depend on you understanding what we re teaching here. We want to love you enough to ask you these questions. If you have questions or need clarification, please reach out to the Next Steps team. If you desire to be a Member-Partner, you will be asked at the end of Next Steps if you agree with all the beliefs as presented in this document.

3 Jumping Into What We Believe Material As a church, Jesus and His Gospel are Our Emphasis. We will work hard to ensure Jesus is indeed the center of all we do. All of us are Theologians All of us have thoughts and core beliefs about who we think God is and what God is like.

4 Stonegate s Belief Statement ABOUT THE BIBLE The Bible is God's trustworthy and reliable view into: What God is like and how He relates to us. The way the world works and sources of joyful living. The Bible is absolute truth -- not just true for you, but for everyone. This means God and His words are the final authority. The Bible was written by humans. But these humans were under the supernatural guidance of God the Holy Spirit. The Bible is a collection of 66 literary documents that are God s very words to us. KEY SCRIPTURES: 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 3:15-18; Mark 13:31; John 8:31-32; John 20:31 SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 12:6; 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5 2 Timothy 3:16 17 ESV 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

5 THE WHY CONCERNING THE BIBLE Why this matters: The Bible is the primary tool for us to know God s character so we can love Him personally. The Bible is our trustworthy guide regardless of life circumstance or time period. Reading the Bible can teach us God s truth, which protects us from being tricked by other people s opinions and deceived by Satan or his evil forces. God uses the truths in the Bible to expose the wrong/evil reasons we do what we do and points us to our help: Jesus. As Jesus followers, we are slowly changed and increase in hope by taking the Bible seriously and then obeying its commands.

6 Jumping Into the Next Steps 2 Material The Bible communicates one true story. The Bible points us to one hero: Jesus. Creation Fall Rescue Re-creation The Story of God 1 by: Matt Papa Watch and listen for how the one true story of the Bible points to Jesus. Listening guide: 00:00-01:09 Pre-creation (before Genesis 1). Talks about the Trinity 01:10-01:35 CREATION (Genesis 1-2). In the beginning... God creates everything God created mankind (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7, 18-24) Cultural mandate to humanity (Genesis 1:28). God entrusts creation to mankind to work/steward 01:49-02:36 FALL (Genesis 3). Humanity rebels, sin fractures everything, separated 02:36-02:51 Promise of future savior (Genesis 3:15). This is called the first gospel 02:51-03:00 Noah (Genesis 5:30-9:29). Noah and the flood 03:01-03:06 Abraham (Genesis 12:1-25:10). God calls Abraham and his wife 03:06-03:15 Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 21:1-50:26). Story of Abraham s family and Joseph 03:16-03:23 Egypt, Pharaoh, Moses, and the people of God enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:1-2:25) 03:24-03:28 Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-4:17) 03:29-03:32 Moses and Aaron confront the Egyptian Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1-13) 03:33-03:39 The plagues on Egypt (Exodus 7:14-11:10) 03:40-03:43 The Passover, the exodus of God s people, and the Red Sea (Exodus 12:1-15:27) 03:44-03:45 The wilderness. The people of God wander in the wilderness 03:45-03:46 Sinai and the giving of the Law (Exodus 19:1-31:18) 1 To watch this video on the Internet visit: or

7 03:46-03:59 The story of how the people of God tried to follow God, but failed (From Exodus 32:1 through 1 Samuel 7:17) 04:00-04:06 Israel demands a king like other nations (1 Samuel 8:1-22) 04:07-04:12 Some good kings, more bad kings (2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, and 1 & 2 Chronicles) 04:13-04:25 The messages of repentance by the many prophets (Major and Minor Prophets) 04:25-04:33 The blaring quiet between the Old Testament and the New Testament 04:34-05:01 Jesus comes to Earth, the virgin birth, and early years (Matthew 1-3, Luke 1:26-2:52, and John 1:1-18) 05:02-05:05 Jesus temptation (by satan: Matthew 4:1-17, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13; at various times in the Gospels) 05:06-05:11 Healing of people and teaching the crowds/disciples (scattered throughout the Gospels) 05:12-05:32 Jesus mission: to serve, not to be served, and give life for sinners (Mark 10:44-45) 05:33-05:39 Judas plot to betray Jesus, the Last Supper, and high priestly prayer Plot to betray (Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10; Luke 22:3-6) Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-35; Mark 14:12-31; Luke 22:7-20; John 13:1-17:26) Prayer (John 17:1-26) 05:40-05:44 Garden of Gethsemane 05:45-05:47 Judas betrayal and Jesus arrest (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-50; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:3-11) 05:48-05:59 Jesus unjust trials (Matthew 26:57-27:26; Mark 14:53-15:15; Luke 22:54-23:22) 06:00-06:19 Jesus beaten and mocked (Matthew 27:26-31; Mark 15:15-20; Luke 22:63-65; 23:11; John 19:1-3) 06:20-06:27 Jesus nailed to the cross (Matthew 27:33-44; Mark 15:22-33; Luke 23:33-43; John 19:17-27) 06:28-06:39 Jesus final breath and death (Matthew 27:45-56; Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-48; John 19:28-30) 06:40-06:49 Jesus placed in a tomb (Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-16:1; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42) 06:50-07:29 RESCUE Jesus resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:2-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18) Angel s announcement Mary Magdalene runs to tell the disciples Peter and John check the empty tomb 07:30-07:39 The Great Commission & ascension (Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:1-11) 07:40-07:59 The expansion of the early church (Acts 1:12-12:25) 08:00-08:14 The expansion of the early church to the Gentiles [Non Jews] (Acts 13:1-28:31) 08:15-08:19 Roman Emperor Constantine to Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation (AD 272 -AD 1517 ) 08:20-08:34 Gospel spreads to America (European colonization of the Americas, 1492 to present day) 08:35-08:44 Restates the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:44-53) 08:45-09:19 The nations reached, Jesus second coming, and final judgment Gospel spreads to ends of Earth (Matthew 24:14) Trumpet sounds (Matthew 24:29-31, 35-51; 1 Corinthians 15:50-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:16) Jesus returns on a white horse (Revelation 19:11-16) Nations judged (Matthew 16:27; 25: 31-46; Revelation 20:11-15) Death, Hades (the grave), sin, Satan thrown Into Hell (Revelation 20:7-10, 14)

8 09:20-End RE-CREATION New heavens and new earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-27) At the center of the true story of God are Jesus and His Gospel Jesus alone is the HERO

9 Stonegate s Belief Statement ABOUT GOD THE TRINITY 2 God is the creator and sovereign (in control of all things) ruler of the universe. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit: Are one, yet a community of three called the Trinity. Have distinct roles, yet are mysteriously one. The Trinity is a perfect community that has always existed. God is perfect in all His attributes. For instance, He is both perfect love and perfect justice. KEY SCRIPTURES: Genesis 1:1, 26-27; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1, 3; Romans 1:19-20; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2 SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: Genesis 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 3:16; John 4:24; 5:26; Romans 9:5; Ephesians 4:5-6; Colossians 2:9; 1 John 5:7 Genesis 1:26a ESV 26 Then God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness... 1 Peter 1:2 (NLT) 2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace. 2 The word Trinity merges the words Tri and unity. Although the word Trinity is not contained or used in the sacred Scriptures, the term is used to collectively communicate, with as much clarity as possible, the nature and being of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit as revealed specifically in God s Word to us.

10 THE WHY CONCERNING GOD and TRINITY Why this matters: God is in control of all things. Nothing in creation just happened. God created all that we can see and everything we cannot. The Trinity is hard to explain and fully understand. If we could know everything about God, then He would not be a God worth loving and following. God is perfect in all aspects of His character. He is perfect love, wisdom, joy, justice, etc. God, in His very being, is a relational. Therefore, relationships matter.

11 Stonegate s Belief Statement ABOUT HUMANITY Mankind is created in God s spiritual image. This means we are to be like Him. For instance, we think, reason, and are intellectual because God is perfect knowledge. We are relational beings because we represent a relational God. We are creative, moral, spiritual beings along the same lines. Adam and Eve, along with all mankind, were created to: Enjoy a loving and personal relationship with God. Show one another what God is like. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve rejected God by disobeying Him, causing a break in the relationship they had with Him and a distortion in how we represent God to one another. Adam s disobedience and rebellion led to all mankind inheriting a sinful nature. Therefore, from the womb, every human is separated from that loving relationship with God. This sinful nature can be seen in our sinful thoughts, emotions, and actions which distort the way we were created to live. These sinful thoughts, emotions, and actions are NOT the main problem, but are evidence of a deeper heart problem. All mankind is in need of rescue from self, distortion, sin, and death. KEY SCRIPTURES: Genesis 1:27; 2:16-17; 3:6-8, 11, 13, 23; Psalm 8:3-6; 51:5; 58:3; Isaiah 53:6a; Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 15:19; Romans 3:10-18, 23; 5:12, 15-19; 7:18; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22; Ephesians 2:1-3; Colossians 1:21; Galatians 5:17 SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: Genesis 6:5; Isaiah 19:1-2; Acts 17:26; Romans 7:5, 8, 14, 17-18, 23, 25; 8:7; 1 Corinthians 15:45, 49; 2 Corinthians 11:3; James 1:14-15; 1 John 1:8, 10

12 Psalm 51:5 NLT-Second Edition 5 For I was born a sinner yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. Ephesians 2:1 NLT-Second Edition 1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. THE WHY CONCERNING HUMANITY Why this matters: Every human being is created in the image of God and has tremendous value, regardless of race, religion, gender, or age. We are not sinners because of sinful actions. We act sinfully because, by our nature, we are sinners. Circumstances and other people are not the main problem. Our sinful heart condition is the main problem. No matter how hard we try, we cannot remedy or fix our broken and dead lives. We don t just need to fix behavior and manage sin; we need a new heart filled with new motivations.

13 Stonegate s Belief Statement ABOUT HEAVEN and HELL Again, humans are created to enjoy a loving relationship with God. Heaven and Hell are real places. Hell = being separated from God forever and enduring everlasting suffering. Heaven = enjoying God forever in a loving relationship. According to the Bible, there is no purgatory. Purgatory is a Catholic teaching that states there is a place people go after they die to be purged and purified of their sin before they are allowed into heaven. This is based on non-biblical books and their messages. Upon death, where we will spend eternity becomes real for each of us. KEY SCRIPTURES: John 3:16-18; 14:1-6; Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:11-13; Revelation 7:13-17; 20:11-15 SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; 1 John 2:25 John 3:16 18 NIV 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God s one and only Son.

14 THE WHY CONCERNING HEAVEN and HELL Why this matters: We are eternal beings. All of us will live somewhere forever and ever. Decisions made in this life carry importance and matter in light of eternity. In this life, we are exposed to glimpses of both the beauties of Heaven (love, kindness, the beauty of nature, etc.) and the ugliness of Hell (illness, tragedy, cruelty, anger, etc.). After death, we will experience the fullness of one of those realities in either Heaven or Hell.

15 Stonegate s Belief Statement ABOUT JESUS CHRIST Jesus is not only a historical figure, but the one and only unique Son of God and second person of the Trinity. Fully God. Jesus was supernaturally conceived and born of a virgin. Still fully God. Fully man. He was long-awaited and prophesied throughout the Old Testament. Jesus lived a sinless and perfect life in our stead. He also died in our places as the FINAL sacrifice for sins. This plan was in motion long before God created all things. He arose in bodily form three days after His death. Securing victory over sin, death, and the grave for those who believe in Him for salvation. We are saved by His finished work. We are now one with Him. As a result, He now stands between us and God the Father on our behalf. KEY SCRIPTURES: Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:18-25; 20:28; John 1:1-18; 20:30-31; Romans 5:6-8; 6:9-10; 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 4:14-15; Titus 2:13; Revelation 5:12-14 SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: Luke 1:26-38; John 8:46-47; 14:10-30; 20:28; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; 9:5; 1 Corinthians 5:21; I Timothy 6:14-15; Hebrews 7:25; 9:28; 1 Peter 2:21-23 John 20:30 31 ESV 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

16 THE WHY CONCERNING JESUS CHRIST Why this matters: Jesus is the clearest picture of who God is and what He is like. The plan of Jesus shows us God is for us. Because Jesus was supernaturally conceived, He did not inherit the sinful nature from Adam. If Jesus had even a hint of sin or flaw, He is incapable of being the long-awaited Savior of the world. If Jesus had not been bodily resurrected, then He is still dead and cannot be the long-awaited Savior of the world. Jesus finished work is the final and only worthy sacrifice for humanity s sins. Because of Jesus, each of us no longer needs other people such as pastors, priests, or even Mary, the mother of Jesus, to interact directly with God for us. He delights when we spend time with Him, and He will hear our prayers.

17 Stonegate s Belief Statement ABOUT SALVATION and THE GOSPEL The gospel is the good news of Jesus. Humans are guilty and separated from a loving relationship with God because of our sinful nature and resulting sins. Jesus died in the place of sinners so that all who repent and place their trust in Him are rescued, made alive, and reunited to God. Repentance = agreeing with God s view of us and our sin. We take responsibility for our sin and turn from it to trust God. Jesus is the ONLY way to salvation. Salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned. Through faith in Christ, we are accepted, forgiven, made alive, made new, and ultimately adopted into God s family - i.e. new birth with a new heart, new security, new identity, etc. KEY SCRIPTURES: John 1:12; 3:16; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:1-2, 6-11; 6:23-26; 8:1, 15-17, 31-34; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3; Galatians 2:20; 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; Titus 3:4-7 SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26; John 6:44; Acts 26:18; Romans 5:15-16, 18-19; Philippians 3:9; Colossians 1:21-23; 3:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 2 Timothy 1:9-10; Hebrews 9:12-15; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18; 1 John 3:1-3 Acts 4:12 ESV 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Galatians 2:20 ESV 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Romans 5:1 2 ESV 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

18 THE WHY CONCERNING SALVATION and THE GOSPEL Why this matters: Regardless of what is portrayed in pop culture or other religions teach or the opinions of others, salvation only comes through believing and trusting in Jesus Christ. Because salvation is a free gift and can never be earned, we only celebrate what Christ has done, not what we can offer. Although the free gift of salvation is offered to all, sadly not all will respond. Only those who repent of their sin and place their trust in Christ will be saved. Because Jesus died in our place, He took all the punishment for our past, present, and future sins. As a result, we are fully accepted and forgiven. God sees Christians as He sees His Son, Jesus: perfect, sinless, righteous, and part of the family of God. :

19 Stonegate s Belief Statement ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY and LIFE CHANGE Those who have come to authentic, saving faith are secure forever. Biblically, true saving faith always endures to the end. This salvation is protected by God, not human effort or will. If someone sins, God is grieved, but their salvation is not lost. Yet eternal security DOES NOT give Christians the OK to sin and live however they want. No such thing as fire insurance. Christians are given the power to resist sinful patterns and tendencies by the Spirit of God. Nevertheless, our lifestyle is one of continual confession and turning from sin to God. We NEVER arrive at perfection in this life. By the transforming grace of the Spirit, we are always being changed to be more like Jesus, from the inside out. KEY SCRIPTURES: John 6:37, 39; 10:29; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 7:9-11; Ephesians 1:13-14; Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5, 9; 1 John 2:1-2 SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: Romans 7:7-8:13; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; 11:32; Philippians 3:12-13 John 6:37, 39 NIV 37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. Philippians 1:6 ESV (See also Romans 7:7-8:4; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18) 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

20 THE WHY CONCERNING ETERNAL SECURITY and LIFE CHANGE Why this matters: Because salvation is not earned, it can never be lost. Although we may battle with doubt and various attacks, we can stand confident in our salvation. The same grace that saves us is also the grace that reminds us of our identity in Christ and enables us to live more and more like Jesus. Taking responsibility for my sin daily (confession), receiving of mercy, and turning from sin (repentance) does not save me, but promotes a healthy and growing relationship with Christ.

21 Stonegate s Belief Statement ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT The Holy Spirit is God; third person of the Trinity. Christians receive all of the Spirit at the moment of salvation. The Holy Spirit lives within all Christians. The Spirit was given to help Christians understand spiritual truth and empower them to live, daily, like Jesus. The Holy Spirit makes us aware when we have sinned so we can turn from it to Jesus. Christians are to daily live under His control and power. KEY SCRIPTURES: John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26-27; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9, 12-13; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:22-26; Titus 3:5 SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; 6:19; 12:13; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Ephesians 5:1; 6:11-18 John 14:26 ESV 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Ephesians 1:13 ESV 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.

22 THE WHY CONCERNING THE HOLY SPIRIT Why this matters: By the Holy Spirit, God lives within and through Christians. God gave us the Holy Spirit so we would never be without help. The Holy Spirit is not a force we control, but a person to submit to. The Holy Spirit helps us understand, remember, explain, and apply the truths in the Bible. Joy and the ability to live faithfully as a follower of Jesus are the results of trusting the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.

23 Stonegate s Belief Statement ABOUT THE CHURCH The local church is a gathered group of people, not a building. Their mission is to make disciples who make disciples to the ends of the earth. The local church is led and cared for by biblically qualified elders and pastors. The local church gathers regularly for biblical teaching, prayer, and worship through music and song. The church is an IMPERFECT group of people who are growing and changing at different rates. Baptism and communion should be a regular part of the church s gatherings. Each Christian has been given gifts and natural abilities to love and serve others so everyone contributes to the health and mission of the church. KEY SCRIPTURES: Matthew 16:15-19; 22:34-40; 28:18-20; Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 12:1-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 3:1-15; 4:14; 1 Peter 5:1-4 SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: Acts 4:32-37; 5:11-15; 6:3-6; 14:23, 27; 15:1-30; 20:17-32; Titus 1:5-9 Ephesians 4:11-12, ESV 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

24 THE WHY CONCERNING CHURCH Why this matters: Having biblical leadership protects the people of the church from bad leadership and false teaching. Every person is a vital partner in the life of the local church. Every person has been given gifts and natural abilities to love and serve one another. God uses other people in the church to show us love, correction, support, discipline, and to be a constant reminder of His grace. The church can be unified regardless of race, how much money each has, personal history, or any other thing. Even though the imperfect people of the church are still in the process of life change, God still uses these people to proclaim and demonstrate the gospel to the end of the earth.

25 Stonegate s Belief Statement ABOUT LIFE STEWARDSHIP Everything belongs to God-our lives, our money, our car, our talents-everything. Everything we have is a gift from God that we are to use in order to serve others and show others that God is awesome and worthy of our trust and worship. KEY SCRIPTURES: Genesis 1:28; Deuteronomy 10:14; Psalm 24:1; 89:11; Luke 12:48; 2 Corinthians 8:8-9; Ephesians 5:15-17; I Timothy 6:17-19 SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: Proverbs 15:21; Matthew 13:12; 25:29; 1 Corinthians 10:26; 2 Corinthians 9:5-15; Colossians 4:5 Deuteronomy 10:14 NLT-Second Edition 14 Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the LORD your God. Ephesians 5:15 17 NIV 15 Be very careful, then, how you live not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord s will is...

26 THE WHY CONCERNING LIFE STEWARDSHIP Why this matters: God is the ultimate source and provider of all we have or receive. What we have been given has been given for God s purposes and those purposes last forever. Because all we own belongs to God, we can live generously. As a result, we don t have to live controlled by circumstances or material objects. The next two topics are different. Each contain essential and disputed matters. So we hold to the adage: "In the essentials unity, in the non-essentials [disputed areas] diversity, in all things charity (love). -- Peter Meiderlin (a.k.a. Rupert Meldenius), 1626

27 Members and attendees of Stonegate hold a diversity of positions and opinions concerning this area of doctrine and theology. Below are two sections. The first includes biblical truths that are essential. We must come to agree on these. The second includes disputed matters where many in our fellowship hold diverse positions. These disputed matters are NOT ESSENTIAL for personal salvation or our fellowship with one another. This is not tolerance. Both learned theologians and church members have wrestled with the specifics of these positions for centuries. Remember, we hold to the adage, In the essentials unity, in the non-essentials diversity, in all things charity (love). ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS Essentials God gives various spiritual gifts to each Christian. The Holy Spirit gives these gifts power in order to help one another. The Bible instructs our gatherings to be done in order and peace for the common good of all. ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS Disputed Some think the miraculous gifts are active, still given, and useful, while others do not. KEY SCRIPTURES: Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 14:1, 33, 40; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 4:10-11 SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: Romans 12:9-21; 1 Corinthians 12:1, 12-30; 14: Corinthians 12:7 ESV 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. Romans 12:6a ESV 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them... 1 Peter 4:10 11 ESV 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

28 THE WHY CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GIFTS Why this matters: Every person is essential for the health and growth of the church. Gifts are never about the one using them. They are for helping others see and love Jesus. Regardless of our disagreements on specific issues, we can worship in unity.

29 Members and attendees of Stonegate hold a diversity of positions and opinions concerning this area of doctrine and theology. Below are two sections. The first includes biblical truths that are essential. We must come to agree on these. The second includes disputed matters where many in our fellowship hold diverse positions. These disputed matters are NOT ESSENTIAL for personal salvation or our fellowship with one another. This is not tolerance. Both learned theologians and church members have wrestled with the specifics of these positions for centuries. Remember, we hold to the adage, In the essentials unity, in the non-essentials diversity, in all things charity (love). ABOUT THE LAST THINGS Essentials Jesus is coming again. Jesus second coming will be to judge the wicked, reward the faithful in Christ, and mend all that is broken and affected by sin. The exact timing of the second coming is unknown to all except God the Father. ABOUT THE LAST THINGS Disputed The specifics of certain events on the timeline are hotly debated. KEY SCRIPTURES: Matthew 16:27; Mark 14:62; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:7 10; Revelation 20:4 6, SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES: Philippians 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:15; 2 Timothy 4:1; Titus 2:13 Matthew 16:27 ESV 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Acts 1:11 ESV 11 and said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.

30 THE WHY CONCERNING LAST THINGS Why this matters: A Christian s hope is in the return of Jesus. All that is broken in creation will one day be mended and made right. Evil, sinfulness, and death will be dealt with once and for all. The timing of Jesus return is not as important as the truth that He will come again to rule and fix all that is broken.

31 Appendix Thorough definitions in paragraph form THE BIBLE The Bible is God's Word to all mankind. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth, final authority, and trustworthy guide for Christian beliefs and joyful living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error in its original autographs. GOD TRINITY 1 God is the Creator and Sovereign Ruler of the universe. The One, true God has eternally existed in a perfect community of three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Historically, this has been labeled The Trinity, or Tri-Unity. These three are one in essence, three in person, each perfect in nature, and distinct in role. HUMANITY Mankind is created in the spiritual image of God. Humanity is the crowning jewel of God s creative work, and is entrusted with the responsibility of displaying God s character. Mankind was created to enjoy a perfect relationship with God. However, Adam s thorough rejection of God severed that sacred connection. The result of Adam s rebellion is that every human born thereafter would be thoroughly infected with a heart condition referred to as the sinful nature. This sinful nature is inherited at conception. From the womb, mankind is a rebel and relationally separated from God. The sinful nature overflows from mankind s heart in sinful thoughts, emotions, and actions. All of mankind is in need of rescue. HEAVEN AND HELL Mankind was created to exist forever in a joyful relationship with God. Men and women will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, in a real place of perpetual suffering called Hell, or in eternal union with God through Jesus Christ, in a real place called Heaven. At death, a person s eternal destination is realized. There are no second chances. According to the Bible, there is no intermediate place in which the unsaved can atone for his or her own sins or be saved through any actions of the living. 1 Although the word Trinity is not contained or used in the sacred Scriptures, the term is used to collectively communicate, with as much clarity as possible, the nature and being of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, as revealed specifically in God s Word to us.

32 JESUS CHRIST Jesus Christ is the one and only, unique Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus was sent as a missionary by God the Father through the virgin birth, which was made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus demonstrated that He was indeed the long-awaited Savior by living a sinless human life and offering Himself as the final, perfect, and sufficient substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a Roman cross. This plan was in motion long before creation, and not a reaction to mankind s wickedness. He arose from the dead, in bodily form, after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. Jesus finished work has secured eternal redemption, justifying acceptance, and life everlasting for those who trust Him and repent. Jesus alone is our only mediator and we have ever-increasing life in Him. He ascended to Heaven s glory and will visibly return to earth again to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. SALVATION AND THE GOSPEL The Gospel is the good news of Jesus. He lived the perfect, sinless life humans could not. He also died the death humans were condemned to die because of their sin. Jesus died in their places, so that all who place their trust in His finished work are rescued from eternal punishment, and reunited to God forever. Jesus is the only way to salvation. This salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never save himself by self-improvement or good works. Only when someone takes ownership of his or her sin, confesses his or her need for salvation through Jesus, asks for God s complete forgiveness, and receives a new heart is one saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his or her life by faith. For those who repent and trust in Christ, they are given His sinless record, receive a new identity, are adopted into God s family, and experience true life and joy as His disciples. ETERNAL SECURITY AND LIFE CHANGE Because God gives man redemption and life through Jesus Christ, those who have come to saving faith are secure in their salvation for eternity. Genuine saving faith endures until the end. With this in view, salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. Because of Christ s life, death, and resurrection, God declares each Christian holy and blameless. However, each Christian still lives in a broken body and world, and therefore, still fights against remaining sin. Authentic believers may fall into sin through neglect, spiritual weakness, and temptation, which brings a severing of their day-to-day fellowship with God.

33 Even in light of this battle, believers, by grace, never lose their salvation. This fellowship can be restored through a lifestyle of faith, confession of sin, and authentic repentance. This freedom and security does not give Christians a license to pursue sin willingly. But, for those in Christ, ongoing life change is motivated by gratitude and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We never graduate from this transforming grace. HOLY SPIRIT The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the God the Father and the God the Son. Since Christ s ascension, the Spirit has been present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ through conviction of their sin. The Spirit draws people to salvation, gives them a new heart, and dwells in every Christian. From the moment of salvation, the fullness of the Spirit is given to each Christian. The Spirit is always pointing out the excellencies of Jesus and is a disciple s abiding Helper. The Spirit empowers and provides guidance for each Christian, which results in joyful living, understanding of spiritual truth, and equipping for a life of influence and service. The Christian seeks to daily live under His control and power. THE CHURCH The local church, called the Bride of Christ, is a gathered community of disciples who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. These disciples organize under qualified pastor-leaders and regularly gather for preaching, prayer, and worship through song. This imperfect family is being matured by grace and together clings to the perfect Christ. This faith family regularly participates in baptism and communion, upholds unity within the body, and leverages the Spirit-given gifts of its individual members to grow and build up one another into spiritual maturity. These same disciples are committed to making other disciples as they scatter throughout cities, the greater United States, and to the ends of the earth in order to proclaim and live out the implications of the Gospel, the Great Commission, and the Great Commandment.

34 LIFE STEWARDSHIP God is the creator of all that is seen and unseen. As a result, everything that exists ultimately belongs to God and not us. In love, God has entrusted relationships, physical bodies, the environment, time, natural talents and abilities, mental capacity, finances, and material possessions, all to humanity. In light of God s grace, Christians are held responsible for how they use and steward what has been entrusted to them in life, worship, and service to God and one another. One example of this is seen in many Christians giving 10 percent of their income to God s work in the local church or other mission efforts. SPIRITUAL GIFTS Essentials God gives spiritual gifts to each Christian. The Holy Spirit empowers and gives these gifts as He wills in order to point people to the finished work of Jesus. These gifts validate the work of Jesus and are strategically distributed to equip the saints for a Jesus-centered life and the building up of one another. SPIRITUAL GIFTS Disputed Some within our faith family hold a position that the miraculous and revelatory gifts seen in the early church have ceased to be given. Others disagree and hold that they are just as active today as they were in the early church. This diversity is to be celebrated and love is to be extended to one another. Biblically, our gatherings and ministry should be done with order and peace so that all are encouraged, challenged, and matured. LAST THINGS Essentials We believe in the visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth, the consummation of His loving kingdom, and the renewal of all things. We also believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal joy of the redeemed, and the endless suffering of the wicked. LAST THINGS Disputed Many disciples within our faith family disagree on the specific timing and particulars of last things, but must agree on the reality of Jesus visible return and the renewal of all things.

35 Resources and Helps THE BIBLE A Book You ll Actually Read On the New Testament - Mark Driscoll A Book You ll Actually Read On the Old Testament - Mark Driscoll Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know - Wayne Grudem and Elliot Grudem Doctrine: What Every Christian Should Know - Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters - Joshua Harris How to Read the Bible Book by Book - Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth - Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart How to Read the Bible Through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture - Michael Williams Living by the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible - William Hendricks The ESV Study Bible (Especially the articles in the appendix) Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible: A Guide to Reading the Bible Well - Various Authors 40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible - Robert Plummer Scripture Alone - James White Bible.com - read, study, and subscribe to reading plans on your web browser or mobile device Differences in Bible translations: Great visual charts concerning the Bible: GOD TRINITY Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know - Wayne Grudem and Elliot Grudem Doctrine: What Every Christian Should Know - Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything - Fred Sanders Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Relationships, Roles, and Relevance - Bruce A. Ware The Forgotten Trinity - James White Trinity Infographic - God s Characteristics/Attributes - HUMANITY Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters - Timothy Keller Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know - Wayne Grudem and Elliot Grudem Doctrine: What Every Christian Should Know - Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself - Joe Thorn Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith - Timothy Keller The ESV Study Bible (Especially the articles in the appendix) The Explicit Gospel - Matt Chandler with Jared Wilson The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness - Timothy Keller HEAVEN AND HELL Heaven - Randy Alcorn Erasing Hell: What God Said about Eternity, and the Things We've Made Up - Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle JESUS CHRIST Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know - Wayne Grudem and Elliot Grudem Doctrine: What Every Christian Should Know - Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears Gospel Revolution: Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary - JD Greear How People Change - Timothy Lane and Paul David Tripp Identity: Who You Are in Christ - Eric Geiger Heresies about Jesus:

36 SALVATION AND THE GOSPEL Gospel Revolution: Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary - JD Greear Gospel Wakefulness - Jared Wilson Identity: Who You Are in Christ - Eric Geiger Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith - Timothy Keller The Explicit Gospel - Matt Chandler with Jared Wilson Desiring God - John Piper Faith Alone - R.C. Sproul ETERNAL SECURITY AND LIFE CHANGE Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart: How to Know for Sure You Are Saved - JD Greear How People Change - Timothy Lane and Paul David Tripp You Can Change: God's Transforming Power for Our Sinful Behavior and Negative Emotions - Tim Chester Instruments In the Redeemer's Hands - Timothy Lane and Paul David Tripp Gospel-centered Discipleship - Jonathan Dodson The Cost of Discipleship - Dietrich Bonhoeffer Future Grace - John Piper The Pursuit of God - A.W. Tozer HOLY SPIRIT Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know - Wayne Grudem and Elliot Grudem Doctrine: What Every Christian Should Know - Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit - Francis Chan and Danae Yankoski A Call to Resurgence: Will Christianity Have a Funeral or a Future? - Mark Driscoll THE CHURCH Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know - Wayne Grudem and Elliot Grudem Doctrine: What Every Christian Should Know - Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears Creature of the Word - Josh Patterson, Matt Chandler, and Eric Geiger Total Church - Tim Chester and Steve Timmis Everyday Church - Tim Chester and Steve Timmis A God-sized Vision: Revival Stories that Stretch and Stir - Collin Hansen and John Woodbridge And: The Gathered and Scattered - Hugh Haulter Barefoot Church - Brandon Hatmaker For the City - Darrin Patrick On Church Leadership - Mark Driscoll What is a Healthy Church - Mark Dever What is a Healthy Church Member - Thabiti Anyabwile Life Together - Dietrich Bonhoeffer LIFE STEWARDSHIP Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know - Wayne Grudem and Elliot Grudem Doctrine: What Every Christian Should Know - Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears Money, Possessions, and Eternity - Randy Alcorn SPIRITUAL GIFTS Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know - Wayne Grudem and Elliot Grudem Doctrine: What Every Christian Should Know - Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears The Beginner's Guide to Spiritual Gifts - Sam Storms What Are Spiritual Gifts? Rethinking the Conventional View - Ken Berding Systematic Theology - Wayne Grudem Christian Theology - Millard J. Erickson LAST THINGS Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know - Wayne Grudem and Elliot Grudem Doctrine: What Every Christian Should Know - Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears 40 Questions About the End Times - Eckhard Schnabelby