My good Friend, Pastor Freddy Cortez, told me years ago; when we find a ministry new web site or a new ministry blog which claims to be Christian -- we should first look at what they believe and what they teach. Some call this their Biblical Doctrinal Beliefs, some call this their Statement of Beliefs, some have other names. Whatever one calls it; this is what that ministry believes the Bible teaches and what that ministry will teach in their published writings, Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and worship service messages. This is what will tell you if this organization is Christian or is a cult.
For over twenty years, I have been publishing my Christian writings in various venues: for a while, in newsletters and bulletin inserts; through my personal e-mail ministry; on the internet in web sites and forums; and in Bible studies and Sunday School -- using the gift of writing the Lord has given me. Some have asked about my position on Christian doctrines. This encouraged me really take a close look at my beliefs, in writing and against Scripture. This is what I have done and this is what is defined in this article: my personal Christian beliefs and the Scripture verses which I believe set them in concrete.
You and I may differ on some issues in our Christian walk. We may not all agree upon when the Rapture will occur -- or if it will occur. I believe the Rapture will occur and that it will happen shortly before the Tribulation begins. Therefore I am a Pretribulation believer.
I believe that Jesus Christ will return to earth, His Second Coming when He returns in glory and as the Lion of Judah -- at the end of the seven year Tribulation. At this time, He will establish His Millennial Kingdom on earth; therefore I am Premillennium in my beliefs.
Some take issue over "salvation without baptism" -- but, since Jesus saved the thief on the cross without baptism (Luke 23:43), I believe He can and will save others who have not, for whatever reason, been baptized.
Jesus left us two ordinances: that we should be baptized and that we should celebrate the Lord's Supper in remembrance of Him until He returns. He did not say that these were conditions of our salvation; for that would be works (Ephesians 2:8-9). These are ways of confessing Him before men (Matthew 10:32, Luke 12:8, Romans 10:9). These are our ways of declaring to the world that we are children of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:16-17).
We may differ on when the Holy Spirit indwells, seals, and empower us. We may even differ on whether hell is real and who will face judgment before Jesus Christ and when.
We may differ on baptism via immersion versus sprinkling; we may differ on whether we are still looking forward to a 1000 year Millennial Kingdom on earth; we may differ on whether the New Earth will be a newly created earth or a refurbished one, and when.
We may differ on many things and, yet, still walk as Christian brothers and sisters, in joint fellowship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
These are all important issues, for they lead us into deeper study and understanding of God's Word, the Bible. We should endeavor with all our hearts to understand them more fully through prayer, Bible study, and meditating on the Word of God daily. But, these issues should not divide us, they should not cause us to shun one another. After all, the Bible tells us that today we see as in a mirror dimly, but one day we will be face to face with our Lord; then we shall know fully (1 Corinthians 13:12). So, if we do not agree on these things today; tomorrow, on the way up (when raptured) we can happily, in true Christian fellowship, know the answers.
But, if you do not believe in the One, True, Living God, manifested and declared in the Trinity; if you do not believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ; His death on the cross for our sin; His resurrection to assure our resurrection; if you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired, therefore inerrant, Written Word of God; my Friend, I am concerned about you and your eternal life.
And, if you do not believe that you are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, plus NOTHING ELSE (Ephesians 2:8-9) -- we need to talk.
Below is my Statement of Faith, my Christian Biblical beliefs, which define my walk with our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray this is your walk also.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
STATEMENT OF BELIEFS
Bill & Dory Gray Christian Ministries
WE BELIEVE:
That the Bible, consisting of the books of the Old Testament and the New Testament, is the Written Word of God; is a supernaturally inspired revelation from God; and is His full plan for mankind and His full revelation to mankind.
2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 3:9, Isaiah 46:9-10, Malachi 3:6,
John 3:16, 4:24, 1 John 4:10, Matthew 18:14, Romans 3:10,
Romans 3:23, 8:1, 8:16-17, 12:1
That the Bible is without error in its moral and spiritual teaching and in its record of historical facts.
2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 Samuel 15:29, Titus 1:2
In one God, eternally existing and manifesting Himself in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Genesis 1:1, John 1:1, Luke 3:21-22
In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, who before His incarnation, existed in the form of God and of His own choice lay aside His divine glory and became a man in every aspect, possessed of all the human characteristics of man. He was and is fully God and fully man.
John 1:1, John 1:14, John 4:26, John 6:68-69, John 8:58, John 10:34-36, John 11:35, Matthew 4:1, Matthew 4:2, Mark 3:11
That our Lord Jesus Christ was supernaturally conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin, Mary; died on the cross for our sin; rose from the dead on the third day; and sits at the right hand of God the Father as the ONLY mediator between us and the Father.
Matthew 1:20-25, Luke 1:26-38, Acts 2:24, Acts 2:32,
1 John 2:1-2, Romans 8:33-34, Hebrews 7:25
That by His death on the cross, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was sinless, made a perfect atonement for our sin; that through His death on the cross the wrath of God against sinful man was appeased; and that His death on the cross provided grace for sinful man, which is why Jesus Christ is the ONLY path through which man can, of his own free will, have eternal life with God.
Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 2 Corinthians 5:21,
1 Peter 2:24, 1 John 2:2, 1 John 4:10
That through His resurrection on the third day, our Lord Jesus Christ defeated death, once and for all, and made redemption available to ALL who believe in Him as Lord and Savior.
John 11:25-26, Acts 10:39-43, 1 Peter 1:3
That the Holy Spirit is God and is a person possessed of all the divine attributes of God.
John 14:26, Acts 5:3-4, 9:31, 28:25, 1 Corinthians 2:10-13,
Ephesians 4:30, Job 33:4, Psalm 139:7-13, 139:12-13
That all who receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior become children of God, joint heirs with Jesus Christ, have His promise of eternal life,and will never lose their salvation.
1 Corinthians 3:15, John 3:16, 6:47, 10:27-28, Acts 16:31, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9, Romans 10:13, Hebrews 9:15, Isaiah 51:6
That the Holy Spirit indwells and seals all born-again believers at the time of their conversion and that this is a once-for-eternity event. We should be seeking filling (empowering) of the Holy Spirit daily, hourly, continually -- through prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship.
John 14:16-17, Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 3:16,
Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30
That heaven and hell are real places and these are the ONLY two choices man has for his eternal home. Your choice must be made before this life is finished. There is no second chance after leaving this life.
Matthew 10:28, Mark 9:47, Luke 16:22-24, Acts 1:9-11, Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:24, Hebrews 12:22-23, 2 Peter 2:4-9,
1 Kings 8:30, Psalm 139:7-8
That everyone will face judgment before Jesus Christ. The believer to a judgment of eternal rewards; the non-believer to a judgment of eternal punishment in hell, the lake of fire.
Matthew 25:31-32, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Jude 1:6,
Revelation 20:11-15, Ezekiel 20:34-37
In a Pretribulation Rapture of the church, His body of believers worldwide.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:50-53,
John 14:1-3, Revelation 3:10, 4:1-2
In a Premillennial Second Coming of Jesus Christ, at the end of the seven year Tribulation, to establish His Millennial Kingdom, the Kingdom of God on earth. For one thousand years He will rule the world, the perfect Theocracy, from the throne of David in Jerusalem.
Matthew 24:27, 29-31, Revelation 19:7-9, 19:11-21, 20:4-6, 7-10,
Isaiah 2:1-4, 11:1-9, Daniel 7:13-14
For over twenty years, I have been publishing my Christian writings in various venues: for a while, in newsletters and bulletin inserts; through my personal e-mail ministry; on the internet in web sites and forums; and in Bible studies and Sunday School -- using the gift of writing the Lord has given me. Some have asked about my position on Christian doctrines. This encouraged me really take a close look at my beliefs, in writing and against Scripture. This is what I have done and this is what is defined in this article: my personal Christian beliefs and the Scripture verses which I believe set them in concrete.
You and I may differ on some issues in our Christian walk. We may not all agree upon when the Rapture will occur -- or if it will occur. I believe the Rapture will occur and that it will happen shortly before the Tribulation begins. Therefore I am a Pretribulation believer.
I believe that Jesus Christ will return to earth, His Second Coming when He returns in glory and as the Lion of Judah -- at the end of the seven year Tribulation. At this time, He will establish His Millennial Kingdom on earth; therefore I am Premillennium in my beliefs.
Some take issue over "salvation without baptism" -- but, since Jesus saved the thief on the cross without baptism (Luke 23:43), I believe He can and will save others who have not, for whatever reason, been baptized.
Jesus left us two ordinances: that we should be baptized and that we should celebrate the Lord's Supper in remembrance of Him until He returns. He did not say that these were conditions of our salvation; for that would be works (Ephesians 2:8-9). These are ways of confessing Him before men (Matthew 10:32, Luke 12:8, Romans 10:9). These are our ways of declaring to the world that we are children of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:16-17).
We may differ on when the Holy Spirit indwells, seals, and empower us. We may even differ on whether hell is real and who will face judgment before Jesus Christ and when.
We may differ on baptism via immersion versus sprinkling; we may differ on whether we are still looking forward to a 1000 year Millennial Kingdom on earth; we may differ on whether the New Earth will be a newly created earth or a refurbished one, and when.
We may differ on many things and, yet, still walk as Christian brothers and sisters, in joint fellowship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
These are all important issues, for they lead us into deeper study and understanding of God's Word, the Bible. We should endeavor with all our hearts to understand them more fully through prayer, Bible study, and meditating on the Word of God daily. But, these issues should not divide us, they should not cause us to shun one another. After all, the Bible tells us that today we see as in a mirror dimly, but one day we will be face to face with our Lord; then we shall know fully (1 Corinthians 13:12). So, if we do not agree on these things today; tomorrow, on the way up (when raptured) we can happily, in true Christian fellowship, know the answers.
But, if you do not believe in the One, True, Living God, manifested and declared in the Trinity; if you do not believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ; His death on the cross for our sin; His resurrection to assure our resurrection; if you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired, therefore inerrant, Written Word of God; my Friend, I am concerned about you and your eternal life.
And, if you do not believe that you are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, plus NOTHING ELSE (Ephesians 2:8-9) -- we need to talk.
Below is my Statement of Faith, my Christian Biblical beliefs, which define my walk with our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray this is your walk also.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill Gray
Bill & Dory Gray Christian Ministries
WE BELIEVE:
That the Bible, consisting of the books of the Old Testament and the New Testament, is the Written Word of God; is a supernaturally inspired revelation from God; and is His full plan for mankind and His full revelation to mankind.
John 3:16, 4:24, 1 John 4:10, Matthew 18:14, Romans 3:10,
Romans 3:23, 8:1, 8:16-17, 12:1
That the Bible is without error in its moral and spiritual teaching and in its record of historical facts.
In one God, eternally existing and manifesting Himself in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, who before His incarnation, existed in the form of God and of His own choice lay aside His divine glory and became a man in every aspect, possessed of all the human characteristics of man. He was and is fully God and fully man.
That our Lord Jesus Christ was supernaturally conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin, Mary; died on the cross for our sin; rose from the dead on the third day; and sits at the right hand of God the Father as the ONLY mediator between us and the Father.
1 John 2:1-2, Romans 8:33-34, Hebrews 7:25
That by His death on the cross, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was sinless, made a perfect atonement for our sin; that through His death on the cross the wrath of God against sinful man was appeased; and that His death on the cross provided grace for sinful man, which is why Jesus Christ is the ONLY path through which man can, of his own free will, have eternal life with God.
1 Peter 2:24, 1 John 2:2, 1 John 4:10
That through His resurrection on the third day, our Lord Jesus Christ defeated death, once and for all, and made redemption available to ALL who believe in Him as Lord and Savior.
That the Holy Spirit is God and is a person possessed of all the divine attributes of God.
Ephesians 4:30, Job 33:4, Psalm 139:7-13, 139:12-13
That all who receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior become children of God, joint heirs with Jesus Christ, have His promise of eternal life,and will never lose their salvation.
That the Holy Spirit indwells and seals all born-again believers at the time of their conversion and that this is a once-for-eternity event. We should be seeking filling (empowering) of the Holy Spirit daily, hourly, continually -- through prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship.
Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30
That heaven and hell are real places and these are the ONLY two choices man has for his eternal home. Your choice must be made before this life is finished. There is no second chance after leaving this life.
1 Kings 8:30, Psalm 139:7-8
That everyone will face judgment before Jesus Christ. The believer to a judgment of eternal rewards; the non-believer to a judgment of eternal punishment in hell, the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:11-15, Ezekiel 20:34-37
In a Pretribulation Rapture of the church, His body of believers worldwide.
John 14:1-3, Revelation 3:10, 4:1-2
In a Premillennial Second Coming of Jesus Christ, at the end of the seven year Tribulation, to establish His Millennial Kingdom, the Kingdom of God on earth. For one thousand years He will rule the world, the perfect Theocracy, from the throne of David in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 2:1-4, 11:1-9, Daniel 7:13-14
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