| What I Believe: The Bible The Bible is the Word of God without error and given under the inspiration and direction of the Holy Spirit through ordinary men. It is comprised of 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. Books of the Apocrypha are not of divine inspiration and should not be considered a part of the canon of Scripture. The Bible is a book of faith leading one to salvation through Jesus Christ. It has never been, nor was intended to be, a science or a history book. However, historical and scientific data in the Bible are accurate. The Bible, through study, preaching and teaching, is the chief way that God reveals Himself to us. It is a record of God's revelation of Himself to mankind in acts of history, and is the primary source of spiritual illumination for people today. While the Bible’s message is dependent only upon the Holy Spirit, we can best understand Scripture by considering the historical context, cultural setting and the literary forms used in communicating this message. Any experiences or private revelations must be evaluated and measured in light of Scripture. The Bible is the sole authority for the church and one's personal life. Christians are responsible to listen to the gifted and ordained preachers and teachers called of God. We are also obligated to study in-depth, analyze, memorize, meditate, and most of all apply Scripture. God God is the Sovereign Creator and Ruler of the universe. He is eternal in nature; omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient. He gives sustenance and purpose to life. God exists in three equal Persons; God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. God should be worshiped and served by His creation. Christ Jesus Christ is God incarnate, the second Person of the Holy Trinity. While on earth He was both fully divine and fully human. He emptied Himself of His heavenly position and took the limitations of humanity (i.e. required sleep, rest, food); yet was without sin. (Philippians 2:7) Jesus determined before the foundation of the world that He would became the substitution for our sins by dying on the cross and being raised on the third day. (2 Timothy 1: 9) By doing so He fulfilled all the requirements of the Law. He then returned to heaven and is Mediator between sinful man and Holy God, interceding on our behalf. He will, as He promised, return to earth and gather those who have trusted in Him. Then, He will judge the earth. Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity. He is the Comforter that Jesus promised and indwells in the hearts of born again believers. He convicts us of sin, illuminates Scripture, and seals our salvation (both as a sign of our salvation, also the preserver of it). The Holy Spirit is the down payment for all that Jesus has promised and through Him we are able to engage in Christian service. (Ephesians 1: 13,14) Man Man was created in the image of God and that image was all but destroyed when Adam rebelled (original sin) against his Creator. Mankind then entered a state of spiritual death having broken the covenant that God had made with him. From the time of the original sin, all mankind has been guilty and inclined toward evil. Salvation I believe that salvation is by grace through faith alone. Grace and faith are both gifts from God. The Holy Spirit works in the heart and conscience of a person through the Word of God to effect salvation. The drawing of the Holy Spirit will be successful as the Word is illuminated and the sinner is fully convinced of his sin. The result is repentance and trust of the sinner’s life. I believe that if a person is genuinely converted, nothing can cause them to lose their salvation. John 10:28, 29 “...no one will snatch out of my hand.” Romans 8:35 “who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” |
| Professional Information Randy E. Williams, MDIV Ordained -- 1989 Education Pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Conflict Management. Trinity Theological Seminary Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministries - 1994 New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Qualifications Certified Christian Conciliator™ by the Institute for Christian Conciliation. Experience Pastor US Navy Chaplain Multiple Interim pastorates Seminar Leader Retreat Leader Many denominations and church styles: congregational, elder led, combination of elder/congregation. Presbyterian, Baptist, Independent Bible churches and Community churches. Certified leadership trainer Certified Suicide Intervention Certified Advanced Critical Incident Management Contact 870-291-3830 Matt5.23.24@gmail.com |
Doctrinal Statement
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