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Doctrinal & Positional Statements

The human creature is classified in scientific taxonomy as Homo sapiens, a species recognizable as distinctly unique standing amid the rest of creation. Our particular capabilities, capacities, and accomplishments have bred much introspective questioning. Centuries of self-recorded human history reveal endless questions about where we came from, why we are here, what our ancestors have done, what our purpose is now, and if there is any hope for our future.

I would categorize conflict resolution, and specifically biblical conflict resolution, as “much easier said than done.” I do not feel like I have extensive experience on this topic, so I do not claim any practical expertise or authority. What I can offer is what I believe scripture teaches, which I do think is quite clear…in theory.

An explanation of my beliefs about the Bible as it pertains to doctrinally crucial convictions. 

The Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth: fully God, fully human. The Word of Yahweh became flesh and was a tabernacle of presence among men. Jesus is the son of God, son of man, perfect in every way, the one human in all human history to successfully and perfectly carry the image of God, fulfilling the purpose for which God created mankind. He atoned for mankind in a glorious and sacrificial act of propitiation, opening the gates of freedom and peace, and redeeming us to our Creator. He intercedes for us and rules all of creation, seated at the right hand of God. All this was foretold by ancient prophets, at times with unlikely or surprising details, all of which were fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

Personal growth and discipleship are both integral to Christian life. They are distinct in that one is inherently relational, and the other is not. However, they are so intertwined as to merit the combination of both into a singular topic. While the logistics and other details of discipleship and personal growth can vary greatly from one person to the next, some core elements are key to each.

Ecclesiology is the study of the Christian church: its identity, origin, purpose and structure. The precise nature of each of these attributes can vary greatly according to context, however I believe there are underlying values and concepts which provide the basis for defining ecclesiology in every context.

Eschatology is the study of “the end times” or “last days” as depicted in the book of Revelation and alluded to by Old Testament prophecies (such as found in Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Daniel, among others).

The origin and nature of Christian evangelism & mission.

The Holy Spirit is the personal, powerful presence of God, in a physically intangible form, yet having directly observable effects in the world. He is the third member of the Trinity and proceeds from both the Father and the Son. In that sense, His activity can be seen as an expression of their power, passion, emotion, and mission. That said, He, like the Father and Son, is fully God while also a distinct and personal being. (For more on the doctrine of the Trinity see Theology Proper)

To thoroughly examine the doctrine of salvation, we must answer the following questions:

• Who must be saved, and from what?
• By what means can one be saved?
• Who partakes in salvation, and why?
• What is the impact of salvation in the life of a human?

My definition of God in general, as well as distinct characteristics of God as revealed through scripture.