God has always been, and always will be the same.  God is One and yet Three Persons, existing in the divine mystery called the Trinity - Father, Son, and Spirit.

God spoke creation into existence by his Word, and has chosen to reveal himself through Scripture -- the written Word -- and Jesus -- the Word-made-flesh.  The Scriptures that tell us about God are fully inspired, authoritative and reliable.

God gave humanity the gift of his image.  This gives us great dignity.  It also reminds us that we are dependent on him for all things.  God's gracious gift of his image was marred by our first parents.  The first sin and our continuing sin separated them and us from the full experience of God's presence, brought death into the world, and affects every aspect of humanity.

God is infinitely loving and has worked ever since the Fall to restore us to his relational presence.  Just as Adam brought sin and death into the world, God sent his Son into the world to bring righteousness and life.  Jesus was fully human, born of the virgin Mary, and yet fully divine, without sin.

Jesus taught of God's kingdom -- heaven coming to earth even now as God brings all things under his authority -- and demonstrated God's power in his earthly ministry. Because he was without sin, Jesus could and did offer himself as a perfect sacrifice on behalf of humanity's sins.  Jesus bore all the sins of history on the Cross, covering all people's transgressions with his blood.  God's forgiveness is now available to anyone who will turn from their own way and cling to the good way of Jesus.

Jesus died on the Cross and was physically raised again on the third day.  After appearing to his followers, Jesus was taken back into the presence of the Father, where he sits and mediates for us until he returns.

Jesus did not leave his followers alone.  The Holy Spirit was sent to empower all those who follow after Jesus and give God control of their lives.  God's Spirit empowers us as our advocate, helper, and counselor.  The Spirit binds us to each other, making us into the embodiment of Christ on earth.  The Spirit makes followers of Jesus increasingly holy as he lives in us, though we will never attain perfect holiness in this lifetime.

God carries the message of his salvation to the world through the Church.  The Church is to proclaim and demonstrate the good news of Jesus and God's kingdom.  The Spirit gathers the Church together from every tribe, tongue and nation.  God is glorified by the Church as we love him, each other, and those who are far from him....

I Believe

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born. A Death Certificate shows that we died. Pictures show that we lived! I Believe... That just because two people argue, that doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, that doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe... That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel. I Believe... That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change. I Believe... That no matter how good a friend is,

they're going to hurt you every once in a while

and you must forgive them for that. I Believe..... That true friendship continues to grow,

even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love. I Believe... That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life. I Believe... That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be. I Believe.... That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them. I Believe... That you can keep going long after you think you can't. I Believe... That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel. I Believe..... That either you control your attitude or it controls you. I Believe... That heroes are the people who do what has to be done,

when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. I Believe.... That money is a lousy way of keeping score. I Believe... That my best friend and I can do anything,

or nothing, and have the best time. I Believe.... That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When you're down will be the ones to help you get back up. I Believe... That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had, and what you've learned from them.....and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated. I Believe... That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself. I Believe... That no matter how bad your heart is broken

the world doesn't stop for your grief. I Believe... That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. I Believe... That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever. I Believe... Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different. I Believe... That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you. I Believe... That even when you think you have no more to give, if a friend cries out to you........you will find the strength to help. I Believe... That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being. I Believe... That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon. I Believe..... The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; They just make the most of everything. Thank you God for the journey of life!