I have two authorities that define the my position on issues of doctrinal faith. Although as believers we will hold additional thoughts that ‘enhance’ our beliefs–the foundation of this particular ministry rests on truths of the “Apostles’ Creed” and Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount.”
Putting this up on this site is not a casual or capricious. Parables 101 is based on what I see as fundamental to having authentic faith. I realize that each have an individual understanding of that which the Spirit has taught us personally. And yet we each must understand what is core, and what is preference.
It calls for unity on the essential things, the core of truth in our union with Christ. In non-essentials it calls for liberty, so that all might follow their consciences under the Word and Spirit. In all things, however, there must be love, “which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Col. 3:14).
I don’t see this as simple, or limiting.
This isn’t the bare minimum ‘boiled-down’ to make everyone happy. These two statements are our trustworthy guides into a true work of his servant. These should never be the real work; they are only the “scaffolding.” They are not the building, but only temporary till we see Jesus Himself return with His everlasting Kingdom.
The Apostles Creed
Early Christian Synod, Milan, c. 390 A.D.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Beatitudes of Jesus
Matthew 5:2-12, a Galilean hillside, c. 30 A.D.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
I hope this blesses and gives you a real sense of the things I believe.
With the love of Jesus,
Bryan
Parables 101 