Foundations of the Christian Faith
INTRODUCTION
In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus tells a parable of two builders. The wise builder uses a strong rock foundation and the foolish builder uses a weak sand foundation. When the rain came, only the wise man’s house survived. The meaning of this parable is that we must have a strong foundation in Christ in order to survive what this world throws at us. Throughout this paper, five foundations of the Christian faith will be explained followed by my personal testimony.
GOD
I believe in God the Father! He is described as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6). He is also described as sovereign (Deuteronomy 3:24)! Matthew 6:26 says that the father feeds the birds, and in verse 30, it says that he clothes the grass of the field. In the next two verses, Matthew goes on to say that we never need to worry about what to eat, drink, or wear, because if God even provides for the birds and the grass, he will provide for us.
I believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God! He came to Earth as a baby born of the virgin, Mary. Jesus claimed to be one with the father (John 10:30), suggesting that he is not only the Son of God, but he is God the Son. He was the first and only man to live a perfectly sin-free life which was why he was worthy to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Three days later, he was resurrected from the dead. His resurrection is what gives life and hope to all who believe.
I believe in the Holy Spirit! He is described as having the qualities and performing the works of God. He guides people through difficult times and helps us to make good decisions. He convicts men of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11). He gives new life (Titus 3:5-7). He gives gifts to the church (1st Corinthians 12:4-11).
Together, these three make up the Trinity, a perfect combination of three persons, but only one God. The Father is not the Son; the Son is not the Holy Spirit; and the Holy
In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus tells a parable of two builders. The wise builder uses a strong rock foundation and the foolish builder uses a weak sand foundation. When the rain came, only the wise man’s house survived. The meaning of this parable is that we must have a strong foundation in Christ in order to survive what this world throws at us. Throughout this paper, five foundations of the Christian faith will be explained followed by my personal testimony.
GOD
I believe in God the Father! He is described as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6). He is also described as sovereign (Deuteronomy 3:24)! Matthew 6:26 says that the father feeds the birds, and in verse 30, it says that he clothes the grass of the field. In the next two verses, Matthew goes on to say that we never need to worry about what to eat, drink, or wear, because if God even provides for the birds and the grass, he will provide for us.
I believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God! He came to Earth as a baby born of the virgin, Mary. Jesus claimed to be one with the father (John 10:30), suggesting that he is not only the Son of God, but he is God the Son. He was the first and only man to live a perfectly sin-free life which was why he was worthy to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Three days later, he was resurrected from the dead. His resurrection is what gives life and hope to all who believe.
I believe in the Holy Spirit! He is described as having the qualities and performing the works of God. He guides people through difficult times and helps us to make good decisions. He convicts men of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11). He gives new life (Titus 3:5-7). He gives gifts to the church (1st Corinthians 12:4-11).
Together, these three make up the Trinity, a perfect combination of three persons, but only one God. The Father is not the Son; the Son is not the Holy Spirit; and the Holy