Statement of Faith

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At the start of this year, our Pastor asked us to write our obituary - I haven’t quite completed that assignment.  A few years ago, we were to write our statement of faith. I knew what the Word of God meant to me, but I couldn’t put it into words - imagine that, an author who couldn’t find the words.  I sufficed with, I know God in my heart and that’s enough. It bothered me, though, that I couldn’t put it into words, trace the pathway of my spiritual growth, or share my faith with another person.   

Back in April, I decided, or the Holy Spirit told me…that I should enroll in seminary starting in the summer session.  It was about 10pm on the Friday that started our Spring Break that I checked the Gordon-Conwell website to see when the summer school application was due.  It was due the next day at midnight. We were going to be traveling to Florida the next day, so that meant, I was either going to stay up all night completing the application or be disobedient.  I started on the application. I was required to write my statement of faith. The verse that came to mind was, “Every knee shall bow.” I had put it off the statement of faith for at least three years and now it had to be done before I could go to sleep.  

In June, my church offered a scholarship to those pursuing degrees in ministry.  I certainly could use some financial assistance, so I decided to apply. My statement of faith was required.  I read back over that which I had written in April and it was all true and accurate, but two months later I realized there were aspects of my faith that had not been captured, previously, so I began a new statement of faith.  

For this fall semester, I am enrolled in Theology II and my first assignment is…write your statement of faith referencing the Doctrine of God, the Doctrine of Creation, the Doctrine of the Fall, and the Doctrine of Scripture that your learned about in Theology I.  This statement of faith will be much more in depth than my previous two iterations.

One thing I have learned in writing my statement of faith is that when we look back on different periods of our lives we can see God working in different ways - ways we had not noticed during the actual period of time.  For me, I see examples of Him allowing me to be reluctant and comfortable for long periods of time, although He had already spoken to me. I see that He allows me to exercise my free will even if it is not in accordance with His will, but when my free will expires and I am either obedient or face consequences.  I may control my free will, but I do not control the consequences.  

Have you ever written your statement of faith?  I urge you to sit down this week and begin your statement of faith.  Find a quiet spot and start writing. Through this blog, people tell me that they learn about themselves.  People can learn from you, too. Below are a few questions to guide you in preparing your statement. Someone may benefit from a portion of your statement.  If the Holy Spirit moves you to do so, please post in the comments, your answer to one of the questions:  

• What did you believe as a child?  
• When were you introduced to the Word of God.  
• We all sin in numerous ways, but what are your primary sins?  
• What is your favorite Scripture?  
• In what way(s) does that Scripture speak to you?   
• What do you pray about most often?  
• How have you seen God working in your life?  
• What, in your life, could be considered a coincidence, but in your heart you know it to be a part of God’s plan?  
• In what way(s) do you share the Word of God with others?    

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Amen!  
Grab a pen! 
Kim