Next Questions

Here are the next few questions.

4. What is your understanding of the purpose and nature of Scripture? How does
Scripture influence your life?

The scripture is the Holy Spirit inspired word of God. It is how we come to learn about God. The scriptures chronicle the interaction and patterns of interaction of God in human history. By examining these past patterns we can better understand how God is working now.
The scriptures are a faithful companion on my journey of faith. The Holy Spirit teaches through them, and they have helped me through the hardest times of my life. The scriptures are such an awesome gift to us, and I am greatly appreciative of their insight into life today. Their depth and density give me new insights every time I read them.

5. How would you describe the Fall in terms of humanity’s need for salvation?
What is Christ’s role in our redemption?

The fall was the gateway into disobedience and dishonesty. The entire human race plunged headfirst through that gate, and raced in to this new seemingly powerful place. We didn’t pay attention to the way we came, so can’t find our way back to the way things are supposed to be. How often have I heard the question “How did I get here?” or “How did things go so far?”
Jesus comes in and breaks the chains that we have bound ourselves with. He then shows us the way back to obedience and a life of integrity. It is only through Jesus sacrifice that a way back into God’s grace could occur. Justice had to happen, but the only one who could satisfy that justice for all of us is God himself.

6. What is your understanding of justification and sanctification? The “Baptism of the
Holy Spirit” means different things to different people. What does it mean to you?

Justification is the satisfaction of God’s justice that occurs when we acknowledge our inability to save ourselves and accept the sacrifice God made for us in Jesus. Sanctification is the lengthy process of change that begins with justification and ends with our deaths. This change is from who are into who we are meant to be. The more we accept the changes God makes to us through the Holy Spirit, the closer we come to our intended state of being.
The “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” is the birth of our souls. This is the point when the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us. Some births are spectacular and some are quiet and easy, but each birth is a momentous occasion when someone becomes truly alive.