are they hebrews? so am I. are they israelites? so am I. are they offspring of Abraham? so am I. are they servants of Christ? i am a better one—i am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 2 corinthians 11:22-23

as mentioned in yesterday’s writing, paul lists out what the corinthians would consider qualifications to be a great apostle of Christ: being a jew with direct descendant from the line of abraham rather than of a gentile grafted into the family of God (see romans 11). the false apostles used their lineage as a qualifier to being a true “minister of Christ.” paul is only better in that he is a true apostle whose life resembles that of Christ in what he experienced for the cause of the gospel, in which he lists out.

paul continues to be bold in speaking truth to his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ because he cared so deeply for their salvation and sanctification. although on the surface, it could appear without historical context that he is defending his positional authority and qualifications, but as we often see from paul, he confronts the issue at hand then corrects.

like paul, we are called to boldly confront then correct our brothers and sisters in Christ and those affecting them with the right theology of close-handed topics. of course, there is an appropriateness in timing and approach, but we, like paul, must be bold in the protection of our fellow believers.

however, we can’t do that if we don’t know the God that we serve or the right theology and interpretation of scripture.

at matthias, we believe:

that the bible is the fully inspired word of God. it has been written by men under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. in the original manuscripts, it is without error and is the final authority for all matters of faith and life.

II tim 3:16-17; II peter 1:20-21; john 8:31-32; john 20:31; mark 13:31; matt 5:18

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in one true and living God, eternally existing in three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. they are equal in their essential nature, attributes and perfection. each executes a different but harmonious function.

genesis 1:1, 26; deut 6:4; john 1:1, 3; matt 28:19; romans 1:19-20; II cor 13:14

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that God the father is infinite yet personal, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power, and love. he orders, arranges and controls all things according to his own sovereign purpose. he infallibly knows all that shall come to pass, he hears and answers prayer, and he saves from sin and death all who come to him through Jesus Christ.

luke 10:21-22; john 3:16; 6:27; 1 peter 1:3; rev 1:6

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Jesus Christ, the eternal son of God, has always existed and became man without ceasing to be God. he was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin mary in order that he might reveal God and redeem sinful man. Jesus lived a sinless life and freely offered himself as an atoning sacrifice for our sins through his death on the cross. after his physical, literal death, he rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now is exalted at the right hand of God. he fulfills the ministry of representative, intercessor, and advocate. anyone who accepts him as Lord and savior will worship him for all eternity.

john 1:1-2, 14; luke 1:35; matthew 1:18-25; 2 cor 5:21; rom 3:24; 1 peter 2:24; eph 1:7; 1 peter 1:3-5; acts 1:9-10; heb 7:25; rom 8:34; I john 2:1-2; 1 timothy 3:16

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we believe that the Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and Son, and convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. he is the supernatural agent in regeneration, sanctifying and empowering all who believe in Jesus Christ. he provides Christ-followers with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. he dwells in all believers from the moment of salvation.

john 16:8-11; II cor 3:6; 1 cor 12:12-14; rom 8:9; gal 5:22-26.

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we believe man was created by God in his own image; that he sinned and thereby incurred physical, spiritual and eternal death. this brings separation from God, and as a consequence, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and are sinners by choice and therefore under condemnation. those who trust in Jesus Christ and repent and forsake sin are saved. we become new creatures, are delivered from condemnation, and receive eternal life, which is a gift of God given to man by grace through faith in Christ Jesus.

gen 1:26; 5:2-3; 2:17; john 3:14; 5:24; 1:12 eph 1:7; 1 peter 1:18-19; 2 cor 5:17; romans 8:1.

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we believe that the church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made of all born-again persons of this present age. the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the new testament scriptures. the purpose of the church is to glorify God by building its members up in the faith, by instruction of the word, by fellowship, by keeping the ordinances and by advancing and communicating the gospel to the entire world.

eph 1:22-23; 5:25-27; 1 cor 12:12-14; acts 14:27; 18:22; eph 2:19-22; 5:19-21 acts 2:42; hebrews 10:23-25

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we believe Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church; baptism and the Lord’s supper. christian baptism is the immersion of the believer in water, which is a public testimony of the believer’s new life in Christ. the Lord’s supper was instituted by Christ for the commemoration of his death. the elements of communion are symbolic of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

matt 28:19-20; acts 2:41-42; 18:8; rom 6:3-5; 1 cor 11:23-26

-natalie schmidt