Testimony/ Theology

HOME

Testimony/ Theology

"And I believe what I believe is what makes me what I am; I did not make it, no it is making me."

Rich Mullins - "Creed"

Testimony:

God has always been near and so I have memories of Him interacting with me early on at ages 4, 7 and 10 years old. But it was at the age of 12 when I became aware of sin in my life and my need for Christ's forgiveness. My heart was cleansed and a desire given within me to stay in close relationship with Jesus.

By the time I was 14, I was tired of the instability in my relationship with Christ. There was definitely a battle in my spirit and I was being torn to walk away or give my all to Jesus. Through witnessing a young lady being delivered from the demonic, I was convinced of what my choice would be. All of me for all of Jesus. I instantly felt a divine determiniation and empowerment that enabled me to follow Christ daily, whole heartedly.

In my teenage years I wanted my life to count for Christ and desired to enter the medical profession. Through family crisis I heard the voice of the Lord speak clearly calling me into full time ministry with the words, "Jimmy I can use you in the area of troubled youth". My ministry began, encouraged by my youth pastor, by teaching a junior high bible study and holding a prayer time in my high school.

Another spiritual milestone occured when I was 21. I was consumed with doing things for the Lord and was confronted with my self righteousness. Taking the summer to travel with an evangelist I learned the spiritual secret of not working for God but allowing God's Spirit to work through me. This came with the understanding of dying daily to myself and living identified with Christ.

With a focused passion to know Christ and have his Spirit work through me I entered full time ministry. God has taught me much in my first two assignments at churches. It is in working with and serving others I have been challenged and my character has been shaped. I continue to give God full permission to do with me as He pleases trusting that He will complete what He started.

Theology:

These are the beliefs Nazarenes hold to be true. They are common to Christians worldwide:

We believe in one God-the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe that the Old and New Testament Scriptures, given by plenary inspiration, contain all truth necessary to faith and Christian living.

We believe that man is born with a fallen nature, and is, therefore, inclined to evil, and that continually.

We believe that the finally impenitent are hopelessly and eternally lost.

We believe that the atonement through Jesus Christ is for the whole human race; and that whosoever repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ is justified and regenerated and saved from the dominion of sin.

We believe that believers are to be sanctified wholly, subsequent to regeneration, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

We believe that the Holy Spirit bears witness to the new birth, and also to the entire sanctification of believers.

We believe that our Lord will return, the dead will be raised, and the final judgment will take place.