3.3 Statements of Faith

[Chris]

I think one way to avoid the twin errors is to stay grounded in the Word and to what we are clearly called to as opposed to man-made traditions. Of course, there are certain core, first-order beliefs that we need to adhere to – and not doing so would be wrong – however they do not comprise a very long list. Secondary and tertiary beliefs must be handled with much more grace and arguments should be avoided.

I think of Paul in 2nd Timothy 2 saying, "Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel…" and he goes on to say, "Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen." I think too often, we draw lines in the sand and are unwilling to value relationship and unity over our traditions or small differences in interpretation of scripture.

[Brandon]

In order to guard ourselves from such extremes we must hold onto foundational eternal truths. Discovering which truths affect the outcome of ones eternal existence is of the outmost importance. Secondary would be the truths that affect our intimacy with Jesus, effectiveness as disciples and callings. Keeping these perspectives in mind would aid us from falling into either extreme.

[Nicole]

Pentecostals can guard against falling in to the error of theological liberalism through valuing, studying, teaching, and upholding the Word of God as God-breathed, and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, as Paul says in 1 Timothy. Being sure to test all teaching and prophetic words against the full counsel of Scripture.

I think that guarding against theological fundamentalism is much harder! I believe this is also done through considering the full counsel of scripture. I find a lot of theological fundamentalism is fixated on specific verses without the full context of the Word. I also believe love being our highest value will cause us to prefer one another and pursue harmony.

[Nate]

One way of keeping us from either of these errors is actually to read the word more, and to stay attentive to Holy Spirit. The more we know God and his word, and seek to be like him, the better we become at learning to live this way