Essentially I believe that there are two authorities that define my position on issues of doctrinal faith. Although I hold additional thoughts that ‘enhance’ my own faith, the foundation of this ministry rests on the truths of the “Apostles’ Creed” and Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount.”

Putting this up is not a casual or capricious decision. Gospels101 bases its ministry on what I see as fundamental to having authentic faith. I realize that each has an individual understanding of that which the Spirit has taught us personally. And yet we each must understand what is core, and what is preference.

It calls for unity on the essential things, the core of truth in our union with Christ. In non-essentials, it calls for liberty so that all might follow their consciences under the Word and Spirit. In all things, however, there must be love, “which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Col. 3:14).

I don’t see this as simple, or limiting. This isn’t the bare minimum ‘boiled down’ to make everyone happy. These two things become our trustworthy guides into a true work of a faithful servant. These should never be the real work; they are only the “scaffolding” of this ministry. They are not the building, but only temporary till we see Jesus Himself return with His everlasting Kingdom.

Here we go!

The Apostles’ Creed

Early Christian Synod, Milan, c. 390 A.D.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.

Amen.

The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5:2-12, a Galilean hillside, c. 30 A.D.

² And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

⁴ “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

⁵ “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

⁶ “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

⁷ “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

⁸ “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

⁹ “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons^[a] of God.

¹⁰ “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

I hope this blesses and gives you a real sense of where I’m coming from.

With Love,

Bryan