Testament of Faith: what i believe

Testament of Faith: What I Believe

Telle Wild Rose

1. The Bible

We believe the Bible is the complete, infallible, and final Word of God;

consisting only of the 66 books of Scripture. Human writings may be used for

instruction and encouragement, but not as authoritative doctrine.

The Bible ALONE is sufficient for authority.

2 Timothy 3:16–17

2. The Trinity

We believe in the Trinity: ONE God in three divine Persons: God the Father,

God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Colossians 2:9, Matthew 28:19, 1 Corinthians 8:6, John 14:26, Matthew 3:16–17,

John 1:1

2b. Jesus Christ

Jesus is both fully God and fully Man. born of the Virgin Mary

Colossians 2:9, John 10:28–30, Philippians 2:6–8, isaiah 7:14,

2c. The Holy Spirit

We affirm the personhood and divine role of the Holy Spirit.

John 16:13–14, Ephesians 1:13–14, John 14:16

3a. Salvation

We believe salvation is offered freely to all through the atoning work of Jesus

Christ.

It is by grace through faith alone; not of works; lest anyone should boast.

Salvation is a gift, not earned by merit or performance. osas

Scriptures:

Ephesians 2:8–9 • John 15:5 • Hebrews 6:4–6, John 10:28

3b. Repentance

We believe repentance is a necessary part of salvation. Saving faith will have

visible evidence.

Fruit-bearing. Inward change first the heart. It is NOT a work to earn salvation.

Revelation 3:19, Romans 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9, Luke 24:46–47, Mark 1:15, Acts 17:30,

Acts 3:19,

Acts 2:38, Acts 17:30

4. The Work of Christ

We believe in the bodily death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus

Christ, who is now seated at the right hand of God until His return.

1 Corinthians 15:4, Mark 16:19, Matthew 28:1-20

5. Healing and Mental Health

We believe God is our ultimate Healer, but He also works through counseling, therapy, life coaching, doctors, and medicine.

Psalm 103:3

6. Scripture and Tradition

We uphold the sufficiency of Scripture while acknowledging that the church

Traditions, when rooted in the Word, have their place. Scripture always has final authority.

2 Timothy 3:16, Acts 2:42, 2 Peter 1:20, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, Colossians 2:8

7. The Church

We, the people, are the Church and members of Christ’s body.

Where two or three are gathered, there He is. We are not to forsake fellowship.

1 Peter 2:5, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Romans 12:1, 1 Peter 2:9, Ephesians

4:11–16

8. The Role of Women 

We believe in the God-given dignity, calling, and appropriate authority of women in the body

of Christ. From the beginning, God created both male and female in His image and

Commissioned them to rule, steward, and serve together. In Christ, there is no hierarchy of

Worth; only diversity of gifts.

Women are fully empowered by the Holy Spirit to teach women and children, lead in worship, and

minister according to their divine calling. We affirm the examples of Deborah,

Priscilla,

Phoebe, Mary Magdalene, and countless others whom God used mightily to

proclaim

His Word and advance His Kingdom.

While women also carry unique gifts of nurture, wisdom, and spiritual insight,

these do not limit their leadership; they enhance it in appropriate settings. Every woman is called to rise boldly in

faith, walking in humility, holiness, and power for the glory of God. women are NOT to usurp authority over men. 

Scriptures:

Genesis 1:27 • Galatians 3:28–29 • Acts 2:17–18 • Romans 16:1–7 • Judges 4–5

• Luke 8:1–3, 1 Timothy 2:12, Genesis 2:18, 1 Timothy 2:13, 

9. The Gifts of the Spirit 

We believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit are alive, active, and essential for the

building up of the Church today. Scripture teaches that the same Spirit who

empowered the early believers still works in and through God’s

People; distributing gifts as He wills for the common good.

These include both ministry and manifestation gifts: teaching, leadership, mercy,

prophecy, healing, tongues, interpretation, discernment, wisdom, faith, and

others. We affirm that none of these gifts have ceased, but continue as

expressions of God’s power and love in the world.

We do, however, believe that all gifts must operate in order, humility, and

alignment with Scripture; always pointing to Christ, never to self. The gifts are

not marks of superiority but of service, meant to strengthen and unify the body of

Christ.

Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 12:4–11 • Romans 12:6–8 • Ephesians 4:11–13 • 1 Corinthians

14:1–33 • Acts 2:1–4

10. Civil Engagement

We believe in honoring and obeying civil authorities and taking a faithful stand in

matters of justice and governance.

Romans 13:1–4, Colossians 3:22

11. Holiness and Fruit

The Holy Spirit enables believers to walk in God’s ways, not to be saved, but as

fruit of salvation.

John 15:8, Matthew 7:19, Romans 3:20

12. The Ordinances of the Faith

We believe in the biblical ordinances: baptism/confirmation, communion (Lord’s

Supper)

Matthew 28:19, John 6:51–56, 1 Corinthians 11:26

13. Justice and Mercy

We stand with the vulnerable: immigrants, refugees, victims of trafficking, and the

oppressed. We also stand with Israel while praying for peace among all nations.

Leviticus 19:34, Psalm 122:6

14. Nonviolence and Peacemaking

We are called to be peacemakers, living with humility and working to transform

unjust systems through love.

Romans 12:18

15. Eternity

We believe in the reality of heaven and hell. Each soul will spend eternity in one

or the other.

Revelation 20:14, John 14:2

16. End Times and Christ’s Return

We believe in:

● The second coming of Jesus Christ

● The pretrib rapture and resurrection of the saints

● The coming judgment and tribulation

● The final redemption of creation

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, Matthew 24, Revelation 21

17. Stewardship of Creation

We are called to care for creation, animals, and our communities as faithful

stewards.

Genesis 1:26–28

18. Prayer and Meditation

We believe in praying without ceasing and meditating on God’s Word daily.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, Joshua 1:8

19. Creeds and Doctrinal Unity

We affirm creeds that align with this statement of faith. All beliefs are measured

by the truth of Scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

20. On Identity, Gender, and Sexuality

We believe that all people are made in the image of God and are worthy of love,

dignity, and compassion, regardless of their past or present struggles. We affirm

the biblical view that God created humanity male and female, and that our

identity is rooted in being His image-bearers; not in feelings, attractions, or

cultural labels. While we do not affirm gender identities or sexual expressions

that fall outside of God’s design, we also do not reject or condemn those who are

wrestling with these areas. We welcome all who are seeking, hurting, or healing.

We trust the Holy Spirit to convict, transform, and lead each soul toward truth,

wholeness, and freedom in Christ. JESUS is the way truth and the life. We are called

to change, come as we are, yes, but not stay as we are.

Genesis 1:27, Romans 1:24–27, 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, John 8:11, Psalm 34:18

21. On Other Religions, Cults, and Spiritual Paths

We believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God and the only source of

salvation, truth, and eternal life. While we recognize the cultural and personal

sincerity in other religions (such as Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism) and

spiritual movements (New Age, ancestral practices, cult offshoots), we believe

they do not lead to salvation. We do not condemn those who follow these paths

but reject any worldview that denies the divinity of Christ, the truth of Scripture, or

salvation through Jesus alone. We welcome all to explore truth, ask questions,

and engage with our community.JESUS is the ONLY way, truth, and life.

John 14:6, Acts 4:12, 1 John 4:1, 2 Corinthians 11:3–4

22. Welcome to Seekers, Atheists, and Doubters

At R.I.S.E. with Yahweh, we welcome all who are curious, questioning, or even

disbelieving. If you are an atheist, agnostic, or someone hurt by religion, we invite

you to explore truth and healing here. We do not pressure, condemn, or

manipulate. Instead, we seek honest conversation, loving community, and space

to wrestle with life’s biggest questions. We believe God meets people where they

are—and lovingly leads them home. We do believe Jesus is the ONLY way, truth

and life to salvation.

John 20:24–29, Isaiah 1:18, Psalm 34:18

This is what we believe. And we hold it with grace, truth, and love—walking

humbly with our God.