Souletics: Preparing the Mind, Body and Soul for Peak Performance.
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Given that I talk a lot about "mind, body and soul," I think it's important to share my spiritual foundation to avoid any confusion or unanswered questions.

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About the Bible:
 

I believe that the Bible is fully inspired by God, that it is entirely trustworthy and is our guide for faith and life.

The Bible is living and the final authority for my faith. (Psalm 19:7-8; Matthew 5:18, 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21) . I believe that all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable to those that receive the message doctrine, that the words in the Bible can withstand criticism, it is there to correct, and for instruction in righteousness. As far as the physical evidence to support the Bible, there are over 5,000 Greek manuscripts, about 8,000 Latin manuscripts, and another 1,000 manuscripts in other languages. In addition to this extraordinary number of manuscripts, there are tens of thousands of citations of Biblical passages by the early church leaders.

To give a contrast, the typical number of existing manuscript copies for any of the works of the Greek and Latin authors and philosophers, such as Plato, Aristotle, Caesar, or Tacitus, ranges from one to 20. The Bible has probably the most historical evidence of any historic document in use.
 

About God:

 
As written in God’s inspired word, the Bible, I believe that God is the loving Creator of all that exists, both seen and unseen. God is eternal and completely good, knowing all things, having all power and majesty. God exists eternally as the Trinity, in three persons, yet one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is one and is the only one God. (Deut. 4:35; 32:29; Isa. 45:14; 46:9; Ex. 20:3, Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 9:14)
 

About Jesus:

 

I believe that God expressed Himself in human form through Jesus Christ to give us an example of how to live and interact with all diverse people. His greatest commandment is to LOVE. I believe Jesus was born of the virgin Mary and lived a sinless life. I believe that when He was crucified he took the burden for all our transgressions, rose from the dead and assumed his rightful place in heaven.

The Son of God became man in the divine-human person of Jesus Christ (John 1:1-18).
Jesus was fully God (John 10:30), and at the same time fully man (Philippians 2:7-8).
His death on the cross was the answer for mankind’s struggles, difficult circumstances and sins (Rom. 3:23-26; 1 Cor. 15:3).
He physically rose again on the third day (Matt 28:6; Rom 1:4).
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God; was manifested in the flesh by virgin birth; was crucified as the only acceptable sacrifice for our sins; arose bodily from the grave; is preparing a place for us; will return for us. (Luke 1:35; John 1:1, 14; John 14:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-19; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 3:18)

Interesting data about Jesus is that no other religious group, including Hindu, Islamic, Jewish or Buddist theologians disagree that Jesus walked the earth. All of these religious groups are inspired by his story and believe without a doubt in his service to humanity. The one stumbling block is whether he is the messiah (Savior for all of mankind). To me the fact that so many others believe in his service to mankind lends credibility to the ministry of Jesus. Followers of Christ simply believe he is who he claimed to be, which is the messiah.
 

About the Holy Spirit:

 

I believe that the Holy Spirit is sent from God to live in all who believe in Jesus to teach comfort and empower, and to give each follower of Jesus diverse gifts for serving in the world. I believe that it is through the Holy Spirit that we change and develop a holy, loving, compassionate, faithful and joyful character. (1 Corinthians 6:19; Galatians 5:22, 23; Ephesians 5:18)

The Holy Spirit compels us to confess Jesus as our Savior from our sins and Lord of our lives; indwells us to explain the Bible and empowers us to live godly lives. (John 16:7-14; Acts 5:3-4; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 5:17-21)
 

About My Salvation:

 

I believe that all people are created with dignity, great value and beauty, and that we are granted with unique gifts and talents in the image of God. I believe that people were created to live in a thriving relationship with God.

I believe that the working through of salvation, or me coming to grips with this act of love and gift of grace is one of the most important decisions I have ever made. Without a connection to God there is no one to save me from myself, no one to encourage me when I don't have the courage to step out on my own. There is no one else who knows me so intimately and deeply, yet accepts me unconditionally.

When my intellect (ego) has no answers or my strength has no muscle, it is my savior who sustains me. Relying on me for me can sometimes be too much, but my Savior is my shield, my guide and my comforter. When I'm alone, when circumstances and even my own thoughts are against me, it is my Lord who is my advocate.

How can I rely on the morality of myself or anyone else when it changes according to human desires and lifestyle choices? The Lord does not change. The Lord is my rock. My savior, Jesus, is my biggest fan.

How can I reject my Lord when it takes a greater amount of faith to deny him? Life offers too much evidence to support my Savior. My salvation is found only in accepting the gift of grace that my Christ has given me.

I believe that much of our pain and suffering is because of the denying and/or falling away from a divine relationship with God. Jesus isn't looking for perfection, he is looking for one's heart. It is because of God’s love for us that He sent His Son, Jesus, in the physical flesh, to take the burden from our minds, hearts and spirits, to rescue us from the consequences of that falling away, and to restore our broken relationship with God. I believe this was accomplished through Jesus´ death on the cross, a perfect act of redemption, compassion and forgiveness for each of us. We receive the free gift of forgiveness and are spiritually reborn through repentence (changing our mind and heart) of our sin and placing faith in Jesus alone.

Gift of Salvation (John 1:12; Romans 10:13)
Christ comes into our life (Ephesians 1:13-14)
Our sins are forgiven (Colossians 1:14)
We become a child of God (John 1:12)
We begin a new life with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17; John 10:10b)
We are assured of eternity in heaven (John 11:25, 26; 17:3)
We are eternally safe and secure in Jesus and give evidence of genuine faith by a life of good works. (John 3:16; John 10:27-29; Romans 8:38-39; James 2:14-17)
 

About the Church/Community:

 
 
I believe that the church is comprised of every person, anywhere in the world, who puts their faith in Jesus. The church itself is people who are empowered by God’s Spirit to be part of the mission of Jesus here on earth. A mission of love and plan for Salvation. The church is one global community, but has smaller, local expressions or buildings people may attend. Each local church expression has a unique personality and I see beauty in that diversity. I believe that the church does not exist for itself, but exists as a community of worshippers who are here to serve everyone, as we bring the love and hope of Jesus to the world around us.