Statement of Beliefs

[MarkB]

We affirm the following core beliefs as the foundation of our fellowship and discussion:

1. The One True God 
   • We believe in YHWH, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - the Creator of heaven and earth.
     
   • He is one (Deuteronomy 6:4), eternal, and unchanging in His character, mercy, and truth.
     
2. Yeshua the Messiah 
   • We believe that Yeshua (Jesus) is the promised Messiah, the Son of God, the Word made flesh (John 1:14).
     
   • Through His life, death, and resurrection, He brought redemption and reconciliation for all who believe.
     
   • Yeshua is the Living Torah, perfectly obedient to the Father, and the ultimate example for our walk of faith.
     
3. The Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) 
   • We believe the Ruach HaKodesh dwells within believers, empowering them to live in obedience, bear fruit, and grow in spiritual understanding.
     
   • The Spirit leads us into truth and convicts us of sin and leads us to righteousness.
     
4. The Authority of Scripture 
   • We believe the entire Bible - from Genesis to Revelation - is the inspired and authoritative Word of God.
     
   • All Scripture is profitable for teaching, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).
     
   • We uphold the Torah as God’s eternal instruction, applicable and relevant for believers today.
     
5. Salvation and Covenant 
   • Salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Yeshua the Messiah (Ephesians 2:8-9).
     
   • Obedience to God’s commandments is practicing righteousness. Obedience does not earn salvation but is the fruit and evidence of a redeemed life.
     
   • Believers are grafted into the commonwealth of Israel (Romans 11:17-24), becoming partakers of the covenant promises.
     
6. The Torah and Obedience 
   • We believe the Torah reflects God’s will and wisdom.
     
   • Observing His commandments - including the Sabbath, appointed Feasts, and dietary instructions - is a joyful response to His love and covenant relationship.
     
   • Through obedience, we express our faith and devotion to the Father.
     
   • Without obedience, we are expressing faith without faithfulness. 
     
7. The People of God 
   • We believe that all who place their faith in Yeshua and walk in His ways are part of the body of Messiah - one people, united in covenant relationship with God.
     
   • There is no distinction in worth or access between Jew and Gentile (Galatians 3:28), for all are called to serve and glorify the same God.
     
8. The Kingdom and Restoration 
   • We believe Yeshua will return to establish His Kingdom on earth, to restore all things, and to reign from Jerusalem.
     
   • Until that day, we are called to live as ambassadors of His Kingdom, walking in holiness and preparing the way of the Lord.
     
9. Love  
   • Above all, we believe love is the fulfillment of the Torah (Romans 13:10).
     
   • We are called to walk humbly, seek peace, and encourage one another in truth and righteousness. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." - Ecclesiastes 12:13
     
10. Holy Names 
    • We are purposely leaving out discussion concerning pronunciation of the Names YHWH or Yeshua. We ask that you be respectful and accept if someone uses a different spelling or pronunciation. Attacking someone based on a mispronunciation is not acceptable. 
      
    • We find it completely acceptable to use Jesus, Yeshua, Hashem, Adonai, YHWH, Yehoveh, God, G-d, et al. We also realize that everyone has different levels of understanding and we would rather help growth than to push someone away. If something makes you uncomfortable, please discuss it and help others to understand why.