Our Beliefs

Overview

The Tetragrammaton is the four-letter Hebrew theonym יהוה‎ (transliterated as YHWH or YHVH), the name of God in the Hebrew Bible. The four letters, written and read from right to left (in Hebrew), are yodh, he, waw, and he. The name may be derived from a verb that means "to be", "to exist", "to cause to become", or "to come to pass". While there is no consensus about the structure and etymology of the name, the form Yahweh is now accepted almost universally among Biblical and Semitic linguistics scholars, though the vocalization Jehovah continues to have wide usage.

Overview

The name "Jesus" and "Yeshua" both refer to the same person, but they are derived from different languages. "Jesus" is the anglicized version of the Greek name "Iesous," which in turn is a transliteration of the Hebrew name "Yeshua." "Yeshua" is the original Hebrew name of the person commonly known as Jesus in English. In the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus is referred to as "Yeshua" in the original Hebrew and Aramaic texts. The name "Yeshua" means "Yahweh is salvation" in Hebrew, emphasizing the divine nature of Jesus and his role as the savior in Christian theology. The name "Jesus" is the result of the name being translated and adapted into different languages over time, reflecting the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Christian tradition.

Overview

The Holy Spirit, known as Ruach HaKodesh in Hebrew, is a fundamental concept in Judaism, Christianity, and some other Abrahamic religions. It is considered to be the divine presence of God that is actively involved in the world and in the lives of believers. In Judaism, Ruach HaKodesh is often associated with the breath of God, symbolizing the life force and creative power of God. This divine presence is believed to inspire, guide, and empower individuals who seek to live in accordance with God's will. In Christianity, the Holy Spirit is considered the third person of the Holy Union, alongside God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ). The Holy Spirit is believed to dwell within believers, providing comfort, wisdom, and strength, and is seen as the advocate and counselor promised by Jesus Christ. Across different faith traditions, the Holy Spirit/Ruach HaKodesh is revered as the source of spiritual gifts, such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues, and is viewed as essential for spiritual growth and transformation.

Overview

The Holy Scriptures, also known as the Bible, are considered the ultimate authority for Christians and are believed to be infallible in all matters of faith and practice. This means that they are regarded as the inspired word of God and are considered to be without error in their original form. The Bible is comprised of the Old Testament and the New Testament, containing a collection of books, letters, and historical accounts that are revered as sacred and authoritative by Christian believers. The infallibility of the Scriptures is a fundamental belief for many Christian denominations and is central to their teachings and interpretations of religious doctrine and moral guidance.

Overview

Being created in the image of God is a fundamental belief in many religious traditions. It is a concept that speaks to the inherent value and dignity of every human being. The idea that we are created in the image of God suggests that we are reflections of the divine, and that we carry within us a spark of the divine nature.

This belief has profound implications for how we view ourselves and others. It means that every person has inherent worth and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. It also means that we have a responsibility to care for and protect the well-being of others, as we are all reflections of the divine.

Being created in the image of God also suggests that we have the capacity for goodness, creativity, and love. It means that we have the potential to reflect the divine attributes of compassion, justice, and mercy. This belief can inspire us to strive for excellence in our lives and to seek to bring out the best in ourselves and others.

Ultimately, being created in the image of God is a reminder of our interconnectedness and our shared humanity. It calls us to recognize the divine in each other and to treat one another with kindness, compassion, and love. It is a powerful affirmation of the value and dignity of every human being, and a reminder of our responsibility to care for and uplift one another.

Overview

The Ten Commandments are a set of biblical principles relating to ethics and worship, which play a fundamental role in the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. They are found in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in the book of Exodus and the book of Deuteronomy. The commandments are considered to be a moral code and a guide for living a righteous life. They cover a range of topics, including the worship of God, ethical behavior, and interpersonal relationships. The commandments are as follows:

1. You shall have no other gods before me. 2. You shall not make for yourself an idol. 3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. 4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 5. Honor your father and your mother. 6. You shall not murder. 7. You shall not commit adultery. 8. You shall not steal. 9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 10. You shall not covet.

These commandments are considered to be the foundation of moral and ethical behavior in the Judeo-Christian tradition and are often used as a basis for legal and ethical systems in many societies.

Overview

The Sabbath rest is a concept that is deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition. In the Bible, the Sabbath is described as a day of rest and worship that is set apart from the other days of the week. It is a time for God's people to cease from their regular work and to focus on their relationship with God and with one another.

The Sabbath rest is first mentioned in the book of Genesis, where it is described as the day on which God rested after creating the world. In the Ten Commandments, God commands his people to remember the Sabbath day and to keep it holy. This commandment is a reminder that God's people are to imitate God's rest and to set aside time for worship and spiritual renewal.

Throughout the Bible, the Sabbath rest is associated with freedom, justice, and renewal. It is a time for God's people to remember their liberation from slavery in Egypt and to celebrate their freedom in God. It is also a time for God's people to seek justice for the oppressed and to care for the vulnerable in their communities. The Sabbath rest is a time for God's people to be renewed in body, mind, and spirit, and to be restored to their true identity as God's beloved children.

In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the Lord of the Sabbath, and he teaches that the Sabbath was made for humanity, not humanity for the Sabbath. Jesus' teachings on the Sabbath emphasize the importance of mercy, compassion, and justice, and he challenges the legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath that had become prevalent in his time.

For Christians, the Sabbath rest is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who offers rest for the weary and burdened. The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to strive to enter God's rest, and to make every effort to enter that rest so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.

In summary, the Sabbath rest is a time for God's people to cease from their regular work, to focus on their relationship with God and with one another, and to seek freedom, justice, and renewal. It is a gift from God that is meant to bring rest and restoration to his people.

Overview

The Feasts of the Lord, also known as the Jewish High Holy Days, are a series of seven annual celebrations that were given to the people of Israel in the Old Testament. These feasts are outlined in the book of Leviticus and are considered to be a central part of the Jewish religious calendar, serving as a way to commemorate historical events and express gratitude to God. The feasts are Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles. Each feast has its own unique significance and is associated with specific rituals and traditions, such as the symbolic Passover meal and the dwelling in temporary shelters during Tabernacles.

The feasts are also seen as having prophetic significance, with many Christians believing that they foreshadow the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For example, the Passover feast, which commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus' sacrifice as the "Lamb of God" who takes away the sins of the world. Similarly, Pentecost, which celebrates the giving of the Law to Moses, is viewed by Christians as a precursor to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as described in the New Testament.

Today, many Jewish people and some Christians continue to observe these feasts as a way of remembering and celebrating God's faithfulness and provision. For Jews, the feasts are a way to connect with their heritage and express their devotion to God, while for Christians, they provide an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the biblical roots of their faith and to reflect on the spiritual significance of these ancient traditions.

Overview

The church is often referred to as the body of Christ, drawing a parallel between the interconnectedness and interdependence of believers and the way different parts function within the human body. This analogy emphasizes that just as the human body is made up of distinct parts, each with its own unique function, the church is comprised of individuals with diverse gifts, talents, and callings. This concept underscores the idea that every member of the church has a vital role to play in advancing the teachings and values of Christ. It promotes the understanding that collective effort is necessary to achieve the overall mission of spreading love, compassion, and understanding in the world. Furthermore, this metaphor highlights the importance of unity and cooperation among believers, emphasizing that these are essential for the church to effectively carry out its responsibilities and positively impact the world. This interconnectedness and interdependence within the body of Christ also fosters a sense of community and mutual support among believers, reinforcing the idea that each individual's contribution is valuable and necessary for the fulfillment of the church's mission.

Overview

The concept of salvation through Christ's sacrifice is central to Christian faith. It is rooted in the belief that Jesus Christ's crucifixion was a redemptive act, offering forgiveness for humanity's sins and enabling reconciliation with God. This belief is based on the understanding that all people are born with a sinful nature, which creates a spiritual separation from God. However, Christ's sacrificial death is seen as a way for believers to receive forgiveness and restore a harmonious relationship with God. This theological principle is foundational to the Christian faith and is closely tied to the promise of eternal life. The idea of salvation through Christ's sacrifice is a key element in the teachings of many Christian denominations and has a profound impact on their core doctrines and the way believers understand and practice their spirituality. It also influences Christian belief by shaping the understanding of God's grace and the nature of divine love. Additionally, this concept forms the basis for the Christian understanding of atonement and the role of Jesus as the savior of humanity.