Beliefs

When it comes to our beliefs, culture, preferences, traditions, lifestyles, politics, behavior, etc., Pinecrest takes a two-step approach. Regarding non-negotiable beliefs of Christian faith: sin is our problem, Jesus (who is fully God and alive today) is our answer, the Bible is true, and Hell is hot.

The other step however, allows room for differences when it comes to secondary matters; we allow grace and freedom for conscience and wisdom to guide where the Bible is silent. The open hand fosters unity among the diversity of expressions found in the Pinecrest fellowship: Democrats and Republicans, soccer moms and indie rockers, carnivores and vegans, ranchers with tractors and suburbanites with very small lawns.

In this way, we are seeking to simultaneously heed the Bible’s commands to have sound teaching (1Timothy 4:16; Titus 1:9, 2:1), to love our Christian brothers and sisters (1 Peter 4:8; 1 John 4:7-21), and to avoid unnecessary divisions (Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 1:10, 12:25; Titus 3:10).  More than anything, we want to allow Jesus to be our King and Leader.

In essential beliefs we must seek  UNITY with other Christians  - "There is one Body and one Spirit...there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all..." (Ephesians 4:4-6)

In non-essential beliefs we should have LIBERTY with other Christians - "Accept him whose faith is lacking, without passing judgement on disputable matters...Who are you to judge someone else's servant?  To his own master he stands or falls...So then each of us will give and account of himself to God...So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God." (Romans 14:1,4,12,22) 

In all our beliefs we need to demonstrate CHARITY toward other Christians - "If I hold my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that move mountains, but have not love, I amount to nothing at all." (1 Corinthians 13:2 Phillips paraphrase) 

 

* A more detailed statement of faith is available upon request.