My Statement of Faith




I was raised Reformed Presbyterian by my parents since my father is a pastor for the denomination, but I actually consider myself a bit of a delinquent when it comes to reformed theology. I could type the Nicene Creed as the statement of my faith as I readily accept it as my own belief, but what I have found most important aside from “correct” doctrine is the actual evidence of one’s personal relationship to Christ. Many people could out-doctrine me with Calvinistic standpoints and Biblically solid reformed arguments since I have not made the study of theology the epitome of my faith, although I do believe in having an answer for everyone who asks why I have such hope in God. When I was eleven I accepted Christ as my savior through prayer and began to live out my faith according to what I had learned as a child. As I grew I learned that becoming Christ-like is an ever continuing process and that it involves learning how God intended you to be, and then being obedient enough to make the change from a sinful default setting to an image bearer of the Creator. I also learned that Christians cannot follow God as faithfully as God loves them, and through many fallen actions and states of mind I have come to adore the Father as merciful and compassionate as well as dutiful and just. I do believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and in His son Jesus Christ our Lord, I accept the scriptures to be God-breathed and infallible, and I know that Christ is the only means of salvation. My statement of faith does not simply consist of Predestination (which I believe is a mystery and a paradox), approval of infant baptism, and does not necessarily promote exclusive psalmody. In my searching I have failed to find Biblical reason enough to view these as pivotal to the faith, and this is why I suppose I am an RP delinquent.
I do believe however that worship is a necessary aspect of the Christian life, and church communities are a crucial means of sanctification. I also believe the institutions of marriage, pastoral duty and parenthood are holy and permanent callings.
My callings involve several different faucets of life, some of which would seem incompatible or ironic. My first calling would be as a daughter to Geneva’s Professor of Biblical Languages and sister to my three brothers. The second calling would be as a student to Geneva and CCBC as a Bible/Aviation major, and all that it entails. My third would be as a friend and supporter of a broad classification of friends and acquaintances that I have come to know over the years, some of which I consider my church family, and some that I am in the process of ministering to.
As a daughter I fall under the authority of every biblical command to “children,” including honoring and obeying my parents and working diligently without complaint. Daily I fall short. I will not mince words here, my own human shortcomings hinder correct actions as a daughter and sister in many ways, but my faith in God leads me to continue to try out of love. Though having three brothers can be difficult at times, I adore and cherish each one in their own way, and lavish as much time and attention as I can spare on my younger two who need it most. It remains a comfort to me that I have set my heart in the right place pertaining to my family even when my words and actions suggest otherwise, and I struggle perpetually to become a light bearer and friend to my brothers. My father is a godly man, and much of my faith has been based on what I have seen of his own principles and standards for godly living. He and I have a good relationship that is enviable by the majority of girls my age. I have little difficulty abiding by the rules and goals my dad has set for me, even though I might have a sassy or belligerent attitude while doing it. My faith and belief in Christ has been anchored and promoted by my father in a way that I am constantly grateful for.
Aviation has proved one of the most challenging endeavors of my academic life due to its different nature than what I am inherently inclined to. When God called me to fly, and away from Zoology, Biology, English, and Sociology, I was excited but concerned that I did not have the mental or emotional aptitude for what such a demanding career necessitated. I had to close my gift-oriented eyes and jump blindly onto a path I would never have chosen but that I believe was chosen for me. I still have some doubts about my suitability for aviation, but no doubt that this is where God wants and has put me for the time being. One of the most incredible experiences I have known has been the social interactions at the Beaver County Fixed Based Operator where I attend my flight courses. It has strengthened my resolve to be salt and light of the earth, and not to hide from places and people that are devoid of Christ, but to rather allow my involvement to transform what it can through example and truth.
My view on friendship is fairly narrow compared to the culture’s broadly accommodating stance. My close friends are always believers, generally of any age and denomination, and they comprise my “adopted family” or the precious few that I view as true brothers and sisters. Our relationships with each other act as a supportive network, and we all benefit from each other’s spiritual experience and correction. My friendships are where I derive edification and the greatest reward and satisfaction.
“Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
The majority of people I interact with are not believers but follow whatever social code of honor they were subjected to during childhood or at school, and I attempt to set through my behavior an example that shows truth as absolute and moral standards as existent and unchanging. I fall short continuously, but God is faithful to use any willing being as His witness, and I rest in that.
In closing I would like to suggest that practice of one’s Christian belief is an ever continuing process that never reaches perfection on earth and does not fail to grow if one’s heart and soul remain focused on God. The apostle Paul’s words ring true for more than himself when he writes to Timothy that, “…I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 1:12-14