> Key Beliefs
A “Key Belief” is a belief that defines us as Agathos. Some Christians will have differing views on some or all of our Key Beliefs, and we accept that and do not deny that they are Christians. The Key Beliefs define us as Agathos Ministries. We recognize the right of Baptists to be Baptist, of Catholics to be Catholic, and of any Christian to be any sort of Christian, provided the beliefs we feel are Critical are not denied.
1. BIBLE. The 66 books of the Bible are the Word of God, perfect in their original manuscript form and in their original languages. The interpretation of any part is to be taken in context of the whole, and considered in the context in which it was intended. The Bible will not contradict Reality nor will principles be inconsistent.
2. CHRISTIANITY. The dividing line between a Christian and a nonChristian is faith in Jesus Christ, and many churches, denominations or movements may agree on the critical beliefs, but disagree on other beliefs, on practices, or on the style or culture of the group. We believe in the right of these groups to be who they are and do what they do, provided they do not deviate from the critical beliefs of One God, Jesus, and Salvation by grace through faith.
3. GOD’S NATURE, CHARACTER AND AGENDA. God is Infinite in His Genius, Infinite in His Wisdom, Infinite in His Power and Perfect in His Love. To God, All Places are Here, All Times are Now. He is a loving Father who is interested in people walking in harmony with Him and His Creation, in the growth and maturity of His children, and in all of humanity growing in Good Character.
4. GOOD WORKS. Good works do not in any way contribute to salvation, but good works naturally flow from saving faith, and a Christian will naturally wish to stop doing wrong things and do more right things, and a if there is no change of heart, a new Christian has reason to examine his profession of faith.
5. SPIRITUAL GIFTS. The gifts of the spirit are still active and available today, but we do not exercise the supernatural gifts in our services. Miracles have occurred, do occur, and will continue to occur, but they are an intervention of God most common when a problem or its solution are not a human responsibility.
6. APPLIED CREATIONISM. We believe God designed and engineered the Universe, and that it worked perfectly when originally made. We believe that Creation works on Principles that include physics, mathematics, and other verifiably true principles. We believe that we should walk in obedience to those Principles as well as obeying the moral and practical teaching in Scripture. We believe that faith in that design is faith in the Creator.
7. DISCIPLESHIP. A Disciple of Christ is one who is devoted to spiritual growth and a deepening relationship with God. Spiritual growth will result in greater obedience to God, cooperation with God’s principles, and growth in character. Discipleship is accepting Jesus Christ as Lord. Three key methods of spiritual growth are the Bible (reading, study, consideration), Prayer (speaking to God), and Fellowship (spending time and investing in relationship with Christians).
