We believe the following truths, grounded in Scripture, as central to who we are as a ministry and to all we seek to build:
1. The Scriptures
We believe the Bible, as originally given, is the inerrant, infallible, verbally inspired Word of God. It is the supreme and final authority in all matters of faith, life, doctrine, and practice.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16
2. The Triune God
We believe there is one God, eternally existing in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — each fully God, equal in essence, yet distinct in role.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” — Matthew 28:19
3. Creation, Fall, and Human Sinfulness
We believe God created all things (seen and unseen) by His Word. Humanity was created in His image but fell into sin through Adam, bringing judgment, corruption, spiritual death, and separation from God to all people.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23
4. Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, died as a substitutionary atoning sacrifice for sinners, was buried, physically rose again on the third day, ascended into heaven, and now reigns exalted at the right hand of the Father.
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
“Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” — 1 Corinthians 15:3–4
5. Salvation
We believe salvation is entirely by God’s grace: from beginning to end. It is offered to sinners through faith alone in Christ alone. We are justified before God not by our works but through repentance and trusting in Him. Believers are being sanctified, transformed by the Holy Spirit into Christlikeness, and will be glorified in the end.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8–9
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18
6. The Work of the Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit regenerates sinners, indwells believers, empowers them for godly living, convicts of sin, assures our salvation, gifts the church for ministry, and sanctifies us throughout our lives.
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” — John 16:13
7. The Church
We believe the Church is the community of all true believers in Christ, universally, and is to gather in local congregations for worship, fellowship, the preaching of the Word, the ordinances (baptism and the Lord’s Supper), discipleship, and mission. We believe the Church is to reflect Christ, advance the Gospel, and care for one another in love.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” — Hebrews 10:24–25
8. Last Things and Eternal State
We believe in the personal, visible, and bodily return of Jesus Christ. At His return, the dead will be raised; believers will receive glorified bodies; unbelievers will face judgment and eternal separation from God. Heaven and hell are real and eternal.
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command… and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive…” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
“And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” — Matthew 25:46
9. The Ultimate Purpose: God’s Glory and Our Joy
We believe that the ultimate end of God’s plan is the display of His glory, and the joy of His people in that glory. The joy of the LORD is our strength, and our deepest delight is found in God Himself. Worship is not merely one activity among many, but the ultimate reason for all creation and our calling.
“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever.” — Romans 11:36
“You have made us for yourself, O LORD, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.” — adapted from Augustine’s Confessions, but parallel to Psalm 16:11
Closing
We affirm this Statement of Faith as a foundation for the ministry of Hopeful Disasters — as a guide for belief, teaching, accountability, and mission. Yet, we acknowledge there is mystery in some areas, and invite continuous humility, study, and reliance on Scripture to grow in understanding and faithfulness.