As Christians,
we believe... 
There is one God, who is infinitely perfect, who chose to manifest Himself in two beings in order to help mankind understand the existence, and will of God. These beings are Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit who proceeds from God the Father and His Son.
 
Jesus was true God and true man who came to live in this world to teach us the path to eternal life as foretold in the Jewish scriptures. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, and like God, is without sin. Jesus died on the cross for the redemption of mankind so we could witness by his resurrection that he truly was God manifested in the flesh to teach us the path to eternal life.
 
Jesus now sits at the right hand of God, yet is available to anyone who wishes eternal salvation in the Kingdom of God. This salvation is made known to us through his love by the indwelling presence of his Holy Spirit. We become aware of his love when we accept Jesus into our heart as our Lord and Savior. Jesus is the mediator between God and mankind who cleanses us from sin and purifies our souls so we are made worthy to stand in the presence of God. 
 
The Old and New Testaments were verbally inspired by God through the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ, and have been protected throughout the ages and are a complete revelation of God's will for the salvation of mankind.
 
The relationship between God and mankind began when man was created in the image and likeness of God. Mankind fell from the grace of God through disobedience, thereby incurring physical and spiritual death. Mankind is born with a sinful nature and separates himself from God through sin. Eternal salvation into the Kingdom of God can only be obtained through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
 
Salvation is obtained by anyone who sincerely repents for their sins and accepts the love of Jesus into their heart. The indwelling presence of his love and Holy Spirit is how we are born again into eternal life, thus making us worthy to be called the children of God.
 
It is the will of God that every believer should become filled with the Holy Spirit and sanctified from sin, thus being fully dedicated to the will of God, thereby receiving power for holy living and effective service. 
 
The church of Jesus Christ consists of all those who believe in Jesus Christ and follow his teachings. Jesus is the head of his church and has commissioned his followers to go into the world as a witnesses to his truths, preaching the Gospel of eternal salvation to all who will listen...

I asked God,
and God said, "No."
I asked God to take away my habit. God said, “No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.”

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, “No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.”

I asked God to grant me patience. God said, “No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned.”

I asked God to give me happiness. God said, “No. I give you blessings; happiness is up to you.”

I asked God to spare me pain. God said, “No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.” 
 
I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, “No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.”

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, “No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.”

I asked God to help me love others, as much as He loves me. God said, "Ah, you finally have the right idea."

 
Pushing against
the Rock
A man was sleeping one night when suddenly his room was filled with the Spirit of God. A Voice spoke and told the man He had work for him to do. 

The Voice led the man outside to an enormous rock that was at the base of the mountain where the man lived. The Voice told the man that he was to push against the rock with all his strength, and while he pushed, the Holy Spirit would keep him company. 
  
This the man did, day after day toiling from sun up to sun down; his shoulders set square against the massive surface of the rock pushing with all his strength. And while he pushed the Holy Spirit spoke with him about Jesus and all his works; and the man was encouraged.
 
This went on for years until one day the man began to feel that his whole life was being spent in vain. Each night the man returned home sore and worn out. Seeing that the man was beginning to lose his trust in God, Satan decided to enter the man’s mind and began to tell him things like, “You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn’t budged. Why kill yourself over this? Why not enjoy your life instead? There are many pleasures I can show you if you will only follow me.”
 
The man began to doubt his work for the Lord. He thought, “Why am I killing myself over this? I’ll never move this rock. I've spent years doing what God has asked me to do and I have yet to move this rock even a half-a-millimeter. This is hopeless!”
 
Feeling weak and discouraged the man decided to share his frustration with God and prayed, “Lord, I have labored long and hard in Your service putting in all my strength to do what You have asked me to do. Yet, after all this time, I have not budged that rock even a half-a-millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?”
 
Suddenly, the man heard a loving Voice which said, “My child, when long ago I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all your strength. And now you come to Me with your strength spent thinking you have failed.”
 
“But is this really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled from constantly pushing; your shoulders, back and legs rippled from years of resistance. And your heart and mind—they are now steady and wise from faithfully learning My teachings from my Son."

"Through tribulation, you have grown much and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. And yet, what you say is true. You have not moved the rock."

"However, your calling was not to move the rock. Your calling was to be obedient; to push the rock and exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. This you have done and I am pleased.

"I, my child, will now move the rock."


A Prayer of Thanks…
by Tyrone
Oh God, when I have food, help me remember the hungry;
 
When I have work, help me remember the jobless;
 
When I have a warm home, help me remember the homeless;
 
When I am without pain; help me remember those who suffer.
 
And in remembering, help me to destroy my complacency, and bestow my compassion.
 
I welcome the power of the Holy Spirit to help me grow in my faith and love for you so I may have the courage to help, by word and by deed,
those who cry out for what we take for granted.

Amen.