Three Fold Path - At Jenks Church, we want our lives to be defined by who God is. We want our actions to flow from who God has revealed himself to be--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the very beginning the triune God formed the crown of creation, God said, "let us make man in our image, in our likeness"; "so God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (Genesis 3:26, 27)    

Father - Worship   God's purpose in creation was to create a people in His image who are in communion and community with Himself, with one another, and with all of creation. For his actions in our lives that continually work toward that purpose, He is worthy of our highest worship. We seek to live lives of worship, both individually, and as a community of faith.

Scripture reveals that "There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came, and for whom we live" I Corinthians 8:5-6;  additionally Jesus teaches, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.  (from the teachings of Jesus, Gospel of John 4:23-24)

Son - Mission  Christ became human and lived among people for the purpose of fully restoring creation. In this act of restoration, God's purpose was the same as it was in creation--to have a people in His image, in communion and community with Himself, with one another, and with the whole of creation. Today, Christ invites us to join Him in this mission of restoration. Our task, then, is to "live among people," working to make God's dream for His creation a reality...even now.

Holy Scripture reveals that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people through his death on the cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate God's power over sin and death and ultimately returned to heaven's glory. (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; I Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14) Additionally, as the Son of God, Jesus' ministry provided a living example teaching us to serve one another. (John 13; Luke 22:27)

Spirit - Spiritual Formation  The Holy Spirit continues the restorative work of Christ by renewing His image in our lives today.  When we open ourselves to spiritual formation, we are working alongside God to achieve this goal in our own lives, in the lives of one another, and in all of creation.

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need of Jesus Christ. He is presented as a gift to those who choose faith in God through Jesus Christ. He provides the believer with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right.  (Matthew 28:19; Matthew 3:16; Romans 8:9, 14; II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-15; 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galations 5:25; Ephesians 5:18)

 

In essential beliefs we have unity

 

 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:1-6)

In non-essential beliefs we have liberty

 

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters...So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. (Romans 14:1, 22)

 

In all our beliefs we show charity

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. (I Corinthians 13:1-3)