What We Believe
Isaiah 40:8
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Psalm 119:160
“All Your words are true; all Your righteous laws are eternal.”
Introduction
Increasingly the number of people in our society who see the world God’s way, who have a Christian World View, is declining. Bible believing Christians are called to be in the world, but not be of the world. We are called to be the salt of the earth. In other words, our mission is to affect our culture in a Godly manner. We dare not allow ourselves to compromise in a culture that is often at odds with the clear design, plan, and will of Almighty God.
Here at Trinity we take a strong unwavering stand upon the Word of God. All of our teaching and practice has as its foundation the Holy Scriptures. What Trinity clings to, confesses, and promotes is a Christian World View. We strive, therefore, to see things God’s way, through His eyes. As our Lord and Savior taught us to pray; “Thy will be done.”
This position paper is simply our way of making it abundantly clear that Trinity is founded upon the Word of God. Without hesitation, reservation, embarrassment, or timidity – we stand for a Christian World View.
Here We Stand!
1. Salvation
• Jesus answered, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
• We are saved by grace. St. Paul wrote: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
2. Morality
• The Lord has designed life – He has written the rules of how life works.
• Morals enable a person to make decisions concerning right and wrong behavior.
• Morality does not change with the times, but applies to all ages, societies, and conditions.
3. Spirituality/Worship Life
• Those who love the Lord reveal that love through the joyful participation of honoring God in worship and Bible class attendance. (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19-20)
• As with any relationship those who love the Lord desire to spend time with the one they love. (Hebrews 10:25)
• The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not simply one segment of or an addition to the curriculum. God’s love for us in Christ is the very reason Trinity has as an integral part of its ministry a Christian school. (Matthew 6:33)
4. Right and Wrong
• The measure of what is right or wrong behavior, actions, or attitudes is the Holy Bible.
• We must strive to do as the Scriptures direct, to “speak the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15)
• There are moral absolutes.
5. Respect
• Everyone deserves respect as a child of God.
• Respect for authority (parents, teachers, and adults) must be maintained. (Exodus 20:12)
• Respecting others affects relationships with fellow students, adults, staff, coaches, volunteers, and guests.
6. Character
• It is the parent’s primary role to shape and develop the character of their child(ren).
• A person’s character is what drives their motivations, decision making, and trustworthiness. (Colossians 3:12-17)
• Character enables a person to use their God given gifts in ways that bring blessings to others and to themselves. (Ephesians 4:22-23; 5:1-2)
• Christian character is developed through interaction and relationships with others who have high Christian character. It is both taught and caught.
• True character is often displayed during challenging and difficult times.
7. Valuing Others
• Every person has God-given value.
• A person’s value is not derived from their performance, appearance, social status, abilities, age, health, or ethnicity – but because they are a loved, unique creation of Almighty God.
• We must value others as the Lord values us.
8. Marriage
• Marriage is a covenant relationship between one man and one woman ordained by God. (Genesis 2:24)
• The basis of marriage is not simply a legal document, the affection between the spouses, shared property, children, or living together.
• The foundations of marriage are the promises made and kept by the husband and wife. The man promises to love and serve his wife for life. The woman promises to love and serve her husband for life. Only the individual can make themselves keep their promises. (Ephesians 5:21-33; 1Corinthians 7:4)
9. Parenting
• God has given parents the primary responsibility of guiding, influencing, and shaping their children. (Ephesians 6:1-4)
• Others can assist, but no one is as powerful a force in a child’s life as parents. (Colossians 3:20-24)
• Parents teamed with a Christian church and school forms a remarkable tool God can use to raise up successful, spiritual, talented young people.
10. Discipline
There are consequences to actions and behavior. (Galatians 6:7-10; Hebrews 12:11)
11. Conflict
• Because we are all sinners (Romans 3:23), conflict between people will always be a part of the human experience.
• All will deal with conflict, but Christians must handle conflict in a Christ centered manner that has reconciliation and restoration as its goal.
• Acceptance, understanding, forgiveness, discreetness, confidentiality, honesty, and truthfulness must be practiced.
• Jesus directs that when misunderstanding occurs, one party goes to speak to the other privately in the spirit of love. (Matthew 18)
• While the world promotes getting even with those we find offensive, Christ leads us to reconcile, restore, and forgive.
• Connecting actions and behaviors with consequences early in life is vital.
12. Self-Control
• Self-discipline and control begin when one is held accountable. (Galatians 5:22-23)
• Learning to control actions must begin in the home when children are young.
• Eventually, we are responsible for ourselves, our actions, and our behavior.
13. School Attendance
• Students must arrive to school in time to be prepared for a day of learning.
• Missing school should only occur for legitimate, responsible, and rare instances.
• In most instances taking a child out of school for appointments is to be avoided.
14. Learning
Students must be prepared for school with:
• Proper dress, materials, books, and work.
• Sufficient sleep.
• Proper breakfast.
• Respect for parents, teachers, staff, fellow students, the facility and other’s property.
15. Bullying
• Students must treat one another as they would like others to treat them.
• Bullying will not be tolerated or overlooked. (Ephesians 4:29-32)
16. Language
• Godly language is imperative.
• Coarse, rude, hurtful, and demeaning language must not be used.
17. Substance Abuse
• Alcohol and drug abuse take a terrible toll upon the family of those who are addicted to or improperly use drugs and alcohol.
• The Lord has called us to love one another, and so we cannot ignore situations in which people are hurting themselves and those around them due to substance abuse.
• Action must be taken to assist those affected by substance abuse.
18. Entertainment
• Just as there are healthy foods and “junk” foods, there is entertainment that is healthy and unhealthy.
• Because so much of available entertainment is not based upon Godly principles, Christians must be very discerning when it comes to their entertainment choices. (Ephesians 4:22-23; 5:1-2; 6:10-17)
19. Internet / Computer
• Technology can be a fantastic blessing when employed properly.
• The internet, computer games, etc., offer many positive opportunities for learning, research, and fun.
• The internet, computer games, etc., also provide many resources that are dangerous, deceiving, and ungodly.
• Great discernment must be used by Christians when online or while playing some computer games.
20. Sports / Fans
• Sports can be a wonderful activity promoting good health, relationships, unity, character, team spirit, and fun.
• Christians can be competitive, active, and excited when playing and watching sporting events.
• Christians must also be mature and godly in the manner in which they interact with fellow competitors, fans, officials and coaches. +
Jeremiah 31:1
“At that time, says the LORD, I will be the God of all the families…and they shall be my people.”
Revelation 2:10
“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”