Statement of Faith: SSI is unapologetically a Christian ministry, dedicated to the furthering of the Gospel through Biblical discipleship. We are not directly affiliated with any one denomination or tradition but are ecumenical, partnering with communities of believers who stand firmly on the truth of God’s Word. In the pursuit of unity and fellowship, the following statement articulates our essential beliefs as found in Holy Scripture.

The Trinity: We believe in the one true God, the Creator, through whom all things were made, both visible and invisible. Who exists eternally in the united trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, uncreated, equal in glory and majesty. Neither blending their persons, nor dividing their essence. Matthew 28:19; John 10:28-30; Ephesians 4:4-6; John 1:1-3; 1 John 5:7; Genesis 1:1

God the Father: We believe that God the Father reigns with care and authority over all things, visible and invisible. In His gracious providence, he lovingly directs time according to the purposes of His will. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, all wise, and ever present. Genesis 1:1; 1 Peter 1:17; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 John 3:1; Matthew 6:6

God the Son: We believe in the deity of Jesus of Nazareth, the second person of the Trinity. That he is uncreated, immeasurable, and eternal. He is the only son of God, begotten not made. Fully God and fully man, yet is not two, but one. He is the Christ, the Messiah as prophesied and fulfilled through His virgin birth, His life, death, resurrection, and ascension as witnessed and recorded in Holy Scripture. Matthew 1:23; John 1:1-4 and 1:29; Acts 2:22-24; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 1:1-4 and 4:15; Colossians 1:15.

God the Holy Spirit: We believe in The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. He brings conviction of sin to the world. He empowers, guides, teaches, sanctifies, indwells, and comforts believers. The Holy Spirit directly inspired the writing of the Holy Scriptures. John 3:5-8; Acts 1:8 and 4:31; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Galatians 5:16-18; Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 2:6-10.

The Holy Scripture: We believe that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God. That through the eternal truth of the Holy Scripture, God reveals his redemptive plan for creation. Scripture is the supreme authority by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. I Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; John 5:39; 2 Peter 1:21;1 Corinthians 2:12-13.

Sin and the Nature of Man: We believe that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. In the beginning man was innocent of sin but, by his free choice, man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Because of this, all people are without means or merit to obtain salvation, and all are under the righteous judgment of God. Luke 24:46-47; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Ephesians 1:7 and 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7.

Salvation: We believe that salvation and the forgiveness of sins is found only in the finished work of Jesus Christ who, by His own sacrifice and the shedding of His blood, obtained eternal redemption for the believer. Salvation is a gift, neither merited nor secured by any virtue or work of mankind, freely offered to all who repent of their sin and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. Matthew 1:21, 4:17, and 27:32-56; Luke 1:68-69, 2:28-32, 27:32-56; John 5:24, 10:9; 15:1-8; Acts 4:11-12, 16: 30-31, 17:30-31; Hebrews 2:1-3; James 2:14-28

Holy Scripture was the authoritative and primary resource used in the preparation of this statement. Additional resources include several creeds, catechisms, and confessions of the church. We are grateful for the diligent and faithful work of those who have gone before us.

Application: The Statement of Faith informs and guides the practices and policies of this ministry, as well as the content that it produces through its various programs, events, and materials. In the pursuit of truth and clarity, the following statement articulates some of our core principles, based upon Holy Scripture.

The Practice and Teaching of Scripture: We believe that the faithful preaching, teaching, and practicing of Biblical truth as revealed in Scripture is not hateful or harassing of any person, but rather an act of sincere love and obedience to God. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture. Ephesians 4:15; Ephesians 6:14; Mark 12:28-31; John 17:17; John 8:31-32; 1 Corinthians 13:4-6;

The Dignity and Value of Human Life: We believe that every individual is made in the image of God and as such has eternal value. As image bearers, every human life has inherent dignity and should be shown kindness, love, and respect. As believers, we must have concern for the physical and spiritual needs of all, regardless of age or development as all human life is sacred from conception to its natural end. Psalm 139:13; Isaiah 49:1; Jeremiah 1:5; Matthew 22:37-39; Romans 12:20-21; Galatians 6:10. Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31; Ephesians 2:10; Genesis 1:27; Luke 6:31

Gender, Sexuality, and Marriage: We believe that men and women are wonderfully and immutably created by God as unique biological persons. These two distinct sexes (male and female) together reflect the image and likeness of God. Furthermore, we affirm that marriage is exclusively the union of one genetic male and one genetic female and that God’s plan for sexual expression is only within the context of marriage.
Rejection of one’s biological sex or claiming a gender identity inconsistent with one’s biological sex is a contradiction of God’s design and created order. Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5-6; Mark 10:6-9; 1 Corinthians 6:9; I Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 13:4; Proverbs 6:32; I Corinthians 6:18