Background

Aspen Wayside

Jay is fulfilling the dream his late wife, Sherrie, and he started in establishing a Christian retreat center. Jay and Sherrie owned and operated a bed and breakfast in Idaho. Jay is also an author, who has written books pertaining to historic trails (Oregon and Lewis and Clark), as well as about Sherrie's exemplary Christian life. His latest book is about the faithfulness of his dog "Spud," who shares a cabin with Jay.

Statement of Faith

Human Nature

Mankind was created in the image of God, but because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, is now born with a sinful nature that manifests itself in thought, word, and deed (Gen 1:26,27; Gen 3; Jer 17:9; Rom 5:12-14; Eph 2:1-3).

Death

Result of the Fall (I Cor 15:21,22) Judgment after death (Heb 9:27).

Bible (The Scriptures)

God's Holy Word: inspired; inerrant; infallible; God's written revelation of Himself; our guide in matters of faith; and highest authority in doctrine, practice, organization, and discipline (II Tim 3:16-17; Heb 4:12).

Trinity

One God, eternally existing in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - who are equal in divine perfection, but perform different functions (Duet 6:4; Matt 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-22; Matt 28:19).

God the Father

Characteristics: Creator of the universe (Gen 1:0; Omniscient (all knowing); Omnipresent (everywhere present); and Omnipotent (all powerful). God is Spirit (John 4:24).

Jesus the Son

Jesus was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary and is true God and true man (Matt 1:18-20). He lived a sinless life; performed physical miracles; died an atoning death on the cross for our sins; was buried; was resurrected bodily from the dead; ascended into heaven where He intercedes for us; and will someday return in power and glory at His Second Coming (Acts 1:9; I Cor 15: 3,4; II Cor 5:21; I Thess 4:16-17; Heb 7:25).

Holy Spirit

Ministries are: restraining of evil; conviction of sin; righteousness, and judgment; regeneration of all believers that is essential for salvation; the indwelling of all those who are saved; revealing of truth; teacher (John3:5-8; 14:26; 16:8-11; 13; 14; I Cor 2:9-12; I Cor 6:11; Eph 5:18; I Thess 4:3-7; II Thess 2:7).

Salvation

Salvation is the gift of God, obtained through faith in the finished work of Christ on the Cross. It is nothing we can earn or work toward. Through repentance and asking Jesus Christ to come into our life and take control, we become a new creation with desires. We also inherit eternal life (John 1:12; II Cor 5:17; Eph 2:8-9; I John 5:11-13; Rev 3:20).

Sanctification

There are three phases to sanctification that occur: (1) when we receive salvation; (2) an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to bring us closer to being conformed to the image of Christ; and (3) completely when we go to live with Jesus for eternity in heaven (John17:17; I Thess 4:3-7; Heb 10:10).

Good Works and Bearing Fruit

Good works are an outward manifestation of our faith, and have nothing to do with obtaining salvation. The Holy Spirit empowers us to bear fruit-one mark of a Christian (John 15:5-8; Gal 5:22-23; Jas 2:14-17). A Christian is commanded to assist in fulfilling the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; Acts 1:8).

Spiritual Gifts

All the spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible are applicable for today's Christians. Each Christian has one or more spiritual gift that is useful for edifying and equipping the Body of Christ for service for Him (Rom 12:6,7; I Cor 12; Eph 4:11-13).

Spiritual Warfare

There is an unseen battle between the forces of evil and good. Christians can avail themselves of the "armor of God" to combat the "wiles of Satan" (Eph 6:10-17).

Church

The universal church is composed of "born-again" believers throughout the world. It is the main vehicle chosen by Christ to proclaim His message to the world. The local church is a body of believers whose spiritual gifts are brought together to accomplish a purpose unique to that Body of Christ (Marr 16:17-19; Acts 2:42-47; Rom 12:4-8; I Cor 12:12-31).

Ordinances

The two ordinances of the Church are baptism and the Lord's Supper, to be partaken of only by believers. Baptism, by immersion, is a symbol of their belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and as a testimony to the world of their belief. The Lord's Supper, taken after individual sins are confessed, is a remembrance of what Christ did for believers on the cross (Matt 28:19; Acts 8:36-38; Rom 6:3-5; I Cor 11:23-30).

Heaven

Heaven is a real, physical place, where "born again" Christians will spend eternity with the Lord (I Thess 4:16-17; Rev 21, 22:1-6).

Hell

Hell is a real, physical place, created originally for the devil and his angels. It is also the final place where unbelievers will spend eternity - separated from God (Matt 25:41-46; Luke 19:19-31; Rev 20:11-15).

Chief Purpose of Mankind

To glorify God and live with Him forever.

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