BFF is refreshingly Biblical. We pay a lot of attention to theological purity. The scriptures shape our foundational beliefs and perspectives. We hold to the traditional and well-known Christian creeds: Nicene and Apostle's Creeds (see below). These are traditional conservative statements of belief developed from the scriptures.
The Bucknell family
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Unfortunately, many denominations, churches and individuals who hold to good doctrinal confessions or creeds do not live by them. I know this from being brought up in a liberal church. Although they weekly professed the creeds, they despised Christ's propitiatory death.
BFF is very concerned with bringing the full power of God's Word into a person's life rather than just stating one's preference for a certain creed or doctrine over another. We share in our vision statement that we hope God will be gracious in helping us develop a systematic theology that will more clearly proclaim the truths and principles of God's Word in this complex world that transform us into Christ's image.
In the spirit of faithful Biblical theology we use an open mind in understanding the scriptures but stay within the rigorous bounds of the Biblical author's intended meaning in the original text of the sixty six books of the Bible. We are convinced that the autographs (original biblical scriptural documents) are authoritative for life and doctrine. If you feel uneasy with these words, try to understand us more by meditating on the words God had long ago spoken to Joshua.
"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. ..." (Joshua 1:8-9).
Our life success comes from meditating on and observing God's truth found in His Word. BFF's materials, whether topical or Bible verse related, are simply reflections from meditations in His Word. See our teaching on 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
The problem? Many people have God's Word but are not changed by His Word. So we by God's grace, 'release God's truth' to bring about true freedom to live Spirit–powered lives.
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. AMEN.
Please note that 'holy catholic church' does not mean the Catholic Church but meant the people of God as a whole when the creed was written.
We believe in the inerrancy of the Scriptures, both OT and NT, and that our lives need to be based upon them. We believe in God’s existence and our call to be shaped by His presence and purpose in our lives.
We believe that sin has saturated every part of our lives, but through faith in Jesus Christ, His work on the cross and His resurrection our relationship with God is restored.
We believe God’s love in Christ empowers us to love others with His love. We have dedicated ourselves to God by making disciples of Christ until He returns in the full glory of God Almighty, the Creator of all.
If you have any concern about any particular doctrine or stance, please inquire below. We appreciate any suggestions, advice, prayer, encouragement and support you can give us at Biblical Foundations for Freedom!
If you would like a copy of my doctrinal papers at my ordination back in 1985, perhaps I could find a copy and send it to you. Or click here and find more about my family and I.
We appreciate any suggestions, advice, prayer, encouragement and support you can give us at Biblical Foundations for Freedom!
Your web servant - Paul Bucknell
info@foundationsforfreedom.net
Scriptures typically quoted from the New American Standard Bible unless noted:
(C) Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1988