Why Living Brightly?

During 2020, I would often find myself sitting by the window in the middle of the night, as I spent time with the Lord. That was the place where the chaos settled, and I allowed myself to rest in the Lord's presence. During those moments, I remember often seeing stars outside, even though light pollution is very much real. This always encouraged me, because, as believers, we are called to be the light of the world. The name "Living Brightly" is a reflection of my desire to shine as brightly for Jesus as those stars do against the pollution. And may this be a desire for you too.

- Lots of Love, E :)

My Beliefs

The Bible - The Bible, consisting of 66 books, is the only inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible is God-breathed, guided by the Spirit, through human authors, written without error or omission (2 Peter 1:20-21). The Bible is the foundation of my faith and all that I believe (though I am imperfect and often fail to live by it).

One True God - There is one true and living God, who exists in three persons (the Trinity): Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14; John 10:30). All are equal in power and glory, have created all things, and govern all things (Colossians 1:16). God is omniscient (Psalm 139:1-6), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-12), and omnipotent (Isaiah 40:28; Jeremiah 32:17). God is eternal (Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17), sovereign (Psalm 93:1; 1 Timothy 6:15), unchanging (Hebrews 13:8), holy (Isaiah 6:3), just (Deuteronomy 32:4; Revelation 16:7), righteous (2 Samuel 22:31), loving (1 John 4:8), gracious (Ephesians 2:8), merciful (Ephesians 2:4; Titus 3:5; Luke 6:36), and good (Romans 8:28).

Jesus - Jesus is God incarnate, fully God and fully man (John 1:14). He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and was born of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:23) in order to demonstrate who God is (Colossians 1:15) and provide a way for the salvation of humanity (Matthew 1:21). He lived a perfect, sinless life, becoming the perfect substitutionary sacrifice (Isaiah 53:5-6). He died on the cross for all humanity, and this death is sufficient to provide salvation for all those who receive Him as Lord and Savior (1 John 2:2). Our justification is grounded only because of the shedding of His blood (Romans 5:9; Ephesians 1:7) and through His resurrection from the dead 3 days later. He has since ascended to Heaven (Acts 1:9) and is now seated at the right hand of God as our High Priest and Advocate (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 5:9-10; Hebrews 7:25).

Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit regenerates sinners (Titus 3:5) and indwells believers (Romans 8:9). He is the seal who guarantees the salvation of believers (Ephesians 1:13-14) and is the Divine Teacher who illumines the heart and mind of believers as they study the Word of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-12). He is ultimately sovereign in the distribution of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:11) and is still alive and active in the world today.

Salvation - Humanity, because of our sinful nature (Romans 3:23), is unable to undo our fallen state and all deserve punishment (Romans 6:23). However, because of God's great love for us, He sent Christ to die for us (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4-7). Christ died in our place and bore our sins so that we would be justified (Romans 5:8-9; 1 Peter 2:24). On the third day after His death, He rose again, representing His victory over sin and death (Romans 14:9). As a result, salvation comes from grace alone through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Good works and obedience are the results of salvation, but they are not the requirements. "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, 'Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame,'" (Romans 10:9-11). Those who have truly received Christ as Savior are eternally secure in salvation (John 10:27-30; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38-39; Ephesians 1:13-14).