Confirmation #1 - What's the Point? - Owning Your Faith, Confirmation, and the UCC.

A formal process within some Christian churches that marks a transition from childhood faith to personal commitment.

A group of churches that emphasizes freedom of conscience and individual belief, accepting a broad range of theological perspectives.

The official statement of the UCC's core beliefs, emphasizing Jesus Christ as the head of the church and embracing elements of the Bible and historical confessions.

The UCC's approach to faith is focused on individual understanding and testimony rather than rigid doctrines.

A religious belief that affirms the Bible's authority but recognizes diverse understandings and interpretations within the UCC.

Confirmation in the UCC provides a way to gain more independence in your faith, explore your beliefs, and eventually take communion with the congregation.

The UCC believes in a balance between freedom of conscience and faithfulness to the core teachings of the Christian faith.

The UCC has strong roots in the

In the biblical narrative, the promise of a dwelling place for God being built by Solomon was confirmed through the manifestation of God's glory as a cloud when the Ark of the Covenant was placed in the temple.

The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments. It served as a physical symbol of God's presence and covenant.

Solomon, who inherited the riches and kingdom from David, was destined to build a temple for God's dwelling. This act signified God's favor and blessing on David's lineage.

The inner sanctuary of the temple was a sacred space where only the consecrated and appointed could enter. It represented God's holiness and inaccessibility.

The UCC Statement of Faith outlines the core beliefs of the United Church of Christ, focusing on God's love, Jesus's role, the Holy Spirit's presence, and the call to discipleship.

God is the creator of all things, who seeks to save humanity from sin and aimlessness.

Jesus, as the crucified and risen Lord, is believed to have conquered sin and death, reconciling humanity to God.

The Holy Spirit acts to renew the church, uniting believers of all backgrounds in a covenant relationship.

The UCC believes in the importance of discipleship, service, Gospel proclamation, resistance to evil, and participation in Christ's baptism and communion.

The UCC promises forgiveness of sins, fullness of grace, courage for justice, the Holy Spirit's presence, and eternal life for those who trust in the Gospel.

Confirmation marks a transition from childhood faith to a conscious, personal commitment, often involving faith formation and communal affirmation.

Confirmation in the UCC acknowledges the individual's growth and invites them to make commitments previously made on their behalf by parents.

Solomon's plea for Yahweh to protect the Davidic dynasty, ensuring its continued existence and preventing its extinction.

Solomon's prayer acknowledges Yahweh's vastness, questioning how such a magnificent God could reside in a human-made structure.

Solomon's desire for the temple to be a place where Yahweh's Name dwells, symbolic of Yahweh's presence and power.

Solomon's vision of the temple as a place of constant prayer, a place where any supplication can be heard by Yahweh.

The difference between an inheritance and a covenant: While an inheritance is a gift given without specific conditions, a covenant is a mutual agreement with specific terms.

The promise made to David regarding Solomon's rule is conditional, unlike the unconditional covenant of Yahweh's presence with his people.

Yahweh's promise to be with his people is an unconditional covenant, an everlasting agreement that provides assurance and security for the generations to come.

Solomon's plea for confirmation acknowledges that his kingship is dependent on fulfilling the conditions of Yahweh's promise.

Solomon's construction of the temple came at a considerable cost to the people, who were obligated to provide resources and labor, highlighting the challenges of fulfilling a grand vision.

The temple's architecture reflected the social hierarchy of ancient Israel, with varying degrees of access to different areas.

Solomon's lavish spending on the temple's ornamentation and furnishings, while impressive, came at the expense of the majority of the population, who faced economic hardship.

The temple's construction began 480 years after the Israelites escaped from Egypt, highlighting a tragic irony: they were once freed from slavery, but later faced forced labor under their own king.

God promised to dwell with Israel if Solomon obeyed his commandments. This promise linked the temple's construction to the covenant between God and his people.

The temple's construction and inauguration emphasized the importance of God's promises to the Davidic dynasty, but also highlighted the tension between royal authority and the Mosaic law that required obedience from all, including the king.

Solomon, later in his reign, prioritized his personal enjoyment of kingship over his relationship with God, leading him to adopt the religious practices of his foreign wives and deviate from God's commands.

Solomon's actions during the temple project showed a shift from his father, David's, servant leadership style to an approach that mirrored the ruthless determination of former pharaohs.

When someone adopts their faith as their own, going beyond passively accepting it from others, and actively engaging with its teachings and principles.

The process of moving from accepting someone else's testimony to coming to your own understanding and belief, through personal experience and engagement.

The tendency to rely on others' faith and practices without actively engaging with one's own beliefs, leading to passive and un-examined faith.

A situation where someone claims to believe in God or Jesus but doesn't actively listen to their teachings or pursue a relationship with them.

It starts with an initial step of faith, but it's more than just a one-time decision. It involves ongoing engagement with the teachings and principles of the faith.

Looking at examples of others who have faith and seeing how they engage with their beliefs, drawing inspiration and guidance from their experiences.

Asking challenging questions about your faith and exploring different perspectives and interpretations, leading to a more nuanced and mature understanding.