We believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church, which is not confined to a building but is the collective body of believers, united by faith in Him. The Church is made up of all who trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior and are committed to living according to His Word. We affirm that Christ, as the Head, leads, governs, and sustains His Church, and that the Church exists to glorify Him by carrying out His mission on earth.

Supporting Scripture:

1. Jesus as Lord and Head of the Church:
• “And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” — Ephesians 1:22-23
• “For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior.” — Ephesians 5:23

2. The Church as the Body of Believers:
• “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” — 1 Corinthians 12:27
• “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” — Romans 12:4-5

3. The Church is Not a Building, but a People:
• “For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.” — Matthew 18:20
• “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.” — Acts 17:24

4. The Church’s Mission and Purpose:
• “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’” — Mark 16:15
• “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” — Matthew 5:14

Through the authority and leadership of Jesus Christ, the Church (us) regardless of denomination are called to live out His teachings, love one another, and serve as His witnesses to the world. We affirm that Jesus is the foundation of our faith and the source of our unity as His body.

This ideology is often misunderstood. We do not believe in the three Gods-- there is only one God (the most high), but there is a governance and it has a divine order.  Much like there is only one government in the United States, but many branches or like you are but ONE body but have many parts.

We believe in the Holy Trinity, one God existing in three distinct Persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. Each Person of the Trinity is fully and equally God, sharing the same divine essence, yet each has distinct roles in the work of creation, redemption, and sanctification. The Trinity is foundational to our faith, emphasizing the relational nature of God and His desire for a personal relationship with humanity.

Supporting Scripture

• 1. The Oneness of God:
  • “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” — Deuteronomy 6:4
  • “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 2:5
• 2. The Distinct Persons of the Trinity:
  • God the Father:
  • “But I say to you, ‘He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.’” — John 5:24
  • God the Son:
  • “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” — John 1:1
  • “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16
  • God the Holy Spirit:
  • “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” — John 14:26
• 3. The Trinity in Action:
  • “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” — Matthew 28:19
  • “When Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” — Matthew 3:16-17

4. The Relationship Within the Trinity:
• “The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand.” — John 3:35
• “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” — Romans 8:16

We affirm that the Holy Trinity is a mystery beyond human understanding, yet a vital truth that shapes our faith, informs our worship, and guides our lives as we seek to know and reflect the nature of God. Therefore we do not lean on our own understanding but in all our ways acknowledge Him to make our paths straight.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, who is fully God. The Holy Spirit indwells every believer, guiding, empowering, and transforming us to live according to God’s will. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and equips believers with spiritual gifts for the edification of the Church. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Advocate, and Helper, working within us to produce the fruit of the Spirit and to lead us into all truth.

Supporting Scripture:

• The Holy Spirit as God:
  • “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” — 2 Corinthians 3:17
  • “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” — 1 Corinthians 6:19
• The Holy Spirit’s Role in Guiding and Teaching:
  • “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” — John 14:26
  • “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” — John 16:13
•  Empowering and Equipping Believers:
  • “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” — Acts 1:8
  • “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” — 1 Corinthians 12:4
• The Fruit of the Spirit:
  • “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” — Galatians 5:22-23
  
  We affirm that the Holy Spirit is active and present in the life of every believer, working to shape us into the image of Christ and empower us to fulfill God’s purposes on earth.

Statement on Our Organization

We want to clarify that we are not a denominational or religious organization; rather, we are a financial educational platform, organized and managed by Pengrass Financial Group, a private company on behalf of it's members under a cooperative agreement and enity known as the "8:18 Community" . Our focus is on empowering individuals and communities to achieve financial literacy, stability, and growth through education rooted in Biblical values.

Our Statement of Faith serves as the foundation for all our programs, outlining the core beliefs that inform our approach to financial education. We emphasize the importance of stewardship, integrity, and community support, believing that these principles are essential for building a solid financial future. By integrating these Biblical values into our financial teachings, we aim to provide a holistic approach that nurtures both spiritual and financial well-being.

Our programs are designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to manage their finances effectively, make informed decisions, and build wealth while honoring their faith. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that respects diverse backgrounds and perspectives while uniting participants around shared values.

In essence, we strive to bridge the gap between faith and finance, helping individuals understand that sound financial practices can reflect their beliefs and contribute to a fulfilling life aligned with God’s principles. By focusing on Biblical guidance rather than denominational differences, we aim to foster a community that is centered on mutual growth and support in both faith and financial matters.

We believe that God cares deeply about the affairs of our money because financial management often reveals our vulnerabilities and weaknesses. In these areas of life, God has already provided a plan to guide us, ensuring we can effectively manage our daily lives and resources.

The Bible teaches that God is intimately concerned with every aspect of our lives, including our finances. This is evident in Scripture, where He provides wisdom and guidance on how to handle money and possessions responsibly. We believe that understanding God’s principles for financial management is essential for experiencing His peace and provision in our lives.

Supporting Scripture and areas we teach you to manage your financial life:

• 1. God’s Ownership and Our Stewardship:
  • “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.” — Psalm 24:1-2
  This verse reminds us that everything we possess ultimately belongs to God. As stewards, we are responsible for managing His resources wisely.
• 2. Seeking God’s Guidance:
  • “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6
  We believe that by trusting in God and seeking His wisdom in our financial decisions, we can navigate the complexities of money management and find clarity in our paths.
• 3. God’s Provision:
  • “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19
  This verse assures us that God provides for our needs. By adhering to His financial principles, we can experience His abundant provision in our lives.
• 4. Managing Resources Wisely:
  • “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” — Proverbs 13:22
  This passage emphasizes the importance of wise financial management, highlighting the value of planning for the future and being responsible with our resources.
• 5. Avoiding Financial Stress:
  • “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” — Matthew 6:31-32

God understands our financial worries and has a plan to alleviate them. By following His guidance, we can find peace and assurance in our financial journeys.

In summary, we believe that God’s plan for managing our finances is a vital aspect of living a fulfilling life aligned with His purpose. By following Biblical principles, we can address our financial weaknesses, experience His provision, and live in a way that honors Him.

The platform is based on Deuteronomy 8:18 states, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our ability to succeed and generate wealth is a gift from God. However, it is just one of many principles found throughout Scripture that provide divine revelation to help us understand and achieve success in life.

• 1. Recognizing God as the Source:
  Deuteronomy 8:18 emphasizes that God is the source of our abilities and resources. This foundational principle reminds us that success is not solely based on our efforts but is a result of God’s provision and blessings. By acknowledging Him as the source, we cultivate a posture of gratitude and humility, which are essential for true success.
• 2. The Importance of Covenant:
  The verse also highlights God’s faithfulness to His covenant. Throughout the Bible, God establishes covenants with His people, promising to bless them when they follow His ways. This principle encourages us to align our actions with God’s commands, as obedience is often linked to the fulfillment of His promises in our lives.
• 3. A Broader Context of Success Principles:
  Deuteronomy 8:18 is part of a larger narrative where God instructs His people on how to live in the Promised Land. This context reveals that success involves more than financial wealth; it encompasses spiritual, relational, and communal well-being. Other principles in Scripture, such as seeking wisdom (Proverbs 4:7), practicing diligence (Proverbs 10:4), and cultivating integrity (Proverbs 11:3), all contribute to a holistic understanding of success.
• 4. Divine Revelation in Various Forms:
  The Bible is filled with principles that provide divine revelation on how to navigate life successfully. From the parables of Jesus that illustrate wise stewardship (Matthew 25:14-30) to the teachings on generosity and its blessings (2 Corinthians 9:6-8), these principles guide us in various aspects of life, including finances, relationships, and personal growth.
• 5. Empowerment through the Holy Spirit:
  Moreover, as believers, we have the Holy Spirit who empowers us to understand and apply these principles in our lives. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth (John 16:13), equipping us to live in accordance with God’s will and achieve success that honors Him.

In conclusion, Deuteronomy 8:18 is indeed a significant power principle illustrating God’s role in our ability to achieve success, particularly in the area of wealth creation. However, it is just one among many divine revelations that God provides in Scripture. By exploring these principles collectively, we gain a comprehensive understanding of what it means to succeed in life according to God’s design, recognizing that true success encompasses spiritual fulfillment, wise stewardship, and a life lived in obedience to His Word.

Our program was inspired by the Holy Spirit through the life of Sandra Weston, who felt called to create a comprehensive financial education platform rooted in faith-based principles. Recognizing the importance of sound doctrine, we have designed our program to be supported by Scripture, prayer, and a community of believers, ensuring that the information we provide is both biblically accurate and spiritually uplifting.

• 1. Divine Inspiration
  The foundation of our program stems from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in Sandra Weston’s life. Her journey has been marked by a deep commitment to understanding God’s principles for financial management, which ultimately led to the development of this program. This divine inspiration serves as a guiding force, encouraging participants to explore their own financial journeys through a spiritual lens.
• 2. Scripture as the Foundation
  At the heart of our program is the use of Scripture. We integrate Biblical teachings to provide a strong foundation for financial education. By aligning our content with God’s Word, we help participants understand His principles for wealth, stewardship, and generosity, ensuring that their financial practices reflect their faith.
• 3. The Power of Prayer
  Prayer is a vital component of our program. We encourage participants to seek God’s guidance through prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to lead them in their financial decisions. This spiritual practice fosters a deeper connection with God and empowers individuals to align their financial goals with His will for their lives.
• 4. Support from Churches and Prayer Groups
  We actively collaborate with local churches and prayer groups to create a supportive community for participants. This network provides encouragement, accountability, and additional resources for individuals as they navigate their financial journeys. The involvement of church leaders and prayer groups ensures that participants have access to a faith-filled support system that reinforces their commitment to sound financial practices.

5. Guidance from Bible Study Teachers
To ensure that the information provided in our program is sound doctrine, we work alongside experienced Bible study teachers who are well-versed in Scripture. These teachers help us evaluate our content and provide insights that align with Biblical principles, enabling us to present accurate and relevant teachings.

In summary, our program, inspired by the Holy Spirit in the life of Sandra Weston, integrates Scripture with prayer and support from churches, prayer groups, and Bible study teachers. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants receive sound doctrine while fostering a community rooted in faith. Through this collaborative effort, we aim to empower individuals to achieve financial success that honors God and aligns with His purpose for their lives.

Typically we use the New International Version or the English Standard Version.  We also use the Olive Tree Bible App with commentary resources, resources from Joseph Prince Grace Academy and Joseph Prince App.

In addition, we use excerpts from The 8:18 Wealth Plan book, where Sandra Weston spent over 4 years of personal study with guidance of Stronghold Christian Church. The platform was created based on Biblical perspective through the lens of a 30-year financial industry career.  Ultimately we are a financial education platform.