Faith - What we believe

The following statement of faith provides a biblical foundation

STATEMENT OF FAITH

The sole basis of our beliefs is the Bible. We believe the Bible to be God's infailible written word, fully inspired by the Holy Spirit, as our supreme authority.

We accept those large areas of doctrinal teaching on which , historically, there has been general agreement among all true Christians. Whilst we do hold to these basic doctrines, we do allow for freedom of conviction on other doctrinal matters, provided that any interpretation is based upon the Bible alone, and that no such interpretation shall become an issue that hinders the ministry to which we have been called together.

These then, are the basic Bible teachings to which we agree.

GOD

There is one true God, eternally existing in three persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - each of whom possesses equally all the attributes of Deity and the characteristics of personality.

JESUS

Jesus Christ is God, the living word, who became man. He is perfectly God and true humanity united in one person. He lived a sinless life and in perfect obedience paid for the sins of mankind by dying on the cross as their substitute. So he is both just and justifier, to all who trust in Him alone. After crucifixion on a cross, He rose from the dead bodily, and ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father. He is the only mediator between man and God.

MAN

Man was originally created in the image of God. He sinned by disobeying God, and earned death (separation). All mankind's nature is corrupt and it is impossible for man to make himself stand acceptable in God's sight. Every person is in need of regeneration by the Holy Spirit.

SALVATION

The salvation of mankind is wholly a work of God's grace and is not the work, in any degree, of human works, goodness or religious ceremony. God imputes his righteousness to those who put their faith in Christ alone for their salvation and declares them right in his sight. Each person must be born again of the Holy Spirit and can be assured of their salvation immediately upon trusting Jesus Christ as saviour. The word and the spirit of God alone are the basis of this assurance.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit has come into the world to reveal and glorify Christ, and to apply the saving work of Christ to men. His fullness, power, and control are appropriated in the believers life by faith. Every believer is called to live a holy and a fruitful life by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

THE CHURCH

Jesus Christ is the head of the church, his body, which is composed of all who have been joined to him by saving faith. God admonishes all of his people to assemble together locally for regular worship, participation in ordinances, the ministry of the word, and personal encouragement.

THE SECOND COMING

Jesus Christ will come again to earth - personally, visibly and bodily - to complete and fulfil Gods plan.

OUR COMMISSION

Jesus Christ commanded all believers to be involved in the preaching of the gospel to, and the discipling of, all the world. His purposes require that all worldly and personal ambitions be subordinate to Him. This is true discipleship