STATEMENT OF FAITH
This is a statement of the fundamental beliefs of
1) ONE TRUE GOD
We believe that there is only one God. He is the God of the Bible who names himself “I AM” Exodus 3 v 15 All other “gods” are false gods Jeremiah 3 v 25. God is the creator of all that has ever been, or ever will be created. Genesis 14 v 19 . He is infinite in power and wisdom Psalm 22 v 28, Job 12 v 13. He is perfect in all His ways. Deut 32 v 4. He created time, so is not in it. Genesis 1 v 3 He is both the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Revelations 1 v 8 . God has chosen to reveal Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 43 v 11. Luke 3.v33
2) THE INSPIRED SCRIPTURES
We believe that the scriptures, Old and New Testaments, were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and are the revelation of God and his intentions towards His creation. They have been provided so that we might understand His will for His creation. They are useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, and are the authority for all our faith and practice.
2 Timothy 3 v15-17
3) ORIGINAL SIN AND THE FALL OF MANKIND
We believe that mankind was created by God in the image of God, to live in peace and harmony with Him and with each other. Disobedience to God’s word, brought a fall from the grace of God, and because of this sin entered the world and brought with it both physical, and spiritual death, which is eternal separation from God.
Genesis 1-3
4) THE DIVINE NATURE (DEITY) AND HUMANITY OF JESUS CHRIST
He was present with God the Father and His Holy Spirit before the earth was formed.
John 1 v 1
He came to earth, born to a virgin, Matthew 1 v 23, and lived a life that was free of any sin.
Hebrews 4 v 15
His death and separation from God was planned by God as a way to set us free from the punishment of death for our sins.
Matthew 16 v 21, 20 v 19, Luke 18 v33 John 1 v 29
He was resurrected (came to life again) and appeared to many to demonstrate His power over death. He returned to Heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father in Heaven.
Matthew 26 v 64
He has complete power and authority, given to Him by God over everything that happens in Heaven and earth.
Matthew 28 v 18 I John 2 v 1
He will return to earth in the future, to rule with the saints, in righteousness over the New Heaven and the New Earth.
Matthew 1 v 23, Revelations 1 v7
5) SALVATION BY FAITH NOT BY WORKS
We believe that the substitution of Jesus to take the punishment for the sins we have committed is a free gift from God .This gift can only be given to those who believe in Jesus and what He did for them.No-one can earn a place in Heaven through good deeds.
Ephesians 2 v 8-9
6) THE NEW MAN/WOMAN (BIRTH) IN CHRIST
We believe that if anyone, of whatever sex, colour, nationality, ability or culture, repents of their sins, turns from them, and accepts Christ as their saviour, they become a new creature, “born again” , changed to be more like Jesus, and restored into a personal relationship with God..Their names are written in the Lambs book of life.
2 Corinthians 5 v 17, Ephesians 2 v 10, 2 Peter 1 v 4, Philipians 4 v 3
7) BAPTISM IN WATER
All who have truly repented and believe in Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour are exhorted to be immersed in water as a declaration that they have identified with the death of Christ and have been raised with Him in newness of life.
Mark 16 v 16, Matthew 28:19, Acts 10:47-48, Acts 2;38 - 39
8) BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which has been made available to believers in order to glorify Jesus Christ, by indwelling, guiding and empowering us for life and service. This baptism brings the gifts of the Holy Spirit which will equip us with everything we need to do His will (Hebrews 13 v 21). As we grow in the Spirit, there will be an increase in love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control, will become apparent to both believers and non believers. Baptism in the Holy Spirit may not happen immediately a believer accepts Christ as His Saviour. The Holy Spirit’s presence is frequently demonstrated by the speaking in “unknown” tongues (Acts 1-4).
9) DIVINE HEALING
We believe that the gift given by Jesus Christ includes more than forgiveness of sins, and consequent eternal life after bodies die.His work on the cross provided for a victory over issues while we are still on earth.This includes living in health and prosperity in every area of our lives. Not, so that we might have an easy life, but so that we might be a blessing to others Acts 10 v 38, Peter 2 v 24, Galatians 3 v 13, Deut 28 v 15 – 61, 1 Peter 3 v 9
10) THE CHURCH & THE BODY OF CHRIST
The scripture is clear that the church is not a building, but made up of born again believers and it is they who are God’s habitation through His Holy Spirit. When believers are born of the Spirit they are united together as the new physical Body of Christ and appointed to fulfil the great commission. Jesus Christ is both Lord and Head of His Church.
Ephesians 1 v 22-23
11) THE CEREMONIES USED IN THE CHURCH
The Lord’s Supper
Jesus held the last supper before He was arrested and killed.He commanded us to hold this ceremony as a symbolic expression of our belief in Him (2 Peter 1 v 4,) and a memorial of His suffering, death and resurrection. It is the “covenant meal” that seals His commitment to us and our commitment to Him (Luke 22 v 19 – 20). It is also a prophesy of His second coming to earth 1 Corinthians 11 23-31, Luke 22 17-18
12) RESURRECTION OF THE SAINTS
We believe that the entire body of Christ (His church) will be caught up together in the air to meet the Lord when He returns in Glory, and we will then always be with Him.
1 Thessalonians 4 v 13 – 18
13) THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
When Jesus returns to establish His Kingdom. Matthew 24 v 27-30 it will include the catching away of the church (1 Thessalonians 4 v 16 – 17), followed by the visible return of Jesus with the church, to reign with Him on the earth for one thousand years.
Zachariah 14 v 5, Revelation 1 v 7; 19 v 11; 20 v 1-6).
14) THE FINAL JUDGEMENT
We believe that everyone who has ever lived on earth will be resurrected at the same time, to face judgement.All those who have refused to accept Christ’s free gift to them, will be raised and judged according to their works. Whosoever is not found written in His Book of Life will be sentenced to everlasting punishment in the lake of fire, together with the Devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet.
Revelation 20 v 11-15