Statement of Faith

Who God is

God exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe God created the world and upholds, sustains, governs, and directs it. We believe God knows everything. We believe that he hears and answers prayer and that he saves those who come to him through Jesus Christ from both sin and death. (Psalm 104:1-35; Psalm 139:1-24; Matthew 10:29-31; 28:19; Acts 17:24-28; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 1:9-12; 4:4-6; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-3; Revelation 1:4-6)

The Bible

The Bible (both Old and New Testaments) is the inspired Word of God. We believe the Old Testament, the sacred scriptures of the Jewish faith, written between about 1200 and 165 BC and the New Testament books, written by Christians in the first century AD are without error. We believe they are the final authority for all Christian faith and life and are the complete revelation of God’s will for the salvation of humankind. (Matthew 5:18; John 10:35; 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

Humans

We believe in the the dignity of all people, made male and female in God’s image to love, be holy and care for creation. Humankind was created in the image of God to know and enjoy Him, yet we wilfully rejected the Lordship and glory of God for which we were intended. Because of this, sickness, death, and judgment entered the world and now creation experiences the effects and consequences of sin. We are unable to save ourselves or to contribute in any way to a restored relationship with God.
(Genesis 1:1-3:24; Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:9-18; 5:12-21; Ephesians 2:1-3).

Father God

We believe in God the Father. God is creator. He hovered over the waters (the chaos) with intent and out of nothing, nothing had no choice but to become something. God created everything. He is Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. He created the world to be creative, and the pattern of humankind creating structures, societies, technologies etc are the reflection of God as creative creator. The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. God is good and He’s not moody or fickle. He judges everyone by His standards of justice. He is master and Lord. He is the great ‘I am’. He is existent on the basis that He exists not on the basis that He was created. God is worthy of all worship, glory and adoration. As part of our worship of Him, we serve our Father. If humans didn’t praise Him even the rocks would cry out. With every step closer to Him, we spend longer in worship and adoration because we are fascinated by Him, by His greatness and His love and goodness. (Genesis 1:2, Psalm 24:1, Exodus 3:14, Luke 19:40, Philippians 2:12)

Jesus

The incarnation of God’s eternal Son, the Lord Jesus Christ – born of the virgin Mary; truly divine and truly human, yet without sin. By his blood that was spilled on his cross, he satisfied the wrath of God. He obtained for us eternal redemption, the forgiveness of sins, spiritual adoption as sons and daughters and life everlasting. He was raised from the dead and is with the Father in heaven. (Isaiah 53:1-12; Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:1-18; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:1- 28; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:10-14; Ephesians 1:7; Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:15-23; 2:15; Hebrews 7:25; 9:13-15; 10:19; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 1 John 2:1-2; 3:8).

Holy Spirit

We believe that the person of the Holy Spirit is fully God and equal with the Father and Son. The primary ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit also convicts unbelievers of their need for Christ and gives spiritual life through regeneration. The Spirit indwells, sanctifies, leads, illuminates, and empowers all who come to faith in Christ to godly living and service. After conversion, the Spirit desires to fill, empower, and anoint believers for ministry and witness (Matthew 3:11; John 1:12-13; 3:1-15; 15:26-27; 16:7-15; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14; 5:18).

Miracles & Power

We believe that the ministry of the Spirit in signs and wonders continues to be as broad, tangible, and powerful among believers today as it was in the early church. We also believe that all the biblical gifts of the Spirit continue to be distributed by the Spirit today. These gifts are divine provisions central to spiritual growth and effective ministry and these gifts are to be eagerly desired, faithfully developed, and lovingly exercised according to biblical guidelines. God is passionate about bringing transformation to people and the world. Jesus performed many miracles and we should too ( The four gospels, John 14:12; Acts 2:14-21; 4:29-30; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; 12:28-31; 14:1-33; Galatians 3:1-5).

The Church

We believe that the Church consists of all who put their faith in Jesus Christ. He gave His Church the ordinances of baptism and communion. The Church exists to carry on the ministry of Jesus Christ and further advance His kingdom by undoing the works of the enemy, preaching and living the good news of God’s love, and discipling the nations – baptising and teaching them to love and obey God.Within the Church we believe that the “priesthood of all believers” are equipped for service by his apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers – endowed with the Spirit’s gifts to worship God and proclaim the gospel, establishing justice and love. (Matthew 16:18; Acts 11:26; Ephesians 3:10,21, 4:11; Colossians 1:18)

Jesus’ Return

We believe in the ever-increasing government of God and in the Blessed Hope – The personal and visible return of Jesus Christ to fulfil the purposes of God, who will raise all people to judgement, bring eternal life to the redeemed and eternal condemnation to the lost, and creating a new heaven and new earth, fulfilling His eternal plan. This hope fills us with confidence to live our lives fully surrendered to Jesus, with certain expectation of this eternal glory. (Matthew 24; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Peter 3:10; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Revelation 21)