The
sole basis of our beliefs is the Bible. We believe the Bible to
be God's infallible 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 mankindÕsÕ
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 savior. 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 fulfill God's plan.
OUR COMMISSION
Jesus Christ commanded all believers to be involved in the preaching
of the gospel to, and the disciplining of, all the world. His purposes
require that all worldly and personal ambitions be subordinate to
Him. This is true discipleship.
