THE BIBLE

We believe that the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is the only divinely inspired and infallible written revelations of God. It is our primary guide and final authority in matters pertaining to faith and life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 2 Peter 1:20-21

THE TRINITY

We believe that there is One God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Deuteronomy 6:4 Matthew 28:19 1 Corinthians 8: 4-6. 2 Corinthians 13:14

GOD

We believe in God, Creator of the whole universe and everything therein. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our heavenly Father. He is just in all His ways, infinite in His wisdom, and merciful in His loving forgiveness. As our Lord God Almighty, He is eternal, the same yesterday, today and forever. Ephesians 1: 3-5 Genesis 1 Psalm 25:8-11 Psalm 93:1-2

JESUS CHRIST

We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, John 1:1 His conception by the Holy Spirit, Matthew 1:18-20 His birth of the virgin Mary, Matthew 1:18-23 His real but sinless humanity, Hebrews 4:15 His humility, Philippians 2:5-8 His substitutionary and atoning death as a sacrifice for sins, Romans 3:23-25 Galatians 3:13 His bodily resurrection from the dead, Acts 13:32-37 His ascension into Heaven as the only and eternal mediator between God and His people, 1 Timothy 2:5 and His coming again in power and glory, Acts 1:11 Matthew 25:31 Hebrews 9:28.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe in the present day ministry of the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and the Son to convict the world with regard to sin, righteousness and judgment. His ministry is to regenerate, seal, sanctify, fill and empower, and equip with spiritual gifts those who believe in Jesus Christ, enabling them to live a Christ-like life. (Ezekiel 36:27: Joel 2:28: John 16:5-14: Acts 2:38: 1 Corinthians 3:16, 12:4-11: Ephesians 1:4, 13-14: 1 Peter 1:2)

THE GREAT COMMISSION

We believe that we are called to lovingly reach out to the world and to lead others to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:18-20 Mark16:15-16 John 3:14-17

SALVATION

We believe that the salvation of humankind is solely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ that the saved partake of eternal life now and will share in the glorious resurrection which is to come. John 3:16, 17 2 Corinthians 4:14.

THE RESURRECTION

We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost – they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28-29.

THE SACRAMENTS

We believe a sacrament is an outward and visible sign of inward and invisible grace. We acknowledge two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper which Jesus instituted to be signs and seals of the covenant ratified in His precious blood. Through these sacraments we are reminded of His grace and that He calls us to be visibly distinguished from the rest of the world.

BAPTISM

Baptism by water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit is the sacrament by which are signed and sealed our union to Christ and participation in the blessing of the new covenant. The proper subjects of baptism are believers. Matthew 3:13-17 Mark 1:9-11 Luke 3:21-22 John 1:29-34 Galatians 3:26-27 Acts 2:38 Romans 6:3-5. However we have no set tradition regarding the amount of water used i.e. whether full immersion or partial.

THE RESURRECTION

We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost – they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28-29.

HOLY COMMUNION

The Lord’s Supper is the sacrament of communion with Jesus Christ and with His people, in which bread and wine, and/or the choice of grape juice for those who wish to abstain are given and received in thankful remembrance of Him and His sacrifice on the Cross. They, who in faith receive the same, do by the power of the Holy Spirit, in partaking of the body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, experience His living presence to their comfort, nourishment, healing and growth in the midst of his grace. All may be admitted to the Lord’s Supper who profess their faith in the Lord Jesus, who desire to be obedient to His Word and who do earnestly repent of their sin. Matthew 26:26-29 Mark 14;22-25 Luke 22:14-20 1 Corinthians 11:17-29

THE FAMILY

By “Family” we mean one man and one woman joined together in holy matrimony, or a single parent and their children. We believe that God wills that marriage be a life long union of faith, love and esteem between one man and one woman. Although we recognize that there are circumstances in which divorce can be seen as the lesser of two evils, we affirm the sanctity of life long marriage. We believe the biblical intention for sexual behaviour is loving fidelity within marriage and loving chastity outside of marriage. We believe that all human life, no matter the age is sacred and that life begins at conception. Children are a blessing from God. It is fitting that Christian parents present children for Dedication to the glory of God. It is the responsibility of parents under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the fellowship of the Church to bring up their children in the love of and reverence for the Lord and to encourage and direct them towards a personal commitment and public profession of faith in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. Psalm 139:13-16 Isaiah 49:1-5 Psalm127 Ephesians 6:4 Genesis 2:18-25 Hebrews 13:4

SPIRITUAL UNITY

We believe in the spiritual unity of all who truly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church and that the members and adherents of the Church become, in Christ, His body Romans 12:4-5 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 There is one Body of Christ and one Spirit binding believers together Ephesians 4:2-6 and Christ desires that the believers who comprise His body dwell together in peace, unity and love. John 17:21-22