The unity of Godhead and the Trinity of the Persons therein. The Holy Trinity
We believe in one living and true God, eternal and of infinite power, wisdom, goodness and righteousness. He is a faithful and loving God who is the Creator and preserver of all things. Genesis 1: 1, Jer 10; 10, and 1 Tim 1: 17.
In the unity of the God head there are three persons in one substance, with identical qualities and attributes. The Father God), the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. John 1: 1,2; 4: 24; 5: 10; 10: 30.
The utter depravity of human nature, the necessity of Repentance and Regeneration.
Man
We believe that mankind was created in God’s own image (Gen. 1: 27) but because of Adam’s sin (Disobedience) man inherits a corrupt nature that inclines him to do wrong Genesis 3: 6; 6: 5; Rom 5: 12. Man is incapable of achieving a life without sin on his own. Pro 20: 9; Rom 3:20; Gal 2: 16. Because man is created in God’s own image we have a God likeness which includes knowledge between right and wrong – the ability to choose which course we will take – and the responsibility for our actions or our choices, Joshua 24: 15; 1 Kings 20: 40; John 7: 17.
We believe with those who have not accepted Christ as their personal Saviour and are unrepentant will be judged by God in His perfect justice and doomed to eternal punishment. Ecclesiastes 12: 14; Matt 25: 31 – 46; II Cor 5; 10; Rom 2: 16.
The Virgin Birth, Sinless Life, Atoning Death, Triumphant Resurrection, Ascension, and Abiding Intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ; His Second Coming and Millennial Reign upon earth.
The Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ
We believe in the personal return of Jesus Christ to receive His believers into heaven and eternal life.
The time of His return is unknown; however, it may be at any moment. This is the Glorious hope of all God’s children. John 14: 1-3; I Thess 4:13-18; James 5: 7,8; Rev 22: 12-20.
Justification and Sanctification of the believers through the finished work of Christ.
Justification
Justification is an act of God whereby He declares penitent sinners “the righteousness of Christ”. The act of JUSTIFICATION makes me “just as if I’d never sinned”.
We believe that Jesus Christ, the living Son of God, was given by God as a sacrifice for the sins of all men. Christ died on the cross to mend the broken relationship between God and man which was caused by man’s sin of disobedience. However, this broken relationship may be restored into perfect harmony through belief in Jesus Christ – not on the basis of our work. Gal 5:4,5; Eph 2: 8,9.
This belief and faith in Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as Lord and Saviour, gives men and women the free gift of eternal life. John 1: 29, John 3:16; I Cor 5: 7; Eph 5: 2; I Peter 1: 19.
Sanctification
We believe that sanctification is the work of God and the Holy Spirit – making the believer pure in heart and totally committed and dedicated to God. This work is both instantaneous and gradual or progressive. It begins when a person is saved and continues throughout life.
This process of sanctification is the working of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life, bringing the believer to wholeness and holiness and convicting us of our luke-warmness and apathy in our relationship with the Lord. It further brings purity of heart, Soul and mind and, ultimately perfection. Deut 30: 6; Luke 1: 74; Act 15: 8,9; I Cor 6: 11;Eph 4:13, 24; I Thess 4:3, 7; James 4: 8.
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost for believers with signs following
Prior to His ascension the Lord Jesus Christ commanded His followers to wait for the promise the Holy Spirit because the power of the Holy Spirit was necessary to be witnesses and to express the life of Christ. Act 1: 1-8.
Paul also commanded the believers in Ephesians 5: 18 to be filled with the Spirit “be filled” is a present passive imperative… it is not “have you been filled?” but ” be filled now on a continuing basis” The Word of God would not command us to receive something that has been freely given and was not available to us Act 19: 2-6.
A person who is being continuously filled with the Holy Spirit will manifest the character and ability of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Anointed One.
The Nine Gifts of the Holy Ghost for the edification, Exhortation and comfort of the Church, which is the body of Christ.
Gift of the Spirit
We believe that Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit has given spiritual and natural gifts to believers. The purpose of the gifts is to build up the Body of Christ (The Church) thereby bringing glory to God. The gifts are to be exercised in love and emphasize the need for unity. ICor 12:4, 11, 18, 21-25.
Sacraments
We believe that God ordained two sacraments: The Lord’s Supper and Water Baptism.
The Lord’s Supper is received in remembrance of Christ’s death for our sin. The bread represents His broken body and the wine His shed blood. It is also a remembrance of God’s love and grace towards us, and of the love we must share with one another Matt 26: 26, 38; Mark 14: 22-24; I Cor 10: 16.
Water Baptism is an outward, symbolic act signifying salvation and cleansing from sin Num 8: 7; Mark 16: 16; Act 22: 36.
The word baptize means to bury in water.
We believe in baptism by immersion at an age of accountability. Our infants are dedicated to the Lord. Baptism is for those who are knowledgeable of sin and the need of repent.
The Divine inspiration and Authority of the Holy Scriptures.
The Authority of the Scriptures
We believe that the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments combined constitute the Holy Scriptures. Nothing may be added nor can anything be deleted. The Holy Scripture is the inspired and inerrant Word of God, that is, without error or failure of basic contents and meaning in the original manuscripts.
The Holy Scripture contains all the necessary truth to lead men and women into salvation. Ps 19:7; John 17:7 Romans 15: 4; I Thess 2: 13 and II Tim 3: 15-17.
Church Government by Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, Elders and Deacons.
Ascension Gifts
We believe that Jesus gives governmental gifts to the Church Eph 4: 11- 16 to equip and adjust the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ.
The possibility of falling from grace.
We rejoice in the saving and keeping power of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. However we do recognize the responsibility that is ours to maintain a spiritual walk. We believe that after we have experienced regeneration it is possible to fall into sin. In this life there is no height or strength of holiness from which it is impossible to fall. But by the Grace of God one who has fallen into sin may, by confession and true repentance, find forgiveness and be restored into fellowship with God. Matt 18: 21, 22; I John 1:9; 2: 1, 24,25.
Let us always remember that our security is in abiding in fellowship with God. He is always willing to keep us but we must be willing to abide.
The obligatory nature of Tithes and Offerings.
It is our privilege to bring to the Lord our tithes and offerings as an acknowledgement of His Lordship in our lives. Gen 14: 20; 28: 22 Prov 3: 9-10; Mal 3: 10; ICor 16: 2; II Cor 9:6-7; Heb 7: 1-10.