SECTION 1
We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God equally in all parts and without error in its original manuscript, absolutely infallible, and our source of supreme revelation from God, superior to conscience and reason, though not contrary to reason; and it is therefore our infallible rule of faith and practice (II Timothy 3:16-17; I Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12).
SECTION 2
We believe in one God who has revealed Himself in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are all co-eternal, all stand equally superior to time, free from the temporal distinctions of past and future.
The Eternal FATHER - Genesis 12:33, Deuteronomy 33:27, Psalm 90:2, 102:27, I Timothy 1:17
The Eternal SON - John 1:1-2; 8:58; Hebrews 1:8; I John 1:2; Micah 5:2; Revelation 1:8
The Eternal SPIRIT - Hebrews 9:14
The Eternal GODHEAD - Romans 1:20
SECTION 3
We believe in the pre-existence, incarnation and virgin birth of Jesus Christ who came into the world to reveal the Father, and was the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person; that Jesus Christ was the Creator of all things, for by Him the worlds were made. We further believe that in Christ dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily and that He was very God and very Man. (John 1:1-2; 14; I Timothy 3:16, Acts 7:37-38).
SECTION 4
We believe in Jesus Christ's sinless life, miracles, substitutionary death, bodily resurrection and His ascension into Heaven, and acknowledge His Lordship - that Jesus Christ is Lord over all things in heaven and in earth and under the earth. (Philippians 2:9-10)
SECTION 5
We believe that man was created by a direct and immediate act of God (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:4).
SECTION 6
We believe that man by transgression fell from a state of righteousness and holiness in which he was first created, into total spiritual depravity a state of death in trespasses and sins in which he is held as a slave of sin and enemy of God, being unable to attain divine righteousness by his own efforts, but must be redeemed and delivered by the power of the gospel. (Romans 5:12-21, I Corinthians 15:1-4).
SECTION 7
We believe that each believer must lay a foundation for Biblical truth and experience upon which he builds his life. These foundation stones are repentance from dead works, faith towards God, doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, eternal judgment and perfection. (Hebrews 6:1-3).
SECTION 8
We believe that repentance and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ produces the work of justification in the believer. Through faith in the shed blood of Christ, he is justified and made a partaker in the death of Christ. This is the initial step o salvation. (Romans 5:1, 9; Luke 22:20).
SECTION 9
We believe that water baptism is an essential and necessary part of the "doctrine of baptisms" (Hebrews 6:2), performed only upon repentant believers in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ (which we believe to be the fulfilment of the Name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit) and in the authority of the Name of Jesus (Acts 2:38). This act is to be done by immersion, and we further believe that it is the means whereby we receive the new covenant sign of "circumcision of the heart" (Romans 2:28-29; Colossians 2:9-13).
SECTION 10
We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit according to (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6); that it is the seal of the New Covenant relationship (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; II Corinthians 1:22), and that speaking in other tongues is the accompanying sign of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Mark 16:17). We also hold that the real evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is one's response to the Word of God (John 16:13), a Christ-like life, showing forth Christ's character and nature, and experiencing and manifesting the fruit of the spirit (John 15:26; 16:14; Galatians 5:22-23).
SECTION 15
We believe that "by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). We further believe that the emphasis for a continuous walk in grace should be the emphasis of heart righteousness and purity, believing in the keeping power of God, and walking after the Spirit and not after the flesh in a lifestyle that demonstrates the character, standards and convictions of Jesus Christ, not being conformed to the world. (Jude 24; Galatians 5:16-25; Romans 4:1-5; 8:25; 12:1-2).
SECTION 16
We believe in the practice of worship with one's total being as set forth in the Word of God. (Acts 24:14; Ephesians 5:18-19; Psalm 150).
SECTION 17
We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is being manifested in the Church through the fruits [graces, ministries and gifts], (Galatians 5:22-23), and we hold that the nine gifts of the Spirit should be and must be operative in the Church today in order for the Church to enjoy the fullness of God (I Corinthians 12:8-11). Also, we hold that these gifts are imparted by the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit and only work or operate by this one and self-same Spirit. (I Corinthians 12:11).
SECTION 18
We believe in divine healing for the whole man. Healing was obtained through the atonement in Christ's sacrificial death (I Peter 2:24-25; Isaiah 53:4-5). We believe in healing as practiced by the Early Church (Acts 4:30; 19:11; Romans 8:11; I Corinthians 12:9; James 5:14).
SECTION 19
We believe that we are one body, being members of one another and that the basis of our fellowship is in Christ in the power of the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:13-22; 4:3-6; I John 1:6-7).
SECTION 20
We believe that the Church is the Body of Christ expressed as: the church individual, and universal and invisible (all saints of all places and all times united together under one Lord). As such, we believe the church to be more than just a building or a gathering of people. It is a body living in relationship and harmony under the direction of the head Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 6:15; 12:12-13; II Corinthians 1:1; Romans 16:5; 12:4-5; I Peter 2:4-5; Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:11-16). The local church is an expression of the community and fellowship of God. As the body of Christ in the earth it is an intimate community of people that is devoted to: apostolic teaching, fellowship, and breaking of bread and prayer. The local body will meet together in the private homes of the members to be an essential expression of the life of faith of the church. Indeed to this end, the Word of God frequently refers to the church as a "household" (Matthew 16:13-20; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-47; 18:8; I Peter 4:17; 2:5, I Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 2:19; I Peter 2:5; Romans 16:5, 10-11; I Corinthians 1:11,16:15, 19; Philippians 4:22; Colossians 4:15; II Timothy 1:16; 4:19).
SECTION 21
We believe in church discipline administered within the church in a spirit of meekness and confidentiality. The purpose of such discipline is the restoration of the one subject to the discipline and/or the purification of the church. The steps of discipline are one on one private confrontation, witnesses, and exposure to the church Board of Elders and or the congregation for judgment leading to restoration or separation. (Matthew 18:15-20; Galatians 6:1; Romans 16:17; II John 9-11; I Corinthians 5; II Corinthians 2:6-8; I Timothy 5:20).
SECTION 22
We believe as members of the same body of Christ, baptized by one Spirit into one body that we must endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace as as such that we are discouraged from bringing a lawsuit in a civil court against another person who professes to be a Christian or against a Christian ministry. We believe that all such disputes should be resolved within the body of Christ without taking them before unbelievers for judgment. (I Corinthians 6:1-8; Ephesians 4:3-6).
SECTION 23
We believe that faith without works is dead. We do not believe, as a matter of the fundamental beliefs and doctrines of this church that any matter can be believed without there being an accompanying and corresponding action. Our faith is an active faith that requires the doing of acts in the world. Our faith is not passive or complacent system of intellectual belief or assent to doctrine but is an active force in our lives that requires and results in actions being taken. A living, active faith will be manifested not only in belief and mental assent but but in actions expressing and based upon that belief. If a belief is truly held it will be acted upon. The act is as much a fundamental aspect of our faith as the belief upon which the act is based. (James 2:14-26; Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 7:21; 7:24-27; 5:16; 16:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 2:23; 22:12).
SECTION 24
We believe that in all matters concerning the Body of Christ, in its direction, discipline, ministry and functioning that specific guidance and instruction, revelation and discernment of truth from falsehood, is available by the leading of the Holy Spirit who enables us us to know spiritual things by the Spirit and we are confident in basing decisions and actions upon such faith and direction (Acts 13:1-3; 1 Timothy 1:18; 5:22; Romans 8:14; John 16:13-15; 1 Corinthians 5:3).
SECTION 25
We believe in: Christ's bodily ascension into heaven, His exaltation and His personal return in power and great glory, and His everlasting Kingdom and dominion (Acts 1:11; 3:19-21; Daniel 7:14; Revelation 20:4).
SECTION 26
We believe that the fearful, the unbelieving, the abominable, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters and liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8).
SECTION 27
We believe that there shall be a new heaven and a new earth wherein will dwell righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 20:4).
SECTION 28
We believe in: the reality and personality of satan (Job 1:7; Matthew 4:1-11), that he was defeated by Christ through His death, burial and resurrection at Calvary (Ephesians 1:19-23: Colossians 2:15), and that Christ has delegated His authority over all the works of satan to His body the Church (Matthew 28:18-20).
SECTION 29
We believe a divinely called and scriptural ordained ministry is provided by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, for the two-fold purpose of the evangelization of the world and of the edification and oversight of the body of Christ. (Mark 16:15-20; Ephesians 4:8-13; Acts 20:28).
SECTION 30
We believe there is the occasional need for deliverance. A need for deliverance is manifested by an inability to be free from bondage: e.g mental (emotional), physical or spiritual normally associated with demon activity. It is God's desire to bring deliverance to His people (Job 5:19; Psalm 91:3; 2 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 2:15; 2 Peter 2:9). We have been granted the authority in the name of Jesus to bring deliverance to others (Mark 16:17; John 14:12; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11). We must understand that our warfare is with forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12), our weapon is the Word of God our authority and power is from Jesus Himself (Mark 16:17; Acts 1:8) and that the battlefield is first of all in the spiritual realms. (Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:22-23).
SECTION 31
We believe in the creation and God as the Creator. We believe that God created man and that He created them male and female. As such He created them different so as to complement and complete each other. God instituted monogamous marriage between male and female as the foundation of the family, the basic structure of human society.
SECTION 32
We believe that repentance is a gift from God. It is simply not true that a person can repent at any time. Repentance is dependent upon the convicting action of the Holy Spirit in the lives of sinners and believers. The conviction of the Holy Spirit, which often accompanies the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, will result in revelation of the sinfulness of self, which should lead to godly sorrow. Remorse, or worldly sorrow, is a feeling of deep regret, hopelessness, or even despair. It does not lead to constructive change. On the other hand, godly sorrow, which may at times be mistaken for worldly sorrow, produces repentance, which causes us to turn away from sin and selfishness and to receive faith for change. Worldly sorrow is destructive, but repentance is life-giving. Repentance changes the we feel and act about sin, self and God. Repentance is a total change of heart, mind, attitude, emotions, will, action and lifestyle flowing from the turmoil and sorrow of the Holy Spirit conviction of sin. (2 Corinthians 7:10; Psalm 51; Acts 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25; Genesis 6:3; Romans 1:18-32; Matthew 9:12-13).
SECTION 11
We
believe in the doctrine of laying on of hands for:
·
The
confirming of believers in the faith (Acts 14:22)
·
The
confirmation of one’s call by the laying on of hands with prophecy (Acts
13:1,3)
·
The
impartation of the spiritual gifts when accompanied by prophecy and the laying
on of hands (I Timothy 4:14; II Timothy 1:6)
·
The
ordination and official recognition and setting apart of ministry.
·
The
impartation of the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17-18).
·
The
ministry of healing the sick (Mark 16:16).
·
The
blessing and dedication (setting apart) of children (Mark 10:16).
SECTION 12
We
believe in the fivefold ministry given to the Church at the ascension of
Jesus Christ and that they continue to be needed and should be expected today,
that is, ministries of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.
Working with these ministries will be appointed leadership consisting of
elders, deacons, deaconesses, missionaries and the gifted men and women of the
Church (Psalm 68:18; Ephesians 4:11-12; Philippians 1:1).
SECTION 13
We
believe and teach the rite of foot washing for all New Covenant
believer-priests as the means of removing defilement of this world from one
another. We further believe that all are instructed to do by the Lord Jesus Christ
(John 13:14-15).
SECTION 14
We believe in the New
Testament order for the local church in its government, structure, and
worship. Fivefold ministries: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and
Teachers (Ephesians 4:11), Elders (Titus 1:5-9; I Timothy 3:17), Deacons (Acts
6:1-7, Philippians 1:1, I Timothy 3:8-13), and Helpers and Administrators (I
Corinthians 12:28 – Amplified). And
those able and appointed to lead in Music and Worship (I Chronicles 23:1-5),
Pastoral accountability and authority (Hebrews 13:17), Ordination and commissioning
in this church is a separation and recognition of a specific gifting of God. We
believe that God calls men into specific ministries as: Apostles, Prophets,
Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. God calls. Man can only recognise the call
and acknowledge it. Ordination is on the basis of that recognition of God’s
gifting. Men called to a specific office by God and ordained or commissioned by
this church will have the right to participate in the traditional sacramental
and ordinal functions of the church such as marriage, funerals, baptisms, and
the like. They shall also be expected to function in the spiritual gifting of
their office and to demonstrate the reality of their calling. We reject the
efficacy of ritual, and the concept of a separate priestly class. We recognise
the priesthood of believers and the serving ministry of the Apostle, Prophet,
Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher with government by these Elders, assisted by
other Elders raised up and trained to serve in the local church. As such we
recognise that those called to those offices will function in a manner to lead
by example in prayer, worship, teaching, laying on of hands and prophesying and
that such actions on the part of those ordained and commissioned by this church
would be compared to the sacramental function of the priesthood in traditional sacramental churches.
SECTION 15
We believe that "by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). We further believe that the emphasis for a continuous walk in grace should be the emphasis of heart righteousness and purity, believing in the keeping power of God, and walking after the Spirit and not after the flesh in a lifestyle that demonstrates the character, standards and convictions of Jesus Christ, not being conformed to the world. (Jude 24; Galatians 5:16-25; Romans 4:1-5; 8:25; 12:1-2).
SECTION 16
We believe in the practice of worship with one's total being as set forth in the Word of God. (Acts 24:14; Ephesians 5:18-19; Psalm 150).
SECTION 17
We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is being manifested in the Church through the fruits [graces, ministries and gifts], (Galatians 5:22-23), and we hold that the nine gifts of the Spirit should be and must be operative in the Church today in order for the Church to enjoy the fullness of God (I Corinthians 12:8-11). Also, we hold that these gifts are imparted by the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit and only work or operate by this one and self-same Spirit. (I Corinthians 12:11).
SECTION 18
We believe in divine healing for the whole man. Healing was obtained through the atonement in Christ's sacrificial death (I Peter 2:24-25; Isaiah 53:4-5). We believe in healing as practiced by the Early Church (Acts 4:30; 19:11; Romans 8:11; I Corinthians 12:9; James 5:14).
SECTION 19
We believe that we are one body, being members of one another and that the basis of our fellowship is in Christ in the power of the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:13-22; 4:3-6; I John 1:6-7).
SECTION 20
We believe that the Church is the Body of Christ expressed as: the church individual, and universal and invisible (all saints of all places and all times united together under one Lord). As such, we believe the church to be more than just a building or a gathering of people. It is a body living in relationship and harmony under the direction of the head Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 6:15; 12:12-13; II Corinthians 1:1; Romans 16:5; 12:4-5; I Peter 2:4-5; Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:11-16). The local church is an expression of the community and fellowship of God. As the body of Christ in the earth it is an intimate community of people that is devoted to: apostolic teaching, fellowship, and breaking of bread and prayer. The local body will meet together in the private homes of the members to be an essential expression of the life of faith of the church. Indeed to this end, the Word of God frequently refers to the church as a "household" (Matthew 16:13-20; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-47; 18:8; I Peter 4:17; 2:5, I Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 2:19; I Peter 2:5; Romans 16:5, 10-11; I Corinthians 1:11,16:15, 19; Philippians 4:22; Colossians 4:15; II Timothy 1:16; 4:19).
SECTION 21
We believe in church discipline administered within the church in a spirit of meekness and confidentiality. The purpose of such discipline is the restoration of the one subject to the discipline and/or the purification of the church. The steps of discipline are one on one private confrontation, witnesses, and exposure to the church Board of Elders and or the congregation for judgment leading to restoration or separation. (Matthew 18:15-20; Galatians 6:1; Romans 16:17; II John 9-11; I Corinthians 5; II Corinthians 2:6-8; I Timothy 5:20).
SECTION 22
We believe as members of the same body of Christ, baptized by one Spirit into one body that we must endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace as as such that we are discouraged from bringing a lawsuit in a civil court against another person who professes to be a Christian or against a Christian ministry. We believe that all such disputes should be resolved within the body of Christ without taking them before unbelievers for judgment. (I Corinthians 6:1-8; Ephesians 4:3-6).
SECTION 23
We believe that faith without works is dead. We do not believe, as a matter of the fundamental beliefs and doctrines of this church that any matter can be believed without there being an accompanying and corresponding action. Our faith is an active faith that requires the doing of acts in the world. Our faith is not passive or complacent system of intellectual belief or assent to doctrine but is an active force in our lives that requires and results in actions being taken. A living, active faith will be manifested not only in belief and mental assent but but in actions expressing and based upon that belief. If a belief is truly held it will be acted upon. The act is as much a fundamental aspect of our faith as the belief upon which the act is based. (James 2:14-26; Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 7:21; 7:24-27; 5:16; 16:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 2:23; 22:12).
SECTION 24
We believe that in all matters concerning the Body of Christ, in its direction, discipline, ministry and functioning that specific guidance and instruction, revelation and discernment of truth from falsehood, is available by the leading of the Holy Spirit who enables us us to know spiritual things by the Spirit and we are confident in basing decisions and actions upon such faith and direction (Acts 13:1-3; 1 Timothy 1:18; 5:22; Romans 8:14; John 16:13-15; 1 Corinthians 5:3).
SECTION 25
We believe in: Christ's bodily ascension into heaven, His exaltation and His personal return in power and great glory, and His everlasting Kingdom and dominion (Acts 1:11; 3:19-21; Daniel 7:14; Revelation 20:4).
SECTION 26
We believe that the fearful, the unbelieving, the abominable, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters and liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8).
SECTION 27
We believe that there shall be a new heaven and a new earth wherein will dwell righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 20:4).
SECTION 28
We believe in: the reality and personality of satan (Job 1:7; Matthew 4:1-11), that he was defeated by Christ through His death, burial and resurrection at Calvary (Ephesians 1:19-23: Colossians 2:15), and that Christ has delegated His authority over all the works of satan to His body the Church (Matthew 28:18-20).
SECTION 29
We believe a divinely called and scriptural ordained ministry is provided by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, for the two-fold purpose of the evangelization of the world and of the edification and oversight of the body of Christ. (Mark 16:15-20; Ephesians 4:8-13; Acts 20:28).
SECTION 30
We believe there is the occasional need for deliverance. A need for deliverance is manifested by an inability to be free from bondage: e.g mental (emotional), physical or spiritual normally associated with demon activity. It is God's desire to bring deliverance to His people (Job 5:19; Psalm 91:3; 2 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 2:15; 2 Peter 2:9). We have been granted the authority in the name of Jesus to bring deliverance to others (Mark 16:17; John 14:12; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11). We must understand that our warfare is with forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12), our weapon is the Word of God our authority and power is from Jesus Himself (Mark 16:17; Acts 1:8) and that the battlefield is first of all in the spiritual realms. (Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Romans 8:9; Galatians 5:22-23).
SECTION 31
We believe in the creation and God as the Creator. We believe that God created man and that He created them male and female. As such He created them different so as to complement and complete each other. God instituted monogamous marriage between male and female as the foundation of the family, the basic structure of human society.
SECTION 32
We believe that repentance is a gift from God. It is simply not true that a person can repent at any time. Repentance is dependent upon the convicting action of the Holy Spirit in the lives of sinners and believers. The conviction of the Holy Spirit, which often accompanies the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, will result in revelation of the sinfulness of self, which should lead to godly sorrow. Remorse, or worldly sorrow, is a feeling of deep regret, hopelessness, or even despair. It does not lead to constructive change. On the other hand, godly sorrow, which may at times be mistaken for worldly sorrow, produces repentance, which causes us to turn away from sin and selfishness and to receive faith for change. Worldly sorrow is destructive, but repentance is life-giving. Repentance changes the we feel and act about sin, self and God. Repentance is a total change of heart, mind, attitude, emotions, will, action and lifestyle flowing from the turmoil and sorrow of the Holy Spirit conviction of sin. (2 Corinthians 7:10; Psalm 51; Acts 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25; Genesis 6:3; Romans 1:18-32; Matthew 9:12-13).
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