We are passionate about theology.
That might sound a bit odd to many people, but all it means is this: we don't want to have just vague ideas about spirituality, but very clear convictions about God, us, and what life is all about. For that reason, we're also passionate about the Bible, because it's there that our questions about those things are answered most fully. That's why we put our sermons online, along with the notes; that's why the biggest chunk of our services is devoted to Bible teaching; that's why we encourage our people to get into the Bible as much as possible.
Below is our attempt to explain what we believe. It's a balance between theological precision, and using language that is understandable to most people. We haven't always got it quite right, but we've tried hard!
About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. Genesis 1:1, 26-27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is God the Son, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. He was conceived in the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit, and lived a sinless human life. In fulfilment of God’s perfect plan, he took upon himself our sin, and was put to death on a cross as the substitute sacrifice for our sins. John 1:1-4; Colossians 1:15-20; Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 20:28; Hebrews 4:15; John 3:16
He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return to earth to reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords. Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13
About The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make us aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides Christians with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, guidance in doing what is right and spiritual gifts for the benefit of the Church. The Christian should seek to live under His control daily. 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 14:16-17, 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
About Mankind
We are the pinnacle of God’s creation because God made us in his spiritual image and designed us to have a relationship with him. But since the rebellion of Adam, our natural inclination is to disobey God and to live in rebellion against him. The Bible calls this sin. We are by nature unable to satisfy the righteous requirements of God’s Law, and are therefore under the just condemnation of God. Genesis 1:27; Romans 5:12; Romans 3:11-12
About Salvation
How a Person Becomes a Christian
Salvation is a gift from God to people, that has to be received by faith. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. We believe that Jesus died on the cross to take God’s punishment for all who would believe on and trust in him for their salvation from sin. When we trust/depend on Jesus Christ as Saviour/rescuer and ask him to forgive us, God declares us to be innocent and we are saved from sin’s penalty. Ephesians 2:8; Romans 3:21-25; 2 Corinthians 5:21
Role of Holy Spirit in Salvation
The Holy Spirit leads us to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our lives by faith. Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
After Salvation
New Life will be seen in the way our lives progressively reflect the image of God. Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 22:39-40; 1 Thessalonians 4:3.
Every follower of Jesus should be baptized in water by immersion as an outward sign of the inner change that has taken place in their life. Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38
We should meet together regularly with other Christians, to worship God and to eat bread and drink wine in remembrance of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ for us. Acts 2:42-47
About Baptism and Communion
Jesus was baptised and the Bible commands that every believer in Him should be baptised also. We believe therefore that baptism follows belief and is both an act of obedience and an outward sign of an inward faith. We believe that the scriptural method of baptism is by full immersion; however, where a person wishes to be baptised but because of age or medical condition this is not possible, we would seek to make an alternative way for them to declare their faith.
About Eternal Safe Keeping of Believers
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, we are secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; 10:10,14; 1 Peter 1:3-5
About the Bible
The Bible is God’s word to all people. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance (inspiration) of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth, totally without error or mistake in everything on which it speaks. 2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
About Eternity
The Lord Jesus Christ will return to earth and everyone will see him, and there will be a resurrection of the dead – both true Christians and unbelievers. All true Christians will receive new “spiritual bodies” which will be theirs as they spend eternity with God. At that time the eternal conscious punishment of the unbelievers will be confirmed as they are sent away from God. John 3:16; John 2:25; John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; 1 John 5:11-12; Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18