what we believe
We believe that salvation is by grace alone. We are sinful and undeserving of anything from God except his just anger. However, because of his great mercy, on account of Jesus death and resurrection, we can turn back to him and be forgiven. Yet even this is the work of God.
We believe that salvation is by Christ alone. There is only one mediator between us and God – the man Jesus Christ. He is God’s unique, sufficient and abundant provision for us.
Scripture alone is our supreme and sufficient authority in all matters of faith and teaching. The Bible is God’s revelation to us, the means by which he speaks. It is inseperable from God (who’s word it is), Christ (whom it is about & who is himself the Word become human) and the Holy Spirit (who both inspired the Bible and enlightens the reader).
We believe in trust alone as the required response to God’s grace in Christ. Obedience in no way contributes to salvation, but necessarily flows from it.
We aim to be
Christ focused. Jesus is our Lord and our Saviour. He died and rose on our behalf. He is at the centre of God’s plans for the world. Colossians 1:28 – We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
Bible based. The Bible is the powerful and effective sword of the Spirit by which God calls us, guides us, transforms us and ultimately judges us. We seek to shape all we do by what God says in the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Living godly lives. We seek to be changed to be like Christ. At the heart of godliness is faith in Christ, love for others and hope in the return of Jesus and the world to come. Titus 2:14 – (Christ) gave himself to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Serving one another in love. God has united us into one body. We all have our part to play in building the church. Ephesians 4:16 – From him (Christ) the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work”.
Outward Looking. Jesus gave his life so that others could be saved. An important aspect of godliness is sharing His concern to seek and save the lost through the communication of the Good News about Jesus. 1 Corinthians 10:33-11:1 – … For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Welcoming and sending. Our commitment to people and their salvation implies that we will always welcome newcomers and send members to take the Good News about Jesus elsewhere. Matthew 28:18 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…