STATEMENT OF FAITH
While we realize that we cannot confine God to a mere article of faith, we also recognize the importance of doctrine in these days, when people are being led by false teachings. To avoid being thus misled, it is important for every believer to have a firm grounding in the fundamental doctrines of the Holy Bible. We therefore, offer the following statement as a summary.
1. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
We believe that the Bible consists of sixty six books, thirty nine of which are in the Old Testament and twenty seven in the New Testament, which is divinely inspired and the only infallible authoritative word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Matthew 5:18, 1 Corinthians 2:13)
2. THE ETERNAL GODHEAD
We believe that there is only one God, the creator and the Lord of the universe, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, distinguishable but indivisible (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 44:6, 8, Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 2:13, 13:14)
3. JESUS CHRIST AS OUR MEDIATOR
We believe that Jesus Christ was God the Son incarnate, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary for the salvation of all the mankind. He died and was buried, rose from the dead bodily and ascended into Heaven where he is now as at the right hand of the Father our interceding High Priest (Hebrew 7:25, Romans 8:34, 1 Timothy 2:5).
4. THE FALL OF MAN.
We believe that man was created in the image of God. He fell into sin and was consequently separated from God. All human beings are sinners, both by birth and choice. As a result, man is by nature depraved, under condemnation and unable to attain unto divine righteousness (Genesis 1:26, Ezekiel 18:4, Romans 3:10-18, 5:12-18).
5. TRIPARTITE BEING
We believe that man is a soul living in a body having a spirit (Isaiah 42:5, 57:15-16, 1Thessalonians 5:23, Isaiah 57:16, Exodus 1:5, Ezekiel 18:4).
6. THE NEW BIRTH
We believe that the change taking place in the heart at conversion, being born again, is a very real one.
7. SALVATION THROUGH GRACE
We believe that we have no righteousness of our own and need to come to God pleading the righteousness of Christ; and salvation in only through Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8, Acts 4:12).
8. REPENTANCE AND ACCEPTANCE
We believe that upon sincere repentance, and a whole hearted acceptance of Christ, we are Justified. (1 John 1:9).
9. FORGIVENESS OF SINS
We believe that the blood of Jesus Christ is the only basis for the remission of sins (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans Rom 5:11, Acts 4:12).
10. WATER BAPTISM
We believe in water baptism which has to be taken with full immersion (Matthew 28: 19, Acts 2:36-38, 8:16, 10:48, 19:1-5).
11. BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that Baptism with the Holy Spirit is to empower the believer and this is in no way different to the infilling experience of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4).
12. THE LORD’S SUPPER
We believe in the commemoration of the Lord’s Supper by the symbolic use of bread and juice of the vine instituted by the Lord for believers (Matthew 26:26-29, 1 Corinthians 11:23-30)
13. THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE
We believe that it is the will of God that we walk in the Spirit daily (Ephesians 4:30-32)
14. DAILY CHRISTIAN LIVING
We believe that it is the will of God that we be sanctified daily; a life of separation from the world to live a life of holiness producing the fruit of the Spirit (Hebrew 6:1, 12:14,2 Corinthians 7:1, Galatians 5:22-23).
15. THE GIFTS AND FRUITS OF SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit has bestowed gifts upon the believers and that we should bring forth spiritual fruits as evidence of a Spirit-filled life (1 Corinthians 12: 1-11, Galatians 5:22).
16. MODERATION
We believe that the experience and walk of the believer should never lead him to fanaticism (Philippians 4:5).
17. DIVINE HEALING
We believe in divine healing in its varied aspects as practiced in the early Church. It is by the power of Christ in answer to the power of faith (Mark 16:18, James 5:14-16).
18. EXISTENCE OF SATAN
We believe in the reality and the personality of Satan and the final judgment of him and the fallen angels. (Luke 4:1-13, Ephesians 6:12, Matthew 25:41). We believe there are good angels God sends to guide and help his people in times of need (Psalms 34:7, 91:11, Hebrews 1:14, 13:2).
19. CHURCH
We believe that the church is the redeemed body of God’s people of all time, of which Jesus Christ is both the head and the cornerstone. It is local and universal, visible and invisible, consisting of all those who have obeyed the Gospel (Matthew 18:17, 16:18, 1 Peter 2:4-7, 1 Corinthians 12:13).
20. SPIRITUAL WORSHIP
We believe that God must be worshipped in spirit and truth (1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:5-6, John 4:23-25).
21. CHURCH FELLOWSHIP
We believe in the sacred duty to identify ourselves with fellow believers, encouraging each other spiritually (Acts16:5, Hebrews 10:25).
22. EVANGELISM
We believe that every church member should actively engage in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ among all nations (Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:19-20).
23. THE FINAL JUDGMENT
We believe in the resurrection from the dead of believers to eternal life and unbelievers to eternal judgment (1 Corinthians 5: 10, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
24. RAPTURE OF CHURCH
We believe that Jesus Christ will return to this earth in person, to take away the bride 1.e, the church, and that his coming is imminent (1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17).
25. THE SECOND COMING
We believe that Jesus Christ will return to this earth with his saints and the angels visibly in power and in glory to establish His Kingdom (John 14:3, Acts 1:11)
26. CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that Government rules are to be honoured at all times except in things apposed to the will of God (Romans 13:1-5).
27. HEAVEN
We believe that Heaven is the glorious eternal home of God and the believers in Jesus Christ (John 14:2-3, revelation 19:1)
28. HELL
We believe that hell is the place of eternal torment for all who reject Christ as the Saviour (Revelation 20:10, 5).
29. TITHES AND OFFERINGS
We believe that the method ordained of God for the support and ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is by giving tithes and free-will offerings (Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:7).
30. OFFICE OF THE PRIESTHOOD
The ministry of priesthood has free offices-apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers – who are called and separated by the Holy Spirit and not by any organization or by anybody’s desire or merit or talent (Ephesians 2:20, 4:11-13).
31. MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the One guiding the Church in its various functions as the body of Christ. Though every service is disciplined according to the pattern of the Word of God, when the Holy Spirit gives special guidance, then the Church abides by that direction (Acts 13:2, 15:28).
32. SLAIN IN THE SPIRIT
We do believe and practice being slain in the spirit. During the ministration, the Holy Spirit empowers believers and heals, delivers and speaks through visions and prophesy (Matthews 17:5-8, Acts 9:3-4).
31. SECURITY OF SALVATION
We believe that though salvation is absolutely a gift of God, holiness and separation have to be maintained, else salvation can be lost (Ephesians 2:8-9, Revelation 2:5, 3:11,16.).
POSITION CONCERNING DOCTRINAL ISSUES
1. ABORTION
We are against any form of abortion. However, in a special emergency with strict medical advice and supervision, it may be permitted.
2. BIRTH CONTROL
This is left to the individuals concerned; however, following conception we are opposed to the use of any abortifacients.
3. HEALING OF THE SICK AND INJURED
We believe in divine healing through the providence of God in response to prayer and encourage all people to believe in the Lord for deliverance. We also recognize the medical profession as an instrument in God’s hands.
4. OPERATIONS AND ORGAN TRANSPLANT
These are left to the individuals concerned.
5. DIETARY LAWS
We enforce no dietary restrictions; however, we discourage gluttony.
6. STERILIZATION
This is left to the individuals concerned.
7. BURIAL AND CREMATION OF FETUSES
This matter is left to the individuals concerned.
8. MEDICATION VACCINATION AND BLOOD TRANSFUSION
We are supportive of medication including blood transfusion and vaccination. We are opposed to the use of narcotics, except under strict medical supervision.
9. HYPNOSIS
We are opposed to any form of hypnosis.
10. OCCULT PRACTICES
We are opposed to all occult practices, including communication with spirits altered states of consciousness such as meditation.
11. HOMOSEXUALITY
We are opposed to homosexuality. Based on the teaching of the Holy Scripture, it is declared to be a sin. We encourage those who indulge in homosexuality to cease such acts, repent and turn to God for forgiveness.
12. DIVORCE
We encourage strong marital relationships and discourage divorce except in extreme cases of proof of adultery. We believe in healing for crumbling or broken marriage. Divorced and remarried persons are accepted in love and grace as members, provided they have received Jesus as their Saviour and have a spirit-filled life.
13. PREMARITAL/ EXTRA-MARITAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY
The Holy Bible declares such activities to be sin. We are opposed to all sex outside of marriage.
14. DRESS AND CONDUCT
We encourage modesty and moderation. We approve of good, clean, healthy recreation and entertainment.
15. TAX STATUS OF PROPERTY OWNED BY RELIGIOUS GROUP
We believe in exemption from taxation of all properties used for religious purposes, but not those used for unrelated business purposes.
16. WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP IN CHURCH OFFICES
We believe that God calls both men and women equally to the ministry (Galatians 3:28).
17. CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE
We follow the teaching of the Scripture to be good citizens of our nation and of nations we live in, obeying laws and rulers except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ (Titus 3:1).
18. ORNAMENTS
We do not discourage wearing ornaments (James 2:2, Revelation 1:13.
19. IDOL WORSHIP
We do not believe in any form of teaching of praying to or paying obeisance to statues (Exodus 20:2-5, 1John 5:21).
20. PRAYING FOR THE SALVATION OF THE DEAD
Salvation is personal and a gift of God and available only during one’s lifetime (Hebrews 9:27).
21. ELIGIBILITY TO LORD’S TABLE
Those who are born-again, water-baptised in full immersion, and who have a consistent life in Jesus Christ and in His Word are eligible to partake (Acts 2:38-42).