Our beliefs need to be translated into action. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following seven practices.
Bible as our final authority
"The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realise what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right." 2 Timothy 3:15
Since God's word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is "What does the Bible say?" We promote and encourage the practice of daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.
Autonomy of each local Church
"Christ is the head of His body, the church. He is the source of the Body's life ..." Colossians 1:18 (GN)
Christ is the recognised head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organisation. While recognising the value of associating and #cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self governing, at the same time inter-relating and working with other churches of our denomination.
Priesthood of every believer
"Christ loves us, and by His death he has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God." Rev 1:6 (GN)
"You are ... the King's priest ... God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God." 1 Peter 2:9 (GN)
The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to ‘full time' Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practise the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a
place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.
Total Giving
"You are not your own, you have been bought with a price." 1 Corinthians 6:20
"Every Sunday each of you must put aside some money, in proportion to what he has earned, and save it up, so there will be no need to collect money when I come." 1 Corinthians 16:2 (GN)
We recognise that everything we possess belongs to the Lord. In our churches we encourage our members to practise percentage giving. The more we earn, the more we give.
Luke:38; 2Cor 9:7
Immersion
"For when you were Baptised, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ..." Colossians 2:12 (GN)
We practise baptism by immersion under water - the way Jesus was baptised, and the way the Bible commands.
Spirit-led Living
(Jesus said) "I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by having God's power within us. So we seek to practise a daily dependence on God's Spirit to enable us to do what is right.
Philippians.2:13, Ephesians.5:18
Telling others about Christ
"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have." 1 Peter 3:15
We believe that every Christian should make the most of the opportunities they have, to share the message of the Gospel to those in their sphere of influence, through both word and action.