Lifestyle Statement

From Believing & Belonging course from 2001

These are the things we practice because beliefs don't really matter a whole lot unless they're actually translated into action. These are some things we believe and teach.

B - Bible is our sole authority.
2 Timothy 3:15 "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."
We do our very best to make sure that the Bible is our final authority, not only in our lives but in our church. Whenever there is a question about what to do, we seek the answer in The word of God. It can be trusted.

A - Autonomy of the local church.
Jesus Christ is the recognised honoured head of this church. Because of that, we are a body and we work together. He is the source of our life. There is great value in associating with other Christians, other groups of Christians. But this church makes its own decisions. We are autonomous.

P - Priesthood of every believer.
1 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 1:6 "Christ loves us and by His death He has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God. ... You are the King's priests, God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God." Nobody here wears special clothes, a special collar or a special robe. We are all priests before God. We don't need anybody to stand between us and God anymore. Jesus Christ did that by His death and resurrection. You don't need another human being to stand on your behalf in front of God. Because of that we all have equal access to God. We are all priests, which means we all have that same responsibility of telling people about Christ, of worshipping before Him. That's a unique privilege we have and something we believe in.

T - Tithing.
The word tithing simply means ten percent. We don't finance the church through bingo or raffles . We finance this church through the members giving to the church. Tithing is a good starting point. Giving ten per cent of what you earn back to God's work. But nobody's ever going to come check up on you. We feel that if we teach you what the Bible says, then it becomes something between you and God. It is the responsibility of the people who commit themselves to membership here to give and support the work of the church. Equally it must be said that giving can be in so many other ways other than money. We can give time, gifts, service etc. Not everyone is able to give money and we recognise that.

I - Immersion.
Believers' baptism: Colossians 2:12 "When you were baptised you were buried with Christ and in baptism you were also raised with Christ."

S - Spirit led living.
John 15:5 "Jesus said, `I am the vine, you are the branches. If you abide in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. But apart from Me, you can do nothing.'" He is the source of our life not just for salvation but for everyday. Every day, when you get up, if you do not reconnect yourself, not in terms of salvation, but in terms of dependence, "God, I depend on You today to get me through this day", you'll miss out. You're trying to live your life on your own strength and that leads only to frustration and exhaustion. God has intended that we be plugged in to Him. He is our power source in life.

T - Telling others about Christ.
1 Peter 3:15 "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." It is the responsibility and the privilege of every believe to tell others. You don't have to know the whole Bible, you don't have to have some witnessing plan memorised. All you need to do is tell somebody else, "This is what God did for me. I don't even understand it all, but my life is different because of Jesus Christ."

If you hadn’t noticed, this spells BAPTIST