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 persons are co-equal and are one God. The most important truth we can know about God is that God is love – that is his very nature.

Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2; Corinthians 13:14

ABOUT PEOPLE

The most important truth we can know about ourselves is that we are loved by God. We are made in the image of God, made to be like God in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation, although we are not the only object of his love. Although we have tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God. This is what the Bible means by "sin." This attitude separates us from God.

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2

ABOUT ETERNITY

We were created to exist forever in the fulness of God’s love. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. Eternal life is knowing God personally through Jesus Christ. This relationship continues through death for eternity.

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; John 17:3

ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, being co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life, and so was able to offer himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. His death was a visible demonstration of the love, mercy and justice of God. Jesus was raised from death by the power of God, demonstrating his power and Lordship over sin and death. He ascended to the glory of heaven, and he 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 reconciliation with the Father through Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. The Holy Spirit reveals the love of God to us and provides us with power to live the Christian life, gives greater understanding of spiritual truth, and guides us in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live in the power and life of the Holy Spirit day by day.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1

ABOUT SALVATION

Salvation is a gift from God available to all people. We can never make up for our sin by our own efforts. Trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness is the only way that we can be saved from the penalty of sin. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by faith.

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8, 9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

ABOUT ETERNAL SECURITY

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is 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 for us. It was written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and is the highest authority for what Christians believe and how Christians should live. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without error.

2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

ABOUT BAPTISM

Baptism symbolises the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and is your public declaration that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. Baptism does not save you or make you a Christian. It is faith in Jesus Christ that does this. Baptism shows the world that you have turned to Christ and now belong to his body, the church. Baptism is a biblical command and demonstrates your love and obedience to Christ.

Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41; Ephesians 2: 8-9; Colossians 2:12

ABOUT HOLY COMMUNION

Holy Communion (also known as the Lord’s Supper, the Breaking of Bread and the Eucharist) is given to all believers by Jesus Christ to remember his sacrifice for us and to symbolize the new covenant between God and humankind. The bread and wine not only symbolise Christ’s body and blood given for us on the cross, it reminds us that Christ is present with us as we share bread and wine. We are not saved by receiving Holy Communion. Rather, it is a reminder and witness of the sacrificial work of the cross and that he is present with us now.

Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19:20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29

ABOUT THE CHURCH

The church is the people of God. Among the different descriptions in the New Testament, the church is described as the family of God. Christians are brothers and sisters to each other. God is our heavenly Father. The church is also the Body of Christ, where there is unity, diversity and interdependence. The church is just as much about who we are as what we do. The purpose of the church is to love God and to love our neighbours, to go and make disciples, baptising them and teaching them in order that God’s kingdom may come on earth as it is in heaven.                                

Matthew 28:16-20; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:14-18; 1 John 4:19-5:1; John 1:12; 1 Corinthians 12:1-27; Ephesians 4:3-6