The Bible is our standard
We are a Bible-believing evangelical free church. On this page we summarise what we believe. It is set out in full in our statement of faith, linked at the bottom of the page.
Every statement of faith is a human attempt, and our knowledge remains “in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9). That is why God's Word, the Bible, is our only standard for faith and life.
How can a person be reconciled with God?
God is holy, and all of us have sinned against him. No one can put that right in their own strength.
But God himself made a way: Jesus Christ died on the cross in our place and bore the punishment for our sin. He rose from the dead and is alive.
Whoever repents of their sin and trusts Jesus as Saviour and Lord is fully forgiven by God and receives new, eternal life. It is a gift. No one can earn it.
Our faith in nine points
The Bible
The Bible is God's Word. All 66 books are inspired by the Holy Spirit, without error and the only binding standard for faith and life. We take it literally, as it is meant, including the account of creation in six days.
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The triune God
There is only one living and true God. He is eternally one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He created all things, sustains them and governs everything that happens.
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Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man, born of a virgin. He died on the cross in our place, rose bodily from the dead and intercedes for us with the Father.
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The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God, as the Father and the Son are. He gives new life, lives in everyone who believes in Jesus and makes them more and more like Jesus. He does not draw attention to himself but to Christ.
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Humanity
God created human beings in his image. Since Adam's disobedience, every person is a sinner, separated from God and unable to save themselves.
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Salvation by grace alone
God saves by grace alone, not because of our works. Whoever repents of their sin and trusts Jesus as Lord is declared righteous by God. God chose his own before the foundation of the world, and at the same time he sincerely calls every person to repent.
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New life that lasts
Whoever is born again belongs to God and becomes more and more like Jesus. They fight against sin all their life. God keeps everyone he has saved, for ever.
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The church
Everyone who believes in Jesus belongs to the church, the body of Christ, and should join a local church. It is led by elders, men who meet the biblical qualifications, supported by deacons. Christ has entrusted baptism and the Lord's Supper to it.
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The future
Jesus Christ will return. He will take his church to himself and establish his kingdom on earth. He will judge all people. Those who believe in him will be with God for ever. Those who reject him remain separated from God for ever.
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What this means for our services
The sermon is at the centre: it explains a Bible passage and takes up most of the service.
We baptise people who believe in Jesus Christ themselves, by immersion. Baptism is their public confession of faith in him.
We celebrate the Lord's Supper on the first Sunday of the month in remembrance of Jesus' death. Anyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord may take part. Everyone examines themselves beforehand.
Speaking in tongues and miraculous healings are not part of our services. We believe these gifts confirmed the apostles' message in the early days of the church. Today the complete Bible is the standard. God hears prayer for the sick and answers according to his will.
Questions are welcome
You don't have to share everything written here to be welcome. Come along, listen and ask your questions. We look for the answers together in the Bible.
Read it in full
Our complete statement of faith with all Bible references, arranged by topic.
Read the statement of faith