What We Believe
Lifechurch Tauranga has 12 foundation statements that we believe
About God.
We believe that God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He is the King of all Kings and has revealed Himself as one God existing in three persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14
About Jesus Christ.
We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of men, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. He is totally God, co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit and totally man. We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again on the third day. We believe He bodily ascended into heaven and will return again some day for His church.
Luke 1:26-35. John 1:14-18. Isaiah 7:14, 9:6. I Corinthians 15: 1-4; Romans 4:25. John 14: 2-3, 1 Thessalonians 4; 13-18.
About the Holy Spirit.
We believe that the Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for salvation through Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of their salvation. He provides the Christian with power for victorious living, understanding of spiritual truths, guidance in doing what is right and for the supernatural work of the ministry.
2 Corinthians 3:7; John 16:7-13, John 14:16; Acts 1:8.
About the Bible.
We believe that the Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture or error.
2 Timothy 3:16. 1 Corinthians 2:13.
About Human Beings.
We believe that people are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of Gods creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God, called "sin". This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:27. Psalm 8: 3-6; Isaiah 53:6a, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59:1-2.
About Salvation.
We believe salvation is Gods free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trust in Jesus Christ as Gods offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sins' penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into their life by Faith.
The death of Jesus on the Cross was the complete and perfect sacrifice for all sin. His resurrection was the proof that the price was completely paid for all time.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-10; John 14: 6; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1.
About Water Baptism.
We believe in the necessity of water baptism by immersion in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit in order to fulfil the command of the Lord Jesus.
Matthew 28:20; Acts 2:34-36; 19:1-6.
About the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
We believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a real experience at or subsequent to salvation. The predominant Bible evidence of ‘being filled’ is ‘speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit gives utterance’.
Acts 2:1-4; 10:44-45.
About the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
We believe that the 9 supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit and the 5 Leadership ministries are still operational in the Church today and essential for the Church to grow into maturity and wholeness.
1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4: 11
About the Spirit-Filled Life.
We believe that true Christian faith is expressed through the spirit-filled life, a life of separation from sinful habits and perfecting of holiness in the fear of God.
Ephesians 5:18; 2 Corinthians 6:14, 7:1.
About Divine Healing.
We believe that when Jesus died on the Cross. He carried our sicknesses and diseases. Therefore, the healing of the physical body by God's power is valid today as it was in the early church.
Mark 16: 17. James 5:14.
About Eternal Life.
We believe in eternal life for believers and eternal punishment for unbelievers. God gives eternal life through Jesus Christ for all believers. If you are genuinely saved, you will have the security of knowing that God will keep you by His grace and power.
John 5:24; 3:16; Revelation 20:15. John 10:29, 2 Timothy 1:12.