Rivers Baptist Church - Christ alone - and Him crucified

OUR BELIEF STATEMENTS - what we believe
a. In General
Essential beliefs - we have UNITY
"There is one Body and one Spirit…there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all…" Eph 4:4-6

Non-essential beliefs - we have LIBERTY
"Accept him whose faith is weak; without passing judgement on disputable matters… Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To is own master he stands or falls… So then each of us will give an account of himself to God…so whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God." Romans 14:1,4,12,22

All our beliefs - we show LOVE
"…If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains - but have no love, I amount to nothing at all." Cor. 13:2 (Ph)

b. The essentials we believe
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 are co-equal and are one God. (The existence of one God in three persons - The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.)

Genesis 1:1,26,27,3:33; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Deuteronomy 6:4.

About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is God - the Son (His deity) and became a man (his incarnation). Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory and will return again some day to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. (The Deity and incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God, the second person in the Holy Trinity)

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18.

About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God - with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. (The immediate work of the Holy Spirit in the regeneration of men, in their sanctification, and in their preservation to the heavenly kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.)

Matthew 28:16-20; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; Romans 8:1-27; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

About the Bible
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 God inspires it, it is the truth without any mixture of error. (The Divine inspiration and supreme authority of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.)

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

About Human Beings
People are made in the image of God as God's representatives and to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God's 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 causing many problems in life and Eternal Loneliness or Lost ness. (The fallen, sinful and lost estate of all mankind.)

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12; Isaiah 59:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:22

About Salvation
Salvation is God's 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 turning to God and trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty and power over their lives. 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 his life by faith. (The Salvation of men from the penal consequences and the power of sin through the perfect obedience of the Lord Jesus Christ, His atoning death, His resurrection from the dead, His ascension to the right hand of the father, and His unchanging Priesthood. The necessity in order to salvation of repentance towards God, and of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.)

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

About Eternal Security
Because Eternal Life is the life of Jesus Christ resident in us by the Holy Spirit, the true believer is secure in their salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot "lose" it. Salvation is maintained by the grace/commitment and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. (See: the work of the Holy Spirit.)

John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:10; Hebrews 10:14; 1 Peter 1:3-5

About Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. There will be a Resurrection of the body and a final judgement of all people by the Lord Jesus Christ. (The resurrection of the dead, and the final judgement of all men by the Lord Jesus Christ.)

John 3:16; John 2:25; John 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 1:8; Matthew 2:44; Matthew 2:46; 1 Corinthians 15:42-48; Hebrews 9:27.

About Baptism and the Lord's Supper
The Divine ordinances to be observed by the Church shall be Baptism and the Lord's Supper, which are of perpetual obligation. Baptism being the immersion of believers upon the profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and a symbol of the fellowship of the regenerate in his death, burial and resurrection. The Lord's supper being a memorial until he comes of the sacrifice of the body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

OUR BEHAVIOUR STATEMENTS - what we practice
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions. Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following eight practices: (A-B.A.P.T.I.S.T.)

a. Absolute Lordship of Christ
The will of the Lord Jesus rather than a book of rules is supreme for every believer. The whole of life's outlook and conduct being governed by the test of personal obedience to Christ. Therefore regularly asking the question 'will this please the Lord Jesus'.

"…yet there is for us only one God, the Father, who is the Creator of all things and for whom we live; and there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created and through whom we live." 1 Cor 8:6

b. Bible as our Sole Authority
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 practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorisation. The Bible is the basis for all we believe. As it is through the 'Word' that Christ speaks to us.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" 2 Tim 3:16

c. Autonomy of each local church
Christ is the recognised head of our church, not any person, group, or religious organization. While recognising the value of associating and co-operating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control.

"And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy." Col 1:18

d. Priesthood of every believer
The will of the Lord Jesus rather than a book of rules is supreme for every believer. The whole of life's outlook and conduct being governed by the test of personal obedience to Christ. Therefore regularly asking the question 'will this please the Lord Jesus'.

"To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father - to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen." Rev 1:6
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Pet 2:9

e. Tithing
We practice tithing for the support of Christ's Body, the church, as God commands. We recognise that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving. Offerings are our gift of love over and above our tithes.

"A tithe of everything you produce to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord." Lev 27:30

f. Immersion
We practice baptism by immersion under water - the way Jesus was baptised, and the way the Bible commands.

"having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead." Col 2:12

g. Spirit led living
We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God's power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God's Spirit to enable us to do what is right

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5
"For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Phil 2:13
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Eph 5:18

h. Tell others
It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good News with those God brings us into contact with. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.

".. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" 1 Peter 3:15