CORE BELIEFS
1. 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. They are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27 / Genesis 3:22 / Psalm 90:2 / Matthew 28:19 / 1 Peter 1:2 / 2 Corinth 13:14
2. About Jesus
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. 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 arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22-23 / Isaiah 9:6 / John 1:1-5 / John 14:10-30 / Hebrews 4:14-15 / 1 Corinth 15:3-4 / Romans 1:3-4 /
Acts 1:9-11 / 1 Timothy 6:14-15 / Titus 2:13
3. About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. 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. We also believe and operate in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Baptism in the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in making believers more effective in their witness.
2 Corinth 3:17 / John 16:7-13 / John 14:16-17 / Acts 1:8 / 1 Corinth 2:12 / 1 Corinth 3:16 / Ephesians 1:13 /
Galatians 5:25 / Ephesians 5:18
4. 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 it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any error.
2 Timothy 3:16 / 2 Peter 1:20-21 / 2 Timothy 1:13 / Psalm 119:105+160 / Psalm 12:6 / Proverbs 30:5
5. About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, 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”. These sinful attitudes and actions separate people from God and the consequences of sin in the lives of humans can lead to many problems and challenges in life.
Genesis 1:27 / Psalm 8:3-6 / Isaiah 53:6a / Romans 3:23 / Isaiah 59:1-2
6. 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 trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s 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 his life by faith.
Romans 6:23 / Ephesians 2:8-9 / John 14:6 / John 1:12 / Titus 3:5 / Galatians 3:26 / Romans 5:1
7. About Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin and because we have not accepted God's free gift of salvation OR we'll live eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16 / John 14:17 / Romans 6:23 / Romans 8:17-18 / Revelation 20:15 / 1 Corinth 2:7-9
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions.
Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following 7 practices:
1. The Bible is our sole authority
2 Timothy 3:15 says, "The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right." Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.
2. The autonomy of each local church
Colosssians 2:18 says that "Christ is the head of His Body, the church. He is the source of the Body’s life...” Christ is the recognized head of our church. It is not a person or a religious organization. We recognize that there is value in with other groups of Christians, but believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control. The local church is cared for and governed by an eldership and their function is to guide, protect, love and encourage the “flock”.
3. The priesthood of all believers
Revelations 1:6 says that Christ loves us, and by His death He has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God . . . The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of their career. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry.
(Also read 1 Peter 2:9)
4. Tithing
Leviticus 26:30
A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.
Malachi 3:8-12
Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
At Paarl Family Church we practice tithing for the support of Christ’s body and the church, as God commands. We recognise that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard. When we bring our tithes to God, we do so cheerfully and with thankful hearts towards God. We believe that giving financially is part of your worship to God.
5. Baptism by immersion
Colossians 2:12 (GN)
For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ
Because Jesus was baptized by immersion (under water), we obey God’s Word and encourage believers to do the same. Baptism is a public declaration of a decision you’re taken in you heart to serve God.
6. Spirit-led living
John 15:5
I am the Vine and 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.
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. We believe in the empowering of the Holy Spirit that comes by baptism in the Holy Spirit.
7. 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 of every Christian to share the Good News of Christ with others. God wants to use you as a vessel to share the gospel with those you come in contact with and we believe that EVERY believer is "out on mission" in this world. We gather on Sundays for the purpose of equipping, worship and encouragement, but we also live our lives as "scattered servants" influencing our society.
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26,27 / Genesis 3:22 / Psalm 90:2 / Matthew 28:19 / 1 Peter 1:2 / 2 Corinth 13:14
2. About Jesus
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. 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 arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Matthew 1:22-23 / Isaiah 9:6 / John 1:1-5 / John 14:10-30 / Hebrews 4:14-15 / 1 Corinth 15:3-4 / Romans 1:3-4 /
Acts 1:9-11 / 1 Timothy 6:14-15 / Titus 2:13
3. About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. 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. We also believe and operate in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Baptism in the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in making believers more effective in their witness.
2 Corinth 3:17 / John 16:7-13 / John 14:16-17 / Acts 1:8 / 1 Corinth 2:12 / 1 Corinth 3:16 / Ephesians 1:13 /
Galatians 5:25 / Ephesians 5:18
4. 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 it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any error.
2 Timothy 3:16 / 2 Peter 1:20-21 / 2 Timothy 1:13 / Psalm 119:105+160 / Psalm 12:6 / Proverbs 30:5
5. About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, 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”. These sinful attitudes and actions separate people from God and the consequences of sin in the lives of humans can lead to many problems and challenges in life.
Genesis 1:27 / Psalm 8:3-6 / Isaiah 53:6a / Romans 3:23 / Isaiah 59:1-2
6. 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 trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s 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 his life by faith.
Romans 6:23 / Ephesians 2:8-9 / John 14:6 / John 1:12 / Titus 3:5 / Galatians 3:26 / Romans 5:1
7. About Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin and because we have not accepted God's free gift of salvation OR we'll live eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16 / John 14:17 / Romans 6:23 / Romans 8:17-18 / Revelation 20:15 / 1 Corinth 2:7-9
Beliefs are not worth much unless they are translated into actions.
Based on what the Bible teaches, we feel very strongly about the following 7 practices:
1. The Bible is our sole authority
2 Timothy 3:15 says, "The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us to do what is right." Since God’s Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority, we accept the Bible as our manual for living. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.
2. The autonomy of each local church
Colosssians 2:18 says that "Christ is the head of His Body, the church. He is the source of the Body’s life...” Christ is the recognized head of our church. It is not a person or a religious organization. We recognize that there is value in with other groups of Christians, but believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control. The local church is cared for and governed by an eldership and their function is to guide, protect, love and encourage the “flock”.
3. The priesthood of all believers
Revelations 1:6 says that Christ loves us, and by His death He has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to serve God . . . The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to “full time” Christian service, regardless of their career. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry.
(Also read 1 Peter 2:9)
4. Tithing
Leviticus 26:30
A tithe of everything you produce belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.
Malachi 3:8-12
Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
At Paarl Family Church we practice tithing for the support of Christ’s body and the church, as God commands. We recognise that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard. When we bring our tithes to God, we do so cheerfully and with thankful hearts towards God. We believe that giving financially is part of your worship to God.
5. Baptism by immersion
Colossians 2:12 (GN)
For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ
Because Jesus was baptized by immersion (under water), we obey God’s Word and encourage believers to do the same. Baptism is a public declaration of a decision you’re taken in you heart to serve God.
6. Spirit-led living
John 15:5
I am the Vine and 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.
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. We believe in the empowering of the Holy Spirit that comes by baptism in the Holy Spirit.
7. 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 of every Christian to share the Good News of Christ with others. God wants to use you as a vessel to share the gospel with those you come in contact with and we believe that EVERY believer is "out on mission" in this world. We gather on Sundays for the purpose of equipping, worship and encouragement, but we also live our lives as "scattered servants" influencing our society.