Our Beliefs
God the Father
The Bible, backed up by creation, declares God exists. He is the all-knowing, always present, self-existing God. He is the Creator of the universe, and He is the Creator of all forms of life on earth. He is the Sovereign Lord who has a plan for mankind whom He created in His image. He is the Father God of all people. God has eternally existed in three persons; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
(Genesis 1:1-2; Genesis 3:26-27; Genesis 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; Acts 17:24-28; Romans 1:3,4; Hebrews 11:3)
God the Son – Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, a member of the Triune God. To fulfill God’s plan Jesus willingly left his heavenly dwelling and came to earth being born as a baby to Mary who was a virgin. His purpose was to be the sinless “Lamb of God” who would reconcile people back to God by paying the price to set all who believe free from the penalty of their sin and death, which is separation from God for eternity. At the completion of His ministry He was crucified on a Roman cross, was buried in a tomb and three days later rose out of the grave in a bodily resurrection, and then ascended to heaven to rule as King over God’s Kingdom.
(Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14-15)
God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is eternal and a member of the Triune God. After Jesus ascended to heaven He came as the special comforter who was to live in every Christian’s life from conversion onwards. He gives insight into God’s Truth and He guides and empowers. His ultimate goal is to bring every Christian to maturity in Christ. He imparts spiritual gifts to every Christian. Christians are encouraged to be filled with the Holy Spirit daily, allowing Him to control their lives.
(John 16:5-15; Acts 1:7-8; Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 5:18-20; 2 Timothy 1:14)
The Bible
The Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the Christian’s road map for life. It contains everything we need to know about life, about God and becoming holy as He is holy. It reveals what happens at physical death. It also reveals that Jesus is coming again.
(John 14:26; John 16:12-15; Acts 1:16; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13; 2 Timothy 3:14-16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
The human condition
All people are born in the image of God and loved by God. People are the supreme act of God’s creation, however, all are marred by an attitude of self-centeredness and disobedience towards God called sin. “All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” (Romans 3:23) People can only be set free by Jesus. “Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
(Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Isaiah 59:1-2)
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 of good deeds. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty, which is eternal separation from God in Hell. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment Jesus Christ comes into ones life by faith.
(John 1:12; John 14:6; Romans 5:1; Romans 6:23; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)
Our Practices
Baptism
We practise baptism by immersion. Baptism is the culmination of a convert’s response to the Gospel. Belief in Jesus leads to repentance and confession that Jesus is Saviour and Lord. This decision is demonstrated in baptism: death to sin and self-rule and being raised to new life in Jesus.
(Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41; Romans 6:1-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:12)
Lord’s Supper
We practice weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper / Communion.
(Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29)
The local church
The Church has a special place in the heart of God. Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for the Church. Jesus said, “I will build my church.” (Matthew 16:18)
There is one true church made up of peoples of all backgrounds, races and cultures, who have trusted in Jesus Christ as the only Saviour and Lord.
The local church, under the guidance of godly leaders, must work together in love and unity to fulfill its mission and glorify Christ. God has purposed that the local church be the environment in which believers experience loving care, protection and stimulation to grow in their faith. Locally the church gathers regularly for worship, teaching, communion and baptism and then it scatters to serve, minister and be Christ’s witnesses.
The local church has two primary roles
- Love God and love your neighbour – the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39)
- Share the Good News of Jesus with others – the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)
We are outward focused on God and on people who need a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Ministry of the congregation
The local church consists of God’s “called out” people, chosen and special. They are to love one another as Jesus loves and be growing to maturity in Christ. They are to have the same love for lost people that Jesus had. He declared, “I have come to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10) and “All of heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents”. (Luke 15:7)
The role of the Senior Pastor
The Senior Pastor is to be a godly leader whose style of leadership will be governed by spiritual gifts e.g. a shepherd, an administrator, a visionary, an evangelist, a teacher. The Senior Pastor with the support of the Elders’ Board, will lead the congregation to fulfill the Church’s vision. This will be achieved through regularly preaching, teaching, and providing encouragement and inspiration to the local church.
Commitment to support the Church of Christ Churches in Queensland
The congregation is linked to Churches of Christ in Queensland and leaders and members are encouraged to support the work and mission of Churches of Christ in Queensland. These links keep us in contact with the strength of the collective Conference. Sanctuary Park Church of Christ encourages delegates to attend annual and special meetings of Conference. While linked, the local church is an autonomous congregation. Strategic Partnerships which benefit the local church can be entered into at the discretion of the Elders’ Board.
Relationship to other churches in our community
The Senior Pastor is expected to attend the Nambour District Community of Churches (formerly Ministers Fraternal) monthly meetings. Joint activities with other local Christian churches are supported and encouraged, e.g. SU School Chaplains, ministry to the poor, combined services, etc.
The place and importance of prayer
Prayer is a core element of our Worship Services, church meetings, ministry meetings, Elders meetings and in small group activities. Requests for specific prayer are passed on by phone and / or email to those who choose to participate in a Prayer Ministry. Prayer indicates our dependence on God in all aspects of life and ministry. A prayer meeting is held immediately before Sunday morning services.