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.

“God said, ‘Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...’” Genesis 1:26 (see also Genesis 3:22, Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14 and 1 Peter 1:2).

About Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is God’s Son. He is co-equal with the Father. He lived a sinless 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 to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

“Behold, the virgin will be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, God with us.” Matthew 1:23 (see also Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1-5 & 14:10-30, Hebrews 4:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Acts 1:9-11, 1 Timothy 6:14-15 and Titus 2:13).

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 people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. Being filled with the Spirit provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He is the giver of spiritual gifts according to His decision and purpose for those who are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.

“...the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (see also John 14:16-17 & 16:7-15, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:12 & 3:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 5:25 and Ephesians 1:13 & 5:18).

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 belief and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. Therefore, we encourage daily Bible reading, Bible study, Bible memorization and above all application to daily living.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (see also 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 1:13, Psalm 12:6 & 119:105-160 and Proverbs 30:5. Compare Romans 9:17 and Exodus 9:13-16).

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 and independence towards God. This is called, ‘sin’. This attitude separates us from God and causes many problems in life.

“All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way...” Isaiah 53:6a (see also Genesis 1:27, Psalm 8:3-6, Romans 3:23 and Isaiah 59:1-2).

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 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 and receive eternal life with Him from that moment.

“For grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (see also Romans 6:23, John 14:6 & 1:12, Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26, and Romans 5:1-10).

About Assurance of Salvation

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, true believers have assurance of salvation for eternity. Salvation by grace is maintained by the grace and keeping power of God, and not self-effort.

“…for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12 (see also 1 Peter 1:3-5 & 23-25, John 10:28-29 and 1 John 5:11-13).

About the Church

The Church has a special place in the heart of God. Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for the Church. The Church is made up of peoples of all backgrounds, races, cultures, who have trusted in Jesus Christ as the only Saviour and Lord. No Christian can live in isolation for very long. 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, fellowship and then it scatters to serve, minister and be Christ’s witnesses.

“…I will build My church...” Matthew 16:18 (see also Ephesians 5:25-27, Hebrews 10:23-25, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 and Ephesians 4:4-16).

About Eternity

People were created to exist for eternity. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. Eternal separation from God is Hell. To be eternally in unison with God is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places.

“And this is the promise which He Himself has made to us: eternal life.” 1 John 2:25 (see also John 17:3, Romans 6:23, 2 Thessalonians 1:7b-9, Matthew 25:41,46).

About Communion

Communion is a symbolic way to remember what it cost Jesus for our salvation. As a Church we share in communion together each week, eating bread which represents Christ’s body that was broken for us, and drinking from the cup which represents His blood that was shed for us. This weekly observance serves as a reminder that Jesus alone is the Saviour, who died on the cross, in our place, for our sins, to bring us to God.

“This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me... This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Luke 22:19-20 (see also 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

About Christian Baptism

Believer’s baptism is a natural step of faith and obedience when a person trusts Jesus Christ for their salvation. HumeRidge Church of Christ practices believer’s baptism because the New Testament clearly indicates that faith, repentance and confession precede baptism. In fact Jesus commanded that we are to make disciples (disciplined followers of Jesus) and baptise them.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19-20 (see also John 4:1-2).

We baptise (immerse believers in water) because:

  • Jesus set us an example - Matthew 3:13-17
  • Jesus commanded it - Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38
  • It symbolizes our death and burial to our old life and the rising and walking in new life - Romans 6:1-14
  • It is a visual, open witness of our faith in Christ

If you have not been baptised as a believer, consider what the New Testament teaches and don’t hesitate to discuss the matter with one of our Pastors.

About the Devil

The devil or Satan is an angel, a created spirit who because of pride and rebellion fell from fellowship with God and was cast out of heaven by God. Although he is not divine, the devil is a powerful spirit being who is the sworn enemy of God and all that God has created. He was instrumental in the initial sin of man in the garden of Eden and continues to seek to destroy human-kind through tempting them to live outside the will of God. He faced Christ in combat and lost each time and was mortally wounded at the Cross and through the resurrection of Christ from the dead. He is a defeated enemy who can be resisted. At the judgment the devil along with his fallen demons will be cast into hell.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (see also Ezekiel 28:11-19, Genesis 3:1-5, Ephesians 6:10-18, Matthew 4:1-11, Hebrews 2:14-15, 1 Peter 5:8 and Revelation 20:10).