Where do we stand?

While our Invitation focuses on the Gospel and affirms the core, historic truths of the Christian faith, we are occasionally asked where we stand on other issues over which Christians sometimes disagree.

Scripture does not demand conformity in every area, but encourages unity in a spirit of humility and submission. While Christians may differ in some areas, this should never be cause for division in the church. We are to “make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Rom 14:19).

“God is not a God of disorder but of peace – as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.” (1 Cor 14:33). As such, we are encouraged to “[m]ake every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Eph 4:3). 

Shepherds of the church are responsible to “encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” (Titus 1:9) Accordingly, the Apostle Paul encouraged believers “to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” (1 Thess 5:12–13).

As the author of Hebrews states: “Have confidence in [be persuaded by] your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” (Heb 13:17).

If such commands are to be observed and respected in good conscience, it is prudent at the outset to know what a church teaches on issues over which Christians sometimes differ, particularly since such issues have a bearing on evangelism, discipleship and teaching ministries. Our position on a number of such issues is briefly addressed below:

Spiritual Gifts While we are not strictly cessationist (1 Cor 13:8–12), we recognize that signs, wonders and miracles were marks of the apostles in the early church (2 Cor 12:12). The church was built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Eph 2:20); a foundation is only laid once. We reject the teaching that speaking in tongues is a necessary evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. All believers were baptized by the Spirit (1 Cor 12:13) the moment they believed (Eph 1:13), and there is only one baptism (Eph 4:5).

Calvinism We reject Calvinism. We believe [1] man is able and responsible to seek God (Acts 17:27; Rom 1:20, 2:7); [2] God wants all to be saved (1 Tim 2:4; 2 Pet 3:9); “objects of wrath” (Rom 9:22) need not remain so (Eph 2:3); [3] Jesus died for the sins of everyone (1 John 2:2; 1 Tim 2:6; Heb 2:9); [4] the Holy Spirit may be resisted (Acts 7:51; Matt 23:37); [5] genuine believers (2 Pet 2:2–4) may fall away from the faith (2 Pet 2:20–22).

Bible Translations We reject KJV-Onlyism in all its forms. We recommend reliable modern translations such as the NIV and others for personal Bible study and spiritual growth (note Nehemiah 8:8–12), evangelism and discipleship (note Acts 15:19), preaching and public reading (note 1 Cor 14:8), and apologetics (modern versions are demonstrably stronger than the KJV on the deity of Christ and other key doctrines).

End Times We reject the pre-tribulation rapture theory. We watch for signs of Christ’s return, at which time the first resurrection will occur (Matt 24:4–31/1 Thess 4:16–5:11/Rev 20:4–5). After a literal 1,000 year reign of Christ the second resurrection will take place (Rev 20:5a, 11–15). We believe God alone is immortal (1 Tim 6:16); those joined with him will enjoy eternal life in a new heaven and a new earth (2 Peter 3:13), but those separated from him will ultimately perish (2 Peter 3:7; John 3:16).

Please contact one of our pastors if you have any questions.

Contact us

Steve Müller TEXT 0488 101 777 steve@homechurchgladstone.com

Jaco Louw TEXT 0431 756 414 jaco@homechurchgladstone.com

All Scripture quoted from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION.