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 various other issues over which Christians sometimes disagree.

The Bible reminds us that “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 to “[m]ake every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Eph 4:3). 

In particular, Christians are “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 in good conscience, it is prudent to know what a church teaches on issues over which Christians sometimes differ. 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. All are baptized by the Spirit (1 Cor 12:13) upon belief (Eph 1:13). Significantly, the fruit of the Spirit includes “self-control” (Gal 5:22).

Calvinism vs Arminianism 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 all (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 are watching for signs of the return of Christ, 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, and those separated from him will ultimately perish (John 3:16; Rev 20:14, 15).

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