Beliefs

The following describes the beliefs we adhere to in our Christian faith:

About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are God. (Gen 1:1,26-27; Matt 28:19; 1 Pet 1:2; 2 Cor 13:14)

About Man
People are made in the spiritual image of God. We were created to be like Him in character as the supreme object of God's creation. Although humanity has tremendous potential for good, we are marred by attitudes and actions of disobedience called sin. Sin separates us from God. (Gen 1:27; Rom 3:23)

About Jesus Christ
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 men by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended into Heaven and will return again to govern on earth over an eternal kingdom on a completely renovated planet. (Matt 1:22-23; Isa 9:6; John 1:1-5 & 14:9-31; Heb 4:14-15; 1 Cor 15:3-5; Rom 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Tim 6:14-15; Titus 2:13)

About the Path to God
Salvation is a gift from God to everyone. People cannot make up for their sin by self-improvement or earn salvation by good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can people be saved from the penalty of sin. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Rom 6:23; Eph 2:8-9; John 14:6 & 1:12; Titus 3:5; Gal 3:26; Rom 5:1)

About the Bible
The Bible is God's word to all people. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme and most direct source of truth and, since it's inspired by God, is without error. (2 Tim 3:16-17 & 1:13; 2 Pet 1:20-21; Psa 119:105,160; Pro 30:5)

About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is in every follower of Jesus Christ empowering them by His baptism and indwelling, transforming them emotionally and spiritually, enabling them to live godly lives. (1 Cor 12:13; Jn 3:3,5; Rom 8:11)

About Communion
We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month, and at other special times. We invite those who have received God's free gift of salvation to participate. We believe that communion is a time to remember the life and death of Jesus Christ and our opportunity to personally identify with Christ and his suffering. (Mat 26:26-30; Acts 2:41-42; 1 Cor 10:16-17 & 11:23-32)

About Baptism
Baptism in water is an event in a believer's life that proclaims his unity with Jesus Christ. The word in the New Testament which is translated "baptize" refers to the process of immersing a piece of cloth into a vat of dye. After the task was completed the cloth took on a new color or identity. When someone invites Jesus into his life he is baptized, in a spiritual sense, into the family of Christ and becomes a new person with a new identity. We have a special leaflet available on Baptism that will answer your “Why? When? How?” questions. In addition, we offer a class for people wishing to be baptized. Please feel free to pick up a brochure on our literature table or call our church office for more information.

About Child Dedication
We dedicate children at ShoreLife following the example of Jesus' life. He was dedicated by his parents (Luke 2:22-25) and He blessed children (Mark 10:16). The main benefit of child dedication is really for the parents. It gives them an opportunity to publicly express their intent to raise their child in a Christ-centered environment. Child dedication is not a guarantee of salvation. As parents we cannot "decide" our child's salvation for them. Each person must make their own decision about their relationship with Christ.

About Worship
At ShoreLife we see worship not as an event, but as a lifestyle. Jesus said the greatest command is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Mat 22:37 NIV). The apostle Paul said in Romans 12:1 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." In essence then, worship is "responding to all that God is with all that we are" (Dieter Zander - Church Planter). We are committed to seeing the church magnify God through what we do corporately on Sundays and to challenge each other to continue to magnify God with our lives everyday of the week.