| Beliefs |
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Our Beliefs MECC beliefs deal with the following topics: 1. God
God’s existence is expressed through the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. He may be known through the Bible and experienced through the Holy Spirit. He is creator, sustainer and Saviour and is worthy of worship.
The Bible is the Word of God. It provides all we need to know about Salvation and the way to live the Christian life.
God created the world in six days. He created humans on the sixth day and rested on the seventh day, giving this time to people as a unique opportunity for spiritual and relational renewal.
People were created in the image of God, perfect and with freedom of choice. Our choice to disobey God leaves us affected by sin, subject to death, and no longer perfect.
Sin was introduced into our world by a created being, Satan. Jealousy and pride led him to sin against God resulting in his expulsion from Heaven. Satan continues to claim that God is unjust and unfair, resulting in a universal conflict between God and Satan, good and evil.
God is love and chose to provide a means for people to be restored and enter again into a perfect relationship with Him. Jesus came to our world and lived a perfect life. Because of His death on the Cross, all people have the opportunity for forgiveness, salvation from sin, and eternal life. This gift of grace is available to all who have faith in God.
The church is the community of people who believe in and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. The Bible describes this community as the Body of Christ, the family of God and the Bride of Christ, and gathers for worship, fellowship and teaching from the Bible. There is one church, with no distinction of race, gender, nationality and culture.
Jesus encouraged Christians to remember his death and resurrection, his forgiveness and offer of salvation. This is done in a variety of ways including following Jesus’ example of baptism and reliving Jesus last meal before His death.
God, through the Holy Spirit, gives gifts to Christians that enable the church to achieve His goals. These gifts include, teaching, leadership, compassion, faith, healing, prophecy and encouragement.
God gave us ten commandments as a roadmap for how to live, form functional and loving communities, and interact with God. Jesus reaffirmed their importance when He defined love as the summary of the law of God.
After creating the world in six days, God rested on the seventh day setting it aside as a special memorial of creation. God then gave His law, defining the Sabbath as a symbol of freedom and love. Jesus affirmed this Sabbath as a gift from God to people. It provides opportunity for rest, worship, fellowship and ministry.
God has entrusted all people with time, opportunities, abilities and possessions. He is acknowledged as the owner of these things, and our role is to be stewards. The use of these gifts in service and ministry to others is part of Christian commitment.
Christians are called to reflect the character of God in all that they think, do and say. The Bible outlines the principles they are to live by.
Marriage was given as a gift by God and affirmed by Jesus as a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. Mutual love, honour, respect and responsibility are the fabric of this relationship. Family relationships also provide children opportunities to be loved and to know God.
In preparation for His return to earth, Jesus is involved in ministry on behalf of all people. This ministry will result in the identification of God’s people and vindication of God.
Jesus’ promise to return to earth gives hope to Christians. All people who accept God’s gift of salvation, will spend eternity with Him. |
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