This page contains a basic statement of faith regarding Spirit Lifestyle’s core beliefs and a summary of our distinctives.
Spirit Lifestyle Distinctives.
We believe…
in common with the worldwide established church the core beliefs expressed in the Nicene Creed. These include the trinity of the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the virgin birth, the physical crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, the future return of the person of Jesus Christ to earth to judge the living and the dead.
Scripture
that the 66 books of the Bible from Genesis to Malachi (39 books) and from Matthew to Revelation (27 books) are the inspired Word of God and that the canon of scripture is closed and complete. The canon of scripture is inspired by God and therefore authoritative.
Sin
that all men are born with a sinful nature inherited from Adam and it is God’s work to make men righteous through the atonement of Jesus Christ – there is no other way to salvation. No man should presume to mediate between men and God in Christ’s place.
Salvation
that God is Sovereign and in his divine wisdom has given men free will to choose or reject salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. However, no-one is able to come to salvation unless God chooses and draws them and while people are powerless to save themselves they are saved through the gift of grace. The righteous in Christ will inherit eternal life but the wrath of God remains on those who reject Jesus Christ.
Salvation is for the whole person (body, soul and spirit)
that the work of salvation is to save us from the consequence of sin and restore us to wholeness. The Greek word sozo is used for both ‘saved’ and ‘healed’. In the following passages the word translated saved or healed are the same Greek word ‘sozo’.
The Priesthood of all believers
that all Christian’s are called to ‘full time ministry’ (works of service Ephesians 4.12) and that this is to be expressed in all occupations and walks of life.
Water Baptism
that water baptism accompanies confession of faith in Christ Jesus as an act of submission and obedience. Baptism is a Biblical ordinance and a powerful spiritual and public association with Christ’s death and resurrection. Although not essential for salvation it is a consequence of salvation.
Communion
that the sharing of bread and wine by believers is an act of obedience to the command of Jesus to remember his work of salvation whenever it is taken. We partake of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ through the bread and wine of the communion as an act of faith.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
that baptism in the Holy Spirit is not essential for salvation but an essential consequence of salvation and supernatural empowerment for the victorious and effective Christian life.
The present and coming Kingdom of God
that it is man’s work and purpose to serve God and through obedience to His will to bring His reign and rule to the earth through the delegated authority of Jesus Christ until he returns to make all things new.
The Fivefold Ministries: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher
that God anoints and appoints apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to serve the church (some locally and some trans-locally) and to equip all believers for works of ministry until it ‘attains to the whole measure of the fulness of Christ’.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
that God gives supernatural empowerments to all his people by virtue of the indwelling Holy Spirit to equip them to demonstrate the gospel of Jesus Christ in love and power and for the works of ministry. The Holy Spirit determines which gifts and to whom he will give them; however His choice is influenced by our desire to receive them.
Miracles
that healing, signs and wonders are manifestations of God’s Kingdom to lead people to Christ alone.
Service to God
that our salvation is not dependent on our service to God but our service to God is a response to the gift of salvation. Our greatest calling is to serve Him with all our heart and our greatest hope is that we may one day stand before our Lord Jesus and hear the words:
The local church
For the Christian believer being a relational part of a local church is a necessary requirement for spiritual growth. The Bible describes the local church as a body with diverse parts which function together in love and fellowship with Christ as the head. There are many different expressions of local church community where believers can be discipled and grow in love for Christ and one another; the important thing is that a believer is relationally part of a local church family.
A Note About Contributions from Guest Speakers
From time to time we may include guest speakers at events or in our videos because we believe they have something valuable to contribute to our training. However, this does not mean that we agree or endorse everything they may believe or say, or have said in the past or may say in the future! Please check our Statement of Faith for clarification.