About

It is important that the beliefs and practices of Mount Albert Bible Fellowship be understood by those who are part of or may be interested in becoming part of the assembly.

This document provides information on certain beliefs and practices that Mount Albert Bible Fellowship holds to, organized in two sections as follows:

Basic Beliefs – A summary of some of the important truths in which we believe.

Operating Principles – A review of the objectives, ministries, and operating principles of the assembly.

A complete statement of faith is found in the Holy Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.

Further clarification on any topic may be obtained from one of the elders.

Should an issue arise, whether doctrinal or practical, which is not covered by this document, it will be dealt with by the elders who, after prayer and consultation with the Scriptures, will give their interpretation and decision.

In addition to this web page, further information about Mount Albert Bible Fellowship may be found in items of literature relating to specific ministries of the assembly.

Basic Beliefs

About the Bible

The Bible, consisting of both Old and New Testaments, is the revealed word of God. It was given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16) and written by men, as they were guided by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).

The Bible is free of error in the original writings and is our sole authority on all matters of doctrine and conduct.

About God

There is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4) who eternally exists in three persons – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

The three persons of the Godhead are distinct personalities; yet are co-equal one with the other (Ephesians 4:4-6, Hebrews 9:14). God is spirit – invisible, personal, self-existent, eternal, and unchanging.

About God the Father

God the Father is holy and cannot overlook or be associated with evil in any way. God is love (1 John 4:8) and has shown His love and mercy to all people in sending His Son, the Lord Jesus, to earth to pay the penalty of sin (1 John 4:10).

God the Father was fully satisfied with the life and death of His Son and demonstrated this by raising Him from the dead.

The price for sin has been paid, and people can enter God’s holy presence on the basis of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus.

God is not limited or localized by time and space; however His throne or place of administration is in heaven (1 Kings 8:27; Acts 7:48-49).

About God the Son

God the Son entered human history as a man – Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 3:16). He was born of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:34-35), having been supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20).

While here upon earth He was, in one personality, both truly God and truly man (John 10:30).

He lived a perfect and sinless life and died on the cross as a perfect sacrifice for our sins (1 Peter 2:24).

He rose bodily from the dead (Luke 24:39), ascended to His Father’s right hand in heaven (Ephesians 1:20), and appears there as our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16, 9:24).

About God the Holy Spirit

God the Holy Spirit is the Comforter sent by the Lord Jesus to abide with His people (John 14:16-18).

He permanently indwells those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, placing God’s seal of ownership upon them and guaranteeing their security until the day of redemption.

The Holy Spirit instructs believers, transforms them into the likeness of Christ, and equips them for service.

About Humankind

Humans are a special creation of God, made in His image (Genesis 1:27), distinct from the animal world and given dominion over creation.

All human life is sacred, from conception until death.

Adam was created in innocence but sinned against God, bringing both physical and spiritual death into the world (Romans 5:12).

All people are born sinners in thought, word, and deed and do not naturally seek God (1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 3:11).

About Salvation

Salvation is the gift of God to mankind offered by His grace on the basis of the substitutionary death of the Lord Jesus.

Salvation is received by repentance and faith, altogether apart from works.

Believers are called to live lives pleasing to God through the power of the Holy Spirit, and genuine faith produces good works.

About Marriage

Marriage is a divine institution established by God, bringing together one man and one woman in an exclusive covenant relationship.

Marriage is intended by God to be a permanent bond.

• Sexual relationships outside marriage are sin.
• Homosexual practices are contrary to God’s design.
• Divorce, though sometimes permitted because of sin, is never God’s ideal.

About the Church

The Church, which is the body of Christ, is composed of all persons who truly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

All believers are incorporated into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit and are members together of that body.

Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and directs His Church on earth.

About the Future

At any moment our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ may return for His Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

This will be followed by a time of tribulation and ultimately the return of Christ to establish His kingdom.

Unbelievers will ultimately face everlasting judgment, while believers will be with the Lord forever.

Operating Principles

New Testament Pattern

The New Testament presents the local church as an “assembly” of believers gathered together under the authority of Christ.

The elders seek to follow Biblical teaching while recognizing cultural and practical considerations in church life.

Vision

Godward: To glorify God

Inward: To promote spiritual growth

Outward: To reach others with the gospel

Fellowship

All believers in the Lord Jesus are members of the universal church and share fellowship together in Christ.

• Gathering for worship, prayer, teaching, and the Lord’s Supper
• Supporting and ministering to one another
• Recognizing elders and deacons
• Supporting the work of God financially
• Practicing discipline where necessary

Discipline

The Lord has entrusted the local church with the responsibility to discipline believers guilty of serious sin or doctrinal error, with the goal of restoration.

Discipline is intended to lead to repentance, humility, restoration, and renewed fellowship.

Ordinances

The ordinances of the church are Believer’s Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Baptism: A public confession of faith in Christ.

The Lord’s Supper: Celebrated weekly in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.

Church Government

The assembly is accountable to the Lord alone and is led by elders and served by deacons.

Elders shepherd, teach, guard, guide, and care for the assembly, while deacons oversee practical and spiritual service ministries.

Participation

Every believer is encouraged to use the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the body.

The assembly flourishes when all believers actively participate in ministry and service.

Finances

Believers are encouraged to give devotedly, voluntarily, cheerfully, regularly, and proportionately as God has prospered them.

Funds are used for the operation of the assembly, support of ministries, missions, and Christian workers at home and abroad.

Missions

The assembly is committed to supporting missions locally and globally and encourages believers to participate in the work of the gospel.

The Great Commission calls all believers to have a global vision and serve the Lord wherever He leads.