The Doctrinal Statement gives the basic Theological position of the Maffra Community Church and constitutes what we regard as the core of a Biblical faith. Anyone desiring to be a regular member of the fellowship needs to recognise this church's commitment to the truth of this doctrinal position and its implications for their lives.

However we accept that among Christians who agree with Doctrinal Statement there will be differences of opinions on other issues. We value this diversity within the body of Christ but emphasise the unity, love and harmony that comes from a common faith in Jesus Christ. Within the context of current theological discussion there is a need at times to clarify our position as a church. Doctrinal Perspectives outlines such a position for some issues. We do not necessarily expect everyone to agree with all of Doctrinal Perspectives, but it does represent our considered conclusions on the issues listed. Anyone desiring to be a regular of MCC must accept that this is our position as a church and undertake not to work against this position or cause dissension over it in any way.

Doctrinal Statement

1. We believe that there is only one true and living God eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Exodus 20:2-3; Jeremiah 10:10; Matthew 28:19; John 17:3; 1 Corinthians 8:6;1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 John 5:20

2.We believe that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary atoning death on the cross, rose bodily from the dead and ascended to heaven as truly God and truly man. He is the only mediator between God and man.
Isaiah 7:14; John 1:1-14; Luke 1:26-35; Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 1:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18

3.We believe that the Bible is God's authoritative and inspired Word. It is without error in all its teaching, including creation, history, its own origins and salvation. Christians must submit to its divine authority, both individually and corporately, in all matters of belief and conduct. This is demonstrated by true righteous living.
Proverbs 30:5-6; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21

4.We believe that all people are lost sinners, and without the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit remain spiritually dead and separated from God. As lost sinners we are incapable of coming to God ourselves.
Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 1:13; John 3:3-7; 1 Peter 1:3

5.We believe the justification of the sinner is solely by faith, through the shed blood and imputed righteousness of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:17; Romans 3:21-26; 2 Corinthians 5:21

6.We believe in the necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit for the individual's new birth and growth to maturity, and for the Church's constant renewal in wisdom, faith, holiness, love, power and mission.
John 3:3-5; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 4:4

7.We believe in one holy, universal apostolic Church, the body of which Christ is the head, embracing all the redeemed called by God through the Gospel, born of the Spirit, justified by faith. The local church, comprising such believers is the visible expression of the universal church. The leadership of each local church is committed by God to men, called of God, Biblically qualified and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 3:21; Ephesians 5:25-32; Hebrews 12:22-23; 1 Timothy 2; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 2

8.We believe that the family is the central unit of society and is made up of a man and a woman united by God in marriage. Marriage is only between a man and a woman. The husband and wife are of equal worth before God, since both are created in God's image. The marriage relationship models the way God relates to His people -His church.
Genesis 2:21-25; Matthew 19:5-6; Mark 10:7-9; 1 Corinthians 7; Ephesians 5:31-33

9.We believe that the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper are instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ. Water baptism is a symbolic act of identification with Christ's death and resurrection. The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of remembrance and public affirmation of Christ's death until He comes.
Luke 22:19-20; Matthew 3:15

Doctrinal Perspectives

1.We believe in baptism by immersion of those who make a clear confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

2.We believe in the equality of men and women in their standing before God. We also believe that the Bible spells out different roles for men and women in some situations within the life of the church, which in no way compromises this equality.

3.We believe that the Holy Spirit plays an indispensable role in the Christian life. While we believe that worship should be a warm and wholehearted response to God, our practice of public worship does not include the expression of what are commonly regarded as charismatic gifts.

4.We believe that based on Jesus' instruction and Paul's teaching, the Lord's Supper (Communion) occupies a central place in the worship of the church.

5.We believe that generosity with material possessions reflects a true grasp of the Gospel and all of its implications. All are encouraged to be generous with their time, gifts, talents and material possessions.

6.We believe in the personal and imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ for all his people, the Church. This will result in the final judgement of all creation when those who have received Him as their personal Saviour will be judged righteous, and will live with Him forever, while those who have not received Him will be judged unrighteous and will be separated from Him forever. The return of the Lord Jesus Christ will usher in and bring about the total establishment of the Kingdom of God described in the Bible as the new heaven and new earth. Believers will receive their glorified bodies and Christ will reign as King and Lord of all.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 24:30-31; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 19:11-16; Revelation 21

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