We Believe
Brave Church is a christian church which identifies with historical Christianity.
We affirm The Apostles Creed and the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed.
We value the unity of all Christians and churches who faithfully share the good news of the gospel of Jesus as revealed in scripture.
Brave Church is a member of the Evangelical Alliance, the largest body serving evangelical Christians in the UK and we affirm their statement of faith.
In addition, Brave Church is a member of Churches Together in England which is the national ecumenical body supporting and encouraging churches from a wide range of traditions to work together in unity.
God is Creator and Ruler of the Universe
He has eternally existed as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The three are coequal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1,26, 27, 3:22 / Psalm 90:2 / Matthew 28:19 / 1 Peter 1:2 / 2 Corinthians 13:14
Jesus is the Son of God
He is coequal with the Father and Holy Spirit. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return again someday to earth to reign as King.
Matthew 1:22, 23 / Isaiah 9:6 / John 1:1-5, 14:10-30 / Hebrews 4:14-15 / 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 / Romans 1:3-4 / Acts 1:9-11 / 1 Timothy 6:14-15 / Colossians 1:15 / Titus 2:13
The Holy Spirit lives in each Christian from Salvation
He is coequal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He provides Christians with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer spiritual gifts and as Christians we seek to live under His control daily.
Acts 1:8 / 1 Corinthians 3:17 / John 16:7-13, 14:16-17 / Galatians 5:25 / 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16 / Ephesians 1:13, 5:18
The Bible is God’s Word to us
It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs about living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without error.
2 Timothy 3:16, 1:13 / 2 Peter 1:20-21 / Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6 / Proverbs 30:5
Man is made in the image of God to have fellowship with Him
We became separated in that relationship through sinful disobedience. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." Sin separates us from God and causes many problems in our life.
Genesis 1:27 / Psalm 8:3-6 / Isaiah 53:6 / Romans 3:23 / Isaiah 59:1-2
Eternity
Man was created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in Heaven. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16 / Romans 6:23, 8:17-18 / Revelation 20:15 / 1 Corinthians 2:7-9
Baptism is symbolic of the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ
Once we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, baptism is a way for us to publicly declare our new life in Christ. It is also a step of obedience based on God’s commands and allows us to follow the example of Jesus, who submitted himself to baptism to "fulfil all righteousness."
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit brings God's presence into our lives. He empowers us and leads us into all truth. He releases the power of God into our lives. Believers will flourish in life; be empowered as a witness in their personal world; and equipped to build the church.
Matthew 3:11 / Mark 1:8 / Luke 3:16 / John 1:33 / Luke 24:49 / Acts 1:4 - 8 / 1 Corinthians 12
The Church is God’s design for community
It is a local community of baptised believers unified through faith in Christ. It is committed to the teachings of Christ and obeying all of His commands, and it seeks to bring the Gospel to the world. The Church works together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ.
Matthew 16:18-19 / Acts 2:41-47; 5:11-14; 13:1-3; 14:23; 16:5; 20:28 / 1 Corinthians 12 / Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:10-12; 5:22-32 / Colossians 1:18; 3:15
Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it
We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23 / Ephesians 2:8-9 / John 14:6, 1:2 / Titus 3:5 / Galatians 3:26 / Romans 5:1, 10:9-10
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
He descended to the dead.
On the third day He rose again;
He ascended into heaven,
He is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Note: "I believe in the holy catholic church," refers to the wholeness of the whole church in all times and places rather than to any specific denomination of Christianity.