STATEMENT OF FAITH 

This doctrinal statement is not a “creed” as the whole Bible is our creed.  We recognize the existence of many differences in interpretation among genuine Christians.  We are, however, convinced that to avoid a looseness which might result in the admission of unbelievers to the Fellowship, or even of such Christians who are unprepared to cooperate in the Fellowship and ministry to which God has called us, an agreement to certain minimum Biblical Doctrines must be established, the rejection of any of which shall be ground for ineligibility to membership. 

The Bible is the all sufficient rule for faith and practice and this Statement of Faith (or Statement of Fundamental Doctrines)is intended as a basis of fellowship among the believers and worshippers of TBOLF, (viz.“that all may speak the same thing” 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:42).  The terminology used in this Statement is not inspired nor contended for, but the truth set forth is held to be essential to constitute a Bible-believing, Full Gospel Ministry. No claim is made that it covers all Biblical truth, but only that it covers the Fundamental Truths.

The Godhead

Our God is one, but manifested in three persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, being co-equal (Philippians 2:6) and the Begetter (John 1:14, 14:28, 16:28).  The Son  is the Word, flesh-covered, the One Begotten and has existed with the Father from the beginning (John 1:1, 18:14).  The Holy Spirit proceeds forth from both the Father and the Son and is eternal (John 15:26)

The Scriptures

The Scriptures, both, the Old Testament and the New Testament are inspired of God and are the revelations of God to man; the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct (2 Timothy 3:15-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Peter 1:21). 

The fall of man

Man was created good and upright; for God said, “Let us make man in our image, and after our likeness.”  However, man, by voluntary transgression fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:6; Romans 5:12-19). 

Salvation through Jesus Christ

Man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

The Conditions to Salvation

Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ.  By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God, according to the hope of eternal life (Luke 24:47; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11; Titus 3:5-7).

The Evidences of Salvation

The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16).  The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12).

Eternal life and the New birth

Man’s first step towards salvation is “godly sorrow that produces repentance”. The New Birth is necessary to all men, and when fulfilled, produces eternal life (2 Corinthians 7:10, 1 John 5:12, John 3: 3-5)

Water  Baptism

The ordinance of water baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures.  All who repent and believe in Christ as Saviour and Lord are to be baptised by a single immersion in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life.  (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4). 

The Holy Communion

The Lord‘s Supper, consisting of the elements bread and fruit of the vine, is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ; a memorial of His suffering and death; and a prophesy of His second coming; and is enjoined on all believers “till He comes!”(2 Peter 1:4, 1 Corinthians 11:26) 

Sanctification

The Bible teaches that without holiness, no man can see the Lord.  We believe in the doctrine of Sanctification as a definite yet progressive work of grace, commencing at the time of regeneration and continuing until the consummation of salvation (Hebrews 12:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Peter 3:18, Philippians 3:12-14, 1 Corinthians 1:30) 

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire is a gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to all believers in this dispensation, and is received subsequent to the New Birth. We believe in all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including speaking in other tongues as the Holy Spirit Himself gives utterance (Matthew 3:11, John 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, 2:4, 2:38, 19:1-7) 

The Fellowship (Church) and its Mission

The Fellowship (Church) is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for the fulfilment of the Great Commission.  Each believer, born of the Spirit is an integral part of the Fellowship and Church of the First born, which are written in heaven (Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 2:22; Hebrews 12:23) 

Since God’s purpose concerning man is “to seek and to save that which is lost”, to be worshipped by man, and to build a body of believers in the image of His Son Jesus Christ, the vital reason for TBOLF as part of the Church is:

To be an agency of God for witnessing to the world (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16).

To be a corporate body in which man may worship God (1 Corinthians 12:13).

To be a channel of God’s purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son. (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Corinthians 14:12). 

The Bread of Life Fellowship exists expressly to give continuing emphasis to the New Testament apostolic pattern by teaching and encouraging believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.  This experience:

Enables them to witness in the power of the Spirit with accompanying supernatural signs (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 4:29-31; Hebrews 2:2-3).

Adds necessary dimension to worshipful relationship with God (1 Corinthians 2:10-16; 1 Corinthians 12, 13 & 14).

Enables them to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in expression of fruit and gifts and ministries as in the New Testament times for the edifying of the body of Christ (Galatians 5:22-26; 1 Corinthians 14:12; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Colossians 1:29). 

Divine healing

Divine healing is an integral part of the Gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement, and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16). 

Resurrection of the just – the Blessed Hope

The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is imminent and the blessed hope of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58). 

The Return of our Lord & the Millennial reign of Christ

The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our Blessed Hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one thousand years (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27-30; Revelations 1:7; 19:11-14; 20:1-6).  This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ezekiel 37:21-22; Zephaniah 3:19-20; Romans 11:26-27) and the establishment of universal peace (Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalm 72:3-8; Micah 4:3-4). 

The Final Judgment and Hell

There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works.  Whosoever is not found written in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels; the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8). 

The  New Heavens and the New Earth

“We, according to His promise, look for new Heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21 & 22).